Things about Grendel's Den, By Sarah D: -It is in a basement. -It is very crowded always, no matter what. -It is "seat yourself", so it is mayhem always, no matter what. -Sometimes the waitresses seem very startled to be waitressing. -Sometimes a sandwich costs $3. -They don't sell hot dogs, but they do sell fondue. -It is a very inconvenient place to plan to be, but is a very happy place to happen to be. -I like Grendel's Den.
(4)
Mercy D.
While planning my trip to Boston I came across Grendel's and was really looking forward to their half off food deal. It didn't disappoint. I imagined it to be a hole in the wall type place in order to have such a rock bottom deal, but the building was impressive and charming, and the outdoor patio was spacious and overlooks the park. Our server was friendly and attentive, and our food was pretty solid. The drink selection was vast. My only complaint was that the edges of my cheddar bacon burger were a little chilled, while the inside was piping hot, which only made me wonder how the burger was prepared. As a french fry fanatic I thought I would miss the fries, but my meal was substantial and didn't leave me wanting. In any case this place is located right across from Shake Shack, so I could have satisfied my craving there after my meal. Overall a good experience, and I'll definitely be back when I'm in town again.
(4)
Soo Jung R.
It was my second time here, but first time during early evening. We had trouble flagging down a server to ask about seating, trouble flagging down a server to get our orders, and our order was below expectations. We ordered the red sangria pitcher to share, and it tasted very little like wine, a little bit of sparkling water, and just plan water. In short, very watered down. When the server brought us the drink, they spilled water from the tray (not sure why there was so much water in the first place) and some of it splattered on people in our party. Overall, I really don't think I'd go back. Since I don't mind a smaller selection of drinks, I'd rather grab a beer from Shake Shack right across - it's not like Grendel's is that much cheaper anyhow.
(2)
Natasha M.
Worst service ever. Our server was really abrupt and not friendly. Maybe she couldn't handle a large crowd? In any case, we felt really uncomfortable. We ordered a pitcher of sangria (which was filled all the way to the top with ice) and some appetizers. Our appetizers were all very underwhelming. We asked for a slice of orange to entertain my nephew while we waited, and the server's response was that they didn't have a lot so she couldn't guarantee it. Really?1 slice?! Mind you our sangria was filled with oranges. She ended up bringing a slice to us so the side comments weren't necessary. She also just placed all of our flatware in one pile and said "I'll just leave this right there". Okay? Never again.
(2)
Tracey L.
Grendel's is great. It's a chill, low-fuss place to grab a drink and some food. For a pub/den, they have a surprisingly interesting menu - lots of Mediterranean and Latin American influence. They are also surprisingly vegetarian friendly. I am a huge fan of the quinoa stew and am so glad they put it on the permanent menu. The garden burger is also solid, and they always have a vegetarian option for soup of the day. The food can be a bit inconsistent though. Some days the yucatan pork is delicious. Other days, it's dry and stringy. It's a risk worth taking for a cozy place to nurture a drink and conversation. Also, $5.95 lunch special - nuff said.
(4)
Daniela C.
Apparently this is the only bar-bar in Cambridge where you can order drinks and not food. Tons of Harvard kids, which, privilege, whatever. The staff were super nice and attentive, and most importantly didn't give me a weird look when I ordered a bloody mary at 1 AM. Would definitely come back again.
(5)
Spencer L.
Nice spot at Harvard Square. Food were nice. Highly recommend wild mussels on white wine garlic. Waitress were always busy.
(4)
Eric B.
I've been coming here for over 20 years and although I go gourmet as a habit now, Grendel's is my fallback. I love siting at the bar and reading in the I between hours, or taking a friend here if I haven't seen them in a spell. You can get close and personal here and watch the Cambridgians at play. This place is big value for the price and has good service. Sit outside in the summer if you aren't iN A hurry. They have half price of the menu happy hours on Sun thru Thurs, don't know the hours. They always have tasty specials going that sits on a solid good menu. A few gourmet items but a solid tasty burger. My favorite on tap drink is Original Sin hard cider, which they have had for years, love it. I have picky picky friends who have been come to this place since it opened 40 plus years ago. The staff is smart and though busy and rushed they get you what you need. Tip you servers folks!
(5)
Akzhan M.
Food was good, but the service horrendous. They are horrible at handling customer objections. We came here on Thursday night for half off. My husband ordered a beer, quesadilla (appetizer) and sandwich for the half off special. I didn't order anything, but had a couple of bites from his quesadilla and sandwich. When we received the bill, we noticed that they did not honor half off on one of the items. When asked why one if the items was priced at a full price, they said one item per person, although the menu doesn't state that it's one item per person. After speaking to the manager, she was extremely rude; stating that we are trying to scam the restaurant by asking for the item half off and mentioned that they are giving us the food for free. She said we should be grateful that there is no other place that has such a fantastic deal. Service wise this is not what we have expected from this place, as we were a big table and we were charged 20% tip for argumentative and defensive staff, and horrendous service. It's a shame that previously our friends experienced good service, but we were unable to enjoy it.
(1)
Scott E.
The food was very bland and the service was average at best. I ordered the chicken sandwich and it tasted like a piece of reheated costco chicken with 0 seasoning on it. My daughter got the hamburger, which was also lacking any flavor, including a regular beef flavor. A bubba burger from the freezer section at the grocery store would be an upgrade.
(2)
Anthony L.
In the summer of 2014 I made a lofty list of places I must go to before the year ends. Obviously that did not go as planned, BUT I finally made my way over to Grendel's Den over the past weekend (Sat., 3/21). First impression: adorable! The Den (I like that) is nestled in the basement in the heart of Havard Square. I got there around 4:30 after some time at the Fogg Museum as I was craving a hoppy beer. While The Den does not have an extensive beer menu, it has a quality menu. Only a handful were on tap (maybe we are just spoiled by living in Boston & Camberville) and a few more offered via bottle. Whatever, they were all **damn** good choices. I ordered the hot spinach, artichoke, and snow crab dip and was mildly disappointed, mainly because I wish there was a stronger presence of spinach and artichoke. Hefty helping of chips, though. I would TOTALLY come back for another round of drinks and a snack! Pro tip: - The older waitress is a sticker on tables that are for five or more patrons; I actually saw her argue with a group of four people, pointing to the 5+ sign... they politely said, "Okay, I guess we will just go somewhere else then" ... I was surprised that she did not stop them, offer them a different table, or show some sort of hospitality. I hope they, too, drank good beer.
(4)
Linda V.
good service, great beer options. Easy in and out location in the heart of Harvard Square.
(5)
Sarah N.
Cozy spot for broke 20 somethings. The environment is a bit dark, but hey, it's a "den". Wish they would have turned the music down some last time I was in. Setting is super casual. Fine dining it ain't. Walk in and seat yourself. The waitstaff doesn't appear to have a dress code, and you won't be catered to hand and knee because they might only have one or two waitstaff working at a time. However, they are very down to earth and polite. Probably the best deal on dinner and a drink you'll find in the area. 5-7:30 is a food happy hour (Massachusetts law prohibits liquor happy hours) so you get your $7 burger for $3.50 with your $8 drink. Not bad! The food isn't fancy but is tasty, and well worth the full price, especially given the prices and quality of other eateries in the area. If you're looking for a fancy Bostonian eatery, go elsewhere. If you're looking for a student haunt, you're in the right place.
(4)
Robyn B.
One of the best parts of Harvard Square. Half priced food between 5-7:30pm is amazing. Get the Lala's Grilled Chicken! The mussels are also good, as is the salmon. And they have Original Sin cider on tap!!! Fun, cozy atmosphere. I always take any visitors here. OH and be surey to read the history on the back of the menu.... it includes an epic Supreme Court case. Grendel's is awesome.
(5)
L S.
Grab a table if you can outside, great vibe, lots of people walking by, especially when the weather's nice. Food was decent, ordered a chicken salad, everything was fresh and crisp. Service was mediocre at best
(3)
Inês L.
Went one night for the special happy hour and then again for lunch. Love that they have vegan options and everything is super cheap. At night, it gets a little crazy but it's nice and quaint during lunch. Hidden little gem. Service was on and then off, don't take it personally.
(4)
Astra G.
Tip- During their half off food times, go in groups of 2 or 4 or more. Never a group of 3. Tip- Order the dark and stormy. Tip- Order the wings they are delicious and not fried. Tip- Some food items here are actually pretty bland (read- no salt not much seasoning) while others are not. It's very hit or miss but it's cheap and great for your friend who needs a low salt diet.
(4)
Senor P.
Used to come here all the time after class. Always had a good experience. Recently I came with my girlfriend, after talking it up quite a bit, and was ignored for a half hour, waited 2 full hours from the time I walked in to the time food arrived, then charged for wine we never got (but ordered with dinner). Pretty horrendous service. 3 stars purely for nostalgia.
(3)
Liliya M.
This place is filthy. As in physically, actually dirty. I feel like there's a roach just waiting for someone to turn the lights off so he can eat the crumbs from your mediocre meal to his heart's desire.
(2)
Imfromdetroit R.
As a young business traveler I try as hard as I can to check out the local fare. I have been to many cities, but have never been truly moved to write a review. Most places leave you feeling indifferent. Not Grendel's. Scene: An anxious 20-something year-old follows a waitress from the patio down a flight stairs in search of a cheap bite and a rich beer. I fell in love with the interior immediately. It would have been just as suitable for The Den to be located in The Shire. The doorman indicated there was little room. So I shuffled to the natural habitat of the wallflower. I was already intimidated by the location. It's Harvard. Their heads turned like I reeked of lower intelligence and mediocrity. They could see my knuckles dragging from a mile away. Or maybe it was the mouth-breathing. At any rate, I shook those feelings and shuffled in. I finally found a spot at the bar. The barman was gruff. No frills. All business. I like that. I ordered a Clown Shoes Blaecorn Unidragon. I was so blown away they had this beer, I did not note the rest of their offerings. My beer nirvana faded. I began to pick up on the surroundings. I was in between the drunkest person at the bar and some local ladies. The cast: The drunk, his prey, local ladies, proud gay man, myself, and what I can assume are regulars reading books and discussing existentialism. Gay man is loud and proud. You go guy. Drunk dude is offended. In what I can assume is some sort of twisted effort to inflict jealousy on his prey, the drunk rambles for ten minutes straight on how much the gay man wants him. That noise dies down. I strike up a conversation with the locals. I'm looking for dives. Charlie's came highly recommended. The locals leave and are replaced by a charismatic waitress. She studied neurology. She didn't want to go the research route. From what I understand, it is boring. If you read this, I hope you do find an exciting and rewarding career. The moral of the story is this: go to Grendel's Den. Marvel at the interior. Meet some characters. Be humbled by the fact that you are surrounded by amazing strangers with incredible stories.
(5)
Julia C.
Great for drinks and outdoor meals with a view of Winthrop Sq. They offer express lunches which are a great value, but my favorite dish is the yucatan style pork (not offered as a lunch special, but not too pricey anyways). The deal of half price food with a drink is incredible and offered for most of the evening (I don't remember the details).
(4)
Iaroslav M.
last time I have been here was like 3 years ago.and i used to like it. its different now i would say. Food is bad. Mussels are very vinegary/wine/wierd taste like, tilapia-is it real fish here or just an imitation ? ( glad it was half off, otherwise I would never paid 14$ for such tasteless fish along with potato and "mix of salvadorian vegetables (thats what you call a few frozen and then microwaved veggies '.) .beer is good, service too. Ill come back for drinks only. Btw,i puked after the food i had here. So be careful
(2)
Yan C.
First of all, Grendel's Den has its own Wikipedia page. If that's not cool, I don't know what is. You can read up all the history of the establishment. I certainly did. Fun fact: this is one of Ben Affleck's favorite restaurants. Parts of the movie "The Town," which he directed, were shot here. Second of all, can we just talk about how cool the name is?? It's something I would expect to find in Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings or the Hobbit. I came here on a Saturday night to grab a drink with a group of friends. The restaurant/bar is underground. The entrance isn't the most conspicuous, so it took me just a little walking to find the right door. I had to take a few steps down to enter. As I walked in, I noticed that the place is packed with young people - many Harvard students and some young professionals. It was quite noisy but we were able to find a booth in the back that gave us a little more privacy. There's a great selection of beer here - tasty and inexpensive! What a steal, especially considering it's located at Harvard Square. I'm not a big beer drinker at all, but I truly enjoyed the Honey Brown - just like what the name suggested, it had a hint of sweetness to it. My friends all liked their beers as well. The cocktail options also looked interesting. Despite how crowded it was, the staff kept up with the service. Our waitress was attentive and brought out our beers soon after we placed the order. Bottom line, I will definitely be visiting Grendel's Den again - next time I'll have a sandwich to go with my beer!
(4)
Sarah S.
To Keri K., that was posted on the very same day as our visit. We got there at 430 and waited for another of our group until around 5.
(1)
J S.
Googled gluten free options in Harvard Square and came up with Grendel's Den. Turns out, no gluten free menu, and no guarantee of any gluten free items, just FYI. That's fine, it's a specialty thing. Generally I like the food, and it's very reasonably priced. Always enjoy the wings. There's a couple of dishes that are hit or miss, and kind of on the bland side (this time it was the spinach, artichoke, and crab dip, a bit meh) but I'll keep coming back.
(4)
Sue B.
I hate to complain about our brunch because it was really cheap ($7 for eggs Florentine), but you get what you pay for and maybe a bit less. The coffee came out cold. The spinach in the eggs Florentine was straight out of a frozen package of spinach and not even hot - maybe just defrosted. The hollandaise sauce was barely there. I had to ask for a steak knife to cut through the English muffin. Disappointing though my friend enjoyed her Mexican breakfast.
(2)
Jordan S.
Cheapest place to eat in Boston without being skimped out on portions. Great atmosphere. They got dem sandwiches. That is all that matters, right? They actually try to put together sandwiches beyond a turkey club, it's a miracle. They do a damn good job. Everything is half off at happy hour, creating confusingly cheap prices. I don't have a story about how I was wandering with my dog and chanced upon this gracious establishment. I was a hungry person looking for a hunger solution and left satisfied yet wanting even more of the menu and with most of my wallet intact. Amen
(5)
Ryan B.
I ate Sunday brunch here with my future mother-in-law and aunt-in-law. We ordered family-style and shared orders of the Artichoke Crab Dip and the Mussels for our appetizers. The artichoke dip was the winner among the two, except the tortilla chips we were given were a little stale. All of us agreed the mussels were wanting. For our main dishes, I ordered the Eggs Benedict and my guests shared the Eggs with Quinoa. Of the two, the Eggs Benedict was the clear winner, the poached egss were cooked perfectly. When pierced the yolks spilled over the ham and the english muffin--it was beautiful. However, the poached eggs on the quinoa dish were overcooked and to our disappointment no such yolk spillage occurred (poaching eggs is extremely difficult though). In summary, I would wager a guess that Gendel's is a classic dive bar that gets plenty of play from appreciating Harvard students. As other Yelpers pointed out, certain dishes shine while others swing-and-miss. I think we got unlucky with the quinoa's eggs and very lucky with the Eggs Benedict, but regardless the Benedict was delicious and worthy of a return trip. Grendel's is A-OK and worth a shot.
(3)
Simon L.
Somewhat of an institution. Underground, deep, dark and not really that dirty. Very cozy with a bar and tables surrounding. Seat yourself. There's no coors or bud. Yuengling lager at $4 a pint is a great deal. Fresh soups - mushroom cream and chicken noodle. The hamburger is pretty awesome with a nice char and cooked perfectly medium rare. No fancy meat blends but a well seasoned burger. Lovely place to hang out and imbibe.
(4)
Lauren G.
Amazingly rude waitress in the outdoor seating. Didn't pay attention to us or any of the other patrons. Didn't tell us that half price food was only for inside customers. Don't waste your time.
(1)
Jules J.
Went here after 10.30pm on a Thursday, when most other restaurants in the area have closed their kitchens. We weren't sure, given the fact that the menu offers pretty much anything, and some of the reviews here weren't great. But, BOY, were we wrong! Really great beer selection, and tasty food, for half of the price at that hour. We paid basically nothing for what we consumed, and everything was tasty too! Sure, the place is a little off-beat and maybe the waitress wasn't as punctual as she could have been, but the place had a certain flair to it. If you expect fanciness, you are in the wrong place. If you expect the best bang for buck in the square, go here!
(5)
A C.
nice pub atmosphere and friendly service. $7 margarita and good beer list. Spinach pie was good but served with tasteless rice. Chicken quesadilla was terrible, chicken wings were pretty bad too. Garden burger seemed deep fried. won't go there again.
(2)
Denise A.
Grendel's is a long time favorite. Cozy atmosphere, decent pub food, and cheap drinks. They've got a good beer selection too! Recently had a pumpkin beer shandy which was maybe a bit too early for fall but it hit the spot. And as the place that introduced me to dark and stormies...I can't help but love it. They get around Massachusetts's no-happy-hour laws by offering half price on food items with the purchase of at least $5 in drinks (they don't have to be alcoholic) during certain time slots. They can get pretty busy so sometimes they are a bit more lenient with the time limits to accommodate you. The result is a ridiculously cheap and awesome meal. It makes me wonder why they have a walking billboard guy by the T when I think their deals speak for themselves and I've never seen them not-packed. Their food is pretty decent but not spectacular. But they've got some surprising items on there. I had what was basically Mexican style pulled pork with rice and black beans. Not too shabby! I'm not going to lie, though. Usually when I come here to eat I get the potato skins with cheese and bacon. It gets pretty loud in here. I've had many a pleasant afternoon sipping on their sangria on the few tables they have outside but those can get a bit complicated since there isn't too much wiggle room. Still, even if I have to hunch over the table and summon all the air from my lungs to talk with my friends, this is one of my favorite hang out places. And the atmosphere is jovial. Plus, when it's the middle of winter and all I want is a good strong drink, there is no warmer hovel out there that makes me so happy.
(4)
Aleh V.
A very special place at otherwise too touristic area. A nice bar. Lacking some charm but this is not what you expect from a bar. The selection of draft beer is ok.
(4)
Cindy H.
Cheap prices for food and drinks, but not much selection. They had my go-to - the Harpoon IPA, so I wasn't too unhappy. I got the wings and they just just mediocre, but I can't complain for the price. Our waiter kept an eye on us despite how flocked he was, which I appreciate. While I'm not raving about this place, Grendel's is one of the best places to hang out in Harvard Square.
(3)
Alyson S.
This is a prime happy hour location if you can get a spot. Arrive a few minutes before it starts to claim a spot and you will enjoy a great evening of fun. The food is half price and it gets busier as the time passes. Definitely recommend you try to stop by while the college kids are away since it makes it much easier. Decent food, great atmosphere to catch up with friends, and large beer selection.
(5)
Andre A.
Been two times before with no problem at all, I actually liked the place! Last time was with 2 other friends and another was about to arrive. The bar was as described by other yelpers a fair bit crowded but there were several "5 people only tables" that were empty. Instead of just sitting down we asked for permission to sit down and told the waitress it would be four of us and not five. She said "NO" , turned her back on us and left. Sure Grendel's...if you don't want our money I'll take it elsewhere. Keep your tables empty.
(2)
Bob T.
I've been a patron of Grendel's for nearly forty years now, and I keep coming back every time I'm in Cambridge. It's in the basement of a building abutting a mini-park a block out from Harvard Square (although old-timers like me will remember when they had the first floor as well), with some outside tables in good weather. Don't think of it as a bar, or as a restaurant, but as a pub: lots of drinks, and lots of great food at spectacular prices. (Let's put it this way: I'm a teetotaler and always have been, but I love Grendel's all the same.) It has an old-time pub atmosphere: cramped, raucous, but fun and friendly. The prices really are spectacular -- you can easily eat for less than $10 a person -- which makes me happy now as in long-past broke student days. Sandwiches at lunch time are LESS than $5, and their full-scale meal sandwiches just a couple bucks more. Salads and appetizers are much the same. Like a pub, the selection isn't huge, but really, how many different entree choices do I need? Everything is well prepared, and I don't think I've ever had a bad meal here. The best part is their half-price time, which runs for a couple hours daily late afternoon early evening and for a couple hours before midnight. HALF PRICE off of already cheap, quality food. (You still pay full price for drinks, which is how they don't go broke.) It's very tough to beat. Hell, you'd pay more at a fast food joint. It's not perfect: the Den is a crowded, loud place: it's nowhere to go for quiet conversations or if you can't stand being jammed up against your neighbors. But if that's the atmosphere you like, Grendel's is the place for you. I live a hundred miles away now, and my visits to Cambridge are few and far between, but if you're in the area, avoid the pretentious, high-priced dumps and drop in on the Den. I promise you'll be a fan too.
(4)
Na S.
It's a really nice place, quiet but cheerful. The employees are nice and helpful. Totally recomend the veggie burger! It was our first time here and was a really good one. We ended up here because I'm vegetarian and were going to be in the area so we looked up online for some place with veg options. Looking forward to go back and try some of the others!
(4)
Cristobal C.
Walked in during happy hour. The quest for an open table for two was a challenge. Luckily we found a table with stools in the back behind a wall next to the elevator. The ambiance was great. This bar has character. After eating and drinking (At happy hour price), I understood why it was so crowded and hard to find a seat. The food was excellent, the view of the rafters and interesting looking plumbing made me feel good about being a DIY plumber. The two boys/girls bathrooms were a little confusing at first. I couldnt tell which was which or were not dedicated to each. I took a guess and think I got it right. Wait staff were on point with the order, the food and with their beer recommendation.
(4)
Greta G.
We have been to Grendel's on a plethora of occasions. The usually abrasive service is par for the course if it is happy hour (half price) time frame. However in the last three times, we have been treated exceptionally rudely and virtually ignored. Today, my partner snagged a table outside after a 10 min wait and 10 min later was asked to move. All the while she remained unattended. I arrived 20 min after and just then did her drink order get taken. I sat there with her for another 10 min before another server arrived and it took a subsequent 15 more min to get a drink. If the quality of the food didn't match the price, I doubt any non broke individual would eat here. She ordered a chicken Caesar salad and not only did the server forget the order, it still took 35 minutes. I'm unsure of there is a poultry farm somewhere that she needed to kill and pluck the chicken from, however this is absurd. I will never return to this horrific establishment.
(1)
Jim S.
Has kept its prices down while all around it is going through the ceiling. Crowded bar in the basement atmosphere is real, not fake. Food is fine - signature Fondue for 2 (most expensive thing on the menu) is pretty good, although it won't be confused with what you get in Zermatt (or at my house). The service was really good, which is not my memory of previous visits (although those were years ago). I didn't see a huge number of waitpeople considering the place was packed, but they did the job well. I just hope this doesn't get bought out by some ritzy upscale someday.
(4)
Peter Y.
Something something Harvard bros something something discussing philosophy. While I'm usually not one to believe in stereotypes, it was pretty ironic that the table next to us was filled with Harvard med students talking about the meaning of life. Anyways, located underground, Grendel's Den literally feels like a grungy hole in the ground. If highly educated Hobbits went out to pubs, this would be it. Though, said Hobbits would probably be slightly disappointed to find a small beer selection and weak cocktails. Don't get me wrong, if you haven't outgrown your PBR stage yet, then this would be perfect for you. But for me, I like my non-watered down alcohol thankyouverymuch. Their cocktails are also a bit on the sugary side, with very artificial, syrupy tastes. I feel like at this stage of the game, I'm just not into this kind of scene anymore. But hey, if Harvard chicks start frequenting this place, you might see me here more often.
(3)
Kirsten L.
Service was super slow here today. I'm not sure what the hold up was...it seemed pretty calm on a Saturday afternoon. Ordered the Santa Fe salad-light and tasty. Chicken quesadilla- crispy and good. The wheat beer was perfect for a hot summer day. We sat outside so we had the view of the "park". Music was played by a local guy on a guitar- relaxing and good. There was a guy a few feet down not eating just sitting there with his cigarette smoking away while we inhale second hale smoke while we eat. Lovely. Again...service was SLOW!!!! Get the waitress/waiter attention as soon as you can or else you won't see them for 30 mins.
(2)
DJ Micaiah M.
It was Ok. I am editing this review because I feel like I was a bit harsh in my initial review. It was a pretty busy night! This place is an interesting dive bar with basic bar food. It is a great place to bring friends for drinks though. A little loud for my tastes on this particular night. Their burgers and sandwiches are decent but are served with what looks like Lays potato chips. I ordered a special "Andy's Manwich" but it was basically a roast beef sandwich. Not what I was expecting (manwich). You may like this kind of Place though! The location is nice. It is kind of hidden in a basement style area in the middle of Harvard Square. I did like the ambiance though Very unique.
(3)
Alexandra M.
Awesome Cambridge institution - grabbing a table can be tough, but eating during happy hour is the aay to go! Recommend a Whales Tale & French Dip.
(4)
Anna J.
Grendel's never disappoints. From the moment you take those steps downstairs, it feels like steps back in time. This place has lots of character, and not just sitting at the bar! When visiting I like to sit at the bar and enjoy the company of the bartender and their wisdom of beers and spirits. The food here is cheap but good for the cost. They have a wide selection of beers and happy hour is the best time to get in. I have visited a few times, both as the hangout spot for the night and as just a stop for beers before moving on. And am never unhappy. The staff is friendly and they are awesome with suggestions on what beer to try next. You can tell they've been educated on the beers they serve cuz they have their own opinions on the varying types. Great place! I enjoy visiting Grendel's and can't wait to do it again.
(4)
Mel C.
The grilled chicken with rice pilaf is your best happy hour bet. Grendels happy hour makes it a popular spot for Harvard kids and locals alike.
Unless your a tourist and are thinking, hey I'd like to check out this "Harvard square" thing you've probably been to Grendel's. And let me go out on a limb here and say, if you didn't like it, you probably should have guessed a place with the word "den" in it wasn't really in your wheelhouse. The food is good, but not great. Go during one of their half price food hours and it becomes a damn good deal. Pro tip: order the nachos. Its filling and comes with their vegetarian chilli on top. Awwww yeah. The drinks are drinky. The dark and stormies, both dark and stormy (and delicious). I also tried a sip of my roomates "Kayne's workout plan" and it was refreshing and delicious. And of course, they have a decent number of beers on tap. I whole heatedly approve of this den (ESPECIALLY during the half price food times). The price is right, the atmosphere basement bar like and the clientele delightful.
(4)
Leslie T.
Cheap food, definitely would not have gone there had there been no half-price menu. Our waitress was old and condescending. The gorgonzola egg noodles were super soggy and when my friend asked for another item, she sassed at us. Furthermore, she took our bill before we left and gave an offensive comment on how little we tipped her due to her lackluster service!
(2)
Jeff M.
After being denied because of the size of the crowds at not one but two other Harvard locations.....Grendel's was our next choice on the list to try and brave the Friday night rush. I had been here before, it was a very cold February night and I'll never forget how cozy feeling it was at the time. I don't get back to Harvard Square all that often anymore but when I do, I want to try to have the best experience, especially when I have visitors in town. Eureka! After heading down the stairs, we discovered in the back next to the bathrooms a table that says "reserved for at least five people". It was literally the only one left in the entire location. I quickly grabbed it and began placing all of our coats on the well placed wall rack on the other side of our table. Our server was great all night, although my only minor complaint is that he could be a little more educated on the beer selections. He stated a handful of times, "I've never tried that". I don't know what the rules are in the restaurant world but maybe your staff could have a tasting some night with a little education thrown in on the vast selection of brews you offer. The prices here are incredible! We started with a hummus plate for $5, chips and salsa for just $3.50. I had the turkey and havarti on a baguette and it was only $7 with a side of chips. The sandwich was by no means anything fancy but it didn't need to be, it was more of an aside to all of the imbibing we were doing and it was adequate at a tremendous price. This left more room in the budget to buy a $20 beer on the menu that came wrapped in paper called "The Red Giant". Freaking spectacular and great to share with a group if you want to splurge. The funniest part of the night was when none of us could figure out the sexes of the bathrooms. Numerous times we walked in on some gals in what I thought was the guys room marked by Einstein. Now I'm realizing they are unisex but its still a bit awkward. It only took a handful of visits for me to fall in love to the divey, under the street feel of Grendel's but for those rare times I do find myself in good ol' Hahvud, I'll be thinking about them again for a meal and a few brewkis.
(5)
Lindsay F.
Okay. I do not give 5 stars idly, but this place is maintaining a wonderful vibe and niche that screams college town Boston. If you want amazing, unique food and a fancy atmosphere, this is the antithesis of what you want. If you want cheap, good and nummy food and drinks in a basement where waitresses seem to have a Boston attitude of stern/cold but friendly and warm to familiar faces, then this place is great. 1. Love the food. Spinach artichoke crab dip, salsa, guacamole, fondue, and half priced apps during daily happy hour. 2. Nummy drinks. Awesome sangria, and the best dark and stormy ever (strong!) 3. The atmosphere. Grungy-esque pub full of intelligent grad students, undergrad students, foreigners, professors, faculty, and the occasional local. All wanting a little break from their studious reality. To really explain the atmosphere, this is what they feel about mice. I saw a little mouse running around (it's a basement) and told the waitress, who said "oh yea, they come visit sometimes" and smiled at me and walked away. Gross, kinda, but also just kinda awesome :D This was a staple for 4 years in undergrad, and it is a must stop when I'm in town!
(5)
Kiley S.
Came here on a whim, wasn't that impressed. They had a huge variety but the quality wasn't that great. The waitress straight up told us to not order a burger which was appreciated, but if you can't even make a good burger at a dive bar? come on. The turkey pesto sandwich was good. I wouldn't recommend this to friends, maybe just stick to the bar. *service was great.
(2)
Roma B.
Patio seating is first come first-served. If you see an empty table outside its yours! Skip the sangria it's cheap but not great. Food is decent but not fancy. Affordable place in Harvard sq! Order the dark & stormy, you won't regret it!
(4)
Matthew B.
This spot is reliable. Tasty beer. Awesome chili. Good sandwiches. There's nothing like a hole-in-the-ground spot around Harvard that makes me happy.
(4)
MisoSoup O.
Brings back memories from the time I have studied at Harvard. Wasn't here for 8 years and the place did not change a bit! It is a basement, with a great atmosphere. A place a student would love to eat daily (and it is affordable), and still be happy (nutrition wise). You can not go wrong here- the food, the drinks (Margarita is a bit on the light side...), the service. A perfect place for any student. This time we took muscles, haddock and a double burger. All was tastey. I will return just for the muscles.
(5)
Dipak S.
Food - Really tasty food. Got the peruvia quinoa stew that was awesome. Ambience - Is a nice place buzzling with a young crowd. Service - Really really good service. Especially the server Josh was friendly and enaured we had a great time. Cost - $20 per pax with drinks.
(5)
Tiffany W.
As it is in the epic poem, keep away from Grendel! My initial visit was unexpected. I knew it would be crowded and staff would be busy. But I didn't think it would be an excuse for the way my friends and I were treated. We inched our way in to find a table and in the process, a waiter continually rolled his eyes at us, told us to wait somewhere else, responded to our questions with contempt. We were yet to be seated, and I was already prepared to skedaddle. Even so, we sat down and ordered drinks. Our waitress was as attentive as she could be, but was clearly irritated when we asked to split the check. She returned and prodded us to tip her generously because of the "huge" favor she had done for us. Pretty obnoxious. Through all of this, I decided to give Grendel's another go. Three-go's in fact. The last time was the strangest. We sat at a smaller table, waiting for a larger party to leave. Once we moved tables, the waiter was confused as to what we wanted and without asking or waiting for our answer, he left us to rearrange the tables ourselves. He was super frustrated and glared at us for our entire stay. Ok. Later, he provided us two forks for five people. So naturally, we need more silverware. Right? No. After our request, his response was, "Is two forks not enough?". No, it's not enough. It's never enough. I don't know if I should be angry or just sad that this waiter doesn't realize five people means five forks. Also, food is meh. I did find Grendel's cozy and tend to favor places that play old R&B and hip hop, until I realized they play the same playlist every damn weekend. I'm done giving them the benefit of the doubt, hoping they'll play something other than No Diggity (though I don't mind listening to Goodies over and over again). If the music doesn't bother you, the service should. There are exceptions, but the waiters we've had are so unbelievably rude. I've never experienced such arbitrary hostility. Sad. Thought I could make this a favorite haunt, since it's so close. I won't be visiting again.
(1)
Theresa P.
We stopped at Grendel's Den as whim while spending the day in Cambridge. You pick your own seats when you enter, I know this because I checked with the bartender that was very friendly. It's wasn't too packed so we were able to find a table toward the back. The atmosphere is cozy and dim. Our server came promptly, took our beverage orders. Our drinks came out very quickly. We ordered potato skins and our entrees. Our potato skins came out with our entrees. Which wasn't a bother. I know that would bother some people but not really us, we were hungry. Our food came out very quickly. I got the pumpkin tortelloni which came with the wonderfully seasoned walnuts and Gorgonzola sauce. I LOVED it!!! my goodness it was wonderful. The sauce could have been a little warmer but I still loved it. My daughter ordered the fettuccine with Gorgonzola sauce and grilled chicken, I tried it, her pasta was cooked perfectly and chicken was seasoned wonderfully. My fiance would not share a bit of his burger but he gobbled it down quickly. The potato skins which we actually ate last were perfect, we had bacon added to it. All in all, the food was great. Atmosphere was super cozy. Service was great. The next time we're in Cambridge stopping here is on our list :)
(5)
Ana R.
Grendel's is an underground, appropriately dark and divey pub in Harvard Square. I came here with a group of 8 on a Monday around 9:30pm. Our waitress was ornery as hell. She took an immediately dislike for everyone, couldn't remember what we'd ordered and then was annoyed when we didn't know she had to write the drinks order on a separate piece of paper (???). We ordered apps, entrees and beers. Lots of potential for a big tip, but she couldn't care less. She gave us the beers en masse, leaving us to figure out which amber colored liquids were ours. My chicken skewers were bleh, but I liked the fresh celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, so I asked for more and got charged $1 along with receiving a lecture from the chef via our waitress The Lovely Helga. The chicken quesadilla was also incredibly bland. At Harvard Square prices, I expect better fare, even if it's from a pub I have to go downstairs for.
(1)
Ro M.
Awesome Bar Scene! Live, but not super crazy.
(4)
Trevor L.
Had lunch at the bar. Surprisingly good Cuban sandwich on flatbread. Great location, decent beer selection, Rock bottom prices. You couldn't ask for more.
(5)
Patrick C.
Got the Yucatan burrito. stale tortilla (seemed like they used it without reheating it at all) and stale tortilla chips on the side. my girlfriends turkey havarti sandwich was decent.
(2)
Hurnan V.
We came here on a weekday night for dinner, to take advantage of the deal where you can get half off of your entrees if you buy a $3 drink. Located in the heart of Harvard square, Grendel's may be difficult to find, as it is located underground with a small door sign. The staff was very friendly and attentive throughout our stay despite the volume of patrons, making it a pleasant experience overall. I ordered a Mediterranean wrap with a side of chips (other option was coleslaw); it was tightly wrapped (which I appreciated so I could minimize my mess!), the cheese was strong but not too overwhelming, which is what I usually prefer for my wraps. My only gripe is that the dining environment is a bit dark and dingy - perhaps to emulate a den as the name suggests, but this is not my preference. However, great place for some solid food at a reasonable price.
(3)
Sean S.
I loved how it was pretty busy, but the bar wasn't cramped. Came in by myself and met a few cool people, it has a sort of basement/underground feel with a nice vibe. I got a decently priced bottle of cheap wine, and some deviled eggs which were good, and some mac and cheese, which was OK. Honestly, the food quality and alcohol selection were nothing special, but the atmosphere brings it up to about 3.5 stars. Worth noting that before I moved to the bar, I waited at a table for over 20 minutes without service.
(3)
Vivian C.
Context: Monday Night 7:00 PM, right in time for 5-7:30 PM Half Price Hour! YAY! Ambiance: There's patio seating and indoor seating with a bar. We sat next to the fake fireplace by the door. The swinging door is constantly opened because servers and customers are coming in, which is fine because that's the point of the door. So if you don't like a cold draft blowing on your every 2 minutes DON'T SIT THERE. There are PLENTY of other great seats in the house. The lighting is also super dark. Service: Super attentive! Our server checked in with us multiple times. I really appreciate that! He was nice, patient, and informative, and he had a beard too! FOOOODDDD! OMNOM NOM NOM: Nachos Supreme ($8): YUMMMMY! Guacamole, sour cream, beans, and salsa generously slathered on top of cheesy tortilla chips. Yes, yes, yes. The salsa has a nice spicy kick. The toppings were plentiful. My boyfriend likes to mix them all in one delicious mush. Yum. Salmon ($14): My boyfriend ordered the salmon with veggies and a baked potato. The salmon comes cooked in a small casserole plate and a lemon slice. It was moist, the top was more dry than the bottom probably because of the plate. The veggies were good and the baked potato pretty standard except that it didn't come with anything other than butter. Overall not bad. Not my favz, but still good. Beggar's Banquet with Chicken ($12.50): I ordered the Beggar's Banquet with Chicken. This truly is a banquet! This comes with a slice of spinach pie, hummus, pita, rice, grilled chicken breast, and pasta with pesto. That's a lot! Considering that I love a diverse plate with a lot of different textures and flavors, the Beggar's Banquet was PERFECT. I cut up the chicken into small pieces and mixed it into my pasta with pesto YUM. The chicken was a little dry, but it was tasty with the pasta. The hummus was interesting...I might be wrong but it seemed to have a lot of tahini in it. It also tasted like it had peanuts instead of chickpeas or pinenuts. Let's just say it wasn't standard, but all right. The spinach pie had a delightfully flaky crust! I loved it. The spinach filling was a little too salty for my taste, but paired with the rice the saltiness was no overwhelming, but my complementary with the rice. Bottled Sodas ($3 each): Spindrift Grapefruit soda and some Root Beer. These were both really tasty and made by local companies. I like the support of local businesses. Price: GREAT! Because of Half Price Hour a meal for two with drinks was ~$25 + tip. However, there are a few caveats. 1) You have to sit INSIDE, no problem! 2) You have to order $3+ drink per person, no problem you came to a bar for a reason! 3) No doggie bags, so come hungry. Overall, I loved Grendel's Den! My only complaint was the swinging door and slightly dry chicken breast and peanut-esque hummus. So FOUR STARS FOR GRENDEL'S! REVIEW HAIKU come, five to seven half off, but buy a nice drink don't sit by the door
(4)
Thomas D.
I think the word for Grendel's is "companionable." And the food is awesome. And the prices are right. And even though it's been a quarter-century since I've been an undergraduate (not at a school near Grendel's, to be sure!), I cherish the "collegiate" atmosphere of the Den. It has become, in the last few years, one of my favorite places for lunch and conversation with a friend. (I recommend the wondrously ample chicken burrito and the unfailingly satisfying tuna melt.) The best, forsooth and verily.
(5)
Andrew R.
Does one fine dine at Grendel's Den? Does one long for the foodstuffs, both traditional and non, that line its menu? Does one yearn for their list of drinks? No, no, and no. What one does is this: come in, sit down, get a drink (any drink will do), and eat at half off. The food isn't always great, some choices are much better than others, but it's cheap. And that's why you're here. To sit in the underground and drink and eat for cheap. Because at those prices, it's actually worth it to eat here.
(4)
Duncan L.
Grendel's Den was the first stop on a night of walking through Harvard Square and getting drinks and appetizers, and was the perfect place to start the night. We waited a little while in order to get a table outside, but as soon as one was available we grabbed it. You need to get some food while sitting at a table outside, but the food is great, so that's certainly not a problem. We grabbed a beer each (the usuals for the Boston-area were on tap), and enjoyed a couple appetizers. The standout was the hummus, and was the perfect appetizer to start the evening. We took our time and enjoyed the beautiful summer weather. Unlike most outdoor seating in the area, it's not located on a busy sidewalk, so you feel a little more private and a little less pressure to hurry up with your meal. I would definitely make another stop here for beers or appetizers. Consider Grendel's added to the list!
(4)
Clay N.
This "underground" spot has nothing special about it except for one thing: THE COUCH! The food is so-so. The drinks are good (get the peppermint schnapps hot chocolate in the winter). The crowd is typically tipsy locals who are too sober for Whitney's or tipsy grad students to drunk for the Sinclair. But the couch is incredible!! Somehow it is the perfect combination of firm (support) and soft (comfort). Nestled right against the fire in the left corner of the room, within eyesight of the bar, sporting a table low enough to be used as an ottoman, this couch is about as close as you'll get to heaven without getting on the Mass Pike and going to East Freetown (Heaven is a neighborhood, but I digress.) Come for the couch, stay because you are drunk and asleep.
(3)
Amanda S.
This was a nice place to enjoy a weekend lunch on a sunny day. The outdoor seating was nice, and there was live music in the adjacent park. The service was great. I had the Grendel Margarita, which was good, and the lobster roll, which was delicious.
(4)
Ari P.
Back when I was counting down the days to age 21, this had a place high up on the list to try, since it's right up in the square. Little did I know that they have their little 1/2 off happy hour for the weekday dinner rush. I started off with the german draft beer, which was decent, and came in the traditional tall glass which was fun, but felt out of place. I have to say I'm glad that the burger was 1/2 off, because like another reviewer mentioned, it tasted more like the meat was boiled. I should've known when they didn't ask how I like it cooked. It was a good enough experience that I tipped the waitress as if I paid full-price. I feel like there must be a strange connotation saying you work somewhere termed "Grendel's Den."
(3)
Amanda S.
Just TERRIBLE service, the waiters wouldn't even let me get on the phone with the manager to complain, they just hung up, just hung up! why??? I've never been treated so rudely in all my life, I'm still livid about the experience. Never had trouble form service in the past, but this was a whole new level of hell dealing with these people. Couldn't give a small enough star to this place, wish I could write more negative reviews.
(1)
Abbie M.
I don't know why dives have such a bad rap. I'm not giving this place 5 stars as an upscale restaurant, I'm giving them 5 stars as a top-of-the-line dive. We wandered in here midweek, drawn by the super low app prices. A few drinks and some apps shouldn't be a $500 affair. At the end of the night, with 5 people having 3ish drinks each as well as splitting several apps, our check was $105. That's 20 bucks a pop for a whole night of fun on a patio. It's not as if we were ordering all house/well drinks either, we had a seat for the Grey Goose as well. Creative and fun drink suggestions, standard dive food fare like chips and salsa and artichoke dip. For clarification, I immensely disliked the artichoke dip as it was hot with crab in it so it tasted like hot briny seaweed to me. Totally decent beer selection for the unsnobby. Perfect place for broke college kids and broke college grads.
(5)
Christopher S.
Grendel's has been a regular stop for some friends and I almost every week for the past 8 years. Despite coming in with a sometimes-large, sometimes-demanding group, every week -- and sometimes, when a conference is in town, taking over a huge section of the restaurant for ourselves -- I've always felt super-welcome here. The food is solid and tasty. The service is great (In particular, Trevor is a hard-working godsend, dealing with the most inane requests you can think of with aplomb). And the beer choices are varied and delicious. I love Grendel's. The only thing I miss in recent years is the playing of Baba O'Riley at midnight, which was always fun. I highly recommend Grendel's, and bring all my friends to it when we're looking for a great place to grab some tasty food and a great drink.
(5)
James C.
I have been a few times now. I've always had a pleasant time. The staff is friendly and seems to like where they work. The food is cheap but enjoyable. Some dishes are awesome while others are merely satisfying but the staff will guide you honestly if you ask. I was there for Sunday brunch and there was no wait but busy enough so you didn't feel like an intruder. Christina was our server and was pleasant and funny. Amazingly this laid back cavern of a restaurant was able to make my favorite brunch drink, Death in the Afternoon (it has absinthe)! Made my dining experience. If you want to avoid lines, have a laid back experience with friendly staff try Grendles.
(4)
Brennon S.
Ever feel like you've walked into a party, uninvited, held by hip kids? Ever been ignored by a feeble old waitress? Have you ever gotten diarrhea from $6 appetizers? Don't answer those questions. Clearly they are ridiculous.
(1)
whit e.
Why, right in the middle of Harvard square, this hidden dive offers surprisingly good prices and a good selection of hot ciders and beers. The service is sometimes reluctant or absent, and the food is nothing remarkable. However, the atmosphere is classic cozy with a fake fireplace and a basement hideout where one can scheme, carouse or whatever else one does in a classic warm and cozy dive bar. I've been back and would gladly go again. Tip - Friday happy hour features low priced appetizers.
(3)
Allison C.
Prime location, pretty spacious dining areas both outside and inside, and really generous happy hour food prices, but overall? Just meh. I think I am turned off by the lackadaisical service. Once, a friend of mine arrived late after my party already put in our orders, so when the first round of orders arrived, the server pitched a quick Q "Anything else I can do for ya?" and I promptly, casually, and kindly said "Yea! Could we just get a time estimate on my buddy's breakfast burrito? He arrived late." She stared blankly back at me "Excuse me?" I repeated my Q, and she carelessly said "I don't know. Probably a few minutes before it comes out." Before I barked back, my friend nudged me to let it go and said "That's fine. Thanks!" As far as food goes, it is fair, not outstanding. You can substitute any meat in the breakfast/brunch dishes. Hollandaise on the benedict had a good weight and creaminess to it, but the flavor was a bit bland. Breakfast potatoes are thinly sliced rather than hashed, and are seasoned well. If you want hot sauce, be prepared for sriracha!
(2)
Matheus D.
Sarah is the reason we keep coming back. What a sweetheart and babe!! Keep an eye out for their happy hour specials(food not booze). Also as any dive bar should have, fernet all night long.
(4)
Ami O.
So cozy, so many beers, tasty nachos, I would come here every Saturday night if I could
(5)
Ian S.
Grendel's is a great, fun place to grab a drink or a cheap meal in the Harvard Square area. It's more or less a college bar, but it's got a little more character than that label might suggest. The food and drinks are good, but perhaps more importantly the food is CHEAP if you go during happy hour. Cheap as in half-off. As in, like, the $2-5 range. Unbeatable!
(4)
Misty S.
I came here for the first time recently with a group of 8 others. Pluses - a few good beers on draft - vegetarian options - Outdoor seating - strong drinks - prices for food are insanely low meh - took us forever to get the check. our food came out at different times, and because of that we were running late to an event and weren't able to find our waitress for a good 15 mins before we got the check - my drink was empty for most of my time there - the food is not very good. I guess you get what you pay for I'd probably go again and sit at the bar but likely wouldn't eat here again. Which is a bummer because I was pumped about the veg-friendly menu.
(2)
Michael H.
My girlfriend and I went there for lunch and it was great. The atmosphere is fantastic and the food delicious. Great service.
(4)
Justin B.
Good atmosphere and drinks. The curry fries are awesome! A bit small. Don't expect to have much room for 4+. Either way give it a try.
(4)
Elizabeth W.
Grende'ls Den is a smallish, basement, seat-yourself, affordable prices establishment. The place can get crowded, and there's not much room to stand around. Sometimes you're forced to be that creepy table predator who hovers above your prey of a table that appears to be paying their bill, hoping to snag it before someone else swoops in. Sometimes you form that allegiance with the people already sitting: the friendly smile, how was the food here, oh are you leaving soon, mind if we take your table when you go, gee that's so nice of you. It can be hectic, but I think I've always gotten a seat eventually whether a group of 2 or 6. The best reason to come here is the half priced deal between 5 and 7:30. The food is standard pub food, nothing fancy or elaborate but consistently good. The cheese fondue for 2 is a nice option to switch it up, and yes, that can be half price also. They have some fun and affordable cocktail options, so the $3 drink minimum is easy. I took my mother here on a recent visit for the half price deal. We each had a sweet tea mixed drink, she had the fresh veggie burger, and I had the chicken platter option with the pesto pasta. When all was said and done our meal came to $22, not too shabby!
(4)
James R.
I would have had a more enjoyable experience if the table we were seated at in the back wasn't infested with fruit flies of some kind. They might have been coming from one of the vent above our heads that was coated in what I hope was dust, but they were everywhere. Other than that, the experience was just meh. The food was alright, but nothing special. The half-price food deal was nice, but you needed to buy at least $3 in drinks and none of the non-alcoholic drinks were above $2.75, and I wasn't in the mood for alcohol in the afternoon when we went. They also don't serve you water or refill your glass unless you ask for it, which is smart from a green perspective, but when your waitress doesn't come around too often it is a tad annoying.
(2)
Manfred S.
Still the least pretentious watering hole in the Boston area. From homeless to ivy league professor, from barely legal to drink to senior citizen, everyone gets the same good service. It once served as my living room (during my academic days) and it hasn't changed. Always a good place to grab a pint of original sin and some half-off happy hour snacks.
(4)
Caitlin W.
My boyfriend and I popped by Grendel's Den to grab a drink on our way to dinner a few Saturdays ago. We're suckers for a good lit reference, so when we were browsing our options it immediately caught our eye. After remarking how illicit we felt walking down the stone staircase, we happily found two seats at the bar and were quickly offered drink menus. My boyfriend decided to stick with beer, but I am always on the hunt for an inventive cocktail, so I decided to order something a bit more adventurous. Suffice to say, the Whiskey Flower is delicious -- just enough bite from the lemon to temper the bourbon, but the Woodford is definitely still the star (as it should be!). With respect to the ambiance, Grendel's Den is exactly what you'd expect from the name. Cambridge is a haven for hipster bars, but this one, with its basement location, lends itself to an image of dark, cozy spaces with an air of mischief and just the slightest hint of Harvard pretension. This is, in fact, a good thing; I can easily see myself spending many an afternoon here, enjoying a few drinks and an app while chatting away with my companions and making new friends at the bar. Having walked past Grendel's Den dozens of times and always saying that we'd have to try it some time, I'm so glad that we finally did. Based on our first impression, we will certainly be back!
(4)
Izzy D.
A quintessential (literally) underground Cambridge pub where you can almost feel the Harvard geniuses of yore waxing poetic about life, love and the pursuit... or something. The atmosphere is charmingly dingy and the food is pretty good (they have a whole vegetarian menu - killing me softly). The drinks are absolutely nothing to write home about but it's a piece of the brick and cobblestone that is Harvard Square history and you are obliged (as an American citizen) to check out if you can. Lows: French 75 (suuuper strong/bitter gin drink) Highs: Moscow Mule, flaming shot of absinthe (just kidding says my hangover)
(3)
Katrina N.
Great atmosphere, half price food specials, decent beer list. If you go for dinner, stick to the standard pub fare and the spinach pie, which are good. Last visit I had a pasta special, and the dish was overcooked and under-spiced. I will go back, though mostly for the atmosphere and the drinks.
(3)
Katie B.
Great cozy atmosphere, you seat yourselves and my group sat by the faux fireplace. I was here earlier this week and I have to agree with Theresa P.'s account of the Pumpkin Tortellini special. The handmade, pumpkin stuffed tortellinis were divine. Gorgonzola can be overbearing and this dish had the perfect amount and the walnuts tied everything together so nicely! Everyone in my group was definitely satisfied. I highly recommend. Service was prompt and mindful. The Sunday thru Thursday special on food and alcoholic drink was an amazing plus.
(5)
Adam M.
Awesome awesome awesome express lunch. One of the best lunch deals in Harvard Square.
(4)
Hannah R.
A- for the food, C+ for the unpleasant waiting period. But realistically, the best reason to go here is the half-priced food from 5-7:30p. Bless ol' Harold and Sue for coming up with a solid business plan that guaranteed a constant stream of hungry Harvard folk. We got two drinks each and split the mussels appetizer, a small caesar salad, the portobello reuben, and the natural disaster turkey burger. Everything besides the salad (which was just OK) was mouthwateringly wonderful. Portobello reuben? Slap me purple and call me eggplant, I'm sold. The natural disaster comes with melted swiss cheese, avocado slices, chutney, and chipotle spread. Pure omnoms. Waiting to get to that glorious meal though? Super hellish after a long day at the office. No matter where you stand, you're in the way. The hungrier you get, the more sure you are that everyone sitting at a table is laughing at you and staying extra time just to keep you from sitting down. The bartender may or may not forget about you. And no, four people cannot sit at one of the designated five-people-or-more tables. I'm feeling hangry all over again just thinking about it.
(3)
Ryan P.
Nothing fried, a table always turns up, and friendly down to earth service. I love the fondue for two, and the fish is amazing. I always get the vegetarian banquet and leave stuffed. This is a great, laid back spot and the summer outside seating is the best Harvard Square offers.
(5)
Dave M.
I've never experienced such bizarrely hostile service at a bar in my life. I went to Grendel's tonight with several old friends from my grad school program after our reunion. Since I knew my wife and I wouldn't be staying long, I ordered us beers from the bar rather than from the nearby table where my group of friends was standing. When I went to get myself a second beer and close my tab, the bartender gave me the beer but told me he'd transferred my tab to the waitress handling our table. I flagged the waitress down, got the tab, and paid. The waitress then collected not only the bill but also my half-full beer, which she took back to the bar and poured out. When she came back out, I mentioned that I'd still been drinking my beer. She offered to get me a new one; I said no thanks, I was leaving anyway. At that point, out of nowhere, the bartender started screaming at me, saying I'd stiffed him and that I'd lied to him. An apparently drunk customer at the bar also started yelling at me, calling me a cheap bastard. I asked what on earth was going on. The bartender, rather than dealing with the drunk customer at the bar, started yelling at me to leave. I left in order to de-escalate the situation. While I waited for her outside, my wife asked the bartender what had happened. He yelled at her some more and then walked away. I honestly still don't know what I did, besides maybe trying to pay the bartender instead of the waitress, to provoke such abuse.
(1)
Alice S.
Worst food ever. Even the Caesar salad tastes WRONG. Beef brisket was horrible too.... There is a reason that on a Saturday night there is a half hour wait at every restaurant in this area except for this place...this place is 60% empty tables and a kitchen stacked to the ceiling with food that would be hard pressed to outdo the food the lunch lady slipped in your plate in middle school. It's almost impressive how shitty this place is. The only good thing about your experience will be the booze you use to drown yourself in after tasting the piss that is Grendel's Den. I would rather be torn limb from limb by Grendel himself than eat the bread. Stick with the water. They do water pretty well. A happy home for the sad leftovers of neighboring bistros. As a matter of fact I'm seriously considering taking my own life at this point. The brisket is just reaching my rectum and my GI had no problem tagging it for the poison it is. As I type this, water is flooding my stomach and small intestine to decrease the concentration of this toxic waste. Bottom line is: great service and very strong AC
(1)
Juliana O.
This was one of my favorite spots when I was a poor college student living in Cambridge. I revisited it last night for dinner and drinks, and I am happy to see that it hasn't really changed in 5 years since I was last there. It was just as great as I remembered, if not better! Here's what makes Grendel's great: The food is DIRT CHEAP. They have happy hour every day, even on Saturday night, when you get your food half off with a minimum drink purchase. My boyfriend and I had 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, and 5 or 6 beers for a grand total of $40. Where else can you get that in Harvard Square?! Super cozy underground spot with brick walls, nice atmosphere, "either/or" restrooms, and a map of the USA labelled with MORDOR. The service might be a little bit slow because they don't have a huge staff, but our server last night was great. She brought us everything promptly, it was easy to get her attention, and when one of our beers got knocked over (oops) she was there right away with a clean rag and some soda water for me to clean my clothes off. (Yes, we left her a big tip.) Their Dark and Stormy cocktail is a solid choice - it was my drink of choice when I turned 21 and I still make them for my friends at home - and their beer list is great. The review saying that the beer list is "always out of date" was totally correct, but their selection changes all the time and they have great local stuff. Like it says on the menu, "No Bud, no Coors, no Miller, no Michelob...." Just the good stuff! So glad to see this place still doing well. It was great to be back!
(5)
Louis T.
I grew up in Cambridge, and when I go back, I always always always stop at Grendel's Den. The ambiance is great, whether for a late afternoon beer and appetizer, or later at night when it gets more crowded and noisier. They always have a good selection of beer, and the food is quite good--not just for a smallish bar, actually good, full stop. The fact that this bar has been to the actual Supreme Court (google "larkin v. grendel's den") is just a bonus. Go now! Have a Cambridge Amber on me.
(5)
Paige C.
basement of harvard musty old pub with some food sad burger tonight I have been to Grendel's twice while living in Boston. The first time was magical, much like Harvard square can be upon one's first visit. They had this amazing gargonzola cheese pasta, and the pasta was FRESH. It was incredible. It made such a huge impression on me all those 5 years ago. I had been itching to return, and return I did, 5 years later. Sadly, it was not the magical experience of before. After experiencing much of what Boston has to offer, my expectations have risen, and at the very least, a place has to be able to serve a decent burger to survive. As Grendel's taught me, this is not the case, and this was by far, the worst burger I've had in Boston. Even more so, I was with a group of about 6 people, they kept getting our orders wrong. I was served a "veggie" burger before receiving the meat burger I ordered. That was weird. I didn't try it, but the veggie burger looked kind of like a smashed fried corn patty. Hmm... One of my companions also received the wrong order, and the waiter didn't offer to change it. I don't understand. Then the burger... No cheese... Even though I ordered cheese. It was cold. It looked like boiled meat. Not grilled. Not fresh. Not good. I was sad. Grendel's, I'm so disappointed.
(3)
Fancypants X.
Grendel's, you've got the great outdoors going for you, but sluggish service & sour caesar dressing makes your lovely locale inconsequential. Surprise! Fall in Cambridge means rain one day & sweltering heat the next. On the day of my visit, my weather app read 85 degrees. I took shade under one of Grendel's large blue umbrellas, as a sign directed me to "seat myself." No one greeted me for 10-15 minutes. And after I received my diet-friendly meal of a diet coke (I know, fake sugar is even worse than HFCS) & a chicken caesar salad, my waitress didn't reappear til I flagged her down for the bill. Decent prices ($12 for my lunch), & I spied nachos on the menu (for when I'm being more indulgent), but a waitress who takes her sweet, precious time & dressing not done right makes me hesitant to spend my money here again. Even chain-fast food joint Panera makes a better Caesar salad.
(2)
Tiffany L.
My favorite place to go for an inexpensive, quality meal! The sandwiches and appetizers are fantastic, and I love the atmosphere!
(5)
Becky M.
Food and beer and a great meeting place. Wandered in when looking for food during a visit to the Square. My BF and I tried 2 beers -- Cambridge Amber and Grendel's Ale -- along with a veggie burger (me on a soft kaiser roll) and a Grendel (him...roast beef with a creamy cheesy spread on a baguette). No TVs in the bar where we were (so not a spot to watch the game on Sunday). Lots of big parties and the waitstaff was a bit slow given the packed dining room. We didn't mind....weren't in a rush. I t's nothing fancy -- but a great spot for a casual meal, meet-up and a pint. Would certainly go back.
(4)
Saad M.
This place is as cool as the other side of the pillow. It's located in the heart of Harvard Square which might scream cheesy student or tourist trap but it's neither. Service is affable, friendly and relaxed. There are plenty of tables to grab along with spots at the bar. The noise level is great especially on a Saturday night, really adds to the ambience without drowning out conversation. Not the world's biggest wine selection but I think that'll be obvious upon entering. The food is surprisingly robust with large portions to boot. I had the french dip sandwich was a bit greasy but otherwise very filling and I could have easily taken half of it home. We also split the artichoke dip which was pretty good for bar fare without being laden down with grease. The beer selection is extensive and although I'm not a beer snob I can see why this place would appeal to one. Also the price point is incredible; the food is really cheap and during lunch hour during the week it's even cheaper. This place is a great value and also a really cool spot to have some drinks later in a relaxed atmosphere.
(4)
Cristina R.
Cheap drinks, cheap eats make this poor girl happy indeed. Many mixed drinks are only $6! Dark and stormy. Do it. 1/2 price food happy hours are amazing (pretty much every food offering on the menu half off during certain times) and should be a more wide-spread practice in the Cambridge dining sphere. Not high-class cuisine by any means (pretty standard sandwiches, salads, etc), but edible nonetheless. What more do you want? The place can get pretty packed and is definitely not somewhere you go to relax or even be able to hear your friends clearly, but the atmosphere is lively and fun. Go down the stairs into Grendel's Den and get happy.
(4)
Peter H.
Good at what it does. Inexpensive dishes, quickly prepared and great for a quick, refueling lunch bite. Nice atmosphere as well, sitting out in the square, under leafy trees with a competent guitarist busking in the background
(4)
Nick N.
Visualize a New England university town, and then populate that mental generalization with restaurants. Among the hypothetical establishments, you'd want one frequented by a charming array of colorful locals, right? You'd want it to include a large bar, with low prices and a simple but discriminating alcohol menu, right? You'd want the bartenders to be smart and funny? You'd want a healthy proportion of them to be moonlighting graduate students? You'd want patio seating? You probably wouldn't want anything fastidious about the food, right? You'd want it to be simple and reliable and filling and cheap. Maybe you'd want that food to be half-price for a good chunk of the night? You'd want it to be a place hot with atmosphere, in an unusual space, eclectically decorated, and maybe named with some literary allusion, right? A place unmistakable for anywhere else in the world, and a place you're always going to miss when you're out of town? This is that place.
(5)
Grace T.
Used to go here more often when I served and bar tended in Harvard, but we had the worst server in the business. I generally only write positive reviews, but the restaurant owner should know why people are't coming back. It began with a grey haired waitress yelling something about "3$ is 3$" while cleaning the table next to us. Then we discovered she was our sever... great. I've had bad nights as a server, but it's never acceptable to treat customers with such an air of arrogance and self importance as she did throughout the service. She then too our orders. Since we were not provided with a cocktail or beer list my friends asked for water while they decided. She audibly scoffed. I Ordered from the beer list I could see on the wall. Another friend ordered 2 IPAs both of which they were out of. Finally he ordered another on draft, but was disappointed when he received a beer from the same company, but in bottle form. He actually felt so uncomfortable with the server that he didn't bother saying anything. The server slapped our beers down, basically ignoring us and my friends who wanted drinks. My other friends disgusted by the waitress's attitude decided not to order drinks and the rest of us didn't bother to order dinner from this woman. No need to extend our time with someone so unpleasant. We left as soon as possible. This woman is toxic and definitely not a way I want to celebrate Boston Strong. I haven't had such bad service in years. I doubt I'll be back with all the other good places to go in Harvard. Don't waste your time here. Even Charlies is better.
(1)
Joe T.
Either the menu has improved significantly, or I just started to pay more attention to the menu. There is now a REALLY DELICIOUS tofu vegetable dish. Tastes very comforting and home-y. :-) Go Grendel's. Also, the bartender, Ned, rocks.
(4)
Heidi L.
Oh, Grendel's. I know you're an institution. I know half-price days and nights (and in fact, full-priced days on weekend nights -- but just one time. I know my deals). But after, I have always regretted getting a burger or wrap, or really anything at half-price, much less full price. The food is really not great. Like, really. The strategy is to get a beer (if you really want to come), and order something half-price, and give it to your friend who eats a lot to earn some goodwill.
(2)
Lauren Y.
We sat outside. Very slow and unfriendly service. Mediocre food. Great prices on drinks and lunch, but you get what you pay for. Good atmosphere on the outdoor patio overlooking park, good people watching. Won't go back for food though.
(2)
Kristine A.
I have been here a few times but this last time wasn't so great. I ordered a drink which didn't come until after my boyfriend was done eating his salad. Then he asks for another beer & it takes forever to get it. The server wasn't very attentive & not sure if it was because we were outside or not. I don't like the fact they refill the water but there's no ice in it. Had to wait yet again for the check, so I finally got up & was waking away so he would realize we didn't want to sit there anymore.
(1)
Marie B.
My boyfriend and I went here on a Friday night. We were told by the doorman to seat ourselves, although he had no idea if there were any available tables and that we should just check. We decided to sit outside and as I walked down the path to see if any tables were available, the waitress working the section exasperatedly told my boyfriend that we shouldn't be walking around the section. We had to wait ten or so minutes for an outside table, which was totally fine. Once I thought I saw a table leave I asked the waitress if a table had opened up. (I didn't want to try to sit down if the table hadn't been totally bussed yet) She snapped at me with, "no!" Five minutes later a different waiter asked why we were waiting for an outside table because one was available and that we should go seat ourselves. So, that was pretty irritating. We were happy to see that the prices were very reasonable but it turns out that it's just because the food sucks. I ordered the chicken burrito an it came out lukewarm. I'm not sure if it's because it sat in the window for a while or what, but I can say that chicken should not ever be served at that temperature. The chicken was also weird and dry and flavorless. It tasted sort of old, really. The burrito is served with a weird piece of lettuce rib and a piece of a slice of tomato on top. My boyfriend got one of the larger platters that came with hummus and spinach pie and tofu, veggies and rice. The hummus was pretty awful. The spinach pie basically just tasted like eating straight up feta. The noodles and pesto he said were fine, but it's hard to screw that up. Really though, they didn't even toss the noodles with the sauce. it's really just a bowl of pasta with a spoonful of pesto thrown on top. Really not restaurant quality. It seemed like this place had an interestingly varied menu and I had trouble choosing what to eat. I made a mental note to come back and try other things too, but I think I'll pass. The waiter was nice and took half off of our meals, but I really don't think any of their food would be any better. Plus there's always the chance you'll get that super rude waitress...
(2)
Jeffrey K.
Last time I wrote about Grendel's, I trashed it based on 2 or 3 experiences about 4 years ago. Each time there were the same problems. Since then, I've been back about 3 or 4 more times and it's been much better. the service and food has been decent. It's likely I came in on rather unfortunate times before because they were completely slammed. The recent times has been less trying on the staff. Bottomline, if you're looking for cheap eats and drink, this is a good place to stop. I wouldn't go full blown meal but it's a great place to start an evening out.
(3)
Hillary V.
Really great food, good beer selection, interesting atmosphere. And they serve NO fried foods.
(4)
Kathleen W.
I made a trip to Grendel's the two times I visited Boston and was pleased to find that they served Absinthe cocktails(!) So...light that sugar cube and let me down that absinthe!! I love the "underground" feeling of the bar. It definitely feels like a hangout spot for Grendel from Beowulf (heh, literary nerd reference). Friendly service, tasty bar food, and fun drinks. The first time I went it was fairly crowded and dimly lit. The second time, the bar was more casual, well lit, and less crowded. A little inconsistent if I say so myself, but overall not a bad spot to grab a drink.
(4)
Kamille W.
Grendel's is one of my go-to lunchtime spots in Harvard Square. First of all, it's crazy cheap. Like, eat-a-whole-meal-for-less-than-five-bucks cheap. The food isn't breaking down culinary barriers or anything, but it is definitely tasty. The sandwiches are especially good -- my favorites are the Grendel (roast beef with boursin cheese) and the French dip. Everything comes out super quickly; I don't think I've ever waited longer than 10 minutes for my food to arrive. I never have to worry that I won't make it back to the office in time when I come to Grendel's. The service is solid. Grendel's isn't the kind of place where your waiter is going to fawn over you and make tons of idle chatter, but every server I've had has been pleasant and accommodating. I once asked for steamed veggies (not on the menu) instead of the standard potato chips with my sandwich, and the server didn't even bat an eye. I wasn't charged extra either, which was a nice surprise. If you're pressed for time and are looking for cheap eats in the square, give Grendel's a chance.
(4)
Sushmita M.
Solid list of beers and winter warmers (hot toddies, warm port, mulled wine), but whatever you do, don't order the pasta. Even if the menu speaks of pumpkin tortellini, and most definitely even if it's half off for happy hour (read: 6 dollars and oh-so-tempting). Remember, it's half off for a reason. Stick to the libations.
(3)
Evie B.
This is a bar and based on what our meal was like, you should just go there to enjoy the liquor..not the food or ambiance. It's a BAR. We were sucked in by the people sitting outside (upper street side) who we thought were eating food from Grendel's. We went down a narrow lil entry and entered a packed bar. Found an ittty bitty lil table and the three of us hunched around it. Waited, waited and waited some more for someone to acknowledge that we were sitting there (5 small seating areas around us). There seemed to be what appeared to be a waiter or two flitting in and out our our area. FINALLY, came took drink order and was again gone for an eternity. SUM=Slow service. Food: We went with bar food traditionals Burger/Fries - Wings/Side Caesar salad, turkey sand/chips. Burger over cooked, dry, flavorless, way too small for the HUGE arse bun and lettuce (which is usually used to dress up a food tray). WINGS...Who get wings wrong??? There were 10 puny baby wings that were so overcooked/burnt/dry. I wish I had taken a picture. They were dry rub seasoned, and you were given a tablespoon size container of hot sauce/blue cheese..WHO the HELL gets wings wrong in a bar??? Caesar Salad- huge leaves of lettuce, (warm lettuce), sprinkling of parmesan and I think there was a drop of dressing. The two stars come from my husband's turkey sandwich. Now, either I was just so hungry and desperate for something to taste good, or it actually tasted good. Overpriced, underwhelming experience...
(2)
Leslie H.
I suggested this place to my cousin since it was featured on the Food Network at some point in time, and also recommended by her roommate. I'm so glad we were able to stop in while I was visiting town! What I love about the area is that there are so many people walking around - it's like it's the middle of the day but it's nighttime! We walked down the stairs into the restaurant and were confused about whether or not we were to seat ourselves, but a passing waiter helped us out and told us to sit wherever. We chose a small, two-seat table in the back. Lucky us, we arrived just past 9pm so our food was half-price with a minimum $3 drink purchase per person! Huzzah! I guess this is the equivalent to "happy hour," aka reduced price drinks, in Texas. I saw that service was slow on Yelp, so I wasn't completely surprised when we had to wait for what seemed to be an eternity for a waitress. As a precaution, we were ready to order by the time the waitress did arrive, just in case she were to disappear into a black hole once again. We ordered two appetizers and a salad to split - the hummus bi tahini; hot artichoke, spinach, and snow crab dip; and the mozzarella and tomato salad. The dip is amazing, and the hummus has a nice smoky flavor to it. I will pass on the salad if we go again - I prefer my mozzarella and tomato with basil, not mixed greens. For the drinks, my cousin got the house brew (I think), and I got the Saranac Root Beer (SO good!). Surprisingly, once the waitress initially arrived, she was attentive, and the food/drinks were delivered very quickly. Maybe it was because we ordered simple appetizers, but we were appreciative nonetheless. The atmosphere is great, like you're in an old tavern. I loved the alternative music that was at just the right volume. The only downside is that the space is small so the tables are somewhat crammed together. Our teeny table was very close to a large round, and two oversized groups attempted to sit at the large round table before giving up and moving elsewhere. I felt like we were sitting in their laps. I haven't found a place quite like this in Austin, and would probably go here all the time if I lived nearby.
(4)
Andi P.
During the (week)day, Grendel's is an ideal spot for reading/writing/grading--at least if one wants beer in lieu of lattes (and really, who doesn't?). At most other times, it's ideal for some casual after- school/work/whatever snacking and drinking, especially because they've got a gluten-free menu with a decent selection of items from the "normal" menu, meaning that I can do more than spectate while you eat your burger. Options include vegan chili, salads, wings, grilled chicken, and whatever the fish of the day happens to be, all of them reasonably priced: grendelsden.com/menu/GLU… Not only that, but they've also got gluten-free beer, and not one that I've seen anywhere else yet: "Saxon" ( saxonbeer.com/Saxon_beer… ), brewed by Sinebrychoff/Carlsberg Group. Like Estrella's Damm Daura ( glutenfreepdx.wordpress.… ), it's made from deglutenized barley, which I much prefer to the sorghum concoctions out there. Last night, I tested out the beer as well as the nachos from the gluten-free menu, and came away delightfully unglutenated. Additionally: our waitress was lovely, knowledgable, and attentive; Robin L. claims that her Reuben was "the closest thing to a 'perfect Reuben' [she has] had yet"; the busy-but-pleasant basement atmosphere is, despite its quirky college bar aura, TV-less (thankfully); the restrooms are ungendered; and, last but not least, the name makes me think happy thoughts of besieged mead halls, West Saxon, and creatures having their arms torn off.
(4)
Allison R.
The time is finally here- more than a year has passed since my awkwierd date at Grendel's and I can totally use it as fodder for my review of the establishment, while hopefully providing an entertaining anecdote... Grendel's is decidedly average; I've been there for the half-price menu, but the food makes me sorta sick, so it's not really worth it. The beer is okay, and the mixed drinks play it safe. So when I coordinated a date with an ex-coworker through match.com (long story culminating with my identity as an online stalker) and he suggested meeting up here, I was less than pleased. But the suggestion of the Publick House in Brookline posed too much of a trek for my Watertown-dwelling date, and he started getting pissy that coordinating our meeting was getting too high-maintenance (like his morning hair styling routine wasn't?! nehhh)...so I grudgingly agreed. Anyway, we met, went in, and awkwardly sat down-- myself at a booth with a keg underneath it. A kinda cool footrest...but weird. I ordered my first harpoon, and he ordered an original sin cider. Then the waiter thought I'd be the one getting the girly drink and tried to hand me the cider. Now I'm getting too into details of the date and digressing... Anyway, we spent a good five hours boozing and talking. Also, I think the bathrooms are sort of unisex, or have a communal entry way. because we met awkwardly in there once. Also, it was a cold October day, and he kept his jacket and scarf on the entire time, which I thought was weird. The bill was reasonable, but I didn't pay it so I don't really know. My conclusion, though, is it's safe to come here for beers, since the atmosphere isn't bad, especially when the place gets more crowded. Kinda homey and nice. We left with him intending to do the gentlemanly thing and walk me home, which went over swimmingly because I got us lost on our drunken stumble back to my place. The conclusion to this long constitutional involved hitting Bukowski for yet another beer-- I remember him ordering a Harpoon IPA and saying he didn't like harpoon. Huh. I turned him on to the peanut butter burger, and I'm sure he's eternally grateful. Anyway, after driving him home (I make smart drunk decisions), I got a tour of his apartment. We shared an uncomfortable non-kiss in the hallway and I promptly blurted, "I have to go, bye!" and ran away. From my car, I texted him to appologize for the awkward moment, but in my drunken stupor, could not spell "awkward" and settled on "awkwierd." Somehow, I found my way home. We broke up three days later when I invited him to hang out again and he told me he was crazy busy and this wouldn't work out. Thanks for setting my crazy failed date in motion, Grendel's! Awkwierd.
(2)
Eunice R.
Wow this place has cheap alcohol. An extra star for that. However, you get what you're paying for. The $5 house red wine that I had was probably the worst wine that I ever had. In addition, trying to get seats for a party of 6 was ridiculously hard. You have to be pretty aggressive. I would like to try their sangria the next time I'm here. They only sell it by half or whole pitcher.
(3)
Ranjit V.
The weird thing about this place is you have to seat yourself. So if you go at a busy time, you basically chill at the bar and have to "vultlure" people. You want to be classy and not run to a table that's leaving, but you have to in order to get it before someone else. The beer selection is great and the food is good otherwise.
(4)
Nicole F.
I first went to Grendel's Den a few months ago after a friend recommended it. I had a few hours to kill with my parents and boyfriend, so we went to Harvard Square for dinner and ended up at Grendel's for half-price happy hour. It ended up being about $50 for an appetizer, four meals, two sodas, and four drinks...super cheap. However, the food's not all that great and there's really not that much on the menu. Don't come here if you're picky! I had the chicken burrito. There was nothing wrong with it, but it just wasn't anything special. The atmosphere was good. It was freezing cold and snowing outside, so it was nice to sit by the fire. However, the four of us had to sit at a small table since the normal tables are only for parties of 5 or more. That night our service was great, other than the fact that our waiter charged me for guacamole which I didn't order. My mom was a little perturbed by the "either or" bathrooms though! Haha. The next week I attempted to go to Grendel's with my brother and a few friends but we couldn't find a table (again, there were 4 of us) so we left and went somewhere else. The week after that I ended up at Grendel's again, this time for Sunday brunch with a friend. It was surprisingly not crowded at all despite having a pretty good brunch menu. I ended up getting the eggs florentine (poached eggs over spinach with Hollandaise sauce) which came with a small bowl of fresh fruit and home fries. The home fries were not good at all. I can't even describe what I didn't like about them, but I took a few bites and left the rest. Despite the fact that the restaurant was nearly empty, our waitress took a long time to attend to us, brought our meals out about five minutes apart (which was awkward...do I wait for mine to get cold or...?), and forgot to bring my fruit, which I had to ask for. She just didn't seem like she wanted to be there at all. Thus ended my time living outside Boston and regular trips to Harvard Square. Last month, I ended up in Boston with my grandparents and mom, since my grandfather had an appointment at MGH. I thought they would enjoy Grendel's since they love pub food...who knows why. I was right! My mom and grandmother shared a salad and sandwich and my grandmother couldn't stop talking about how great it was! She was also very happy that her Guinness was room temperature, as it should be. My grandfather was pleased with his sandwich as well. I had the burrito again...and again, it was mediocre. At least I didn't get charged for guacamole this time. Our waitress was very busy, waiting tables inside and out, so service was a little slow but I don't blame her. She was fairly friendly and personable. Overall, a good lunch. I think it's a hit-or-miss kind of place. Pros: cheap, good atmosphere, outdoor seating available, drinks Cons: slow service, mediocre food, crowded at night
(3)
Di B.
You can not go wrong with Grendel's Happy Hour Special.. 1/2 entree with $3 and over drink. They have great vegetarian options and rotating selection of beers. The food isnt anything amazing, but for this deal I will keep coming back. The outdoor patio is really nice as well.
(4)
Emily D.
Move over McCormicks, I just found my new Happy Hour Spot. 1/2 off food from 5:00-7pm. Who likes "cheap" food raise your hands! *raises hand* Unlike other happy hour spots, don't be worried about over priced drinks either. I ordered a svedka with ginger ale. $5!!!! Let me repeat.. cheap food, cheap ass drinks.... *raises both hands* We're not talking gourmet food here.. we're talking pretty decent bar food. Seat yourself. College kids. Busy, so get there early.
(4)
EricaLynn J.
Top Ten Reasons Why Grendel's Den is Even Better Than a Pants Party: 10. The 'come on in, seat yourself, welcome to your home for the next few hours' vibe is a refreshing respite from some of the more uptight surroundings nearby. 9. Scientists. Everywhere. Most of them drunk. If you are an eavesdropper or at the very least, a people-watcher, you can't lose here. 8. Comfort food at comfortable prices; bar food at el cheapo prices. Sometimes they're mixed together and called "today's special." Indeed it is. 7. They put the imprint of a shamrock on your Guinness pints. 6. In one of the very large (unisex) bathrooms, there's a bench. A very pretty painted bench, mind you. Ever just want to sit down and ponder life's mysteries in a strange forum? Thanks to Grendel's, you totally can. 5. There is never a shortage of amusing waitstaff. In some cases, you can substitute 'amusing' with 'absolutely lost their mind crazy', which maybe explains the whole bench in the bathroom thing, but who can tell? 4. Their happy hour (half-priced food and drink specials) should be renamed 'super duper happy many hours' because that's how you'll feel when you're done indulging and you have spent less than what you spent to feed the meter in town the day before for an hour's worth of Harvard Square shopping. 3. Your food doesn't come out too quickly, which is a fabulous thing really, if you think about it. When something comes out within five minutes, my mind tends to wander and not in the good way. 2. Your drinks come out very quickly, which is a fabulous thing really, if you think about it. When drinks don't come out within five minutes, my mind tends to wander and not in the good way. 1. ABSINTHE. You, too, can indulge in the goodness that is Absinthe, complete with spoon and sugarcube and fire, thanks to Grendel's addition of Absinthe to their drink menu. You can and you should.
(4)
Megan L.
Came here with a friend after we discovered a horrendous live band at Tommy Doyle's, and decided to get our drink on elsewhere. Grendel's was super crowded, but we threw some elbows and scored seats at the bar. Bartenders are AWESOME...my Lambic was never empty and each bottle came with a nice mix of friendliness and snark. Made friends with a girl on the next stool who was having man problems and got to tell her "he's just not that into you." Super interesting crowd...all ages. I expected a ton of students but it definitely skewed older than I had anticipated. Also, lots of black turtlenecks. All in all, a good night!
(3)
K P.
I go there whenever I can. No crap beers on tap or in bottle, so that generally keeps a certain amount of frat bros out even at night, something rare in Harvard Square. Awesome quick lunch menu, the bartenders and servers are great but won't bend over backwards to kiss your ass, which I appreciate. Food is simple and delish, rotating soup and sandwich specials keep it interesting. Never had a bad experience.
(5)
Christina K.
Eh, I'd give it 3.5 stars. We came here for lunch, and the menu read like it was amazing. I am giving it the extra .5 because it is veggie friendly and they serve quinoa. Who knew you could find quinoa, spinach pie, and tofu at a bar/restaurant? The prices are very low, and they have lunch specials too for $5. But you also get what you pay for. Food is kind of bland, although I do give them props for trying to create an eclectic, kinda gourmet menu (certainly read really good from perusing the menu outside). I had the vegetarian banquet: salad, spinach pie, hummus, rice, and veggies and tofu. The veggies and tofu were kinda tasteless, spinach pie was good but not what you would think of as spanakopita (had egg as a binder and no feta), hummus was super heavy on tahini (which is a little off-putting) and the greek salad, though fresh, was lacking. My partner had the quinoa stew (props for quinoa! High protein seed, though eaten like a starch like rice) which was tomato based and he added the shrimp. He said the cajun shrimp was not all that cajun-y. I had the quinoa, which was tasty, but none of our food came hot enough. We also ordered the potato skins, which were good (how could they not), but were nothing special at potatoes, melted cheese, salsa and sour cream. Salsa was really good though - maybe get that as an appetizer. Could be a good place for drinks. Dunno.
(3)
Katie H.
I went with some friends to get some drinks and snacks. Our waitress just wasn't very attentive. It was very tough to flag her down, and when she did come by, she wasn't helpful. We normally tip 18-20%, but this time, we left probably somewhere around 12%, and she came to get us as we were leaving, asking what was wrong, and why we didn't leave a higher tip. Rather than argue, my group gave her a couple more dollars and got out of there.
(2)
Frank W.
Grendel's is one of those places you go when you're unsure of yourself, your evening, and what the hell is available to you in Harvard Square. I've been on two occasions, both when either I or someone I was meeting was new to the area. Grendel's reverse happy hour is always a good reason to go and get some food, but there's nothing special about this place. It's loud. It's crowded. It has very little bar space. Drinking is not optimal here, because either you get a table and are slightly awkward just drinking and not eating, or you snag a spot at the bar with the other 5 people who also got so lucky. Blah. The food is nothing to write home about either. I've had a salad, some hummus plates, and one of their chicken sandwiches. Underwhelming, cooked fine, but simply no imagination. I would rather save the money and do the food prep myself. And that's saying something. Grendel's, you try so hard to be mediocre, how can I give you anything but that rating?
(2)
Laura S.
This is my go-to bar if I end up in Harvard Square for a night. Is it great? No. Nothing about it is exceptional in any way. Does it do for a beer or two? Certainly. Last I was there, I got the CBC Amber Ale, which was quite tasty. Our server was not super attentive, it was relatively loud, but we found a quiet corner, so it worked out alright. There was not a great beer selection, maybe two things I would consider trying on tap and a few more bottled beers. If you're looking for a bar in the area, I say go here. But I wouldn't seek it out.
(2)
Jackie D.
Do you ever make a sandwich and think to yourself, "Dang, that was a really good sandwich"? Grendel's is kind of like that. Nothing out-of-this-world creative, but it's still awesome - ESPECIALLY when it's half price from 5-7. And ESPECIALLY when you don't want to break the bank but as of that moment, you've only got some frozen chicken and various condiments in your kitchen. I got the turkey and Havarti sandwich with herb mayo on a baguette, and for some reason I can't stop thinking about it. My girlfriend got the turkey burger with avocado, creamy chipotle sauce, chutney and swiss (the "Natural Disaster"), which was also very good. Best of all, we got FIVE drinks (including two Harry Potter themed cocktails and a perfectly made Dark & Stormy with real ginger beer), and the entire total came to $46 including tip. Say WHAT?! I dunno, dude. Put me in a dark corner with awesome drinks and cheap, tasty food and you get five stars from me.
(5)
Jerome T.
Their food was quite yummy, if nothing special. The burger appeared to be approximately 3oz per patty, but came with two patties. It tasted quite good, and I left satisfied. The drink that they celebrate here is the "Dark and Stormy," and it seems to be strong, but very well made. I have no complaints at all. That being said, I wouldn't come here again with the abundance of choices, but I wouldn't complain either. An average-Above average experience.
(4)
Elizabeth G.
Dark n Stormy. That's all you need to know. Grendel's makes a MEAN Dark n Stormy. The food is pretty good. Not the best food ever, but it definitely hits the spot for reasonably priced pub food (especially in Harvard Square). Unfortunately it's quite a small space, so if you're coming in a large group (I'm talking 3+)... good luck. Although on nice days/nights its not bad to wait outside. I do like some of the smaller 2-seater tables that are positioned in tiny stone nooks in the back. It really does feel like a cave, er, a den...
(5)
Dawn E.
Any bar that refuses to serve shit beer, has their own branded beer (which is yummy), and that has a 70's style crock pot behind the bar (like Mom used to have) for hot cider is my kind of bar. I am a fan. Oh, and the bartender was fun. I have never had food at Grendel's, so I'm reviewing the bar only. But the bar rocks in my book.
(4)
Warren H.
Went here with my wife and daughter for a late dinner when visiting Cambridge. Overall, we had a fine experience. It was pleasant, a bit noisy but not unbearable. We were surprised and delighted by the half price food offer and took full advantage. My daughter ordered a burger along with me. My wife ordered a seafood platter with salmon, shrimp and scallops. Everything was good save the veggies which were canned. Fresh veggies would make the experience perfect. We were looking for simple pub grub and we found it! We'll be back again.
(4)
Melissa W.
Stopped in here for a drink on a very cold winter's night for a glass of bourbon... the bartender was very attentive and personable. This is definitely a dive bar filled with hipsters and Harvard types, but not obnoxiously so. I did not try the food.
(4)
Amanda G.
Grendel's Den feels like home/my early adulthood because it's my dinner tradition with a close friend and former co-worker. Grendel's Den is pretty much like what it sounds - something between a den and the bar on Cheers. It's great. The best things about Grendel's are: There's a varied, comfort-food filled menu that is consistently delish, and it's super cheap. In fact, come here on weekdays before 7, and everything you order to eat is 1/2 price with purchase of one drink. In the Winter months, I always get a turkey burger, hot cider with rum, and share a hummus appetizer. In the Summer months, I pretty much have the same thing, sub the hot cider for white wine. I love the food, I love the place and I love the fact that it can cost less than $20 for a starter, entree and drink. For newbies: You need to grab a seat, so don't wait for a waitress to greet you, and try to get a table in the back up the stairs, because it's farther from the door (I suppose that only matters in Winter). Come Summertime, the patio opens up, and that's fun, too.
(4)
Mark C.
Decent selection of beers, but a little pricey. Service is slow, and the food is merely OK. A bit small, so you may be out of luck if you're trying to grab some food. There are tons of spots in Harvard Square you could get into quicker that have better food. Mainly a place to get a couple drinks.
(3)
Brian F.
If only we had spent less time trying to figure out where to eat and more time getting our butts to Grendel's we could've taken advantage of the happy hour prices (half off food from 5-7:30pm with a $3+ purchase in beverages)! I went for a burger... delicious! I tried Raclette cheese on my burger - unique and tasty. As the waitress described, it's salty and French--you know, the way I like my men. I'll be craving that burger for a while now!
(4)
Matt G.
I'm not a huge fan of this place at all. The only saving grace is the appetizer special from 5-7:30. Their beer list is pretty strong, with some good local microbrews. The food is mediocre and standard 'bar fare'... the thing that irritates me beyond belief is the staff that greets you when you come in. Coming in after work on a Thursday, you are often greeted with a rather surly College Senior who rather rudely demands your ID. (I'm nearly 30) [don't get me wrong, I understand the IDing thing... but at least be courteous about it!] Then, you get constant grief as you try to find a place to stand/sit since the place is always mobbed. god forbid you wait for a friend to arrive by the door... heavens no. I'm not a huge fan... I'd much rather take another T stop and head to Porter or walk down the street to Redline.
(2)
Johnna M.
Grendel's holds a special place in my heart as it is where I met so many wonderful yelpers during yelp pub crawl. I have come here a few times after and certainly appreciate the bar. Sangria is great and major props for serving Guinness the way it should be served (with the cute little shamrock thingy) I also like that the inside decor makes me feel like I am dining in the Shire and that I am surrounded by drunken intellectuals. I just don't like the food. Sounds good on paper, does not taste so good in my mouth. I typically get a veggie sandwich type thing-maybe their pub grub is better. Outdoor seating is great for people watching!
(3)
Cheryl H.
I have been to parts of the world where they don't have refrigerators and that night's dinner might be the lamb carcass you see in the market with the sun beating down upon it amidst a swarm of flies, yet I have never gotten as sick in any of those places as I did after eating at Grendel's. The highlight of the meal was the beer. If I hadn't gotten sick, I would probably give them an extra star just for their decent, reasonably priced beer list. The food though...omfg, the food. The spinach pie was okay, but the quinoa it came with had zero flavor. none. It was like they just threw some quinoa and water together and decided to serve it. And it was slightly dessicated like it had been sitting around for a while, which was the flashing red beacon that I somehow missed. My friend got some sort of combo thing that came with chicken and rice pilaf and it was the same deal - no flavor at all. Just plain boiled rice and a piece of dry, flavorless meat. The salad that came with it was a puddle of dressing with some onion slices and a few leaves. Even if it's half off, that still doesn't change the fact that the food is total crap. If you're going to go, stick to drinks.
(1)
Lu B.
Grendel's is the soft, warm underbelly of Harvard square. When you're in this windowless den it's hard to tell how much time has passed. I wish the fireplace in the front by the door was real, although I suppose that might make the tables near it uninhabitable, even in these cold winter months... I'm pretty sure that portion sizes here are created with the half-priced food happy hour in mind. Which is fine for me, since I'm not a fan of restaurant leftovers. It doesn't bother me one bit that they serve chips instead of fries; and any place that offers me a sandwich featuring Boursin has clearly found a way to my heart. My non-hops allergic friends heart the beer selection and I heart the dark and stormies. The first come first serve seating has never proven an issue for me. If I'm solo or with one friend I almost always prefer to eat at the bar, and bar space can be hard to come by here, but a table will do just fine. The servers and bartenders are kept on their toes, this place is always busy, but I always find them to be friendly. I find the unisex bathrooms quirky, rather than creepy. In summer, the outdoor patio is the absolute best place in the square to sit and people watch on a warm day.
(4)
Mindy L.
Grendel's Den is one of the few places that make me feel as though I'm not cool enough (cool being a relative term) to completely fit in with the crowd. It's an ecclectic bunch, to be sure, but I always go in and feel as though I just don't quite belong. This could totally be in my head, or it might just be the vibe of the place... ...HOWEVER I am willing to overlook a certain amount of discomfort when I am served an excellent drink. I have to give Grendel's props for mixing a very delicious Dark-n-Stormy. It's got a little spice, a little heat to it with the ginger beer...but not heavy-handed. I've had some Dark-n-Stormy's that require double-fisting with a glass of water, but not this one! It comes in a fun little mug, too so you can knock one back in style...
(3)
Ann S.
Grendel's has always been a favorite place in Harvard Square. I've been going there for years and have introduced lots of friends who have also become fans. I'm sorry to say that after last night's experience, I'm packing it in. My friends and I planned to meet at Grendels for dinner and drinks last night. My friend got there first and after waiting patiently for a table, found one that would accommodate our party of 6. As she walked over to the table, a young woman dove in front of her and announced she was taking the table for her not-there-yet party of 5. My friend pushed back, but gave up b/c she didn't feel like dealing with Rude Girl. I arrived about a minute later, with the rest of our group. After discussing what had happened, we decided to go back in to Grendel's and see if there was another table available, since it started to snow and we weren't that psyched to walk around aimlessly ISO another place to go on a busy Friday night. Unfortunately, there were no tables free, except for the one that Rude Girl, had snatched from my friend. Rude Girl was sitting ALONE at the table my friend had waited for. When I approached Rude Girl to say that table snatching wasn't cool, the door check guy--who had not been there to see the situation--announced that tables were first come, first served. I explained to him that my friend WAS there first, but that Rude Girl literally pushed her out of the way and stole our table. Door Guy then said he didn't see it, so I asked him why he was weighing in on something he didn't see? We didn't want to mix things up so we left, but really Grendel's. Shame on you for not doing a better job on being fair AND for not making saying that the entire party needed to be present to secure a table as other places do. Grendel's, this bad experience has lost you many loyal customers. I sincerely hope you do something about the seating chaos you've created. Until then, we'll be taking our business elsewhere..
(1)
Amber S.
Very friendly staff, love the comfy vibe and beer/drink choices but the food was ehhh not so great. Crab/artichoke dip was mediocre and chicken/steak from lala's grill was chicken and steak with lots of chewy/tendon-y bites. Big portions but id it doesnt take good ... why force it down your gob. I would rather me again for the drinks though... cambridge amber ale was yummy and the mixed drinks sounded incred!
(2)
Joshua W.
Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar is very Harvard Square. Anyone that hasn't been or doesn't know about Harvard Square, it's a place that's a urban sensation. Culture clash; vegans, vegetarians, music performers, bars, trendy hot spots. It's everything that you want in a hang out area that's open to all. When I got there it was down a set of stairs and you just walk in a sit down. We then we're given time to look over the menus. The waiter was more than happy to give us, not just one, but multiple suggestions to eat. As a vegetarian I decided to go with the vegetarian burger with their special topping that was made of avocado, chutney, and a couple other sauces. The combination with the handmade burger was glorious. By far the best veggie burger I've ever tasted and all the while it was an environment that my father and I felt comfortable enough to relax and enjoy conversation. Highly recommend.
(4)
Ave H.
This review is based on bar only, not food. First off, I think this place is super cute. The entrance is easily missed if you don't know what you're looking for as it is an unmarked door next to the small sign. It is a basement entrance that you have to go down a few stairs to get to. Once you enter you can immediate feel the welcoming coziness. An intimate space that is laid out very well. The bar is shaped in a manner so that you can see all the other customers at it, rather than in a line. There also are no TVs - which I thought was great. Drink prices were more than reasonable and they had a decent selection of beers (and a cider) on draft for $5. Our bartender was very friendly and she gave a perfect pour, which unfortunately is less common than it should be. This is also a bar that recognizes that different types of beer call for different styles of glasses. There is nothing worse than getting a hefeweizen in a standard pint glass. /shudder The atmosphere is very much a mix of cozy lounge and comfy hangout. I look forward to returning and hopefully trying their food in the near future!
(4)
Amanda C.
I ate at Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar last Saturday. For a meal in Cambridge this is such a great deal. From 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. they have half price all food with a $3 drink purchase, which, if you are on a crazy budget, a Narragansett is $3.25, so it is an easy bargain to swing. The service was really great and the food was filling and hot. The beer selection is really great here too. I am glad to find a place that does not serve Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Miller or any of those other beers that are bland and boring. I hope you all can give it a try!
(5)
John L.
I appreciate Grendel's Den. I like the fact that they don't serve the regular gang of beers. I like the fact that they have absinthe (though I have not imbibed in this substance, I have seen others order it). I like their bar setup, and their extensive selection of brews. I kind of wish that it was easier to move around in there (it can get quite crowded really easily, leading to wacky situations involving avoiding waiters and other patrons while maneuvering around). But overall, I like Grendel's Den, its downstairs location, and it's overall vibe.
(4)
Emilie P.
This food was great for the price during Happy hour. My friend and I had a glass of wine each, two fresh Mediterranean salads (which were fantastic), and shared a large pot of fondue. The bill? $24. Wow, can't beat that. The atmosphere is low-key and the hostesses weren't overly nice but did their job well. My main gripe were the restrooms, which are confusingly unisex (the sign on both bathrooms say "Either-or". I chose one and a minute later a man came in and attempted to force his way into the stall because I guess he couldn't hear me screaming or maybe he just wasn't expecting to hear a female voice. He told me this was the men's room and asked what I was doing there. Confused I said I was sorry but then he realized it was in fact unisex. He then apologized profusely and said he would wait outside to make sure no one else came in while I was there. This whole awkward situation would have been avoided if there were separate restrooms.
(3)
Ethan T.
Staying with my love of basement bar themes I have to comment of this place. Starting with the obvious literary name, the stone walls, wood tables, and cave like feeling make this a unique place to stop for lunch. The food is decent, and the bar has Number 9 on tap, and the feel of an ancient European tavern is palpable. The place stands out on to me is that every time I stop in I imagine the scene from The Great Gatsby where Gatsby and Nick meet Wolfshine and is cuff links made of molars. The bar is just that kind of place. Yes, there are TV's but I am not sure if I have ever paid attention to one for more than a moment. Go, relax, and let your imagination run wild.
(5)
Nik B.
Cocktail lessons for Grendel's den: 1. Please do not serve me a French75 with ice in it. Would you put ice in your champagne? I didn't think so. If you need the recipe, here it is: cocktailtimes.com/gin/fr… 2. Please don't throw a bit of wine into pineapple juice, add some maraschino cherries and call it White Sangria. What a poor excuse for a drink. When served in a pitcher full of ice, it basically tastes like pineapple juice. If that was the desired taste, pineapple juice would have been ordered. 3. Also, why is Lucid Absinthe served as the Absinthe Drip of choice? It's such a terrible brand of Absinthe. I appreciate the cheap prices, but minor adjustments can be made that will severely increase the quality of the cocktail program without having to increase the cost. I suggest that Grendel's Den consult with some mixologists and get things figured out.
(2)
Vitaliy Z.
I had a hamburger there and it was the worst burger I ever had at a restaurant. It tasted like they threw a frozen patty on a lukewarm grill. It was very bland, tasteless and with absolutely no grill marks or caramelization. And strangely enough it was overcooked at the same time. I remember having a hamburger there few yers ago and it was equally as bad. Maybe I should start to learn from my mistakes.
(1)
Danielle K.
I'm a fan of Grendel's 1/2 priced menu until 7:30 PM on weekdays. It's average bar food, but I enjoy meeting friends there anyway.
(4)
Johanna M.
Grendel's has been a staple eatery of ours for years. The secret underground restaurant and bar boasts an eclectic array of customers and regulars and has amazing happy hour prices with many healthy choices for both happy hour half-price appetizers and entrees. The best time to visit Grendel's is in the evening, as the atmosphere gets very different later on at night (unless you are into that kind of edgy thing). The crowd can get loud and the place fills up with local students quickly. But if you are looking for a mellow place to read and relax and have a tasty treat after work, Grendel's is a great well kept secret that fits the bill.
(4)
Steph P.
I've been wanting to check out Grendel's for a long time and finally went with some out of town guests today. We wanted to sit outside and were a little confused on how we would go about doing that. I would have appreciated a sign saying "seat yourself" or something along those lines. Once we sat down inside the server came over promptly, but wasn't super friendly. I liked the menu, a lot of cool things like Spinach Pie, Crab and Artichoke Dip, a French Dip Sandwich and even Italian sodas. I of course had a diet coke since I am whore for them, along with a turkey burger with grilled onions and Russian dressing. The burger was good, juicy and on a yummy fluffy roll with a side of tangy coleslaw. My companions had the lobster roll and spinach pie, both of which were yummy. I guess I just expected it to be more...special. It was fun inside, old and brick-y. The food was good and varied. But I just expected a little more. I might come by again if I am in the area and want to sit outside, but probably won't go out of my way.
(3)
Bronwen Y.
Would definitely go back to Grendel's Den after my awesome lunch there yesterday. Love the atmosphere - underground brick-walled-pubby feel. Fantastic people watching, too! Hipster Cambridge-ites, Harvard undergrads, and awkward little high school seniors on college visits with their parents. Great food selection. I had a solid French Dip Sandwich (B+, the Au Jus was a little weak) with coleslaw and a couple of Sam Lights. Love the disclaimer on the menu - No Coors, No Coors Light, No Bud, No Bud Light, No Miller, etc. etc. Great beer selection otherwise, with an impressive number available on tap. In all, A+. Wish it was closer so I could go more often!
(5)
Matt L.
Went here again on Tuesday... really as good as it gets for me with Cambridge places. The food is always decent and cheap, even when the menu isn't half price -- which it usually is. I go here a lot, so I know what to get, and the staff know how I like my drinks. People are always friendly, and unless its a Friday or Saturday night, there's always a table for two.
(5)
Jade Y.
When I first moved here, groups of us would be trying this place out since it's right in Harvard square. Their staff is friendly and grounded. The food is :/ not tasty, I'd rather go hungry then eat their food quite honestly. Not too impressed with this place, there are definitely better options in Harvard Square. Their food is just so bad I can't even write a decent review. Their beers are extremely well priced though and it's a good atmosphere to be around friends.
(2)
Milena P.
So I found this place thanks to a former fling from Harvard who insisted on us meeting here for a beer. A couple of weeks later, I ditched the dude but kept this little gem of a place. Since my best friend/tutor lives in Porter, and I live in Kendall, this was a good meeting place for us to work on homework together. And working on homework over a nice (cheap) pint of beer can't get any better. The waiters/bartenders are friendly enough. The food is just pub food, but they have half-price food between 5:30 and 7:30 and then later at night again (I think). So that works pretty well.
(4)
Jeremy K.
Having worked in Harvard square for almost six months now, it has been hard for me not to end up going to Grendel's Den. It's been around for a long time and therefore packs quite a history! People can recall having gone there twenty, thirty years ago and still come in masses... It's part of the square but can easily go unnoticed by tourists because of basement entrance... I've been there twice now, once for brunch on a Sunday morning and once a few weeks ago with my parents for a late night dinner. I like the fact that they have booze in their brunch menu; I love booze and it just makes waking up on a Sunday morning that much more pleasant. Yes, I want a mimose. Actually, make it two. Or three. I'm diverging. No but seriously, there menu isn't bad but there's nothing special or impressive about it. It's very American and most of the food is simple. The cooks don't go out of their way to create anything original. You have your typical nachos, quesadilla, pasta, sandwiches, burgers... Same, good old stuff you can find anywhere else. The atmosphere is very weird inside of this place. Despite the creepy name of the establishment it is not bad inside; they even have some tables with cute little nightstand-like lamps on them. A cool twist! It's not too spacious and is often packed. One of the dishes I had there which I trully enjoyed a lot and crave once in a while is the fettuccine with the Gorgonzola sauce they have. It's $6.50 and is both very tasty and satisfying. That's about the only thing that I've tasted there that's impressed me. The salads are bland. It's a decent place for a quick drink but not a weekly hangout-worthy place. Good for an occasional pit-stop, if that. Except if you want to eat outside. They do have a patio which caused me to add a star. My advice to them would be to tweak the menu a bit. A little less junk, a bit more taste and twists and a better use of the space... and music! Let's hear some good stuff. C'mon! Oh and watch out on some of the deals they have on the food... They have specials on certain days and times of the week!
(3)
Chandra C.
Grendel's is hands down my favorite place to warm up if I'm in the square for more than 5 minutes during the seemingly 10 months of winter we have around here. I've been day drinking, getting lunch with professors (oh, back when I was a student) and also done dinner here after a disastrous attempt at Legal's with some family friends. The food is above average pub-style but also with a decent amount of healthy options as well (always love their hummus). The winter drinks make me, actually, wish it was a bit colder right now. During the summer months, I'm less inclined to spend time here since if its sunny being in a basement bar is less than ideal, but that is my only complaint. I've been here more times than I can count (over about 7 years) and its a great spot if you just have an hour to kill or a good spot to make a night of it. Oh and though I can't give you any names of the bartenders, they are almost always friendly and fabulous!
(4)
Adam G.
Great atmosphere inside, very unique and warm but not farty or boring. The Bar is made from Salvaged Pews from a Church and they seem to have a great selection on tap. I ordered the Spinach and Artichoke dip with crab and it was delicious, very rich and the chips that came with it were some of the best I have had. My friend ordered the Beggar's Banquet which he let me try (Your choice of meat with Spinach pie, pita bread, hummus and pasta or salad.) It was excellent, especially the hummus. I ordered the Veggie burger which came with chips. Perhaps it was a dumb choice to get the Veggie Burger because it wasn't the best. It tasted okay but was not as substantial as a burger should be. Also, I did not care for the chips. We ordered the house brew (a flavorful dark kind of lager which is not really my style but was okay.) The best thing about this place was the service. Our waiter was super-nice and accommodating. Service was amazingly fast and because of the high marks with regards to service I will want to come back here next time I'm in Harvard Square. I just won't order the veggie burger again.
(4)
Maya T.
Great happy hour! Friendly staff!
(4)
Becki W.
I have been here twice, and while i have yet to have a bad experience, I can't get jiggy with this place. The food is okay, and the staff is nice enough, but that is about as much as I can "rave" about it. Basically, all I can say about it is that it doesn't suck.
(3)
Vanessa V.
Ya know what? The food really isn't that good at all. I still love the bar and the ambiance, but every time I try to eat there I'm disappointed, unless I'm paying half price. I would particularly warn against getting the fondue (unless you like your cheese too thick to dip things in), but everything on the menu that I've tried is kindof meh.
(3)
John L.
The reason I'm giving this two stars is mostly because the Guinness draft was flat. It simply did not pour to my expectations and was not served in a true Guinness Pint glass. Very disappointing. I may try this place again next time I'm in Harvard Sq. for food, but hard to, when there are so many other places to choose try as well. It is true, first impression could be your last impression.
(2)
Gina F.
Beer on tap is good. Don't order any of the food specials because it's not worth it. I had their vegan chili and it's actually really good (needs some extra salt though). Atmosphere is cozy and typical of Harvard Square. Okay place to hang out with friends but the food, in general, isn't really worth it. I prefer Tommy Doyle's, which is right across the street.
(3)
May N.
4 stars for the bar, atmosphere, and value, but 2 stars for the food. After moving here and settling in, I'm getting a chance to explore the culinary side of Boston/Cambridge and so far, am not impressed. First, to save money as my first paychecks are rolling in, I'm looking for good happy hours (cheap food, not booze, this being MA) and this seemed like a good bet. Happy hour here is 5:30-7 every night and again 9-11:30 Sun-Thurs, deal being buy at least a $3 drink, get all food 1/2 off as long as you don't eat on the patio. So, technically, I guess you could eat in the "den" during HH, hang out on the patio or the in the adjacent park as the summer heat subsides, and then go back in the den when HH starts up again Sun-Thurs! It's already an inexpensive place to eat so the HH makes it that much sweeter. Good beer, wine, and cocktail selection with very un-Boston prices. So referring to the food, I feel like I could make a lot of this at home. I'm glad I went during HH because I would have been annoyed paying full price for the Beggars Plate. My partner got the Vegetarian Plate. The hummus was rich and plain. Maybe I've been spoiled by Trader Joe's flavored hummus selection. Light, not greasy, average portions. Our waitress was prompt and cleared off our small table for two as we finished plates. Liked how the bigger tables were marked "5 or more please" because we get annoyed when we play nice by sitting at a small table and then see another couple sitting at a very large table alone. Would return for the booze, the food only during HH, but only after I've exhausted the many, many other restaurant choices nearby.
(3)
Bob H.
long wait for a good beer and a good sandwich. Next time I will go somewhere else
(2)
Lindsey M.
The drinks here are okay but the food leaves a lot to be desired. I'm certain that if they stopped doing the happy hour specials it'd likely go out of business for lack of interest. I ordered one of the salads which had an off putting cheese/lettuce ratio. If I order a salad, a sprinkle of cheese is okay; but I would have ordered nachos or lasagna if I wanted a half-a-pound of cheese. Okay, so my biggest gripe is that they have poor documentation and service around food allergies, I had to take Benadryl because they didn't disclose that their dressing was a "spicy ranch" and the lighting was so poor it was hard to tell it was tinged red. I even mentioned my food allergies to make sure the chicken wasn't blackened or seasoned in any way, and they serve me spicy ranch when it reads simply "ranch" on the menu. When I asked what was in it (the itchiness had started) the waitress said, "Ummmm, I don't know, the guy that makes it isn't here." Overall this place was disappointing and I will likely not return. I call for a rename - Grendel's Dump.
(2)
Leila T.
Really friendly, low key basement bar. Certainly not the rowdy crowd- but it can get crowded, even still, we didn't have a problem getting a table. No obnoxious douchebags, just preppy intellectuals. Service was friendly but slow. I like that they don't serve Bud, Coors or Miller.
(4)
Brian D.
Honestly, I went to the Grendel with friends several time in the late 90s, and never liked it. The staff was kind of snobby, the food was strange and the atmosphere was just...unpleasant. I understand the vagueness of that comment, but that's exactly how the Grendel always left me. Feeling vaguely disgusted. I finally went back with friends the other night to try it again. We were going to a show at the ART and they had a special deal, a select number of entrees for $8, tax and tip included and you'd be in and out in time to make your show. A great concept. Well we got there early and had a special German appetizer (appropriate, I suppose, since we were seeing "Cabaret"), made with Camembert and Caraway seeds and hot pretzels to dip. The pretzels were very hot, the dip was...meh. I liked the place a little better this time around, the waitstaff was friendly and the Bratwurst sandwich I had was tasty. My friends loved the pesto pasta, but everything else was also deemed "meh." I guess this is the sort of place that you get, or you don't. It's still got sort of a 70s-80s hippy vibe, like Birkenstocks, the Dead and backpacking in Europe. Which is fine, but not for me. I'd say there are plenty of better places in the area for food, but I will give them 2 stars for caring about good beer and at least trying to do some interesting food. If I could, I'd give them 2 1/2 stars for saying on the front of their drinks menu in bold letters "No Bud, No Bud Light, No Miller Light," etc.
(2)
Sean J.
I don;t get all the poor reviews. The staff was very friendly, even when I knocked over a glass and broke it by the bar. The drinks were stiff and cheap and the house booze wasn't bad (Bombay G&T for 5$?). I guess the only bad thing is how packed this place gets. It's really small and tends to get some overflow from the surrounding bars on a weekend night so be prepared to stand.
(4)
Dean S.
This place was stop #1 on my tour de force visit to Cambridge/Boston. Starving after a 5 hour greyhound trip from NYC to Boston, my friend picked me up from the Harvard station and took me directly here. First, and best of all, was the price of food with a drink purchase (5-7pm or 9-11:30pm, and I think we got in just at 11:30). Everything on the menu was half-off with the deal, so to go along with my Yeungling, I got the most expensive and appetizing-sounding thing on the menu -- the 10 oz Sirloin Steak banquet. And a very good banquet it was. It came with pasta, spinach pie, hummus, and pita bread. Everything was cooked well and was plenty for me and my starved appetite. I honestly don't remember too much about the taste, texture, etc of everything that I ate because I was extreeeemely hungry. But it sure hit the spot. The ambiance is dark and pubby, which I enjoyed. There were lots of Harvard students hanging out and drinking, but the noise level in the room wasn't too loud. Seems like it'd be a fun place to go to happy hour after class or after a rough midterm. I've got a place like that back at my alma mater, but I don't think the food there was quite as good. Also, Service was extremely nice and attentive. I was extremely happy to receive our bill and not feel my wallet hurting after the very first stop of my trip. I would love to come by here again on my next visit for a drink or two and some good food.
(4)
Hawker C.
Had a really disappointing casual brunch here while visiting Harvard Square. Overall, food was average, to a bit worse, with a couple of notable problems: - They serviced undrinkable, lukewarm coffee - Two of us ordered eggs Benedict. One was OK; the other was raw, almost uncooked. We asked the server to take it back, and got a bit of an argument about how we didn't understand how eggs Benedict are cooked. We then got a replacement serving that was dramatically *over* cooked. I guess the chef was trying to teach us a lesson. Service in general was slow and spacey; our server spent a lot of time chatting with folks at other tables (I guess they were friends?) and at one point even sat down to chat.
(2)
Mike N.
Certainly one doesn't come here for the ambience, because it is thoroughly unremarkable in its mediocrity. Similarly, the burgers are so middle of the road that it begs the question "why even bother?" In fact, the only thing that does stand out about this place are the waiters. If slow, pretentious, self important servers are your thing, then you've come to the right place.
(2)
Jessica J.
Great for their happy hour: 1/2 off on all food I had their Warm Spiced Rum and chicken pot pie, which was perfect after walking around in the cold. The vibe is warm and tavern-y. Wish this place was closer to me!
(4)
Kerry M.
Best joint in Harvard Square. Really relaxed, good soul food, good drinks.
(4)
Deanna D.
The service was great and the beer is cheap! We went there during happy hour so the food was half off and for those prices the food was good. I would not eat there if it wasn't happy hour as the food is not that great but its a cool joint for drinks. The menu has lots of choices and is inexpensive-- so something for everyone! We will back again!
(4)
Tanya V.
This is a true college basement bar with a Harvard spin. Warm and cozy, edgy but nice bartenders/servers, and not expensive. A good place to feel like you're 23 again, and enjoy some relaxed sandwiches and beers.
(3)
Tiffany M.
--Edit to add, regarding owner's comment-- Bringing out apps and entrees at the same time is a huge no-no. No guest should have to COMPLAIN about it for you to know that it SUCKS. Neither of you were very pleasant. I remember your comment exactly. It was
(3)
Dallas S.
So, my parents came in from Minnesota for my graduation and I took them to Grendel's Den, our experience was as such: It was a great day to be in Cambridge; typical hustle and bustle of Harvard Square, street performers and musicians made sitting outdoors enjoyable... Our waiter was pleasant when he visited our table; he made sure we had warm and fresh coffee, but it was obvious that the restaurant had been understaffed that day....The coffee was, however, good. I had the veggie burger made California style (with avocados and tomatoes, etc.) and it tasted fine enough. I'm bummed I wasn't informed that I had the option of a multi-grain roll instead of white bread. Additionally, my father had a burger and we both had the same complaint of the lack of french fries being on the menu! We ordered salsa and tortilla chips for starters and they were stale, icky! They were broken up and must have been what remained from the previous batch. The lobster roll my mother ordered was dry and scant--she also thought it was "fishy" tasting, however, she did enjoy the roll in was on! (lol)... I tried a bite of the Moroccan Stew, with shrimp and feta cheese, which was on the daily specials menu, and it was the best at the table. Therefore, I'm going to give Grendel's Den a total of 3 stars. Part of the 3 star makeup was based solely on the Grendel himself; in fact he was so great my dad had to buy a t-shirt to remember him. And there you have it.
(3)
Damien S.
One hundred forty reviews and not a single one refers to Grendel's as what it is: the womb of Harvard Square. The subterranean hug with cold beer, step-up pub grub and conversational bartenders. A truly great spot to tip a pint with friends.
(4)
Jen L.
Delicious, affordable, great drink selection. Half price happy hour is a must. This place is a go-to whenever I'm meeting up with friends. It's been a little loud sometimes, but come on. You're at a bar. Definitely recommended!
(4)
Caro M.
Mulled wine? Yes, please! I LOVE Grendel's Den! Located really close to Harvard Square- there seems to be a good crowd on any given day of the week. Cheap, easy, fun, shiiiiiiiiit! I only wish I lived closer. Every time I've been here, it's always been a great time. Could be the company I'm with. Could be the cheap boozage and bites... or it could just be this place itself. I usually sit in the lounge just to chill out over a beer or cocktail and endless witty banter and chit chat. Grendel's Den is definitely one of my favorite watering holes in Cambridge!
(5)
Julia M.
One of the few unpretentious bars in Harvard Square. Great happy hour if you want very cheap food in Cambridge. I won't call the food good, but it is edible. Barely. And do you like basements? I know I do. Grendel's is a dive, but it has a certain charm. This bar has actually been here since John Harvard founded Harvard University in 1492. True story, I read it on the internet.
(4)
Jennifer R.
A friend and I went in for a nice lunch after walking around and not finding anything much better. We immediately liked the ambiance, as it had a Scottish-pub like feel to it, almost. We sat down, excited to see what the food would be like. I ordered a chicken sandwich, and my friend got a roast beef sandwich. My sandwich was literally two pieces of slightly buttered bread with some slightly undercooked pieces of grilled chicken breast stuck in between it. I ordered lettuce and tomatoes with it, and it came on the side with only enough for one pieces of the sandwich. I shrugged that off and ate it, just because it was pretty cheap and I didn't want to be too picky. Then we saw our waitress drinking a glass of wine at the register. We didn't say anything at the time, so as not to be troublesome and whiny, but I did call them a few minutes later and asked to speak with the manager. I told him about the situation (I tried to be very nice!) and his response was, "Yup. We were just tasting a house wine. K?" ..like it was my fault one of his staff members were drinking -- and it was NOT just a "sample". I don't have a problem with drinking obviously, but doing it on premises, and right in front of the customers...I mean, sheesh...she could've at least made it into the kitchen! Needless to say, I'm def not going back there.
(1)
Danan R.
Go during happy hour (sun-thurs 5-7:30 and 9-11:30)and get the spinach pie washed down with a Dark & Stormy. All the food is 50% off. I just wish that they offered Yuengling...Sam Adams just doesn't hold a light to it. It can get very crowded on weekends and they have turned people away when they reached their capacity. This is definitely one of the tourist/college students attractions in Harvard Square, but they do have a pretty good beer selection.
(3)
Sara P.
I really liked this bar! My friend came here 15 years ago when looking at colleges, and since we found ourselves back in Cambridge, we decided to check it out. We grabbed a seat at the bar downstairs. I liked that they had Franziskaner Weissbier on draft. I also got the pasta with gorgonzola sauce, which was delicious. I also had the bread, whcih was fresh and tasty. The service was great, and I had an excellent time! I have no beef with Grendel's, so it gets a 5. I'd definitely go back.
(5)
Won Ho K.
The spinach lasagna was pretty good for bar food. Lots of olives, and the tomato sauce was decent. The wings were dry and small. Not that great. The prices were decent. It was VERY loud and crowded inside. I might go back every once in a while, but definitely not regularly.
(3)
a g.
Worst food I have ever had. Started with the calimari salad. Things got worse from there on. Ordered a burger with avocado and bacon. Bacon tasted old and stale.The avocado was too little. Bun bigger than beef pattie. There was no seasoning at all. If u can afford to eat elsewhere, please do go go elsewhere. The waiter never bothered to ask how the food was...
(1)
Suki S.
I like Grendels. They have great beer and unlike some of the other reviewers, I actually think they have pretty good food. I'm vegetarian and they have some really great options: Veggie chili and the quinoa stew are highly recommended. I've been to a lot of bars and restaurants in Cambridge and this is one I kept walking by, but never thought to go in. I think it's worth trying though. The bartenders/waitstaff are really friendly. They're all pierced and tattooed but aren't pretentious about it (see my review of The Other Side Cafe to better understand what I mean by that.) It's hard to categorize this place. It's definitely not a sports bar and it's not very swanky either. It is what it is. There is decent food and really good beer which is nice when that's all you're looking for. It does get a bit crowded at night especially during tourist season and when wannabe Harvard students are taking tours around the area. For the most part though, you'll have no trouble finding a spot at the bar or seat at a table. It's not necessarily the first choice of mine when having drinks or dinner in Cambridge but it's the perfect place for a quick drink and a bite to eat on your way to the movie theater in Harvard sq. or if you're just looking for a low-key place to go. I like it, I've been several times and will be back, give it a shot.
(3)
Alicia B.
I wouldn't call this a beer bar. Sorry. For the true beer lover, their selection is limited. But, to give them credit, they do offer a FEW crafts. But not many. When we went in early November, they had a couple pumpkins on the menu. The food is good. The happy hour deal is better. You can get 50% off your order until 7 p.m. and 1/2 off the price of your first draft. It's a good location, though a tad hard to find. And the space inside is tiny. It gets packed fast; no surprise because of the happy hour prices. I ordered the salmon. It was a perfect portion - though I wouldn't ever consider it "canjun style." Service is very subpar. We had to chase down our waitress more than once to order another round and get our check. All in all, a decent place to go. But, I certainly would NOT put this on your Harvard Square pub crawl list. Not worth it if you're looking for an array of crafts.
(3)
Brian B.
To be fair, we didn't order any food and only had drinks at the bar so I have no idea how good their menu is at Grendel's. I love this place. My party of four sat at the bar and ordered drinks and my Dark & Stormy was exquisite and my wife was overjoyed that they had her raspberry beer on the menu. To make things even better, the female bartender had made a custom playlist of 90s New Jack Swing and everyone was dancing and having a good time behind the bar as people were singing along. Sadly, we had to leave early but we'll be back.
(4)
Justin T.
Went with friends for happy hour (half off menu minus booze) on a weekday. We were there right as it started and the crowd was decent, and the service was also great. My Greek Salad was a little smaller than I had expected but for the price, who would complain? The major problem was the gnat/fly issue. Bugs were all over our corner of the restaurant! The waitress simply offered the advice that the bugs are attracted the flora along the window.
(3)
Abby J.
Main reasons why I heart Grendel's: 1. Half-price food (I'm talkin', the ENTIRE menu) Sun-Thur 5-7:30pm & 9-11:30pm 2. Awesome drinks! I'm a cocktail gal... takes a lot to get a buzz outta me. Hint: get a Dark & Stormy or Elaine's Ricky (a.k.a. the Pink Drink, $1 goes to Komen For The Cure). Also has a great beer selection. 3. Black bean quesadilla..... yummmmmmm (I know I know, it's hard to screw up a quesadilla... but the pico, green tomatillo salsa, and sour cream along with it are seriously the tits). That's the short of it. I've never tried their burgers, but I have had the Beggar's Banquet (I think that's what it's called). I've had it with the grilled chicken as well as the veggie version... both (I think, but don't quote me) include spinach & feta pie and pasta w/ gorgonzola sauce... all of which are completely delish. Yes, it's a basement... which can bum me out a bit on a nice day. But that's what the patio's for! yay! But even if the patio is full and/or crowded (which does occasionally happen)... I will still settle for the "den"... I love it that much. As far as service goes, I've never had a reason to complain. I can't remember encountering a server or bartender who was not completely attentive and friendly.
(5)
Bridget H.
Grendels has a few things going for it. The drinks are cheap and decent. I recently went there on a cold December night and was delighted to find a variety of hot and mulled alcoholic drinks on the menu. I particularly enjoyed the mulled port. The location is good and the bar is cozy (though not warm -- what's up with the fake digital fireplace?). However, the food is mediocre, if reasonably homey. I think of it as the kind of food I might prepare for myself in a hurry from someone else's kitchen. It's basic and fairly healthy, but nothing remarkable. I think it is kind of a shame given the location that they can't put someone in the kitchen who has more passion. If they food was better, I'd hang out there.
(3)
Cy K.
Drinks are pretty standard here, but the food is slightly below. The sandwiches all resemble what I'd put together at home (none of the restaurant quality). Service is friendly, but a little slow - I always have to be pretty active in flagging folks down - especially for your bill.
(2)
Anna F.
You can beat half off the entire food menu for about 4 hours every day. the food is not stellar, the service can be slow but it's a solid value in an expensive neighborhood. I also love their "no Coors, no Bud, no Miller" policy. They have a decent draft selection and a well stocked bar. Great after work or after movie hangout. Happy Hour deal: All food is half price with $3 beverage purchase per person 5- 7:30 pm every night 9- 11:30 pm Sunday - Thursday offer not available on patio
(4)
Natasha A.
Grendel's Den has a happy hour special every day where their entire already dirt cheap menu is half price with the purchase of any drink. The food is far from gourmetbut has good standard pub grub such as apps and sandwiches as well as a few more original items. I love their crab and artichoke dip. This place if lots of fun to go with a group of friends but can be difficult to get a table. They have a few outdoor tables but can not serve alcohol to them.
(5)
Dennis K.
Being a commuter from outside Boston i find it very hard to be able to enjoy Harvard Square. When i drive through i feel like i'm in China or Vietnam....with ivy. Pedestrians and bicyles rule the road and anyone in a car is merely in the way. The trek through this flood of people to Grendel's Den on this thursday night made me feel like Beowolf...only i wanted to tear my own arm off and swat people out of the way with it. Nevertheless, Grendel's is a cozy, laid back place with a pseudo bohemian vibe. An ok place for small gatherings or flying solo and running in to an eclectic variety of people. However we were a part of a group of 25 and those among us who were forced to stand due to lack of seating were made to feel like they were in the way. We kept getting told to clear a path near the doorway. Understandable but its the only place they COULD stand. The waitress was freindly, patient and professional. She accomodated our group of 25 well. I dont think any of us waited longer than 3 minutes for a drink. This was also my first uni-sex bathroom experience. I am a little perplexed as to the protocol of such an arrangment. The doors are marked "either" and "or". When i entered one and saw a girl coming out of a stall i wondered if "either" i should stay "or" go. If its not locked is it ok to stay and..er...go, or walk back out? Not sure. This was later made somewhat less vague when two girls entered as a dried my hands and proceeded immeditaly to their respective stalls without dely. Certainly a thought provoking arrangment that breaks down traditonal boundries between the sexes. The biggest problem i have with Grendel's is that they promote Paulaner's Oktoberfest quite prominately on their website. That that tall frothy-topped glass of golden brew displayed so enticingly on thier site was the only beverage that i looked forward to experiencing that night. When i asked the waitress for one she looked at me as though she had no idea what i was talking about. She directed me to a beverage menu with no Paulaner Oktoberfest even displayed on it! I asked if they even serve it and just got a sort of shrug. I have since learned that the Paulener Oktoberfest is no longer displayed on the website and there is a fine Franziskaner now being served. Our waitress was hired before the switch from the Paulaner to Franziskaner. I should also mention the other fine selections such as Dead Man Rogue and a rare personal favorite, Honey Brown at a very reasonable $3 a bottle. The owner, Kari, was kind enough to provide some feedback on my review. She seems to care very much about the reputation of her business and the experience of her customers which has had a positive impact on me. It gets a well deserved three stars from me. I'm sure my next visit will be even better when all the Harvard freshmen parents have split!
(3)
Ken M.
Wow! That was awful! I know I am starting out with a lot of exclamation points but the lunch disaster deserves it. My wife and I decided to spend a Saturday in Cambridge. We had a lazy morning and wanted to grab lunch before heading over to the Brattle Theater for a matinee. We walked by Grendel's Den, the menu seemed interesting, they had available outdoor seating and it seemed like just the ticket. We found a table, my wife went to powder her nose, I looked through the menu, the waitress comes over to get my drink order. So far, so good. My wife comes back and it is my turn to use the facilities. I get back and the waitress has still not returned with my iced tea or taken my wife's drink order. I'm a bit surprised, especially since the lunch rush hasn't started yet, but I don't think much about it. Little did I know that this was my queue to run far, far away. She finally makes it back to the table with my iced tea and takes my wife's drink order and our lunch orders. We chit chat as we wait and watch the people walking around Harvard Square. When a waiter stops at our table with someone else's order we both wonder aloud at the length of time it is taking to get our salads. It is not crowded yet. People are starting to come in and get tables but by no means is it a lunch rush yet. (for clarification, my wife and I have both worked in restaurants and we know what a lunch rush means and how to handle it) We finally get our salads and the waitress says she will be right back with my wife's dressing (why she didn't bring the dressing with the salads is a bit of a mystery). Lisa had ordered the Mediterranean Salad with grilled chicken and I ordered the broiled Calamari Salad special of the day. This is when the wait begins. The waitress tells my wife she will be right back with her dressing and then walks to the table of 5 next to us and takes their drink orders and then she walks to the only other table in the place that has patrons and checks on them and gets into a conversation with them. She finally goes in to the restaurant. My wife is waiting for her dressing so she can eat lunch. I'm waiting for my wife's dressing so she can eat lunch and therefore I can eat lunch. We wait and we wait and we wait. Finally my wife goes inside to check on the status of her dressing. The waitress is eating her lunch, chatting with co-workers and waiting for the other table's drink orders to be filled. She tells my wife she will be right up. My wife is more polite than I am and says ok and comes back. The waitress does follow shortly with the dressing so we can finally begin to eat. It was not worth the wait. The lettuce was old and bitter (much like this meal was making me), the grilled chicken was cold, dry and tasteless, the tahini dressing that we waited so long for was tasteless, the calamari was rubbery and cold. The waitress eventually checks back with us as both of us have taken a bite. When she asks how everything is we can only half-heartedly nod. She sneers (yes I said sneers) and sarcastically says "Glad to hear it". Not only is she slow and the food bad but she is a smart-aleck as well (yes I edited what I really wanted to call her). A few minutes later she walks by and my wife flags her down to ask for the check. She says she will be right back with it. She goes to check on the other table that she was headed to when we flagged her down and then stops back and tells us again she will be right back with the check. Ah, we think to ourselves, the point was made and it was just a one off misunderstanding. We wait, wait, wait and wait some more. At this point I decide to go inside to get the check. At least this time I don't actually see her eating but she is waiting for a large drink order to be filled. She doesn't see me so the bartender comes over to ask what he can do for me. I tell him that we asked for our check and that "she" (as I point to her) told us she would be right back. That was a long time ago and we just want to pay and leave. He goes over to tell her and he tells me she will bring it right over. I stay at the bar and wait for her to finish grabbing the tray of drinks, another patron's check with credit card and finally our check. She walks over to me and instead of saying "I'm sorry for the wait" or anything that indicates an attempt at understanding that she is a bad waitress she tells me "I was bringing it right up" in a petulant 12 year old tone of voice. She got no tip and we will not be going back to Grendel's Den.
(1)
Julie S.
One of my favorite places in Harvard Square. Brought two out of town friends here last Saturday. We were lucky enough to get a table, and ended up staying about two hours longer than we wanted to. It was perfect as a place to catch up and actually hear yourselves talk, while still feeling like you are at a busy bar on a Saturday night. The server came over plenty, so we never even had to get up to refill drinks. Good beer selection with a pretty good amount of craft and local beers, plus old favorites for the less adventurous.
(4)
Dave R.
It's in a basement. It's got really low ceilings that almost broke my head. It's got a map of the US next to the bathroom that points out the states that allow gay marriage, and labels the rest of the country "Mordor." Basically, how could it get more awesome? I had some kind of coffee beer here, and it was huge and awesome. I also had a pretty solid chicken sandwich. To be fair, I was also on a really good date so I wasn't paying as much attention to the food as I could have, but it's a cool place for a low-key first date! Our waitress was really patient with us, especially considering that we hung around for like 3 hours. If you like places that FEEL like they are holes in the wall, even though they aren't, check it out!
(4)
Kimble M.
If you're in the Harvard Squarea, looking for a place to grab a casual drink and catch up with an old friend, you could certainly do worse than Grendel's. It's the kind of bar that's ideal for that - small tables, not too loud, not too crowded (they will make you wait outside if it is), a not-overwhelming drink menu, and food to fuss around with while you share your life story. The wait staff is often a bit slow in getting to you, but with good conversation, you hardly care. You will have to vacate at 1AM, though, at that point you're either drunk enough to think the Kong sounds fun, classy enough to think Noir sounds fun, or smart enough to go finish your conversation at home.
(3)
Bill H.
I've been to Grendel's a number of times in the last year. It's a good place to stop for a quick bite or a drink with (one) friend. Past that you're not likely to find a place to sit at peak hours. They've got a good tap -- few regulars, few local brews, and an import or two. Food is so-so, there really isn't a single dish that I've had there that I've loved. Several solid sandwiches and salads, but nothing that I'm dying to get when I drop by.
(4)
Camille R.
Vegan options and food quality turn me on. The folks are always fun, too.
(4)
Mimi X.
Grendel's is like a back-up friend- i.e., it's like someone who annoys you most of the time, but one that you can't help but go to when all your other friends are out of town and you're bored. My feelings on Grendel's are mixed. The atmosphere is nice, but the service is really slow and sometimes rude. The food is average at best, but the happy hour almost makes it worth it. If you're looking for a hot-totty on a cold, wet day go to Grendels. Otherwise, go see your more interesting, nicer friends.
(3)
Jillian Y.
Awesome. Came here with some coworkers and what was totally awesome is that the food is half price most of the time (not sure why, kind of strange, but I accept it as a gift). We got a bunch of apps - and the spinach/artichoke/seafood dip was scrumdiddlyumptious. Arriving at 7 pm or earlier's a good idea though...it fills up really quickly afterward. If you have a group of 5, there are four or five great 5+ tables in the corners.
(4)
Greg C.
This place is just too gross and small to be comfortable. I haven't had a lot of the food there, but I have had the garden salad. The garden salad holds true to it's name. Radishes... There were actually radishes in this salad. Who eats radishes? And it wasn't just one or two slices... I'm talking a WHOLE radish. And those little, pickled, min-corn-on-the-cob things. And cauliflower. It was gross, and impossible to eat because the salad plates were perfectly flat. It was basically like eating a scoop of a compost pile on a school desk. And the waitresses are those "relaxed" waitresses. The kind that aren't snobby... but aren't good at their job either. You know the kind. Come on now.
(2)
Renee M.
Grendel's Den is CHEAP. Every night during certain hours you can get half price meals, and they always have a sandwich special that's around $5 I believe. Their beer menu is pretty darn good, the food is pretty good, but nothing really to write home about. I do like the vibe of this place though... it's in the basement of a building and it does really feel like a den. Fun place to come with a couple friends to grab a cheap lunch or dinner. There is seating outside as well, but I have not had the opportunity to take advantage of it, as the times I've come to Grendel's it's either been too crowded outside or rainy.
(3)
Janee L.
The half price menu from 5-7:30 makes this place a great dinner location. The den is a bit dark for my taste but it's got a great atmosphere and the food is excellent. I had the turkey and Havarti sandwich. It reminded me of a sandwich I really like at Disney's California Adventure only I think Grendel's may actually be better.
(4)
Rachael L.
First thing's first, you shouldn't be here for the food. The cheap happy hour is great, but don't expect you'll be putting gourmet food down your gullet. I've gone to Grendel's a few times, and enjoyed their tuna melt, burgers and chili, wings etc. I recently ordered the breaded fish and mixed vegetables, I don't know what I was thinking. Why didn't anyone stop me?! The fish was covered in saw dust and the veggies were from a soggy bag in the freezer. My boyfriend ordered the chicken curry, which was flavorless, runny chicken slopped on rice. He had to send it back and opted for the mac and cheese, which seemed to come from an elementary school cafeteria. This meal definitely left me feeling like a Grendel. The drinks are delightful, and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. It's usually busy because of their great deals. Remember to seat yourself! The waitstaff has always been accommodating and pleasant. The music, eclectic. Go have yourself a few drinks with friends and have a toe tapping good time, but it might be worth is venturing somewhere else for food, or keep your order simple.
(2)
Eric A.
Half of the restaurant (where you enter) stinks The other Half of the restaurant where the A/C is fine so make sure to sit on that side. Drinks were good, German Food was decent. I'm quite picky with my German Sausage and was decently happy with the entree. Great place to drinks and hang out though so I would come back with no hesitation
(3)
Rey P.
Not too bad. Service was weirdly... weird. I don't know. I couldn't tell if the guy was hostile or cranky or just generally curmudgeonly, but he didn't seem all that into waiting tables. My friend and I ordered the cheese fondue for two -- pretty much the entire reason we came to the place -- Swiss, Gruyere, and Raclette with white wine and kirsch. It definitely hit the spot! I mean, when will a big pot of cheese NOT hit the spot? The fondue was served with a garden salad, which was okay, but not well thought out. It was strange to me to have baby corn, kalamata olives, and chopped fennel in the same salad, and there were even other chopped veggies in it. My mouth didn't know if we were in China, Greece, Norway, or who knows where else with all the non-complimentary flavors going on. Still, BIG POT OF CHEESE. Weird waiters and melting pot salads just aren't that bad when serving up and being served up with a big pot of ooey, gooey cheese. Mmmmm...
(3)
Tiffany Z.
Very crowded and extremely noisy (on weekends at least) -- difficult to get a table. So, the atmosphere was simply not my cup of tea (but if that's the type of crowd you're looking for, it might be a good choice). The food was awful -- I think I ordered a steak of some sort and sampled my companions' food as well; in short, I wouldn't recommend ordering the food here if you can avoid it. On the other hand, I do really enjoy the warm mulled cider they do during winter. So, I could be tempted to return earlier in the evening or in the mid-afternoon (or maybe a weekday evening would be less crowded?) for a drink during the winter months.
(2)
Irene R.
worst hamburger ever. When the waitress told me (with a snarky attitude) that they only cooked the burgers one way I should have known they weren't fresh. What I got was some defrosted then cooked up patty. A waitress who didn't really want to help us out. It wasn't all that crowded and she couldn't even refill our water or get us our check. I think I'm going to throw the burger up. It really made me sick and it was just gross.
(1)
Matt K.
Who would have guessed a bar would make my freshman english class cool? If anyone doesn't know what I'm talking about then shame on you. It's straight up pub grub but they often have really great specials and happy hours. I had lunch here about a month ago for 5 bucks. Very hard to beat in the square. My only complaint, what cost them two stars was that they actually charge full price for soda refills. Not beer mind you, but soda. Not cool.
(3)
Han S.
A great place to go and grab a few drinks with some friends while solving the world's problems! Great selection of ciders and beers on tap and plus they make excellent Dark and Stormy's and have great happy hour food prices!!
(4)
Meredith V.
Pretty good food, reasonably priced drinks, great people watching, and hot waiters. What more is there?
(4)
Kat V.
I hold this place pretty close to my heart - so why, WHY does it insist on hurting me?! My very first experience at Grendel's was shortly after landing in Boston and it was pretty good. It changed my life the day I walked through that door. So, at that point I had nothing but good things to say. Naturally, when it was time for the Harvard stop October Edition of Thirsty Thursday - I gravitated to Grendel's. I had nothing but positive vibes and good things to say - why did Grendel's change that?! I called every day for 3 days leading up, letting them know that a group of roughly 20 of us were going to be coming in. I called 3 times because each time, the person I talked to seemed to have no concept of who to relay the message to or where to write it down - and each time, it was news to the person I was telling..GREATTTTT. Thursday comes, we descend on the place - high hopes in hand. Damn...let down. Our server seemed annoyed with us and not willing to work with us at all. Some of us arrived early to grab food, we arrived in time for their 1/2 price special. We asked her if we made it in time, she said yes, then delivered a check with full price. Then, she rolled her eyes when we asked to correct the check. When the rest of the group started arriving, she was taking forever to get our drinks and then scolding us as members went to the bar to get drinks. I understand that takes away from her tickets, but then she needs to actually get us the drinks...we waited as long as we could, and we waited a reasonable amount of time. And ask me to wait for you, don't scold me for going to the bar...you are not my parent, I can take my business elsewhere. Then, it came down to the checks. Several times we asked her if we could do cash and pay as we go for each person. She said yes. With groups so large, her putting us all on one ticket is unacceptable (we were spread between 4-5 separate tables) - especially since we approached her when we got there to talk about it. She just ignored us (after telling us she would)! If anything, we were trying to help her - with a group that large, it is hard to not get screwed on the ticket. Moral of the story - we got sick of the slow crappy service and went somewhere that welcomed us with open arms, single cash only tickets and all...
(2)
Michael B.
No joking, this is the best bar in Harvard Square! This is my number 1 place that I recommend my guests on my tours. Hell, I go here all the time. I just can't get enough of this place! A must in Harvard Square :)
(5)
Angie G.
Have you had the Sangria here? Have you had any of the food? Have you had anything from their menu? Are you a moron? I love this place. I've come here with a group of friends, solo. You name it. Their food is yummy. It's crazy cheap. Their Sangria is amazing. The staff rocks and.. well, you'd be an idiot not to come here to chill. It's that easy. Their "Happy Hour" or whatever the hell it's called time is awesome. Who doesn't want even cheaper yummy food?
(4)
Flora R.
Obviously - cheap happy hour food is a great find, especially in Cambridge. And it's not just cheap - the food is pretty tasty too! Be warned that it gets busy but the waitstaff is efficient and usually helpful. They have a small but well curated drink menu (those French 75s are addictive) and a handful of good beers on tap. A great option if you're hungry in the Harvard area on a small budget.
(4)
Traci H.
It's good, it's not great. It's not too cheap, not too expensive. It's not too nice, but not too shabby. It's chill, which makes it a good place to hang out, but don't expect too much. I do give it extra star power because of the outdoor seating. On a nice day, it's great to sit outside on the tables and enjoy a cool drink, but be warned, you MUST order food if you're going to drink on an outdoor table - something about a city law that you can't serve alcohol on the outdoor table unless there's a food order. However, they're pretty cool about it and we just ordered a plate of peas to go along with our drinks. Yes, I said that right..."I'll have the peas and a coco mojito." Nothing wrong with that! The food is ok. The service is ok. It's a nice place to just hang - low stress environment bar to just hang with your friends.
(4)
Tommy V.
This is kind of a neat place, but the prices on the lunch menu are now higher and the food has always been just okay. Service is always very spotty too. For the price and pretentiousness, i'd say you can find better in the area. If you are into drinking, I'm sure this is a fine spot, but no "major" beers are served.
(2)
Sarah A.
Oh, Grendel's. Knocking you down a star after some horrible service at the outdoor patio. I don't feel like going into all the errors of the server, but, seriously, when the water you requested with your drink order arrives at the END of the meal, just before the check, that is just BAD. I still have a special place in my heart for Grendel's, however, but I think I will stick with the half priced happy hour menu. It's easier to take bad service when you're not paying full price for you meal.
(3)
Eric R.
I took my second trip to Grendel's this past saturday night with a small group of friends and it was exactly what we were looking for. We tried to meet at Grafton Street but per usual it was jam packed and there was no way to get to the bar so we headed out quickly. After being told Tommy Doyle's had a $5 cover we headed down to Grendel's since all we wanted to do was hang out and have a few beers - anywhere that required a cover or for anyone to remove a baseball hat wasn't going to fly... Some seats at the bar opened up pretty quickly and we were able to each grab a seat and belly up to the bar. I had the Grendel's Ale which was surprisingly good. Bar tenders were friendly and attentive and it wasn't too loud so we were able to have the night out we wanted.
(4)
Charlotte M.
I like this nearby bar within the heart of Harvard Square. The food is wonderful, and really reasonably priced often half price if you buy a drink. Nice atmosphere downstairs inside the primary bar, and also terrific out door seating inside the summer. I've had some not so good experiences with a number of the staff working there, but in case you can get past a couple of rude encounters, it is a great place to hang out and grab a drink as well as a bite to eat.
(4)
David L.
Grendel's is an incredibly cheap, hole-in-the-wall type place that is a hangout for mostly graduate students. Food is half-priced from 5-7:30 everyday, and they also have lunch specials for $4.95, but overall the food is not that great. Soup and sandwiches are ok, basically what you would expect, but everything else is definitely subpar. However, they do have a fair amount of good beers on taps and other drinks for reasonable prices. The restaurant is really small and the cluttered layout of the tables probably violates about 75 fire codes, which makes the place seem fairly crowded during all hours of the day. The service is about average to below average, but you could figure that out as soon as you stepped into the door and looked inside for 2 seconds. Overall, Grendel's is not a bad place for a few drinks and a quick bite, but you get what you pay for.
(3)
Kar M.
Very Very nice find. Veggie Friendly Comfy What more can you ask for when it comes to pub food? A+
(5)
Misty C.
The bar tender flipped me off, literally. He gave me double middle fingers for asking where my card was (he had been ringing me up for about 20 minutes and I was anxious to get my card back). Do NOT go to this bar if you expect decent customer service and a friendly smile. I have never been FLIPPED OFF by an employee of any business until tonight. Perhaps he thought we had some kind of banter going on, but we certainly didn't, and I was wildly offended. Don't waste your tip money on this bar.
(1)
Boogie S.
1st to review!!11 I brought a friend from outta town here for some cheap food and beverage on a Monday night. The crowd was thin, but I wasn't expecting it to be slammin' with mad phat hunnies. I just wanted a pint of something tasty and some form of cooked animal flesh, and with that I had great success. I ordered a Paulaner Hefeweizen and a bubba burger? I'm not sure about the name, but it was two slabs of perfectly cooked beef with cheddar, bacon, and BBQ sauce. Served with potato chips, not fries, but I can't complain for $8 cut in half to $4 during "MA happy hour". Thanks a lot, Puritans. My Russian friend noobed out and ordered a lobster sandwich, which was pitifully small as I had predicted, but at half price was still an okay deal. I laughed at his poor decision while BBQ sauce dripped down my face in triumph. Bartender was cool as hell, the place had a relaxed vibe, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
(4)
Grace S.
Pros: Half off your meal from 5-7:30pm with the purchase of a drink. Are you kiddin me?! Good, decent vibe -- somewhere in between a neighborhood bar and the pub at Harvard. Cons: That said, the drinks and the food are nothing to rave about. Balance: PROS BOTTOM LINE: Grendel's, all in all, you're A-okay. And nightlife in Harvard Square would lose its cham without you.
(3)
L J.
I've been here twice. The first time was a weekend night sometime in the winter. The winter in New England lasts so long I have no way of remembering what month it was, but it was packed with good looking people drinking heavily. Today I went and ate lunch outside. It's early August, and it was extremely comfortable compared to the heat wave condition that I've grown accustomed to. The lunch specials are about $5 and I have to recommend the Spinach Pie & Rice Pilaf (Thursday Only). My date wrapped it up with a cappuccino, which I thought was very classy, then on the way out I gave a couple bucks to the busking musician out in the park. It was a great day, and whether it's winter or summer, Grendel's good.
(5)
Katherine E.
Good food at good prices. It can get crowded which makes the service a bit slower. But well worth the wait.
(4)
J A.
Grendel's is my go-to place for a REALLY affordable dinner/drinks in a true pub-style atmosphere. You've got to hit this place during their happy hour, which can't be beat. Where else can you get 1/2 price off of the entire menu with the purchase of at least one drink?! I have brought my friends here over and over and they always say, "wow, how come I didn't know about this place?" Some of my faves: their sangia (carafes/pitchers only), their yummy BBQ salad with shrimp, and their hummus plate. Oh, and if you're a sweet cider fan they have "Sin Cider" on tap. The food is yummy, the prices are great, and the only drawback is if you get there right in the middle of their happy hour time. You could end up waiting for a while, especially if you're with a group. It can be hard to find enough room for everyone in the midst of that deal. I suggest getting there just before happy hour starts, or towards the end right before it's finished to get your meal and the deal.
(4)
Lauren R.
I still stand by my previous review - but having had a Magic Hat #9, the Popeye salad, and a quesadilla for around $10 last night, I am forced to re-evaluate the situation. Perhaps I'm growing more frugal, but the whole "half price ALL food" (provided you buy a drink) thing is really appealing. The spinach in my salad (the Popeye boasts green apple slices, walnuts, mushrooms, blue cheese, and a sh*t-ton of spinach, natch) was a little limp due to the dressing, but it was otherwise delicious. If I had paid full price for that salad, I might have been peeved. My cheese quesadilla, which was pretty good, albeit it is fairly difficult to mess them up, came with a chunky dry salsa, sour cream, and what I at first thought was runny guacamole. This last item appeared to be a spicy green pepper....thing. It was too runny and not chunky enough to be salsa, so I don't really know what to call it. The food's not perfect, but you can't beat the price. I think I finally understand what all the fuss is about.
(4)
David D.
A great pub atmosphere, especially when you come for the happy hour. All their food being half price (with a $3 drink order) is ridiculously awesome. Go between 5 and 7:30pm Sunday through Thursday to take advantage of that. Just because I discovered the food was half-price, I figured, what the heck, I'll get the lobster roll. WIth the instant 50% discount, it was only $6.50. Having just moved to Boston from DC, I was expecting something great up here in the Northeast. No such luck, their lobster roll is only decent. But for $6.50? Um, sure. I promptly finished it, and ordered another entree. Because, well, I can. The second entree (portobello and goat cheese wrap) was much better. Also, their Dark and Stormy is one of the best I've had. Try it if you're there.
(4)
Nicolas C.
Grundal's den is in the pit of Winthrop street. The squeamish feelings imagining a dirty grundal is comparable to that of my experience at Grendel's, here is what I mean: Upon entering the establishment I saw it was charming, warm and laid back. I had just came from Border Cafe and had been carrying some leftovers. Me and my buddies were cruising Harvard sq in celebration of a friend's 21st birthday and decided to pop in for a drink. I took out a quesadilla and started to eat it knowing very well that I would surely be asked to put it away or I would "beat the system" and finish it before anyone was aware. What I didn't expect were the tone and manner in which the patrolling server handled the situation. "It's actually illegal to eat that here" he (mis)-informed me with a tone that suggested I had just murdered a puppy. Clearly the legislature has something on the books for Grendel's den. "Illegal?", I asked curiously. I don't know the law so well. "What I mean..." He said something that clarified. In my mind he stumbled on his words and wet himself since he had just realized he was using the law to deter me from eating a quesadilla, tool. To be fair our actual waitor was attentive and the prices are fine. I just happen to have experience something that upset my delicate sensabilities and soured my perspective. The moral of the story is that customer service is key and tone conveys a whole lot more than words. Don't be an authoritative douche bag to a customer through your "big boy voice", your not a drill sergeant.
(2)
Anthony R.
Grendel's has: - Well-priced and well-made cocktails - A good set of beers (the 500 mL Paulaner Hefewiezen sticks out as a particularly good value) - Giant happy hour deals - A great patio area - A pretty cool basement space - not so great when it's nice and sunny out but the perfect place to weather a storm or spend an evening With a few important caveats: - Mediocre food, for the most part. The burgers are pretty bad -- my suggestion is sandwiches and buffalo wings, which are both at least okay. - No deep fryer, is my suspicion - explains the lack of fries and other fried appetizers - No happy hour deals on the patio (don't get burned!), and hard to get seating when it's nice out - Often rather slow service In the end, not a stellar place, but a good bet for quick, inexpensive eats during happy hour or a couple drinks with friends.
(3)
Joanna F.
My friend and I went here last night for dinner. I wasn't sure if she would like it since she's generally not into "bar food" and she tends to like classier joints. But she seemed to really like this place, and so did I. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, especially on a cold winter's night. The service was awesome and the menu is fairly healthy for bar food. I got the mediterranean platter which was supposed to be steak tips, hummus, pita and salad. I somehow ended up with steak tips, mashed potatoes, a piece of grilled chicken and salad. I don't know what happened. The steak tips were tougher than I would have liked. So the food was so-so in my opinion. I would definitely come back for some drinks and probably dinner again. I may not come back solely based on the food though.
(3)
Dara C.
Grendel's serves a perfectly serviceable burger: two flat patties, a little overdone/gray for my taste but still juicy, smushed in a soft deli roll, dripping with cheddar and bacon grease. Anemic tomato notwithstanding, it was cheap and satisfying. (No fries, though. Only bagged chips. In the words of Snookie ... wahhh!) Michael Schlow's burger this ain't; still, it's kind of exactly what you want with a beer. Crab-artichoke dip left a little to be desired. It was mostly warm-ish cream cheese with large chunks of (imitation?) crab and some stale corn chips. Not the most flavorful crab-artichoke dip I've had; it was screaming out for the addition of salt or spice. Good, short beer list with cheap, cheap bottles of beer, the only way to a woman's heart. And the patio is the best location in Harvard Square for people-gawking. Service was fine, as long as you're not expecting white gloves and a palate-cleansing sorbet. (Narragansett is, of course, the best palate cleanser ...) A solid three stars. I'd happily return for some apps and drinks.
(3)
Paul S.
As a college student, this is a great venue. Food is good, prices are very cheap, and the vibe is always nice, whether it's brunch, lunch, dinner time, or late night drinks. Love the patio seating outside during nice weather as well. The service is not the greatest, but I think this is a great place to bring your friends!
(4)
Ken P.
I'm a huge fan of this place. The food is really good, and during the half-priced time period, really cheap. The beer selection is great. The ambiance is what you'd sort of expect from an old-fashioned basement bar. The only issue I typically have is a lack of seating. There really aren't that many tables for the amount of people that trickle in during peak hours... But, for a place with cheap food and good beer, that's to be expected.
(4)
Sally F.
Grendels has now updated their website and their staff on which items on the menu are "safe" for glutards like me. So, if you're gluten-free, head over to their website for a GF menu...they have them in the bar, too, so you'll be all set. Enjoy your quinoa, everyone!
(5)
Mark T.
bobby s. Said: "The door man drinks Guiness while not allowing you in with proper ID!?!?!?! The floor is filty and so are the waters/waitresses as they sneeze on you (why me!!!!!) I walked back outside to talk to my freind and the dor man was sos drunk from Guiness tha he keeps on the cornerstone that he forgot who I was and would not allow me in until my girlfriend showed her breasts. He has glasses and a dark brown beard and is fat (BEWARE THE GRENDEL STAAAACKER!!!!!!!!!)" LMFAO!! If this is the guy I think it was given from what he's bitching about and the date of teh review, I was sitting at a table in the back room kind of diagonally near this guy, and went out for a smoke as he got KICKED OUT!! He pulled a KNIFE OUT on his friend and then threatened to call the cops on the DOOR GUY (who wasn't exactly walmart greeter friendly but about as good as you get for a random door guy in Harvard Square, which isn't bad)! I didn't exactly sit down and have a drink with a guy but he seemed like a totally coked up useless douche. Anywhoo, the seafood combo was totally fine (if a touch overcooked), especially for the money during happy hour. The burger was honestly kind of crap. I've been in here before and had the hummus plates which are genuinely tasty, as well as a decent veg tofu plate... DEFINTELY not 5 star but at half price it's good stuff. They've got pretty cheap Gansettes and a few Octoberfests which are normally priced. Extra star for the value and the BS that the staff deals with. Hillarious.
(4)
Michael K.
Everytime I walk by this place and it always smells really good. So I thought I'd give it a try last night. They had 1/2 off food from 5:30pm -7pm, and from 9pm-11pm thats if you buy a $3 drink which is really cool. We ordered the spinach, artichoke and crab dip. There was barely any spinach, and I could see the chunks of crab, but I had to add a lot of salt to taste anything. I had the portobello wrap, which was really wet and tasted like styrofoam. The potato chips it came with were better than the wrap. My wife had the Spinach Pie which was decent but it was a very small portion. I can see why they charge 1/2 price on food. I don't think I'd go back here for meals again. We found out that the good smell was coming from "Upstairs on the Square"
(2)
Jess L.
I might have a bias because I went in knowing I'd like this place just because of all the great things I had heard. I went around midnight with a few friends. It has a really welcoming atmosphere. The wait staff was really friendly - we chatted about Obama - and I had the best peppermint schnapps hot chocolate. In fact, everyone who ordered a spiked coffee-like drink was pleased. The atmosphere was fun, and it wasn't too loud (i.e., you could hear people). My roommate had been there before, and she said the food was great, too. I'll definitely go back to explore some more.
(5)
Jenna P.
Came here earlier around dinner time on a Friday night and sat at the bar with a girlfriend of mine. We split a chicken sandwich and a bottle of white wine. Everything was delicious and the prices were great! Seating is limited but I thought it was worth the wait!
(4)
Hiep V.
Myself and a couple others decided to give Grendel's a try only because they offered fondue on the menu. It was either here, the Wine Cellar, or the Melting Pot. After an hour of sifting through reviews of the fondue from the three choices, we chose to go with Grendel based on cost and overall satisfaction from other Yelpers. Harvard Sq. has always been a headache for me to park. On a Thursday night, we gave up looking for street parking and parked in the garage. Yay for $2 validation, nay for the $14 I had to pay after an hour and half. Upon arrival, there weren't any available seats for us as we arrived right at the end of 1/2 price hours. We ended up seating ourself temporarily in a back area by the rear emergency exit. Our surface was merely a half table with 3 bar stools so eating on it was certainly out of the question. The waitress arrived and we opted to just order drinks until a bigger table opened up. The way we were situated, it was not possible to see if people left or not, so we asked if the waitress could let us know when something else opened up. Five minutes later, she informed us that a table had opened up on the other side of the wall, and we quickly made our way over. We had noticed that the bar was serving warm cider and it was something that my friend and I wanted to try. I noticed on the main page of the menu a "Sin Cider" and assumed that it would be the same. When it came out, we knew that we had clearly ordered the wrong thing, but decided not to make a hassle out of it and it was only our fault out of ignorance. To describe the cider, it was white wine served in a pint glass. I actually enjoyed it and it went very well with the fondue. For food, we had the crab dip, fondue for 2, and a tuna melt. The crab dip was okay. Our 3rd person said the tuna melt was good. I felt the fondue was good. I have an infatuation with cheeses and loved the fondue. My two friends felt that the wine in the fondue was a bit heavy, but I thought it was just fine. I've had fondue in Switzerland a couple years back and as I recalled, it tasted quite similar. The two of us were unable to finish the fondue. We only made it through half the basket of bread. I would have loved to finish everything, but didn't feel too comfortable thinking of how many calories I had just consumed. Our waitress seemed tired but yet she was patient and helpful with everything. I'll definitely go back again, but will definitely try to arrive during the half price hours.
(4)
Kevin L.
Our really cool waiter brought us some extra potato chips, because the ones that came with our food were good. We asked him for seconds (thirds?) on chips, and he brings out this GIGANTIC, UNMARKED white bag full of chips. And he was wearing a hilariously racist shirt! Loved it.
(4)
Deepa C.
This is the perfect place for a group after work. Or for a couple of people grabbing a drink after dinner. Or for a Sunday afternoon pint. We used to come here after salsa class for pitchers of sangria, and it was always hopping on a random Tuesday at 10. Not many places in Boston can say that. The food is nothing spectacular, but the atmosphere is welcoming and the vibe is inviting.
(3)
Annie L.
I hear "cute" is not the word to describe this trendy scientists' bar. But it's damn cute. To me, it's less like Grendel's Den and much more like a Hobbit's Hole. But nobody really asked me. Beer is priced fairly. I think maybe it was cheap-ish or half-off one night, and it was definitely moderate during Oktoberfest.
(4)
Darren G.
Why do I keep ending up here? The location is great, the atmosphere is pretty good, the restaurant set up and structue is cool. The food...dismal and the service...horrible. There is one member of their staff who I had the displeasure of having twice who is just not friendly. I've gone for drinks a couple times as well and as long as you're sticking to beer you'll be okay; don't order a mixed drink.
(2)
Chris C.
great spot!!! good food!! relaxing and special kurdos to NICK for being such a FABULOUS bartender and host. great saturday handout
(5)
Erica S.
Half priced food from 5-7:30 every night, and 9-11:30 Sunday through Thursday. Yaaaaayyyyy!!! I get a couple "dark n' stormies" (they have the BEST ones) and a plate of Salvadoran vegetables with tofu and rice, and always leave stuffed, happy, and kinda drunk. Sure, the food isn't amazing, but it's decent, filling, and when it's half price, my dinner always costs less than a drink... I speak for the broke asses of Boston when I say, that's a freakin' sweet deal man! People have pretty much covered the ambiance and the bathrooms, so I'll keep it short: Ambiance= chill and cozy, like there should be a fireplace in the corner and a moose head on the wall or something. Hot tip= no half priced food outside, sorry, but the patio IS nice! Bathrooms= coed, and confusing for drunk people. Yay Grendel's.
(4)
Tim F.
Not going to say I'm wild about this place. For a basement, they do alright, but even the fireplace can't save it. There are places better for ambiance, and better for pub grub.
(2)
Danie R.
In Massachusetts, it's illegal to have booze to be on "happy hour" so most establishments go with a food happy hour, like Grendel's! Grendel's happy hour is INSANE though! It's my absolute favorite. Their food is half-priced for about 5 hours a day and the food is goooood too. I like the natural disaster on a veggie burger, nachos, and their portobello reuben. The bar tenders are always lovely, as I only sit at the bar, and their French 75 is fantastic. Peter enjoys their beers too.
(4)
Denise M.
In terms of value for both food and drink, this is a great place. With it's location, the Den could definitely charge 2 or 3x the price, but has elected instead to serve standard pub food with a wide selection of drinks to create a fun atmosphere.
(4)
Jen H.
I've been here a handful of times now, and really... Meh. I've experienced better. I'm actually upset by this because it's in a fun location, seems to have decent patrons, and could be a really fun hangout spot. But sadly, those have not been my experiences. First time I set foot in here, you smelled like fish. Strong odor of fish. I walked in, I walked out. I can't take a fishy smelling place, makes me ill. Second time I tried you, I was very nervous. Lucky for me, the fish smell was gone. *phew* Had a drink, really busy, kinda crappy service, but everyone has off nights now and then, and you were busy so... I can't complain too much about that. Third time, came and this was the first stop on a pub crawl. It was the meeting place. No matter where I stood (by the bar) I seemed to be in some server's way. Rather than say "excuse me" or tell me a better place to stand so that I wasn't in their way, I got bumped around/into 80% of the time. :-( Fourth time, my first time getting food. I ordered the quesadilla appetizer because I was there in time for the apps special. Very disappointing and unflavorful. Glad I got it on the apps special! Which, the waitress forgot to do initially... no biggie, we'll just ask her to fix it. Oooh, a mean mug! What was that for?! :-( Then, the rest of the group started to arrive, we started to take over the tables, and everything went to hell in a hand basket. I was not drinking, so the wait time wasn't bothersome for me, but GOOD-NESS. It shouldn't take that long to get service. People had to start going to the bar to get drinks in a 20minute timeframe. But, then we got scolded for going to the bar. Okay, I get it, that is $ you're not getting, as a former server, I understand how that would be disappointing and/or annoying. However, I would have busted my butt to get everyone drinks so that DIDN'T happen, and our server did not. Oh, I do NOT like the co-ed bathrooms with multiple stalls. That's just weird to me. If it's unisex then it should be single stall. Just something that makes me uncomfortable. Maybe it's my own hang up, or maybe others feel the same way... I'm not sure. I think I'm willing to give Grendals one final try, and if it's still lackluster, then I think that's gotta be my final attempt. Normally, I wouldn't have even given it this many tries... but there's something about the place that keeps me coming back and hoping that it will be better. I almost feel like I'm in denial of an abusive relationship or something. One more time... then I will have to move on. Here's hoping!
(2)
Emily C.
This place has a great vibe! Obviously being in Harvard square helps-but I think the ambiance of being called a den and having the setting be in a basement helps! The beer is great-the bartenders are friendly but not great on their tentativeness. The food is just ok-nothing spectacular. Mostly I like their salsa...my gf tried their Gorgonzola pasta with Cajun chicken and it literally looked like something that came out of a box but it tasted great. I think without the Gorgonzola it was legit pasta roni! Grendel's Ale is superb though!
(3)
Rupert H.
I used to really like Grendel's...I went there for lunch yesterday and it was just awful. Service was REALLY slow. The $4.95 lunch specials are supposedly served quickly--it took about 30 minutes for our food to be served. I ordered the veggie burger and it was just awful. A tasteless burger with no visible vegetables, and served with nothing--no lettuce, no tomato. It was just awful. I definitely won't be going back there.
(1)
Cloie H.
*I have been meaning to write this review for two weeks; I finally have gotten my butt in gear because upon checking my profile, the last review I wrote was for a Taco Bell. That is being fixed right now.* I really have a soft spot for this place. It is tucked away behind a nondescript door and is rather cramped (at least on the nights that I have been there) but it has character and that is something that you just can't buy. I am going to admit something right now which is not the norm for me. I order the same exact thing every time I go here. This may hamper my review in your eyes but I honestly don't care too much. I order the fondue, a French 75, and a Mediterranean salad. Every time. judge me, that's fine, whatever. It's good! If you have been to Grendel's you might be thinking that getting the fondue for just yourself is suicide by cheese (what a way to go) but I always go here with my BFF who lives near by. The "fondue for two" is normally $25; steep true, but it can easily feed four people and during a certain time in the early evening all their entrees are half price. I don't know what the exact time is or I would write it here, but it is similar to happy hours time. The last time I was there was about two weeks ago and I was with a relatively large group of people (9) so we were seated right by the door at a large round table that in its former life was a wagon wheel. Now, growing up on a farm I know a small fact that not all people know; when laid on their sides wagon wheels are not flat. They are slightly convex; this is in order to absorb shock when actively participating in wheel-like activities. Thus, when wagon wheel tables were all the rage in the 80's, they had glass tops to them. The wagon wheel table at Grendel's does not have a glass top. Another interesting fact: they have filled he space between the spokes with cement and then pushed pieces of broken china into it. So, to sum up, this table is convex with a horrible uneven surface due to a slightly dated craft technique. Clearly the best surface to serve any type of food or drink. I think you know where that story went. Luckily it was my drink and not the flaming pot of bubbling cheese. The point of this long ramble is this; the waitress we had was awesome. She was right there when it happened and she asked what I would like to do (new drink or water?). I told her honestly that I didn't want an entire new drink but I would have liked to finish the one that was spilled upon me. She told me that unfortunately she doesn't think that they make half drinks and upon that information I decided to have a water. When she came back with the water she had a half a drink for me too, surprise! She also handled the ordering of nine people at various different times just fine and had most, if not all, of the orders come out at the same time. She wasn't snippy or saccharine, just a normal girl doing a great job. She gets a whole star. The other two stars go toward the food and the location, and (as of right now anyway) with their rating being three and a half stars I would like to dedicate the half a star to the atmosphere. This place is in an urban collegiate neighbor hood and it is not at all douchey or grungy; it isn't trying to hard but clearly still cares about its patrons. Yes it is small, but hey, so is practically any restaurant in Cambridge. If you want to have good drinks and yummy with people you like in an atmosphere that is not any where near intimidating, you should go here.
(3)
Mittal S.
I did not eat here because they did not have seating for couples even though there were 3 tables available, but they were reserved for groups of 5 or more. It was super loud. This is a perfect college hang out. After waiting for 25 minutes, I walked out. Will not go back here again.
(1)
Irene B.
I like Grendel's Den on their off-peak hours. Saturday at 4:30 or Sunday brunch is a good time, you can always get a seat and its a pretty cozy place to hang out at. Friday - Saturday nights its packed and I usually stay away. You cannot buy Miller, Coors or Budweiser here - their house brew is pretty unremarkable and their beer list isn't terribly extensive, but happy hour is 5-7, which is pretty sweet. Food is okay - the hummus is tasty, the salsa is from a jar - I still like Grendel's, though.
(4)
Leighann F.
Disclaimer: this is a strictly atmosphere/bar/drink-related review. This has nothing to do with food....yet. Charming wood tables, lots of exposed brick and an eclectic mix of people: students, professors young and old. A bustling but not too noisy atmosphere, this place seems perfect for anyone looking for a few low-key drinks. There were tables for couples tucked away in the corner, big tables for groups and plenty of spaces at the bar. Great beer selection and a short walk from my new pad, I will definitely be back here. Maybe soon I will talk about the food. OH - one odd thing...I THINK the restrooms are co-ed? The signs on the doors say "either or" with pictures that made no indication as to whether they meant "male" or "female."
(4)
Marti S.
A friend and I had heard about these half price entrees, so we figured we'd check it out, being poor grad students and whatnot. We figured the food would be overpriced, like everything in Boston, and that we'd end up paying more than we'd like. However, we were pleasantly surprised! The food is fairly inexpensive to start with, and then after the half-off, it was so cheap! For the two of us, after tip, it was only about $20, and that was with drinks (which are not half off). The food isn't amazing, but it's better than you'd expect for the price. I had a roast beef sandwich with herb cheese, and she had a Mediterranean wrap, both of which we enjoyed. Apparently, the peppermint schnapps hot chocolate is also yumtastic. I wasn't super impressed with the beer selection, though. It's super busy during happy hour when everything is half off (5 - 7:30), but we noticed that business kind of tapered off around 6:30, so it might not be a bad idea to head in a little later, rather than earlier.
(4)
fraulein v.
The Beer selection is great. Great German beers poured correctly. The outside seating in the summer is also grand. The food isnt great, the only pro is that it is cheap. Someone said they had a decent vegetarian selection that i found laughable. All in all i would like this spot a bit better if not seated in the jock - douchebag section every time. still, i might rather go to charlies for beers.
(3)
Anna W.
My co-workers and I go here for Happy Hour at least once a month. Note to beer drinkers -- this bar is anti-Anheuser-Busch, so they don't carry any of their beers (Bud, Michelob, etc.). So, don't ask for them because then they know that you're not a regular and you will get some long speech about why Budweiser is the devil incarnate. Anyway... I love the 1/2 price food deal they have going on during happy hour. Granted, the food isn't that great, but then again, you get what you pay for! My two favorite things on the menu are the garlic bread (decent) and the stuffed portabello mushroom (actually pretty good). Stay away from anything that requires actual preparation and cooking. You will be sorely disappointed. Also, they don't have fries here, which is a bummer. They give you potato chips instead. Blah! The wait and bartending staff is nice and down-to-earth. They are quick to see if you need a drink refill or anything else. Given that this place is in a basement, ambiance is not that bad. It could use a few TVs, and the tables are all rickety because the floor is incredibly uneven, but even with all those bad points, there is no other place I'd rather spend happy hour in Harvard Square. We've tried other places, but we always go back to Grendel's. We can be as loud and obnoxious and we want to be and no one else cares because they are just as loud! Gotta love that.
(3)
Haley T.
Best place to sing along to "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch" after consuming (one too many) fine and tasty beverages.
(5)
Dee P.
The food is so cheap! Never mind the half-price after-work dinner special, just the regular menu is a deal. And right now they're running a "throwback" specials menu to their original (1970s) offerings-- I don't think anything was over $8. Tasty, tasty. Almost-always-great service, good beer selections and talented bartenders. A really mixed crowd, co-ed bathrooms, and a super-friendly atmosphere. Definitely one of my favorite places to grab a beer. Patio seating relatively recently opened up for alcohol service (but you do have to eat something. Or order something, in any case)- as it gets warmer it'll be harder to come by (long waits) so check it out if you haven't!
(5)
Nick C.
Grendel's Den is my favorite bar in Harvard Square. Low key, good beer, good service, and $5 dollar nachos. I go here for a quick beer and snack whenever I miss dinner. Unconditional recommendation.
(5)
Alicia N.
Honestly when someone said we were going to Grundels, I thought it was a sexual innuendo and didn't have any idea what was going on. A stumble down the street and a pair of stairs later I lost my grundle virginity. So the table wasn't stable and I had to hold it up with my knee....and yes the food probably wasn't anything to write home about BUT with half off appetizers(litz about $2 each), cheap drinks, and a non-annoying attentive waiter I will definitely frequent this place. Our fire locked bearded waiter was at our beck and call all night, refilling drinks without being annoying. He didn't mind that we lingered for an awkwardly long time glassy eyed and gossiping. I would never suggest this place as a first date, or for a good meal but if you and a bunch of friends want to get loose and relax this is the place to go without ending up broke.
(4)
Tristan B.
Did you get rejected from Harvard University and could only get into Northeastern? Did you really want to hang out with Harvard undergrads, watch them play cards, and be part of the crowd, because that's really all that matters when it comes to horseshoes, hand grenades, and making sweet contacts? I know I always wanted a Harvard girl to show mommy and daddy that even though I slacked off in high school, I could at least hang out with smart people and be their peer. If so, Grendle's Den is your answer and salvation. Thrill to the fact that you're in the actual room with possibly the brightest (or perhaps the most legacied) young men and women in the country. Never mind that they're getting shitfaced on crap beer, or just being abject assholes in general in their own parties, you want Harvard, you got it here. There's a reason why they call it Grendle's Den, and I stress the word "den". Outside of the token few tables set up outside during the fall, you're going to stumble down the few brick steps into a traditional locale that's more or less the bowels of the school. It's sort of dark, it's not pretty, and you probably shouldn't wear that school blazer down here. In fact, it seems the general fashion code is "Whatever I could scrape up off the floor.", which is pretty much fine for this place. I don't suggest going here though if you're rearin' for some after a social party drink. Food is cheap during "happy hour", but with the cheapness comes the price (hur hur) of it not being that great. It's completely functional, yes, but Miracle of Science grub this ain't. But jeeze, half price food? I can't cry about it too much. Just keep it in mind that heartburn is a possibility. Carry your tums. Drinks are standard fare, you can actually get a Dark & Stormy or a Black Russian without getting funny looks, which is definitely a plus in my book, as I am a stickler for my dark alcohols. Martini's are serviceable, but it's pretty hard to screw up a glass full of gin with an olive in it. Service is decent, even when packed, which is always a good sign that they're properly staffed. No qualms there. So yeah, I don't really hang out there that much, being post college and all, but that's not to say if happy hour calls and I need a dark & stormy that I'm not going to trip down the stairs to get one and some nachos.
(4)
Andrew M.
You can have a beer outside in the vicinity of grass and other people. Name me another place in Cambridge where you can do this. (I didn't say there wasn't one, I just said name me one.) They have a passable beer selection and harpy hour specials add a layer of icing to your beer. The inside space feels a bit unhappenin and has unpredictable temperature.
(4)
Joel G.
They say you get what you pay for...and I had heard Grendel's Den bucked that trend...but I didn't find that to be the case when I came here last month. My table orderdued the fondue. The cheese was not very tasty, and the bread was stale. I ordered the Beggars Banquet for my entree. The chicken was dry, and the spinach pie was less than impressive. One final note. I went to dinner with 5 people...two of us felt like the food made us sick later that night. I won't be returning.
(2)
Mike L.
Loved it! Small, quaint bar that had good food and better beer. Orginial Sin Cider on tap and Grendel's Ale are both beers I would recommend consuming while in town.
(4)
Kate M.
This place would have four stars if it weren't for an experience I had with a bartender there. To start: This is a great place. It's located underground and it has a very warm air to it. I love that they outright announce that they do NOT have Bud, Bud Light, Miller, Miller Lite and Michelob. Nice job. The crowd is a mix of older locals (lifers, I guess you can say) and students. Surprisingly, it mixes well. Now, for my experience with the bartender: It was a Sunday night around 10:00 PM. Our bartender was female with a long brown ponytail, heavyset, unattractive and about 5'9" or so. I was with a friend who paid for the next round while I was in the bathroom. When I got back to the table, he paused and realized that he couldn't remember if the bartender had given him change. He looked through his wallet and was pretty sure that she hadn't. (He was just starting on drink #2 of the night -- there was no way he was drunk.) "Excuse me," he said. "I hate to ask you this...but did you give me change? I don't really remember." "Then you're getting too drunk to be here," she replied. WHAT?! He had consumed ONE beer!! "So...you did give it back to me?" he asked. Dude is polite. "I gave you a five and four ones," she told him. "Okay, then." "You know, you should try keeping an eye on your money sometime," she said before walking away. Looking over this, I realize that it doesn't sound bad, but she responded with such sarcasm, rudeness, superiority and attitude that I have difficulty conveying in writing. It wasn't an adorable ploy to be brash and "authentic" -- she was being, well, a d*ck. Honestly, I'm slow to aggravate when it comes to service. I used to waitress and I know that it gets bad. But this bartender made me, literally, want to throw things at her. I will be back. It's a great bar. But I will do anything in my power to avoid that bartender.
(3)
Lindsay W.
Every time I go to Grendel's Den I have a great time. The most recent time I went with my mother and my girlfriends, Nina and Arielle. We were really excited for our hot port cider, but they were out of port (one reason for only four stars) so we ordered a pitcher of sangria instead. I was surprised at how good it was! The food is also great too. My mother and I shared the veggie banquet which included hummus, pita, spinach pie, broccoli and tofu with rice. It also came with a salad. I don't recommend the Mediterranean salad because the tahini dressing is a little blah. But the spinach pie is great! And the dish was only ~$12. The previous time I was here I had the vegan chili and that was fabulous too! The best thing about Grendel's Den is that you kind of feel like you are in a cozy, little den. I love it!
(4)
ExtrafirmTofu ..
Tasty comfort food at a price that can't be beat...I love the spinach pie! But how awesome would it be if they had air conditioning too? TOTALLY awesome, my friend. Like, 100% awesome. For reals.
(3)
Leo L.
Today was my first time here and I have to say... it was great to finally find a decent priced place in Harvard Square with decent food and service! Definitely recommend anyone to try it you just may have to wait a while if you want to seat at the patio.
(3)
Cara P.
As my SO and I were walking along the crowded Harvard Square streets tonight, we realized we were extremely hungry and needed to park our asses for some food and drink stat. We had 45 minutes until Gone Baby Gone started at the cinema. Maybe I was high from my Lush excursion........maybe it was because from where we were standing, we detected a waft emanating from Grendel's. It lured us in. We walked down a few steps into a small dark bar that has two areas with tables to eat at.- it was packed. This place is extremely small and does not have enough two tops. We were immediately confronted by a dumb as nails, guy sitting on a stool by the door.......I can only assume he was the bouncer.........you know, since it must get so out of hand there ???? He asked for our ID's before we were allowed to even sit down. I scrambled to find it as we were standing smack in front of all these people eating at their tables.Than we ....just stood there. finally we got the hint we should seat ourselves. We walked through the area looking for a place to sit.....We were forced to sit behind a brick beam that separated us from the main area.....we were at a tiny table with two stools. There were two men seated at the table behind us...no really two inches away......that were 50 something typical cambridge-onian Kingdom Heart Champs and were literally playing the game while bitching about the disgusting food. _Shudder_ Our food came out quickly. As a mater of fact, it came with the appetizer and drinks. I ordered the Veggie Combo.....The spinach pie was alright........the salad was DRENCHED in dressing and my falafel looked like a small round jaw breaker. Oh and it was as hard as one too. I am now thanking my lucky stars I chose Umass Boston over Harvard . I would have spent many a nights in the 10,000 degrees crap of a den ........eating falafel jaw breakers and enduring bitchy wait staff and the moronic guys on a stool by the door that think they are bouncers. OK so I didn't even apply to Ha-vad... even if I wanted to, I would never come close to being accepted......still, there is only ONE way I would ever come back to Grendels and that would be to have drinks at their outside table area...........two pumps down for Grendels
(2)
Alyssa S.
Great spot for the early-20s crowd. Low-key, cheap beverages, and friendly service! Definitely a spot to hit up with your friends for a casual night out or post-dinner hang out.
(3)
Bethany W.
service and ambiance are what stick out in my mind. the last time i was in grendel's was nov. 2009, but the fact that it's one of the places in boston that i remember from my short visit, i thought it merited a review. to be honest, i don't even remember what i ordered. i'm sure one of the big reasons it was such a fabulous time was the company i was in. that said, the ambiance at grendel's is great. in general, just being in harvard square has a great mix of people. that i recall, everyone was happy with what they ordered, which is a testament in itself. by the end of the night there were over 10 people in our group, all arriving at different times, and our server handled it efficiently and graciously. i tried to go back once more before leaving boston, but, unfortunately, they were filled to the brim that night. if i wasn't in seattle i'd give it a second chance. why not. i'll leave it to those of you visiting/living on the east coast.
(3)
Rob C.
Plenty of others have mentioned friendly waiters, a warm, funky atmosphere, and good food, all of which are true. One thing that i noticed the other night is that they have Harpoon Munich Dark on tap, which is kind of like the red-headed stepchild of the Harpoon brewery (if you go to their beer festivals, the Munich will always be the shortest line). This is unjust because it is ever so tasty on draught, and ever so hard to find, too. As another point in Grendel's favor, the other night, they were playing that CD by Sublime, and it was skipping and scratched, so there's a good chance that it may have gotten thrown out and you'll never have to hear 'Santeria' if you go there. It's a bonus from where i stand, but your mileage may vary.
(4)
Ben H.
I love the atmosphere and the spinach pie. The margarita I got came with chili salt, which I believe is salt with chili powder. Luckily, it also came with a straw. The chili salt was gross, but the margarita, consumed through the straw, was quite good. It was definitely worth coming here once. I'd probably come again during the day or on a weeknight, but on the weekend it's crazy. The place is packed, and their seating policy is to wish you luck in grabbing a table before somebody else takes it.
(3)
Melissa M.
come for the cheap cheap cheap bar food (it's half price 5-7:30pm) after work. Stay for the lovely drinks. They even donate some of the money from certain drinks to charity. The bathroom is unisex, but on the several times I tinkled it was clean. The staff can be slow, but it don't matter because they also sell champagne. If if I'm 'pagnin I'm happy.
(4)
Jasmine C.
Went there for the first time last night and this is going to my new fav place to hang out after work. Not saying that the food is GREAT, but hey, with $3 beer and $4 HUGE serving of Nachos, how bad can it get. It has a nice selection of beer, (although i wanted the Carlsberg and they didnt have it) and a good selection of food. Granted i only had nachos, but i saw plenty of items (tuna melt and chicken wings) that I def want to try when i get back the next time -- which wont be long. Atmosphere was really good -- no pretentious people and they even have outdoor sitting. Extra plus for summer.
(3)
Mark G.
Great fresh salsa.
(5)
Whitney K.
Scott is a great bar tender. Such a stand up dude. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Maria V.
It's the night of a Sox game. We're walking around Harvard Square and want to 1) catch the game 2) get some food and drink without going broke. This being Harvard Square, of course, those two otherwise basic needs are rather difficult to fulfill. Grendel's delivers. We left after three innings and did barely $10 in damage each. Not bad, not bad.
(4)
Michael L.
I went here for lunch yesterday, by myself, and really had an enjoyable time. I would have liked to sit outside on their patio, but it was full, and I needed to be in and out of there in 40 minutes. I think that "Den" is a great way to describe this place. It's decorated in a sort of haphazard way, combining lots of wood, lots of mirrors and normal pub-crap on the walls. The staff were furiously busy, especially the waitress who had ALL the outside tables. She was running in and out, and banging the door hard every time. Didn't bother me. So I sat myself (as the sign said I should) and my waiter came up within 3-4 minutes. I had scoped out the menu beforehand, and they have an entire section of "quick lunch" items. I chose to get a tuna melt with a salad (Caesar) and a beer (Cambridge Amber). The entire quick lunch menu is $3.95 per item, and had a few different interesting choices for a filling lunch. I have never had tuna melt before, but I understand the concept. I really like tuna, but I despise mayo. I thought mayo would be involved, but it wasn't, or was so subtle it didn't matter. The sandwich came on an english muffin, and was topped with provolone and very fresh tomato. It was extremely tasty, but not really something I'd go out of my way for. The salad was iceberg lettuce with a tasteless dressing, 7.4 croutons and a handful of crappy Parmesan tossed on. Next time I will get the Greek salad, which is another option and might have an olive in it. For $4 I'm not going to bitch about salad too much. I finished my meal and wanted to leave, but a hag in a powersuit sitting with her kids was complaining to my waiter about something. Lame. I have to go back to work. I looked at another waitress like "can you come here I need something" and she did. She was really nice when I asked her to tell my waiter that he was great but that I couldn't wait while the woman made everyone else's service slower because she got bad service. She got my check and I was back to work on time. From 5:30 - 7:00 everything on the food menu is half-price if you buy a drink.
(4)
Jenna H.
I'm a huge fan of Grendel's den, I love this cozy little underground pub. The half-priced food happy hour is a great deal, I can almost always escape with a bill thats $10 or under. The vegeterian chili is delicious, especially with cheese and onions on top, and the vegetarian nachos were quite good as well. I've also tried their fondue meal for two; its around 20 dollars and includes 2 salads to start with and a big pot of delicious white whine and cheese fondue. Really good food at a great value. The only problem is its almost always completely packed around dinner time; the only way to be sure you can get a table is to come relatively early, like around 5:00.
(4)
Kerri O.
I will never, ever, be able to diss Grendel's. I have so many happy memories there. My one complaint is with the either/or bathrooms. Boys, and I mean the Mens, your aim is bad. No Gal wants to go in a bathroom where a drunk boy has whizzed. For all the obvious reasons. *Hint*- we don't pee standing up, and you don't lift the lid. Fill in the blanks, and lift the lid next time- lunkyhead. Aside from the Bathrooms, Grendel's Den is one of the last holdouts that's preventing Harvard Square into turning into a Mall. For that reason alone; go there, and enjoy them. God forbid, they turn into an Applebee's. They have great Pub Food, great bartender's, and are funky Cambridge. We all don't want funky Cambridge to die, so drink heartily, and for Goddsakes, lift the lid!
(4)
Yi-Fen S.
non-stellar service, perhaps apropos given dark dive dingy atmosphere (a good thing, gotta be in the mood though). you come here to chill with a few brews and good company (obvi littered with hahvahd crowd) stick to the potables: dark n stormy, unique ales (like pumpkin in autumn). edibles offerings quite varied in terms of "globetrotting selections" and vegan options (peruvian quinoa, pesto pasta)... definitely not your run-of-the-mill bar foods, but lacking in general (aside from pretty impressive chimichurri): overcooked steak, creamy but chalky/cementy hummus, "mediterranean" cuisine, but sometimes that's just what you need on a cold winter's night after an exhausting day at the museum / midnight snack / any day trumps Qdoba and the like around the square. very affordable and great collegiate pub vibe
(3)
Ryan C.
Bad burger served with worse cole slaw. Inexcusable for a pub to serve crappy food, esp when it's as simple as a burger.
(1)
Barry B.
I love Grendel's Den. They have a great beer selection and some of the best bartenders around. I am, however, kind of tired of hearing people whine about the food. IT'S A BAR. If you want to go out and get a good meal, got to a RESTAURANT. I just don't get it... you're the one choosing to eat at a bar, and then you complain when you get bar food? Anyway, food is great (for bar food), but that's not why I'm giving them five stars. Bartenders are just unreal, but that's not why I'm giving them five stars. Drink selection, music, overall environment... everything's great, but that's not why I'm giving them five stars. I'm giving them fivs stars because of Diane and Allen S. I don't know this couple, who I assume to be a pair of entitled yuppies with an overblown sense of self-importance. But back in September they wrote a review for Grendel's that caught my eye: "A friend of ours was saying good things about this place, so one night we decided to try it out. Of course, it was the one night I forgot my ID and they wouldn't let me in. I really don't look that young and I was with a group of people that definitely looked between the ages of 23-27 at the youngest" Did you seriously just really give a restaurant a two star review as a result of your own incompetence? Did you honestly just expect them to arbitrarily break the law for you? "Well, I know you have no ID, but you say you're 23 and that's good enough for me. Go right on in Mr. S." Get real. Let me explain this as simply as possible: No ID = No admittance into a bar. Period. It doesn't matter how young you look or how important you think you are. I would have thought this was self-evident. So I'm giving a five star review to this restaurant for having an excellent bouncer and for not ruining my night out drinking by letting in someone like Diane and Allen S.
(5)
Daniel M.
Grendel's has been a standard go-to since moving to Cambridge. The 50% off food deal is just too good to pass up. I mean really since happy hour is not legal here (effing Puritans) this more than makes up for it. Note: since I'm feeling a little under the weather I opted for the root beer which still met the $3 beverage price and was SO GOOD. It's one of those sweetened with sugar deals (how novel) and I repeat SO GOOD. I like that as a pescatarian my options are pretty open here. They have plenty of veggie fare and none of it contains chicken! My favorite tuna steak sandwich unfortunately seems to have been removed from the menu but the other options certainly make up for it. Their burger options are tasty and all can be made with Gardenburgers without an additional cost. Thanks! The nachos are yummy, piled high with vegetarian chili, sour cream, salsa, and of course cheese. They do a good job of making sure that no chip is left uncovered. The quesadilla with black beans is very good as well but you need to eat fast as it gets a bit mushy. The 50% off deal makes for a great value and with their myriad beer and booze (dark & stormy!) it's quite easy to hit the $3 mark. Just remember to tip on what your bill should have been. These people aren't working for free.
(4)
Andy M.
Grendel's Den is a restaurant disguised as a bar. Sure, the drinks and affordable prices are what bring students and hipsters in. But the meals are good, and who doesn't like a good price for a meal. Check out the seasonal outdoor seating, or the cave like interior, and you'll have a good time.
(5)
Gabby N.
I would actually like to give this place a 3 1/2. I'm visiting Boston this week to visit some high school friends and our itinerary has pretty much been: walk, eat, walk, drink, walk, eat, drink, drink, drink...etc. We came in here last night for "dinner" and of course drinking. The food was awesome considering it was 50% off when you buy a drink for a minimum of $3. You could eat a burger for a mere 3.25. We ended up ordering 3 full orders of wings (so yummy), a salad (not bad...), nachos (I wish there was more cheese), and some dip with imitation crab and other stuff (pretty damn good). I ordered a baileys and iced cappuccino for my drink and my friends ordered a couple rounds of sangria and Arnie's Army. The sangria wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great. Arnie's Army however was surprisingly good. I don't typically drink hard alcohol and it was pretty much vodka. For all you ladies, it is a tasty drink well worth the money and alcohol percentage. Only down side to this place? Bad service. We went up to the bar to order my drink because it wasn't on the menu and she told us just to sit down and ask our waiter. When our waiter came around to get our order she left half way through before we even got to finish telling her what we wanted. Our table was never cleared until we asked. Well worth it to come for happy hour, don't know otherwise.
(4)
Matthew M.
Grendel's Den is a nice little bar. The beer selection is small but good, having a number of high-quality brews available, including several locals like Cambridge Brewing Co. and Berkshire Brewing Co. It's not my thing, but several of my friends like to go there because they have absinthe. The food is thoroughly solid. It wasn't magical, but I was far from disappointed. I've had the nachos, a rueben, and a broiled trout (catch of the day that day), and all were fully satisfying. Take that, and consider that on weeknights food is HALF PRICE as long as you buy a beverage, and you can score some seriously nice eats for small cash. The atmosphere is pretty nice. Not very huge, a little cozy, but it feels a little bit like hanging out in a friend's furnished basement to me.
(4)
Jolene S.
I made the mistake of eating here late on Wednesday night. My friend is moving to NYC and we were out late. Given the fact that almost everything else was closed, I decided to give this place a try. I suppose that the prices during half-price hours are unbeatable but the burger I ordered was just not palatable (it's hard to go wrong with beef, barbecue sauce, cheese and bacon). The meat was dry and the cheese rubbery. Even the roll sucked. The best thing I had was the mocha latte drink. I was not impressed and won't be going back. There are so many better options in the area.
(2)
Derek B.
This bar in a basement has been a different experience every time I've gone. The place can range from really quiet on weekdays to incredibly crowded and packed late night and on weekends. Experience on the menu has been average and service has never kept me waiting for too long. If you do find yourself in Grendel's Den on a cold night, they have some of the best Hot Cider in town. Start there and then work your way to a Hot Toddy.
(3)
Jason W.
Grendel's Den is the quintessential "grad student bar" - cheap food, casual atmosphere, and an atomsphere conducive to enjoying your drink instead of getting blitzed like an undergrad. Every night from 5-7:30, the restaurant offers 1/2 price on all food with a $3 drink minimum. This is easy to hit - one beer (or even a fancy root beer) gets you half off apps, entrees - everything. The food is pretty good. It's upscale bar food. Nothing special at full price, but it is a definite deal during happy hour. Three stars for the food and full price, but happy hour bumps this up to four stars. It's right in the middle of the Cambridge area. Parking in garages is plentiful (if not expensive), but Grendel's Den will validate. From here, it's an easy walk to the other shops and restaurants near Harvard, making this restaurant a great place to start the night. One tip: GET HERE EARLY. This place gets packed by 6:30 PM. You will definitely have trouble finding a table as the evening goes on, and they are very specific in saying that the half price meals only happen until 7:30 - if your order is entered in the computer at 7:31, you are out of luck.
(4)
Tony W.
I finally went here the other night - every time I attempt to go to this place I am saddled down by some friend or another that can't stand up waiting for a seat for more than 3 minutes. Their loss. Despite the fact that the place smells like a bathroom stall, it's a great place to chill and have drinks. I actually like the fact that it smells terrible; that in my book means character. I can't testify to the state of the bathrooms, but everyone else in my party (mostly female) came back pale-faced, indicating that they had had to share the bathroom with a member of the opposite sex - that seems like a good time to me! The sevice is the one detractor from the experience. We only had drinks, but the waitress, who I'm pretty sure was over 100 years old, kept confusing my drink with everyone else's at the table - nothing irritates me more than when a waitress repeatedly forgets what I order. They had cider with rum and mulled wine on the drink menu - are there really better winter beverages than that? They were both very tasty. Anyway, the atmosphere is great - not a ton of suits throwing back Bud Lite and talking about life in their cubicles and TPS report processing times - rather, it's the common man just looking for a ambient place to put back a pint or two with some good friends.
(4)
Bryan R.
I like the space inside. Bombers of BBC Steel Rail made the night.
(4)
Ali G.
Great cozy lunch spot! I got a greek chicken salad, and my friend got a turkey havarti pesto sandwich. Pretty impressed with the quality of food for a bar! Salad was fresh, and grilled chicken was super juicy! Tomatoes had no taste, but everything else in the salad was fresh. Wow I had a bite of the turkey havarti sandwich and all i have to say is yum! Kind of heavy for a sandwich, but so so good.
(4)
Sameer N.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? What's with all these awesome reviews? I have a story to tell, it's 100% true and there's no masala added to it. I went here in the summer time with my homies. It was briefly after I wandered around Harvard Sq. trying to find a new t-shirt. I went for the "cheap appetizers" and I got served accordingly. We ordered the spinach artichoke dip and it tasted like someone dipped their sweaty ballsack in my mouth. It was such a bum out. The other "snacks" tasted like straight trash too. The only entertaining part about the whole experience was that they brought each wackass appetizer out one after the other. I was trying to see how awful each successive one got. I was psyched on burning my money with no clue that the recession was on it's way with nothing to stop it. The view was good in the summer time. There were a bunch of hot white girls who were like, loving buying Juno on DVD from Starbucks and otherwise being clueless (making them prime targets for cheeseball banter at the bar inside and a potential summertime tryst with no guilt.. it's not evil if they're robots) Also, there was some mentally insane homeless guy crushing some ladies bike in front of her while she tried to stop him. I took a picture with my phone but I'm too lazy to upload it. Bottom line. Stop praising bogus food on this thing. For the same aggregate amount of money that you spent on 3 appetizers that taste like ball lint in an old pair of skivs, you could be eating one delicious meal elsewhere. Welcome to the New America where you turn down garbage food and splurge on sinful delicacies.
(1)
Julia Z.
Great outdoor seating, nice live performance in the square (the singer would take donations), cheap but tasty food. A perfect place for hanging out and/or casual dates!
(4)
Calli C.
This place would have ordinarily gotten four stars. It's got great potential, with the underground atmosphere, the seat-youself attitude, the unisex bathrooms, half-price food... Our party of five was short two people but we were still allowed to occupy a big round wooden table in the back corner that is clearly labeled "ONLY FOR PARTIES OF 5+." The drinks were decent, the food was tasty but nothing special. The service was horrible. There was only one waitress for our entire five-table section which was completely full. She kept forgetting our drink orders even though she seemed to write them down; we had to ask for plates and napkins with our nachos, and then for cutlery with our entrees. And for what seemed like a busy evening, she moseyed around the section seemingly avoiding eye contact with every customer who was trying to flag her down to ask for something, or order.
(3)
Niki M.
Love the half-off menu, though many of the items are hit or miss; the hummus is to be avoided, but the fondue is pretty great. No bother, who goes to a bar for the food? The drinks are good: solid selection of beer, wines, etc. The sangria is alright. This is a great place to meet up and hang out. The staff has been wonderful each time I've visited. Not a must-see destination, but a fine place to make a pitstop.
(3)
Jen G.
I like Grendel's Den because it just feels like a fun place to be- basement, fireplace, relaxed crowd, neat tables and seat arrangements... I don't even mind it when it's crowded. It can get cramped so I wouldn't plan a party here or anything but it is a great hole in the wall kind of place to hang out with one or two close buddies on a chilly evening. The beer menu is great, a lot of local, a lot of variety, darn cheap! The food is decent for the prices. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options. The portabella mushroom rueben is my go to sandwich. One complaint: Sandwiches come with your choice of chips or slaw. 3 times I have ordered coleslaw and 3 times I have received chips so that's kind of annoying... but over all its one of my favorite stops in harvard sq. for casual meal and drink!
(4)
Blake J.
Over time, Grendel's has upset me. The first time I went, it happened to not be half price, a grave mistake. If you count the pepto-bismol I had to pick up later, I paid around $15 for lackluster shrimp pasta. The second time and most other times, it was half price meaning the food is priced somewhere near what it's actually worth. Also, I came to drink in a serious way and I was not disappointed by the notoriously slow and negligent service. I guess I needed to be reminded that Grendel's is a bar first and foremost in order to enjoy it properly. The last time, a couple weeks ago, I showed up with a group of co-workers for express lunch. The sandwich of the day was unfortunately eclipsed by the gazpacho that I ordered. I've had white gazpacho, but it's frankly dishonest to serve tomato-less gazpacho and not mention that anywhere on the menu. Why the hell is it green and tastes strongly of cilantro???? The chef owes the Spanish people a hefty apology for massacring a national dish. Fortunately, the server was nice enough to replace the gazpacho with a chicken noodle soup free of charge. I'm not sure how this place stays open when absolutely all of the other establishments within fifty paces are markedly better.
(2)
Ben A.
Came here for Brunch on a Sunday after finding Bartley's to be closed. Maybe it was because I had my heart set on a topping-laden tasty burger and fries but I was not impressed by Grendels. It wasn't bad.. it just wasn't that good. Their brunch menu had one burger on it and no explanation of what sort of toppings came with the variations... disappointing but I figured it was a sign to try something else. I ended up settling on some sort of turkey wrap with tomato goat cheese and guacamole. It was decent but nothing special; I could hardly taste the goat cheese or the guac. To add insult to injury they don't even serve fries! I was relegated to a plate of Lays' potato chips, half of which were crushed! I heard that they brew their own beer so perhaps I will give it another shot for a drink some time but I don't think I'll be coming back here for food anytime soon.
(2)
Ryan M.
It is what it is. Half price food every night when you buy a drink. Drinks aren't expensive. Food isn't totally gross. People aren't terrible. It's a little annoying that you have to drink and you aren't allowed the half-price food deal if you want to sit outside. Eh.
(3)
Jeffrey H.
First of all, I can't help but think of "grundle" whenever I say or hear this bar's name. Visit urban dictionary should you require more information. Annnnyyyywayyyyyy - Grendel's is a great spot to grab drinks with friends and spend a few hours in a low key atmosphere away from the troubles outside. The space is small and tucked underneath Harvard Square (the "grundle" of Cambridge perhaps?) combining both a bar and restaurant. You should expect to wait in line if you're visiting during a peak time or on the day of an event as their capacity is small. If I were to rate just the bar I would give a solid four stars - you can't go wrong with some good beer specials and friendly service at fair prices. But once you factor in the food, I am forced to knock it down to three stars. The food is less than average - I ordered a hamburger and it was no better (if not worse) than something I'd pick up pre-made in a 7-Eleven fridge. I've been here a few times and definitely plan future visits - but I'll probably skip the food and just double the beer. Hi mom.
(3)
Liz H.
I really like Grendel's and it's reliably decent, but I don't know if it's quite 4-star caliber. Go during the half price hours in the evening when everything on the menu is half off with a beverage purchase -- awesome. I seem to remember they used to do this for lunch too, but apparently not anymore. They raised the prices a few months back and seem to have taken the falafel sandwich off the menu, both of which are very disappointing. Overall though, its a solid spot. The service is generally crap but they have interesting beers and decent food. Its great for low-key dinner/drinks, especially outside when the weather is nice.
(3)
Lily K.
I went here for Sunday brunch with my father who was in town. HUGE mistake. Basically, everything that they could possibly do wrong they did wrong: -Drinks came out about 20 minutes after our food did. Given that I was absolutely parched, I got really impatient and asked at least 3 different waiters passing by if we could please have our drinks, each of whom said "Sure, right away" and proceeded to forget about us. Not okay. -The french toast was absolutely drenched in butter and dripping with oil. Disgusting. Someone needs to tell them that French toast is supposed to be made by dipping bread in eggs, not melted butter. And, it was topped with sour cream, which is just an odd flavor combo. -Food was bought to the table without knives/forks. Seriously, can the service be any worse? For their atrocious timing, incompetent staff, and food, I'd give them one star. The outdoor seating is nice, though.
(1)
Scott S.
Interesting crowd Half price food at times, with booze Good beer, fun seating
(4)
Daniel D.
I need to come here more often. Their food was alright the one time that I came here for dinner. It's often too crowded to find a place to sit, and most of the seating is just for table service. Overall, it's a fine drinking hole but nothing extraordinary.
(3)
Steven F.
I have a major affinity for Grendel's. Situated as it is, in the heart of Harvard Square, this place can be a real steal. If you go during the week from 5-7, your meal is half off as long as you get drinks-which really shouldn't be a problem. The food that comes out of the kitchen is not only reasonably priced, it's absolutely delicious. I know I've heard some people complain about the portion sizes, but I've never left hungry. Also, they have fondue. Enough said? There's always a good crowd and the bartenders are wonderfully showy and verbose, yet down to earth-and they make a mean cosmo. It's kind of a perfect spot for those who want to be out, but aren't looking for an over crowded, stuffy/pretentious bar.
(4)
Angela M.
Ok, so in all fairness, it's been about a year since I've been here (so I hope a few things have changed). Location is convenient and the space itself was nice. The staff was fairly rude, but perhaps we caught them on a bad day. We went for brunch and the food was nothing to write home about. Overall, I was not impressed enough to ever go back. Having said that, the iced tea was pretty delicious...so it wasn't a total loss.
(2)
Maria B.
One of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area. This was a major summer hang out for me and friends after work and on the weekends. You can't go wrong with their half off menu in the evenings! I always order the Lala's Grill (the steak- but I've heard the chicken is great as well). The Argentinian chimichurri sauce that it comes with is amazing. Now I'm craving it, great. The artichoke, spinach and crab meat dip is amazing as well and I will be the first to admit I scarfed it down in record time :-/ Plus, they always have the most amazing specials... I can't think of the names but I had a Moroccan pasta dish once that I wish they would keep on their regular menu. Their drink options are extensive and the wines are beyond delicious (trust me I've had quite a few glasses there!) Oh right, and the sangria! Plus the vibe in general is great, it's usually super crowded so the only downside is finding a seat but it's worth the wait (and usually you don't have to wait too long to get one). Waiters are also very friendly and attentive. My only gripe about the place is their hummus appetizer- it was pretty bland- but all of the other great things about Grendel's more than make up for it!
(5)
jonathan u.
Don't judge the exterior of the place, it really isn't just a basement....they have food too. So we stumbled on this place while checking the prices on the surrounding menus and seeing as we just weren't in a spend $150 type of mood, Grendels fit right in. The staff is warm and friendly, you seat yourself but everyone is really pleasant. We head some Humus and it was great. I also gave the old Absinthe another shot, but just as the first time it tasted like a stale gingerbread house gumdrop. For my meal I had the chicken grill with mashed potatoes. Everything was great but the mashed potatoes were a little lumpy, but that didn't bother me too much cause at least you know someone made them from potatoes not from powdered flakes. Overall nothing was absolutely amazing but everything was solid and the staff more then made up for any minor details. Definitely check this place out.
(4)
Joseph D.
What's in a name? Well in this case the ancient monster seems to rear her head in the form of an original, warm, and inviting place where everyone can rid themselves of the fear of Grendel and become Beowulf. Alright enough with the play on the name, this is certainly one of my favorite spots near Harvard Square. Original menu with the homemade look and feel also makes a bunch when it comes to their beer and liquor collection. For the food my personal favorites include the vegan chili, hummus bi Tahini, and the Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip. These are all fantastic but to top it all off their specials menu is always full and always evolving. After you order your food, which can be had for half price at various happy hours throughout the week, make sure to take a keen look at their drink menu and specials. The classic Grendel's Ale is a staple of the den but if it is a special event or hell you just are enjoying your time in the square check out the Pisco Sour that features BarSol. Staff and Bartenders do well for their customers and in particular can be very helpful with the menu and knowledge of their surroundings. So swing on by, swoop down the small set of steps and enjoy!
(4)
Gracie B.
The service is soo bad! Why do I keep going here? Okay, let me think. It's very inexpensive, conveniently located, and the food is not as bad as most of the local fast food joints. It's just getting harder and harder to use those reasons to justify my venturing down those dark little steps and putting up with that holier than thou attitude.
(1)
Lauren G.
I avoided this place for over a year. It just looked kind of stuffy. Not in the fancy sense of the word (you literally can't get more casual than Grendel's), but in the "claustrophic in a basement" sense of the word. Looks like I was the one missing out. When a friend finally got me to try this place, I realized that Grendel's was a quick, easy, and Cheap (with a capital C) place to get dinner and a drink in Harvard Square. The menu is huge, and I don't know who would be ordering some of the fancier items from a place like Grendel's. But I have been so happy with my turkey burger (with goat cheese and avocado), that I haven't wanted to venture out of my comfort zone to try anything else. So - the turkey burger, get it. It's delicious. The only problem with this place is that tables go to the most aggressive patrons, so if you're not comfortable with that, you'll probably have a stressful meal. It also leads to a lot of hovering, which isn't exactly ideal when you're trying to enjoy a drink and a conversation (and a turkey burger).
(4)
Alvin C.
I've been maybe 5 times and I live less than 5 blocks away. I guess it has that "vibe" people want in a not so dive bar (based on pricing). It is not the best place to sit inside. Outdoor seating is another story. You can't beat the view, but don't order more than a beer.
(2)
Graham C.
Grendel's was the spot for a late brunch with a friend who was up for his Harvard reunion. (Did you say Harvard with that Thurston Howell lockjaw accent? Because that's how I wrote it.) I had the Eggs Benny and a Gansett. I believe that absent having found true love, that Naragansett Beer is about as close as I've come. I'm also uniquely aware that when life is not going well, then that's a sure sign that its 'Gansett Time." The Eggs Benny didn't have a normal holandaise sauce. It was lighter and a little sweeter. Meh. The potatoes that came with it were sliced thinly and apparently roasted, and they were okay with some salt. It is in a basement, so there's no light. You might want to save your visit for a rainy day. But it did offer a respite from the stroller pushing Cambridge MILFs, and for that I thank thee. The best was the letter framed next to the bathroom. It was a Bush Cheney fundraiser invite sent to the Pine Street Inn. (That's a homeless shelter around here.) Awesome.
(3)
Racheal M.
I am giving three stars based on the great atmosphere. The food is probably more like two stars, a good deal during their half price special time. For the area, the food is cheap and the atmosphere is great.
(3)
Chris B.
I like this kind of bar a lot; the kind where you can sit down and talk with your friends- you can't do this at every bar! There is nothing exceptional about this place but somehow I find myself here more and more often. guess its the least bad when it comes to Harvard Sq. bars- Don't eat the food- yuck...
(3)
Albert Q.
I went here back in September with my sister and her group of MIT buddies. Essentially, this place is located in a basement. To get in, you walk down a set of stairs, show the bouncer your ID, and enter into an entirely new world. On one side, there is a bar, and on the other is a bunch of tables. As it was a busy night, we had to wait awhile to be seated. And then comes the good part. My order for the evening was on recommendation. One of my co-workers recommended that in Boston, I get a lobster roll, and this is exactly what I did. With the dish, I paired it up with Wachusetts Blueberry Beer. In short, the absolute best decision I ever made. The lobster roll was just phenomenal, and the beer had the fruitiest taste, and instantly made me a fruit beer fan. For me, the experience was absolutely savory and beautiful. I'm definitely coming here the next time I am in Boston. As for Wachusetts, I emailed them and asked if they could distribute their beer to California. Still waiting!
(5)
Christina G.
This place is so awesome! I have never in my life been to a place with a half off menu, and all you need to do is purchase $3 worth of beverage to be eligible, that is incredible!!!! Now that I got that out of the way, the atmosphere is very cool and laid back. We sat inside, but they have a great patio out front as well. Our server was kickass, and the food was borderline, but some things were delicious. I got the "beggar's banquet" which equalled enough food to feed an army, and basically a taste of everything on the menu! Definitely come during half price hours for a great selection of beers and some apps.
(4)
Jonathan S.
Best place for cheap food from 5:00 - 7:30PM daily, and from 9:00 - 11:30PM Sunday. Spend $3 for drinks and all food is half price. My wife and I split a plate of ribs, two appetizers and beers for under $20. I checked the receipt twice, and it was that cheap! The portions are normal sized (rare in a restaurant these days) but the the food is remarkably good and the menu has a lot of variety. It is hard to find a better deal in Harvard Square for that price. The crowd is young, but well behaved even on a Saturday night. This is not a dance club or a single's bar. The menu said that they don't serve Bud, Miller, Coors or other cheap beers, and this keeps the frat boys away. But if you want cheap beer, you can always get a Michelob or a Narragansett. Coors is forbidden but Narragansett is ok? Go figure. For drinks, try their rotating beers on tap, or get yourself a Dark and Stormy during the winter. Oh, and if you like yuppie food, I highly recommend the Natural Disaster.
(5)
Barney B.
The menu is half price certain times as long as you spend at least $3 in booze. Excuse me? Can you spend less than $3 in booze? EVER?? the food is ok, it's always packed, and it's the kind of place you walk into and say "this is a local institution" even if you never have heard of it. A great place, even if Jeffrey H taint liking its name.
(4)
Lisa R.
I was out with a bunch of people from flickr (yes, I know, I'm a cheater) . . . and we were really hungry after a long day of shooting photos in the cold. Someone suggested Grendel's, and I thought "YES"! I remembered reading all about it here on Yelp. I absolutely love the cozy atmosphere at Grendel's. There were several happy looking couples all sitting around the bar. We sat at the big round corner table as you walk right in. The table was an old wagon wheel. They have a fantastic beer selection and a lot of great food. We got a few appetizers, and I had one of the specials, which was some type of Indian stew with chick peas and tofu. It came with warm pita triangles. I would definitely come to this place again. It's perfect for a large-ish group.
(5)
Cate K.
This is a fun place to go for a beer or six... and if I were rating this place after a few beers then I'd definitely give them an extra star. The weekday happy hour is their best feature - half price apps. The food isn't that tasty unless you're paying 1/2 price, though.
(3)
Jenna K.
I give this place 3 stars because I usually go here when I don't want anything else in Harvard Square. However, I LOVE the veggie burger (it's all I've ordered there.) While the inside "den" can be fun on a cold night for drinks, I encourage you to sit in the patio area. TONS of people watching to be had, always live music playing from a local musician, and umbrellas shield you from the dozens of pigeons. The wait staff has been consistently friendly and helpful.
(3)
Ben C.
It's midnight on Harvard/Yale weekend. It's about 5 degrees outside. There's a line. I'm spewing a string of curse words and jumping up and down, but a.) I'm meeting people who are inside, and b.) every other place has a line, and a cover, so it's not like I could do better somewhere else. When I finally got inside, it was not crowded at all. This could have made me angry, but in fact it was really nice on such a busy weekend to not be elbow to elbow with crowds of people while I was trying to enjoy a drink and catch up with old friends. The beer selection was good and moderately priced, they had a selection of hot drinks to revive those of us who were frozen stiff from the line, and the atmosphere was nice and comfortable. Of the bars I visited over the weekend it was by far my favorite, and any time I'm back in Cambridge it will be my standby. One complaint: they don't make Irish car bombs. This was a critical setback in my quest to get too drunk to feel the cold. Do me a favor and anytime you go, ask for an Irish car bomb. If enough people ask, maybe they'll start doing it.
(4)
Pete C.
Sit at the bar. (The table service isn't the best.) Eat here, don't just drink. (It's a good bar but there are better places to drink in the area.) Go when the food is half-price. (You can get a solid meal for cheap cheap cheap.) Talk to the people who work there. (Everyone is really friendly.) Come with friends. (But not too many or you won't find room.) Get the hot cider and port wine special. (Get it.)
(4)
Sogol G.
Oh My God!!! This place serves awfully bad food and provide equally awful service. The "Sirloin Steak"had lots of fat attached to it and it was dry. The plate was so small that the food was falling out of it (not because there was too much food, but because there was a ridiculously small plate). The outdoor seating was the only nice thing about it. even their warm drink by the time they get to you is very cold. I will never go there again. And they have two bathrooms but they are "either", "Or" and both are extremely gross. Why the hell would they do that? I don't get it!
(1)
Simona S.
It seems that I came here on a good night. Or maybe at a good time. Though the guy checking IDs was KIND of Dbag, our waiter was awesome. First off, he gave us half off on our food even though we ate outside on the patio, was really friendly, didn't judge me when I asked for a vat of lemons in my water, and asked us if it was okay if he went to go get a pack of smokes. It's so okay, that it's insane. Jason was great. I liked him. A lot. And we tipped him a lot. 3 people, one huge vat of cheese (granted, I've had MUCH better fondue a la Melting Pot), the Cataplana, and a couple of sodas cost us a beatiful $20. Will definitely come back here again, hopefully with Jason in tow, and hopefully with edible food at 50% off. Better than half off apps from Applebees, methinks. The Shakespeare in the Park was kind of creepy in the background though.
(4)
Leah I.
It's been called to my attention that I did not write in my review that we tried to get anyone's attention, but I will mention that we did indeed try to flag someone down. We attempted many times to verbally get someone's attention as well as physically (hand waving, etc). So, having been ignored, we left. It has also been mentioned to me that it is a seat yourself place - a sign might be nice to place, you know, somewhere. Since there is no sign, it would have been helpful for someone, anyone, to have said, "Hey, it's seat yourself, so wherever you can find a place." It literally would have taken 5 seconds to do so. Since it was incredibly busy and we were a relatively large group (it's a small bar, the tables aren't huge), we would have left but definitely would have come back to try again on another day.
(1)
Denise W.
This place is kinda bangin, and I know a lot of people who feel similarly. God, it's like sometimes I think about moving away from the Medford/Cambridge/Somerville area then remember places like this where a cast of characters who are sincerely brilliant and drunk can make your day. There are a lot of things sort of working in the favor of this establishment, including the crazy bar and the controlled-chaos atmosphere. This is definitely less of a structured, professional environment and something more like that one bar out of Good Will Hunting (wait a minute ....) which obviously is some people's cup of tea and notsomuch for others.
(5)
Sue M.
SOOOOOOO CHEAP and good!!!! 2 things that often do not come together in this city. The service is also great and in the summer it is great to sit outside and people watch! Get the tips and the hummus plate
(4)
Wendy L.
Food and drinks are both just okay but they are both so cheap! The reduced price meals before 7:30 p.m. (I think) are a great deal. The meals are actually quite small - if you're hungry, I'd definitely with the mediterranean steak plate thing. Otherwise, I typically think of Grendel's food as being my "starter" for the night. It's a great place in the winter in particular - dark wood, warm and cozy...though I think that sometimes causes a bit of a smell downstairs. Another subterranean eating/drinking environment, but somehow, it seems more fitting for a place like Grendel's.
(3)
Candice R.
Stopped in for lunch while walking around the Harvard campus. No kiddies, I'm not Ivy League material, I was just being a tourist. I found it odd that it was 11:30 and this place wasn't even open yet, but we were told to take a seat and someone would get to us in 5 minutes. We've been sitting for 5 minutes at a table in the middle of the patio, which had since filled to the brim with other hungry folks like ourselves, and the waitress went down the line of tables, getting to us after about 10 minutes. I'm starving, but my french dip and onion soup comes fast, and it's only $6.50 for my yummy sandwich, chips and onion soup. My boy gets his Cesar salad, only $5 bucks, and we are now happy campers. Too bad they don't have fries.
(3)
Gina R.
The atmosphere is great & the music is amusing. The servers there were pretty friendly too. But the food was not too impressive, which is fine considering the price. I got the Mac n' cheese & the crab dip as an appetizer. The Mac was a bit dry & the chips were slightly stale. But the dip itself was phenomenal!!! And the Cajun shrimp I added to my Mac was amazing. So maybe I just got the wrong dish? Also the cider was quite delicious.
(4)
Emily G.
I have to be honest here and say- I'm not giving this place four stars because of excellent service, amazing food, or ambiance. No - I'm giving this place 4 stars because of value for price point. Last night I went with a girlfriend and we got there at 7oclock. This is when she re-explained to me that everything as half off when you ordered one drink (not a very hard thing to do!). My friend got the seafood platter which normally is a very cheap $12 but since it was half price - she got to eat a very nice looking seafood meal for $6! I got the portobello wrap which is normally $6.50 -but was now $3.25. Value is soooo important these days - and where else on a friday night can you enjoy good food and company for that kind of price? That's almost absurd. That said - I don't give this five stars because the place was kind of uncomfortably packed. People were practically spilling over onto our table (who can blame them - the food is good and cheap!!) I'll definitly be back from 530 - 730!
(4)
Tamar A.
Great ambiance, pretty good beer list, nice outdoor seating. And yet... AWFUL CRAB DIP. Like, stupendously bad.
(2)
eliza w.
We went to Grendel's on our visit to the historic Weetheim cobblestoney home in ye olde beantown. And to be honest, any place that has a decent beer list, and rewards drinking is good in my book (half off food for having a beer?!? thanks!). It was a bit crowded, but we managed to score a table right by the fireplace fairly easily. I had a coupla the local brews, and they were tasty and perfect for a crisp New England evening. The food was a step above regular pub fare, and we demolished it happily. The service was friendly, if a little disorganized (they forgot one of our dishes, but they removed it from our bill). And if we didn't have to head out for dinner (dinner after snackins...yesh!) I could've just hung out there all night, drinking beers and talking story with cwee and sy. I don't remember much else from Cambridge-Havaaahad Square, but I do remember Grendel's fondly, and would be happy to go back anytime I'm back.
(4)
Colleen S.
I can't get really enthused about the food here, it's all OK at least, and some of it even good (try the Salvadoran veggies & tofu, that is on my good list) but nothing really stands out. some of it is downright bad(ish) but you won't die from food poisoning. That said, the ambiance & people watching opportunities rule! The drinks are good, the selection amazing, the service decent (sometimes amazing, I've never had a bad experience here, it's always been solid) and you can sit outside and watch Harvard Square unfold before you.
(3)
John A.
Ok I'm aware that it's haughty intellectual Cambridge and they do things a little different on that side of the river. But it would be helpful if Grendel's Den resolved their seating situation. This would be especially important between 5:00 and 7:30 every night when meals are half priced. There's nothing wrong with a traditional hostess and a wait list. Just a thought from a patron that loves Grendel's Den but is getting tired of literal fist fights for tables.
(3)
Ellen C.
So this is definitely just a review for the bar- i didn't eat anything (well, some chips and salsa, but nothing prepared). The bar- though- was great. - I really enjoyed the Cider - I had a great Gin and Tonic - I had a wonderful time sitting there and talking with a friend. Just loud enough to hide the conversation from everyone else in the bar. Just quiet enough to be able to hear each other well. So- I haven't been for food, and cannot contest the other reviews, but I do really suggest trying out the bar!
(4)
Nina Y.
It's quirky and there's good, half priced food and cheap drinks around dinnertime. Prices are even decent when it's not happy hour. It keeps me coming back again and again...
(4)
Lauren K.
A friend and I went to Grendel's the other night for dinner. We were excited that we got our order in before 7:30 so that it was 1/2 off. I would have been angry if I had to pay full price for the meal. First: I got a summer ale that was warm and pretty flat- Not what you want on a hot summer night! Second: Crab, Spinach and Artichoke dip: very fishy and bland. Not wanting to be rude, I stopped myself from spitting it out. The menu selections were unimpressive- I didn't know what they were going for. My meal was a bunch of little things, like hummus, spinach pie and plain unflavored grilled chicken, that were bland and boring. My friends steak was very tough and 80% gristle, and the only ingredient used to "flavor" her rice was butter/oil. When we left I wanted to go get a slice of pizza and a Bud Light. Perhaps the sandwiches are better? The fondue seemed to be a big seller as well.
(2)
Kristen F.
Living in Brighton... I never think to come to Harvard Sq. yet it's practically in my back pocket. I'm glad I crossed the river the other weekend. The area is a cheap cab ride away, and it's a mecca for thirsty bar hoppers. Started off with Grendel's Den. Chill place, very relaxed. Great for a starting off point. Great selection of beers that don't include the regulars. I ordered a Dark and Stormy, which totally did the trick. A round of drinks for 4 was incredibly reasonable, too. Toto, we're not in Boston anymore. Overall, a great place to hit up for a beverage or two before moving on, or to camp out at with a few friends.
(4)
Amanda B.
Of course, who doesn't love the Den's fabulous 1/2 price happy hour?? This is mostly when I visit Grendel's Den. I believe it's Sunday through Friday 4-7pm and all the food on the menu is half off. You can't beat that deal with a stick. Last time I was there I had the seafood plate (a piece of fish, a couple small scallops and shrimp) and it came with two sides. It was just enough and it was yummy. There's a delish hummus plate and an array of sandwiches. The food's not spectacular, but it's good. I can't remember ever ordering something I didn't like. The atmosphere is a good mix of Cambridge-area students and professor-types. It's cozy and casual.
(4)
jen f.
$4 for a dark and stormy $12 for 3 dark and 'stormies' + free to sit outside ______________________ $12 for the only way to sit in the middle of harvard square and be more amused and loving than angry and not amused
(4)
Colleen Y.
Eating here is kind of like shopping off the clearance rack...you think things are better just because they are cheaper. I was psyched that my ten dollar squash and chicken stew was only going to be 5 dollars. Until, I left and realized that I wouldn't have paid 5 dollars for that meal again. Maybe I should have just stuck to a classic burger, but ew. I won't be back at Grendel's unless I'm on some awkward first date when I know the guy is a cheapo. Sorry...and why do they call Sam Ale, Grendel's Ale? Not clever enough to be funny. But, waitress was sweet, it was super warm, and I like that you get to seat yourself.
(2)
Jesse C.
I remember the first time I was in Grendels, I was with my good friend and some of his family. My friend got a call from someone who was meeting up with us and he was trying to give him directions over the phone. My bud misread the name of the bar and thought it was 'Grundels' and he was standing in the bar near the entrance yelling loudly into his cell 'yeah man we're at Grundels we're at Grundels!' I loved seeing one of the waiters try to tell him the right name, almost worried that word would get around that this bar had 'grundle' in it's name...hilarious. Since then I've gone here tons of times, the food is simple but good, and when you go from 5-7:30 the food is half price with a drink so it's really cheap. This is one of those examples of a bar trying to have the feeling of happy hour without lower drink prices (Massachusetts is so lame with the 'no happy hour'). As far as atmosphere, I love subterranean bars, especially in the winter. It just has a nicely lit cozy/tavern feel, and if you like to have hot drinks like mulled wine, rum cider and irish coffee this place is for you. The whole 'seat yourself' thing can become a little chaotic when you have 2 or 3 groups of people waiting for one table to get finished. All in all though, if you are looking for a extra cheap dinner and a drink in harvard square, it's the place to go. It's just a great feeling to order a $9 meal and see $4.50 on the check, It keeps me coming back.
(4)
Jane D.
I go here every Friday around 6 and it never fails. the spinach and crab dip is delicious. the hot chocolate and peppermint schnappes drink is awesome - especially for the winter months! staff is super friendly, place is laid back. prices are amazing - and the food is fresh and yummy!
(5)
barbaric y.
Grendel's is one of those bars that's not quite for the proletariat, not quite for the foodie, and not quite for the intellectual. Nor is it for the Harvard date night- I've seen this one a few times in all of its awkward glory, with couples attempting to make loud conversation over their lagers and Lala's grill plates. Grendel's is more like a mutant- and hence appropriate in regards to its Old English namesake. Shay's across the street is good but let's face it- the majority of people go to be seen lounging about out front, where space is at a premium and exclusive without needing a cover charge. Park it outside of Grendel's on a nice evening and the only ones watching you will be the pigeons, bums, and disgruntled Peets patrons who failed to find a seat next door. The food is alright here. Yes, I said it, despite the numerous complaints I've heard both in and out of the bar. The worst I've had here was a pasta with gorgonzola sauce whose main crime was being saucy without having too much pizzazz (many people you will meet in this bar have similar qualities). One of the best things I've had here was, oddly enough, the nachos. Being from California, I take my nachos seriously and as many know, one of the first heartbreaks a West Coast kid usually experiences when shipping out to Boston is the sudden realization that a good plate of nachos is hard to find. Without laboring under any pretense of authenticity, Grendel's simply serves up a decent dish of chips, salsa and guac. Sure, those avocados probably cost them $3 a pop, but it makes the tear brought to my eye when I eat them all the more dear. The avocados also come loaded up on the Santa Fe salad, which is my favorite thing to munch on when I'm pretending to compensate for the beer. Occasionally the menu will change up and again, I have to give Grendel's credit for attempting to serve up the most un-pubby pub food around. Salvadoran vegetables and tofu? Quinoa? Hummus? And all for low-low prices, especially if you're willing to pop in during happy hour and buy yourself a well-deserved drink. Their beer list, too, has some surprisingly good little microbrews which are changed up from time to time. The service is good but no-nonsense; I once tipsily tried to snag an extra cinnamon stick from the bar and was rewarded with the bartender turning around, grabbing a whole handful and slamming them down in front of my shamed face. Treat them well, and they will do the same for you.
(4)
Victoria A.
I stopped by for a quick lunch while in Boston. First of all, this is one of the few places where my water has been salty. Really frickin weird, but then again I'm a New Yorker and I've never tasted Boston tap water. Is it supposed to be this way? The salad I had was okay. Worth the 5 bucks I guess. Service was pretty bad and my friend and I amused ourselves with the little mouse running around in the corner. Uncleanly, but cute. Props to the name. Love it. It has so much potential. Unfortunately, that is not met.
(2)
Jen S.
Don't know why I haven't reviewed this place before. Have been here a few times- never disappointed but nothing to rave about. Friendly service. One of the few places that actually have decent service when you sit outside. I prefer coming here in the summer so I CAN be seated outside. I've never actually eaten INSIDE before. Food is decently priced. Definitely a place that can be revisited!
(4)
Nancy L.
What I love about Grendel's Den is that it typifies the quintessential college hang out place: good atmosphere, cheap food and drinks, and a young crowd. While the food is not amazing, it's decent. Stick to the basics such as sandwiches or American fare and you will fare better. Their more complex foods tend to fall a bit short of menu description. BUT!!!! the best thing about Grendel's is absolutely the HALF-PRICE HOURS: 5-7:30 every night and 9-11:30 pm from Sunday till Thursday! Buying a measly $3 drink (alcoholic or not) reduces your food cost by half, so you get a decent meal with drink for less than $10 in a great atmosphere. (A great dinner before heading over to the Brattle for a double-feature!!) That is what I call cheap eats (+ cheap entertainment)
(4)
Sarah S.
No fries?! Lame-o salad? Quesadilla that lacked the proper amount of deliciously melted cheese? Boo, Grendel's, boo. I should go back and try something else, but first I have to allow myself time to forget that horrible, dry, thing that was masquerading as a quesadilla.
(2)
Q S.
Your average bar & bar food. I had a portabella mushroom wrap. It was soggy. And tasted like vinegar - no other flavors were present except for balsamic vinegar.
(3)
Benito L.
Ehhh, not that impressed by the food, but loved the patio area. For the life of me though, I could not understand our waiter (thick English accent).
(2)
Ricky R.
Just had some beer here with a friend and it was cool enough, great location, good beer selection and friendly staff, oh and they have Fernet Branca.
(4)
Corey H.
Went here on a Tuesday night. Not that busy inside. Service wasn't too great but not horible. The beers were chilled but not cold, which is what I wanted when it was 90 degrees outside. The food was actually really good. I had the reuben sandwich and the bread was soft and the sandwich as a whole was a good portion size.
(3)
G S.
Paulaner and seat yourself? I'm a fan! This is a great little cozy spot to gather friends together for some drinks or light dinner. It can get crowded but there is usually a spot around the bar to stand and wait until a table opens. The staff is great and offers to keep an eye out for open tables as well. The food is good pub food, and they offer a lot of vegetarian options. So thankful not to resort to eating a dinner of sides when we go here! They also have Swiss fondue on the menu which I'm curious to try, but Swiss fondue from a bar and grill? Not quite that brave yet...
(4)
Amy N.
Definitely worth going to, especially during the half off hours. The spinach and artichoke dip has an extra friend:snow crab, and he's delicious. The portabello reuben was excellent. I'm not a fan of loud places and this place had the potential to be loud but we sat up in back where the music was less and it only took a slight elevation in volume to be heard across the table. There was a good selection of beer and cocktails, I had the B's cream soda and there was plenty of rum in the ginger ale. (many places are super stingy). All around a good pub type place with better food than you would expect (fondue?!) at a great value.
(4)
Shelly A.
Cheap drinks, better than average bar food including a very yummy turkey burger and special hours where food is all but free. This is a college kid's dream but thank god, not a college kid's haven. The unisex bathrooms still throw me every time considering that one of them has multiple stalls. Keep that in mind when you teeter yonder after tossing a few back.
(4)
Renee H.
Oh Grendel's, how I love you. I duck in here pretty often when I'm wandering around Harvard Square. First off, I love that fact that there is no TV here. It's a good place to come in, relax, and not be surrounded by people yelling at a game. (It means you can actually sit down in the bar on a game night, too.) The food isn't the best I've ever had, but I think it's pretty good for bar food. I'm veg, so I can't speak for their whole menu, but I find it generally pretty tasty. For the price, I think the quality is good, and the portions are generous. Also, not a bad beer selection (depending on your taste), and good hard liquor as well. They make a fine Dark 'n Stormy. Their port and cider is great on a cold afternoon or evening--they keep a crock pot going at the bar heating the cider up. Their Chocolate Cake Shot is delicious; nice and sweet, for those of us who like dessert-y booze. They also make passable mimosas and sangria--far from the best I've ever had, but still pretty good. I've almost always had fantastic service. It's always been pretty attentive, especially if I'm sitting at the bar. They keep my glass filled and my belly full, and don't dilly-dally with the check, either. And the waitstaff/bartenders have always, always been friendly.
(5)
rewan a.
Great place to drink. I love the atmosphere. You can tell it's a very relaxed, chill bar. Unfortunately the food is not very good. I have tried to eat there on so many different occasions (half price at night during the week) but it's just not good. I would much rather spend more money on a better meal. But I still really like going there. I recommend going to have a few drinks but not eat.
(4)
Jeff G.
A great pub with a warm local vibe. My new local when I'm in Cambridge MA
(4)
Jenn H.
I like the ambiance of Grendel's and some of their sandwiches are okay. The drink selection is good and when the food is half-off, it's worth it. The service is less than stellar- slow about things like water, and when we finally got water there was hair in it. Ew. It's good food for the morning after you've been drinking and good for drinks, but other than that I'd skip it.
(2)
Brandon V.
Grendel's - good, central place to meet up with friends for a night out in Harvard Square or a couple of drinks before heading out or for food on the CHEAP. Other than that, it's crowded, noisy, and the food isn't of the best quality. I remember getting a horrible headache in there once after staying for an hour for dinner. If you're okay with that stuff, then you'll probably be fine there. That said, last time I was there was a couple of years ago, and I sat outside and ate and it was perfectly fine.
(3)
Josephine P.
I can't imagine this place on a hoppin' crowded night, but I was there on a slowish Sunday night and it was super chill, service was great, loved the food. No complaints here. Particularly, I loved my portobello reuben on rye. As a vegetarian going on 12 years now, I never thought I would ever experience what a reuben was (due to the fact that the main component of that sandwich is beef)...until now...and.it.was.glorious. Why did it never occur to me to just omit the meat? Replace it with mushrooms? No clue. But the good people of Grendels did it for me. The Gorgonzola pasta was divine and the vegetarian banquet was alright. I must say, I especially recommend their sandwiches. They're cheap and filling and come with a side of chips or cole slaw. In Harvard Sq. this place and Pinocchio's are my cheap go-to places to eat. Also, side note: this might just be me, but I was impressed that they carried Lavazza coffee.
(4)
Caitlin C.
bad food. long wait. above all---BAD SERVICE. No thank you.
(1)
C.Michele S.
The Tuna melt is amazing! This place is small and does get a little crowded after 8pm. Since it's really only a sitting type of bar you have to plan accordingly. The drinks are decent priced though I wish they were a little bigger. The food though is really cheap so def check this place out if you need a pre-drinks place.
(3)
Peter R.
Rachel Ray are you on Crack? well i swear i saw Rachel Ray from the show "40$ a day" go to this place and rave how the food was "delicious" and great price. First off i find her show to be really annoying and the only reason i was watching was because she was doing boston.. So on a nice day a friend and i decided to grab lunch on the outside area... located with a view of that lil park area. Well we decided on burgers and gooosh were they pitiful... The meat was very low quality over cooked and down right nasty.. the only way we could force down some of it was by literally covering it in ketchup. Also no french fries just some plain chips.. despite being the best thing on my plate i assumed for the price they could hit me up with some fries.. My suggestions are go to basically any other place in the area and you will be happier..On our way out i did see one guy who seemed to know how to order in this place and that was just a beer and a plate of chips.. Man this place is such a waste of space... and Rachel Ray needs to lay off the crack
(1)
vanessa a.
Located on the cobbled walkways of Winthrop Street, Grendel's has great outdoor dining and the basement sec makes for a nice and cozy dining experience. I enjoyed a beautiful and tasty Sonoma wrap w/a side of cole slaw. Don't expect anything fancy, this is a typical pub and the atmosphere is very comfortable. Oh, and if you're driving, park at the Charles Hotel parking garage, the restaurant will comp $2 off your ticket. great location in Harvard sq.
(4)
Joseph G.
I like the Grendel's Den philosophy of not bothering to have cheap beer. They always make me happy with their selection of beers usually featuring Paulaner Hefeweizen on tap. Probably the best thing about this place though is how the food is half price seemingly all the time. I love walking out of there having paid $15 for two beers and a full meal. I also love the old time pub feel of the place. Not into sports bars and high end looking bars. This is place has stone walls and all. Tis great.
(4)
John W.
This aint no gastropub, but the grub is tasty. I'm a fan of the Falafal Wrap and the California Gardenburger (with jack cheese and guacamole). During their happy hour (5- 7:30pm every night & 9- 11:30pm Sunday - Thursday), all food is half off with the purchase of an adult beverage. They offer a decent selection beer and wine. And during the warm weather, they have outdoor tables in the park, however, the half-price deal doesnt apply outside. Their "happy hour" makes this the perfect place in Harvard Square to hang out with friends after work before a trip across the street to Shay's.
(4)
Bernadette S.
Just went for brunch yesterday - my first time at this legendary establishment. It was affordable and my meal was delicious - the ham, gruyere and veggie frittata - though I didn't notice the gruyere. For $7.50 I received this, a small bowl of fruit and potatoes o'brien. Yummy but I was still hungry. Jen's meal was pathetic - a turkey burger that was about 2mm thin, really poorly presented and unappetizing. I felt badly for her. 3 stars for potential and imagination - it was nice to see a veggie frittata with peas and a bellini with absinthe. Make the frittata and especially the turkey burger a little heartier, though.
(3)
Sophia L.
Not gourmet by any standards but fun for a drink or two and pleanty of options for food! I definitely think the service left something to be desired but I can see this being a fun place just to grab a casual drink with friends. Great for cheap happy hour half price food.
(3)
S G.
What I love about Grendel's Den is that it reminds me of the way pubs used to be, back when going to a wine bar or being able to name more than three types of cheese made you a yuppie. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a drink at a repurposed warehouse with a lightly ironic menu, but sometimes it is nice to just go somewhere where they don't mess about. They have a good, surprisingly vegetarian friendly menu. Things are cheap, even without their special deal, and the food is tasty. The waiters are always around when you need them but they don't interrupt your conversation with the ubiquitous 'how is everything so far?'. If your purpose is to go out and have a relaxing, pleasant evening with some friends, you really can't go wrong here.
(4)
Alexander H.
Great aspects about this place: Good beer and drink selection, great ambiance, nice location, good food, reasonable prices, a sandwich called "Grendel" Not so great aspects of Grendels: Server was kinda cranky, crowded, seating isn't exactly the most comfortable you'll find All in all, if you're looking for a good place in Harvard square for some filling, fatty food, look no further.
(4)
Michael C.
Where else can you get a sit-down lunch for $3.95? Need I say more? Probably not, but I will anyway. You get about seven or eight choices for that delightfully low price. The food's decent--uninspiring and small sandwiches, but good soups and salads. Nice, cozy atmosphere if you sit by the fireplace. Service is okay but can be somewhat slow, especially if your waitress's friends are there and she spends her work time chatting with them and ignoring her other customers. But hey, for $3.95, I'm happy. In warm weather I enjoy taking lunch out from the various Harvard Square sandwich shops and eating it outside, but in wintertime it's nice to sit in a restaurant--and who really wants to eat inside Felipe's or Sabra Grill? So if winter ever comes this year, you'll find me by the warm Grendel's fire.
(4)
Julia O.
I have been here many times over the past four years and each time I go there I've been pretty happy with the food and service, and would give a 3-4 star rating. I went there today and we waited almost 50 minutes for our food to arrive - and everyone else around us seemed to be experiencing the same delay too - and there weren't that many people there. Our waiter seemed to be high or something because we had to ask for our check twice and the second time we did then proceeded to go on and on about how today he was talking in a british accent but didn't know why. He also hovered right over us as we were taking our wallets out to pay which was very awkward and we weren't planning on leaving much of a tip. Sad to say I won't be going there again because I did like their nachos...
(1)
E B.
Cheap food, tastes good. An interesting mix of menu. Good bar atmosphere and seating outside during the summer. Good options for vegetarians. The music played is sometimes interesting and people at the bar are friendly, sometimes the customers more than the bartenders.
(4)
Layla P.
went here for drinks on a cold Friday night. Got warmed up with a delicious peppermint schnapps hot chocolate which everyone at my table loved. Canadian hot cider was also toasty and delicious. But most of all I wish I knew how to make your Peachtree toddy at my own house, just curl up with that in a mug and you'd be fine even if the heat went out!
(4)
Michael B.
Besides the great name, Grendel's is a chill place to grab drinks & late night snacks down in its basement grotto, and also a fun, tasty place to grab brunch on a Sunday. The outside tables are perfect for brunch in nice weather and give you the chance to take in some quality people watching in the nearby park. Also, the tables are mostly in the shade, so you don't have to worry about getting fried by the sun on a warm spring or summer day. My girlfriend and I ate brunch there this morning and would definitely go back. Our waiter this morning was especially fun and chill.
(4)
John C.
Grendel's Den may be a little out of the way, but worth it. I've been coming here for more than a decade (yes, I remember when it was two levels) and the food has been consistently excellent. While my favorite might by their straw and hay pasta, there's plenty on the menu for everyone (including vegetarian entrees). The bar and restaurant are for good friends and good conversation... there isn't a TV in sight and the music is loud enough to hear but not drowning out conversation. Highly recommended.
(4)
Lucy Z.
Boyfriend and I were walking around the square on what could've been the hottest day of the summer. The tables outside looked inviting, but I was amazed anyone could really put up w/ the heat. So, we sought refuge downstairs and inside (in the "Den" haha). The place is sort of dark and almost cavernous and a glance at the menu suggests it's a pub that screams of beer-centric happy hours and Barcardi specials (nothing wrong with that at all). I sprung for a veggie salad w/ tofu (yes, I managed to avoid the tempting sandwiches and burgers). It was alright . I was happy with the generous serving of veggies, as it did satisfy my veggie quota for a whole week, but I do have to throw a Are-You-Kidding-Me with the tofu (strangely flavored, kind of soggy, etc). My boyfriend however, really enjoyed his turkey & harvarti sandwich, on a baguette with pesto-mayo. Even though it came with potato chips and not fries.
(3)
Ashley S.
Sometime good enough is, well, good enough. Grendel's is good enough. It's passable, eclectic bar food that's pretty cheap. It's even cheaper if you come before 7:30p on a weeknight, when it's half price. Yup. You can get dinner for like $4...and not because you got a fast food burrito. Footnotes: + They have a wide selection of veggie offerings + They have a few large tables that they save for groups
(3)
Carissa H.
Every time I've been to Grendel's, the food has been great and the staff has had no problem when there were 7-12 people in our party wandering in and out all evening. Grendel's beats the hell out of Cambridge Common (and Charlie's since there's never anywhere to sit at Charlie's). Half price food for most of the evening sweetens the deal. And I don't drink so I can't speak about their alcohol selection, but my friends who do drink have never complained.
(5)
Shane F.
I went to Grendel's for the first time in 8 years last night. The last time I'd eaten anything there may have been 10 years before that. Since the upstairs closed I can't remember hearing anyone talk about Grendel's without mentioning the cheap food during happy hour. So, I expected the food to be crap and the beer to be ordinary. Well, the beer was better than ordinary and I was plum shocked by the food. The whole menu is half price before 7:30 Sunday through Thursday! Two of us sat down at 7:20 and had dinner with drinks for $16. I had a well above average bar burrito with a whole quarter of an avocado added for fifty cents. I think that's a pretty good price for avocado. My conclusion from last night is that Grendel's Den is surprisingly good, shockingly affordable and has simply gobs of vegetarian options.
(4)
Jacqueline M.
An 'everyone is welcome' spirit is what you'll find at Grendel's Den, along with inexpensive food and drink. In the summer time, they have patio seating, which is worth the wait. I've pretty much found most of their food tasty and filling. This place is great if you are on a student budget.
(4)
Ashlee C.
Good place to hang out and sip a drink if you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere. I have had no trouble getting a table on weekends - the turnover seems pretty high at this place. I cannot attest to the food; so far I have only had drinks here. I can't really say that I recommend the mixed drinks. I got a martini there that was an absolute disaster, so stick to the beer. A Cambridge classic that is worth seeing if you are in the area.
(3)
Harsh V.
Half priced dinners: this is how it'll go down. Order a $5 beer which while entirely decent isn't the best in show. Pair it with a fully loaded burger (veggie or meaty) - many toppings to choose from - for less than $3.50. Entirely wholesome after-work dining experience. I'm throwing in an extra star for the ridiculously inexpensive food deal.
(4)
Sara B.
Love the atmosphere, and the outdoor seating is great in the warm weather, but the patrons can be a bit...hmmm...overtly intellectual, if you will...and self-involved...in a way that becomes difficult to listen to after an hour or so if you wind up next to a particularly talkative bunch. The tables are small and the quarters close. Best thing about Grendel's is the half-price deal. It's amazing. Half off everything on the menu with the purchase of one drink. The hours for the deal are - I believe - 5-7:30pm every day, and 9-11:30pm Sunday - Thursday. The spinach/artichoke/snow crab dip sounds amazing, but tastes like it's out of a can. Disappointing. Burgers are great, including the veggie burgers, but they don't come with fries. Thought the cole slaw is tasty and light. The Guinness stew and the cheese fondue are unique and hearty, especially good on a cold night. Nachos are awesome for the price. Lots of great vegetarian options. This is Harvard Square, after all.
(3)
Elliott N.
Grendel's Den can be a fantastic place, if you let it. Personally, I love Grendel's. Their beer selection is consistently solid with some remarkable guest beers featured frequently (Stone Double Bastard for $11 in a bar!? That's only $2 more than the liquor store!), their mixed drinks are made well and not stingy with the good stuff, their staff is consistently friendly and prompt--I've never had a bad experience with the waitstaff at Grendel's, even when they're mobbed, which is saying something. The atmosphere is also great, with an appropriate subterranean den vibe. Another thing that makes me smile: gender neutral bathrooms! The only detractors: seating and some food. Now don't get me wrong, some of Grendel's food is fantastic, with their specials consistently a cut above much of the other fare. Some, however, is pretty subpar (I'd steer clear of the nachos, IE chips with canned beans and preshredded cheese thrown into the microwave). If you go during the half off food hours (why would you go any other time?), it can also be tough to get a table. Still, great staff, good and fairly priced drinks, nice atmosphere, and half off food that renders most everything on the menu less than $7 give this place high marks for me.
(4)
Charoline D.
Ah Grendel's the start of our Saturday night bar crawl to try some new places out in Harvard Square and move away from our almost too often sojourns to River Gods. Bouncer was friendly, the patrons we're mostly "Bro"s, and the bartender was a bit anal retentive. He was fairly quick with getting our order while we sat atop stools at the bar and kept being insistant about using coasters. I had an Original Sin cider and we played the "what do you think their name is?" game. This basically consists of us pointing out people, guessing what their name is, and various other things such as occupation, where they met their boyfriend, hobbies may include, etc. Didn't get a chance to try out the food, but I think from previous reviews that it may not have been all that necessary. All and all, a pretty relaxed atmosphere.
(3)
Erik H.
This place is literally my home away from home. I realize that I am very biased but this is hands down the best bar in Harvard Square. You can complain about the service but a lot of the customers bring a inflated sense of entitlement into the bar and simply don't like being put in their place. The food is decent and if you ask for recommendation you will often be pleasantly surprised. If you are out looking for a good time you'll find it here. If you go out and think you're in Faneuil Hall you will probably not.
(5)
Michele G.
Half price menu! Plus, get yourself incredibly happy with the awesome Dark n' Stormies. :)
(3)
Yana Y.
Grendel's, Grendel's, oh how I love thee. Half price food menu from 5-7:30pm/9-11:30pm (Delicious food!) Delicious white + red sangria Sorry kids, you lose a half a star for not having 1/2 price menu be applicable outside, and another half for having the worlds slowest wait-staff.
(4)
Alexandra K.
I had some drinks at Grendel's last evening with some friends. I had already eaten dinner but others in my party ordered food. I had a cider that was pretty good. Tasted a little like Woodchuck, nothing special. They seemed to have a pretty good wine and beer selection however, my colleagues liked their selections as well. Our waiter was funny and entertaining. He made the table laugh on several occasions. We joked about how he looked like Colin Ferrel at one point. We were sitting at a round table for 5 or more in the back corner. I was in the corner near the wall and because it was a round table with a bench against the wall, I couldn't really sit comfortably at the table, I had to lean forward a lot to be in the conversations. The music was also a little too loud. However, not as loud as most bars can be. They have a special half priced happy hour listed on the menu where, if I'm not mistaken, most things on the menu are half priced. It was evenings on weekdays and later on weekends I think... Two of the people I was with ordered the cheese fondue. I could smell it the second it hit the table! I love cheese fondue and this one smelled a little 'funky'. However, it seems that it was just a really strong cheese which means it might have tasted great. I agree with Ligaya that the texture of the cheese looks a little funny and lumpy. I think this can be attributed to the kerosene flame thingy they put under it. I don't think it heats evenly. I had a good time at Grendel's, but I wouldn't necessarily go back.
(3)
Eric S.
Just OK overall. The location is good overall. The outdoor seating is great for people watching. The food is so-so. I got the veggie burger with guacamole, mashed potatoes, and falafel plate. The guacamole was dull green, like it was old. They have a good beer selection. The friend I was eating with was not at all impressed with his chicken dish.
(3)
Katherine J.
This place was OK. Just came here for a couple of glasses of guinness and a bite to eat. I was craving french fries but they didn't have any! Instead I had the spinach pie. It filled me up but this isn't gourmet food. While we were eating, the power went off but it was quickly restored and everyone clapped. It's a cute, cozy neighborhood feel type of place.
(4)
Jenny F.
Bar area is a little tight, but grab a table and you'll be set. Decent spot to hang out on a quieter week night.
(3)
Sari G.
I was visiting Boston and came here with some friends on a Saturday night for drinks. Was seated promptly, our server was really great. Its all about their ginger ale and rum! I have tasted every ginger ale known to woman and this drink is amazing! The crowd each had their little nooks and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Great fun - amazing ginger ale.
(5)
Anna S.
This place has a fantastic atmosphere - it's warm and cozy, with low ceilings, exposed brick, and dim lighting. I've found that the service is sometimes a touch slow, but the food is good, and their happy-hour is very budget-friendly.
(4)
Khalid S.
I came here accidentally, cause there were no tables available at Charlie's Kitchen walking distance from here. But that was a blessing in disguise. I'm not totally impressed by Grendel's, cause the service was average, and I got the feeling that the staff didn't care much cause every single table on this Saturday night was occupied. I was just by myself so I looked around and waited for my food, though I can see this place being fun going in a big group. Moving on to why I was here, the food. I had the shrimp Sambal which the menu warned that it was hot as hell. I said to myself maybe it's like the Fire sauce at Taco Bell which is barely close to what hot really is. But let me tell you, the Sambal was really absolutely positively hot. I had to stop eating until my server replenished my water supply because I couldn't take it anymore. They served it with rice and green peas. I'm a big fan of spicy food, so I adored it. The portions were just right as well.
(4)
Josh O.
Today either I got on the wrong bus or the MBTA website lied to me because I ended up in Harvard Sq. instead of Davis Sq. I had been planning on using one of my $1 burrito coupons at Boloco, so at first I figured I'd just hop on the T and get to Davis Sq. that way, but as I was walking to the T I saw a guy handing out leaflets that had in big letters 'LUNCH SPECIAL $3.95'. So I grabbed it. Turns out that Grendel's Den has a $3.95 lunch special where you can choose from a burger, soup and salad, a french dip sandwich, a salad, a half sandwich and soup, or a half sandwich and salad. 'Hot damn', I thought to myself. So I headed over to Grendel's which I'd walked by before but never been in. First off, I _love_ basement bars. I don't know why, but I do. Secondly, I got a pretty decent lunch for $3.95. It wasn't amazing, but it was good, it was filling, and it was cheap. Third, Guinness for only $4.25. Not bad at all.
(4)
Tasha L.
The cheap happy hour is delightful after work. Original Sin cider is on tap. The cocktails are adequate-- I recommend the mojito when it is in season. I always stick to sandwiches, the falafel wrap is a favorite. The potato chips have their charm. The entrees come in very small portions...but I wouldn't get too fancy here. It can get very noisy...but the ambiance is very cozy and comforting, especially in the winter. The staff do their jobs well...sometimes you have to be patient because it's so mobbed, but they are all very nice. I was there for a big Red Sox game and no one was paying attention. That was nice.
(5)
Mallory R.
One of the coziest spots in Harvard Square on a winter evening. Love the brick walls and the cheap menu. The half price menu is a real steal and worth the trek out to Cambridge. Usually just go for appetizers when with friends and we often get the hot spinach and artichoke dip. My best friend and I were fans of an appetizer that is no longer featured (bread with tomato sauce) but regardless of the menu changes I still enjoy myself when I go to Grendel's. Whether it's a humid summer night and you are sitting outside or cozying up inside on a winter night, Gendel's is a spot where you will find yourself comfortable and at home, among strangers.
(5)
Tristan S.
Every non-appetizer I've eaten here has been pretty subpar. Service is often slow. However, the atmosphere is great - walking down into a hole-in-a-wall basement/bar is a good feeling. Portions arent huge, and could be cheaper. The time to go is half-price hours: 5-7 every night (with a beverage purchase). The nachos are quite good, and the other apps I've had were good, but avoid the entrees.
(2)
Adrienne W.
OK, I admit it. I should probably be giving Grendel's Den four stars, but my own hangups require three stars. I'm in my mid-twenties and stopped by with a girlfriend to take advantage of the half priced food with drink. To my consternation, I looked around on the Wednesday night and felt like ancient. My half priced polenta with cheesy goodness and mushrooms was yummy - significantly smaller than my friend's nachos but nicely sized so I felt perfectly satisfied instead of sick when I finished it. (And this coming from someone who is just learning to tolerate most mushrooms!) We sat at the bar and conferred with the bartender over our drink choice. Being unemployed, I like to make every drink count these days. The dark and stormy was lovely and the bartender was able to make a small bit of the hot cider for my friend to sample. I'll be back - a non-fast food meal and a good drink for $10 is a nice deal for me!
(3)
Ali I.
This is an awesome little hole in the wall underground drinking lair. It has a cool vibe and Its pretty affordable. The food is decent too, vegetarian friendly.
(4)
Ben K.
Whoa, watch out, though. Outside is full price food all the time. You're maybe making up the balance in people-watching and warm weather, but it definitely bumps the food out of the "well, I guess this is an okay sandwich for $3" range.
(3)
Diana G.
I stopped in here yesterday for a couple pints of Guinness, and then learned about the half-price food from 5-7:30. So, I decided to order a burger. It wasn't the greatest burger I have ever had, but it did the trick. I have had the seafood combo dinner here before, and I remember that was great! I'm sure I'll stop in here on a regular basis. I like the atmosphere, the service is pretty good, and they serve great beers. What more can you ask for? :D
(4)
Maia C.
Not my type of place. Slow to getting to the table and the food was odd. My friend got pasta which looked good. Since we ordered a soda and water they seemed to not want to serve us. It would probably be ok if we liked the dungeon.
(2)
_ _.
Scale of 1-10 (multiple visits): 7 Food 8 *Drinks* 7 Service 9 Atmosphere 7 Value
(3)
Steve F.
A fun, cheap, lively place. The Dark n Stormy was indeed good, as was the mulled wine that my date had. The food (quesedilla) was just ok, but the atmosphere and drinks made up for it.
(4)
Erin M.
I was pleasantly surprised! Fun atmosphere in a crowded basement, which is one of my favorite bar settings. The waitress was very nice when we moved the tables around and then moved to a DIFFERENT table... a lot of places would give you crap for that, because it's annoying. My recent years living in the Midwest make me long for happy hours - and this is the closest I've found to a real happy hour deal since moving back to Boston: 1/2 off your food if you buy $3 worth of drinks (which averages for the whole table! So if one person has two drinks, the person who got none also gets half-off food). My burger was... OK. I was looking for a greasy bar burger, and I got it. The bun was gross and soggy. The burger itself was tasty. Just chips, no fries. My friend got one of the vegetarian specials and it looked way more delicious. I would like to go back and try this. I'm going with three stars for now. May be bumped if I return and like the other food more.
(3)
Andrea P.
I love this little cave. It's cheap and offers tons of vegetarian options! Daily specials, Mediterranean/Californian-themed bar food with an occasional Latin or Asian twist....I like! It is absolutely MANDITORY to go during the 1/2 price happy hours (Daily 5-7:30 pm and Sun-Thurs 9-11:30 pm) or for lunch specials (11:30 am-3 pm). Otherwise the food is not even close to being worth it, because it's not THAT good; it's on the better side of average. They have a Portabello Reuben, a Mediterranean combo plate, that delicious fondue everyone talks about, and pretty decent red Sangria, sold by the half and whole pitchers. My favorite tables are the two half-circles that face the brick wall by the bathrooms. Much more private, way less noisy. The service is eh, but whatever, I'd be pissed too if people were constantly shorting me tips because they don't realize they're supposed to tip on the original amount of the bill and not the discounted happy hour amount! Growl!
(4)
Lisa R.
Want to grab a quick lunch in the square? Grendel's is awesome! Can't finish a whole sandwhich? Get a half sandwhich with a half salad or soup! I love their weekday lunch specials: who else lets you exchange half your sandwhich for something else yummy on the side for the same price? The service is always lightning speed and you can't beat a $5 lunch in Harvard Square. No, the food is not gourment, but you should take Grendels for what it is and enjoy the greasy bar food and cave-like decor. If it's nice out, grab a table outside! I would love to give this place a 3.5, but alas Yelp makes you choose.
(3)
William M.
I madly appreciate Grendel's, if only for the fact that they fought a Supreme Court case to keep their doors open. (gotta fight...for your right... to party, etc etc.) Anyways, their food is a complaint I hear alot, but it's wicked cheap and usually not the reason I come here. The waitresses are unbelievably patient given how disorganized my groups have been. Probably my favorite bar in Boston.
(5)
Nora T.
I heard about Grendel's half price specials, and thought it was too good to be true. I decided to trek down there one night to see how this worked, and was pleasantly surprised. The tables are seat-yourself, which meant that we had to wait a bit to get the attention of the waitress, but once we did I was not disappointed. I was able to devouer a delicious spinach and artichoke dip with crab and a sumptious turkey burger, wash it all down with an italian soda, and it all cost about $10. I plan on going back to see what else their manu has to offer, but my first trip left me very satisfied and didn't break the bank. (Technically my boyfriend's bank.. but still..)
(4)
CR S.
Yech. Hamburgers looked like they were boiled. Salads were basic, with iceberg lettuce, like mom made back in the fifties. Find somewhere else to eat.
(1)
Julie M.
Grendel's Den does little to stand out among its peers... This bar is easy to miss and I assume is overshadowed by Tommy O'Doyle's across the street. I went to Grendel's Den the night before Thanksgiving with a group of about 7 people. We sat at a "5 or more" table. Our waitress was friendly - she was willing to deal with someone "returning a drink" - and we did end up getting a free round of shots (it had turned out that the waitress and I had a friend in common). The drinks were moderately priced... and the bar let us hang out even after they had officially closed. Again, Grendel's Den is getting three stars because it was an okay bar, but nothing spectacular.
(3)
Pablo S.
This gotta be one of the worse and unhealthy places in the whole world !!! Our server was smoking right in front of our table with the entire staff and completely ignored us every time we need it something... How's the 0.20 tip now??? We will never go back + stay away !!!!!
(1)
Lalin A.
Mediocre food but cheap! Usually very hard to find seating, especially for bigger groups. Smells bad: inadequate airconditioning. But, could be a fun place if you get a corner or wall-side table and just enjoy casual conversation with friends. Not a place to take your date! Make the most out of the happy hour and half-price deal.
(3)
Happy Eater B.
The half-off deal is absolutely fantastic. The food is great, the beers are carefully chosen, the atmosphere is lively. Factors keeping it from five-stars: flies of some kind were at the table, one of our table's entrees was just average. Overall, a nice place to go and, for half-off, a terrific deal.
(4)
Stephanie T.
grendel's den is pretty great. though, i'm pretty sure i'd dish out 4 stars to ANY restaurant that offers half prices on their ENTIRE food menu every week night from 5-7:30 and weekends from 9-11:30. beer selection is small, food is creative, but not very bold. i've never had anything i absolutely HAD to have again, which can be problematic with a small menu. but i've never had complaints either. though, personal preference - chips or slaw with sandwiches is a pretty lame. i like fries. especially for an $8 burger, i want fries! not just a bag of lays dumped on my plate. that could be just me though. good atmosphere, friendly (albeit busy) wait staff. i will (and do) return - especially for half price food! 4 stars!
(4)
tommie r.
GD's is pretty "what you see is what you get"; the substance of the place rests more in its atmosphere, set up and patrons than in its food. if you're feeling relaxed, are mostly going out for drinks and are basically in the mood for anything that fits the technical definition of "food" GDs is a good place for you.
(4)
Emily S.
Sin Cider on tap :) Great atmosphere in the middle of Harvard SQ.
(4)
Sean E.
Hrmm... Their food is veeeeery hit or miss with me. But the price is right. You know, they kind of put you in the position where you can't really complaint about the food because you only paid a few bucks for it. They can do something awesome like a plate of mussels for 5 bucks or something and have it be really tasty -- and then you can get a sandwich or some chicken or soup or something and have it just be really blah. Point being -- they're food is as good as what you're paying. It's a nice atmosphere, good beers and single malts can be found here, good place to meet up before a movie or just to hang out. But if you're out on a date or looking to impress or just looking to have a good meal -- I'd head elsewhere my friend.
(3)
Courtney H.
Been back to Grendel's a couple times lately with one visit lasting a good 8 hours. That should tell you how awesome this bar is! Go, and go now.
(4)
Corydon S.
Grendel's Den is my favorite place to avoid the inflated prices and ego of Harvard Square. At lunch the food is so cheap, you may look at your bill twice. I like going earlier in the day when place is pretty dead and I can eat my roast beef sandwich in peace. When it's packed, it gets so loud that it's hard to hear what the person across from you is saying. Still it's worth being able to chow smugly on food that is decent and cheaper than any of the places around it.
(3)
Tez C.
Grendel's gets five starts for me just because of their half-off food happy hours. 500-730 and after 900, as long as you get one drink $3+, all food is half off, and while the food isn't spectacular, it is pretty good and cheaper than most food you can find in Harvard Square. The place is pretty cozy, though it can get pretty crowded at times. Our waitress was awesome. All around good times. It's the closest thing to a happy hour I've found here.
(5)
Dalet Z.
cool spot with cool waiters/waitresses & bartenders. cool drinks/beer (had a black & cider - guiness with apple sin cider. it was delicious!) great deals on food. 1/2 off their whole menu from 5:00 to 7:30pm. (i got the lala's dinner - i forget the name of it, but it comes with your choice of steak or chicken or both. i did both. and your choice of 2 sides. i thought it was pretty tasty! would only get the chicken next time though. the steak was a bit chewy. but maybe it's the way i ordered it - medium well. who knows. i got the salad & mashed potatoes. loved both of them. my fiance' likes their roast beef sandwich. and i've gotten their turkey burger before which was good. they have great beer selections. they have outdoor seating too, which is nice in the summer. and still open even though october is almost over.
(4)
D P.
Seriously, I would give a zero star but 1 is as low as I can rate. I used to really like Grendel's and looks like they have gone down the hill. We went there after couple of years on Memorial day and with perfect temperature outside, we decided to sit outside. Besides service being really slow, I can not be more unhappy about each food items we ordered. I almost feel like calling the manager and having him fire the cook -- if there was a cook working on a holiday or was it a busboy putting food together. Let me start with app-- ordered hummus($5) which had 'no taste'. It was clearly prepared on the premise since there was no 'lemon', 'salt' or any hint of other spice. It was terrible. Second, for the lunch entree, there was a special of "Kerala Curry with Tofu/Chicken"($8) which came on a bed of rice and vegetables. Curry was nothing but someone dumped coconut milk and was so mildly spiced that I ate a little bit but I stopped eating because I don't like to eat if I don't enjoy food. Another entree was 'lella's chicken'($9) -- OMG, the chicken was so dry that even with a steak knife, it took forever to cut it. The only part was descent in 'Leila's chicken' was the sauce on the side which was parsley, cilantro, garlic based sauce .
(1)
Abbey L.
Grendel's is a great spot for after work. All food is 50% off between 5 and 7 and frankly even without that discount, it's quite cheap. It's not the greatest food I've ever had, but it's totally fine and there are a lot of choices on the menu.
(3)
kelly w.
I think this is my favorite place in Boston. I've only been twice so far, but both times I had some really well-mixed, affordable and unusual drinks. The food ranges from basic to somewhat imaginative, and I think it's good. And you can't beat the price.
(5)
Z R.
I don't come here for the food. I come for the atmosphere. The old creaky wooden floors and equally old creaky big wooden tables are charming. It reminds me of Chumley's in NYC. For those of you who are looking to eat here, however, the food isn't terrible. It's decent and reasonably-priced. Someone mentioned food poisoning in their review. Just stick to the basics, and you'll be fine.
(4)
Kirs P.
I was just at Grendel's last night and was reminded how much I love this place. Is the food great? Not really, but you can't beat the prices- especially during the happy hour half price everything on the menu. That's pretty sweet. Especially if you get the fondue for 2, which if you do as an app with your group, is a great way to pass the time. The service? Eh. But, again, you never really end up caring, because you are having a pretty great time drinking, talking, and watchin' everyone else in the restaurant. Weirdness- they have co-ed bathrooms, which if it were just one stall woudn't be weird, but one of the bathrooms has two stalls in it. All I've gotta say is that boys are not always the best bathroom partners.
(5)
A M.
This place is worth avoiding at all costs. The only thing more repugnant than the bathrooms at Grendel's Den is the staff behind the bar. These miserable, slow-moving vehicles take every chance to be rude to customers. The one time they do speed up is at last call, which they ring a good 20 min before every other place in Cambridge, just to get all the paying customers out. Fat and greedy, they only care to serve their moronic minions, who hang around the bar enjoying free drinks well past closing. Shame on you!
(1)
Steve D.
A bit of a cave but great people, great food, great value. Classic spot.
(4)
Alice P.
I went today with my husband and friends of ours for lunch. Before that I had only been for drinks and snacks so I was eager to try out an actual meal. My husband got a cesear salad to start and I stole some of the crotons were which were divine. But crotons do not a meal make (unfortunately) so it was on to my burger and chips. I was quite surprised that they don't have fries (one of my guilty pleasures) so I got homefries in addition to the chips. The homefries were excellent - whole slices of potato satueed lightly. The chips were just generic chips - nothing to write home about. Unfortunately the hamburger was less than stellar. It was two patties that were quite greasy and had more of a light grey sheen than the dark brown/black that hamburgers usually are. It was kind of off-putting. The lettuce for a topping was shredded which meant almost none of it stayed on, and the slice of tomato was rather measly. All in all it didn't taste bad; I guess I was just expecting more. I do like the atmosphere and the drinks are great, but I was less impressed with the food. Also, it was still brunch time, but there were very few brunch items. It mainly consisted of egg-and-meat concoctions.
(3)
Sutee D.
I go to Grendel's for the atmosphere. It's bar where you can actually have good conversations. Although it still retains it's laid-back vibe, on Friday and Saturday nights, you can feel the energy from all of the people around you. You get the buzz from a lot of different conversations happening around you (and the alcohol), but you can still hear your friends (not to be taken for granted in bars in Boston). Good selection of drinks-wine, beer, cider, etc. The food is super-cheap (1/2 off at times!) during happy hour, etc, but a bit disappointing. The quality and price cater towards the college crowd but doesn't quite fit with the overall ambiance. Grendel's is the kind of place where I wouldn't mind paying more for quality food. If you're going to put seafood on the menu, do it justice. Otherwise, just stick with basic bar food. I'll go either way, but please make up your mind.
(3)
Eve C.
Relaxed a friendly, with really cheap food and a great bar. Thankfully they DO NOT serve Bud. =)
(5)
Susan D.
I was split between giving this bar/restaurant one or two stars and rounded up because I am in a gracious mood. The food was not spectacular. I ordered the shrimp sauteed in sambal sauce, which was pure sambal (Chinese chilies) mixed with 7 shrimp on top of a bed of white rice. My husband ordered a forgettable Mediterranean wrap. Credos for serving up authentic spicy food, but nay for the lack of originality when it comes to how they mixed the flavors. Also, the service was crappy. I guess what would I expect from a college bar. We ordered two beers and our meals. Twenty minutes later, the waiter asks us to remind him what we ordered. Then it took another 30 minutes for the drinks to come out because my husband's special beer glass was going through the wash. Sadly, when his beer arrived, the glass was hot, which made the beer strangely warm. Overall, what do you expect? The food was half off and watching the future powers of the world hang out with their professors was fun.
(2)
William H.
I want to like this place, I really do. It's a cool funky below ground spot, but that just isn't enough for me. The food at best is boring and at most times its just plain bad. I went back a couple of days ago, willing to give it another try. It was 3:00 in the afternoon, not rush hour and we waited 20 minutes for someone to come with menus, then another 15-20 before our order was taken. The service is complete crap not to mention the rude wait staff. Seriously if you don't like your job, quit! After another 30 minute wait for the food, the clam chowder was only luke warm and had grit in it. The bread on the sandwich was stale and the beef was cold. After all that we had to wait yet another 20 minutes just to get our check. If you don't mind mediocre food, fine but plan on long waits and rude staff.
(2)
Marcus D.
I don't know why this place gets such rave reviews. As a bar, it's alright, they actually let the Guinness sit for like twenty minutes to get it right, so kudos on that one, otherwise it's just a run of the mill pub. The place was packed and the patrons were sucking up the air, making it almost a little gross, but the bartender was friendly.
(2)
Kabir H.
This place has really cheap food. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for. If you're just drinking, they've got a number of cozy spots that can seat a decent sized party. The lighting is the highlight of this place; dimly lit and there are even a couple tables in the back, away from prying eyes... Show up with a friend or a large party if you can find seats, but stick to beer.
(3)
Bill B.
Awesome if you show up after hours M-Th. Half off food and seating isn't as bad as you'd expect. Don't think I would want to bother with the prices on the weekend tho. Good place to meet up with buddies after work.
(5)
Julia F.
I went here on a Friday or Saturday night, we were meeting a group of maybe 10 people, only the person who had invited us had never seen how small the place was - it was at capacity for about 30+ minutes, so we all had to take turns waiting to get in. It was a decent night, we all go in finally once a few people who had come to have dinner left. It was difficult to try to have the bill split up, but finally we got different tabs for at least the food we ended up eating half way through our drinking. First impression of the staff, not good. Though the door guy grew on me, as the night went on (our interactions were many, what with my constant-smoking-while-drinking-habits). In the end, it was alright. I would go, but only bring one person tops with me... and not drink enough to have to use the bathroom... cause it's gross and teeny. Thumbs up on the veggie burger, but does my memory serve rightly that they don't have fries? A place that doesn't serve fries freaks me out a little bit...
(3)
Phil W.
My friends and I used to come here weekly for post-work drinks. We've since moved onto Gargoyle's in Davis Square, as it's more local for us, but we still hit Grendels once in a while. The half-price food in the evenings is a great deal, and I can't recommend the Natural Disaster sandwich enough - two turkey patties, cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato? Awesome. I order it every time. Though I don't understand for the life of me why they can't put some flippin' french fries on the menu. Everything else on the menu is bar food fare, so where are the fries? Seriously! Service varies on your server; sitting at the bar helps. One of the bartenders really likes Wilco and all other things Jeff Tweedy. We get along great.
(3)
Purvi R.
Stop #2 on the bf's birthday bar crawl. We entered to find our friends already waiting for us, and got down to business. This is a great location to meet up with folks; pretty big inside, larger tables/booths, and yummy cocktails - I think I had a raspberry mojito or similar. It also had a down-to-earth feel about the place, which is just my speed. It is on the list of places to come back - I really like this little area of Winthrop, super cute and nice to walk around in with no cars!
(3)
Michele L.
One of the few places in Boston that offers happy hour specials (half price food until 7), so worth it, but it does get really crowded. Beer selection is mediocre and so is the food - except the vegan chili which was really cheap and delicious. Come here for the prices and the atmosphere - its cosy and denlike as the name suggests. If you are ok with waiting outside for a spot to open up its definitely a good spot to hit up on a Saturday night.
(3)
Jennafir E.
All this place has going for it was the decor. It was a chill bar with good outdoor seating. The rest, well isn't memorable in a good way. The hummus is horrific. Stay away for the love of god. The sangria wasn't made well and the beer choices could have been better.
(2)
Rachel G.
Come to Grendel's Den for happy hour and, with any drink purchase (alcoholic or non-!), your food is half off. For this alone, I'd give this place a try, but since we got food that was a. tasty and b. very well-portioned (not skimped or modified to fit the prices) I feel as though true fandom is in order. They're also one of the few casual places that I've been to in Boston/Cambridge that serves fondue. When four of us went to Om this past summer, we all found ourselves wishing we were here instead.
(4)
Mats K.
This is a nice after-work meetup restaurant. The food is always tasty (and their happy hour half off everything on the menu makes it easy on the wallet) though the portions are a bit on the small side. They have a good selection of beer. Nice place to come and hang out after work with friends.
(4)
Laura M.
Really crowded with a mixed group (college kids, young professionals, older folks) on a Thursday evening during their "happy hour." Half-price food with the purchase of a drink before 7:00. My turkey sandwich was decent and my Dead Guy Ale was $3.80 -- not bad. Got out of there with a $7 dinner including the beer. Service was slow and somewhat surly, and I had to get up and ask a bartender for a glass to pour my beer into (am I a snob? I like to see the color and the head when I try a new beer...). Hard to get a table. I'd give it three stars if not for the cheap special, but the price is so right. And they have Dark and Stormies.
(4)
Terra W.
I give Grendel's a 1 star, not that I have actually eaten there though. One Saturday night we stopped by not too long ago. It was crowded, and there were 3 of us. One server told us to sit wherever we wanted, so we sat at the only open table, still a mess from the previous patrons (which is OK), which was a table for 5. We say looking at the menu for 15 or so minutes when our server finally appeared. She informed us that since there was just three of us, we could not sit there, at that table for 5. We asked where we should sit since there were no other tables, and she rudely repeated herself, gave us a nasty look and walked away. We went to the thai place around the corner instead where we got service with a smile. I won't be heading back to Grendel's anytime soon.
(1)
Noelle F.
A couple things I love about this place: they have original sin cider on tap, the half-price special they run, the atmosphere (very cozy and laid back). My one and only con is the food. I've tried a couple menu items and everything has just been so-so. Then again, it was half priced so I can't complain too much! Overall, great place to have a couple after work beers
(4)
Michael D.
Initially I wasn't to impressed with Grendel's Den, but it quickly grew on me with it's really diverse beer and drink menu, cheap and simple pub grub, good/fast service, and a really social atmosphere. It's now one of my default dives when i'm anywhere near Harvard Square.
(4)
jorbi p.
I'm giving Grendel's 5 because I can't give it 4.5, which is probably more what it deserves. The vibe in this place is great. No tv's, and half price food to be had with great frequency. And the food is usually quite awesome, especially for the price. The Seafood Dishes and the French Dip sandwich are awesome, as are their various specials (I'm praying they bring back their Chicken Pot Pie from last winter.) I dare you to order the Shrimp Sambal... easily the spiciest/hottest dish I've ever had. The waitresses are usually brimming with cuteness (can't complain about that) and are usually very friendly (though I have had the occasional rude one). The bartenders are usually very cool... the guy ones tend to be the friendlier ones I find. Who knows why. Now for the important part: drinks. Grendel's has the best Dark & Stormy I've ever had... i don't know if it's the special canned ginger beer they use or the fact that they get the goslings and the ginger beer to separate just right, but it's damn good. They also serve a warm port wine & cider that is really good during the winter months. For some reason they don't have any corporate beer (odd only because they do have have corporate booze) which might bother some, but is fine by me. There is also outside patio seating, which you can now drink at as long as you order food. There are no half price specials outside, however. The only reason I'd knock this place down 1/2 star is because every so often the food is not 100% and because when they get busy, it can take a while to get service sometimes. I've sat at the bar 5 or 10 minutes a couple times before getting served, and the bar isn't that big. Also, their bar stools are very uncomfortable, albeit only if you sit on them for a 1/2 hour or more. These negatives are infrequent though, and no reason not to check this place out.
(5)
Dan M.
Grendel's is easily one of my favorite places to kick back and relax with a drink. It's got a laid-back atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and a real mix of patrons which makes for great people watching. It can get pretty packed on a Saturday night, but unlike a lot of places you never feel like you have to shout to have a conversation. My experiences with the food menu have been limited to the nachos, potato skins, and the French Dip, and I haven't been disappointed by them, plus the half-price hours make it hard to go wrong. One of the best things about the drink menu is the "No Bud, Coors, Miller" statement on it, so if you want cheap, bad beer go somewhere else. There are a handful of beers that are always on tap, my favorites being Guinness and Original Sin Cider, and a frequently changing selection of micro brews to choose from. They also have a great Dark and Stormy if that's more up your alley. A couple of people have commented on the unisex bathrooms. There are two bathrooms, one is a double stall (on opposite sides of the sink) and the other is a single. If you don't want to share a bathroom just wait for the single.
(5)
Meghan D.
Extremely diverse menu - cannot beat their half off menu prices before 7:30! Great meet up for friends - as a starting point or even staying place for the night. I have done both - and had a good time either way. Just a short walk from the Harvard Square t-stop. Worth a quick stop or a whole meal.
(3)
Alexandra C.
This place is awesome. I love the outdoor seating and of course the half-off menu every day! My roomie is a vegetarian and they also have some great vegetarian options. We had the portobello wrap and artichoke/crab/spinach dip the other night and they were both amazing! Definitely worth going to.
(4)
Luke C.
The only thing grendel's has going for it is the appetizer special from 5 to 730. Other than that, nothing shines about this place. Grendels has mediocre food and black flies flying around. I've made the mistake of bringing a date here once, needless to say things didn't work out. There's so many better options nearby (John harvard's brew house, for example)
(2)
Emily S.
Two gripes are that it is impossibly crowded and the service is ehhh...other than that: cheap Dark n Stormys...good beer on tap...and half priced food at certain hours. So there.
(4)
Nicole M.
I'm almost positive I've tried their fries - c'mon let's face it, whose fries haven't I tried?!! - but haven't eaten anything else at Grendel's. Just booze! Yes, it gets loud and crowded and sometimes a bit dank, but it's always a good time.
(3)
Beth G.
The food is blah, meh, feh, whatever- don't eat there. But if you're out w/a group of friends in Harvard Square and want to get your drink on, then Grendel's is the place.
(3)
Francesca R.
See now, I almost gave Grendel's four stars because when I'm here, I usually have a nice, relaxed evening and I'm a big fan of a good atmosphere. But then I remembered why I'm never the one to suggest going here, and usually offer up alternatives before settling here - the service is sloooow and the food is meh. However, they really do have awesomely cheap grub, and when a group of us get together and camp out at one of the tables, it's a good time. I would spend more money on booze if only I could find our server...
(3)
Seth O.
Having worked in Harvard square for several years, Grendel's has always been one of my favorite spots for lunch or for drinks after work. While it can get a bit crowded during the frugal period known as happy hour; I've found it a relatively quiet place to lunch, especially if you don't go out until 1:30 or 2:00. People have mentioned that the fondue's not spectacular; well, in the grand scheme of fondue, its not the best out there, but it is still tasty cheese with bread; but during happy hour it's $10 between 2 maybe more people and I can't think of many places you can a vat of molten cheesy goodness for anything approaching that price. I've always liked the Grendel Roast beef sandwich and the chicken breast sandwich with honey mustard as well as the shrimp caesar salad; all of which find their way onto the lunch menu. One further note; it seems you can now drink alcohol outside there (though sadly no happy hour on the coveted patio chairs) which is something I think everyone who frequents the place has been waiting for.
(5)
Christopher R.
This almost reminds me of one of my favorite drinking spots in DC (The Brickskeller). I guess its just the brick. The food is decent, the drinks are average, the service is okay. I guess I just love it because of the atomosphere. Its a great place to chill.
(4)
Byron M.
If you are running low on cash and you want to eat well and have a decent beer, find your way to Grendel's Den in Harvard Square. They are located in the basement (low rent) part of the building. They have happy hour half price food when you spend a minimum of $3 per person on drinks. The food is ok, but is not going to win any awards, but if you want a cheap night out, this is the place. I liked their burger on a baguette. It was good. It is busy during happy hour. They do happy hour every day.
(3)
Jeff S.
This place is more about atmosphere and for the fact that you can get the happy hour special on the food if you take a drink. The food is less than mediocre-nothing to write home about except order a side salad. I swear it is the best salad I have ever had because of all the stuff they put in it!! Whatever you do, do not order the fondue. You think you are getting this amazing bubbling concoction of cheese but really it is a lump of unpleasantness that takes forever to get to the consistency of rubber cheese to tear and put it on the bread by hand. They really need to take it off the menu and consider putting fries on there instead of greasy, salty, poor man's potato chips.
(3)
grey b.
True, I've only been here briefly twice, but i just don't feel the need to go back. Given the number of good to great bars withing a ten minute walk from here, G.D. is a wholly unremarkable establishment with mediocre service and mediocre food trapped in bland atmosphere.
(2)
Julia W.
I really really love this place. It does get pretty crowded on weekends but I have never had to wait that long for a table even then. The staff are friendly, the service is fast, the drinks are yum and they have a Dark and Stormy for about $4.75 that is fantastic! The food is so great to. Just a good, honest, delicious menu which has never disappointed me. Totally reasonable prices and they have that half price thing on some weekdays! Whenever my friends or a date suggest Harvard Sq I always find myself saying "how about Grendel's Den". Thanks Grendels! You give me warm fuzzy feelings.
(5)
Teju P.
This is a hidden jem for veggie lovers. Me and my friend split a quinoa dish and the special hummus melt. We left with full stomachs and no food coma. The lemonade is excellent and not to sweet. Definitely a veggie friend place!
(5)
Lindsay L.
As a student, I go here every once in awhile for their lunch specials for $3.95 or for a drink and for their half price appetizers later at night. There aren't many great food deals in Harvard Square, so I will definitely give Grendel's points for making the effort to have lots of cheap food. It's also a nice, laidback bar scene. That being said, the food is always pretty average and I haven't been wowed by anything. The portions are pretty small as well. I would say it's good on a budget or if you're looking for a place where you can get a beer and want a quick snack but aren't too picky.
(3)
Steve E.
Great bar with nice, cheap food.
(5)
Jessica C.
Love the half-price before 7:30 special-- I came with my best friend and we shared the cheese fondue ($24 regularly, $12 with the deal) and had a few drinks. Not a huge fan of the fondue in terms of a meal (huge pot of stinky cheese off which I managed to get tipsy) but it was a fun experience. Otherwise good service, delicious drinks, and very down-to-earth for a delicious, affordable dinner. Lovely atmosphere. My only quip is that my mental image of Grendel was always a little grubbier than the Grendel on the restaurant T-shirts.. I guess I can live with that. :-)
(4)
Joe R.
Nothing too flashy about ol' Grendel's (except maybe that it catches some of the uber-sheik glow from nearby OM's beacon-like opulence), but cool none-the-less. Great place for a meal at the counter. I didn't pick up on the "Harvard" bar aspect as much as other reviewers (other than the fact that it is practically on-campus and everyone in a 10-mile radius is affiliated with the school). If you're seeking to avoid the big "H," this may be a poor choice of geography...
(4)
Nick B.
What can I say, the price is right. That said, the food is tasty, but the portions always leave me feeling somewhat unfulfilled, so I'm glad I've never tried to get food here during non-happy hour. The good news is that non-happy hour only lasts from 7-9pm, so chances are you'll get some cheap eats whenever you show up. This applies extra on Sunday when a variety of menu items can be had for a buck. A buck! As a footnote, there is a supreme court case entitled "Larkin v. Grendel's Den" [459 U.S. 116 (1982)]. A little slice of history for the other legally-minded nerds out there.
(3)
Alexis J.
My mistake - the flowers are real! Obviously very good specimens when I saw them as I did think they were fake. Now, I can't argue with fresh cut flowers, can I?
(4)
D. C.
Grendels' is usually packed. Especially at 1/2 price time. Half-Price hours are from 5:00 pm til 7:30 pm every evening and from 9:00 pm til 11:30 pm Sunday - Thursday. For me its hit or miss. Sometimes the food is really good but sometimes its just ok. My favorite is their turkey burger, its surprisingly good and not dry at all. You really can't beat that half price menu and the pub atmosphere. I'd give it a 3.5 if I could.
(4)
Wyatt G.
I just tried out Grendel's Den for the first time and am very impressed: * vegan-friendly (they have their own veggie burger recipe that's great) * great service (my server was upbeat and helpful) * affordable * nice atmosphere I will definitely be coming back.
(5)
Andrew W.
Love the half-price food happy hour and college town vibe. Where else can you get a steak for $7.50 in any major city? Was pretty good too! Grendel's = recession proof.
(4)
Jeanne B.
Good place for a pint. The bar area is not very big so sitting is your best option. Wherever I stand I end up being in the way. Prices are decent and they have a nice selection of brews on tap.
(3)
Lady Fang Y.
I keep hoping the food will be consistent. But it seems to get worse every time I go. The first time I went it was amazing, then every time after it went south. Today I tried the Grendel sandwich, deli style roast beef with herg garlic cream cheese and rye toast. That was it. It was SO dry, the bread hurt my mouth and there was the bare minimum of cheese. No joke, the 4 tables around us, every person , 7 people, ordered the Lala chicken...maybe we missed out! I look forward to the spinach dip, but the last time I was there it was scary, and I didn't want to risk it. No bud, coors, miller or lite versions were served there. Fine by me. Original Sin is on tap! Disappointed for lunch today...probably the last time I'll eat there.
(2)
Devin S.
To say that Grendel's is special is a lie, but, it shouldn't stop you from going. The half price deal's they offer are fantastic as long as you stay within the realm of typical pub grub. Their burgers, appetizers and soup are well worth the money at full price, it's only when you start experimenting with 'abnormal' menu items that you'll be happy the price is discounted enough to that you can eat the check. Make sure that whatever you order fits the atmosphere and you won't be disappointed.
(3)
M. Deloris D.
What with all the Beowolf hullaballoo, there's no better time than the present to give props to this underground underground (not a typo) hangout. Grendel's Den serves up eats on the cheap 5- 7:30 pm every night and 9- 11:30 pm Sunday - Thursday long as you meet a drink minimum of $3/person. This place isn't the "meat market" it could be and I'm thankful for that. The food is not gourmet but it's cheap and good. I'm a HUGE fan of the shrimp sambal and the steak tips aren't bad either. Whatever you do, skip dessert. There's much better to be had in the vicinity. I challenge you to see how far a $10 bill will stretch at Grendel's.
(4)
Nicholas M.
Grendels has a nice patio which is perfect for those 80 degree days in April after suffering through a long winter. I enjoyed one of their wraps which had turkey, avocado & bacon and shared the "vegetable banquet". The portions were however...Anti American if you know what I mean. But nonetheless it was nice lunch in a great part of Cambridge I have never been to. I'll probably be back for a beer some night.
(3)
Austin S.
Grendel's is all about price and atmosphere -- both are phenomenal. The entire menu is very reasonably priced, especially during their extensive happy hours. That isn't to say that the food's actually very good, but the fact that you can get a perfectly decent smoked turkey and bacon wrap or a bowl of quite filling pasta for $4 is pretty amazing. The beer and wine selection are quite good, especially given the prices. Their recently revamped wine list is much improved. Honestly, I'd prefer a little more rotation on the beer menu, but they usually have at least a couple good brews on tap. Mostly, though, the atmosphere is just damn good. It's perhaps the most chill, comfortable, homey place in Harvard Square. It's quite a testament to say this: it's actually comfortable to go in at 1:00 pm, sit at the bar with a bunch of reading you have to do for work/school, have some lunch and a beer (or three), and enjoy the occasional friendly distractions of the bar staff.
(4)
Stephanie H.
My sister got me hooked on this place soon after I moved to Boston area in 2002. I have loved it ever since. When I moved to the north shore in 2005 I was going to miss being so close to Grendals. I have made it back a few times but not as much as I would want when I lived in Belmont. They have good food and beer at great prices and it such a cozy atmosphere. Sometimes finding a seat can be hard but be patient. in the warmer months they set up some seats outside. Good any season of the year to go to.
(4)
Krista H.
This is totally a place that I bring people to that are from out of town. It is very reasonably priced, food is great, and the atmosphere is the best in Boston. Very laid back and a great place to meet up with friends. The menu isn't too exciting but the food is never bad. I'm always up for a trip to Grendel's, no matter what day of the week it is.
(4)
jodi h.
Good atmosphere for a beer, but avoid the food. It isn't tasty at all. They can't even good basic bar food. Go to Charlie's down the street if you want to eat. Having said that, they have half price food before and after dinner time, so, at least the food is cheap.
(2)
Jason C.
Best deal in the Boston area. Where else can you get a decent meal and a nice beer for under $10?
(5)
Julie R.
While this place wasn't great, it wasn't bad either. The crowd looked like mostly Harvard grad students. It was in the basement it had that old speak easy type feeling. Drinks were ok but came very slow. The waitress we had passed by so many times then finally noticed the glasses where empty with us saying something. It's a cool place for a drink but if the server was on top of things I'd give it another star. Didn't try any food but noticed the menu had some low priced specials.
(3)
Jeremy S.
Cool underground pub (literally not figuratively!). Good beer selection and a friendly casual place to drink with your buddies.
(4)
michael m.
Came here for lunch the other day. The tables are packed in really tight together, so you're pretty much on top of one another. We were able to get a table quick though, and the service was passable. Ordered the steak tip sandwich, which was alright. However, it came with chips, as the place doesn't serve french fries. Such a disappointment when getting steak or a burger. The atmosphere is very basement like -- dark and dingy -- but not a real problem. There is a patio, and as of now, you cannot drink alcohol there, but Grendel's is getting a permit for that. There's a great selection of beer -- Magic Hat, Cambridge Hefeweizen, Harpoon -- no Bud Light or Miller Lite. These were at a decent price, too. The menu has a few perks, too. There's the $3.95 lunchtime special, half price menu from 5 to 7, and dollar meals Sunday night. You can see the menus here: grendelsden.com/menu.html
(3)
Daisy K.
food's super cheap at nine, their second happy hour, when the eats are half off, but that goes hand in hand with mediocre tastes. i did however drink some pungent dark and stormys and the beer selection was long enough to browse, wonder, and order again and again. i like the space- low dark and warm, and the bar's situated as a perfect u-turn. i love the fact that its wheelchair accessible, seeing eye dog friendly, and that they have bathrooms designed for all genders at the same time. they do have the sign "either/or" on the bathrooms, but whyyyy must we be punished with the binary gender norm? there is no either/or; it's "anything/everything"! (summary: food's eh but the drinks are set, and everything ends in a smile on the toilet). oh and they played prince for most of the night. use that fact with your own enlightening discretion (i liked it ;D)
(3)
Adam B.
not much i can add to a place with 119 reviews. but, ill throw my 2 cents in... came here saturday night for dinner with a friend and sat out side. it was a really nice night so we weathered the breeze to enjoy a nice dinner under the moon (wow, that sounded ghey...haha). i really like this place because they really advertise the fact, that all those crappy light beers are just that....CRAP. you wont find any sort of brahweiser here...the assortment of beer is great as well as the drinks. my friend got a very tasty patron Margarita and i, an equally good martini. the food however, wasn't the greatest. i got the seafood combo and wasn't very happy wit the portions. the salmon was about the size of my thumb ( i have tiny hands) and the shrimp, about a third that. the "rice pilaf" was tasteless and the sauce that came with the fish tasted like salt water. my friend got the santa fe salad, and the chicken was cold and barbecue sauce, not very good... probably not a great place to eat, but not bad to hang out and drink a few cocktails and some beers from around the world.
(3)
kyle c.
i still love this place! those of us that work down the street at charlie's make an effort to come here after our day shifts weekly. the staff is excellent, particularly bartender dave. while i like coming to this bar often, my favorite times are when dave is working.
(5)
Terry S.
Once in that blue moon, I feel like visiting the den of the grendel. There are things about the place that I like and there are things that I like more. Let us discuss these for a moment. Outside seating is a serious thumbs up. Its nicely located in that little plaza area and its pretty awesome for people watching while you munch and sip. One small issue is that the food isn't all that outstanding. But, when you glance the prices... I mean, not so bad. So, you get what you pay for, and from what I gather there are ample times that they do half-pricing on food as long as you are having a drink. I like that more than full priced food. Anyway, the inside of the place has a nice feel and one might say its "grendel-esque", but with a great deal less dismembered human limbs. Perhaps, if it was named after his mother, things would be different. All around, this is a great little spot to sit back and relax, have a few drinks and talk about how complete badassed Beowulf was and how he must've been great in the sack. Er... or on a pile of hay and mud.
(4)
Ben J.
Fantastic Clam Chowder. French dip was so so and service was a little slow. Great atmosphere in Havard Square.
(3)
Abbey B.
Four stars NOT for the food, but everything else. Eating here is never memorable. I can't remember one thing I've gotten that was better than something I could make at home. But they have a great half price deal on food at certain hours of the day, if you buy a drink. Sundays, a bunch of menu items are $1 with purchase of a drink. Not half bad. Let me just say here that I LOVE Grendel's. Probably my favorite bar. Great beer selection, always creative and delicious seasonal drinks that don't cost too much, great music. It's seat yourself, so if you're there on a busy night, you might find yourself checking out the other tables to see how close to done everyone is, then hover near that table so you can stake your claim as soon as the table's empty. I love that Grendel's is small but cozy, very laid back, and the servers are always really nice. Love this place. Oh, Rachael Ray went here on one of her shows. THAT pissed me off. She probably stayed for five minutes, then asked for a Wet-Nap.
(4)
Tracee D.
yes to exposed brick yes to Beowolf yes to basements yes to beer yes to a too cute/gruffy server boy,. no to food no to Harv. Sq no to mean bartender old disheveled lady who had the audacity to tell me that the server boy needs to "make his livin' " when I tried to order a quick- social- lubricant shot at the bar....
(2)
Julia Megan W.
Love to come here for the half-price specials. It is always a pleasant walk through the square and it all feels very low: low down, low key, low price. I like to get the fish with a baked potato and anytime they throw gorgonzola on anything it is a win. I think the nachos here are silly in a not good way.
(4)
Heather L.
i went to grendel's den with a few friends and we had a really great time. the waitress we had was a sweatheart (wish i could remember her name) the sandwiches were really good and the atmosphere was fun! i've yet to have a good drink there but i'm pretty picky.
(4)
Susan L.
Sitting outside in the sun chowing down and having a beer while listening to live music are some of the best things about summertime. Although the food isn't that great, the overall experience was.
(3)
S S.
I agree with Trish's review on this one, Grendel is really like a fast food place with beer. It gets really loud and packed here on friday and the evening with students. During the day, its the tourist that wander in.There is one unisex bathroom, they have a decent selection on tap, the food is cheap and filling. Really, there is not much to say about this place.
(3)
Jared G.
Solid beer bar, I agree, but definitely lacking in the food department. I caught a flimsy Caesar salad up at the bar; dry grilled chicken and lettuce so weak I almost pitied the fool who'd picked it. I must say, though, that the happy hour deals do seem pretty impressive. Come here for a couple cold ones and a relaxed atmosphere. But for goodness' sake - there are so many other places to get a good meal in the square- why come here for dinner?
(3)
Kiki B.
underground location, underimpressive food. sure it's cheap, but i'm pretty sure they cook on a hot plate.
(1)
Corry B.
I went here on a first date who was nice but was talking about porn by the time we got here. This is more the kind of place you talk about hobbits (okay, I guess porn and hobbits aren't mutually exclusive). Wonderful beer selection- I heart any place that won't sell Budwiser, and I was spared my evil judgment by not having to watch date order a Beer Lite (why? why do you drink those things?) while he got the yummiest mulled cider! Hot drinks! Yeah! Fireplace! I will devote myself to any bar that has those hooks on the underside of the bar for jacket hanging. I'd even forgive lite beer for those hooks. I think. Update: I went back here again with a much better companion and we got there early enough (before 7:30 on weekday, 9-11 on weekend-good deal! ) to order 1/2 price food- the WHOLE freaking menu! I was kind of overwhelmed and for some reason freaked out (oh! the choices! for price? what do i do? order something i usually can't afford? or?or?) and ordered spaghetti, a nice olive-y yet seemingly caper-less pasta puttanesca- but it was good. They put things on smallish looking plates, but it's the right amount and they are tricky, cuz you think you are getting such a deal you keep ordering drink after drink after... and the bathrooms can be co-ed so if you want some privacy and don't feel like running in on some stranger shakin' off the droplets go into the single cell on the right. Oh, and this night the music was amazingly bad. To the point of it being campy and spurring conversation about the Fat Boys and New Kids on the Block (you'd be surprised how much they have in common when you analyze...) which in my opinion is much safer than porn talk.
(3)
Justine K.
Went to Grendel's Den for the first time this weekend and was pleasantly surprised! Have been to Harvard Square a million time s and some how never checked out Grendel's. All food was half price if you buy a drink. In season they offer warm cider drinks.. can't wait to go back and try em. Cute and cozy inside with a fireplace (wasn't lit while we were there). Staff was friendly but not over the top. I would reccomed this place after a day of shopping or for a snack and a drink if you are looking to relax.
(4)
Brian D.
The only really cool thing about Grendel's is the name. This place should be really cool. It's underground, sort of dank but it just goes really blah, really fast. If you get a table you will probably get pretty meh service. If'n you are at the bar - ditto. The drinks aren't super cheap and they aren't super expensive. The food looked like it was pretty average. I think the coolest thing about Grendel's is just getting drunk and calling the place 'Grundel's' instead or even 'Grendel's Grundel'.
(2)
Chris D.
Great little spot. Sometimes gets crowded on the weekends, but usually you can find a table. The drinks are good and reasonably priced. The kitchen closes a little earlier than you'd like, maybe around 11 (I forget). The staff is always friendly, and overall the atmosphere is very comfortable.
(4)
David T.
awesome, fun place to grab a great draught or a stiff drink. the bartenders are awesome, and sit at the bar and chat you up once shift change comes around. everyone's pretty much awesome here. food is so-so, but i went for the drinks. service at the bar downstairs is super quick and easy on the wallet too. awesome place to just meet random, cool strangers and leave having made some crazy friends! the buffalo wings were rather plentiful, and the potato skins weren't so much skins, but like awesome baked potatoes! ate away to my heart's content!
(4)
Kristine M.
Half price food during happy hour. Turkey, pesto, and havarti sandwich for only $3.25? I'm sold. The sandwich was pretty good and I like the coziness of it.
(4)
Paolo D.
Jesus, I don;t know whay so many people bitch and moan about the food.....You are getting a real meal here for $5 if you go during Happy Hour.....I always order the mixed grill, which is great. Beers are reasonably priced, lots to choose from, there's always a good number of people hanging, unfortunately it is always 85 degrees in here, which is weird, since it is in the basement.
(4)
Ger T.
The food here is cheap, filling, kind of like higher-class diner food without all the grease. It's a good place to meet friends for a quick bite if you're in Harvard Square and want an inexpensive place to eat. Their burgers are no-frills, but again, filled me up, and they have a pretty good drinks selection with a good Happy Hour special for half off your meal. The chill, college-town-y atmosphere is really what makes the experience here, not the food.
(3)
S W.
If you enjoy the taste of your own projectile vomit, look no further than here! It may be a fun bar but beware of the food- I got awful food poisoning from this place. And when I mention this to people, more often than not, someone else can relay a story of an upset stomach after eating here.. So if you wish to drink, I am pretty sure they haven't poisoned the libations so you will be safe-- But stay far away from the food.
(1)
David B.
Cheese fondue for 2 at happy hour = $12.50 and comes with 2 salads laden with veggies. Add a 1/2 carafe of tasty cheap white wine to meet the min drink requirement, and you have an outrageous meal for you and your honey for about 25 bucks after tip.
(4)
Sofia H.
i might have always gone at the same time but the few times i've stopped by grendel's den (awesome name i have to say, why i tried it in the first place...) the service always seems to be so all over the place that it makes the good (but not fantastic) food taste a little worse... i suppose to get a beer and go this place might be a good call but in general grendel's den is alright but def doesn't really impress
(3)
michael s.
Having only eaten here once, I suppose I could possibly hold off on reviewing Grendel's until I've eaten there again a few times but the problem is, my experience there pretty much makes me never want to come back. Oh yes, also the server told us to never come back. This was quite a while ago, so perhaps that particular server has moved on to bigger and better things, like being a jerk at a more upscale restaurant, but that singular bad experience was enough to ensure that I never bother to come back. Because it is mildly reknowned around Harvard square, a group of three of us went to Grendel's one night for a later dinner. It was pretty busy but there were a couple of free tables and we were seated at one of the tables outside. We waited for our waiter for about 15 minutes. He came, took our orders in a rather surly manner and left. Fine, maybe he had a bad day, I can understand that. When I start to take it personally is when the waiter is polite and courteous to his other tables, but not us. The food came, after an incredibly long time, and it was only partially warm. At this point we decided to cut our losses and not deal with having to send back the food, so we ate our lukewarm burgers and fries and tried to flag the waiter down to get our bill. This turned out to be quite the task since our waiter was quite adept at completely ignoring us. I want to highlight here that it wasn't that our waiter was just horrendously busy - he had time to make small talk with other tables and demonstrate very clearly that his surliness was reserved just for select patrons. We waited for about 30 minutes before finally giving up and going down to the manager to get our bill to pay it. We left a tip commensurate with the service we received (read: whatever change was left over) and as we were walking away from Grendels, suddenly our waiter was able to devote all his attention to us as he chased after us and bitched us out for leaving him such a small tip. His parting sally? "Don't ever come back here." Gladly.
(1)
Doris K.
What a steal! I'll admit that the food isn't spectaular but when you pay half-price it makes it worth it. If you buy a $3 drink during certain times of the day you can get all of your food half-price. The portions aren't huge but they are enough to fill you up. I usually get the pork tenderloin with mashed and sauerkraut. The boyfriend gets the Grendal sandwich with roast beef? and a cream cheese sauce. It's actually pretty decent. I would stick to the familiar things when it comes to food. I tried a chili lime chicken once (it was on the specials) and it didn't turn out so well. Don't expect too much service but sometimes we get lucky.
(4)
Stephen K.
Four stars for drinks, 2-3 for food. But I'm usually coming here for the drinks and the people so I guess I'll put it at four. The people you bring will raise or lower that accordingly. Onward... They have a nice selection of beers and a tap that rotates monthly, as well as some interesting drinks that my friends like to try, like crazy blueberry things and dark and stormies. I really like the atmosphere, though when it gets too crowded it's not as fun, and seems like they might be understaffed. I try to avoid the weekends for that reason. But during the week (at least) the staff is friendly and attentive - also everything on their menu is half price after 9 on weeknights. As for the food, they do have some express lunch specials for about four bucks, and what you get is reasonable considering the price. The outside tables right next to the little park provide a nice atmosphere if the weather is good, but the service is a definitely slower as the staff (understandably) seems to try to cut down on the trips up and down the stairs. My advice: have dinner (if it's not too fancy) at one of the better places in Harvard Square and a couple drinks here afterward.
(4)
Sarah L.
Grendel's is my go-to place for cheap food and drinks. Not as elegant as some places in Harvard Square, but cozy and warm and great in the winter. Great place for a light dinner or drinks with friends. There's not a ton of space but it's good for a table of two or a group on a weekday.
(4)
Kai P.
Over fifteen years ago I went to Grendel for fondue. It was a good time A, because I had never had fondue B, because I was 17. Now that I am old and the wonder of trying hot stinky cheese on skewered bread has passed I realize it wasn't that cool being the food has gotten drastically weak. While the burgers are quite fine and actually my friend was given a double burger rather than a single, it still points out that the cooks are either not paying attention or don't care. My seafood platters haddock looked like a scaled guppy, the scallops and shrimps were fine tho. This now leaves my memories of the fondue which were shattered when I tried the abrasively over wined sharp flavor... It tasted less like fine cheese and more like cheese whiz dunked in boxed wine. The wait staff was cool a nice but seem way disinterested in keeping up appearances. About three were all sitting at the bar reading when i was there. I didn't even realize they were staff until later. At best Grendel is a decent place to get a beer these days and strait bar food but outside of that your taking you life and taste buds in your own hands.
(2)
Jeff B.
You're more likely to hear people talking about Suetonius than the Superbowl here. If football does come up in conversation, it's likely being used as an example to explain a complicated physical phenomenon. Don't overthink the menu, concentrate on the conversation. Order some drinks and appetizers, sit, relax, discuss.
(3)
Aretha B.
cheap bar menu excellent dark n stormys (cheap!) and original sin cider on tap, mmmmm
(4)
Amanda L.
Went there for Oktoberfest in Harvard Square and this place definitely did not disappoint. My bf got the Oktoberfest Marzen ale and I got the Original Sin Cider. We shared some bratwurst and soft pretzels with Camembert cheese and onions. Delicious, especially when you combine the two. Place was ridiculously busy and the seats were something to be desired but I will definitely come back to try their brunch and mimosas =) Plus I saw something for like $3.95 lunch specials? Def need to check it out again
(4)
Heather H.
Look, the beer list is so-so, the food is pretty bad, it gets really hot, the staff is bitchy about what table you sit at sometimes, you're surrounded by Harvard kids, but yeah, it's really cheap. But why would you go to Grendel's when Charlie's and Shay's are just a few steps away in either direction?
(2)
luke s.
the place offers what sounds like a deal--half off food during happy hour--but do not be deceived. i understand that the seductive prices make it appealing, and the impecunious college students that populate harvard square have good reason to seek modestly priced fare, but the cost benefit analysis comes out decidedly against grendel's. the beer selection is slightly better than what is available in the vicinity, but the prices aren't. the sangria, while tasty, seems to lack any alcohol content whatsoever. and the food that seemed like such a deal moments before, is sub-par at best. a hangover toddler with a microwave and an active imagination can do better with less, and would probably offer quicker service.
(2)
Adrienne B.
You can't beat their happy hour special: if you order booze (pitcher of sangria is CHeAP) your food is 1/2 off. Their prices are already low so this is amazing. Many a night after work I've met up with friends and had a great time here. During the school year its a pain to have to stand around and wait for a table so we've gone elsewhere but its worth the wait if your a first timer. Please if you're not a party of 5 abide by the rules of the big tables- I'm usally a party of 5 and its annoying to stand waiting for a party of 3 to leave the only table that will fit us!
(4)
Geoff T.
Though the prices have gone up a bit in the last couple years, I still love this place. When it's warm, have a seat at one of the outdoor tables-- when it's cold go down to the cozy under ground room (Do they still light the fire place?). Food is half-priced during happy hour, a mixed drink-- say a Gin and Tonic-- is a lot cheaper here than other bars (I won't quote a price as I haven't been there for a few months). The food is an ecclectic collection that ranges from middle eastern to italian. It can get crowed after work, but it's a great place for lunch or a little later at night after a movie at the Brattle Theater for a drink and some potato skins. Lots of character, decent beer selection, great vibe.
(5)
Arik C.
Nu Bud, no Miller, BASTA! How I admire a bar that won't serve crap beer! Great prices on beer and not a bad selection. Wish they had more English beers but still what they have is all good!
(5)
Michael G.
We went on a Sunday for lunch and couldn't decide if it was good or not. My french dip was really good, and I enjoyed the coffee. However, their tiny bottomless cups of coffee are slow to be refilled. I constantly had to ask our waitress to pour more. Plus, my girlfriend's hot chocolate was watery and bland. I'll probably return again, especially for the happy hour food.
(3)
Lauren T.
I came here on a Sunday for Brunch with my mom after an art exhibit. For a woman used to higher quality places than I can afford, she approved of this place. The Brunch menu was short, sweet, classy and cheap. They offered seven egg choices and seven sandwich plates, all priced under $10 and dabbled with some sort of exotic cheese. The drink menu was fun and included the brunch basics, as well, as some champagne-infused ones I had never heard of. All around a cozy, great place, to warm up in, munch and placate a pestering mother.
(3)
Brandy S.
Love this place in the winter!!!! The small bar is home to some "wicked smaht kids", and yummy food. The best part is their happy hour - everything on the food menu is half off. If you have a group, the fonue is a good deal. There is no pretention and no expectations - just casual fun.
(5)
Jen and Tim S.
The sangria is tasty and the food is cheap during their half price specials. Not huge portions, which I think is a plus. The portions are just enough to eat and they cost about $3, which can't be beat. They have an interesting selection and changing specials, which is nice. The service is friendly & great on 4 out of 5 trips, I'd say. Only downside is you can't drink at the outdoor tables. A perfect meet up if you're in Harvard Square.
(4)
Trish F.
Oh Grendel's. A little like fast food but with beer. I dig this place.. the place itself does have a bit of a basement feel which is a sharp contrast from it's outdoor seating that overlooks the little common on JFK Street. I've never paid full price for food, so I've always been a happy camper. On Sundays after 8pm they have a dollar menu (that's how Trishie rolls).. and during the weekdays they have a half price menu ($3 beverage purchase required) after work (5-7:30) time and late night (9-11:30)... with a $3.95 express lunch from 11:30am-3pm. I don't know if I'd pay full price for the food, but it is good for how much I pay for it. Every time I've gone, I've had a different waitress.. which is weird to me. The drinks are a pretty decent price, I just had a Sam summer for under $4, but they don't care Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Coors Light, Michelob.. they have a lovely little note at the end of the drink list. I wouldn't go with more than 3 or 4 people, it can get cramped. Note: The full bathroom is unisex so use the bathroon next to it (single "stall") if bumping into the opposite sex before washing your hands makes you feel uncomfortable.
(3)
H Y.
It's kind of like Grendel's Lair; dark and underground and littered with the ghosts of beer and random pub food. Good for a drink and a sandwich or salad in a pinch when everywhere else is crowded. Cheap enough so you don't feel ripped off. Vaguely mediocre enough so you regret not eating somewhere else.
(3)
Stacey D.
The 4-7pm half price food deal makes this a great after work snack & drink spot! As others have said, the food is not fabulous, but good with plenty of options for vegetarians. Good beer selection too - Cambridge Amber's my fav :) The basement atmosphere gives this place a cool vibe as well.
(4)
Jack N.
Decent sangria, and friendly bartenders make for an enjoyable night out, but not a big fan of the food. Great location, but nothing to go out of your way for.
(3)
Rue B.
Very good and very cheap with the half-price food deals. Stick with the sandwiches and you won't be disappointed. Cozy basement location and an okay beer selection. Like a warm hug from a Danish ogre.
(4)
buckminster f.
i like grendel's, well, when its happy hour. the food is bland and uninspired, but hey, who can complain when it's all half off? did you know that their fireplace is fake? its basically a picture of a fireplace with some plastic materials flailing in some manmade gust. pathetically enough, the bf and i arrived at grendel's one winter night, and strove to get seated next to the faux fireplace, to find out soon enough that the thing emitted no heat. when we looked closer, we discovered that it was not really a fireplace. i realize this review is not very helpful to you. let me try to fix that. if you are planning to go there, id recommend that you get the turkey burger with mango chutney and other goodies piled on. the wines are not so good, so stay away. the beers you can't mess up, so there you have it. if you want a real fireplace, go across the place to the little red house.
(3)
Andres M.
I have been here many times. I like the fact that this place has character. It i probably one of the oldest places in Harvard Square. The prices are decent, plus they have happy hour in which the food are is half priced. But be warned that this discount only applies if you order a drink. The only thing that annoys me is that it's always crowded and it's hard to find a table. Sometimes you have to leave. There is no waiting list.
(4)
Jamie W.
Big fan of Grendel's! It's small, but to me feels cozy. It's loud, but to me feels lively. Not many places can pull that off. Most small, loud, environments are annoying. Grendel's just feels so laid back and non-assuming. They have some good beers. The food is pretty good, and affordable. Not fine dining, but decent selection. I'm a fan of the hummus appetizer and the vegan chili (ask them to hold the pesto if you're vegan though). One of my favorite things to do on a Saturday is go for a run along the Charles, then saunder up to Grendel's for beer and chili. Running clothes are fine!
(5)
erin e.
Delicious. Cheap. Cold Beers. I might try to eliminate half of that final star in my rating due only to the fact that occasionally it's often full of college kids.
(5)
Jennifer S.
My favorite lunch spot in Harvard Sq. They have great lunchtime specials, $3.95 for a perfectly portioned sandwich or burger. Try the french dip, I promise it will be the best one you have ever had!! The food also arrives at your table very quickly so you have plenty of time for lunch and a few errands on your lunch break. This is also a great place to head to after work, all of their food is 1/2 off from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and on Sunday they have a variety of apps for $1. FYI: Rachel Ray recently visited this spot and featured it on her show $40 a Day.
(5)
Irene F.
Amazing!! The half-price deal is wonderful, but the portions are kind of small. However, I hadthe seafood combo for my half-price and was happily sull. The snow crap dip is also yummy, and my friends had salads and quesadillas that they were very happy with. A great selection of brews and wines, as well as friendly service, made this an awesome pre-theater or just hanging around kind of place.
(5)
Ellie L.
One winter night, the unbearable walk from the T stop to my friend's place in Harvard forced me to seek refuge in underground Grendel's. After a beseeching phone call, I persuaded my pal to meet me here for a warm wine punch before heading back out into Boston's beastly January. After that, the Den lost its magical appeal and became just another Harvard bar, but hey, if it's cold and it's a hot drink you're wanting...
(3)
dane j.
about a month ago my cousin, girlfriend, and i meet our flat M8s in harvard square, and we are hungry. we walk around, checking everything out like the newb's we are and find a non chain awesome looking restaurant under a big tree with hanging lights like moths we went right to it. confusion entailed as we try to figure out how to nab the great seats outside, until someone finally tells us to sit where we want. we grab 2 tables, to combine them for the 5 of us, and are stopped and told 5 of us have to find a way to squeeze onto a table designed for 2. remember we're hungry, so we ignore the weirdness of being told we can't combine tables and sit...it takes forever to get drinks, get our appetizer 2 mins before getting our check, and had to settle for way less than stellar food. Dry, lacking in flavor, and hard to eat on a small table, this food was definitely not the highlight of our visit. All 5 of us were less than impressed with our entrees. Awkwardly enough, the coolest part about our visit was our waiters 70's porn 'stache! He was totally rocking the hipster vibe. Looking to have drinks at a cool spot on a clear night? This place is definitely a good choice. Looking for impressive service and great food, find another spot nearby. Honestly, the food was THAT horrible.
(2)
Jennifer B.
I haven't tried the food, but my beer was as expected, and I enjoy the cozy, cave-like vibe. Like drinking with hibernating intellectuals.
(3)
Stan B.
got an email from the owner with an apology. hence an extra star.
(2)
Georgia Y.
Grendel's is hardly high class, but it's a great place to hit up when you're low on cash and you want a casual meal with friends. I'm a fan of the beer selection, the cave-like quality of the room, and the spinach pie. You get what you pay for here - acceptable, cheap pub grub, beer, and average service. Some people mention a "frat feel" to this place, but I haven't really noticed it.
(3)
John F.
Great place for dinner with friends. And, the dinner special (buy a drink over $3, get your food half off!) is amazing. Definitely the place to go in Harvard Sq. with people after work for drinks and dinner. The portions are kind of small, though, so be prepared, and don't hesitate when it comes to ordering that appetizer!
(4)
Aly H.
Good place for drinks, but the food is less than average. Great location!
(2)
Crystal K.
Good neighborhood bar. Food is okay--typical pub fare but a little bit of a notch up. Great beer selection and their $10 sangria pitchers are awesome!! We go here fairly often but we're less likely to when school is in--too many Harvard kids there who make me realize how old I am. ;-) Definitely a good place to meet up with friends.
(4)
Flora B.
Tasty bar food, decent beer selection... good atmosphere. Pahk your car in the Hahvahd Yahd and make your way to this Hahvahd Bahr.
(4)
Stephen J.
Great price - if you go at the right time. Grendel's happy hour is really the only time I think I'd eat there, because the half-priced appetizers aren't quite full-size portions. Between 5:30 and 7:30 every day you can get this splendid deal, provided that you consume $3 worth of drinks. While they do have a decent beer selection, the food really can't quite make up for it because not only are the portions a little suspect, but the taste isn't spectacular either. If you're thinking of getting drunk in the afternoon, then hit up Grendel's at 5:30 and eat until you drop. Otherwise, you can do better.
(2)
M S.
This is a great place to go for drinks and appetizers with friends. The happy hour is very easy on a student's budget. Grendel's offers very decent beer at reasonable prices, and has a good selection of vegetarian food. Avoid peak hours, however, as the place gets crowded and the waiters don't get around to all the tables very often. Also, during the early happy hour, make sure to order your food before 7:30, even if you arrive and get drinks before then; otherwise, you'll be stuck paying full price for the food.
(4)
Michelle R.
Cheapest full meal in the square when you hit the lunch or happy hour. The food is a bit bland, but it serves its purpose. Outdoor seating is at your own risk, sometimes the servers forget about you. When you've got a good side crowd with various tastes, grendel's can usually provide something for everyone without wowing anyone. Serves only beer and wine.
(3)
Alexandra L.
Nothing too crazy about Grendel's - good beer selection, lots of seating and cheap appetizers during happy hour. I don't think I have ever eaten anything here, but they keep things simple and get it done right - everyone can appreciate that.
(3)
Anonymous P.
Disgusting. That a place serves alcohol does not in itself justify more than one star.
(1)
Kristin G.
Went here this weekend for a few drinks and some food- everything was pretty good- nothing spectacular, though. Pretty typical place.
(3)
Brian B.
While visiting Boston, we ate here a couple of times. Nice place to sit outside and people watch. The turkey & havarti sandwich was good. I liked the portions (small), and the price (cheap). If only that stupid ass hippy hadn't shown up each day we were there, making me listen to his awful Beatles covers.
(4)
Roshni R.
great little spot in harvard sq...i can't believe i never wandered in while i actually lived in cambridge! while i'm generally not a fan of mexican food in bos, the nachos here were great! my entree was a bacon and green onion "tart"--it was kind of like a mexican pizza but with provencal flair. excellent! my companions had the reuben sandwich and the bsilla (moroccon jumbalaya type thing). we all enjoyed our meal as well as the selection of beers/ciders. i hope to stop by again next time i'm in the area (especially for the half-price with drink deal)!
(4)
Rebecca Y.
Cozy, but not romantic. Great place to meet for beers and apps.
(3)
Melissa B.
College students keep this place open. There are way too many other places in Harvard Square for me to EVER step foot in this place. On my one and only visit here it was just way too dirty for me. If I end up in a college hangout, I'd rather go to Shay's. And for cheap food and strong drinks, Charlie's is way better.
(1)
Jessica R.
The place has fairly nice atmosphere but as far as I could tell the food there sucks for vegans. They are famous for winning a supreme court case though because they wanted a liquor license and are next to a church who objected.
(2)
Kirsten J.
I always have fantastic food here, espcially on Fondue Thursdays, when it's half-off. The service can sometimes be a bit lacking or not terribly polite. Also, if the weather permits, sit outside to eat, it's perfect for people watching.
(4)
Alice K.
This little restaurant could be easily overlooked, but really shouldn't be. The beer is good and the food is better. The menu is tasty, unique and affordable; portions are just right for a satisfying meal without leftovers. (Highly recommended, though it's a special and won't be around long: the bacon and onion Alsatian tart) Food is half-priced from 5:30-7:00 every night and 9-11 on weeknights with more than $3 of beverages. Seating yourself can be confusing the first time out, and the only thing to be wary of is the occasional Harvard Square weirdo at the bar. ;)
(4)
John D.
I've been to this restaurant once and will not return again. I went for a late lunch on a Sunday recently. There were not many other patrons at the time, and despite this and the fact that there were a number of wait staff, the service was disappointing. They managed to forget to set the table until asked and made a mistake with our order (the kitchen must have misread the ticket, which was correct). The prices seemed reasonable until we got our food. The portions were small and the food bland. I was hoping for a filling meal, but after an appetizer, soup, and a wrap, was still hungry.
(2)
Lou L.
This place is nothing to rave about, but you can't beat there happy hour prices. 1/2 all food 4 -7 p.m. everyday. Loved the cheese fondue for two, but it is really meant for about six people!
(4)
Aaron S.
This used to be one of the nicest places in the Boston area to grab a drink, but these days it has a little too much of a frat part feel to it. Still though, I feel the need to give it four stars, so how bad could it be.
(4)
Akilesh A.
Crappy food, but a mildly fun atmosphere. And, if you go during certain times in the evenings, you can get their crappy food half-price. I'd avoid.
(1)
John M.
Good beer, inedible (not incredible, INEDIBLE) food. By "intimate and cozy" I think a previous reviewer meant "stifling heat, infernal din, cramped, and overcrowded." Service is ridiculously slow.
(2)
Ruth P.
Grendel's den used to have an amazing salad bar, but this was at least 10-15 years ago. I used to come here with my parents for dinner, but the atmosphere has definetly changed over the last decade or so. Good beers, very college atmosphere now. Nothing to really write home about, but certainly no complaints either. Grendels also has good outdoor seating which is nice for the warmer weather
(4)
Anna f.
Great Place for soup and salad and maybe a quiche at lunch. Service is great !
(5)
J B.
pretty good vegetarian-friendly bar menu, good happy hour if you are looking for something cheap. good for a whatever night or a stop off before heading elsewhere.
(3)
Erin G.
I came here with some friends for some food and happy hour, and it wasn't any place I would rush back to. The food is half price when you drink during happy hour, so that was nice, but the waitress wasn't friendly (yes, I went with Allison T) and the food was alright. I did think they had an interesting menu for a bar however, not ur usual burgers, but more veggie and little snadwiches type food.
(3)
Josh F.
A must go for cheap eats; their happy hour is the best deal in town. Buy a glass of booze and anything on the menu is half priced, not just appetizers. Not worth it at full price, though. Good beer selection. I've only been here to meet friends after work so I've never really experienced the college crowd other reviewers have mentioned. It is a little cramped down there so not good for large groups of people.
(4)
Scott B.
i could lose weight if i ate here every day - the food is gross - i did have a beer that wasnt bad there - hey they can even screw up eggs - i mean how do you do that?
(2)
Peter P.
I'm not asking you to love it, but you MUST respect it. Grendels is a total Cambridge institution. Grendels Den has been there for ever and ever and ever. There used to be a law that a church or religious institution could deny a business a liquor license if they were within a certain proximity of the "place of warship." Well god bless the late Sue and Herby for taking this one all the way to the supreme court in a groundbreaking case "Establishment of Religion and Free Exercise ... Grendel's Den, 459 US 116 (1982)" in which they cited separation of church and state. Do you know how many churches are in Cambridge??? Lets just say, if this law still stood the churches could have made Cambridge a dry town! Good drinks, good priced, half priced food during "happy hour" this place is part of the definition of Cambridge! do not....I repeat, DO NOT call this a "Harvard bar" this is a CAMBRIDGE bar.
(5)
Dorian G.
nice place for a cheap bite. i had the falafel plate, which was presented so that i could create my own wrap. they give you the pitas, the salad, the falafel, and the tahina. i could have used more falafel, but for $6, i was content.
(4)
Imran G.
Grendels is a great place to go if you want lots of food for not a lot of money. However, the actual quality of the food is pretty low. Don't get caught up in the idea that the happy hour will be amazing if you purchase a $3 drink. All the non-alcoholic $3 drinks are mediocre at best, and the food that goes along with it also mediocre at best. I got a California burger, which, wasn't horrible but it wasn't great either. The jack cheese wasn't melted at all, the patty was mediocre, and the only thing that was decent was the guacamole. We also got an order of wings, which came with hot sauce on the side, and some warm ranch with a very weird texture. Again, mediocre food. I was surprised by our bill, despite "happy hour" prices, it didn't seem that to be that great of a deal. I suppose if you're looking for a lively atmosphere to grab drinks, then this isn't that bad of a spot to try. The food is mediocre, a little pricey for what it was in the end because of the $3 drinks. Wouldn't try it again, don't go for the food.
(2)
Mariya F.
This place is pretty alright in my book. Great place to get together with friends (as long as you get lucky with their first come, first serve seating arrangement) for some cheap eats. They have happy hour everyday from 5-7:30pm where everything on their menu is half off with a minimum $3 drink. The food is not anything to brag about; often very plain and boring (they serve PLAIN quinoa as a side, absolutely nothing on it, I may as well be eating cardboard), but for $3-5 bucks for a full stomach you can't really complain. The beer selection is not too bad. My biggest complaint is that they don't have french fries, which is just absurd. Overall cool underground place for cheap mediocre food and drink though.
(3)
Drago K.
Very slow service (30 mins after I ordered, the waiter forgot what my order was), wine's meh, casual atmosphere, outside seating by the park (best feature), average food. Had the eggs benedict: greasy burned potatoes, low quality ham, etc. Overall disappointing experience.
(2)
Chad C.
My fiance and I sat outside on a beautiful May afternoon, the square was busy as ever with graduations. The sangria was delicious and refreshing, we went through two pitchers. The food was also very good. This is a great place for a good drink, food and people watching!
(4)
Will C.
Grendel's Den is my panic room. Whenever I'm having a life crisis, or the weather is particularly bad, or the power goes out at my apartment, I am immediately compelled to march straight to Grendel's. Because it resides in a basement of an old building and the decor is decidedly lived in, I feel a palpable sense of comfort when I am within its walls. The food at Grendel's is not great. It's not even good, honestly, but to come to Grendel's to eat food is like going to the Grand Canyon to ride a donkey. It's an available activity that you may want to take advantage of to supplement your experience while you're there, but it's not exactly the main draw. When the food is half priced (and really, the food is half priced more often than it's full priced, which in of itself should tell you something about it's quality), it seems to be a good value for the money, and since a half priced sandwich at Grendel's is $4, what I'm trying to say is that it is comparable to something you would buy at a high end gas station. The beer list if solid and varied, but not expansive. You'll find something for to suit every taste, but you won't find a sprawling ledger that gives you the choice of twenty four different microbrews from Asheville, NC. The prices are in line with other bars in the area, and the service ranges from excellent to "someone should put out an Amber alert for my waiter, because I have not seen him in forty five minutes". With all that said, why am I rating Grendel's four stars? Why did I have to talk myself out of rating it a perfect five? Why did I walk two miles in the middle of Hurricane Sandy to get to Grendel's on a weekday afternoon? I'm not sure its appeal is quantifiable, or at the very least, the reason I like Grendel's is difficult to describe. The short answer is that the people inside Grendel's, from the owners down to the very last person at the very last table, are fascinating and remarkable. A lot of other reviews note that Grendel's is a college bar, but that seems off the mark. I'm hard pressed to think of another college bar that not only refuses to serve watered down beer like Bug Light, but also has defiant signage stating their intention never to do so. There is similar signage at the bar imploring no one in particular to charge the George Bush administration with war crimes. There is not a single TV on the premises. It is named after a murderous troll from a 11th century Scandinavian poem. If none of this reads like a college bar, that's because it's not. The people who are describing it as such are probably associating the worn down tabletops and wobbly chairs with memories of their college experience. More accurately, Grendel's could be described as a post-college bar, a place where people go after work to escape the pretension that surrounds them every day and a place where the level of discourse far outpaces that of the average dive bar. It's a place where no-one seems to give a shit about the score of the Red Sox game, but is mostly devoid of hipsters. It's a place where a guy in a beret taught me a card trick during a snow storm. It's a real place with real people, and most nights thats enough for me.
(4)
Shannon K.
We came here on a Saturday night looking for a casual fun place to have a few drinks, and we were not disappointed. If you're not familiar with the place you might miss it, as it lives up to the "den" part of it's name with it's underground location. There is a big bar area and lots of small tables which can get a little cramped if it gets too busy. It happened to be a perfect sized crowd for a Saturday night, certainly helped by the fact that it was late May and the college crowd had all ready evacuated for the summer. Drink prices were phenomenal ($3 for a pint of Cisco Grey Lady) and they had a great selection of beers and mixed drinks. There is a somewhat pretentious sign over the bar pronouncing that they don't serve any of your standard Coors and Bud lights, but of course no one really needs those beers anyway. I heard someone try to order an Irish Car Bomb and the bartender's response was "not at this bar." Again fairly pretentious, however it's kind of nice to know they aren't into the whole blackout college scene. The bartender was really pleasant and attentive to us as customers, which was much appreciated. I would definitely come back !
(4)
M S.
Awesome options for vegetarians, I am a huge fan of the Mushroom Reuben (YUM!) My only complaint is in regards to their draft list which is infrequently updated and therefore contains a lot of beers that they no longer carry. Otherwise this place is a solid, unpretentious spot to hip up when you're in Harvard Square.
(4)
Kathleen A.
Great atmosphere. Reasonable food. I was appalled last night to learn that they are not giving Thanksgiving to their employees and making them work on the holiday - advertised on the menu! When I spoke to the manager about it, he said this is the first year in decades they are being asked to work. When I saw it on the menu, I almost left. I don't think businesses should be rewarded for making their employees work on holidays.
(3)
Joanna H.
What to expect: Standard bar food quality. Portions are not skimpy, but also not especially generous. Read on to decide if the Half-Off menu is worth it: Half off appetizers everyday from 5:30-7:30pm BUT only with the purchase of a beverage that's min. $3. The cheapest alcoholic drink is their bottle of Honey Brown for $3.50, other than that, the prices jump to $5. If you're ordering an entree for yourself, you'll probably save $1-2. Example: I ordered a $8.50 Natural Disaster burger plus a Cisco Grey Lady for $5.50 and paid $12 with gratuity. This might be a worthwhile deal if you're sharing as a group.
(3)
M See Y.
(you didn't think I wasn't gonna yelp this crap up?) The food and serving staff aren't that bad. It's the manger that I have sh!t beef with (or so I was told she was the manager). My friends and I use to be regulars here. Although, I was accused of not paying my bill and the manger gave me an attitude about not having time and wanting to find the receipt -- I paid a ridiculous amount and left. Honesty and accountability apparently isn't appreciated here. Get a new manager!
(1)
Siobhan G.
Come here regularly for drinks with colleagues. Great location and like the atmosphere. I appreciate the drink selection and their consistency. I can't really comment on the food--this place isn't really allergen-friendly, but what I see others ordering looks like tasty comfort food.
(4)
Alyssa F.
Dark, cheap, sticky, and an identity crisis of a menu offering Mexican, Greek, Italian, South American, Middle Eastern and American foods, none of which are very good. For half price, maybe it's a winner (we just missed the cutoff), but probably best to stick with the booze. You will be granted exactly one square foot of space in which to dine, so keep your elbows in and know that attempts to use the empty table or chair next to you, for any reason, will be thwarted.
Interesting cocktails, not a huge burden on your wallet. About $6-$8. One night I really wanted one of their cocktails with cucumber. But I ordered the wrong one and it turned out nasty. A week later I went back and finally got the one I was originally thinking about and it was delicious. That is all.
(4)
Leandra F.
Some of the worst food I've had at any restaurant, ever. The chicken wings were so hard it was actually difficult to bite into them once they cooled off a bit. The dipping sauce for the pretzel was lukewarm cheesy mush. Good place for drinks but don't try the food.
(2)
Janice D.
A superb place (really very den-like) to meet friends and have great conversation. Good selection of beers and many choices for food. Food is nothing too special, but commensurate with the type of place - wayyyy better than your usual bar foods. Overall a great restaurant-bar! Go before 7:30pm and the food is half-price (Boston restaurants can't charge half price alcohol, so they do the food instead - great!)
(5)
Tara G.
So glad we stumbled upon this place walking around Cambridge. We were all wanting a snack and this was the perfect place! Cheap food & drinks, and the food was delicious! I had the vegetarian nachos and was totally impressed by their homemade vegetarian chili. They also have a good beer selection from microbreweries. Service was a little slow because there was only 1 server for the entire place - but it was a Sunday at 2pm.
(4)
Stella P.
Good prices and tastes for college students.
(4)
Corey L.
First, I love the name. Next, I've been here a number of times. Both inside in the winter and out on the porch in the summer watching the "musicians' in the Square playing their instruments. Good drink menu, solid food. I also really like the atmosphere. Quite a cool place.
(4)
Evan H.
The proper review would say nothing, that's how depressing the food here was. I came with my family because we couldn't convince my dad to go elsewhere, but the warning signs were evident. First problem: the food took half an hour to come out. Second problem: the server's attitude. Third problem: the food. My trout was fine, but about a half portion. Our caesar salad didn't have dressing on the side as we requested. The twin hamburgers had the consistency and taste of something I would've eaten in my high school. In fact, the food was roughly equivalent to a cafeteria, from the packaged coleslaw to the felt-like-flash-frozen burgers. The slices of cheese on the twin hamburgers ($3 more than getting a double hamburger) weren't even fully melted. Add to all this a server who seemed annoyed that he had to be serving us and an abundance of good places eat nearby and there is no reason to go here.
(2)
James H.
Let me say first: I love Grendel's, been coming here for years and will go again I'm sure. But last night was really ridiculous in terms of service. The waitstaff on the outside patio is completely overwhelmed. I don't know if they're short staffed or what but the initial wait--to even get the table cleaned from patrons before and be acknowledged-- was endless, the food arrived way late (appetizer and entree together), a request for another beer went totally ignored, took forever to get the check to mercifully leave. It was painful watching other customers have the same bewildered experience. It makes me wonder: isn't there some manager who could tell it was a you-know-what show out there and do something. As I said, I'll be back cause I have a lot of good experiences in the bank already. Just please, don't take customers like me for granted.
(2)
Maddie C.
This is my favorite bar in the area. Most people I know prefer Charlie's, but to be honest, I don't like the space inside Charlie's that much. The ambiance at Grendel's is just perfect-- casual but not divey. It's quieter than the other bars around, and not too dark. Plus, there are no TVs-- I love that. The half-off special is a major draw for me-- go with the appetizers, which are cheaper but pretty hefty and can count for whole meals (like the potato skins or my personal favorite, the nachos). And they have my favorite beer here, Rapscallion Honey Ale! In winter they have delicious mulled wine and hot cider (with and without alcohol).
(5)
Cecilia J.
I can see how Grendel's would be a beloved place for college students. Cheap food and hearty atmosphere. We were directed here by a random person on the street who thought we were completely lost when she saw me holding up my iPhone maps app. She claimed the food here was "very very good", but I disagree. It really is half-price food from 5-7:30 every night with a purchase of a $3 beverage. But, you get what you pay for. Portions were small and the food just didn't taste very good. The barbecue chicken pizza (regular price $10) is about 10 inches in diameter. Thin crust and not much else to it. The tomato basil bisque was way too salty. The spinach pie, or spanikopita, (regular price $8) tasted pretty good but came with a healthy heaping of rice pilaf that was bland. A good portion of their menu was vegetarian, unlike most pub menus, which are twenty kinds of burgers and fried foods. Grendel's is kind of hidden underground. So you walk down some stairs and open a large, heavy door. Inside is a warm, yellow atmosphere full of people laughing and talking. The bouncer checks your ID and then you seat yourself. But, it is terribly crowded. There is very little room to walk between the tables. t's great if you want to pre-game or something but not if you want to have an actual conversation with someone sitting across the table. You can sit at the wraparound bar, at 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-person tables, or at a couple of the high-top tables in the back. Maybe because I have been out of college for a few years so it was a bit of a shock, but the clientele was very... collegiate. I paid $22 for 2 entrees, 2 soups, and a beer at half-price. That's not bad, but I wouldn't come back at full-price.
(2)
Anne W.
I really really try to love this place.. but I really never do. I came here after a long day with a large party. I guess it's a free for all.. we had over 10 people there so it was difficult to figure out seating.. we ended up forming a L-Shape series of tables. Nobody on their staff offered to help. Not only did they keep us about 15 minutes to order.. they told us they would only take drink orders first even though we were ready for both. I really think they are understaffed. I understand the appeal though.. they are a substainable restaurant/bar. They don't throw anything away.. but recycles everything. At first I thought they took leftovers and re-served it.. which would be rather disgusting. But my appeal would only be if they had a stupendous food menu.. which was less than inspiring from what I ate and what I saw my friends get... and the drink menu. Stuck with beer this time because I knew the drinks would dissapoint.
(1)
Laurinda U.
Was here for brunch just this Sunday with a friend. We split a full sized plate of buffalo wings ($8), I ordered the Eggs Benedict ($7.50), and he ordered the breakfast burrito ($5.50) with bacon ($2). The wings were very very dry so I would not recommend them. The Hollandaise sauce on my Eggs Benedict broke so there was a small puddle of butter. But that made no difference because the EB were still delicious and really you can't go wrong with butter. The Eggs Benedict comes with a side of potatoes and a cup of fruit! Delicious, great portion size, and good service. We just sat and ate in the outdoor seating area and just enjoyed ourselves - in the sweet sweet Boston humidity.
(4)
Audrey K.
Better lit than your standard dive, Grendel's benefits from its prime location, beer list, and the draw of half-priced food happy hour. That said, the food is truly awful. Small portions, not fresh, and worse than usual pub fare. You do not want to eat anything on their menu. Literally any restaurant in Harvard Square offers better food. Restaurant draws a casual, noisy crowd. Expect to have a hard time getting seated at peak hours.
(2)
Christina T.
I love you Grendel's. You are nice, warm and toasty in the winter and cool and breezy in the summer. Your drinks are cheap and top notch and your food is simple and understated. Friendly and prompt service is the extra cherry on top. Harvard Square is one of my favorite spots in Cambridge and whenever I pass by, I look over to Grendel's with fondness.
(4)
Alison F.
Why is the veggie burger deep fried? I'm always happy to find bars that have hand-made veggie burgers instead of frozen so I ordered it without anything else. I don't like coleslaw or potato chips. It came with tomato and lettuce, should have had goat cheese on top because the burger was very bland and chewy. The bun covers up the lack of taste and the fried grease. My beer helped.
(2)
Jen D.
Two words for the chilly days: MULLED WINE. When I think of my brief time in Cambridge, Grendel's is probably going to be one of two pubs that I think of. It's cozy, the staff are nice, the prices are reasonable, and the 1/2 price appetizers at Happy Hour make for an awesome after-class discussion venue. It is small--if you're in a group larger than three and arriving after 6pm or so, it might be hard to get a seat. Still, it's a spot with zero attitude and good beer and ale on tap. Grendel's slays!
(5)
Eric C.
Ah Grendel's Den! Many an hour I've fondly spent here. It's a lively place with lots of friendly atmosphere. It's not quite a dive bar but it's not exactly Cheers either (the mythical TV show one, not the tourist trap one in Faneuil) Stay away from the food and you'll do fine. Not that the food is gross per se, but it's not really dining out quality food. It's just snack food (even the 'entrees' are snack sized) to help your beer buzz. And not quality snack food either. It's kind of the 'oh i could make this with a microwave if i felt like chopping stuff for twenty minutes' kind of food. Oh yeah and it's not exactly a wine place either. If you like beer and you're okay with only 30-50 types of it (not a beer snob) and you like loud (from all the talking not music) places where you have to scream in your friend's ears this is the place to be.
(4)
Lola A.
If you want a proper Dark & Stormy, this is your place. A D&S is only rum, ginger beer, and a lime on the rim for you to keep there as decor or to squeeze in and add zip. It's simple business, but, sadly, a lot of places don't do so well with the simple drinks. Grendel's Den does it right! Cheap, tasty drinks are always a draw.
(4)
Greg M.
Dark and Stormy. That's basically all you need to know (and order) when you come here. Laid-back atmosphere. Friendly staff. Great prices (especially for Harvard Square). OK draft selection. Can't speak for the food. But seriously, come here for a Dark and Stormy.
(4)
David W.
Grendels was ok. It wasn't amazing, but wasn't bad either. Came for lunch on Sunday as I was in town for a show at A.R.T. Definitely a college spot. Cheap food, cheap drinks. Beers and cocktails were very reasonable. I was amused by the Big Girl Mimosa (16 ounces of mimosa served in a pint glass). Yes, a classy place. Service was pretty attentive and friendly. My real issue is that the portions were frankly small. I understand that the food is cheap to begin with, but my french dip left me hungry. Fine if you don't serve anything fried, but if you are giving me a side of chips give me a sandwich that will fill me up more than a snack wrap at Mcdonalds. That said, the french dip was tasty. The creamy tomato soap I also had was a bit much, for me, but that may have just been my taste. I did appreciate that it is super vegetarian friendly (but also had meat dishes for carnivore friends), and very sustainable. They compost, and recycle, etc. Anyway not a bad option in Cambridge, but definitely not the best. Would probably be a better spot to come for drinks and apps than a meal.
(3)
Halle R.
Every place has a "go here if..." niche. Here's Grendel's: Go here if you're a party of 2 or greater than 5, for drinks only, anytime earlier than 6 PM or between 7 and 7:45 PM. If you're a party of 3 or 4, you won't be able to get a table, and will have to wait while a parade of groups of 2 or 5 get in before you. This is because they won't let groups smaller than 5 sit at the corner tables, but have no such restriction on the limited number of 4-person tops. So groups of 2 take the tables for 4, and groups of 4 can't take the bigger tables. Out of luck. If you're looking for food, go elsewhere. The food here is inconsistent at best. I was going to say it might be worth it during the half price times, but if you're that hungry just go grab fast food. It'll be faster, and probably tastier too. If you're thinking of coming at any of the times I didn't mention, don't bother, unless you like waiting. You won't be able to find a seat. It gets a second star because of the clever and friendly ambiance/theme. I could probably justify the wait/crowds if the food were better, because it really is a great concept, but as it is I'll probably avoid in the future. Somebody alert me if they hire a new chef.
(2)
Alexis J.
I wasn't at this bar long, I only had a couple of drinks but from what I saw, I liked. Our waitress was nice, drinks were good and fairly priced. Also, extra points because it's a cool looking place.
(5)
Carrie S.
I wrote a review on grendals 6 years ago and now I'm updating that. I still love Grendals. I mean, 5 dollar lunch? You can't really beat that. And the service is usually really great. And you can't beat half off specials either! And that's why a friend and I went the other day. We sat on the patio because it was still relatively nice out (maybe upper 50s) and we didn't want to give up on being outside for the day yet (I had been at work all day). So, we sat on the patio, got a couple of beers and were told that in order to sit there we needed to order food. That was totally cool with us because we needed dinner. What wasn't told to us (and was only posted on the sign entering the patio area in pretty friggen small print) was that the half price deal doesn't count on the patio because the patio is so popular. Um, it was 50 something degrees out and we were the only ones there when we sat down at 6:30, aka, dinner time. I wouldn't have been peeved by this if the woman had told us; we would have just went inside. She did not inform us. Our beers were great and our sandwiches as well. I love the food. But that little mishap gave me a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. Only reason it's getting 3 stars instead of 4 or 5 Grendals: you should definitely let you patrons know about that when sitting on the patio. Especially when they're already told to order food. Little print on ONE sign does not do the job.
(3)
Abby G.
Great bar on Harvard. Easy on the wallet, relaxed vibe, good food (for a bar certainly), and just overall fun spot.
(5)
Nandanie S.
Beer on tap is good. Food is simple and tasty. It's your typical bar/pub in Harvard Square that's always welcoming to peeps who wanna kick back with a drink and a quick bite to eat. Prices are worth it. Check out their specials because they change from time to time...making things interesting.
(4)
Sonia Q.
Horrible service. Food is mediocre, not worth it. And oh yea, they charge for refills. Never going back.
(1)
Ellie W.
Half price meals from 5-7? This is the perfect spot for the beginnings of a pub crawl, and I'm surprised it isn't overflowing with poor college students looking for cheap eats. If you're looking for fancy cuisine, this isn't it. If you're looking for better-than-your-average-bar-food, your search has ended. My friend and I shared the artichoke dip and I had the Peruvian Quinoa, both hearty and delicious. It's a small space, so you're almost sitting on top of people at your neighboring tables, but hey, it's a breeding ground for conversation. Maybe awkwardness. But mostly conversation. Just imagine: "Hi, you're sitting on my lap. I need to get to my food. Don't mind me as I reach around your waist to get to my beer and pasta. Kthanks." Grab a $2.50 beer and enjoy.
(4)
Sarah P.
You can almost miss this place, which may be what the locals want. Place isn't huge and may be hard to get a table..Vibe was pretty chill, dim lighting and low key. Looked a good place to chat and get a bite. Happy hour meal specials from 5:30-7pm on Weekdays- half price food with a $3 minimum drink purchase per person. Cream of spinach soup was good. Cheap food, college pub but not in an obnoxious way. There were some older people there as well. Stick to typical pub fare and get some drinks (and extra food..portions arent huge) and you'll enjoy it.
(3)
Roxie D.
Sigh. It is with a heavy heart that I revise my formerly glowing review of Grendel's Den. Years ago, when a friend first asked me if I wanted to go to Grendel's, I thought she said "grundel's." (For those of you not in the know, urban dictionary has a concise definition that is a mere google search away). However, "grundel" is a rather suitable way to describe this place, or at least, the service we received there yesterday. A group of friends and I met in Harvard Square. We couldn't decide where to go, but I convinced them to head to here. Cheap food! The siren song of cheap drinks! Outdoor seating! What's not to love? I'll tell ya what's not to love: Hidden fees, nasty servers who dress like they invaded Mayim Bialik's closet in 1995, and public shaming if you failed to read the fine print on a box two tables over. Our dinner was filled wit more unprovoked crazy than a Bravo reality show. Anything we asked for- a refill, a recommendation on what she thought was good, a bit of dressing for a salad since they'd obviously forgotten to mix it in-was met with terrifyingly passive agressive white knuckle rage. She was such a bitch during our meal that we decided to skip the dessert and drinks we were planning on having there. When our bill came, we paid with 2 credit cards and some cash, writing out the amounts for each card after we were met with a full on verbal assault when we just asked to pay separately. She took it and went inside. We breathed a collective sigh of relief, planning where we'd go next. We thought that our hell was over, but it was just beginning. She came back to our table, slammed our money/card down, and informed us that any bills paid with a combination of cash and credit were subject to a 20% fee. "Um, where does it say that? I'm looking at the menu and it says that policy only applies to parties splitting the bill on 4 credit cards." Our server, clearly irritated and annoyed by our ignorance, said "It's clearly stated on the box." The box? She picks up the box that holds the salt and pepper from the table next to ours and points to the policy, her voice dripping with exasperation. She even did a Vanna White style "hold it near my face, plaster on a fake smile, and point" move before swooping in front of all of us to drive her point home. I picked up the box at our table, rotated it so that she could see all sides, and pointed out that there was NOTHING on our box and we hadn't known about this policy. Were we supposed to ask our surrounding tables to review their boxes? If it was such a problem, why didn't she say anything when she picked up the pile of cash and the credit cards? She didn't apologize, or acknowledge that it was her mistake to assume that we had known about this hidden fee- instead, she snatched up our bill, and loudly declared while stomping down the stairs, "Oh, ok- you don't want to leave a 20% gratuity? That's FINE." First of all, we were planning on leaving 20%, even though our server had acted like a rotting butthole. We're classy like that. We had factored that into the amounts we asked her to run on our cards though she obviously didn't deserve even the standard 10% you leave for appallingly bad service. When she came back, I asked to speak to her manager. "The bartender is sort of the manager, you can go talk to him if you have a problem." She smirked, and walked off. In ANY restaurant, if you ask to speak to a manager, it is customary that they come to your table to see what the problem is. We were so disgusted by the service, and thoroughly convinced that the real manager wasn't even on the premises, hence the grundel-esque behavior, that we left. My friend called later, asked to speak to the manager, explained the situation, and got attitude about how busy they were before being hung up on. No apologies, nothing. FYI, they were not busy. We were surrounded by empty tables when we asked to speak to her boss. That is not how you run a business. That is not how you treat paying customers, especially ones who are polite and thank you even though you're acting like a hatchet wound. It felt like we had wandered into some over-privileged 13 year old's house and demanded that she fan us with giant peacock feathers and hand feed us peeled grapes. I didn't interrupt her at home and ask her for a personal favor- I was asking her to do her job while she was at work. No attitude necessary. Either come to work and do your job or don't come to work at all. It's that simple. I am thoroughly horrified by the unparalleled nastiness and immature behavior we witnessed at this restaurant. Their food may be cheap, but so are their servers.
(1)
David R.
Another Harvard Square classic. Great beer selection, pretty spartan burger and potato chips, popular with students. Good place to go with a group of friends and take over a big table, but note it can be tough to get a seat. You probably won't spend a lot of money here either. Remember, though, that this is ultimately a college bar. Go in with the appropriate expectations and you should have a pretty good experience.
(4)
Samia O.
Half-price happy hour, that's the only reason we went there. If you don't drink, or if you only drink water while dining then this might be a little tricky for you. In order to get the half-off deal, you must get a $3 drink. But since my boo wanted to give it a try, I got a bottle of "botanically brewed" lemonade ($4) as recommended by the server. It was nothing more than a bottle of convoluted, alcohol-tasting lemon "juice". Spinach Pie: due to the lack of description on the menu, the three of us debated for a while whether it would be a spinach pizza, a spinach quiche, or a spinach sphere. And when the waitress was ready to take our order 15 minutes later, the mystery was solved: Spinach pie = Spanakopita. To be exact it was a square of spanakopita slightly larger than my palm and thicker than the length of my pinky. The filling was really pasty, as the spinach was inseparable from the cheese (feta and ricotta?). The phyllo dough... so hard to cut since it was quite stale. The rice pilaf was flavorless, if it were seasoned at all. Ultimately, this dish brought me back to elementary school days, as it tasted like some reheated cafeteria food. California burger: the only ingredient that was good on that burger was the guacamole. Enough said. If the food is not good, it is not good no matter how cheap it is. What matters is whether you get this blissful feeling after eating a meal. And I certainly didn't get that from eating their food.
(2)
Annabel J.
I love Grendel's for a number of reasons. -Relaxed, chill, divey atmosphere -good crowd, not packed with yuppies -bar food that is a step above just the typical sports bar nachos and wings, while also still having the typical nachos and wings (they also have things like a hummus plate and mediterranean salad) -half priced menu weekdays during happy hour inside -indoor and outdoor seating -awesome bartenders and servers!!!
(5)
Elizabeth R.
The atmosphere was nice. However, our server was very impatient and rude. After waiting a long time for our food after our appetizer (chips/salsa), the server then came over and asked us if we were ready for our check. As it turns out, she had forgotten to put our dinner order in. She then acknowledged that she knew we already didn't like her (presumably because she realized how rude she was?). Forgetting to put our order in would have been no big deal at all if she hadn't been so rude and condescending with us before. Then she took our order again and got our food to us within a reasonable amount of time. We got one single free beer out of the ordeal, and she was much nicer for the rest of our time. It was kind of nice to see her affect change from impatient to accommodating, but that was of course because she had made a mistake. None of us were too impressed with the food once we got it, which says something because we were starving by that point. I really wanted to like this place, but it was a poor experience due to horrible service and mediocre food.
(1)
Priyanka R.
I'm gonna keep this short and sweet. I love Grendel's Den, its a basement bar with a cozy college student feel. The happy hour is amazing, great meal and ambiance for around $10. Location is right in Harvard Square and the waitress was extremely friendly and candid. Even after finishing our meal we stayed for another hour just enjoying witty banter between friends and no one even bothered us! I would recommend the Burger with cheese, jalapeños and sauteed onions, they put so many jalapeños on it. Yummy and left me extremely satisfied. They make a mean burger. Just say yes. Only drawback were the tables were EXTREMELY close together, and therefore restricted movement, the draft from the door was not so fun either - hence the four stars instead of five. Definitely coming back again soon, I'm just not sitting so close to the door!
(4)
Eric F.
Talk about one sweet happy hour! Decent draft list and ordering just one drink lets you go to town on ANYTHING on the food menu for half price. The family and I had a chance to try the spinach, artichoke & crab dip, grass fed burger, grilled trout, lobster roll and Peruvian quinoa stew. Now unfortunately, the quality of the dishes more or less reflected the discounted price...bland fish and burger, greasy roll with not so fresh lobster, etc. BUT! The portions were solid and the spinach dip and cole slaw weren't too shabby. All in all, a fantastic spot for students to kick back with some grub and beer without at all breaking the bank.
(3)
Sarah C.
Great drinks but rudest wait staff I have ever encountered. The bar tender was so unfriendly, unwilling to accommodate us, and slow. The bartender actively ignored certain people at our table. Several wait staff yelled at people in our party for standing in a certain area (where there were stools). Totally underwhelmed and really turned off. Worst service I've ever experienced in Harvard square. WILL NOT RETURN HERE.
(1)
Alexis C.
I never even noticed this place because I'd see Upstairs on the Square above it and think, "Maybe one day I'll be able to splash that much dough on a meal." Finally a friend pointed out its existence to me, and we went. Lots of college students, and a very eclectic menu of diverse items. The food was okay, but quite decent if you factored in the low price, and the portions aren't stingy. I see why it appeals to students. We amused ourselves by reading the history of Grendel's Den, which is printed on the menu. I had not known it had such a storied legal past. We also talked about Beowulf and tried to find a reference to it on the menu but failed. Come here if you're hungry but poor.
(3)
Stephanie M.
What can I really say about this place? My girl friend and I had our first date here. So, that's at least two stars. The food? I like to say its mostly "shit you can make at home but don't feel like it." Its pretty solid, but not mind blowing by any means. I often crave the nachos. I was hesitant for the longest time to try the dark and stormy. I had tried that particular drink at other bars and really quite hated it. But I absolutely love the ones they make here. It's probably one of the only things I order. Besides a gin and tonic. The waitstaff? Usually depends on the night, or who you get. It gets really crowded here at random times. The happy hour special can't really be beat. Its good for groups or even for as little as 2 people. It can get a little noisy, but its a bar, in the basement. What do you expect?
(5)
Anna K.
I love Grendel's! Really nice bartenders, strong cheap drinks. Their half off food deals from 5-7:30 can't be beat. I love their chicken wraps and salads. Also the spinach artichoke crab dip is delicious and the mussels are yummy too. Burgers are just ok, I wish they offered fries. Chicken wings are good, nice spice and meaty. I also enjoy their fish dinner that comes with a couple sides. Bring cash or expect an automatic gratuity to be added if you split cards with your party. I usually don't mind though because the servers are usually good and deserve it.
(4)
David F.
We had heard a lot about this place so had high expectations. We rocked up in the late afternoon for very late lunch. The place was pleasant enough and with few punters in attendance, we had our choice of seats so we chose a table beside the faux fireplace which lacked any warmth and, as it turned out, just like our waitress. The very definition of surliness, she tossed menus at us and continued in that vein throughout the meal. That, frankly, wouldn't have bothered me if the food was any good. We both ordered burgers - they don't do fries so we had chips/crisps on the side instead which is a very poor carb substitute in my view. The burgers were grey, limp, thin patties of poor quality beef on a rubbish supermarket bun. Cheap and nasty. Best part of the meal was the price. Two burgers and two beers each came to $40 for the lot with a grudgingly given tip. Dreadful and very disappointing given the expectations we had going in. Never again,
(1)
Megan B.
Great spot if you are visiting but don't want to feel like a tourist. Beer selection was good, speedy service didn't let your drink stay low too long. Has TVs if you want to watch sports. Quiet for a packed sports bar. Lots of students and good food
(5)
Izza F.
You know those bars you go to and get real drunk at and somehow you walk out with a huge bill and you feel positive you only got 5 drinks but somehow you were charged for 10? Well not here. It's quite the opposite. I'll buy like 5 cocktails and somehow my bill always seems like they've knocked off a drink or two. You can feel confident that you will get a fair bill for exactly what you bought and not a cent more. I love their food. It is eclectic and somewhat exotic comfort food. Their menu is made up of a variety of comfort food, typical bar food, mediterranean and vegetarian fare. Try their Salvadoran veggies and tofu over rice. It is so good. I get it every time. Either that or their noodles. Who doesn't love noodles and butter? It is one of their side dishes. Yeah I know it is pretty simple but sometimes you want to keep it simple. Can't say I am a fan of their gorgonzola sauce though. Try their chicken wings too. They are like smoked, they taste like they are straight off a bbq. Great portions and great prices. The staff is great. The bartenders are so friendly, always seem so happy to see you. The owner is really sweet too. This place is charming and fun.
(4)
Jack O.
Service is good, crowd is studenty but not too much. Good food, gotta love the half price policy during happy hour!
(5)
Liz P.
The dark and stormies are to die for. A good place for not-overpriced food all day and a fun place to get a drink at night.
(5)
Angeline P.
So the food here is a pretty solid three stars. I came on a Sunday evening, and they had the half price food promotion with a drink purchase. I ordered the most expensive thing on the menu, which was a fish dish. The fish looked filleted except for the part where I was pulling bones out. This is kind of expected whenever I order fish that isn't paired with chips somewhere. I'm not docking stars for that, but I will dock stars for pretty flavorless fish. The reason for the two-star review is for bad service. There were three of us, but my friend left her ID at home, so she couldn't order the beer (which was the only thing she wanted to drink). Well, rather than have her pay full price on an entree because she didn't have her ID, her boyfriend suggested getting another beer when he was finished. Since it would still be a grand total of three beers for a party of three, it made sense that we would all be able to get half price on food. That's apparently not how it works. My friend had to order another drink (non-alcoholic) in order to get her food half off. The waitress didn't bother to explain why this was their policy, and seemed less interested in us as a table after we made the suggestion. The only follow ups we got involved glowering looks when I told her no, I didn't want to order another beer. I'm not so interested in this place.
(2)
Christian H.
Harvard Square is never short of great places to eat and hang out. One in particular that deserves high marks is Grendel's. The bar and restaurant is tucked away underground, so it is fairly hard to miss. When you do find it, you will not be disappointed. A large draft selection, plenty of different food options and a fun atmosphere are in store for you Grendel's experience. With local and microbrews, it is a haven for beer enthusiasts and anyone who wants to branch out and try something new. The food selection is pretty great as well. Plenty of options for carnivores, vegetarians and omnivores. The plates are a bit on the small side as are the portions, but it's definitely quality over quantity. A winning app? The crab and artichoke dip. Go for it. You know you want to try it! The staff is friendly and the place is laid back, a bit on the divey side, but it a good way. This place is a winner for your outings in Harvard Square, whether you are just coming off work, or just want to hang out with friends on the weekend. Check it out!
(4)
Anya L.
What a fun find! While visiting Cambridge, we needed to grab a quick bite to eat before getting back on the road. A Yelp search brought up Grendel's, and with the appeal of 1/2 priced food items during Happy Hour, we decided to duck inside. I appreciate that this place doesn't take itself too seriously, especially given its location. We grabbed two spots at the bar and scanned an impressive list of beers and drinks. I was tempted to get a spiked apple cider when I got a whiff of the simmering brew, but I opted for the CBC Pumpkin ale (awesome, btw). The bf and I ordered mussels, wings and a salad to share. The price of each dish already made the meal worthwhile, but when the food actually showed up, I was even more impressed. The wings were tasty and sizable (I hate tiny, meatless wings), the bowl of mussels was piled high, and the salad had generous amounts of avocado, chicken and cheese. If we didn't have to drive, I know we would have stayed longer - certainly for more beer but also to perhaps order more food once appetites reappeared. I hope to return to Grendel's to sample some of their entrees. In the meantime, give this place a try - it offers a great atmosphere after a long day at work.
(4)
Jeff F.
- 1-2 stars if you come here for food - 3-4 stars if you come here for a drink (probably some of the best cider options in the city.)
(2)
Michelle M.
I actually really liked everything they had here. The cuisine was cheap and delicious.
(5)
Erin C.
Grendel's is one of my go to bars in Harvard Sq. Cozy up to the bar for a mulled wine or Sailor Jerry's Mulled Cider. If you manage to make it for their Happy Hour you can also enjoy 1/2 priced food with a $3 drink purchase. Perfect. You might see me there ordering my regular...Mulled wine with a portabello reubuen. Tasty AND cheap!
(4)
Chris M.
I used to enjoy coming here for a quick bite before seeing a film (alas, we've lost that pleasure, too, in Harvard Sq.) or for the half price appetizers at Happy Hour, but never again. On a sunny day last summer, I opted to take advantage of the outdoor dining area and was appalled at both the food and the service. First of all, the waiter cavalierly cleaned the table with a spray bottle (not water) and the spray hit my face and clothes. I decided to let it go and not say anything. I ordered a spinach salad with nuts and feta, and was assured this would be a decent size for an entree with plenty of spinach. At $9 or $10 for a lunchtime salad special, I expected a reasonably sized salad. What I got was a few leaves of spinach laden with feta and nuts and dressing. Before I could say anything, the waiter disappeared. I had to get my check from someone else. Although I've never had high expectations of the food at Grendals, it was decent and friendly, what I expected of a longstanding neighborhood anchor. What Grendels has become, unfortunately, is a Harvard Sq. tourist trap. RIP, Grendels as you used to be.
(1)
John-Michael E.
Pay good money for good drinks and they'll basically be giving the food away on special. Definitely going back the next time I'm in town.
(4)
Juliet A.
Cozy, intimate spot for a casual dinner with some friends. Because Grendel's is such a neighborhood fave, make sure you come on the off-hours if you want to be able to hear conversation. This is my bro-in-law's favorite spot in Harvard Square, so whenever my hubs and I are in town visiting, this is a go-to place. The food is pretty good - no huge wow factor - but the prices are beyond fair considering the location (and astronomical rent prices they must be paying!). Entrees/salads/sandwiches all around $7-11. Very nice. My recommendations: -French Dip sandwich. Roast beef is served cold (some places do it warm, which I prefer), but the dipping juice is superb. -Southwestern salad. A favorite for good reason. -Crab and spinach dip.
(3)
Felecia C.
I have been to Grendel's a few times for drinks and always enjoyed the divey basement atmosphere. So I was excited to hear per other Yelp reviews that Grendel's offers a gluten-free menu. I should have known something was up when I realized that the link grendelsden.com/menu/GLU… no longer works. But I thought I might be able to chat with the staff to see if they could still accommodate. To sum it up, the server told me they didn't have a gluten-free menu. When I inquired as to what I might be able to eat and if there was someone else I could speak to, she said she had no idea and wasn't familiar with gluten. Hardly apologetic. Ok then. Thanks. Maybe the food's good otherwise, and yeah I should have called ahead. But the positive gluten-free reviews are pretty recent, so I'm wondering what happened and why the current staff has no clue. No matter, there are several other gluten-free friendly options right around the corner that will get my business.
(2)
Chantal G.
They have a great area to sit outside on a warm day, I'm not sure I would sit inside however. It's the usual type of dive bar food, but I loved the hamburgers! They serve you chips instead of french fries with your burger... I was a little sad about that. If I'm eating burgers, I'm going all out.
(3)
Inez M.
I decided to stop into this place between appointments today because I was handed a flyer in Harvard Square and they had a good luncheon deal. I walked in and I did not know if I had to be seated or seat Myself. Didn't know. First time there on a whim. The staff ignored Me although they saw Me looking around like a fish out of water. I finally got the attention of the waiter and asked him if I seat Myself. He said yes. Strange question perhaps but I am use to being seated in places I go to eat and am use the the staff being aware that I am in the room. I found a table and placed My order but I felt extremely uncomfortable there. There was a "vibe" that I was getting from the waiter that made Me uncomfortable. I have been to all kinds of drinking and dining places and I don't feel that "vibe" often. I ordered soup, salad, and pinot noir. The young lady who placed the meal on My table was very pleasant. Great energy and great "vibe" from her. Unfortunately I had to take My meal to go because I didn't have the time to relax and enjoy it due to the fact I had to make My other appointment. The soup was pretty good and the Mediterranean salad was ok minus the watery salad dressing. My waiter was "polite" but not "friendly". There is a difference. I watched him as he served the "guests" around Me and he was a lot more friendlier towards them than he was to Me. Needless to say, I will not be back there because I felt unwelcomed. The staff should be friendly with ALL of their customers for they never know when a food critic is coming in there and food critics come in all creeds. No, he did not get a good tip from Me. If I wanted to be a ass I would of left him a penny. Next time dude treat ALL of your customers with a friendly cheer and chatter as you do the others around them. The ONLY reason I give this place one star is because of the lovely young lady who brought My food to Me.
(1)
Chris C.
I know people love this place and its a Harvard Square landmark, but I haven't been very impressed after a couple visits. They have an ok beer selection with food of average quality. Regular prices are sort of high for what you get although their happy hour and other specials are a pretty good deal. I think the thing that I really don't like about this place is how insanely crowded and busy it always is.
(3)
Julia M.
Grendel's is my go-to bar when I'm in Harvard Square. It has a great atmosphere, friendly staff, & good, reasonably priced drinks. The only downside to Grendel's is that there is not a lot of seating inside, so the place quickly fills up on Friday & Saturday nights.
(4)
Meka A.
Let me make it clear - I love Grendel's. Not because their drinks are the fanciest or the food the best in the Square, but because it's the perfect combination of inexpensive drinks, good hearty cheap food, and a laid-back bar atmosphere. Come here for lunch, dinner, or a drink to start your night out and you won't be disappointed. In the winter, my go-to drink is the spiked apple cider (oddly, it's hard to find warm alcoholic drinks in Harvard Square), but in the warmer months, I default to a drink I was introduced to by Grendel's - Kanye's Workout Plan - a crisp, refreshing blend of cucumber vodka, soda, and lime. I've had all types of food from Grendel's, but have been most pleased with their wraps.
(3)
Kelly O.
I'm all about great deals, and had been meaning to come to Grendel's Den for their half price meal deals for some time. Last night was finally my chance, for a pre-Brattle dinner/drinks date with friends. It was raining and thus it wasn't too crowded, so we got a table right away around 5:45. The interior is really cozy and welcoming, and it's the kind of place I would easily have spent hours in back in my student days, tucked away at a corner table with a beer in one hand and a book in the other. I was pleasantly surprised to have a waitress that was not only friendly but attentive; usually in cheap food situations, you're faced with surly/MIA service (looking at you, Pour House), but our waitress was lovely and really added a positive note to our time here (thanks, waitress!). Also surprised to see a pretty decent beer menu (so awesome they eschew Bud and Miller and the rest of the lawnmower gang) and a cheap cocktail list (had me some nice Hot Rum Cider for only $5). The menu's not bad either... love the fact that it's the entire menu that's half priced 5-7:30, not just a small list, and the prices are cheap to begin with so you can really go to town for not a lot of cash. We got the potato skins and nachos to split, and then I got a turkey burger with cheddar and BBQ sauce as my main. Everything is obviously frozen/packaged/not homemade ("these chips taste like store brand"), but nothing was too terrible or unpalatable, and really for the price we're paying, I can't complain (plus what do you expect from a place like this, you can't think you're going in for the meal of your life). The potato skins could have been crispier on the outside but otherwise were pretty standard/unmemorable, the nachos had strange chunky guac but excellent vegan chilli, and the turkey burger was a preformed patty with some sort of strange added flavor to it that I couldn't put my finger on (not bad, just not the usual charbroiled turkey flavor). Portions are on the smaller size... we got 3 small half potatoes with our skins order, the nachos are on a regular sized plate and not piled too high, and the very thin burgers come with a handful of chips (or coleslaw, if you're so inclined). With 2 apps and a main, I left satisfied but not overly full. I wouldn't say I'm a fan of their food per say, but it wasn't terrible and I think it's decent for the price, and wouldn't hesitate to return during happy hour if I was looking for some cheap eats (and definitely would return just for drinks any time). Overall though, I'd say Grendel's has more pluses than minuses. I've been a Pour House fan for years for their special half price nights, but I have to say the only two things Pour House has on Grendel's are giant beers for $5.50 and better food (see: mac&cheese, chimichanga). Other than that, Grendel's wins the day (better beer selection, better cocktail selection, larger menu choice, better atmosphere, better service).
(3)
Binh L.
Like the exposed brick, great space, cozy decor, but there is just something I can't quite point out that I don't like. Wouldn't go here if you intend on having real conversation though. It gets so loud during the normal rush. What I do like? The snow crab dip, the cute cheese fondue (wish they gave enough bread to finish the cheese) to share with some friends. Like a nice date without any chemistry.
(3)
Cassandra B.
An underrated advantage of the sub-par food is that IF you need a snack, they have offerings like spinach pie and quinoa along with the standard bar food. While the food is not anything special at all, it is nice to get a bar snack that is not greasy or unhealthy. However, like other reviews have said, you don't come here for the food. It is a friendly, cozy, laid-back, casual place to grab some drinks and catch up with friends. I like coming here on weeknights for a fun but low-key night of conversation and drinks that will not break the bank. Good beer list and more reasonably priced than other bars/restaurants with the same variety. I'm no cocktail connoisseur (whiskey ginger is complicated enough for me) but my friends have enjoyed the low-prices of the small menu of 'fun' cocktails here.
(4)
Neel P.
If you're coming from the West Coast and craving the New England cozy pub atmosphere with good drink and food, come here and you won't be disappointed. The apple cider with port was particularly delicious to sip on while I enjoyed my French Dip au Jus. I hear it gets crowded in the late evening, but it was pretty calm on a Sunday evening at 6pm.
(4)
Wen-fai F.
Lunch specials for $4.95, half-price off the entire menu daily, inventive dishes, large amount of outdoor seating, need I say more? This place really is a godsend amidst the over-priced, crappy food brew-pubs in Harvard Square. The lunch is as cheap as cheap can get. For under 5 bucks, you can get a half-sandwich of the day (if it's a tuna melt, get it!) with your choice of soup or salad. The funny part is a half-sandwich is an open-faced sandwich with just as much filling as a normal sandwich, so you're really only missing the top piece of bread. They also offer burgers, a french dip sandwich, and some pasta dishes for the same low price. I've only ever been here for dinner during their happy hour half-priced times (I see no reason to go any other time!). The gorgonzola mac & cheese is a must-try. While the portions aren't huge, they'll fill you up and you'll be leftover free. This place is seat yourself. I'd recommend sitting outside, weather permitting. It's so relaxing although you're subject to hearing whatever street performer is sitting in the courtyard. The inside can get a bit noisy but if your party is small, the bar is a fun place to sit. The service is brisk but attentive. Grendel's seems to understand the demographic it's working with: non-paid college students or way-underpaid graduate students. Thank you, Grendel's for continuing to feed us inventive American food at low, low prices. OK the food is not gourmet but given that it's Harvard Square and things are generally over-priced and stuffy, Grendel's is a 'hidden gem' in that respect.
(4)
Lisa I.
I'm indifferent towards Grendel's. If someone wanted to go, I'd go with them, but I probably wouldn't choose to come here on my own. The food is okay - slightly better than most pub food. And the menu has good variety, with lots of salads, sandwiches, and entrees beyond your standard wings & fried food. The restaurant is small and cramped, but it's a pub, so what do you expect? The food is cheap and everything is half price from 5-7:30PM weeknights!
(3)
Ziyan C.
Good location, right in the heart of Harvard Square. Nice that you can sit at the tables and just get drinks - good for some post-dinner chatting with a big group of friends. Service was a little slow - I noticed our server was covering a huge section though, and she seemed to check on us whenever she could (occasionally at best). Drinks are fine.. fairly good beer selection. Got a dark & stormy but I feel like I've had better. Fairly lively, even late on a Tuesday night. Pretty good crowd. Low key, fun vibe.
(2)
Stephanie H.
Don't expect Bud, Coors or bad macro beer here. Only craft brews available! Local hangout, vegan and veggie friendly. Thoroughly enjoyed their picture of "mordor" aka the places where LGBT marriage isn't legal. LGBT friendly as well.
(4)
Dessa R.
Landmark stop for the Harvard crowd and Cambridge locals, which actually also makes it simultaneously touristy-- since visitors want to observe these folks in their natural habitat. This well-known little tavern is below ground level, and gleams multiple hues of hardwood throughout. The walls are stony, and the space is dark, giving it a little bit of a speakeasy/catacomb flavor. Good bar selection. Happy hour, which I believe goes on most days-- half price food if you order two drinks. Food is pretty satisfying, and certainly superior to typical bar grub. I had a gorgonzola tortellini with walnuts, which was really good (and half price)! As if that wasn't enough, one can be easily entertained for hours on end by eavesdropping on the pretentious graduate students dining nearby. Ah, the circle of life.
(3)
Nadir V.
Pleasantly surprised by the price and quality of the restaurant. As a graduate student I try to maximize my dollar, and this surely felt like they were not overcharging for a yummy plate of nachos and a strong IPA. My friend ordered a second round of cole slaw because 'it was the best he ever had'. A must go in Harvard Square!
(4)
Monique S.
This very spacious den is full of all types of people, from tourists to students and the after work crowd. There is a bad fruit fly problem in the back. There are a ton of fruit flies on the wall and swarming around. Once we saw the problem, we moved to another seat. The half off special is quite a good deal, the buffalo wings come with sauce on the side. The bleu cheese is a little watery. They do not have fries. The sandwiches and burgers come with chips or coleslaw. Our waitress was personable and was knowledgeable of the menu and beer selection.
(3)
Chris M.
I want to love Grendel's Den, I really do. You have amazing cider on tap, you are in a very cool location, you have an awesome drink selection, fairly priced... it's a winning formula... Really, this place is like a coffee haus, that serves alcohol instead of coffee. I love it, well, the concept. There's just something missing. Maybe it's me, or maybe it's you, i'm not really sure. It might have to do with the fact that both times I have been here, I was with a large group. Grendel's isn't made for that. I wouldn't go here with a party of more than 4 (so, Kat, me and Sally, and a +1 can go here for cider... that's it!). I also think the bar is kind of awkward, you can't really stand around the bar, without being in the way. The service is ok, I mean, I didn't like how with a large party, they threw everyone on one tab (flash to me thinking i'm going to get screwed over and have a $270 bill to cover, as people hop in and out of the party), Getting the staff to pay as you go, would keep people there drinking a lot longer, and we all know alcohol sales is where the cash money is at. Also, avoid the corner table that has like copper flashing over it... I think the wood underneath it is rotting or something and it was letting out a strange smell... kind of like someone was rubbing you with a bunch of pennies. There's a lot of potential in this place, and it's a good little neighborhood hangout. I think it kind of stops there though. I wish it was more bar and less restaurant. I'll still go, I'll still give it the chance to wow me, I think they just need to kick it up a notch and they'd have a 5 star establishment.
(3)
Scott B.
Lousy. I really, really was hoping the experience would be as cool as their monkey man logo... but it turned out to be a no-go. First of all, this space is SMALL... and by small I mean disfunctionally small. Prepare to get very close and personal with your dining neighbors. Then there's the service. Just walking in the front door left me with a feeling of chaos. And our server should definitely win an award for her terrible service. She brought us beers, took our order, and we did not see her again. We did catch up with her briefly when she brought us the check. Absolute train wreck. And the food. Argh. Seriously? Bland... boring... blah. To Grendel's credit, it was a busy Saturday night. All in all, Grendel's gave me no reason to be impressed, and several reasons to stay away in the future.
(2)
Mercedes V.
I give Grendel' Den 5 stars for what it is: a bar with bar food! The happy hour is good, the food is good (not great but good), and the service is good. It's a cool atmosphere. No frills but a fun place to go. Grendel's Den is small so depending on what time you go, you might have a hard time finding a seat (oh yeah, it's seat yourself so you can just wander around until you find a table). I've been a few times here (usually with friends late at night) but I also took my dad for dinner one time and he loved it too! Rachael Ray went there on one her show (I love watching those shows on the travel channel and food network) so that was a neat added touch. If you want something gourmet or with great service for a date or something, this isn't the place for you. Grendel's Den is a casual place with a cool atmosphere and location. I definitely recommend.
(5)
Andrew C.
Cool place to go. I had the lobster sandwich this time. Which I got as the afternoon special before the prices went up. Tables could have been cleaner, it was kinda sticky. But if you're here to just drink and chill it's a perfect place to go.
(3)
Olga Q.
One of my favorite, unassuming places to go to. I always recommend this place for a low key hangout where you'll get good food and drinks. While so many places in Harvard sq try their absolute hardest to be incredibly pretentious with an expensive albeit mediocre food and drink selection, this place is just a breathe of fresh air despite being in a basement. With eclectic choices of beers and drinks and a great menu for even vegetarians, what more can you ask for. They even do a solid brunch!
(4)
Jackie S.
Grendel's is such a gem. What a delciious and super cheap meal! I can't believe it's half off your meal with the pruchase of a drink for happy hour. Good food, good staff, classic Harvard Square feel. I definitely will come back!
(4)
Dana S.
I went here after a Boston Cannons lax game a few weeks back. It was late for dinner (probably around 9:30) but they still had a full menu and the service was fast and friendly. We started w/ the hummus plate that was accompanied by olives and pita bread. I remember the hummus being slightly bland and needing some salt, but mixed w/ the olives it was a nice light starter. I ordered a portabello wrap that was filled to the max w/ fresh marinated portabellos. My boyfriend ordered a turkey burger w/ coleslaw and was pleased with the portion size and taste of his dish. My wrap was a little hard to eat without a fork and knife given the marinade on the mushrooms, making it a little soggy and hard to keep together, but the flavors were good. for a REALLY cheap meal (esp in boston/harvard sq) i would recommend Grendels. there's also outside seating available which is great for summer.
(3)
Mike P.
* Drinks: Great "Dark and Stormy" and mulled wine * Food: Good quality (a surprise at a bar, esp with the 1/2 happy hour specials) * Crowd: Good mix of locals and college students
(5)
Ashley A.
Went out on a Wednesday night. My two friends and I were kind of barhopping. Grendel's was our 3rd stop, and after downing a few, we were slightly buzzed and having a good time. However, Grendel's quickly put a damper on that with a rude welcome from the bartender. My friends and I took the first seats we saw at the bar, and I unknowingly sat too close to the screen that waiters and waitresses use to place orders and print receipts. Instead of kindly saying, "I'm sorry, but you can't sit there," the bartender quite sardonically states "That computer is there for a reason." Umm don't you work for tips, buddy?! I've worked several jobs in customer service, and I have never, even on my worst days, been that rude to a customer. My friends and I left (after one used the bathroom) and didn't spend a dime. I personally refuse to use my hard-earned dollars at a place where I don't feel welcomed.
(1)
Jackie B.
I like the half-price food for happy hour. I like the drink selection. However, the last time I went we had a less than amicable server who left a pretty bad taste in my mouth. She was unfriendly, slow, and the cincher- after we ate, my party of 6 pooled together our cash and cards and made sure to include a good tip. She proceeded to stand at the table, said 'you know we can't include tips on cards' after we then assured her we had accounted for that, she looked at us like we were trying to cheat her and COUNTED the money to make sure we gave her a tip. When she realized we did, just gave a grunt and walked away. NEVER have I had that experience. We are all college/grad school graduates and were nothing but respectful. I don't like to be judged as a cheapskate when I am paying someone EXTRA for their services.
(3)
Astra G.
Tip- During their half off food times, go in groups of 2 or 4 or more. Never a group of 3. Tip- Order the dark and stormy. Tip- Order the wings they are delicious and not fried. Tip- Some food items here are actually pretty bland (read- no salt not much seasoning) while others are not. It's very hit or miss but it's cheap and great for your friend who needs a low salt diet.
(4)
A C.
nice pub atmosphere and friendly service. $7 margarita and good beer list. Spinach pie was good but served with tasteless rice. Chicken quesadilla was terrible, chicken wings were pretty bad too. Garden burger seemed deep fried. won't go there again.
(2)
Daniela C.
Apparently this is the only bar-bar in Cambridge where you can order drinks and not food. Tons of Harvard kids, which, privilege, whatever. The staff were super nice and attentive, and most importantly didn't give me a weird look when I ordered a bloody mary at 1 AM. Would definitely come back again.
(5)
Spencer L.
Nice spot at Harvard Square. Food were nice. Highly recommend wild mussels on white wine garlic. Waitress were always busy.
(4)
Senor P.
Used to come here all the time after class. Always had a good experience. Recently I came with my girlfriend, after talking it up quite a bit, and was ignored for a half hour, waited 2 full hours from the time I walked in to the time food arrived, then charged for wine we never got (but ordered with dinner). Pretty horrendous service. 3 stars purely for nostalgia.
(3)
Liliya M.
This place is filthy. As in physically, actually dirty. I feel like there's a roach just waiting for someone to turn the lights off so he can eat the crumbs from your mediocre meal to his heart's desire.
(2)
Mercy D.
While planning my trip to Boston I came across Grendel's and was really looking forward to their half off food deal. It didn't disappoint. I imagined it to be a hole in the wall type place in order to have such a rock bottom deal, but the building was impressive and charming, and the outdoor patio was spacious and overlooks the park. Our server was friendly and attentive, and our food was pretty solid. The drink selection was vast. My only complaint was that the edges of my cheddar bacon burger were a little chilled, while the inside was piping hot, which only made me wonder how the burger was prepared. As a french fry fanatic I thought I would miss the fries, but my meal was substantial and didn't leave me wanting. In any case this place is located right across from Shake Shack, so I could have satisfied my craving there after my meal. Overall a good experience, and I'll definitely be back when I'm in town again.
(4)
Soo Jung R.
It was my second time here, but first time during early evening. We had trouble flagging down a server to ask about seating, trouble flagging down a server to get our orders, and our order was below expectations. We ordered the red sangria pitcher to share, and it tasted very little like wine, a little bit of sparkling water, and just plan water. In short, very watered down. When the server brought us the drink, they spilled water from the tray (not sure why there was so much water in the first place) and some of it splattered on people in our party. Overall, I really don't think I'd go back. Since I don't mind a smaller selection of drinks, I'd rather grab a beer from Shake Shack right across - it's not like Grendel's is that much cheaper anyhow.
(2)
Natasha M.
Worst service ever. Our server was really abrupt and not friendly. Maybe she couldn't handle a large crowd? In any case, we felt really uncomfortable. We ordered a pitcher of sangria (which was filled all the way to the top with ice) and some appetizers. Our appetizers were all very underwhelming. We asked for a slice of orange to entertain my nephew while we waited, and the server's response was that they didn't have a lot so she couldn't guarantee it. Really?1 slice?! Mind you our sangria was filled with oranges. She ended up bringing a slice to us so the side comments weren't necessary. She also just placed all of our flatware in one pile and said "I'll just leave this right there". Okay? Never again.
(2)
Tracey L.
Grendel's is great. It's a chill, low-fuss place to grab a drink and some food. For a pub/den, they have a surprisingly interesting menu - lots of Mediterranean and Latin American influence. They are also surprisingly vegetarian friendly. I am a huge fan of the quinoa stew and am so glad they put it on the permanent menu. The garden burger is also solid, and they always have a vegetarian option for soup of the day. The food can be a bit inconsistent though. Some days the yucatan pork is delicious. Other days, it's dry and stringy. It's a risk worth taking for a cozy place to nurture a drink and conversation. Also, $5.95 lunch special - nuff said.
(4)
Eric B.
I've been coming here for over 20 years and although I go gourmet as a habit now, Grendel's is my fallback. I love siting at the bar and reading in the I between hours, or taking a friend here if I haven't seen them in a spell. You can get close and personal here and watch the Cambridgians at play. This place is big value for the price and has good service. Sit outside in the summer if you aren't iN A hurry. They have half price of the menu happy hours on Sun thru Thurs, don't know the hours. They always have tasty specials going that sits on a solid good menu. A few gourmet items but a solid tasty burger. My favorite on tap drink is Original Sin hard cider, which they have had for years, love it. I have picky picky friends who have been come to this place since it opened 40 plus years ago. The staff is smart and though busy and rushed they get you what you need. Tip you servers folks!
(5)
Akzhan M.
Food was good, but the service horrendous. They are horrible at handling customer objections. We came here on Thursday night for half off. My husband ordered a beer, quesadilla (appetizer) and sandwich for the half off special. I didn't order anything, but had a couple of bites from his quesadilla and sandwich. When we received the bill, we noticed that they did not honor half off on one of the items. When asked why one if the items was priced at a full price, they said one item per person, although the menu doesn't state that it's one item per person. After speaking to the manager, she was extremely rude; stating that we are trying to scam the restaurant by asking for the item half off and mentioned that they are giving us the food for free. She said we should be grateful that there is no other place that has such a fantastic deal. Service wise this is not what we have expected from this place, as we were a big table and we were charged 20% tip for argumentative and defensive staff, and horrendous service. It's a shame that previously our friends experienced good service, but we were unable to enjoy it.
(1)
Scott E.
The food was very bland and the service was average at best. I ordered the chicken sandwich and it tasted like a piece of reheated costco chicken with 0 seasoning on it. My daughter got the hamburger, which was also lacking any flavor, including a regular beef flavor. A bubba burger from the freezer section at the grocery store would be an upgrade.
(2)
Inês L.
Went one night for the special happy hour and then again for lunch. Love that they have vegan options and everything is super cheap. At night, it gets a little crazy but it's nice and quaint during lunch. Hidden little gem. Service was on and then off, don't take it personally.
(4)
Anthony L.
In the summer of 2014 I made a lofty list of places I must go to before the year ends. Obviously that did not go as planned, BUT I finally made my way over to Grendel's Den over the past weekend (Sat., 3/21). First impression: adorable! The Den (I like that) is nestled in the basement in the heart of Havard Square. I got there around 4:30 after some time at the Fogg Museum as I was craving a hoppy beer. While The Den does not have an extensive beer menu, it has a quality menu. Only a handful were on tap (maybe we are just spoiled by living in Boston & Camberville) and a few more offered via bottle. Whatever, they were all **damn** good choices. I ordered the hot spinach, artichoke, and snow crab dip and was mildly disappointed, mainly because I wish there was a stronger presence of spinach and artichoke. Hefty helping of chips, though. I would TOTALLY come back for another round of drinks and a snack! Pro tip: - The older waitress is a sticker on tables that are for five or more patrons; I actually saw her argue with a group of four people, pointing to the 5+ sign... they politely said, "Okay, I guess we will just go somewhere else then" ... I was surprised that she did not stop them, offer them a different table, or show some sort of hospitality. I hope they, too, drank good beer.
(4)
Linda V.
good service, great beer options. Easy in and out location in the heart of Harvard Square.
(5)
Sarah N.
Cozy spot for broke 20 somethings. The environment is a bit dark, but hey, it's a "den". Wish they would have turned the music down some last time I was in. Setting is super casual. Fine dining it ain't. Walk in and seat yourself. The waitstaff doesn't appear to have a dress code, and you won't be catered to hand and knee because they might only have one or two waitstaff working at a time. However, they are very down to earth and polite. Probably the best deal on dinner and a drink you'll find in the area. 5-7:30 is a food happy hour (Massachusetts law prohibits liquor happy hours) so you get your $7 burger for $3.50 with your $8 drink. Not bad! The food isn't fancy but is tasty, and well worth the full price, especially given the prices and quality of other eateries in the area. If you're looking for a fancy Bostonian eatery, go elsewhere. If you're looking for a student haunt, you're in the right place.
(4)
Robyn B.
One of the best parts of Harvard Square. Half priced food between 5-7:30pm is amazing. Get the Lala's Grilled Chicken! The mussels are also good, as is the salmon. And they have Original Sin cider on tap!!! Fun, cozy atmosphere. I always take any visitors here. OH and be surey to read the history on the back of the menu.... it includes an epic Supreme Court case. Grendel's is awesome.
(5)
L S.
Grab a table if you can outside, great vibe, lots of people walking by, especially when the weather's nice. Food was decent, ordered a chicken salad, everything was fresh and crisp. Service was mediocre at best
(3)
Imfromdetroit R.
As a young business traveler I try as hard as I can to check out the local fare. I have been to many cities, but have never been truly moved to write a review. Most places leave you feeling indifferent. Not Grendel's. Scene: An anxious 20-something year-old follows a waitress from the patio down a flight stairs in search of a cheap bite and a rich beer. I fell in love with the interior immediately. It would have been just as suitable for The Den to be located in The Shire. The doorman indicated there was little room. So I shuffled to the natural habitat of the wallflower. I was already intimidated by the location. It's Harvard. Their heads turned like I reeked of lower intelligence and mediocrity. They could see my knuckles dragging from a mile away. Or maybe it was the mouth-breathing. At any rate, I shook those feelings and shuffled in. I finally found a spot at the bar. The barman was gruff. No frills. All business. I like that. I ordered a Clown Shoes Blaecorn Unidragon. I was so blown away they had this beer, I did not note the rest of their offerings. My beer nirvana faded. I began to pick up on the surroundings. I was in between the drunkest person at the bar and some local ladies. The cast: The drunk, his prey, local ladies, proud gay man, myself, and what I can assume are regulars reading books and discussing existentialism. Gay man is loud and proud. You go guy. Drunk dude is offended. In what I can assume is some sort of twisted effort to inflict jealousy on his prey, the drunk rambles for ten minutes straight on how much the gay man wants him. That noise dies down. I strike up a conversation with the locals. I'm looking for dives. Charlie's came highly recommended. The locals leave and are replaced by a charismatic waitress. She studied neurology. She didn't want to go the research route. From what I understand, it is boring. If you read this, I hope you do find an exciting and rewarding career. The moral of the story is this: go to Grendel's Den. Marvel at the interior. Meet some characters. Be humbled by the fact that you are surrounded by amazing strangers with incredible stories.
(5)
Julia C.
Great for drinks and outdoor meals with a view of Winthrop Sq. They offer express lunches which are a great value, but my favorite dish is the yucatan style pork (not offered as a lunch special, but not too pricey anyways). The deal of half price food with a drink is incredible and offered for most of the evening (I don't remember the details).
(4)
Sarah D.
Things about Grendel's Den, By Sarah D: -It is in a basement. -It is very crowded always, no matter what. -It is "seat yourself", so it is mayhem always, no matter what. -Sometimes the waitresses seem very startled to be waitressing. -Sometimes a sandwich costs $3. -They don't sell hot dogs, but they do sell fondue. -It is a very inconvenient place to plan to be, but is a very happy place to happen to be. -I like Grendel's Den.
(4)
Yan C.
First of all, Grendel's Den has its own Wikipedia page. If that's not cool, I don't know what is. You can read up all the history of the establishment. I certainly did. Fun fact: this is one of Ben Affleck's favorite restaurants. Parts of the movie "The Town," which he directed, were shot here. Second of all, can we just talk about how cool the name is?? It's something I would expect to find in Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings or the Hobbit. I came here on a Saturday night to grab a drink with a group of friends. The restaurant/bar is underground. The entrance isn't the most conspicuous, so it took me just a little walking to find the right door. I had to take a few steps down to enter. As I walked in, I noticed that the place is packed with young people - many Harvard students and some young professionals. It was quite noisy but we were able to find a booth in the back that gave us a little more privacy. There's a great selection of beer here - tasty and inexpensive! What a steal, especially considering it's located at Harvard Square. I'm not a big beer drinker at all, but I truly enjoyed the Honey Brown - just like what the name suggested, it had a hint of sweetness to it. My friends all liked their beers as well. The cocktail options also looked interesting. Despite how crowded it was, the staff kept up with the service. Our waitress was attentive and brought out our beers soon after we placed the order. Bottom line, I will definitely be visiting Grendel's Den again - next time I'll have a sandwich to go with my beer!
(4)
Sarah S.
To Keri K., that was posted on the very same day as our visit. We got there at 430 and waited for another of our group until around 5.
(1)
J S.
Googled gluten free options in Harvard Square and came up with Grendel's Den. Turns out, no gluten free menu, and no guarantee of any gluten free items, just FYI. That's fine, it's a specialty thing. Generally I like the food, and it's very reasonably priced. Always enjoy the wings. There's a couple of dishes that are hit or miss, and kind of on the bland side (this time it was the spinach, artichoke, and crab dip, a bit meh) but I'll keep coming back.
(4)
Sue B.
I hate to complain about our brunch because it was really cheap ($7 for eggs Florentine), but you get what you pay for and maybe a bit less. The coffee came out cold. The spinach in the eggs Florentine was straight out of a frozen package of spinach and not even hot - maybe just defrosted. The hollandaise sauce was barely there. I had to ask for a steak knife to cut through the English muffin. Disappointing though my friend enjoyed her Mexican breakfast.
(2)
Jordan S.
Cheapest place to eat in Boston without being skimped out on portions. Great atmosphere. They got dem sandwiches. That is all that matters, right? They actually try to put together sandwiches beyond a turkey club, it's a miracle. They do a damn good job. Everything is half off at happy hour, creating confusingly cheap prices. I don't have a story about how I was wandering with my dog and chanced upon this gracious establishment. I was a hungry person looking for a hunger solution and left satisfied yet wanting even more of the menu and with most of my wallet intact. Amen
(5)
Ryan B.
I ate Sunday brunch here with my future mother-in-law and aunt-in-law. We ordered family-style and shared orders of the Artichoke Crab Dip and the Mussels for our appetizers. The artichoke dip was the winner among the two, except the tortilla chips we were given were a little stale. All of us agreed the mussels were wanting. For our main dishes, I ordered the Eggs Benedict and my guests shared the Eggs with Quinoa. Of the two, the Eggs Benedict was the clear winner, the poached egss were cooked perfectly. When pierced the yolks spilled over the ham and the english muffin--it was beautiful. However, the poached eggs on the quinoa dish were overcooked and to our disappointment no such yolk spillage occurred (poaching eggs is extremely difficult though). In summary, I would wager a guess that Gendel's is a classic dive bar that gets plenty of play from appreciating Harvard students. As other Yelpers pointed out, certain dishes shine while others swing-and-miss. I think we got unlucky with the quinoa's eggs and very lucky with the Eggs Benedict, but regardless the Benedict was delicious and worthy of a return trip. Grendel's is A-OK and worth a shot.
(3)
Simon L.
Somewhat of an institution. Underground, deep, dark and not really that dirty. Very cozy with a bar and tables surrounding. Seat yourself. There's no coors or bud. Yuengling lager at $4 a pint is a great deal. Fresh soups - mushroom cream and chicken noodle. The hamburger is pretty awesome with a nice char and cooked perfectly medium rare. No fancy meat blends but a well seasoned burger. Lovely place to hang out and imbibe.
(4)
Lauren G.
Amazingly rude waitress in the outdoor seating. Didn't pay attention to us or any of the other patrons. Didn't tell us that half price food was only for inside customers. Don't waste your time.
(1)
Jules J.
Went here after 10.30pm on a Thursday, when most other restaurants in the area have closed their kitchens. We weren't sure, given the fact that the menu offers pretty much anything, and some of the reviews here weren't great. But, BOY, were we wrong! Really great beer selection, and tasty food, for half of the price at that hour. We paid basically nothing for what we consumed, and everything was tasty too! Sure, the place is a little off-beat and maybe the waitress wasn't as punctual as she could have been, but the place had a certain flair to it. If you expect fanciness, you are in the wrong place. If you expect the best bang for buck in the square, go here!
(5)
Andre A.
Been two times before with no problem at all, I actually liked the place! Last time was with 2 other friends and another was about to arrive. The bar was as described by other yelpers a fair bit crowded but there were several "5 people only tables" that were empty. Instead of just sitting down we asked for permission to sit down and told the waitress it would be four of us and not five. She said "NO" , turned her back on us and left. Sure Grendel's...if you don't want our money I'll take it elsewhere. Keep your tables empty.
(2)
Denise A.
Grendel's is a long time favorite. Cozy atmosphere, decent pub food, and cheap drinks. They've got a good beer selection too! Recently had a pumpkin beer shandy which was maybe a bit too early for fall but it hit the spot. And as the place that introduced me to dark and stormies...I can't help but love it. They get around Massachusetts's no-happy-hour laws by offering half price on food items with the purchase of at least $5 in drinks (they don't have to be alcoholic) during certain time slots. They can get pretty busy so sometimes they are a bit more lenient with the time limits to accommodate you. The result is a ridiculously cheap and awesome meal. It makes me wonder why they have a walking billboard guy by the T when I think their deals speak for themselves and I've never seen them not-packed. Their food is pretty decent but not spectacular. But they've got some surprising items on there. I had what was basically Mexican style pulled pork with rice and black beans. Not too shabby! I'm not going to lie, though. Usually when I come here to eat I get the potato skins with cheese and bacon. It gets pretty loud in here. I've had many a pleasant afternoon sipping on their sangria on the few tables they have outside but those can get a bit complicated since there isn't too much wiggle room. Still, even if I have to hunch over the table and summon all the air from my lungs to talk with my friends, this is one of my favorite hang out places. And the atmosphere is jovial. Plus, when it's the middle of winter and all I want is a good strong drink, there is no warmer hovel out there that makes me so happy.
(4)
Aleh V.
A very special place at otherwise too touristic area. A nice bar. Lacking some charm but this is not what you expect from a bar. The selection of draft beer is ok.
(4)
Cindy H.
Cheap prices for food and drinks, but not much selection. They had my go-to - the Harpoon IPA, so I wasn't too unhappy. I got the wings and they just just mediocre, but I can't complain for the price. Our waiter kept an eye on us despite how flocked he was, which I appreciate. While I'm not raving about this place, Grendel's is one of the best places to hang out in Harvard Square.
(3)
Alyson S.
This is a prime happy hour location if you can get a spot. Arrive a few minutes before it starts to claim a spot and you will enjoy a great evening of fun. The food is half price and it gets busier as the time passes. Definitely recommend you try to stop by while the college kids are away since it makes it much easier. Decent food, great atmosphere to catch up with friends, and large beer selection.
(5)
Iaroslav M.
last time I have been here was like 3 years ago.and i used to like it. its different now i would say. Food is bad. Mussels are very vinegary/wine/wierd taste like, tilapia-is it real fish here or just an imitation ? ( glad it was half off, otherwise I would never paid 14$ for such tasteless fish along with potato and "mix of salvadorian vegetables (thats what you call a few frozen and then microwaved veggies '.) .beer is good, service too. Ill come back for drinks only. Btw,i puked after the food i had here. So be careful
(2)
Bob T.
I've been a patron of Grendel's for nearly forty years now, and I keep coming back every time I'm in Cambridge. It's in the basement of a building abutting a mini-park a block out from Harvard Square (although old-timers like me will remember when they had the first floor as well), with some outside tables in good weather. Don't think of it as a bar, or as a restaurant, but as a pub: lots of drinks, and lots of great food at spectacular prices. (Let's put it this way: I'm a teetotaler and always have been, but I love Grendel's all the same.) It has an old-time pub atmosphere: cramped, raucous, but fun and friendly. The prices really are spectacular -- you can easily eat for less than $10 a person -- which makes me happy now as in long-past broke student days. Sandwiches at lunch time are LESS than $5, and their full-scale meal sandwiches just a couple bucks more. Salads and appetizers are much the same. Like a pub, the selection isn't huge, but really, how many different entree choices do I need? Everything is well prepared, and I don't think I've ever had a bad meal here. The best part is their half-price time, which runs for a couple hours daily late afternoon early evening and for a couple hours before midnight. HALF PRICE off of already cheap, quality food. (You still pay full price for drinks, which is how they don't go broke.) It's very tough to beat. Hell, you'd pay more at a fast food joint. It's not perfect: the Den is a crowded, loud place: it's nowhere to go for quiet conversations or if you can't stand being jammed up against your neighbors. But if that's the atmosphere you like, Grendel's is the place for you. I live a hundred miles away now, and my visits to Cambridge are few and far between, but if you're in the area, avoid the pretentious, high-priced dumps and drop in on the Den. I promise you'll be a fan too.
(4)
Na S.
It's a really nice place, quiet but cheerful. The employees are nice and helpful. Totally recomend the veggie burger! It was our first time here and was a really good one. We ended up here because I'm vegetarian and were going to be in the area so we looked up online for some place with veg options. Looking forward to go back and try some of the others!
(4)
Cristobal C.
Walked in during happy hour. The quest for an open table for two was a challenge. Luckily we found a table with stools in the back behind a wall next to the elevator. The ambiance was great. This bar has character. After eating and drinking (At happy hour price), I understood why it was so crowded and hard to find a seat. The food was excellent, the view of the rafters and interesting looking plumbing made me feel good about being a DIY plumber. The two boys/girls bathrooms were a little confusing at first. I couldnt tell which was which or were not dedicated to each. I took a guess and think I got it right. Wait staff were on point with the order, the food and with their beer recommendation.
(4)
Greta G.
We have been to Grendel's on a plethora of occasions. The usually abrasive service is par for the course if it is happy hour (half price) time frame. However in the last three times, we have been treated exceptionally rudely and virtually ignored. Today, my partner snagged a table outside after a 10 min wait and 10 min later was asked to move. All the while she remained unattended. I arrived 20 min after and just then did her drink order get taken. I sat there with her for another 10 min before another server arrived and it took a subsequent 15 more min to get a drink. If the quality of the food didn't match the price, I doubt any non broke individual would eat here. She ordered a chicken Caesar salad and not only did the server forget the order, it still took 35 minutes. I'm unsure of there is a poultry farm somewhere that she needed to kill and pluck the chicken from, however this is absurd. I will never return to this horrific establishment.
(1)
Jim S.
Has kept its prices down while all around it is going through the ceiling. Crowded bar in the basement atmosphere is real, not fake. Food is fine - signature Fondue for 2 (most expensive thing on the menu) is pretty good, although it won't be confused with what you get in Zermatt (or at my house). The service was really good, which is not my memory of previous visits (although those were years ago). I didn't see a huge number of waitpeople considering the place was packed, but they did the job well. I just hope this doesn't get bought out by some ritzy upscale someday.
(4)
Peter Y.
Something something Harvard bros something something discussing philosophy. While I'm usually not one to believe in stereotypes, it was pretty ironic that the table next to us was filled with Harvard med students talking about the meaning of life. Anyways, located underground, Grendel's Den literally feels like a grungy hole in the ground. If highly educated Hobbits went out to pubs, this would be it. Though, said Hobbits would probably be slightly disappointed to find a small beer selection and weak cocktails. Don't get me wrong, if you haven't outgrown your PBR stage yet, then this would be perfect for you. But for me, I like my non-watered down alcohol thankyouverymuch. Their cocktails are also a bit on the sugary side, with very artificial, syrupy tastes. I feel like at this stage of the game, I'm just not into this kind of scene anymore. But hey, if Harvard chicks start frequenting this place, you might see me here more often.
(3)
Kirsten L.
Service was super slow here today. I'm not sure what the hold up was...it seemed pretty calm on a Saturday afternoon. Ordered the Santa Fe salad-light and tasty. Chicken quesadilla- crispy and good. The wheat beer was perfect for a hot summer day. We sat outside so we had the view of the "park". Music was played by a local guy on a guitar- relaxing and good. There was a guy a few feet down not eating just sitting there with his cigarette smoking away while we inhale second hale smoke while we eat. Lovely. Again...service was SLOW!!!! Get the waitress/waiter attention as soon as you can or else you won't see them for 30 mins.
(2)
DJ Micaiah M.
It was Ok. I am editing this review because I feel like I was a bit harsh in my initial review. It was a pretty busy night! This place is an interesting dive bar with basic bar food. It is a great place to bring friends for drinks though. A little loud for my tastes on this particular night. Their burgers and sandwiches are decent but are served with what looks like Lays potato chips. I ordered a special "Andy's Manwich" but it was basically a roast beef sandwich. Not what I was expecting (manwich). You may like this kind of Place though! The location is nice. It is kind of hidden in a basement style area in the middle of Harvard Square. I did like the ambiance though Very unique.
(3)
Anna J.
Grendel's never disappoints. From the moment you take those steps downstairs, it feels like steps back in time. This place has lots of character, and not just sitting at the bar! When visiting I like to sit at the bar and enjoy the company of the bartender and their wisdom of beers and spirits. The food here is cheap but good for the cost. They have a wide selection of beers and happy hour is the best time to get in. I have visited a few times, both as the hangout spot for the night and as just a stop for beers before moving on. And am never unhappy. The staff is friendly and they are awesome with suggestions on what beer to try next. You can tell they've been educated on the beers they serve cuz they have their own opinions on the varying types. Great place! I enjoy visiting Grendel's and can't wait to do it again.
(4)
Mel C.
The grilled chicken with rice pilaf is your best happy hour bet. Grendels happy hour makes it a popular spot for Harvard kids and locals alike.
Unless your a tourist and are thinking, hey I'd like to check out this "Harvard square" thing you've probably been to Grendel's. And let me go out on a limb here and say, if you didn't like it, you probably should have guessed a place with the word "den" in it wasn't really in your wheelhouse. The food is good, but not great. Go during one of their half price food hours and it becomes a damn good deal. Pro tip: order the nachos. Its filling and comes with their vegetarian chilli on top. Awwww yeah. The drinks are drinky. The dark and stormies, both dark and stormy (and delicious). I also tried a sip of my roomates "Kayne's workout plan" and it was refreshing and delicious. And of course, they have a decent number of beers on tap. I whole heatedly approve of this den (ESPECIALLY during the half price food times). The price is right, the atmosphere basement bar like and the clientele delightful.
(4)
Leslie T.
Cheap food, definitely would not have gone there had there been no half-price menu. Our waitress was old and condescending. The gorgonzola egg noodles were super soggy and when my friend asked for another item, she sassed at us. Furthermore, she took our bill before we left and gave an offensive comment on how little we tipped her due to her lackluster service!
(2)
Jeff M.
After being denied because of the size of the crowds at not one but two other Harvard locations.....Grendel's was our next choice on the list to try and brave the Friday night rush. I had been here before, it was a very cold February night and I'll never forget how cozy feeling it was at the time. I don't get back to Harvard Square all that often anymore but when I do, I want to try to have the best experience, especially when I have visitors in town. Eureka! After heading down the stairs, we discovered in the back next to the bathrooms a table that says "reserved for at least five people". It was literally the only one left in the entire location. I quickly grabbed it and began placing all of our coats on the well placed wall rack on the other side of our table. Our server was great all night, although my only minor complaint is that he could be a little more educated on the beer selections. He stated a handful of times, "I've never tried that". I don't know what the rules are in the restaurant world but maybe your staff could have a tasting some night with a little education thrown in on the vast selection of brews you offer. The prices here are incredible! We started with a hummus plate for $5, chips and salsa for just $3.50. I had the turkey and havarti on a baguette and it was only $7 with a side of chips. The sandwich was by no means anything fancy but it didn't need to be, it was more of an aside to all of the imbibing we were doing and it was adequate at a tremendous price. This left more room in the budget to buy a $20 beer on the menu that came wrapped in paper called "The Red Giant". Freaking spectacular and great to share with a group if you want to splurge. The funniest part of the night was when none of us could figure out the sexes of the bathrooms. Numerous times we walked in on some gals in what I thought was the guys room marked by Einstein. Now I'm realizing they are unisex but its still a bit awkward. It only took a handful of visits for me to fall in love to the divey, under the street feel of Grendel's but for those rare times I do find myself in good ol' Hahvud, I'll be thinking about them again for a meal and a few brewkis.
(5)
Lindsay F.
Okay. I do not give 5 stars idly, but this place is maintaining a wonderful vibe and niche that screams college town Boston. If you want amazing, unique food and a fancy atmosphere, this is the antithesis of what you want. If you want cheap, good and nummy food and drinks in a basement where waitresses seem to have a Boston attitude of stern/cold but friendly and warm to familiar faces, then this place is great. 1. Love the food. Spinach artichoke crab dip, salsa, guacamole, fondue, and half priced apps during daily happy hour. 2. Nummy drinks. Awesome sangria, and the best dark and stormy ever (strong!) 3. The atmosphere. Grungy-esque pub full of intelligent grad students, undergrad students, foreigners, professors, faculty, and the occasional local. All wanting a little break from their studious reality. To really explain the atmosphere, this is what they feel about mice. I saw a little mouse running around (it's a basement) and told the waitress, who said "oh yea, they come visit sometimes" and smiled at me and walked away. Gross, kinda, but also just kinda awesome :D This was a staple for 4 years in undergrad, and it is a must stop when I'm in town!
(5)
Kiley S.
Came here on a whim, wasn't that impressed. They had a huge variety but the quality wasn't that great. The waitress straight up told us to not order a burger which was appreciated, but if you can't even make a good burger at a dive bar? come on. The turkey pesto sandwich was good. I wouldn't recommend this to friends, maybe just stick to the bar. *service was great.
(2)
Roma B.
Patio seating is first come first-served. If you see an empty table outside its yours! Skip the sangria it's cheap but not great. Food is decent but not fancy. Affordable place in Harvard sq! Order the dark & stormy, you won't regret it!
(4)
Matthew B.
This spot is reliable. Tasty beer. Awesome chili. Good sandwiches. There's nothing like a hole-in-the-ground spot around Harvard that makes me happy.
(4)
MisoSoup O.
Brings back memories from the time I have studied at Harvard. Wasn't here for 8 years and the place did not change a bit! It is a basement, with a great atmosphere. A place a student would love to eat daily (and it is affordable), and still be happy (nutrition wise). You can not go wrong here- the food, the drinks (Margarita is a bit on the light side...), the service. A perfect place for any student. This time we took muscles, haddock and a double burger. All was tastey. I will return just for the muscles.
(5)
Dipak S.
Food - Really tasty food. Got the peruvia quinoa stew that was awesome. Ambience - Is a nice place buzzling with a young crowd. Service - Really really good service. Especially the server Josh was friendly and enaured we had a great time. Cost - $20 per pax with drinks.
(5)
Tiffany W.
As it is in the epic poem, keep away from Grendel! My initial visit was unexpected. I knew it would be crowded and staff would be busy. But I didn't think it would be an excuse for the way my friends and I were treated. We inched our way in to find a table and in the process, a waiter continually rolled his eyes at us, told us to wait somewhere else, responded to our questions with contempt. We were yet to be seated, and I was already prepared to skedaddle. Even so, we sat down and ordered drinks. Our waitress was as attentive as she could be, but was clearly irritated when we asked to split the check. She returned and prodded us to tip her generously because of the "huge" favor she had done for us. Pretty obnoxious. Through all of this, I decided to give Grendel's another go. Three-go's in fact. The last time was the strangest. We sat at a smaller table, waiting for a larger party to leave. Once we moved tables, the waiter was confused as to what we wanted and without asking or waiting for our answer, he left us to rearrange the tables ourselves. He was super frustrated and glared at us for our entire stay. Ok. Later, he provided us two forks for five people. So naturally, we need more silverware. Right? No. After our request, his response was, "Is two forks not enough?". No, it's not enough. It's never enough. I don't know if I should be angry or just sad that this waiter doesn't realize five people means five forks. Also, food is meh. I did find Grendel's cozy and tend to favor places that play old R&B and hip hop, until I realized they play the same playlist every damn weekend. I'm done giving them the benefit of the doubt, hoping they'll play something other than No Diggity (though I don't mind listening to Goodies over and over again). If the music doesn't bother you, the service should. There are exceptions, but the waiters we've had are so unbelievably rude. I've never experienced such arbitrary hostility. Sad. Thought I could make this a favorite haunt, since it's so close. I won't be visiting again.
(1)
Theresa P.
We stopped at Grendel's Den as whim while spending the day in Cambridge. You pick your own seats when you enter, I know this because I checked with the bartender that was very friendly. It's wasn't too packed so we were able to find a table toward the back. The atmosphere is cozy and dim. Our server came promptly, took our beverage orders. Our drinks came out very quickly. We ordered potato skins and our entrees. Our potato skins came out with our entrees. Which wasn't a bother. I know that would bother some people but not really us, we were hungry. Our food came out very quickly. I got the pumpkin tortelloni which came with the wonderfully seasoned walnuts and Gorgonzola sauce. I LOVED it!!! my goodness it was wonderful. The sauce could have been a little warmer but I still loved it. My daughter ordered the fettuccine with Gorgonzola sauce and grilled chicken, I tried it, her pasta was cooked perfectly and chicken was seasoned wonderfully. My fiance would not share a bit of his burger but he gobbled it down quickly. The potato skins which we actually ate last were perfect, we had bacon added to it. All in all, the food was great. Atmosphere was super cozy. Service was great. The next time we're in Cambridge stopping here is on our list :)
(5)
Ana R.
Grendel's is an underground, appropriately dark and divey pub in Harvard Square. I came here with a group of 8 on a Monday around 9:30pm. Our waitress was ornery as hell. She took an immediately dislike for everyone, couldn't remember what we'd ordered and then was annoyed when we didn't know she had to write the drinks order on a separate piece of paper (???). We ordered apps, entrees and beers. Lots of potential for a big tip, but she couldn't care less. She gave us the beers en masse, leaving us to figure out which amber colored liquids were ours. My chicken skewers were bleh, but I liked the fresh celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, so I asked for more and got charged $1 along with receiving a lecture from the chef via our waitress The Lovely Helga. The chicken quesadilla was also incredibly bland. At Harvard Square prices, I expect better fare, even if it's from a pub I have to go downstairs for.
(1)
Ro M.
Awesome Bar Scene! Live, but not super crazy.
(4)
Trevor L.
Had lunch at the bar. Surprisingly good Cuban sandwich on flatbread. Great location, decent beer selection, Rock bottom prices. You couldn't ask for more.
(5)
Patrick C.
Got the Yucatan burrito. stale tortilla (seemed like they used it without reheating it at all) and stale tortilla chips on the side. my girlfriends turkey havarti sandwich was decent.
(2)
Hurnan V.
We came here on a weekday night for dinner, to take advantage of the deal where you can get half off of your entrees if you buy a $3 drink. Located in the heart of Harvard square, Grendel's may be difficult to find, as it is located underground with a small door sign. The staff was very friendly and attentive throughout our stay despite the volume of patrons, making it a pleasant experience overall. I ordered a Mediterranean wrap with a side of chips (other option was coleslaw); it was tightly wrapped (which I appreciated so I could minimize my mess!), the cheese was strong but not too overwhelming, which is what I usually prefer for my wraps. My only gripe is that the dining environment is a bit dark and dingy - perhaps to emulate a den as the name suggests, but this is not my preference. However, great place for some solid food at a reasonable price.
(3)
Sean S.
I loved how it was pretty busy, but the bar wasn't cramped. Came in by myself and met a few cool people, it has a sort of basement/underground feel with a nice vibe. I got a decently priced bottle of cheap wine, and some deviled eggs which were good, and some mac and cheese, which was OK. Honestly, the food quality and alcohol selection were nothing special, but the atmosphere brings it up to about 3.5 stars. Worth noting that before I moved to the bar, I waited at a table for over 20 minutes without service.
(3)
Vivian C.
Context: Monday Night 7:00 PM, right in time for 5-7:30 PM Half Price Hour! YAY! Ambiance: There's patio seating and indoor seating with a bar. We sat next to the fake fireplace by the door. The swinging door is constantly opened because servers and customers are coming in, which is fine because that's the point of the door. So if you don't like a cold draft blowing on your every 2 minutes DON'T SIT THERE. There are PLENTY of other great seats in the house. The lighting is also super dark. Service: Super attentive! Our server checked in with us multiple times. I really appreciate that! He was nice, patient, and informative, and he had a beard too! FOOOODDDD! OMNOM NOM NOM: Nachos Supreme ($8): YUMMMMY! Guacamole, sour cream, beans, and salsa generously slathered on top of cheesy tortilla chips. Yes, yes, yes. The salsa has a nice spicy kick. The toppings were plentiful. My boyfriend likes to mix them all in one delicious mush. Yum. Salmon ($14): My boyfriend ordered the salmon with veggies and a baked potato. The salmon comes cooked in a small casserole plate and a lemon slice. It was moist, the top was more dry than the bottom probably because of the plate. The veggies were good and the baked potato pretty standard except that it didn't come with anything other than butter. Overall not bad. Not my favz, but still good. Beggar's Banquet with Chicken ($12.50): I ordered the Beggar's Banquet with Chicken. This truly is a banquet! This comes with a slice of spinach pie, hummus, pita, rice, grilled chicken breast, and pasta with pesto. That's a lot! Considering that I love a diverse plate with a lot of different textures and flavors, the Beggar's Banquet was PERFECT. I cut up the chicken into small pieces and mixed it into my pasta with pesto YUM. The chicken was a little dry, but it was tasty with the pasta. The hummus was interesting...I might be wrong but it seemed to have a lot of tahini in it. It also tasted like it had peanuts instead of chickpeas or pinenuts. Let's just say it wasn't standard, but all right. The spinach pie had a delightfully flaky crust! I loved it. The spinach filling was a little too salty for my taste, but paired with the rice the saltiness was no overwhelming, but my complementary with the rice. Bottled Sodas ($3 each): Spindrift Grapefruit soda and some Root Beer. These were both really tasty and made by local companies. I like the support of local businesses. Price: GREAT! Because of Half Price Hour a meal for two with drinks was ~$25 + tip. However, there are a few caveats. 1) You have to sit INSIDE, no problem! 2) You have to order $3+ drink per person, no problem you came to a bar for a reason! 3) No doggie bags, so come hungry. Overall, I loved Grendel's Den! My only complaint was the swinging door and slightly dry chicken breast and peanut-esque hummus. So FOUR STARS FOR GRENDEL'S! REVIEW HAIKU come, five to seven half off, but buy a nice drink don't sit by the door
(4)
Thomas D.
I think the word for Grendel's is "companionable." And the food is awesome. And the prices are right. And even though it's been a quarter-century since I've been an undergraduate (not at a school near Grendel's, to be sure!), I cherish the "collegiate" atmosphere of the Den. It has become, in the last few years, one of my favorite places for lunch and conversation with a friend. (I recommend the wondrously ample chicken burrito and the unfailingly satisfying tuna melt.) The best, forsooth and verily.
(5)
Andrew R.
Does one fine dine at Grendel's Den? Does one long for the foodstuffs, both traditional and non, that line its menu? Does one yearn for their list of drinks? No, no, and no. What one does is this: come in, sit down, get a drink (any drink will do), and eat at half off. The food isn't always great, some choices are much better than others, but it's cheap. And that's why you're here. To sit in the underground and drink and eat for cheap. Because at those prices, it's actually worth it to eat here.
(4)
Duncan L.
Grendel's Den was the first stop on a night of walking through Harvard Square and getting drinks and appetizers, and was the perfect place to start the night. We waited a little while in order to get a table outside, but as soon as one was available we grabbed it. You need to get some food while sitting at a table outside, but the food is great, so that's certainly not a problem. We grabbed a beer each (the usuals for the Boston-area were on tap), and enjoyed a couple appetizers. The standout was the hummus, and was the perfect appetizer to start the evening. We took our time and enjoyed the beautiful summer weather. Unlike most outdoor seating in the area, it's not located on a busy sidewalk, so you feel a little more private and a little less pressure to hurry up with your meal. I would definitely make another stop here for beers or appetizers. Consider Grendel's added to the list!
(4)
Clay N.
This "underground" spot has nothing special about it except for one thing: THE COUCH! The food is so-so. The drinks are good (get the peppermint schnapps hot chocolate in the winter). The crowd is typically tipsy locals who are too sober for Whitney's or tipsy grad students to drunk for the Sinclair. But the couch is incredible!! Somehow it is the perfect combination of firm (support) and soft (comfort). Nestled right against the fire in the left corner of the room, within eyesight of the bar, sporting a table low enough to be used as an ottoman, this couch is about as close as you'll get to heaven without getting on the Mass Pike and going to East Freetown (Heaven is a neighborhood, but I digress.) Come for the couch, stay because you are drunk and asleep.
(3)
Amanda S.
This was a nice place to enjoy a weekend lunch on a sunny day. The outdoor seating was nice, and there was live music in the adjacent park. The service was great. I had the Grendel Margarita, which was good, and the lobster roll, which was delicious.
(4)
Ari P.
Back when I was counting down the days to age 21, this had a place high up on the list to try, since it's right up in the square. Little did I know that they have their little 1/2 off happy hour for the weekday dinner rush. I started off with the german draft beer, which was decent, and came in the traditional tall glass which was fun, but felt out of place. I have to say I'm glad that the burger was 1/2 off, because like another reviewer mentioned, it tasted more like the meat was boiled. I should've known when they didn't ask how I like it cooked. It was a good enough experience that I tipped the waitress as if I paid full-price. I feel like there must be a strange connotation saying you work somewhere termed "Grendel's Den."
(3)
Amanda S.
Just TERRIBLE service, the waiters wouldn't even let me get on the phone with the manager to complain, they just hung up, just hung up! why??? I've never been treated so rudely in all my life, I'm still livid about the experience. Never had trouble form service in the past, but this was a whole new level of hell dealing with these people. Couldn't give a small enough star to this place, wish I could write more negative reviews.
(1)
Abbie M.
I don't know why dives have such a bad rap. I'm not giving this place 5 stars as an upscale restaurant, I'm giving them 5 stars as a top-of-the-line dive. We wandered in here midweek, drawn by the super low app prices. A few drinks and some apps shouldn't be a $500 affair. At the end of the night, with 5 people having 3ish drinks each as well as splitting several apps, our check was $105. That's 20 bucks a pop for a whole night of fun on a patio. It's not as if we were ordering all house/well drinks either, we had a seat for the Grey Goose as well. Creative and fun drink suggestions, standard dive food fare like chips and salsa and artichoke dip. For clarification, I immensely disliked the artichoke dip as it was hot with crab in it so it tasted like hot briny seaweed to me. Totally decent beer selection for the unsnobby. Perfect place for broke college kids and broke college grads.
(5)
Christopher S.
Grendel's has been a regular stop for some friends and I almost every week for the past 8 years. Despite coming in with a sometimes-large, sometimes-demanding group, every week -- and sometimes, when a conference is in town, taking over a huge section of the restaurant for ourselves -- I've always felt super-welcome here. The food is solid and tasty. The service is great (In particular, Trevor is a hard-working godsend, dealing with the most inane requests you can think of with aplomb). And the beer choices are varied and delicious. I love Grendel's. The only thing I miss in recent years is the playing of Baba O'Riley at midnight, which was always fun. I highly recommend Grendel's, and bring all my friends to it when we're looking for a great place to grab some tasty food and a great drink.
(5)
James C.
I have been a few times now. I've always had a pleasant time. The staff is friendly and seems to like where they work. The food is cheap but enjoyable. Some dishes are awesome while others are merely satisfying but the staff will guide you honestly if you ask. I was there for Sunday brunch and there was no wait but busy enough so you didn't feel like an intruder. Christina was our server and was pleasant and funny. Amazingly this laid back cavern of a restaurant was able to make my favorite brunch drink, Death in the Afternoon (it has absinthe)! Made my dining experience. If you want to avoid lines, have a laid back experience with friendly staff try Grendles.
(4)
Brennon S.
Ever feel like you've walked into a party, uninvited, held by hip kids? Ever been ignored by a feeble old waitress? Have you ever gotten diarrhea from $6 appetizers? Don't answer those questions. Clearly they are ridiculous.
(1)
whit e.
Why, right in the middle of Harvard square, this hidden dive offers surprisingly good prices and a good selection of hot ciders and beers. The service is sometimes reluctant or absent, and the food is nothing remarkable. However, the atmosphere is classic cozy with a fake fireplace and a basement hideout where one can scheme, carouse or whatever else one does in a classic warm and cozy dive bar. I've been back and would gladly go again. Tip - Friday happy hour features low priced appetizers.
(3)
Allison C.
Prime location, pretty spacious dining areas both outside and inside, and really generous happy hour food prices, but overall? Just meh. I think I am turned off by the lackadaisical service. Once, a friend of mine arrived late after my party already put in our orders, so when the first round of orders arrived, the server pitched a quick Q "Anything else I can do for ya?" and I promptly, casually, and kindly said "Yea! Could we just get a time estimate on my buddy's breakfast burrito? He arrived late." She stared blankly back at me "Excuse me?" I repeated my Q, and she carelessly said "I don't know. Probably a few minutes before it comes out." Before I barked back, my friend nudged me to let it go and said "That's fine. Thanks!" As far as food goes, it is fair, not outstanding. You can substitute any meat in the breakfast/brunch dishes. Hollandaise on the benedict had a good weight and creaminess to it, but the flavor was a bit bland. Breakfast potatoes are thinly sliced rather than hashed, and are seasoned well. If you want hot sauce, be prepared for sriracha!
(2)
Alexandra M.
Awesome Cambridge institution - grabbing a table can be tough, but eating during happy hour is the aay to go! Recommend a Whales Tale & French Dip.
(4)
Caitlin W.
My boyfriend and I popped by Grendel's Den to grab a drink on our way to dinner a few Saturdays ago. We're suckers for a good lit reference, so when we were browsing our options it immediately caught our eye. After remarking how illicit we felt walking down the stone staircase, we happily found two seats at the bar and were quickly offered drink menus. My boyfriend decided to stick with beer, but I am always on the hunt for an inventive cocktail, so I decided to order something a bit more adventurous. Suffice to say, the Whiskey Flower is delicious -- just enough bite from the lemon to temper the bourbon, but the Woodford is definitely still the star (as it should be!). With respect to the ambiance, Grendel's Den is exactly what you'd expect from the name. Cambridge is a haven for hipster bars, but this one, with its basement location, lends itself to an image of dark, cozy spaces with an air of mischief and just the slightest hint of Harvard pretension. This is, in fact, a good thing; I can easily see myself spending many an afternoon here, enjoying a few drinks and an app while chatting away with my companions and making new friends at the bar. Having walked past Grendel's Den dozens of times and always saying that we'd have to try it some time, I'm so glad that we finally did. Based on our first impression, we will certainly be back!
(4)
Izzy D.
A quintessential (literally) underground Cambridge pub where you can almost feel the Harvard geniuses of yore waxing poetic about life, love and the pursuit... or something. The atmosphere is charmingly dingy and the food is pretty good (they have a whole vegetarian menu - killing me softly). The drinks are absolutely nothing to write home about but it's a piece of the brick and cobblestone that is Harvard Square history and you are obliged (as an American citizen) to check out if you can. Lows: French 75 (suuuper strong/bitter gin drink) Highs: Moscow Mule, flaming shot of absinthe (just kidding says my hangover)
(3)
Katrina N.
Great atmosphere, half price food specials, decent beer list. If you go for dinner, stick to the standard pub fare and the spinach pie, which are good. Last visit I had a pasta special, and the dish was overcooked and under-spiced. I will go back, though mostly for the atmosphere and the drinks.
(3)
Katie B.
Great cozy atmosphere, you seat yourselves and my group sat by the faux fireplace. I was here earlier this week and I have to agree with Theresa P.'s account of the Pumpkin Tortellini special. The handmade, pumpkin stuffed tortellinis were divine. Gorgonzola can be overbearing and this dish had the perfect amount and the walnuts tied everything together so nicely! Everyone in my group was definitely satisfied. I highly recommend. Service was prompt and mindful. The Sunday thru Thursday special on food and alcoholic drink was an amazing plus.
(5)
Adam M.
Awesome awesome awesome express lunch. One of the best lunch deals in Harvard Square.
(4)
Hannah R.
A- for the food, C+ for the unpleasant waiting period. But realistically, the best reason to go here is the half-priced food from 5-7:30p. Bless ol' Harold and Sue for coming up with a solid business plan that guaranteed a constant stream of hungry Harvard folk. We got two drinks each and split the mussels appetizer, a small caesar salad, the portobello reuben, and the natural disaster turkey burger. Everything besides the salad (which was just OK) was mouthwateringly wonderful. Portobello reuben? Slap me purple and call me eggplant, I'm sold. The natural disaster comes with melted swiss cheese, avocado slices, chutney, and chipotle spread. Pure omnoms. Waiting to get to that glorious meal though? Super hellish after a long day at the office. No matter where you stand, you're in the way. The hungrier you get, the more sure you are that everyone sitting at a table is laughing at you and staying extra time just to keep you from sitting down. The bartender may or may not forget about you. And no, four people cannot sit at one of the designated five-people-or-more tables. I'm feeling hangry all over again just thinking about it.
(3)
Ryan P.
Nothing fried, a table always turns up, and friendly down to earth service. I love the fondue for two, and the fish is amazing. I always get the vegetarian banquet and leave stuffed. This is a great, laid back spot and the summer outside seating is the best Harvard Square offers.
(5)
Dave M.
I've never experienced such bizarrely hostile service at a bar in my life. I went to Grendel's tonight with several old friends from my grad school program after our reunion. Since I knew my wife and I wouldn't be staying long, I ordered us beers from the bar rather than from the nearby table where my group of friends was standing. When I went to get myself a second beer and close my tab, the bartender gave me the beer but told me he'd transferred my tab to the waitress handling our table. I flagged the waitress down, got the tab, and paid. The waitress then collected not only the bill but also my half-full beer, which she took back to the bar and poured out. When she came back out, I mentioned that I'd still been drinking my beer. She offered to get me a new one; I said no thanks, I was leaving anyway. At that point, out of nowhere, the bartender started screaming at me, saying I'd stiffed him and that I'd lied to him. An apparently drunk customer at the bar also started yelling at me, calling me a cheap bastard. I asked what on earth was going on. The bartender, rather than dealing with the drunk customer at the bar, started yelling at me to leave. I left in order to de-escalate the situation. While I waited for her outside, my wife asked the bartender what had happened. He yelled at her some more and then walked away. I honestly still don't know what I did, besides maybe trying to pay the bartender instead of the waitress, to provoke such abuse.
(1)
Alice S.
Worst food ever. Even the Caesar salad tastes WRONG. Beef brisket was horrible too.... There is a reason that on a Saturday night there is a half hour wait at every restaurant in this area except for this place...this place is 60% empty tables and a kitchen stacked to the ceiling with food that would be hard pressed to outdo the food the lunch lady slipped in your plate in middle school. It's almost impressive how shitty this place is. The only good thing about your experience will be the booze you use to drown yourself in after tasting the piss that is Grendel's Den. I would rather be torn limb from limb by Grendel himself than eat the bread. Stick with the water. They do water pretty well. A happy home for the sad leftovers of neighboring bistros. As a matter of fact I'm seriously considering taking my own life at this point. The brisket is just reaching my rectum and my GI had no problem tagging it for the poison it is. As I type this, water is flooding my stomach and small intestine to decrease the concentration of this toxic waste. Bottom line is: great service and very strong AC
(1)
Cristina R.
Cheap drinks, cheap eats make this poor girl happy indeed. Many mixed drinks are only $6! Dark and stormy. Do it. 1/2 price food happy hours are amazing (pretty much every food offering on the menu half off during certain times) and should be a more wide-spread practice in the Cambridge dining sphere. Not high-class cuisine by any means (pretty standard sandwiches, salads, etc), but edible nonetheless. What more do you want? The place can get pretty packed and is definitely not somewhere you go to relax or even be able to hear your friends clearly, but the atmosphere is lively and fun. Go down the stairs into Grendel's Den and get happy.
(4)
Juliana O.
This was one of my favorite spots when I was a poor college student living in Cambridge. I revisited it last night for dinner and drinks, and I am happy to see that it hasn't really changed in 5 years since I was last there. It was just as great as I remembered, if not better! Here's what makes Grendel's great: The food is DIRT CHEAP. They have happy hour every day, even on Saturday night, when you get your food half off with a minimum drink purchase. My boyfriend and I had 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, and 5 or 6 beers for a grand total of $40. Where else can you get that in Harvard Square?! Super cozy underground spot with brick walls, nice atmosphere, "either/or" restrooms, and a map of the USA labelled with MORDOR. The service might be a little bit slow because they don't have a huge staff, but our server last night was great. She brought us everything promptly, it was easy to get her attention, and when one of our beers got knocked over (oops) she was there right away with a clean rag and some soda water for me to clean my clothes off. (Yes, we left her a big tip.) Their Dark and Stormy cocktail is a solid choice - it was my drink of choice when I turned 21 and I still make them for my friends at home - and their beer list is great. The review saying that the beer list is "always out of date" was totally correct, but their selection changes all the time and they have great local stuff. Like it says on the menu, "No Bud, no Coors, no Miller, no Michelob...." Just the good stuff! So glad to see this place still doing well. It was great to be back!
(5)
Paige C.
basement of harvard musty old pub with some food sad burger tonight I have been to Grendel's twice while living in Boston. The first time was magical, much like Harvard square can be upon one's first visit. They had this amazing gargonzola cheese pasta, and the pasta was FRESH. It was incredible. It made such a huge impression on me all those 5 years ago. I had been itching to return, and return I did, 5 years later. Sadly, it was not the magical experience of before. After experiencing much of what Boston has to offer, my expectations have risen, and at the very least, a place has to be able to serve a decent burger to survive. As Grendel's taught me, this is not the case, and this was by far, the worst burger I've had in Boston. Even more so, I was with a group of about 6 people, they kept getting our orders wrong. I was served a "veggie" burger before receiving the meat burger I ordered. That was weird. I didn't try it, but the veggie burger looked kind of like a smashed fried corn patty. Hmm... One of my companions also received the wrong order, and the waiter didn't offer to change it. I don't understand. Then the burger... No cheese... Even though I ordered cheese. It was cold. It looked like boiled meat. Not grilled. Not fresh. Not good. I was sad. Grendel's, I'm so disappointed.
(3)
Peter H.
Good at what it does. Inexpensive dishes, quickly prepared and great for a quick, refueling lunch bite. Nice atmosphere as well, sitting out in the square, under leafy trees with a competent guitarist busking in the background
(4)
Fancypants X.
Grendel's, you've got the great outdoors going for you, but sluggish service & sour caesar dressing makes your lovely locale inconsequential. Surprise! Fall in Cambridge means rain one day & sweltering heat the next. On the day of my visit, my weather app read 85 degrees. I took shade under one of Grendel's large blue umbrellas, as a sign directed me to "seat myself." No one greeted me for 10-15 minutes. And after I received my diet-friendly meal of a diet coke (I know, fake sugar is even worse than HFCS) & a chicken caesar salad, my waitress didn't reappear til I flagged her down for the bill. Decent prices ($12 for my lunch), & I spied nachos on the menu (for when I'm being more indulgent), but a waitress who takes her sweet, precious time & dressing not done right makes me hesitant to spend my money here again. Even chain-fast food joint Panera makes a better Caesar salad.
(2)
Tiffany L.
My favorite place to go for an inexpensive, quality meal! The sandwiches and appetizers are fantastic, and I love the atmosphere!
(5)
Becky M.
Food and beer and a great meeting place. Wandered in when looking for food during a visit to the Square. My BF and I tried 2 beers -- Cambridge Amber and Grendel's Ale -- along with a veggie burger (me on a soft kaiser roll) and a Grendel (him...roast beef with a creamy cheesy spread on a baguette). No TVs in the bar where we were (so not a spot to watch the game on Sunday). Lots of big parties and the waitstaff was a bit slow given the packed dining room. We didn't mind....weren't in a rush. I t's nothing fancy -- but a great spot for a casual meal, meet-up and a pint. Would certainly go back.
(4)
Saad M.
This place is as cool as the other side of the pillow. It's located in the heart of Harvard Square which might scream cheesy student or tourist trap but it's neither. Service is affable, friendly and relaxed. There are plenty of tables to grab along with spots at the bar. The noise level is great especially on a Saturday night, really adds to the ambience without drowning out conversation. Not the world's biggest wine selection but I think that'll be obvious upon entering. The food is surprisingly robust with large portions to boot. I had the french dip sandwich was a bit greasy but otherwise very filling and I could have easily taken half of it home. We also split the artichoke dip which was pretty good for bar fare without being laden down with grease. The beer selection is extensive and although I'm not a beer snob I can see why this place would appeal to one. Also the price point is incredible; the food is really cheap and during lunch hour during the week it's even cheaper. This place is a great value and also a really cool spot to have some drinks later in a relaxed atmosphere.
(4)
Nick N.
Visualize a New England university town, and then populate that mental generalization with restaurants. Among the hypothetical establishments, you'd want one frequented by a charming array of colorful locals, right? You'd want it to include a large bar, with low prices and a simple but discriminating alcohol menu, right? You'd want the bartenders to be smart and funny? You'd want a healthy proportion of them to be moonlighting graduate students? You'd want patio seating? You probably wouldn't want anything fastidious about the food, right? You'd want it to be simple and reliable and filling and cheap. Maybe you'd want that food to be half-price for a good chunk of the night? You'd want it to be a place hot with atmosphere, in an unusual space, eclectically decorated, and maybe named with some literary allusion, right? A place unmistakable for anywhere else in the world, and a place you're always going to miss when you're out of town? This is that place.
(5)
Louis T.
I grew up in Cambridge, and when I go back, I always always always stop at Grendel's Den. The ambiance is great, whether for a late afternoon beer and appetizer, or later at night when it gets more crowded and noisier. They always have a good selection of beer, and the food is quite good--not just for a smallish bar, actually good, full stop. The fact that this bar has been to the actual Supreme Court (google "larkin v. grendel's den") is just a bonus. Go now! Have a Cambridge Amber on me.
(5)
Grace T.
Used to go here more often when I served and bar tended in Harvard, but we had the worst server in the business. I generally only write positive reviews, but the restaurant owner should know why people are't coming back. It began with a grey haired waitress yelling something about "3$ is 3$" while cleaning the table next to us. Then we discovered she was our sever... great. I've had bad nights as a server, but it's never acceptable to treat customers with such an air of arrogance and self importance as she did throughout the service. She then too our orders. Since we were not provided with a cocktail or beer list my friends asked for water while they decided. She audibly scoffed. I Ordered from the beer list I could see on the wall. Another friend ordered 2 IPAs both of which they were out of. Finally he ordered another on draft, but was disappointed when he received a beer from the same company, but in bottle form. He actually felt so uncomfortable with the server that he didn't bother saying anything. The server slapped our beers down, basically ignoring us and my friends who wanted drinks. My other friends disgusted by the waitress's attitude decided not to order drinks and the rest of us didn't bother to order dinner from this woman. No need to extend our time with someone so unpleasant. We left as soon as possible. This woman is toxic and definitely not a way I want to celebrate Boston Strong. I haven't had such bad service in years. I doubt I'll be back with all the other good places to go in Harvard. Don't waste your time here. Even Charlies is better.
(1)
Joe T.
Either the menu has improved significantly, or I just started to pay more attention to the menu. There is now a REALLY DELICIOUS tofu vegetable dish. Tastes very comforting and home-y. :-) Go Grendel's. Also, the bartender, Ned, rocks.
(4)
Heidi L.
Oh, Grendel's. I know you're an institution. I know half-price days and nights (and in fact, full-priced days on weekend nights -- but just one time. I know my deals). But after, I have always regretted getting a burger or wrap, or really anything at half-price, much less full price. The food is really not great. Like, really. The strategy is to get a beer (if you really want to come), and order something half-price, and give it to your friend who eats a lot to earn some goodwill.
(2)
Marie B.
My boyfriend and I went here on a Friday night. We were told by the doorman to seat ourselves, although he had no idea if there were any available tables and that we should just check. We decided to sit outside and as I walked down the path to see if any tables were available, the waitress working the section exasperatedly told my boyfriend that we shouldn't be walking around the section. We had to wait ten or so minutes for an outside table, which was totally fine. Once I thought I saw a table leave I asked the waitress if a table had opened up. (I didn't want to try to sit down if the table hadn't been totally bussed yet) She snapped at me with, "no!" Five minutes later a different waiter asked why we were waiting for an outside table because one was available and that we should go seat ourselves. So, that was pretty irritating. We were happy to see that the prices were very reasonable but it turns out that it's just because the food sucks. I ordered the chicken burrito an it came out lukewarm. I'm not sure if it's because it sat in the window for a while or what, but I can say that chicken should not ever be served at that temperature. The chicken was also weird and dry and flavorless. It tasted sort of old, really. The burrito is served with a weird piece of lettuce rib and a piece of a slice of tomato on top. My boyfriend got one of the larger platters that came with hummus and spinach pie and tofu, veggies and rice. The hummus was pretty awful. The spinach pie basically just tasted like eating straight up feta. The noodles and pesto he said were fine, but it's hard to screw that up. Really though, they didn't even toss the noodles with the sauce. it's really just a bowl of pasta with a spoonful of pesto thrown on top. Really not restaurant quality. It seemed like this place had an interestingly varied menu and I had trouble choosing what to eat. I made a mental note to come back and try other things too, but I think I'll pass. The waiter was nice and took half off of our meals, but I really don't think any of their food would be any better. Plus there's always the chance you'll get that super rude waitress...
(2)
Jeffrey K.
Last time I wrote about Grendel's, I trashed it based on 2 or 3 experiences about 4 years ago. Each time there were the same problems. Since then, I've been back about 3 or 4 more times and it's been much better. the service and food has been decent. It's likely I came in on rather unfortunate times before because they were completely slammed. The recent times has been less trying on the staff. Bottomline, if you're looking for cheap eats and drink, this is a good place to stop. I wouldn't go full blown meal but it's a great place to start an evening out.
(3)
Hillary V.
Really great food, good beer selection, interesting atmosphere. And they serve NO fried foods.
(4)
Kathleen W.
I made a trip to Grendel's the two times I visited Boston and was pleased to find that they served Absinthe cocktails(!) So...light that sugar cube and let me down that absinthe!! I love the "underground" feeling of the bar. It definitely feels like a hangout spot for Grendel from Beowulf (heh, literary nerd reference). Friendly service, tasty bar food, and fun drinks. The first time I went it was fairly crowded and dimly lit. The second time, the bar was more casual, well lit, and less crowded. A little inconsistent if I say so myself, but overall not a bad spot to grab a drink.
(4)
Lauren Y.
We sat outside. Very slow and unfriendly service. Mediocre food. Great prices on drinks and lunch, but you get what you pay for. Good atmosphere on the outdoor patio overlooking park, good people watching. Won't go back for food though.
(2)
Kamille W.
Grendel's is one of my go-to lunchtime spots in Harvard Square. First of all, it's crazy cheap. Like, eat-a-whole-meal-for-less-than-five-bucks cheap. The food isn't breaking down culinary barriers or anything, but it is definitely tasty. The sandwiches are especially good -- my favorites are the Grendel (roast beef with boursin cheese) and the French dip. Everything comes out super quickly; I don't think I've ever waited longer than 10 minutes for my food to arrive. I never have to worry that I won't make it back to the office in time when I come to Grendel's. The service is solid. Grendel's isn't the kind of place where your waiter is going to fawn over you and make tons of idle chatter, but every server I've had has been pleasant and accommodating. I once asked for steamed veggies (not on the menu) instead of the standard potato chips with my sandwich, and the server didn't even bat an eye. I wasn't charged extra either, which was a nice surprise. If you're pressed for time and are looking for cheap eats in the square, give Grendel's a chance.
(4)
Sushmita M.
Solid list of beers and winter warmers (hot toddies, warm port, mulled wine), but whatever you do, don't order the pasta. Even if the menu speaks of pumpkin tortellini, and most definitely even if it's half off for happy hour (read: 6 dollars and oh-so-tempting). Remember, it's half off for a reason. Stick to the libations.
(3)
Siobhan G.
Come here regularly for drinks with colleagues. Great location and like the atmosphere. I appreciate the drink selection and their consistency. I can't really comment on the food--this place isn't really allergen-friendly, but what I see others ordering looks like tasty comfort food.
(4)
Alyssa F.
Dark, cheap, sticky, and an identity crisis of a menu offering Mexican, Greek, Italian, South American, Middle Eastern and American foods, none of which are very good. For half price, maybe it's a winner (we just missed the cutoff), but probably best to stick with the booze. You will be granted exactly one square foot of space in which to dine, so keep your elbows in and know that attempts to use the empty table or chair next to you, for any reason, will be thwarted.
(2)
Evie B.
This is a bar and based on what our meal was like, you should just go there to enjoy the liquor..not the food or ambiance. It's a BAR. We were sucked in by the people sitting outside (upper street side) who we thought were eating food from Grendel's. We went down a narrow lil entry and entered a packed bar. Found an ittty bitty lil table and the three of us hunched around it. Waited, waited and waited some more for someone to acknowledge that we were sitting there (5 small seating areas around us). There seemed to be what appeared to be a waiter or two flitting in and out our our area. FINALLY, came took drink order and was again gone for an eternity. SUM=Slow service. Food: We went with bar food traditionals Burger/Fries - Wings/Side Caesar salad, turkey sand/chips. Burger over cooked, dry, flavorless, way too small for the HUGE arse bun and lettuce (which is usually used to dress up a food tray). WINGS...Who get wings wrong??? There were 10 puny baby wings that were so overcooked/burnt/dry. I wish I had taken a picture. They were dry rub seasoned, and you were given a tablespoon size container of hot sauce/blue cheese..WHO the HELL gets wings wrong in a bar??? Caesar Salad- huge leaves of lettuce, (warm lettuce), sprinkling of parmesan and I think there was a drop of dressing. The two stars come from my husband's turkey sandwich. Now, either I was just so hungry and desperate for something to taste good, or it actually tasted good. Overpriced, underwhelming experience...
(2)
Leslie H.
I suggested this place to my cousin since it was featured on the Food Network at some point in time, and also recommended by her roommate. I'm so glad we were able to stop in while I was visiting town! What I love about the area is that there are so many people walking around - it's like it's the middle of the day but it's nighttime! We walked down the stairs into the restaurant and were confused about whether or not we were to seat ourselves, but a passing waiter helped us out and told us to sit wherever. We chose a small, two-seat table in the back. Lucky us, we arrived just past 9pm so our food was half-price with a minimum $3 drink purchase per person! Huzzah! I guess this is the equivalent to "happy hour," aka reduced price drinks, in Texas. I saw that service was slow on Yelp, so I wasn't completely surprised when we had to wait for what seemed to be an eternity for a waitress. As a precaution, we were ready to order by the time the waitress did arrive, just in case she were to disappear into a black hole once again. We ordered two appetizers and a salad to split - the hummus bi tahini; hot artichoke, spinach, and snow crab dip; and the mozzarella and tomato salad. The dip is amazing, and the hummus has a nice smoky flavor to it. I will pass on the salad if we go again - I prefer my mozzarella and tomato with basil, not mixed greens. For the drinks, my cousin got the house brew (I think), and I got the Saranac Root Beer (SO good!). Surprisingly, once the waitress initially arrived, she was attentive, and the food/drinks were delivered very quickly. Maybe it was because we ordered simple appetizers, but we were appreciative nonetheless. The atmosphere is great, like you're in an old tavern. I loved the alternative music that was at just the right volume. The only downside is that the space is small so the tables are somewhat crammed together. Our teeny table was very close to a large round, and two oversized groups attempted to sit at the large round table before giving up and moving elsewhere. I felt like we were sitting in their laps. I haven't found a place quite like this in Austin, and would probably go here all the time if I lived nearby.
(4)
Imran G.
Grendels is a great place to go if you want lots of food for not a lot of money. However, the actual quality of the food is pretty low. Don't get caught up in the idea that the happy hour will be amazing if you purchase a $3 drink. All the non-alcoholic $3 drinks are mediocre at best, and the food that goes along with it also mediocre at best. I got a California burger, which, wasn't horrible but it wasn't great either. The jack cheese wasn't melted at all, the patty was mediocre, and the only thing that was decent was the guacamole. We also got an order of wings, which came with hot sauce on the side, and some warm ranch with a very weird texture. Again, mediocre food. I was surprised by our bill, despite "happy hour" prices, it didn't seem that to be that great of a deal. I suppose if you're looking for a lively atmosphere to grab drinks, then this isn't that bad of a spot to try. The food is mediocre, a little pricey for what it was in the end because of the $3 drinks. Wouldn't try it again, don't go for the food.
(2)
Mariya F.
This place is pretty alright in my book. Great place to get together with friends (as long as you get lucky with their first come, first serve seating arrangement) for some cheap eats. They have happy hour everyday from 5-7:30pm where everything on their menu is half off with a minimum $3 drink. The food is not anything to brag about; often very plain and boring (they serve PLAIN quinoa as a side, absolutely nothing on it, I may as well be eating cardboard), but for $3-5 bucks for a full stomach you can't really complain. The beer selection is not too bad. My biggest complaint is that they don't have french fries, which is just absurd. Overall cool underground place for cheap mediocre food and drink though.
(3)
Drago K.
Very slow service (30 mins after I ordered, the waiter forgot what my order was), wine's meh, casual atmosphere, outside seating by the park (best feature), average food. Had the eggs benedict: greasy burned potatoes, low quality ham, etc. Overall disappointing experience.
(2)
Chad C.
My fiance and I sat outside on a beautiful May afternoon, the square was busy as ever with graduations. The sangria was delicious and refreshing, we went through two pitchers. The food was also very good. This is a great place for a good drink, food and people watching!
(4)
Ami O.
So cozy, so many beers, tasty nachos, I would come here every Saturday night if I could
(5)
Ian S.
Grendel's is a great, fun place to grab a drink or a cheap meal in the Harvard Square area. It's more or less a college bar, but it's got a little more character than that label might suggest. The food and drinks are good, but perhaps more importantly the food is CHEAP if you go during happy hour. Cheap as in half-off. As in, like, the $2-5 range. Unbeatable!
(4)
Will C.
Grendel's Den is my panic room. Whenever I'm having a life crisis, or the weather is particularly bad, or the power goes out at my apartment, I am immediately compelled to march straight to Grendel's. Because it resides in a basement of an old building and the decor is decidedly lived in, I feel a palpable sense of comfort when I am within its walls. The food at Grendel's is not great. It's not even good, honestly, but to come to Grendel's to eat food is like going to the Grand Canyon to ride a donkey. It's an available activity that you may want to take advantage of to supplement your experience while you're there, but it's not exactly the main draw. When the food is half priced (and really, the food is half priced more often than it's full priced, which in of itself should tell you something about it's quality), it seems to be a good value for the money, and since a half priced sandwich at Grendel's is $4, what I'm trying to say is that it is comparable to something you would buy at a high end gas station. The beer list if solid and varied, but not expansive. You'll find something for to suit every taste, but you won't find a sprawling ledger that gives you the choice of twenty four different microbrews from Asheville, NC. The prices are in line with other bars in the area, and the service ranges from excellent to "someone should put out an Amber alert for my waiter, because I have not seen him in forty five minutes". With all that said, why am I rating Grendel's four stars? Why did I have to talk myself out of rating it a perfect five? Why did I walk two miles in the middle of Hurricane Sandy to get to Grendel's on a weekday afternoon? I'm not sure its appeal is quantifiable, or at the very least, the reason I like Grendel's is difficult to describe. The short answer is that the people inside Grendel's, from the owners down to the very last person at the very last table, are fascinating and remarkable. A lot of other reviews note that Grendel's is a college bar, but that seems off the mark. I'm hard pressed to think of another college bar that not only refuses to serve watered down beer like Bug Light, but also has defiant signage stating their intention never to do so. There is similar signage at the bar imploring no one in particular to charge the George Bush administration with war crimes. There is not a single TV on the premises. It is named after a murderous troll from a 11th century Scandinavian poem. If none of this reads like a college bar, that's because it's not. The people who are describing it as such are probably associating the worn down tabletops and wobbly chairs with memories of their college experience. More accurately, Grendel's could be described as a post-college bar, a place where people go after work to escape the pretension that surrounds them every day and a place where the level of discourse far outpaces that of the average dive bar. It's a place where no-one seems to give a shit about the score of the Red Sox game, but is mostly devoid of hipsters. It's a place where a guy in a beret taught me a card trick during a snow storm. It's a real place with real people, and most nights thats enough for me.
(4)
Shannon K.
We came here on a Saturday night looking for a casual fun place to have a few drinks, and we were not disappointed. If you're not familiar with the place you might miss it, as it lives up to the "den" part of it's name with it's underground location. There is a big bar area and lots of small tables which can get a little cramped if it gets too busy. It happened to be a perfect sized crowd for a Saturday night, certainly helped by the fact that it was late May and the college crowd had all ready evacuated for the summer. Drink prices were phenomenal ($3 for a pint of Cisco Grey Lady) and they had a great selection of beers and mixed drinks. There is a somewhat pretentious sign over the bar pronouncing that they don't serve any of your standard Coors and Bud lights, but of course no one really needs those beers anyway. I heard someone try to order an Irish Car Bomb and the bartender's response was "not at this bar." Again fairly pretentious, however it's kind of nice to know they aren't into the whole blackout college scene. The bartender was really pleasant and attentive to us as customers, which was much appreciated. I would definitely come back !
(4)
M S.
Awesome options for vegetarians, I am a huge fan of the Mushroom Reuben (YUM!) My only complaint is in regards to their draft list which is infrequently updated and therefore contains a lot of beers that they no longer carry. Otherwise this place is a solid, unpretentious spot to hip up when you're in Harvard Square.
(4)
Kathleen A.
Great atmosphere. Reasonable food. I was appalled last night to learn that they are not giving Thanksgiving to their employees and making them work on the holiday - advertised on the menu! When I spoke to the manager about it, he said this is the first year in decades they are being asked to work. When I saw it on the menu, I almost left. I don't think businesses should be rewarded for making their employees work on holidays.
(3)
Joanna H.
What to expect: Standard bar food quality. Portions are not skimpy, but also not especially generous. Read on to decide if the Half-Off menu is worth it: Half off appetizers everyday from 5:30-7:30pm BUT only with the purchase of a beverage that's min. $3. The cheapest alcoholic drink is their bottle of Honey Brown for $3.50, other than that, the prices jump to $5. If you're ordering an entree for yourself, you'll probably save $1-2. Example: I ordered a $8.50 Natural Disaster burger plus a Cisco Grey Lady for $5.50 and paid $12 with gratuity. This might be a worthwhile deal if you're sharing as a group.
(3)
M See Y.
(you didn't think I wasn't gonna yelp this crap up?) The food and serving staff aren't that bad. It's the manger that I have sh!t beef with (or so I was told she was the manager). My friends and I use to be regulars here. Although, I was accused of not paying my bill and the manger gave me an attitude about not having time and wanting to find the receipt -- I paid a ridiculous amount and left. Honesty and accountability apparently isn't appreciated here. Get a new manager!
Interesting cocktails, not a huge burden on your wallet. About $6-$8. One night I really wanted one of their cocktails with cucumber. But I ordered the wrong one and it turned out nasty. A week later I went back and finally got the one I was originally thinking about and it was delicious. That is all.
(4)
Leandra F.
Some of the worst food I've had at any restaurant, ever. The chicken wings were so hard it was actually difficult to bite into them once they cooled off a bit. The dipping sauce for the pretzel was lukewarm cheesy mush. Good place for drinks but don't try the food.
(2)
Janice D.
A superb place (really very den-like) to meet friends and have great conversation. Good selection of beers and many choices for food. Food is nothing too special, but commensurate with the type of place - wayyyy better than your usual bar foods. Overall a great restaurant-bar! Go before 7:30pm and the food is half-price (Boston restaurants can't charge half price alcohol, so they do the food instead - great!)
(5)
Tara G.
So glad we stumbled upon this place walking around Cambridge. We were all wanting a snack and this was the perfect place! Cheap food & drinks, and the food was delicious! I had the vegetarian nachos and was totally impressed by their homemade vegetarian chili. They also have a good beer selection from microbreweries. Service was a little slow because there was only 1 server for the entire place - but it was a Sunday at 2pm.
(4)
Stella P.
Good prices and tastes for college students.
(4)
Corey L.
First, I love the name. Next, I've been here a number of times. Both inside in the winter and out on the porch in the summer watching the "musicians' in the Square playing their instruments. Good drink menu, solid food. I also really like the atmosphere. Quite a cool place.
(4)
Matheus D.
Sarah is the reason we keep coming back. What a sweetheart and babe!! Keep an eye out for their happy hour specials(food not booze). Also as any dive bar should have, fernet all night long.
(4)
Misty S.
I came here for the first time recently with a group of 8 others. Pluses - a few good beers on draft - vegetarian options - Outdoor seating - strong drinks - prices for food are insanely low meh - took us forever to get the check. our food came out at different times, and because of that we were running late to an event and weren't able to find our waitress for a good 15 mins before we got the check - my drink was empty for most of my time there - the food is not very good. I guess you get what you pay for I'd probably go again and sit at the bar but likely wouldn't eat here again. Which is a bummer because I was pumped about the veg-friendly menu.
(2)
Michael H.
My girlfriend and I went there for lunch and it was great. The atmosphere is fantastic and the food delicious. Great service.
(4)
Justin B.
Good atmosphere and drinks. The curry fries are awesome! A bit small. Don't expect to have much room for 4+. Either way give it a try.
(4)
Elizabeth W.
Grende'ls Den is a smallish, basement, seat-yourself, affordable prices establishment. The place can get crowded, and there's not much room to stand around. Sometimes you're forced to be that creepy table predator who hovers above your prey of a table that appears to be paying their bill, hoping to snag it before someone else swoops in. Sometimes you form that allegiance with the people already sitting: the friendly smile, how was the food here, oh are you leaving soon, mind if we take your table when you go, gee that's so nice of you. It can be hectic, but I think I've always gotten a seat eventually whether a group of 2 or 6. The best reason to come here is the half priced deal between 5 and 7:30. The food is standard pub food, nothing fancy or elaborate but consistently good. The cheese fondue for 2 is a nice option to switch it up, and yes, that can be half price also. They have some fun and affordable cocktail options, so the $3 drink minimum is easy. I took my mother here on a recent visit for the half price deal. We each had a sweet tea mixed drink, she had the fresh veggie burger, and I had the chicken platter option with the pesto pasta. When all was said and done our meal came to $22, not too shabby!
(4)
James R.
I would have had a more enjoyable experience if the table we were seated at in the back wasn't infested with fruit flies of some kind. They might have been coming from one of the vent above our heads that was coated in what I hope was dust, but they were everywhere. Other than that, the experience was just meh. The food was alright, but nothing special. The half-price food deal was nice, but you needed to buy at least $3 in drinks and none of the non-alcoholic drinks were above $2.75, and I wasn't in the mood for alcohol in the afternoon when we went. They also don't serve you water or refill your glass unless you ask for it, which is smart from a green perspective, but when your waitress doesn't come around too often it is a tad annoying.
(2)
Manfred S.
Still the least pretentious watering hole in the Boston area. From homeless to ivy league professor, from barely legal to drink to senior citizen, everyone gets the same good service. It once served as my living room (during my academic days) and it hasn't changed. Always a good place to grab a pint of original sin and some half-off happy hour snacks.
(4)
Eric C.
Ah Grendel's Den! Many an hour I've fondly spent here. It's a lively place with lots of friendly atmosphere. It's not quite a dive bar but it's not exactly Cheers either (the mythical TV show one, not the tourist trap one in Faneuil) Stay away from the food and you'll do fine. Not that the food is gross per se, but it's not really dining out quality food. It's just snack food (even the 'entrees' are snack sized) to help your beer buzz. And not quality snack food either. It's kind of the 'oh i could make this with a microwave if i felt like chopping stuff for twenty minutes' kind of food. Oh yeah and it's not exactly a wine place either. If you like beer and you're okay with only 30-50 types of it (not a beer snob) and you like loud (from all the talking not music) places where you have to scream in your friend's ears this is the place to be.
(4)
Lola A.
If you want a proper Dark & Stormy, this is your place. A D&S is only rum, ginger beer, and a lime on the rim for you to keep there as decor or to squeeze in and add zip. It's simple business, but, sadly, a lot of places don't do so well with the simple drinks. Grendel's Den does it right! Cheap, tasty drinks are always a draw.
(4)
Greg M.
Dark and Stormy. That's basically all you need to know (and order) when you come here. Laid-back atmosphere. Friendly staff. Great prices (especially for Harvard Square). OK draft selection. Can't speak for the food. But seriously, come here for a Dark and Stormy.
(4)
David W.
Grendels was ok. It wasn't amazing, but wasn't bad either. Came for lunch on Sunday as I was in town for a show at A.R.T. Definitely a college spot. Cheap food, cheap drinks. Beers and cocktails were very reasonable. I was amused by the Big Girl Mimosa (16 ounces of mimosa served in a pint glass). Yes, a classy place. Service was pretty attentive and friendly. My real issue is that the portions were frankly small. I understand that the food is cheap to begin with, but my french dip left me hungry. Fine if you don't serve anything fried, but if you are giving me a side of chips give me a sandwich that will fill me up more than a snack wrap at Mcdonalds. That said, the french dip was tasty. The creamy tomato soap I also had was a bit much, for me, but that may have just been my taste. I did appreciate that it is super vegetarian friendly (but also had meat dishes for carnivore friends), and very sustainable. They compost, and recycle, etc. Anyway not a bad option in Cambridge, but definitely not the best. Would probably be a better spot to come for drinks and apps than a meal.
(3)
Halle R.
Every place has a "go here if..." niche. Here's Grendel's: Go here if you're a party of 2 or greater than 5, for drinks only, anytime earlier than 6 PM or between 7 and 7:45 PM. If you're a party of 3 or 4, you won't be able to get a table, and will have to wait while a parade of groups of 2 or 5 get in before you. This is because they won't let groups smaller than 5 sit at the corner tables, but have no such restriction on the limited number of 4-person tops. So groups of 2 take the tables for 4, and groups of 4 can't take the bigger tables. Out of luck. If you're looking for food, go elsewhere. The food here is inconsistent at best. I was going to say it might be worth it during the half price times, but if you're that hungry just go grab fast food. It'll be faster, and probably tastier too. If you're thinking of coming at any of the times I didn't mention, don't bother, unless you like waiting. You won't be able to find a seat. It gets a second star because of the clever and friendly ambiance/theme. I could probably justify the wait/crowds if the food were better, because it really is a great concept, but as it is I'll probably avoid in the future. Somebody alert me if they hire a new chef.
(2)
Alexis J.
I wasn't at this bar long, I only had a couple of drinks but from what I saw, I liked. Our waitress was nice, drinks were good and fairly priced. Also, extra points because it's a cool looking place.
(5)
Carrie S.
I wrote a review on grendals 6 years ago and now I'm updating that. I still love Grendals. I mean, 5 dollar lunch? You can't really beat that. And the service is usually really great. And you can't beat half off specials either! And that's why a friend and I went the other day. We sat on the patio because it was still relatively nice out (maybe upper 50s) and we didn't want to give up on being outside for the day yet (I had been at work all day). So, we sat on the patio, got a couple of beers and were told that in order to sit there we needed to order food. That was totally cool with us because we needed dinner. What wasn't told to us (and was only posted on the sign entering the patio area in pretty friggen small print) was that the half price deal doesn't count on the patio because the patio is so popular. Um, it was 50 something degrees out and we were the only ones there when we sat down at 6:30, aka, dinner time. I wouldn't have been peeved by this if the woman had told us; we would have just went inside. She did not inform us. Our beers were great and our sandwiches as well. I love the food. But that little mishap gave me a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. Only reason it's getting 3 stars instead of 4 or 5 Grendals: you should definitely let you patrons know about that when sitting on the patio. Especially when they're already told to order food. Little print on ONE sign does not do the job.
(3)
Abby G.
Great bar on Harvard. Easy on the wallet, relaxed vibe, good food (for a bar certainly), and just overall fun spot.
(5)
Allison R.
The time is finally here- more than a year has passed since my awkwierd date at Grendel's and I can totally use it as fodder for my review of the establishment, while hopefully providing an entertaining anecdote... Grendel's is decidedly average; I've been there for the half-price menu, but the food makes me sorta sick, so it's not really worth it. The beer is okay, and the mixed drinks play it safe. So when I coordinated a date with an ex-coworker through match.com (long story culminating with my identity as an online stalker) and he suggested meeting up here, I was less than pleased. But the suggestion of the Publick House in Brookline posed too much of a trek for my Watertown-dwelling date, and he started getting pissy that coordinating our meeting was getting too high-maintenance (like his morning hair styling routine wasn't?! nehhh)...so I grudgingly agreed. Anyway, we met, went in, and awkwardly sat down-- myself at a booth with a keg underneath it. A kinda cool footrest...but weird. I ordered my first harpoon, and he ordered an original sin cider. Then the waiter thought I'd be the one getting the girly drink and tried to hand me the cider. Now I'm getting too into details of the date and digressing... Anyway, we spent a good five hours boozing and talking. Also, I think the bathrooms are sort of unisex, or have a communal entry way. because we met awkwardly in there once. Also, it was a cold October day, and he kept his jacket and scarf on the entire time, which I thought was weird. The bill was reasonable, but I didn't pay it so I don't really know. My conclusion, though, is it's safe to come here for beers, since the atmosphere isn't bad, especially when the place gets more crowded. Kinda homey and nice. We left with him intending to do the gentlemanly thing and walk me home, which went over swimmingly because I got us lost on our drunken stumble back to my place. The conclusion to this long constitutional involved hitting Bukowski for yet another beer-- I remember him ordering a Harpoon IPA and saying he didn't like harpoon. Huh. I turned him on to the peanut butter burger, and I'm sure he's eternally grateful. Anyway, after driving him home (I make smart drunk decisions), I got a tour of his apartment. We shared an uncomfortable non-kiss in the hallway and I promptly blurted, "I have to go, bye!" and ran away. From my car, I texted him to appologize for the awkward moment, but in my drunken stupor, could not spell "awkward" and settled on "awkwierd." Somehow, I found my way home. We broke up three days later when I invited him to hang out again and he told me he was crazy busy and this wouldn't work out. Thanks for setting my crazy failed date in motion, Grendel's! Awkwierd.
(2)
Kristine A.
I have been here a few times but this last time wasn't so great. I ordered a drink which didn't come until after my boyfriend was done eating his salad. Then he asks for another beer & it takes forever to get it. The server wasn't very attentive & not sure if it was because we were outside or not. I don't like the fact they refill the water but there's no ice in it. Had to wait yet again for the check, so I finally got up & was waking away so he would realize we didn't want to sit there anymore.
(1)
Nicole F.
I first went to Grendel's Den a few months ago after a friend recommended it. I had a few hours to kill with my parents and boyfriend, so we went to Harvard Square for dinner and ended up at Grendel's for half-price happy hour. It ended up being about $50 for an appetizer, four meals, two sodas, and four drinks...super cheap. However, the food's not all that great and there's really not that much on the menu. Don't come here if you're picky! I had the chicken burrito. There was nothing wrong with it, but it just wasn't anything special. The atmosphere was good. It was freezing cold and snowing outside, so it was nice to sit by the fire. However, the four of us had to sit at a small table since the normal tables are only for parties of 5 or more. That night our service was great, other than the fact that our waiter charged me for guacamole which I didn't order. My mom was a little perturbed by the "either or" bathrooms though! Haha. The next week I attempted to go to Grendel's with my brother and a few friends but we couldn't find a table (again, there were 4 of us) so we left and went somewhere else. The week after that I ended up at Grendel's again, this time for Sunday brunch with a friend. It was surprisingly not crowded at all despite having a pretty good brunch menu. I ended up getting the eggs florentine (poached eggs over spinach with Hollandaise sauce) which came with a small bowl of fresh fruit and home fries. The home fries were not good at all. I can't even describe what I didn't like about them, but I took a few bites and left the rest. Despite the fact that the restaurant was nearly empty, our waitress took a long time to attend to us, brought our meals out about five minutes apart (which was awkward...do I wait for mine to get cold or...?), and forgot to bring my fruit, which I had to ask for. She just didn't seem like she wanted to be there at all. Thus ended my time living outside Boston and regular trips to Harvard Square. Last month, I ended up in Boston with my grandparents and mom, since my grandfather had an appointment at MGH. I thought they would enjoy Grendel's since they love pub food...who knows why. I was right! My mom and grandmother shared a salad and sandwich and my grandmother couldn't stop talking about how great it was! She was also very happy that her Guinness was room temperature, as it should be. My grandfather was pleased with his sandwich as well. I had the burrito again...and again, it was mediocre. At least I didn't get charged for guacamole this time. Our waitress was very busy, waiting tables inside and out, so service was a little slow but I don't blame her. She was fairly friendly and personable. Overall, a good lunch. I think it's a hit-or-miss kind of place. Pros: cheap, good atmosphere, outdoor seating available, drinks Cons: slow service, mediocre food, crowded at night
(3)
Di B.
You can not go wrong with Grendel's Happy Hour Special.. 1/2 entree with $3 and over drink. They have great vegetarian options and rotating selection of beers. The food isnt anything amazing, but for this deal I will keep coming back. The outdoor patio is really nice as well.
(4)
EricaLynn J.
Top Ten Reasons Why Grendel's Den is Even Better Than a Pants Party: 10. The 'come on in, seat yourself, welcome to your home for the next few hours' vibe is a refreshing respite from some of the more uptight surroundings nearby. 9. Scientists. Everywhere. Most of them drunk. If you are an eavesdropper or at the very least, a people-watcher, you can't lose here. 8. Comfort food at comfortable prices; bar food at el cheapo prices. Sometimes they're mixed together and called "today's special." Indeed it is. 7. They put the imprint of a shamrock on your Guinness pints. 6. In one of the very large (unisex) bathrooms, there's a bench. A very pretty painted bench, mind you. Ever just want to sit down and ponder life's mysteries in a strange forum? Thanks to Grendel's, you totally can. 5. There is never a shortage of amusing waitstaff. In some cases, you can substitute 'amusing' with 'absolutely lost their mind crazy', which maybe explains the whole bench in the bathroom thing, but who can tell? 4. Their happy hour (half-priced food and drink specials) should be renamed 'super duper happy many hours' because that's how you'll feel when you're done indulging and you have spent less than what you spent to feed the meter in town the day before for an hour's worth of Harvard Square shopping. 3. Your food doesn't come out too quickly, which is a fabulous thing really, if you think about it. When something comes out within five minutes, my mind tends to wander and not in the good way. 2. Your drinks come out very quickly, which is a fabulous thing really, if you think about it. When drinks don't come out within five minutes, my mind tends to wander and not in the good way. 1. ABSINTHE. You, too, can indulge in the goodness that is Absinthe, complete with spoon and sugarcube and fire, thanks to Grendel's addition of Absinthe to their drink menu. You can and you should.
(4)
Christina K.
Eh, I'd give it 3.5 stars. We came here for lunch, and the menu read like it was amazing. I am giving it the extra .5 because it is veggie friendly and they serve quinoa. Who knew you could find quinoa, spinach pie, and tofu at a bar/restaurant? The prices are very low, and they have lunch specials too for $5. But you also get what you pay for. Food is kind of bland, although I do give them props for trying to create an eclectic, kinda gourmet menu (certainly read really good from perusing the menu outside). I had the vegetarian banquet: salad, spinach pie, hummus, rice, and veggies and tofu. The veggies and tofu were kinda tasteless, spinach pie was good but not what you would think of as spanakopita (had egg as a binder and no feta), hummus was super heavy on tahini (which is a little off-putting) and the greek salad, though fresh, was lacking. My partner had the quinoa stew (props for quinoa! High protein seed, though eaten like a starch like rice) which was tomato based and he added the shrimp. He said the cajun shrimp was not all that cajun-y. I had the quinoa, which was tasty, but none of our food came hot enough. We also ordered the potato skins, which were good (how could they not), but were nothing special at potatoes, melted cheese, salsa and sour cream. Salsa was really good though - maybe get that as an appetizer. Could be a good place for drinks. Dunno.
(3)
Katie H.
I went with some friends to get some drinks and snacks. Our waitress just wasn't very attentive. It was very tough to flag her down, and when she did come by, she wasn't helpful. We normally tip 18-20%, but this time, we left probably somewhere around 12%, and she came to get us as we were leaving, asking what was wrong, and why we didn't leave a higher tip. Rather than argue, my group gave her a couple more dollars and got out of there.
(2)
Frank W.
Grendel's is one of those places you go when you're unsure of yourself, your evening, and what the hell is available to you in Harvard Square. I've been on two occasions, both when either I or someone I was meeting was new to the area. Grendel's reverse happy hour is always a good reason to go and get some food, but there's nothing special about this place. It's loud. It's crowded. It has very little bar space. Drinking is not optimal here, because either you get a table and are slightly awkward just drinking and not eating, or you snag a spot at the bar with the other 5 people who also got so lucky. Blah. The food is nothing to write home about either. I've had a salad, some hummus plates, and one of their chicken sandwiches. Underwhelming, cooked fine, but simply no imagination. I would rather save the money and do the food prep myself. And that's saying something. Grendel's, you try so hard to be mediocre, how can I give you anything but that rating?
(2)
Laura S.
This is my go-to bar if I end up in Harvard Square for a night. Is it great? No. Nothing about it is exceptional in any way. Does it do for a beer or two? Certainly. Last I was there, I got the CBC Amber Ale, which was quite tasty. Our server was not super attentive, it was relatively loud, but we found a quiet corner, so it worked out alright. There was not a great beer selection, maybe two things I would consider trying on tap and a few more bottled beers. If you're looking for a bar in the area, I say go here. But I wouldn't seek it out.
(2)
Jackie D.
Do you ever make a sandwich and think to yourself, "Dang, that was a really good sandwich"? Grendel's is kind of like that. Nothing out-of-this-world creative, but it's still awesome - ESPECIALLY when it's half price from 5-7. And ESPECIALLY when you don't want to break the bank but as of that moment, you've only got some frozen chicken and various condiments in your kitchen. I got the turkey and Havarti sandwich with herb mayo on a baguette, and for some reason I can't stop thinking about it. My girlfriend got the turkey burger with avocado, creamy chipotle sauce, chutney and swiss (the "Natural Disaster"), which was also very good. Best of all, we got FIVE drinks (including two Harry Potter themed cocktails and a perfectly made Dark & Stormy with real ginger beer), and the entire total came to $46 including tip. Say WHAT?! I dunno, dude. Put me in a dark corner with awesome drinks and cheap, tasty food and you get five stars from me.
(5)
Elliott N.
Grendel's Den can be a fantastic place, if you let it. Personally, I love Grendel's. Their beer selection is consistently solid with some remarkable guest beers featured frequently (Stone Double Bastard for $11 in a bar!? That's only $2 more than the liquor store!), their mixed drinks are made well and not stingy with the good stuff, their staff is consistently friendly and prompt--I've never had a bad experience with the waitstaff at Grendel's, even when they're mobbed, which is saying something. The atmosphere is also great, with an appropriate subterranean den vibe. Another thing that makes me smile: gender neutral bathrooms! The only detractors: seating and some food. Now don't get me wrong, some of Grendel's food is fantastic, with their specials consistently a cut above much of the other fare. Some, however, is pretty subpar (I'd steer clear of the nachos, IE chips with canned beans and preshredded cheese thrown into the microwave). If you go during the half off food hours (why would you go any other time?), it can also be tough to get a table. Still, great staff, good and fairly priced drinks, nice atmosphere, and half off food that renders most everything on the menu less than $7 give this place high marks for me.
(4)
Charoline D.
Ah Grendel's the start of our Saturday night bar crawl to try some new places out in Harvard Square and move away from our almost too often sojourns to River Gods. Bouncer was friendly, the patrons we're mostly "Bro"s, and the bartender was a bit anal retentive. He was fairly quick with getting our order while we sat atop stools at the bar and kept being insistant about using coasters. I had an Original Sin cider and we played the "what do you think their name is?" game. This basically consists of us pointing out people, guessing what their name is, and various other things such as occupation, where they met their boyfriend, hobbies may include, etc. Didn't get a chance to try out the food, but I think from previous reviews that it may not have been all that necessary. All and all, a pretty relaxed atmosphere.
(3)
Michele G.
Half price menu! Plus, get yourself incredibly happy with the awesome Dark n' Stormies. :)
(3)
Yana Y.
Grendel's, Grendel's, oh how I love thee. Half price food menu from 5-7:30pm/9-11:30pm (Delicious food!) Delicious white + red sangria Sorry kids, you lose a half a star for not having 1/2 price menu be applicable outside, and another half for having the worlds slowest wait-staff.
(4)
Joel G.
They say you get what you pay for...and I had heard Grendel's Den bucked that trend...but I didn't find that to be the case when I came here last month. My table orderdued the fondue. The cheese was not very tasty, and the bread was stale. I ordered the Beggars Banquet for my entree. The chicken was dry, and the spinach pie was less than impressive. One final note. I went to dinner with 5 people...two of us felt like the food made us sick later that night. I won't be returning.
(2)
Mike L.
Loved it! Small, quaint bar that had good food and better beer. Orginial Sin Cider on tap and Grendel's Ale are both beers I would recommend consuming while in town.
(4)
Alexandra K.
I had some drinks at Grendel's last evening with some friends. I had already eaten dinner but others in my party ordered food. I had a cider that was pretty good. Tasted a little like Woodchuck, nothing special. They seemed to have a pretty good wine and beer selection however, my colleagues liked their selections as well. Our waiter was funny and entertaining. He made the table laugh on several occasions. We joked about how he looked like Colin Ferrel at one point. We were sitting at a round table for 5 or more in the back corner. I was in the corner near the wall and because it was a round table with a bench against the wall, I couldn't really sit comfortably at the table, I had to lean forward a lot to be in the conversations. The music was also a little too loud. However, not as loud as most bars can be. They have a special half priced happy hour listed on the menu where, if I'm not mistaken, most things on the menu are half priced. It was evenings on weekdays and later on weekends I think... Two of the people I was with ordered the cheese fondue. I could smell it the second it hit the table! I love cheese fondue and this one smelled a little 'funky'. However, it seems that it was just a really strong cheese which means it might have tasted great. I agree with Ligaya that the texture of the cheese looks a little funny and lumpy. I think this can be attributed to the kerosene flame thingy they put under it. I don't think it heats evenly. I had a good time at Grendel's, but I wouldn't necessarily go back.
(3)
Eric S.
Just OK overall. The location is good overall. The outdoor seating is great for people watching. The food is so-so. I got the veggie burger with guacamole, mashed potatoes, and falafel plate. The guacamole was dull green, like it was old. They have a good beer selection. The friend I was eating with was not at all impressed with his chicken dish.
(3)
Katherine J.
This place was OK. Just came here for a couple of glasses of guinness and a bite to eat. I was craving french fries but they didn't have any! Instead I had the spinach pie. It filled me up but this isn't gourmet food. While we were eating, the power went off but it was quickly restored and everyone clapped. It's a cute, cozy neighborhood feel type of place.
(4)
Jenny F.
Bar area is a little tight, but grab a table and you'll be set. Decent spot to hang out on a quieter week night.
(3)
Sari G.
I was visiting Boston and came here with some friends on a Saturday night for drinks. Was seated promptly, our server was really great. Its all about their ginger ale and rum! I have tasted every ginger ale known to woman and this drink is amazing! The crowd each had their little nooks and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Great fun - amazing ginger ale.
(5)
Anna S.
This place has a fantastic atmosphere - it's warm and cozy, with low ceilings, exposed brick, and dim lighting. I've found that the service is sometimes a touch slow, but the food is good, and their happy-hour is very budget-friendly.
(4)
fraulein v.
The Beer selection is great. Great German beers poured correctly. The outside seating in the summer is also grand. The food isnt great, the only pro is that it is cheap. Someone said they had a decent vegetarian selection that i found laughable. All in all i would like this spot a bit better if not seated in the jock - douchebag section every time. still, i might rather go to charlies for beers.
(3)
Khalid S.
I came here accidentally, cause there were no tables available at Charlie's Kitchen walking distance from here. But that was a blessing in disguise. I'm not totally impressed by Grendel's, cause the service was average, and I got the feeling that the staff didn't care much cause every single table on this Saturday night was occupied. I was just by myself so I looked around and waited for my food, though I can see this place being fun going in a big group. Moving on to why I was here, the food. I had the shrimp Sambal which the menu warned that it was hot as hell. I said to myself maybe it's like the Fire sauce at Taco Bell which is barely close to what hot really is. But let me tell you, the Sambal was really absolutely positively hot. I had to stop eating until my server replenished my water supply because I couldn't take it anymore. They served it with rice and green peas. I'm a big fan of spicy food, so I adored it. The portions were just right as well.
(4)
Josh O.
Today either I got on the wrong bus or the MBTA website lied to me because I ended up in Harvard Sq. instead of Davis Sq. I had been planning on using one of my $1 burrito coupons at Boloco, so at first I figured I'd just hop on the T and get to Davis Sq. that way, but as I was walking to the T I saw a guy handing out leaflets that had in big letters 'LUNCH SPECIAL $3.95'. So I grabbed it. Turns out that Grendel's Den has a $3.95 lunch special where you can choose from a burger, soup and salad, a french dip sandwich, a salad, a half sandwich and soup, or a half sandwich and salad. 'Hot damn', I thought to myself. So I headed over to Grendel's which I'd walked by before but never been in. First off, I _love_ basement bars. I don't know why, but I do. Secondly, I got a pretty decent lunch for $3.95. It wasn't amazing, but it was good, it was filling, and it was cheap. Third, Guinness for only $4.25. Not bad at all.
(4)
Tasha L.
The cheap happy hour is delightful after work. Original Sin cider is on tap. The cocktails are adequate-- I recommend the mojito when it is in season. I always stick to sandwiches, the falafel wrap is a favorite. The potato chips have their charm. The entrees come in very small portions...but I wouldn't get too fancy here. It can get very noisy...but the ambiance is very cozy and comforting, especially in the winter. The staff do their jobs well...sometimes you have to be patient because it's so mobbed, but they are all very nice. I was there for a big Red Sox game and no one was paying attention. That was nice.
(5)
Mallory R.
One of the coziest spots in Harvard Square on a winter evening. Love the brick walls and the cheap menu. The half price menu is a real steal and worth the trek out to Cambridge. Usually just go for appetizers when with friends and we often get the hot spinach and artichoke dip. My best friend and I were fans of an appetizer that is no longer featured (bread with tomato sauce) but regardless of the menu changes I still enjoy myself when I go to Grendel's. Whether it's a humid summer night and you are sitting outside or cozying up inside on a winter night, Gendel's is a spot where you will find yourself comfortable and at home, among strangers.
(5)
Tristan S.
Every non-appetizer I've eaten here has been pretty subpar. Service is often slow. However, the atmosphere is great - walking down into a hole-in-a-wall basement/bar is a good feeling. Portions arent huge, and could be cheaper. The time to go is half-price hours: 5-7 every night (with a beverage purchase). The nachos are quite good, and the other apps I've had were good, but avoid the entrees.
(2)
Adrienne W.
OK, I admit it. I should probably be giving Grendel's Den four stars, but my own hangups require three stars. I'm in my mid-twenties and stopped by with a girlfriend to take advantage of the half priced food with drink. To my consternation, I looked around on the Wednesday night and felt like ancient. My half priced polenta with cheesy goodness and mushrooms was yummy - significantly smaller than my friend's nachos but nicely sized so I felt perfectly satisfied instead of sick when I finished it. (And this coming from someone who is just learning to tolerate most mushrooms!) We sat at the bar and conferred with the bartender over our drink choice. Being unemployed, I like to make every drink count these days. The dark and stormy was lovely and the bartender was able to make a small bit of the hot cider for my friend to sample. I'll be back - a non-fast food meal and a good drink for $10 is a nice deal for me!
(3)
Ali I.
This is an awesome little hole in the wall underground drinking lair. It has a cool vibe and Its pretty affordable. The food is decent too, vegetarian friendly.
(4)
Ben K.
Whoa, watch out, though. Outside is full price food all the time. You're maybe making up the balance in people-watching and warm weather, but it definitely bumps the food out of the "well, I guess this is an okay sandwich for $3" range.
(3)
Diana G.
I stopped in here yesterday for a couple pints of Guinness, and then learned about the half-price food from 5-7:30. So, I decided to order a burger. It wasn't the greatest burger I have ever had, but it did the trick. I have had the seafood combo dinner here before, and I remember that was great! I'm sure I'll stop in here on a regular basis. I like the atmosphere, the service is pretty good, and they serve great beers. What more can you ask for? :D
(4)
Erin M.
I was pleasantly surprised! Fun atmosphere in a crowded basement, which is one of my favorite bar settings. The waitress was very nice when we moved the tables around and then moved to a DIFFERENT table... a lot of places would give you crap for that, because it's annoying. My recent years living in the Midwest make me long for happy hours - and this is the closest I've found to a real happy hour deal since moving back to Boston: 1/2 off your food if you buy $3 worth of drinks (which averages for the whole table! So if one person has two drinks, the person who got none also gets half-off food). My burger was... OK. I was looking for a greasy bar burger, and I got it. The bun was gross and soggy. The burger itself was tasty. Just chips, no fries. My friend got one of the vegetarian specials and it looked way more delicious. I would like to go back and try this. I'm going with three stars for now. May be bumped if I return and like the other food more.
(3)
Andrea P.
I love this little cave. It's cheap and offers tons of vegetarian options! Daily specials, Mediterranean/Californian-themed bar food with an occasional Latin or Asian twist....I like! It is absolutely MANDITORY to go during the 1/2 price happy hours (Daily 5-7:30 pm and Sun-Thurs 9-11:30 pm) or for lunch specials (11:30 am-3 pm). Otherwise the food is not even close to being worth it, because it's not THAT good; it's on the better side of average. They have a Portabello Reuben, a Mediterranean combo plate, that delicious fondue everyone talks about, and pretty decent red Sangria, sold by the half and whole pitchers. My favorite tables are the two half-circles that face the brick wall by the bathrooms. Much more private, way less noisy. The service is eh, but whatever, I'd be pissed too if people were constantly shorting me tips because they don't realize they're supposed to tip on the original amount of the bill and not the discounted happy hour amount! Growl!
(4)
Lisa R.
Want to grab a quick lunch in the square? Grendel's is awesome! Can't finish a whole sandwhich? Get a half sandwhich with a half salad or soup! I love their weekday lunch specials: who else lets you exchange half your sandwhich for something else yummy on the side for the same price? The service is always lightning speed and you can't beat a $5 lunch in Harvard Square. No, the food is not gourment, but you should take Grendels for what it is and enjoy the greasy bar food and cave-like decor. If it's nice out, grab a table outside! I would love to give this place a 3.5, but alas Yelp makes you choose.
(3)
William M.
I madly appreciate Grendel's, if only for the fact that they fought a Supreme Court case to keep their doors open. (gotta fight...for your right... to party, etc etc.) Anyways, their food is a complaint I hear alot, but it's wicked cheap and usually not the reason I come here. The waitresses are unbelievably patient given how disorganized my groups have been. Probably my favorite bar in Boston.
(5)
Nora T.
I heard about Grendel's half price specials, and thought it was too good to be true. I decided to trek down there one night to see how this worked, and was pleasantly surprised. The tables are seat-yourself, which meant that we had to wait a bit to get the attention of the waitress, but once we did I was not disappointed. I was able to devouer a delicious spinach and artichoke dip with crab and a sumptious turkey burger, wash it all down with an italian soda, and it all cost about $10. I plan on going back to see what else their manu has to offer, but my first trip left me very satisfied and didn't break the bank. (Technically my boyfriend's bank.. but still..)
(4)
CR S.
Yech. Hamburgers looked like they were boiled. Salads were basic, with iceberg lettuce, like mom made back in the fifties. Find somewhere else to eat.
(1)
Julie M.
Grendel's Den does little to stand out among its peers... This bar is easy to miss and I assume is overshadowed by Tommy O'Doyle's across the street. I went to Grendel's Den the night before Thanksgiving with a group of about 7 people. We sat at a "5 or more" table. Our waitress was friendly - she was willing to deal with someone "returning a drink" - and we did end up getting a free round of shots (it had turned out that the waitress and I had a friend in common). The drinks were moderately priced... and the bar let us hang out even after they had officially closed. Again, Grendel's Den is getting three stars because it was an okay bar, but nothing spectacular.
(3)
Pablo S.
This gotta be one of the worse and unhealthy places in the whole world !!! Our server was smoking right in front of our table with the entire staff and completely ignored us every time we need it something... How's the 0.20 tip now??? We will never go back + stay away !!!!!
(1)
Nandanie S.
Beer on tap is good. Food is simple and tasty. It's your typical bar/pub in Harvard Square that's always welcoming to peeps who wanna kick back with a drink and a quick bite to eat. Prices are worth it. Check out their specials because they change from time to time...making things interesting.
(4)
Sonia Q.
Horrible service. Food is mediocre, not worth it. And oh yea, they charge for refills. Never going back.
(1)
Ellie W.
Half price meals from 5-7? This is the perfect spot for the beginnings of a pub crawl, and I'm surprised it isn't overflowing with poor college students looking for cheap eats. If you're looking for fancy cuisine, this isn't it. If you're looking for better-than-your-average-bar-food, your search has ended. My friend and I shared the artichoke dip and I had the Peruvian Quinoa, both hearty and delicious. It's a small space, so you're almost sitting on top of people at your neighboring tables, but hey, it's a breeding ground for conversation. Maybe awkwardness. But mostly conversation. Just imagine: "Hi, you're sitting on my lap. I need to get to my food. Don't mind me as I reach around your waist to get to my beer and pasta. Kthanks." Grab a $2.50 beer and enjoy.
(4)
Sarah P.
You can almost miss this place, which may be what the locals want. Place isn't huge and may be hard to get a table..Vibe was pretty chill, dim lighting and low key. Looked a good place to chat and get a bite. Happy hour meal specials from 5:30-7pm on Weekdays- half price food with a $3 minimum drink purchase per person. Cream of spinach soup was good. Cheap food, college pub but not in an obnoxious way. There were some older people there as well. Stick to typical pub fare and get some drinks (and extra food..portions arent huge) and you'll enjoy it.
(3)
Roxie D.
Sigh. It is with a heavy heart that I revise my formerly glowing review of Grendel's Den. Years ago, when a friend first asked me if I wanted to go to Grendel's, I thought she said "grundel's." (For those of you not in the know, urban dictionary has a concise definition that is a mere google search away). However, "grundel" is a rather suitable way to describe this place, or at least, the service we received there yesterday. A group of friends and I met in Harvard Square. We couldn't decide where to go, but I convinced them to head to here. Cheap food! The siren song of cheap drinks! Outdoor seating! What's not to love? I'll tell ya what's not to love: Hidden fees, nasty servers who dress like they invaded Mayim Bialik's closet in 1995, and public shaming if you failed to read the fine print on a box two tables over. Our dinner was filled wit more unprovoked crazy than a Bravo reality show. Anything we asked for- a refill, a recommendation on what she thought was good, a bit of dressing for a salad since they'd obviously forgotten to mix it in-was met with terrifyingly passive agressive white knuckle rage. She was such a bitch during our meal that we decided to skip the dessert and drinks we were planning on having there. When our bill came, we paid with 2 credit cards and some cash, writing out the amounts for each card after we were met with a full on verbal assault when we just asked to pay separately. She took it and went inside. We breathed a collective sigh of relief, planning where we'd go next. We thought that our hell was over, but it was just beginning. She came back to our table, slammed our money/card down, and informed us that any bills paid with a combination of cash and credit were subject to a 20% fee. "Um, where does it say that? I'm looking at the menu and it says that policy only applies to parties splitting the bill on 4 credit cards." Our server, clearly irritated and annoyed by our ignorance, said "It's clearly stated on the box." The box? She picks up the box that holds the salt and pepper from the table next to ours and points to the policy, her voice dripping with exasperation. She even did a Vanna White style "hold it near my face, plaster on a fake smile, and point" move before swooping in front of all of us to drive her point home. I picked up the box at our table, rotated it so that she could see all sides, and pointed out that there was NOTHING on our box and we hadn't known about this policy. Were we supposed to ask our surrounding tables to review their boxes? If it was such a problem, why didn't she say anything when she picked up the pile of cash and the credit cards? She didn't apologize, or acknowledge that it was her mistake to assume that we had known about this hidden fee- instead, she snatched up our bill, and loudly declared while stomping down the stairs, "Oh, ok- you don't want to leave a 20% gratuity? That's FINE." First of all, we were planning on leaving 20%, even though our server had acted like a rotting butthole. We're classy like that. We had factored that into the amounts we asked her to run on our cards though she obviously didn't deserve even the standard 10% you leave for appallingly bad service. When she came back, I asked to speak to her manager. "The bartender is sort of the manager, you can go talk to him if you have a problem." She smirked, and walked off. In ANY restaurant, if you ask to speak to a manager, it is customary that they come to your table to see what the problem is. We were so disgusted by the service, and thoroughly convinced that the real manager wasn't even on the premises, hence the grundel-esque behavior, that we left. My friend called later, asked to speak to the manager, explained the situation, and got attitude about how busy they were before being hung up on. No apologies, nothing. FYI, they were not busy. We were surrounded by empty tables when we asked to speak to her boss. That is not how you run a business. That is not how you treat paying customers, especially ones who are polite and thank you even though you're acting like a hatchet wound. It felt like we had wandered into some over-privileged 13 year old's house and demanded that she fan us with giant peacock feathers and hand feed us peeled grapes. I didn't interrupt her at home and ask her for a personal favor- I was asking her to do her job while she was at work. No attitude necessary. Either come to work and do your job or don't come to work at all. It's that simple. I am thoroughly horrified by the unparalleled nastiness and immature behavior we witnessed at this restaurant. Their food may be cheap, but so are their servers.
(1)
David R.
Another Harvard Square classic. Great beer selection, pretty spartan burger and potato chips, popular with students. Good place to go with a group of friends and take over a big table, but note it can be tough to get a seat. You probably won't spend a lot of money here either. Remember, though, that this is ultimately a college bar. Go in with the appropriate expectations and you should have a pretty good experience.
(4)
Erin C.
Grendel's is one of my go to bars in Harvard Sq. Cozy up to the bar for a mulled wine or Sailor Jerry's Mulled Cider. If you manage to make it for their Happy Hour you can also enjoy 1/2 priced food with a $3 drink purchase. Perfect. You might see me there ordering my regular...Mulled wine with a portabello reubuen. Tasty AND cheap!
(4)
Chantal G.
They have a great area to sit outside on a warm day, I'm not sure I would sit inside however. It's the usual type of dive bar food, but I loved the hamburgers! They serve you chips instead of french fries with your burger... I was a little sad about that. If I'm eating burgers, I'm going all out.
(3)
Samia O.
Half-price happy hour, that's the only reason we went there. If you don't drink, or if you only drink water while dining then this might be a little tricky for you. In order to get the half-off deal, you must get a $3 drink. But since my boo wanted to give it a try, I got a bottle of "botanically brewed" lemonade ($4) as recommended by the server. It was nothing more than a bottle of convoluted, alcohol-tasting lemon "juice". Spinach Pie: due to the lack of description on the menu, the three of us debated for a while whether it would be a spinach pizza, a spinach quiche, or a spinach sphere. And when the waitress was ready to take our order 15 minutes later, the mystery was solved: Spinach pie = Spanakopita. To be exact it was a square of spanakopita slightly larger than my palm and thicker than the length of my pinky. The filling was really pasty, as the spinach was inseparable from the cheese (feta and ricotta?). The phyllo dough... so hard to cut since it was quite stale. The rice pilaf was flavorless, if it were seasoned at all. Ultimately, this dish brought me back to elementary school days, as it tasted like some reheated cafeteria food. California burger: the only ingredient that was good on that burger was the guacamole. Enough said. If the food is not good, it is not good no matter how cheap it is. What matters is whether you get this blissful feeling after eating a meal. And I certainly didn't get that from eating their food.
(2)
Annabel J.
I love Grendel's for a number of reasons. -Relaxed, chill, divey atmosphere -good crowd, not packed with yuppies -bar food that is a step above just the typical sports bar nachos and wings, while also still having the typical nachos and wings (they also have things like a hummus plate and mediterranean salad) -half priced menu weekdays during happy hour inside -indoor and outdoor seating -awesome bartenders and servers!!!
(5)
Elizabeth R.
The atmosphere was nice. However, our server was very impatient and rude. After waiting a long time for our food after our appetizer (chips/salsa), the server then came over and asked us if we were ready for our check. As it turns out, she had forgotten to put our dinner order in. She then acknowledged that she knew we already didn't like her (presumably because she realized how rude she was?). Forgetting to put our order in would have been no big deal at all if she hadn't been so rude and condescending with us before. Then she took our order again and got our food to us within a reasonable amount of time. We got one single free beer out of the ordeal, and she was much nicer for the rest of our time. It was kind of nice to see her affect change from impatient to accommodating, but that was of course because she had made a mistake. None of us were too impressed with the food once we got it, which says something because we were starving by that point. I really wanted to like this place, but it was a poor experience due to horrible service and mediocre food.
(1)
Priyanka R.
I'm gonna keep this short and sweet. I love Grendel's Den, its a basement bar with a cozy college student feel. The happy hour is amazing, great meal and ambiance for around $10. Location is right in Harvard Square and the waitress was extremely friendly and candid. Even after finishing our meal we stayed for another hour just enjoying witty banter between friends and no one even bothered us! I would recommend the Burger with cheese, jalapeños and sauteed onions, they put so many jalapeños on it. Yummy and left me extremely satisfied. They make a mean burger. Just say yes. Only drawback were the tables were EXTREMELY close together, and therefore restricted movement, the draft from the door was not so fun either - hence the four stars instead of five. Definitely coming back again soon, I'm just not sitting so close to the door!
(4)
Eric F.
Talk about one sweet happy hour! Decent draft list and ordering just one drink lets you go to town on ANYTHING on the food menu for half price. The family and I had a chance to try the spinach, artichoke & crab dip, grass fed burger, grilled trout, lobster roll and Peruvian quinoa stew. Now unfortunately, the quality of the dishes more or less reflected the discounted price...bland fish and burger, greasy roll with not so fresh lobster, etc. BUT! The portions were solid and the spinach dip and cole slaw weren't too shabby. All in all, a fantastic spot for students to kick back with some grub and beer without at all breaking the bank.
(3)
Sarah C.
Great drinks but rudest wait staff I have ever encountered. The bar tender was so unfriendly, unwilling to accommodate us, and slow. The bartender actively ignored certain people at our table. Several wait staff yelled at people in our party for standing in a certain area (where there were stools). Totally underwhelmed and really turned off. Worst service I've ever experienced in Harvard square. WILL NOT RETURN HERE.
(1)
Alexis C.
I never even noticed this place because I'd see Upstairs on the Square above it and think, "Maybe one day I'll be able to splash that much dough on a meal." Finally a friend pointed out its existence to me, and we went. Lots of college students, and a very eclectic menu of diverse items. The food was okay, but quite decent if you factored in the low price, and the portions aren't stingy. I see why it appeals to students. We amused ourselves by reading the history of Grendel's Den, which is printed on the menu. I had not known it had such a storied legal past. We also talked about Beowulf and tried to find a reference to it on the menu but failed. Come here if you're hungry but poor.
(3)
Alison F.
Why is the veggie burger deep fried? I'm always happy to find bars that have hand-made veggie burgers instead of frozen so I ordered it without anything else. I don't like coleslaw or potato chips. It came with tomato and lettuce, should have had goat cheese on top because the burger was very bland and chewy. The bun covers up the lack of taste and the fried grease. My beer helped.
(2)
Stephanie M.
What can I really say about this place? My girl friend and I had our first date here. So, that's at least two stars. The food? I like to say its mostly "shit you can make at home but don't feel like it." Its pretty solid, but not mind blowing by any means. I often crave the nachos. I was hesitant for the longest time to try the dark and stormy. I had tried that particular drink at other bars and really quite hated it. But I absolutely love the ones they make here. It's probably one of the only things I order. Besides a gin and tonic. The waitstaff? Usually depends on the night, or who you get. It gets really crowded here at random times. The happy hour special can't really be beat. Its good for groups or even for as little as 2 people. It can get a little noisy, but its a bar, in the basement. What do you expect?
(5)
Anna K.
I love Grendel's! Really nice bartenders, strong cheap drinks. Their half off food deals from 5-7:30 can't be beat. I love their chicken wraps and salads. Also the spinach artichoke crab dip is delicious and the mussels are yummy too. Burgers are just ok, I wish they offered fries. Chicken wings are good, nice spice and meaty. I also enjoy their fish dinner that comes with a couple sides. Bring cash or expect an automatic gratuity to be added if you split cards with your party. I usually don't mind though because the servers are usually good and deserve it.
(4)
David F.
We had heard a lot about this place so had high expectations. We rocked up in the late afternoon for very late lunch. The place was pleasant enough and with few punters in attendance, we had our choice of seats so we chose a table beside the faux fireplace which lacked any warmth and, as it turned out, just like our waitress. The very definition of surliness, she tossed menus at us and continued in that vein throughout the meal. That, frankly, wouldn't have bothered me if the food was any good. We both ordered burgers - they don't do fries so we had chips/crisps on the side instead which is a very poor carb substitute in my view. The burgers were grey, limp, thin patties of poor quality beef on a rubbish supermarket bun. Cheap and nasty. Best part of the meal was the price. Two burgers and two beers each came to $40 for the lot with a grudgingly given tip. Dreadful and very disappointing given the expectations we had going in. Never again,
(1)
Megan B.
Great spot if you are visiting but don't want to feel like a tourist. Beer selection was good, speedy service didn't let your drink stay low too long. Has TVs if you want to watch sports. Quiet for a packed sports bar. Lots of students and good food
(5)
Ziyan C.
Good location, right in the heart of Harvard Square. Nice that you can sit at the tables and just get drinks - good for some post-dinner chatting with a big group of friends. Service was a little slow - I noticed our server was covering a huge section though, and she seemed to check on us whenever she could (occasionally at best). Drinks are fine.. fairly good beer selection. Got a dark & stormy but I feel like I've had better. Fairly lively, even late on a Tuesday night. Pretty good crowd. Low key, fun vibe.
(2)
Izza F.
You know those bars you go to and get real drunk at and somehow you walk out with a huge bill and you feel positive you only got 5 drinks but somehow you were charged for 10? Well not here. It's quite the opposite. I'll buy like 5 cocktails and somehow my bill always seems like they've knocked off a drink or two. You can feel confident that you will get a fair bill for exactly what you bought and not a cent more. I love their food. It is eclectic and somewhat exotic comfort food. Their menu is made up of a variety of comfort food, typical bar food, mediterranean and vegetarian fare. Try their Salvadoran veggies and tofu over rice. It is so good. I get it every time. Either that or their noodles. Who doesn't love noodles and butter? It is one of their side dishes. Yeah I know it is pretty simple but sometimes you want to keep it simple. Can't say I am a fan of their gorgonzola sauce though. Try their chicken wings too. They are like smoked, they taste like they are straight off a bbq. Great portions and great prices. The staff is great. The bartenders are so friendly, always seem so happy to see you. The owner is really sweet too. This place is charming and fun.
(4)
Jack O.
Service is good, crowd is studenty but not too much. Good food, gotta love the half price policy during happy hour!
(5)
Liz P.
The dark and stormies are to die for. A good place for not-overpriced food all day and a fun place to get a drink at night.
(5)
Angeline P.
So the food here is a pretty solid three stars. I came on a Sunday evening, and they had the half price food promotion with a drink purchase. I ordered the most expensive thing on the menu, which was a fish dish. The fish looked filleted except for the part where I was pulling bones out. This is kind of expected whenever I order fish that isn't paired with chips somewhere. I'm not docking stars for that, but I will dock stars for pretty flavorless fish. The reason for the two-star review is for bad service. There were three of us, but my friend left her ID at home, so she couldn't order the beer (which was the only thing she wanted to drink). Well, rather than have her pay full price on an entree because she didn't have her ID, her boyfriend suggested getting another beer when he was finished. Since it would still be a grand total of three beers for a party of three, it made sense that we would all be able to get half price on food. That's apparently not how it works. My friend had to order another drink (non-alcoholic) in order to get her food half off. The waitress didn't bother to explain why this was their policy, and seemed less interested in us as a table after we made the suggestion. The only follow ups we got involved glowering looks when I told her no, I didn't want to order another beer. I'm not so interested in this place.
(2)
Christian H.
Harvard Square is never short of great places to eat and hang out. One in particular that deserves high marks is Grendel's. The bar and restaurant is tucked away underground, so it is fairly hard to miss. When you do find it, you will not be disappointed. A large draft selection, plenty of different food options and a fun atmosphere are in store for you Grendel's experience. With local and microbrews, it is a haven for beer enthusiasts and anyone who wants to branch out and try something new. The food selection is pretty great as well. Plenty of options for carnivores, vegetarians and omnivores. The plates are a bit on the small side as are the portions, but it's definitely quality over quantity. A winning app? The crab and artichoke dip. Go for it. You know you want to try it! The staff is friendly and the place is laid back, a bit on the divey side, but it a good way. This place is a winner for your outings in Harvard Square, whether you are just coming off work, or just want to hang out with friends on the weekend. Check it out!
(4)
Anya L.
What a fun find! While visiting Cambridge, we needed to grab a quick bite to eat before getting back on the road. A Yelp search brought up Grendel's, and with the appeal of 1/2 priced food items during Happy Hour, we decided to duck inside. I appreciate that this place doesn't take itself too seriously, especially given its location. We grabbed two spots at the bar and scanned an impressive list of beers and drinks. I was tempted to get a spiked apple cider when I got a whiff of the simmering brew, but I opted for the CBC Pumpkin ale (awesome, btw). The bf and I ordered mussels, wings and a salad to share. The price of each dish already made the meal worthwhile, but when the food actually showed up, I was even more impressed. The wings were tasty and sizable (I hate tiny, meatless wings), the bowl of mussels was piled high, and the salad had generous amounts of avocado, chicken and cheese. If we didn't have to drive, I know we would have stayed longer - certainly for more beer but also to perhaps order more food once appetites reappeared. I hope to return to Grendel's to sample some of their entrees. In the meantime, give this place a try - it offers a great atmosphere after a long day at work.
(4)
Jeff F.
- 1-2 stars if you come here for food - 3-4 stars if you come here for a drink (probably some of the best cider options in the city.)
(2)
Michelle M.
I actually really liked everything they had here. The cuisine was cheap and delicious.
(5)
Jen D.
Two words for the chilly days: MULLED WINE. When I think of my brief time in Cambridge, Grendel's is probably going to be one of two pubs that I think of. It's cozy, the staff are nice, the prices are reasonable, and the 1/2 price appetizers at Happy Hour make for an awesome after-class discussion venue. It is small--if you're in a group larger than three and arriving after 6pm or so, it might be hard to get a seat. Still, it's a spot with zero attitude and good beer and ale on tap. Grendel's slays!
(5)
Chris M.
I used to enjoy coming here for a quick bite before seeing a film (alas, we've lost that pleasure, too, in Harvard Sq.) or for the half price appetizers at Happy Hour, but never again. On a sunny day last summer, I opted to take advantage of the outdoor dining area and was appalled at both the food and the service. First of all, the waiter cavalierly cleaned the table with a spray bottle (not water) and the spray hit my face and clothes. I decided to let it go and not say anything. I ordered a spinach salad with nuts and feta, and was assured this would be a decent size for an entree with plenty of spinach. At $9 or $10 for a lunchtime salad special, I expected a reasonably sized salad. What I got was a few leaves of spinach laden with feta and nuts and dressing. Before I could say anything, the waiter disappeared. I had to get my check from someone else. Although I've never had high expectations of the food at Grendals, it was decent and friendly, what I expected of a longstanding neighborhood anchor. What Grendels has become, unfortunately, is a Harvard Sq. tourist trap. RIP, Grendels as you used to be.
(1)
John-Michael E.
Pay good money for good drinks and they'll basically be giving the food away on special. Definitely going back the next time I'm in town.
(4)
Juliet A.
Cozy, intimate spot for a casual dinner with some friends. Because Grendel's is such a neighborhood fave, make sure you come on the off-hours if you want to be able to hear conversation. This is my bro-in-law's favorite spot in Harvard Square, so whenever my hubs and I are in town visiting, this is a go-to place. The food is pretty good - no huge wow factor - but the prices are beyond fair considering the location (and astronomical rent prices they must be paying!). Entrees/salads/sandwiches all around $7-11. Very nice. My recommendations: -French Dip sandwich. Roast beef is served cold (some places do it warm, which I prefer), but the dipping juice is superb. -Southwestern salad. A favorite for good reason. -Crab and spinach dip.
(3)
Felecia C.
I have been to Grendel's a few times for drinks and always enjoyed the divey basement atmosphere. So I was excited to hear per other Yelp reviews that Grendel's offers a gluten-free menu. I should have known something was up when I realized that the link grendelsden.com/menu/GLU… no longer works. But I thought I might be able to chat with the staff to see if they could still accommodate. To sum it up, the server told me they didn't have a gluten-free menu. When I inquired as to what I might be able to eat and if there was someone else I could speak to, she said she had no idea and wasn't familiar with gluten. Hardly apologetic. Ok then. Thanks. Maybe the food's good otherwise, and yeah I should have called ahead. But the positive gluten-free reviews are pretty recent, so I'm wondering what happened and why the current staff has no clue. No matter, there are several other gluten-free friendly options right around the corner that will get my business.
(2)
Inez M.
I decided to stop into this place between appointments today because I was handed a flyer in Harvard Square and they had a good luncheon deal. I walked in and I did not know if I had to be seated or seat Myself. Didn't know. First time there on a whim. The staff ignored Me although they saw Me looking around like a fish out of water. I finally got the attention of the waiter and asked him if I seat Myself. He said yes. Strange question perhaps but I am use to being seated in places I go to eat and am use the the staff being aware that I am in the room. I found a table and placed My order but I felt extremely uncomfortable there. There was a "vibe" that I was getting from the waiter that made Me uncomfortable. I have been to all kinds of drinking and dining places and I don't feel that "vibe" often. I ordered soup, salad, and pinot noir. The young lady who placed the meal on My table was very pleasant. Great energy and great "vibe" from her. Unfortunately I had to take My meal to go because I didn't have the time to relax and enjoy it due to the fact I had to make My other appointment. The soup was pretty good and the Mediterranean salad was ok minus the watery salad dressing. My waiter was "polite" but not "friendly". There is a difference. I watched him as he served the "guests" around Me and he was a lot more friendlier towards them than he was to Me. Needless to say, I will not be back there because I felt unwelcomed. The staff should be friendly with ALL of their customers for they never know when a food critic is coming in there and food critics come in all creeds. No, he did not get a good tip from Me. If I wanted to be a ass I would of left him a penny. Next time dude treat ALL of your customers with a friendly cheer and chatter as you do the others around them. The ONLY reason I give this place one star is because of the lovely young lady who brought My food to Me.
(1)
Chris C.
I know people love this place and its a Harvard Square landmark, but I haven't been very impressed after a couple visits. They have an ok beer selection with food of average quality. Regular prices are sort of high for what you get although their happy hour and other specials are a pretty good deal. I think the thing that I really don't like about this place is how insanely crowded and busy it always is.
(3)
Julia M.
Grendel's is my go-to bar when I'm in Harvard Square. It has a great atmosphere, friendly staff, & good, reasonably priced drinks. The only downside to Grendel's is that there is not a lot of seating inside, so the place quickly fills up on Friday & Saturday nights.
(4)
Meka A.
Let me make it clear - I love Grendel's. Not because their drinks are the fanciest or the food the best in the Square, but because it's the perfect combination of inexpensive drinks, good hearty cheap food, and a laid-back bar atmosphere. Come here for lunch, dinner, or a drink to start your night out and you won't be disappointed. In the winter, my go-to drink is the spiked apple cider (oddly, it's hard to find warm alcoholic drinks in Harvard Square), but in the warmer months, I default to a drink I was introduced to by Grendel's - Kanye's Workout Plan - a crisp, refreshing blend of cucumber vodka, soda, and lime. I've had all types of food from Grendel's, but have been most pleased with their wraps.
(3)
Kelly O.
I'm all about great deals, and had been meaning to come to Grendel's Den for their half price meal deals for some time. Last night was finally my chance, for a pre-Brattle dinner/drinks date with friends. It was raining and thus it wasn't too crowded, so we got a table right away around 5:45. The interior is really cozy and welcoming, and it's the kind of place I would easily have spent hours in back in my student days, tucked away at a corner table with a beer in one hand and a book in the other. I was pleasantly surprised to have a waitress that was not only friendly but attentive; usually in cheap food situations, you're faced with surly/MIA service (looking at you, Pour House), but our waitress was lovely and really added a positive note to our time here (thanks, waitress!). Also surprised to see a pretty decent beer menu (so awesome they eschew Bud and Miller and the rest of the lawnmower gang) and a cheap cocktail list (had me some nice Hot Rum Cider for only $5). The menu's not bad either... love the fact that it's the entire menu that's half priced 5-7:30, not just a small list, and the prices are cheap to begin with so you can really go to town for not a lot of cash. We got the potato skins and nachos to split, and then I got a turkey burger with cheddar and BBQ sauce as my main. Everything is obviously frozen/packaged/not homemade ("these chips taste like store brand"), but nothing was too terrible or unpalatable, and really for the price we're paying, I can't complain (plus what do you expect from a place like this, you can't think you're going in for the meal of your life). The potato skins could have been crispier on the outside but otherwise were pretty standard/unmemorable, the nachos had strange chunky guac but excellent vegan chilli, and the turkey burger was a preformed patty with some sort of strange added flavor to it that I couldn't put my finger on (not bad, just not the usual charbroiled turkey flavor). Portions are on the smaller size... we got 3 small half potatoes with our skins order, the nachos are on a regular sized plate and not piled too high, and the very thin burgers come with a handful of chips (or coleslaw, if you're so inclined). With 2 apps and a main, I left satisfied but not overly full. I wouldn't say I'm a fan of their food per say, but it wasn't terrible and I think it's decent for the price, and wouldn't hesitate to return during happy hour if I was looking for some cheap eats (and definitely would return just for drinks any time). Overall though, I'd say Grendel's has more pluses than minuses. I've been a Pour House fan for years for their special half price nights, but I have to say the only two things Pour House has on Grendel's are giant beers for $5.50 and better food (see: mac&cheese, chimichanga). Other than that, Grendel's wins the day (better beer selection, better cocktail selection, larger menu choice, better atmosphere, better service).
(3)
Binh L.
Like the exposed brick, great space, cozy decor, but there is just something I can't quite point out that I don't like. Wouldn't go here if you intend on having real conversation though. It gets so loud during the normal rush. What I do like? The snow crab dip, the cute cheese fondue (wish they gave enough bread to finish the cheese) to share with some friends. Like a nice date without any chemistry.
(3)
Cassandra B.
An underrated advantage of the sub-par food is that IF you need a snack, they have offerings like spinach pie and quinoa along with the standard bar food. While the food is not anything special at all, it is nice to get a bar snack that is not greasy or unhealthy. However, like other reviews have said, you don't come here for the food. It is a friendly, cozy, laid-back, casual place to grab some drinks and catch up with friends. I like coming here on weeknights for a fun but low-key night of conversation and drinks that will not break the bank. Good beer list and more reasonably priced than other bars/restaurants with the same variety. I'm no cocktail connoisseur (whiskey ginger is complicated enough for me) but my friends have enjoyed the low-prices of the small menu of 'fun' cocktails here.
(4)
Neel P.
If you're coming from the West Coast and craving the New England cozy pub atmosphere with good drink and food, come here and you won't be disappointed. The apple cider with port was particularly delicious to sip on while I enjoyed my French Dip au Jus. I hear it gets crowded in the late evening, but it was pretty calm on a Sunday evening at 6pm.
(4)
Wen-fai F.
Lunch specials for $4.95, half-price off the entire menu daily, inventive dishes, large amount of outdoor seating, need I say more? This place really is a godsend amidst the over-priced, crappy food brew-pubs in Harvard Square. The lunch is as cheap as cheap can get. For under 5 bucks, you can get a half-sandwich of the day (if it's a tuna melt, get it!) with your choice of soup or salad. The funny part is a half-sandwich is an open-faced sandwich with just as much filling as a normal sandwich, so you're really only missing the top piece of bread. They also offer burgers, a french dip sandwich, and some pasta dishes for the same low price. I've only ever been here for dinner during their happy hour half-priced times (I see no reason to go any other time!). The gorgonzola mac & cheese is a must-try. While the portions aren't huge, they'll fill you up and you'll be leftover free. This place is seat yourself. I'd recommend sitting outside, weather permitting. It's so relaxing although you're subject to hearing whatever street performer is sitting in the courtyard. The inside can get a bit noisy but if your party is small, the bar is a fun place to sit. The service is brisk but attentive. Grendel's seems to understand the demographic it's working with: non-paid college students or way-underpaid graduate students. Thank you, Grendel's for continuing to feed us inventive American food at low, low prices. OK the food is not gourmet but given that it's Harvard Square and things are generally over-priced and stuffy, Grendel's is a 'hidden gem' in that respect.
(4)
Lisa I.
I'm indifferent towards Grendel's. If someone wanted to go, I'd go with them, but I probably wouldn't choose to come here on my own. The food is okay - slightly better than most pub food. And the menu has good variety, with lots of salads, sandwiches, and entrees beyond your standard wings & fried food. The restaurant is small and cramped, but it's a pub, so what do you expect? The food is cheap and everything is half price from 5-7:30PM weeknights!
(3)
Evan H.
The proper review would say nothing, that's how depressing the food here was. I came with my family because we couldn't convince my dad to go elsewhere, but the warning signs were evident. First problem: the food took half an hour to come out. Second problem: the server's attitude. Third problem: the food. My trout was fine, but about a half portion. Our caesar salad didn't have dressing on the side as we requested. The twin hamburgers had the consistency and taste of something I would've eaten in my high school. In fact, the food was roughly equivalent to a cafeteria, from the packaged coleslaw to the felt-like-flash-frozen burgers. The slices of cheese on the twin hamburgers ($3 more than getting a double hamburger) weren't even fully melted. Add to all this a server who seemed annoyed that he had to be serving us and an abundance of good places eat nearby and there is no reason to go here.
(2)
James H.
Let me say first: I love Grendel's, been coming here for years and will go again I'm sure. But last night was really ridiculous in terms of service. The waitstaff on the outside patio is completely overwhelmed. I don't know if they're short staffed or what but the initial wait--to even get the table cleaned from patrons before and be acknowledged-- was endless, the food arrived way late (appetizer and entree together), a request for another beer went totally ignored, took forever to get the check to mercifully leave. It was painful watching other customers have the same bewildered experience. It makes me wonder: isn't there some manager who could tell it was a you-know-what show out there and do something. As I said, I'll be back cause I have a lot of good experiences in the bank already. Just please, don't take customers like me for granted.
(2)
Cecilia J.
I can see how Grendel's would be a beloved place for college students. Cheap food and hearty atmosphere. We were directed here by a random person on the street who thought we were completely lost when she saw me holding up my iPhone maps app. She claimed the food here was "very very good", but I disagree. It really is half-price food from 5-7:30 every night with a purchase of a $3 beverage. But, you get what you pay for. Portions were small and the food just didn't taste very good. The barbecue chicken pizza (regular price $10) is about 10 inches in diameter. Thin crust and not much else to it. The tomato basil bisque was way too salty. The spinach pie, or spanikopita, (regular price $8) tasted pretty good but came with a healthy heaping of rice pilaf that was bland. A good portion of their menu was vegetarian, unlike most pub menus, which are twenty kinds of burgers and fried foods. Grendel's is kind of hidden underground. So you walk down some stairs and open a large, heavy door. Inside is a warm, yellow atmosphere full of people laughing and talking. The bouncer checks your ID and then you seat yourself. But, it is terribly crowded. There is very little room to walk between the tables. t's great if you want to pre-game or something but not if you want to have an actual conversation with someone sitting across the table. You can sit at the wraparound bar, at 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-person tables, or at a couple of the high-top tables in the back. Maybe because I have been out of college for a few years so it was a bit of a shock, but the clientele was very... collegiate. I paid $22 for 2 entrees, 2 soups, and a beer at half-price. That's not bad, but I wouldn't come back at full-price.
(2)
Anne W.
I really really try to love this place.. but I really never do. I came here after a long day with a large party. I guess it's a free for all.. we had over 10 people there so it was difficult to figure out seating.. we ended up forming a L-Shape series of tables. Nobody on their staff offered to help. Not only did they keep us about 15 minutes to order.. they told us they would only take drink orders first even though we were ready for both. I really think they are understaffed. I understand the appeal though.. they are a substainable restaurant/bar. They don't throw anything away.. but recycles everything. At first I thought they took leftovers and re-served it.. which would be rather disgusting. But my appeal would only be if they had a stupendous food menu.. which was less than inspiring from what I ate and what I saw my friends get... and the drink menu. Stuck with beer this time because I knew the drinks would dissapoint.
(1)
Laurinda U.
Was here for brunch just this Sunday with a friend. We split a full sized plate of buffalo wings ($8), I ordered the Eggs Benedict ($7.50), and he ordered the breakfast burrito ($5.50) with bacon ($2). The wings were very very dry so I would not recommend them. The Hollandaise sauce on my Eggs Benedict broke so there was a small puddle of butter. But that made no difference because the EB were still delicious and really you can't go wrong with butter. The Eggs Benedict comes with a side of potatoes and a cup of fruit! Delicious, great portion size, and good service. We just sat and ate in the outdoor seating area and just enjoyed ourselves - in the sweet sweet Boston humidity.
(4)
Maddie C.
This is my favorite bar in the area. Most people I know prefer Charlie's, but to be honest, I don't like the space inside Charlie's that much. The ambiance at Grendel's is just perfect-- casual but not divey. It's quieter than the other bars around, and not too dark. Plus, there are no TVs-- I love that. The half-off special is a major draw for me-- go with the appetizers, which are cheaper but pretty hefty and can count for whole meals (like the potato skins or my personal favorite, the nachos). And they have my favorite beer here, Rapscallion Honey Ale! In winter they have delicious mulled wine and hot cider (with and without alcohol).
(5)
Audrey K.
Better lit than your standard dive, Grendel's benefits from its prime location, beer list, and the draw of half-priced food happy hour. That said, the food is truly awful. Small portions, not fresh, and worse than usual pub fare. You do not want to eat anything on their menu. Literally any restaurant in Harvard Square offers better food. Restaurant draws a casual, noisy crowd. Expect to have a hard time getting seated at peak hours.
(2)
Christina T.
I love you Grendel's. You are nice, warm and toasty in the winter and cool and breezy in the summer. Your drinks are cheap and top notch and your food is simple and understated. Friendly and prompt service is the extra cherry on top. Harvard Square is one of my favorite spots in Cambridge and whenever I pass by, I look over to Grendel's with fondness.
(4)
Dessa R.
Landmark stop for the Harvard crowd and Cambridge locals, which actually also makes it simultaneously touristy-- since visitors want to observe these folks in their natural habitat. This well-known little tavern is below ground level, and gleams multiple hues of hardwood throughout. The walls are stony, and the space is dark, giving it a little bit of a speakeasy/catacomb flavor. Good bar selection. Happy hour, which I believe goes on most days-- half price food if you order two drinks. Food is pretty satisfying, and certainly superior to typical bar grub. I had a gorgonzola tortellini with walnuts, which was really good (and half price)! As if that wasn't enough, one can be easily entertained for hours on end by eavesdropping on the pretentious graduate students dining nearby. Ah, the circle of life.
(3)
Chris M.
I want to love Grendel's Den, I really do. You have amazing cider on tap, you are in a very cool location, you have an awesome drink selection, fairly priced... it's a winning formula... Really, this place is like a coffee haus, that serves alcohol instead of coffee. I love it, well, the concept. There's just something missing. Maybe it's me, or maybe it's you, i'm not really sure. It might have to do with the fact that both times I have been here, I was with a large group. Grendel's isn't made for that. I wouldn't go here with a party of more than 4 (so, Kat, me and Sally, and a +1 can go here for cider... that's it!). I also think the bar is kind of awkward, you can't really stand around the bar, without being in the way. The service is ok, I mean, I didn't like how with a large party, they threw everyone on one tab (flash to me thinking i'm going to get screwed over and have a $270 bill to cover, as people hop in and out of the party), Getting the staff to pay as you go, would keep people there drinking a lot longer, and we all know alcohol sales is where the cash money is at. Also, avoid the corner table that has like copper flashing over it... I think the wood underneath it is rotting or something and it was letting out a strange smell... kind of like someone was rubbing you with a bunch of pennies. There's a lot of potential in this place, and it's a good little neighborhood hangout. I think it kind of stops there though. I wish it was more bar and less restaurant. I'll still go, I'll still give it the chance to wow me, I think they just need to kick it up a notch and they'd have a 5 star establishment.
(3)
Scott B.
Lousy. I really, really was hoping the experience would be as cool as their monkey man logo... but it turned out to be a no-go. First of all, this space is SMALL... and by small I mean disfunctionally small. Prepare to get very close and personal with your dining neighbors. Then there's the service. Just walking in the front door left me with a feeling of chaos. And our server should definitely win an award for her terrible service. She brought us beers, took our order, and we did not see her again. We did catch up with her briefly when she brought us the check. Absolute train wreck. And the food. Argh. Seriously? Bland... boring... blah. To Grendel's credit, it was a busy Saturday night. All in all, Grendel's gave me no reason to be impressed, and several reasons to stay away in the future.
(2)
Mercedes V.
I give Grendel' Den 5 stars for what it is: a bar with bar food! The happy hour is good, the food is good (not great but good), and the service is good. It's a cool atmosphere. No frills but a fun place to go. Grendel's Den is small so depending on what time you go, you might have a hard time finding a seat (oh yeah, it's seat yourself so you can just wander around until you find a table). I've been a few times here (usually with friends late at night) but I also took my dad for dinner one time and he loved it too! Rachael Ray went there on one her show (I love watching those shows on the travel channel and food network) so that was a neat added touch. If you want something gourmet or with great service for a date or something, this isn't the place for you. Grendel's Den is a casual place with a cool atmosphere and location. I definitely recommend.
(5)
Nadir V.
Pleasantly surprised by the price and quality of the restaurant. As a graduate student I try to maximize my dollar, and this surely felt like they were not overcharging for a yummy plate of nachos and a strong IPA. My friend ordered a second round of cole slaw because 'it was the best he ever had'. A must go in Harvard Square!
(4)
Monique S.
This very spacious den is full of all types of people, from tourists to students and the after work crowd. There is a bad fruit fly problem in the back. There are a ton of fruit flies on the wall and swarming around. Once we saw the problem, we moved to another seat. The half off special is quite a good deal, the buffalo wings come with sauce on the side. The bleu cheese is a little watery. They do not have fries. The sandwiches and burgers come with chips or coleslaw. Our waitress was personable and was knowledgeable of the menu and beer selection.
(3)
Andrew C.
Cool place to go. I had the lobster sandwich this time. Which I got as the afternoon special before the prices went up. Tables could have been cleaner, it was kinda sticky. But if you're here to just drink and chill it's a perfect place to go.
(3)
Olga Q.
One of my favorite, unassuming places to go to. I always recommend this place for a low key hangout where you'll get good food and drinks. While so many places in Harvard sq try their absolute hardest to be incredibly pretentious with an expensive albeit mediocre food and drink selection, this place is just a breathe of fresh air despite being in a basement. With eclectic choices of beers and drinks and a great menu for even vegetarians, what more can you ask for. They even do a solid brunch!
(4)
Jackie S.
Grendel's is such a gem. What a delciious and super cheap meal! I can't believe it's half off your meal with the pruchase of a drink for happy hour. Good food, good staff, classic Harvard Square feel. I definitely will come back!
(4)
Dana S.
I went here after a Boston Cannons lax game a few weeks back. It was late for dinner (probably around 9:30) but they still had a full menu and the service was fast and friendly. We started w/ the hummus plate that was accompanied by olives and pita bread. I remember the hummus being slightly bland and needing some salt, but mixed w/ the olives it was a nice light starter. I ordered a portabello wrap that was filled to the max w/ fresh marinated portabellos. My boyfriend ordered a turkey burger w/ coleslaw and was pleased with the portion size and taste of his dish. My wrap was a little hard to eat without a fork and knife given the marinade on the mushrooms, making it a little soggy and hard to keep together, but the flavors were good. for a REALLY cheap meal (esp in boston/harvard sq) i would recommend Grendels. there's also outside seating available which is great for summer.
(3)
Mike P.
* Drinks: Great "Dark and Stormy" and mulled wine * Food: Good quality (a surprise at a bar, esp with the 1/2 happy hour specials) * Crowd: Good mix of locals and college students
(5)
Ashley A.
Went out on a Wednesday night. My two friends and I were kind of barhopping. Grendel's was our 3rd stop, and after downing a few, we were slightly buzzed and having a good time. However, Grendel's quickly put a damper on that with a rude welcome from the bartender. My friends and I took the first seats we saw at the bar, and I unknowingly sat too close to the screen that waiters and waitresses use to place orders and print receipts. Instead of kindly saying, "I'm sorry, but you can't sit there," the bartender quite sardonically states "That computer is there for a reason." Umm don't you work for tips, buddy?! I've worked several jobs in customer service, and I have never, even on my worst days, been that rude to a customer. My friends and I left (after one used the bathroom) and didn't spend a dime. I personally refuse to use my hard-earned dollars at a place where I don't feel welcomed.
(1)
Jackie B.
I like the half-price food for happy hour. I like the drink selection. However, the last time I went we had a less than amicable server who left a pretty bad taste in my mouth. She was unfriendly, slow, and the cincher- after we ate, my party of 6 pooled together our cash and cards and made sure to include a good tip. She proceeded to stand at the table, said 'you know we can't include tips on cards' after we then assured her we had accounted for that, she looked at us like we were trying to cheat her and COUNTED the money to make sure we gave her a tip. When she realized we did, just gave a grunt and walked away. NEVER have I had that experience. We are all college/grad school graduates and were nothing but respectful. I don't like to be judged as a cheapskate when I am paying someone EXTRA for their services.
(3)
Andi P.
During the (week)day, Grendel's is an ideal spot for reading/writing/grading--at least if one wants beer in lieu of lattes (and really, who doesn't?). At most other times, it's ideal for some casual after- school/work/whatever snacking and drinking, especially because they've got a gluten-free menu with a decent selection of items from the "normal" menu, meaning that I can do more than spectate while you eat your burger. Options include vegan chili, salads, wings, grilled chicken, and whatever the fish of the day happens to be, all of them reasonably priced: grendelsden.com/menu/GLU… Not only that, but they've also got gluten-free beer, and not one that I've seen anywhere else yet: "Saxon" ( saxonbeer.com/Saxon_beer… ), brewed by Sinebrychoff/Carlsberg Group. Like Estrella's Damm Daura ( glutenfreepdx.wordpress.… ), it's made from deglutenized barley, which I much prefer to the sorghum concoctions out there. Last night, I tested out the beer as well as the nachos from the gluten-free menu, and came away delightfully unglutenated. Additionally: our waitress was lovely, knowledgable, and attentive; Robin L. claims that her Reuben was "the closest thing to a 'perfect Reuben' [she has] had yet"; the busy-but-pleasant basement atmosphere is, despite its quirky college bar aura, TV-less (thankfully); the restrooms are ungendered; and, last but not least, the name makes me think happy thoughts of besieged mead halls, West Saxon, and creatures having their arms torn off.
(4)
Eunice R.
Wow this place has cheap alcohol. An extra star for that. However, you get what you're paying for. The $5 house red wine that I had was probably the worst wine that I ever had. In addition, trying to get seats for a party of 6 was ridiculously hard. You have to be pretty aggressive. I would like to try their sangria the next time I'm here. They only sell it by half or whole pitcher.
(3)
Ranjit V.
The weird thing about this place is you have to seat yourself. So if you go at a busy time, you basically chill at the bar and have to "vultlure" people. You want to be classy and not run to a table that's leaving, but you have to in order to get it before someone else. The beer selection is great and the food is good otherwise.
(4)
Emily D.
Move over McCormicks, I just found my new Happy Hour Spot. 1/2 off food from 5:00-7pm. Who likes "cheap" food raise your hands! *raises hand* Unlike other happy hour spots, don't be worried about over priced drinks either. I ordered a svedka with ginger ale. $5!!!! Let me repeat.. cheap food, cheap ass drinks.... *raises both hands* We're not talking gourmet food here.. we're talking pretty decent bar food. Seat yourself. College kids. Busy, so get there early.
(4)
Jerome T.
Their food was quite yummy, if nothing special. The burger appeared to be approximately 3oz per patty, but came with two patties. It tasted quite good, and I left satisfied. The drink that they celebrate here is the "Dark and Stormy," and it seems to be strong, but very well made. I have no complaints at all. That being said, I wouldn't come here again with the abundance of choices, but I wouldn't complain either. An average-Above average experience.
(4)
Elizabeth G.
Dark n Stormy. That's all you need to know. Grendel's makes a MEAN Dark n Stormy. The food is pretty good. Not the best food ever, but it definitely hits the spot for reasonably priced pub food (especially in Harvard Square). Unfortunately it's quite a small space, so if you're coming in a large group (I'm talking 3+)... good luck. Although on nice days/nights its not bad to wait outside. I do like some of the smaller 2-seater tables that are positioned in tiny stone nooks in the back. It really does feel like a cave, er, a den...
(5)
Dawn E.
Any bar that refuses to serve shit beer, has their own branded beer (which is yummy), and that has a 70's style crock pot behind the bar (like Mom used to have) for hot cider is my kind of bar. I am a fan. Oh, and the bartender was fun. I have never had food at Grendel's, so I'm reviewing the bar only. But the bar rocks in my book.
(4)
Amanda G.
Grendel's Den feels like home/my early adulthood because it's my dinner tradition with a close friend and former co-worker. Grendel's Den is pretty much like what it sounds - something between a den and the bar on Cheers. It's great. The best things about Grendel's are: There's a varied, comfort-food filled menu that is consistently delish, and it's super cheap. In fact, come here on weekdays before 7, and everything you order to eat is 1/2 price with purchase of one drink. In the Winter months, I always get a turkey burger, hot cider with rum, and share a hummus appetizer. In the Summer months, I pretty much have the same thing, sub the hot cider for white wine. I love the food, I love the place and I love the fact that it can cost less than $20 for a starter, entree and drink. For newbies: You need to grab a seat, so don't wait for a waitress to greet you, and try to get a table in the back up the stairs, because it's farther from the door (I suppose that only matters in Winter). Come Summertime, the patio opens up, and that's fun, too.
(4)
Mark C.
Decent selection of beers, but a little pricey. Service is slow, and the food is merely OK. A bit small, so you may be out of luck if you're trying to grab some food. There are tons of spots in Harvard Square you could get into quicker that have better food. Mainly a place to get a couple drinks.
(3)
Brian F.
If only we had spent less time trying to figure out where to eat and more time getting our butts to Grendel's we could've taken advantage of the happy hour prices (half off food from 5-7:30pm with a $3+ purchase in beverages)! I went for a burger... delicious! I tried Raclette cheese on my burger - unique and tasty. As the waitress described, it's salty and French--you know, the way I like my men. I'll be craving that burger for a while now!
(4)
Matt G.
I'm not a huge fan of this place at all. The only saving grace is the appetizer special from 5-7:30. Their beer list is pretty strong, with some good local microbrews. The food is mediocre and standard 'bar fare'... the thing that irritates me beyond belief is the staff that greets you when you come in. Coming in after work on a Thursday, you are often greeted with a rather surly College Senior who rather rudely demands your ID. (I'm nearly 30) [don't get me wrong, I understand the IDing thing... but at least be courteous about it!] Then, you get constant grief as you try to find a place to stand/sit since the place is always mobbed. god forbid you wait for a friend to arrive by the door... heavens no. I'm not a huge fan... I'd much rather take another T stop and head to Porter or walk down the street to Redline.
(2)
Johnna M.
Grendel's holds a special place in my heart as it is where I met so many wonderful yelpers during yelp pub crawl. I have come here a few times after and certainly appreciate the bar. Sangria is great and major props for serving Guinness the way it should be served (with the cute little shamrock thingy) I also like that the inside decor makes me feel like I am dining in the Shire and that I am surrounded by drunken intellectuals. I just don't like the food. Sounds good on paper, does not taste so good in my mouth. I typically get a veggie sandwich type thing-maybe their pub grub is better. Outdoor seating is great for people watching!
(3)
Cheryl H.
I have been to parts of the world where they don't have refrigerators and that night's dinner might be the lamb carcass you see in the market with the sun beating down upon it amidst a swarm of flies, yet I have never gotten as sick in any of those places as I did after eating at Grendel's. The highlight of the meal was the beer. If I hadn't gotten sick, I would probably give them an extra star just for their decent, reasonably priced beer list. The food though...omfg, the food. The spinach pie was okay, but the quinoa it came with had zero flavor. none. It was like they just threw some quinoa and water together and decided to serve it. And it was slightly dessicated like it had been sitting around for a while, which was the flashing red beacon that I somehow missed. My friend got some sort of combo thing that came with chicken and rice pilaf and it was the same deal - no flavor at all. Just plain boiled rice and a piece of dry, flavorless meat. The salad that came with it was a puddle of dressing with some onion slices and a few leaves. Even if it's half off, that still doesn't change the fact that the food is total crap. If you're going to go, stick to drinks.
(1)
Lu B.
Grendel's is the soft, warm underbelly of Harvard square. When you're in this windowless den it's hard to tell how much time has passed. I wish the fireplace in the front by the door was real, although I suppose that might make the tables near it uninhabitable, even in these cold winter months... I'm pretty sure that portion sizes here are created with the half-priced food happy hour in mind. Which is fine for me, since I'm not a fan of restaurant leftovers. It doesn't bother me one bit that they serve chips instead of fries; and any place that offers me a sandwich featuring Boursin has clearly found a way to my heart. My non-hops allergic friends heart the beer selection and I heart the dark and stormies. The first come first serve seating has never proven an issue for me. If I'm solo or with one friend I almost always prefer to eat at the bar, and bar space can be hard to come by here, but a table will do just fine. The servers and bartenders are kept on their toes, this place is always busy, but I always find them to be friendly. I find the unisex bathrooms quirky, rather than creepy. In summer, the outdoor patio is the absolute best place in the square to sit and people watch on a warm day.
(4)
Mindy L.
Grendel's Den is one of the few places that make me feel as though I'm not cool enough (cool being a relative term) to completely fit in with the crowd. It's an ecclectic bunch, to be sure, but I always go in and feel as though I just don't quite belong. This could totally be in my head, or it might just be the vibe of the place... ...HOWEVER I am willing to overlook a certain amount of discomfort when I am served an excellent drink. I have to give Grendel's props for mixing a very delicious Dark-n-Stormy. It's got a little spice, a little heat to it with the ginger beer...but not heavy-handed. I've had some Dark-n-Stormy's that require double-fisting with a glass of water, but not this one! It comes in a fun little mug, too so you can knock one back in style...
(3)
Tommy V.
This is kind of a neat place, but the prices on the lunch menu are now higher and the food has always been just okay. Service is always very spotty too. For the price and pretentiousness, i'd say you can find better in the area. If you are into drinking, I'm sure this is a fine spot, but no "major" beers are served.
(2)
Sarah A.
Oh, Grendel's. Knocking you down a star after some horrible service at the outdoor patio. I don't feel like going into all the errors of the server, but, seriously, when the water you requested with your drink order arrives at the END of the meal, just before the check, that is just BAD. I still have a special place in my heart for Grendel's, however, but I think I will stick with the half priced happy hour menu. It's easier to take bad service when you're not paying full price for you meal.
(3)
Ann S.
Grendel's has always been a favorite place in Harvard Square. I've been going there for years and have introduced lots of friends who have also become fans. I'm sorry to say that after last night's experience, I'm packing it in. My friends and I planned to meet at Grendels for dinner and drinks last night. My friend got there first and after waiting patiently for a table, found one that would accommodate our party of 6. As she walked over to the table, a young woman dove in front of her and announced she was taking the table for her not-there-yet party of 5. My friend pushed back, but gave up b/c she didn't feel like dealing with Rude Girl. I arrived about a minute later, with the rest of our group. After discussing what had happened, we decided to go back in to Grendel's and see if there was another table available, since it started to snow and we weren't that psyched to walk around aimlessly ISO another place to go on a busy Friday night. Unfortunately, there were no tables free, except for the one that Rude Girl, had snatched from my friend. Rude Girl was sitting ALONE at the table my friend had waited for. When I approached Rude Girl to say that table snatching wasn't cool, the door check guy--who had not been there to see the situation--announced that tables were first come, first served. I explained to him that my friend WAS there first, but that Rude Girl literally pushed her out of the way and stole our table. Door Guy then said he didn't see it, so I asked him why he was weighing in on something he didn't see? We didn't want to mix things up so we left, but really Grendel's. Shame on you for not doing a better job on being fair AND for not making saying that the entire party needed to be present to secure a table as other places do. Grendel's, this bad experience has lost you many loyal customers. I sincerely hope you do something about the seating chaos you've created. Until then, we'll be taking our business elsewhere..
(1)
Amber S.
Very friendly staff, love the comfy vibe and beer/drink choices but the food was ehhh not so great. Crab/artichoke dip was mediocre and chicken/steak from lala's grill was chicken and steak with lots of chewy/tendon-y bites. Big portions but id it doesnt take good ... why force it down your gob. I would rather me again for the drinks though... cambridge amber ale was yummy and the mixed drinks sounded incred!
(2)
Stephanie H.
Don't expect Bud, Coors or bad macro beer here. Only craft brews available! Local hangout, vegan and veggie friendly. Thoroughly enjoyed their picture of "mordor" aka the places where LGBT marriage isn't legal. LGBT friendly as well.
(4)
Johanna M.
Grendel's has been a staple eatery of ours for years. The secret underground restaurant and bar boasts an eclectic array of customers and regulars and has amazing happy hour prices with many healthy choices for both happy hour half-price appetizers and entrees. The best time to visit Grendel's is in the evening, as the atmosphere gets very different later on at night (unless you are into that kind of edgy thing). The crowd can get loud and the place fills up with local students quickly. But if you are looking for a mellow place to read and relax and have a tasty treat after work, Grendel's is a great well kept secret that fits the bill.
(4)
Joshua W.
Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar is very Harvard Square. Anyone that hasn't been or doesn't know about Harvard Square, it's a place that's a urban sensation. Culture clash; vegans, vegetarians, music performers, bars, trendy hot spots. It's everything that you want in a hang out area that's open to all. When I got there it was down a set of stairs and you just walk in a sit down. We then we're given time to look over the menus. The waiter was more than happy to give us, not just one, but multiple suggestions to eat. As a vegetarian I decided to go with the vegetarian burger with their special topping that was made of avocado, chutney, and a couple other sauces. The combination with the handmade burger was glorious. By far the best veggie burger I've ever tasted and all the while it was an environment that my father and I felt comfortable enough to relax and enjoy conversation. Highly recommend.
(4)
Ave H.
This review is based on bar only, not food. First off, I think this place is super cute. The entrance is easily missed if you don't know what you're looking for as it is an unmarked door next to the small sign. It is a basement entrance that you have to go down a few stairs to get to. Once you enter you can immediate feel the welcoming coziness. An intimate space that is laid out very well. The bar is shaped in a manner so that you can see all the other customers at it, rather than in a line. There also are no TVs - which I thought was great. Drink prices were more than reasonable and they had a decent selection of beers (and a cider) on draft for $5. Our bartender was very friendly and she gave a perfect pour, which unfortunately is less common than it should be. This is also a bar that recognizes that different types of beer call for different styles of glasses. There is nothing worse than getting a hefeweizen in a standard pint glass. /shudder The atmosphere is very much a mix of cozy lounge and comfy hangout. I look forward to returning and hopefully trying their food in the near future!
(4)
Amanda C.
I ate at Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar last Saturday. For a meal in Cambridge this is such a great deal. From 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. they have half price all food with a $3 drink purchase, which, if you are on a crazy budget, a Narragansett is $3.25, so it is an easy bargain to swing. The service was really great and the food was filling and hot. The beer selection is really great here too. I am glad to find a place that does not serve Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Miller or any of those other beers that are bland and boring. I hope you all can give it a try!
(5)
John L.
I appreciate Grendel's Den. I like the fact that they don't serve the regular gang of beers. I like the fact that they have absinthe (though I have not imbibed in this substance, I have seen others order it). I like their bar setup, and their extensive selection of brews. I kind of wish that it was easier to move around in there (it can get quite crowded really easily, leading to wacky situations involving avoiding waiters and other patrons while maneuvering around). But overall, I like Grendel's Den, its downstairs location, and it's overall vibe.
(4)
Emilie P.
This food was great for the price during Happy hour. My friend and I had a glass of wine each, two fresh Mediterranean salads (which were fantastic), and shared a large pot of fondue. The bill? $24. Wow, can't beat that. The atmosphere is low-key and the hostesses weren't overly nice but did their job well. My main gripe were the restrooms, which are confusingly unisex (the sign on both bathrooms say "Either-or". I chose one and a minute later a man came in and attempted to force his way into the stall because I guess he couldn't hear me screaming or maybe he just wasn't expecting to hear a female voice. He told me this was the men's room and asked what I was doing there. Confused I said I was sorry but then he realized it was in fact unisex. He then apologized profusely and said he would wait outside to make sure no one else came in while I was there. This whole awkward situation would have been avoided if there were separate restrooms.
(3)
Ethan T.
Staying with my love of basement bar themes I have to comment of this place. Starting with the obvious literary name, the stone walls, wood tables, and cave like feeling make this a unique place to stop for lunch. The food is decent, and the bar has Number 9 on tap, and the feel of an ancient European tavern is palpable. The place stands out on to me is that every time I stop in I imagine the scene from The Great Gatsby where Gatsby and Nick meet Wolfshine and is cuff links made of molars. The bar is just that kind of place. Yes, there are TV's but I am not sure if I have ever paid attention to one for more than a moment. Go, relax, and let your imagination run wild.
(5)
Nik B.
Cocktail lessons for Grendel's den: 1. Please do not serve me a French75 with ice in it. Would you put ice in your champagne? I didn't think so. If you need the recipe, here it is: cocktailtimes.com/gin/fr… 2. Please don't throw a bit of wine into pineapple juice, add some maraschino cherries and call it White Sangria. What a poor excuse for a drink. When served in a pitcher full of ice, it basically tastes like pineapple juice. If that was the desired taste, pineapple juice would have been ordered. 3. Also, why is Lucid Absinthe served as the Absinthe Drip of choice? It's such a terrible brand of Absinthe. I appreciate the cheap prices, but minor adjustments can be made that will severely increase the quality of the cocktail program without having to increase the cost. I suggest that Grendel's Den consult with some mixologists and get things figured out.
(2)
Vitaliy Z.
I had a hamburger there and it was the worst burger I ever had at a restaurant. It tasted like they threw a frozen patty on a lukewarm grill. It was very bland, tasteless and with absolutely no grill marks or caramelization. And strangely enough it was overcooked at the same time. I remember having a hamburger there few yers ago and it was equally as bad. Maybe I should start to learn from my mistakes.
(1)
Danielle K.
I'm a fan of Grendel's 1/2 priced menu until 7:30 PM on weekdays. It's average bar food, but I enjoy meeting friends there anyway.
(4)
Steph P.
I've been wanting to check out Grendel's for a long time and finally went with some out of town guests today. We wanted to sit outside and were a little confused on how we would go about doing that. I would have appreciated a sign saying "seat yourself" or something along those lines. Once we sat down inside the server came over promptly, but wasn't super friendly. I liked the menu, a lot of cool things like Spinach Pie, Crab and Artichoke Dip, a French Dip Sandwich and even Italian sodas. I of course had a diet coke since I am whore for them, along with a turkey burger with grilled onions and Russian dressing. The burger was good, juicy and on a yummy fluffy roll with a side of tangy coleslaw. My companions had the lobster roll and spinach pie, both of which were yummy. I guess I just expected it to be more...special. It was fun inside, old and brick-y. The food was good and varied. But I just expected a little more. I might come by again if I am in the area and want to sit outside, but probably won't go out of my way.
(3)
Bronwen Y.
Would definitely go back to Grendel's Den after my awesome lunch there yesterday. Love the atmosphere - underground brick-walled-pubby feel. Fantastic people watching, too! Hipster Cambridge-ites, Harvard undergrads, and awkward little high school seniors on college visits with their parents. Great food selection. I had a solid French Dip Sandwich (B+, the Au Jus was a little weak) with coleslaw and a couple of Sam Lights. Love the disclaimer on the menu - No Coors, No Coors Light, No Bud, No Bud Light, No Miller, etc. etc. Great beer selection otherwise, with an impressive number available on tap. In all, A+. Wish it was closer so I could go more often!
(5)
Matt L.
Went here again on Tuesday... really as good as it gets for me with Cambridge places. The food is always decent and cheap, even when the menu isn't half price -- which it usually is. I go here a lot, so I know what to get, and the staff know how I like my drinks. People are always friendly, and unless its a Friday or Saturday night, there's always a table for two.
(5)
Jade Y.
When I first moved here, groups of us would be trying this place out since it's right in Harvard square. Their staff is friendly and grounded. The food is :/ not tasty, I'd rather go hungry then eat their food quite honestly. Not too impressed with this place, there are definitely better options in Harvard Square. Their food is just so bad I can't even write a decent review. Their beers are extremely well priced though and it's a good atmosphere to be around friends.
(2)
Milena P.
So I found this place thanks to a former fling from Harvard who insisted on us meeting here for a beer. A couple of weeks later, I ditched the dude but kept this little gem of a place. Since my best friend/tutor lives in Porter, and I live in Kendall, this was a good meeting place for us to work on homework together. And working on homework over a nice (cheap) pint of beer can't get any better. The waiters/bartenders are friendly enough. The food is just pub food, but they have half-price food between 5:30 and 7:30 and then later at night again (I think). So that works pretty well.
(4)
Jeremy K.
Having worked in Harvard square for almost six months now, it has been hard for me not to end up going to Grendel's Den. It's been around for a long time and therefore packs quite a history! People can recall having gone there twenty, thirty years ago and still come in masses... It's part of the square but can easily go unnoticed by tourists because of basement entrance... I've been there twice now, once for brunch on a Sunday morning and once a few weeks ago with my parents for a late night dinner. I like the fact that they have booze in their brunch menu; I love booze and it just makes waking up on a Sunday morning that much more pleasant. Yes, I want a mimose. Actually, make it two. Or three. I'm diverging. No but seriously, there menu isn't bad but there's nothing special or impressive about it. It's very American and most of the food is simple. The cooks don't go out of their way to create anything original. You have your typical nachos, quesadilla, pasta, sandwiches, burgers... Same, good old stuff you can find anywhere else. The atmosphere is very weird inside of this place. Despite the creepy name of the establishment it is not bad inside; they even have some tables with cute little nightstand-like lamps on them. A cool twist! It's not too spacious and is often packed. One of the dishes I had there which I trully enjoyed a lot and crave once in a while is the fettuccine with the Gorgonzola sauce they have. It's $6.50 and is both very tasty and satisfying. That's about the only thing that I've tasted there that's impressed me. The salads are bland. It's a decent place for a quick drink but not a weekly hangout-worthy place. Good for an occasional pit-stop, if that. Except if you want to eat outside. They do have a patio which caused me to add a star. My advice to them would be to tweak the menu a bit. A little less junk, a bit more taste and twists and a better use of the space... and music! Let's hear some good stuff. C'mon! Oh and watch out on some of the deals they have on the food... They have specials on certain days and times of the week!
(3)
Chandra C.
Grendel's is hands down my favorite place to warm up if I'm in the square for more than 5 minutes during the seemingly 10 months of winter we have around here. I've been day drinking, getting lunch with professors (oh, back when I was a student) and also done dinner here after a disastrous attempt at Legal's with some family friends. The food is above average pub-style but also with a decent amount of healthy options as well (always love their hummus). The winter drinks make me, actually, wish it was a bit colder right now. During the summer months, I'm less inclined to spend time here since if its sunny being in a basement bar is less than ideal, but that is my only complaint. I've been here more times than I can count (over about 7 years) and its a great spot if you just have an hour to kill or a good spot to make a night of it. Oh and though I can't give you any names of the bartenders, they are almost always friendly and fabulous!
(4)
Adam G.
Great atmosphere inside, very unique and warm but not farty or boring. The Bar is made from Salvaged Pews from a Church and they seem to have a great selection on tap. I ordered the Spinach and Artichoke dip with crab and it was delicious, very rich and the chips that came with it were some of the best I have had. My friend ordered the Beggar's Banquet which he let me try (Your choice of meat with Spinach pie, pita bread, hummus and pasta or salad.) It was excellent, especially the hummus. I ordered the Veggie burger which came with chips. Perhaps it was a dumb choice to get the Veggie Burger because it wasn't the best. It tasted okay but was not as substantial as a burger should be. Also, I did not care for the chips. We ordered the house brew (a flavorful dark kind of lager which is not really my style but was okay.) The best thing about this place was the service. Our waiter was super-nice and accommodating. Service was amazingly fast and because of the high marks with regards to service I will want to come back here next time I'm in Harvard Square. I just won't order the veggie burger again.
(4)
Maya T.
Great happy hour! Friendly staff!
(4)
Becki W.
I have been here twice, and while i have yet to have a bad experience, I can't get jiggy with this place. The food is okay, and the staff is nice enough, but that is about as much as I can "rave" about it. Basically, all I can say about it is that it doesn't suck.
(3)
Vanessa V.
Ya know what? The food really isn't that good at all. I still love the bar and the ambiance, but every time I try to eat there I'm disappointed, unless I'm paying half price. I would particularly warn against getting the fondue (unless you like your cheese too thick to dip things in), but everything on the menu that I've tried is kindof meh.
(3)
John L.
The reason I'm giving this two stars is mostly because the Guinness draft was flat. It simply did not pour to my expectations and was not served in a true Guinness Pint glass. Very disappointing. I may try this place again next time I'm in Harvard Sq. for food, but hard to, when there are so many other places to choose try as well. It is true, first impression could be your last impression.
(2)
Gina F.
Beer on tap is good. Don't order any of the food specials because it's not worth it. I had their vegan chili and it's actually really good (needs some extra salt though). Atmosphere is cozy and typical of Harvard Square. Okay place to hang out with friends but the food, in general, isn't really worth it. I prefer Tommy Doyle's, which is right across the street.
(3)
May N.
4 stars for the bar, atmosphere, and value, but 2 stars for the food. After moving here and settling in, I'm getting a chance to explore the culinary side of Boston/Cambridge and so far, am not impressed. First, to save money as my first paychecks are rolling in, I'm looking for good happy hours (cheap food, not booze, this being MA) and this seemed like a good bet. Happy hour here is 5:30-7 every night and again 9-11:30 Sun-Thurs, deal being buy at least a $3 drink, get all food 1/2 off as long as you don't eat on the patio. So, technically, I guess you could eat in the "den" during HH, hang out on the patio or the in the adjacent park as the summer heat subsides, and then go back in the den when HH starts up again Sun-Thurs! It's already an inexpensive place to eat so the HH makes it that much sweeter. Good beer, wine, and cocktail selection with very un-Boston prices. So referring to the food, I feel like I could make a lot of this at home. I'm glad I went during HH because I would have been annoyed paying full price for the Beggars Plate. My partner got the Vegetarian Plate. The hummus was rich and plain. Maybe I've been spoiled by Trader Joe's flavored hummus selection. Light, not greasy, average portions. Our waitress was prompt and cleared off our small table for two as we finished plates. Liked how the bigger tables were marked "5 or more please" because we get annoyed when we play nice by sitting at a small table and then see another couple sitting at a very large table alone. Would return for the booze, the food only during HH, but only after I've exhausted the many, many other restaurant choices nearby.
(3)
Bob H.
long wait for a good beer and a good sandwich. Next time I will go somewhere else
(2)
Lindsey M.
The drinks here are okay but the food leaves a lot to be desired. I'm certain that if they stopped doing the happy hour specials it'd likely go out of business for lack of interest. I ordered one of the salads which had an off putting cheese/lettuce ratio. If I order a salad, a sprinkle of cheese is okay; but I would have ordered nachos or lasagna if I wanted a half-a-pound of cheese. Okay, so my biggest gripe is that they have poor documentation and service around food allergies, I had to take Benadryl because they didn't disclose that their dressing was a "spicy ranch" and the lighting was so poor it was hard to tell it was tinged red. I even mentioned my food allergies to make sure the chicken wasn't blackened or seasoned in any way, and they serve me spicy ranch when it reads simply "ranch" on the menu. When I asked what was in it (the itchiness had started) the waitress said, "Ummmm, I don't know, the guy that makes it isn't here." Overall this place was disappointing and I will likely not return. I call for a rename - Grendel's Dump.
(2)
Leila T.
Really friendly, low key basement bar. Certainly not the rowdy crowd- but it can get crowded, even still, we didn't have a problem getting a table. No obnoxious douchebags, just preppy intellectuals. Service was friendly but slow. I like that they don't serve Bud, Coors or Miller.
(4)
Brian D.
Honestly, I went to the Grendel with friends several time in the late 90s, and never liked it. The staff was kind of snobby, the food was strange and the atmosphere was just...unpleasant. I understand the vagueness of that comment, but that's exactly how the Grendel always left me. Feeling vaguely disgusted. I finally went back with friends the other night to try it again. We were going to a show at the ART and they had a special deal, a select number of entrees for $8, tax and tip included and you'd be in and out in time to make your show. A great concept. Well we got there early and had a special German appetizer (appropriate, I suppose, since we were seeing "Cabaret"), made with Camembert and Caraway seeds and hot pretzels to dip. The pretzels were very hot, the dip was...meh. I liked the place a little better this time around, the waitstaff was friendly and the Bratwurst sandwich I had was tasty. My friends loved the pesto pasta, but everything else was also deemed "meh." I guess this is the sort of place that you get, or you don't. It's still got sort of a 70s-80s hippy vibe, like Birkenstocks, the Dead and backpacking in Europe. Which is fine, but not for me. I'd say there are plenty of better places in the area for food, but I will give them 2 stars for caring about good beer and at least trying to do some interesting food. If I could, I'd give them 2 1/2 stars for saying on the front of their drinks menu in bold letters "No Bud, No Bud Light, No Miller Light," etc.
(2)
Sean J.
I don;t get all the poor reviews. The staff was very friendly, even when I knocked over a glass and broke it by the bar. The drinks were stiff and cheap and the house booze wasn't bad (Bombay G&T for 5$?). I guess the only bad thing is how packed this place gets. It's really small and tends to get some overflow from the surrounding bars on a weekend night so be prepared to stand.
(4)
Dean S.
This place was stop #1 on my tour de force visit to Cambridge/Boston. Starving after a 5 hour greyhound trip from NYC to Boston, my friend picked me up from the Harvard station and took me directly here. First, and best of all, was the price of food with a drink purchase (5-7pm or 9-11:30pm, and I think we got in just at 11:30). Everything on the menu was half-off with the deal, so to go along with my Yeungling, I got the most expensive and appetizing-sounding thing on the menu -- the 10 oz Sirloin Steak banquet. And a very good banquet it was. It came with pasta, spinach pie, hummus, and pita bread. Everything was cooked well and was plenty for me and my starved appetite. I honestly don't remember too much about the taste, texture, etc of everything that I ate because I was extreeeemely hungry. But it sure hit the spot. The ambiance is dark and pubby, which I enjoyed. There were lots of Harvard students hanging out and drinking, but the noise level in the room wasn't too loud. Seems like it'd be a fun place to go to happy hour after class or after a rough midterm. I've got a place like that back at my alma mater, but I don't think the food there was quite as good. Also, Service was extremely nice and attentive. I was extremely happy to receive our bill and not feel my wallet hurting after the very first stop of my trip. I would love to come by here again on my next visit for a drink or two and some good food.
(4)
Hawker C.
Had a really disappointing casual brunch here while visiting Harvard Square. Overall, food was average, to a bit worse, with a couple of notable problems: - They serviced undrinkable, lukewarm coffee - Two of us ordered eggs Benedict. One was OK; the other was raw, almost uncooked. We asked the server to take it back, and got a bit of an argument about how we didn't understand how eggs Benedict are cooked. We then got a replacement serving that was dramatically *over* cooked. I guess the chef was trying to teach us a lesson. Service in general was slow and spacey; our server spent a lot of time chatting with folks at other tables (I guess they were friends?) and at one point even sat down to chat.
(2)
Mike N.
Certainly one doesn't come here for the ambience, because it is thoroughly unremarkable in its mediocrity. Similarly, the burgers are so middle of the road that it begs the question "why even bother?" In fact, the only thing that does stand out about this place are the waiters. If slow, pretentious, self important servers are your thing, then you've come to the right place.
(2)
Jessica J.
Great for their happy hour: 1/2 off on all food I had their Warm Spiced Rum and chicken pot pie, which was perfect after walking around in the cold. The vibe is warm and tavern-y. Wish this place was closer to me!
(4)
Kerry M.
Best joint in Harvard Square. Really relaxed, good soul food, good drinks.
(4)
Deanna D.
The service was great and the beer is cheap! We went there during happy hour so the food was half off and for those prices the food was good. I would not eat there if it wasn't happy hour as the food is not that great but its a cool joint for drinks. The menu has lots of choices and is inexpensive-- so something for everyone! We will back again!
(4)
Tanya V.
This is a true college basement bar with a Harvard spin. Warm and cozy, edgy but nice bartenders/servers, and not expensive. A good place to feel like you're 23 again, and enjoy some relaxed sandwiches and beers.
(3)
Julia M.
One of the few unpretentious bars in Harvard Square. Great happy hour if you want very cheap food in Cambridge. I won't call the food good, but it is edible. Barely. And do you like basements? I know I do. Grendel's is a dive, but it has a certain charm. This bar has actually been here since John Harvard founded Harvard University in 1492. True story, I read it on the internet.
(4)
Dallas S.
So, my parents came in from Minnesota for my graduation and I took them to Grendel's Den, our experience was as such: It was a great day to be in Cambridge; typical hustle and bustle of Harvard Square, street performers and musicians made sitting outdoors enjoyable... Our waiter was pleasant when he visited our table; he made sure we had warm and fresh coffee, but it was obvious that the restaurant had been understaffed that day....The coffee was, however, good. I had the veggie burger made California style (with avocados and tomatoes, etc.) and it tasted fine enough. I'm bummed I wasn't informed that I had the option of a multi-grain roll instead of white bread. Additionally, my father had a burger and we both had the same complaint of the lack of french fries being on the menu! We ordered salsa and tortilla chips for starters and they were stale, icky! They were broken up and must have been what remained from the previous batch. The lobster roll my mother ordered was dry and scant--she also thought it was "fishy" tasting, however, she did enjoy the roll in was on! (lol)... I tried a bite of the Moroccan Stew, with shrimp and feta cheese, which was on the daily specials menu, and it was the best at the table. Therefore, I'm going to give Grendel's Den a total of 3 stars. Part of the 3 star makeup was based solely on the Grendel himself; in fact he was so great my dad had to buy a t-shirt to remember him. And there you have it.
(3)
Damien S.
One hundred forty reviews and not a single one refers to Grendel's as what it is: the womb of Harvard Square. The subterranean hug with cold beer, step-up pub grub and conversational bartenders. A truly great spot to tip a pint with friends.
(4)
Jen L.
Delicious, affordable, great drink selection. Half price happy hour is a must. This place is a go-to whenever I'm meeting up with friends. It's been a little loud sometimes, but come on. You're at a bar. Definitely recommended!
(4)
Caro M.
Mulled wine? Yes, please! I LOVE Grendel's Den! Located really close to Harvard Square- there seems to be a good crowd on any given day of the week. Cheap, easy, fun, shiiiiiiiiit! I only wish I lived closer. Every time I've been here, it's always been a great time. Could be the company I'm with. Could be the cheap boozage and bites... or it could just be this place itself. I usually sit in the lounge just to chill out over a beer or cocktail and endless witty banter and chit chat. Grendel's Den is definitely one of my favorite watering holes in Cambridge!
(5)
Matt K.
Who would have guessed a bar would make my freshman english class cool? If anyone doesn't know what I'm talking about then shame on you. It's straight up pub grub but they often have really great specials and happy hours. I had lunch here about a month ago for 5 bucks. Very hard to beat in the square. My only complaint, what cost them two stars was that they actually charge full price for soda refills. Not beer mind you, but soda. Not cool.
(3)
Abby J.
Main reasons why I heart Grendel's: 1. Half-price food (I'm talkin', the ENTIRE menu) Sun-Thur 5-7:30pm & 9-11:30pm 2. Awesome drinks! I'm a cocktail gal... takes a lot to get a buzz outta me. Hint: get a Dark & Stormy or Elaine's Ricky (a.k.a. the Pink Drink, $1 goes to Komen For The Cure). Also has a great beer selection. 3. Black bean quesadilla..... yummmmmmm (I know I know, it's hard to screw up a quesadilla... but the pico, green tomatillo salsa, and sour cream along with it are seriously the tits). That's the short of it. I've never tried their burgers, but I have had the Beggar's Banquet (I think that's what it's called). I've had it with the grilled chicken as well as the veggie version... both (I think, but don't quote me) include spinach & feta pie and pasta w/ gorgonzola sauce... all of which are completely delish. Yes, it's a basement... which can bum me out a bit on a nice day. But that's what the patio's for! yay! But even if the patio is full and/or crowded (which does occasionally happen)... I will still settle for the "den"... I love it that much. As far as service goes, I've never had a reason to complain. I can't remember encountering a server or bartender who was not completely attentive and friendly.
(5)
Bridget H.
Grendels has a few things going for it. The drinks are cheap and decent. I recently went there on a cold December night and was delighted to find a variety of hot and mulled alcoholic drinks on the menu. I particularly enjoyed the mulled port. The location is good and the bar is cozy (though not warm -- what's up with the fake digital fireplace?). However, the food is mediocre, if reasonably homey. I think of it as the kind of food I might prepare for myself in a hurry from someone else's kitchen. It's basic and fairly healthy, but nothing remarkable. I think it is kind of a shame given the location that they can't put someone in the kitchen who has more passion. If they food was better, I'd hang out there.
(3)
Han S.
A great place to go and grab a few drinks with some friends while solving the world's problems! Great selection of ciders and beers on tap and plus they make excellent Dark and Stormy's and have great happy hour food prices!!
(4)
Meredith V.
Pretty good food, reasonably priced drinks, great people watching, and hot waiters. What more is there?
(4)
Traci H.
It's good, it's not great. It's not too cheap, not too expensive. It's not too nice, but not too shabby. It's chill, which makes it a good place to hang out, but don't expect too much. I do give it extra star power because of the outdoor seating. On a nice day, it's great to sit outside on the tables and enjoy a cool drink, but be warned, you MUST order food if you're going to drink on an outdoor table - something about a city law that you can't serve alcohol on the outdoor table unless there's a food order. However, they're pretty cool about it and we just ordered a plate of peas to go along with our drinks. Yes, I said that right..."I'll have the peas and a coco mojito." Nothing wrong with that! The food is ok. The service is ok. It's a nice place to just hang - low stress environment bar to just hang with your friends.
(4)
Dennis K.
Being a commuter from outside Boston i find it very hard to be able to enjoy Harvard Square. When i drive through i feel like i'm in China or Vietnam....with ivy. Pedestrians and bicyles rule the road and anyone in a car is merely in the way. The trek through this flood of people to Grendel's Den on this thursday night made me feel like Beowolf...only i wanted to tear my own arm off and swat people out of the way with it. Nevertheless, Grendel's is a cozy, laid back place with a pseudo bohemian vibe. An ok place for small gatherings or flying solo and running in to an eclectic variety of people. However we were a part of a group of 25 and those among us who were forced to stand due to lack of seating were made to feel like they were in the way. We kept getting told to clear a path near the doorway. Understandable but its the only place they COULD stand. The waitress was freindly, patient and professional. She accomodated our group of 25 well. I dont think any of us waited longer than 3 minutes for a drink. This was also my first uni-sex bathroom experience. I am a little perplexed as to the protocol of such an arrangment. The doors are marked "either" and "or". When i entered one and saw a girl coming out of a stall i wondered if "either" i should stay "or" go. If its not locked is it ok to stay and..er...go, or walk back out? Not sure. This was later made somewhat less vague when two girls entered as a dried my hands and proceeded immeditaly to their respective stalls without dely. Certainly a thought provoking arrangment that breaks down traditonal boundries between the sexes. The biggest problem i have with Grendel's is that they promote Paulaner's Oktoberfest quite prominately on their website. That that tall frothy-topped glass of golden brew displayed so enticingly on thier site was the only beverage that i looked forward to experiencing that night. When i asked the waitress for one she looked at me as though she had no idea what i was talking about. She directed me to a beverage menu with no Paulaner Oktoberfest even displayed on it! I asked if they even serve it and just got a sort of shrug. I have since learned that the Paulener Oktoberfest is no longer displayed on the website and there is a fine Franziskaner now being served. Our waitress was hired before the switch from the Paulaner to Franziskaner. I should also mention the other fine selections such as Dead Man Rogue and a rare personal favorite, Honey Brown at a very reasonable $3 a bottle. The owner, Kari, was kind enough to provide some feedback on my review. She seems to care very much about the reputation of her business and the experience of her customers which has had a positive impact on me. It gets a well deserved three stars from me. I'm sure my next visit will be even better when all the Harvard freshmen parents have split!
(3)
Ken M.
Wow! That was awful! I know I am starting out with a lot of exclamation points but the lunch disaster deserves it. My wife and I decided to spend a Saturday in Cambridge. We had a lazy morning and wanted to grab lunch before heading over to the Brattle Theater for a matinee. We walked by Grendel's Den, the menu seemed interesting, they had available outdoor seating and it seemed like just the ticket. We found a table, my wife went to powder her nose, I looked through the menu, the waitress comes over to get my drink order. So far, so good. My wife comes back and it is my turn to use the facilities. I get back and the waitress has still not returned with my iced tea or taken my wife's drink order. I'm a bit surprised, especially since the lunch rush hasn't started yet, but I don't think much about it. Little did I know that this was my queue to run far, far away. She finally makes it back to the table with my iced tea and takes my wife's drink order and our lunch orders. We chit chat as we wait and watch the people walking around Harvard Square. When a waiter stops at our table with someone else's order we both wonder aloud at the length of time it is taking to get our salads. It is not crowded yet. People are starting to come in and get tables but by no means is it a lunch rush yet. (for clarification, my wife and I have both worked in restaurants and we know what a lunch rush means and how to handle it) We finally get our salads and the waitress says she will be right back with my wife's dressing (why she didn't bring the dressing with the salads is a bit of a mystery). Lisa had ordered the Mediterranean Salad with grilled chicken and I ordered the broiled Calamari Salad special of the day. This is when the wait begins. The waitress tells my wife she will be right back with her dressing and then walks to the table of 5 next to us and takes their drink orders and then she walks to the only other table in the place that has patrons and checks on them and gets into a conversation with them. She finally goes in to the restaurant. My wife is waiting for her dressing so she can eat lunch. I'm waiting for my wife's dressing so she can eat lunch and therefore I can eat lunch. We wait and we wait and we wait. Finally my wife goes inside to check on the status of her dressing. The waitress is eating her lunch, chatting with co-workers and waiting for the other table's drink orders to be filled. She tells my wife she will be right up. My wife is more polite than I am and says ok and comes back. The waitress does follow shortly with the dressing so we can finally begin to eat. It was not worth the wait. The lettuce was old and bitter (much like this meal was making me), the grilled chicken was cold, dry and tasteless, the tahini dressing that we waited so long for was tasteless, the calamari was rubbery and cold. The waitress eventually checks back with us as both of us have taken a bite. When she asks how everything is we can only half-heartedly nod. She sneers (yes I said sneers) and sarcastically says "Glad to hear it". Not only is she slow and the food bad but she is a smart-aleck as well (yes I edited what I really wanted to call her). A few minutes later she walks by and my wife flags her down to ask for the check. She says she will be right back with it. She goes to check on the other table that she was headed to when we flagged her down and then stops back and tells us again she will be right back with the check. Ah, we think to ourselves, the point was made and it was just a one off misunderstanding. We wait, wait, wait and wait some more. At this point I decide to go inside to get the check. At least this time I don't actually see her eating but she is waiting for a large drink order to be filled. She doesn't see me so the bartender comes over to ask what he can do for me. I tell him that we asked for our check and that "she" (as I point to her) told us she would be right back. That was a long time ago and we just want to pay and leave. He goes over to tell her and he tells me she will bring it right over. I stay at the bar and wait for her to finish grabbing the tray of drinks, another patron's check with credit card and finally our check. She walks over to me and instead of saying "I'm sorry for the wait" or anything that indicates an attempt at understanding that she is a bad waitress she tells me "I was bringing it right up" in a petulant 12 year old tone of voice. She got no tip and we will not be going back to Grendel's Den.
(1)
Julie S.
One of my favorite places in Harvard Square. Brought two out of town friends here last Saturday. We were lucky enough to get a table, and ended up staying about two hours longer than we wanted to. It was perfect as a place to catch up and actually hear yourselves talk, while still feeling like you are at a busy bar on a Saturday night. The server came over plenty, so we never even had to get up to refill drinks. Good beer selection with a pretty good amount of craft and local beers, plus old favorites for the less adventurous.
(4)
Dave R.
It's in a basement. It's got really low ceilings that almost broke my head. It's got a map of the US next to the bathroom that points out the states that allow gay marriage, and labels the rest of the country "Mordor." Basically, how could it get more awesome? I had some kind of coffee beer here, and it was huge and awesome. I also had a pretty solid chicken sandwich. To be fair, I was also on a really good date so I wasn't paying as much attention to the food as I could have, but it's a cool place for a low-key first date! Our waitress was really patient with us, especially considering that we hung around for like 3 hours. If you like places that FEEL like they are holes in the wall, even though they aren't, check it out!
(4)
Kimble M.
If you're in the Harvard Squarea, looking for a place to grab a casual drink and catch up with an old friend, you could certainly do worse than Grendel's. It's the kind of bar that's ideal for that - small tables, not too loud, not too crowded (they will make you wait outside if it is), a not-overwhelming drink menu, and food to fuss around with while you share your life story. The wait staff is often a bit slow in getting to you, but with good conversation, you hardly care. You will have to vacate at 1AM, though, at that point you're either drunk enough to think the Kong sounds fun, classy enough to think Noir sounds fun, or smart enough to go finish your conversation at home.
(3)
Bill H.
I've been to Grendel's a number of times in the last year. It's a good place to stop for a quick bite or a drink with (one) friend. Past that you're not likely to find a place to sit at peak hours. They've got a good tap -- few regulars, few local brews, and an import or two. Food is so-so, there really isn't a single dish that I've had there that I've loved. Several solid sandwiches and salads, but nothing that I'm dying to get when I drop by.
(4)
Camille R.
Vegan options and food quality turn me on. The folks are always fun, too.
(4)
Mimi X.
Grendel's is like a back-up friend- i.e., it's like someone who annoys you most of the time, but one that you can't help but go to when all your other friends are out of town and you're bored. My feelings on Grendel's are mixed. The atmosphere is nice, but the service is really slow and sometimes rude. The food is average at best, but the happy hour almost makes it worth it. If you're looking for a hot-totty on a cold, wet day go to Grendels. Otherwise, go see your more interesting, nicer friends.
(3)
Grace S.
Pros: Half off your meal from 5-7:30pm with the purchase of a drink. Are you kiddin me?! Good, decent vibe -- somewhere in between a neighborhood bar and the pub at Harvard. Cons: That said, the drinks and the food are nothing to rave about. Balance: PROS BOTTOM LINE: Grendel's, all in all, you're A-okay. And nightlife in Harvard Square would lose its cham without you.
(3)
Greg C.
This place is just too gross and small to be comfortable. I haven't had a lot of the food there, but I have had the garden salad. The garden salad holds true to it's name. Radishes... There were actually radishes in this salad. Who eats radishes? And it wasn't just one or two slices... I'm talking a WHOLE radish. And those little, pickled, min-corn-on-the-cob things. And cauliflower. It was gross, and impossible to eat because the salad plates were perfectly flat. It was basically like eating a scoop of a compost pile on a school desk. And the waitresses are those "relaxed" waitresses. The kind that aren't snobby... but aren't good at their job either. You know the kind. Come on now.
(2)
Renee M.
Grendel's Den is CHEAP. Every night during certain hours you can get half price meals, and they always have a sandwich special that's around $5 I believe. Their beer menu is pretty darn good, the food is pretty good, but nothing really to write home about. I do like the vibe of this place though... it's in the basement of a building and it does really feel like a den. Fun place to come with a couple friends to grab a cheap lunch or dinner. There is seating outside as well, but I have not had the opportunity to take advantage of it, as the times I've come to Grendel's it's either been too crowded outside or rainy.
(3)
Janee L.
The half price menu from 5-7:30 makes this place a great dinner location. The den is a bit dark for my taste but it's got a great atmosphere and the food is excellent. I had the turkey and Havarti sandwich. It reminded me of a sandwich I really like at Disney's California Adventure only I think Grendel's may actually be better.
(4)
Rachael L.
First thing's first, you shouldn't be here for the food. The cheap happy hour is great, but don't expect you'll be putting gourmet food down your gullet. I've gone to Grendel's a few times, and enjoyed their tuna melt, burgers and chili, wings etc. I recently ordered the breaded fish and mixed vegetables, I don't know what I was thinking. Why didn't anyone stop me?! The fish was covered in saw dust and the veggies were from a soggy bag in the freezer. My boyfriend ordered the chicken curry, which was flavorless, runny chicken slopped on rice. He had to send it back and opted for the mac and cheese, which seemed to come from an elementary school cafeteria. This meal definitely left me feeling like a Grendel. The drinks are delightful, and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. It's usually busy because of their great deals. Remember to seat yourself! The waitstaff has always been accommodating and pleasant. The music, eclectic. Go have yourself a few drinks with friends and have a toe tapping good time, but it might be worth is venturing somewhere else for food, or keep your order simple.
(2)
Eric A.
Half of the restaurant (where you enter) stinks The other Half of the restaurant where the A/C is fine so make sure to sit on that side. Drinks were good, German Food was decent. I'm quite picky with my German Sausage and was decently happy with the entree. Great place to drinks and hang out though so I would come back with no hesitation
(3)
Rey P.
Not too bad. Service was weirdly... weird. I don't know. I couldn't tell if the guy was hostile or cranky or just generally curmudgeonly, but he didn't seem all that into waiting tables. My friend and I ordered the cheese fondue for two -- pretty much the entire reason we came to the place -- Swiss, Gruyere, and Raclette with white wine and kirsch. It definitely hit the spot! I mean, when will a big pot of cheese NOT hit the spot? The fondue was served with a garden salad, which was okay, but not well thought out. It was strange to me to have baby corn, kalamata olives, and chopped fennel in the same salad, and there were even other chopped veggies in it. My mouth didn't know if we were in China, Greece, Norway, or who knows where else with all the non-complimentary flavors going on. Still, BIG POT OF CHEESE. Weird waiters and melting pot salads just aren't that bad when serving up and being served up with a big pot of ooey, gooey cheese. Mmmmm...
(3)
Tiffany Z.
Very crowded and extremely noisy (on weekends at least) -- difficult to get a table. So, the atmosphere was simply not my cup of tea (but if that's the type of crowd you're looking for, it might be a good choice). The food was awful -- I think I ordered a steak of some sort and sampled my companions' food as well; in short, I wouldn't recommend ordering the food here if you can avoid it. On the other hand, I do really enjoy the warm mulled cider they do during winter. So, I could be tempted to return earlier in the evening or in the mid-afternoon (or maybe a weekday evening would be less crowded?) for a drink during the winter months.
(2)
Irene R.
worst hamburger ever. When the waitress told me (with a snarky attitude) that they only cooked the burgers one way I should have known they weren't fresh. What I got was some defrosted then cooked up patty. A waitress who didn't really want to help us out. It wasn't all that crowded and she couldn't even refill our water or get us our check. I think I'm going to throw the burger up. It really made me sick and it was just gross.
(1)
Charlotte M.
I like this nearby bar within the heart of Harvard Square. The food is wonderful, and really reasonably priced often half price if you buy a drink. Nice atmosphere downstairs inside the primary bar, and also terrific out door seating inside the summer. I've had some not so good experiences with a number of the staff working there, but in case you can get past a couple of rude encounters, it is a great place to hang out and grab a drink as well as a bite to eat.
(4)
L J.
I've been here twice. The first time was a weekend night sometime in the winter. The winter in New England lasts so long I have no way of remembering what month it was, but it was packed with good looking people drinking heavily. Today I went and ate lunch outside. It's early August, and it was extremely comfortable compared to the heat wave condition that I've grown accustomed to. The lunch specials are about $5 and I have to recommend the Spinach Pie & Rice Pilaf (Thursday Only). My date wrapped it up with a cappuccino, which I thought was very classy, then on the way out I gave a couple bucks to the busking musician out in the park. It was a great day, and whether it's winter or summer, Grendel's good.
(5)
Kat V.
I hold this place pretty close to my heart - so why, WHY does it insist on hurting me?! My very first experience at Grendel's was shortly after landing in Boston and it was pretty good. It changed my life the day I walked through that door. So, at that point I had nothing but good things to say. Naturally, when it was time for the Harvard stop October Edition of Thirsty Thursday - I gravitated to Grendel's. I had nothing but positive vibes and good things to say - why did Grendel's change that?! I called every day for 3 days leading up, letting them know that a group of roughly 20 of us were going to be coming in. I called 3 times because each time, the person I talked to seemed to have no concept of who to relay the message to or where to write it down - and each time, it was news to the person I was telling..GREATTTTT. Thursday comes, we descend on the place - high hopes in hand. Damn...let down. Our server seemed annoyed with us and not willing to work with us at all. Some of us arrived early to grab food, we arrived in time for their 1/2 price special. We asked her if we made it in time, she said yes, then delivered a check with full price. Then, she rolled her eyes when we asked to correct the check. When the rest of the group started arriving, she was taking forever to get our drinks and then scolding us as members went to the bar to get drinks. I understand that takes away from her tickets, but then she needs to actually get us the drinks...we waited as long as we could, and we waited a reasonable amount of time. And ask me to wait for you, don't scold me for going to the bar...you are not my parent, I can take my business elsewhere. Then, it came down to the checks. Several times we asked her if we could do cash and pay as we go for each person. She said yes. With groups so large, her putting us all on one ticket is unacceptable (we were spread between 4-5 separate tables) - especially since we approached her when we got there to talk about it. She just ignored us (after telling us she would)! If anything, we were trying to help her - with a group that large, it is hard to not get screwed on the ticket. Moral of the story - we got sick of the slow crappy service and went somewhere that welcomed us with open arms, single cash only tickets and all...
(2)
Michael B.
No joking, this is the best bar in Harvard Square! This is my number 1 place that I recommend my guests on my tours. Hell, I go here all the time. I just can't get enough of this place! A must in Harvard Square :)
(5)
Angie G.
Have you had the Sangria here? Have you had any of the food? Have you had anything from their menu? Are you a moron? I love this place. I've come here with a group of friends, solo. You name it. Their food is yummy. It's crazy cheap. Their Sangria is amazing. The staff rocks and.. well, you'd be an idiot not to come here to chill. It's that easy. Their "Happy Hour" or whatever the hell it's called time is awesome. Who doesn't want even cheaper yummy food?
(4)
Flora R.
Obviously - cheap happy hour food is a great find, especially in Cambridge. And it's not just cheap - the food is pretty tasty too! Be warned that it gets busy but the waitstaff is efficient and usually helpful. They have a small but well curated drink menu (those French 75s are addictive) and a handful of good beers on tap. A great option if you're hungry in the Harvard area on a small budget.
(4)
Eric R.
I took my second trip to Grendel's this past saturday night with a small group of friends and it was exactly what we were looking for. We tried to meet at Grafton Street but per usual it was jam packed and there was no way to get to the bar so we headed out quickly. After being told Tommy Doyle's had a $5 cover we headed down to Grendel's since all we wanted to do was hang out and have a few beers - anywhere that required a cover or for anyone to remove a baseball hat wasn't going to fly... Some seats at the bar opened up pretty quickly and we were able to each grab a seat and belly up to the bar. I had the Grendel's Ale which was surprisingly good. Bar tenders were friendly and attentive and it wasn't too loud so we were able to have the night out we wanted.
(4)
David L.
Grendel's is an incredibly cheap, hole-in-the-wall type place that is a hangout for mostly graduate students. Food is half-priced from 5-7:30 everyday, and they also have lunch specials for $4.95, but overall the food is not that great. Soup and sandwiches are ok, basically what you would expect, but everything else is definitely subpar. However, they do have a fair amount of good beers on taps and other drinks for reasonable prices. The restaurant is really small and the cluttered layout of the tables probably violates about 75 fire codes, which makes the place seem fairly crowded during all hours of the day. The service is about average to below average, but you could figure that out as soon as you stepped into the door and looked inside for 2 seconds. Overall, Grendel's is not a bad place for a few drinks and a quick bite, but you get what you pay for.
(3)
Kar M.
Very Very nice find. Veggie Friendly Comfy What more can you ask for when it comes to pub food? A+
(5)
Misty C.
The bar tender flipped me off, literally. He gave me double middle fingers for asking where my card was (he had been ringing me up for about 20 minutes and I was anxious to get my card back). Do NOT go to this bar if you expect decent customer service and a friendly smile. I have never been FLIPPED OFF by an employee of any business until tonight. Perhaps he thought we had some kind of banter going on, but we certainly didn't, and I was wildly offended. Don't waste your tip money on this bar.
(1)
Boogie S.
1st to review!!11 I brought a friend from outta town here for some cheap food and beverage on a Monday night. The crowd was thin, but I wasn't expecting it to be slammin' with mad phat hunnies. I just wanted a pint of something tasty and some form of cooked animal flesh, and with that I had great success. I ordered a Paulaner Hefeweizen and a bubba burger? I'm not sure about the name, but it was two slabs of perfectly cooked beef with cheddar, bacon, and BBQ sauce. Served with potato chips, not fries, but I can't complain for $8 cut in half to $4 during "MA happy hour". Thanks a lot, Puritans. My Russian friend noobed out and ordered a lobster sandwich, which was pitifully small as I had predicted, but at half price was still an okay deal. I laughed at his poor decision while BBQ sauce dripped down my face in triumph. Bartender was cool as hell, the place had a relaxed vibe, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
(4)
Katherine E.
Good food at good prices. It can get crowded which makes the service a bit slower. But well worth the wait.
(4)
J A.
Grendel's is my go-to place for a REALLY affordable dinner/drinks in a true pub-style atmosphere. You've got to hit this place during their happy hour, which can't be beat. Where else can you get 1/2 price off of the entire menu with the purchase of at least one drink?! I have brought my friends here over and over and they always say, "wow, how come I didn't know about this place?" Some of my faves: their sangia (carafes/pitchers only), their yummy BBQ salad with shrimp, and their hummus plate. Oh, and if you're a sweet cider fan they have "Sin Cider" on tap. The food is yummy, the prices are great, and the only drawback is if you get there right in the middle of their happy hour time. You could end up waiting for a while, especially if you're with a group. It can be hard to find enough room for everyone in the midst of that deal. I suggest getting there just before happy hour starts, or towards the end right before it's finished to get your meal and the deal.
(4)
Lauren R.
I still stand by my previous review - but having had a Magic Hat #9, the Popeye salad, and a quesadilla for around $10 last night, I am forced to re-evaluate the situation. Perhaps I'm growing more frugal, but the whole "half price ALL food" (provided you buy a drink) thing is really appealing. The spinach in my salad (the Popeye boasts green apple slices, walnuts, mushrooms, blue cheese, and a sh*t-ton of spinach, natch) was a little limp due to the dressing, but it was otherwise delicious. If I had paid full price for that salad, I might have been peeved. My cheese quesadilla, which was pretty good, albeit it is fairly difficult to mess them up, came with a chunky dry salsa, sour cream, and what I at first thought was runny guacamole. This last item appeared to be a spicy green pepper....thing. It was too runny and not chunky enough to be salsa, so I don't really know what to call it. The food's not perfect, but you can't beat the price. I think I finally understand what all the fuss is about.
(4)
David D.
A great pub atmosphere, especially when you come for the happy hour. All their food being half price (with a $3 drink order) is ridiculously awesome. Go between 5 and 7:30pm Sunday through Thursday to take advantage of that. Just because I discovered the food was half-price, I figured, what the heck, I'll get the lobster roll. WIth the instant 50% discount, it was only $6.50. Having just moved to Boston from DC, I was expecting something great up here in the Northeast. No such luck, their lobster roll is only decent. But for $6.50? Um, sure. I promptly finished it, and ordered another entree. Because, well, I can. The second entree (portobello and goat cheese wrap) was much better. Also, their Dark and Stormy is one of the best I've had. Try it if you're there.
(4)
Nicolas C.
Grundal's den is in the pit of Winthrop street. The squeamish feelings imagining a dirty grundal is comparable to that of my experience at Grendel's, here is what I mean: Upon entering the establishment I saw it was charming, warm and laid back. I had just came from Border Cafe and had been carrying some leftovers. Me and my buddies were cruising Harvard sq in celebration of a friend's 21st birthday and decided to pop in for a drink. I took out a quesadilla and started to eat it knowing very well that I would surely be asked to put it away or I would "beat the system" and finish it before anyone was aware. What I didn't expect were the tone and manner in which the patrolling server handled the situation. "It's actually illegal to eat that here" he (mis)-informed me with a tone that suggested I had just murdered a puppy. Clearly the legislature has something on the books for Grendel's den. "Illegal?", I asked curiously. I don't know the law so well. "What I mean..." He said something that clarified. In my mind he stumbled on his words and wet himself since he had just realized he was using the law to deter me from eating a quesadilla, tool. To be fair our actual waitor was attentive and the prices are fine. I just happen to have experience something that upset my delicate sensabilities and soured my perspective. The moral of the story is that customer service is key and tone conveys a whole lot more than words. Don't be an authoritative douche bag to a customer through your "big boy voice", your not a drill sergeant.
(2)
Anthony R.
Grendel's has: - Well-priced and well-made cocktails - A good set of beers (the 500 mL Paulaner Hefewiezen sticks out as a particularly good value) - Giant happy hour deals - A great patio area - A pretty cool basement space - not so great when it's nice and sunny out but the perfect place to weather a storm or spend an evening With a few important caveats: - Mediocre food, for the most part. The burgers are pretty bad -- my suggestion is sandwiches and buffalo wings, which are both at least okay. - No deep fryer, is my suspicion - explains the lack of fries and other fried appetizers - No happy hour deals on the patio (don't get burned!), and hard to get seating when it's nice out - Often rather slow service In the end, not a stellar place, but a good bet for quick, inexpensive eats during happy hour or a couple drinks with friends.
(3)
Megan L.
Came here with a friend after we discovered a horrendous live band at Tommy Doyle's, and decided to get our drink on elsewhere. Grendel's was super crowded, but we threw some elbows and scored seats at the bar. Bartenders are AWESOME...my Lambic was never empty and each bottle came with a nice mix of friendliness and snark. Made friends with a girl on the next stool who was having man problems and got to tell her "he's just not that into you." Super interesting crowd...all ages. I expected a ton of students but it definitely skewed older than I had anticipated. Also, lots of black turtlenecks. All in all, a good night!
(3)
K P.
I go there whenever I can. No crap beers on tap or in bottle, so that generally keeps a certain amount of frat bros out even at night, something rare in Harvard Square. Awesome quick lunch menu, the bartenders and servers are great but won't bend over backwards to kiss your ass, which I appreciate. Food is simple and delish, rotating soup and sandwich specials keep it interesting. Never had a bad experience.
(5)
Joanna F.
My friend and I went here last night for dinner. I wasn't sure if she would like it since she's generally not into "bar food" and she tends to like classier joints. But she seemed to really like this place, and so did I. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, especially on a cold winter's night. The service was awesome and the menu is fairly healthy for bar food. I got the mediterranean platter which was supposed to be steak tips, hummus, pita and salad. I somehow ended up with steak tips, mashed potatoes, a piece of grilled chicken and salad. I don't know what happened. The steak tips were tougher than I would have liked. So the food was so-so in my opinion. I would definitely come back for some drinks and probably dinner again. I may not come back solely based on the food though.
(3)
Dara C.
Grendel's serves a perfectly serviceable burger: two flat patties, a little overdone/gray for my taste but still juicy, smushed in a soft deli roll, dripping with cheddar and bacon grease. Anemic tomato notwithstanding, it was cheap and satisfying. (No fries, though. Only bagged chips. In the words of Snookie ... wahhh!) Michael Schlow's burger this ain't; still, it's kind of exactly what you want with a beer. Crab-artichoke dip left a little to be desired. It was mostly warm-ish cream cheese with large chunks of (imitation?) crab and some stale corn chips. Not the most flavorful crab-artichoke dip I've had; it was screaming out for the addition of salt or spice. Good, short beer list with cheap, cheap bottles of beer, the only way to a woman's heart. And the patio is the best location in Harvard Square for people-gawking. Service was fine, as long as you're not expecting white gloves and a palate-cleansing sorbet. (Narragansett is, of course, the best palate cleanser ...) A solid three stars. I'd happily return for some apps and drinks.
(3)
Paul S.
As a college student, this is a great venue. Food is good, prices are very cheap, and the vibe is always nice, whether it's brunch, lunch, dinner time, or late night drinks. Love the patio seating outside during nice weather as well. The service is not the greatest, but I think this is a great place to bring your friends!
(4)
Gracie B.
The service is soo bad! Why do I keep going here? Okay, let me think. It's very inexpensive, conveniently located, and the food is not as bad as most of the local fast food joints. It's just getting harder and harder to use those reasons to justify my venturing down those dark little steps and putting up with that holier than thou attitude.
(1)
Barry B.
I love Grendel's Den. They have a great beer selection and some of the best bartenders around. I am, however, kind of tired of hearing people whine about the food. IT'S A BAR. If you want to go out and get a good meal, got to a RESTAURANT. I just don't get it... you're the one choosing to eat at a bar, and then you complain when you get bar food? Anyway, food is great (for bar food), but that's not why I'm giving them five stars. Bartenders are just unreal, but that's not why I'm giving them five stars. Drink selection, music, overall environment... everything's great, but that's not why I'm giving them five stars. I'm giving them fivs stars because of Diane and Allen S. I don't know this couple, who I assume to be a pair of entitled yuppies with an overblown sense of self-importance. But back in September they wrote a review for Grendel's that caught my eye: "A friend of ours was saying good things about this place, so one night we decided to try it out. Of course, it was the one night I forgot my ID and they wouldn't let me in. I really don't look that young and I was with a group of people that definitely looked between the ages of 23-27 at the youngest" Did you seriously just really give a restaurant a two star review as a result of your own incompetence? Did you honestly just expect them to arbitrarily break the law for you? "Well, I know you have no ID, but you say you're 23 and that's good enough for me. Go right on in Mr. S." Get real. Let me explain this as simply as possible: No ID = No admittance into a bar. Period. It doesn't matter how young you look or how important you think you are. I would have thought this was self-evident. So I'm giving a five star review to this restaurant for having an excellent bouncer and for not ruining my night out drinking by letting in someone like Diane and Allen S.
(5)
Daniel M.
Grendel's has been a standard go-to since moving to Cambridge. The 50% off food deal is just too good to pass up. I mean really since happy hour is not legal here (effing Puritans) this more than makes up for it. Note: since I'm feeling a little under the weather I opted for the root beer which still met the $3 beverage price and was SO GOOD. It's one of those sweetened with sugar deals (how novel) and I repeat SO GOOD. I like that as a pescatarian my options are pretty open here. They have plenty of veggie fare and none of it contains chicken! My favorite tuna steak sandwich unfortunately seems to have been removed from the menu but the other options certainly make up for it. Their burger options are tasty and all can be made with Gardenburgers without an additional cost. Thanks! The nachos are yummy, piled high with vegetarian chili, sour cream, salsa, and of course cheese. They do a good job of making sure that no chip is left uncovered. The quesadilla with black beans is very good as well but you need to eat fast as it gets a bit mushy. The 50% off deal makes for a great value and with their myriad beer and booze (dark & stormy!) it's quite easy to hit the $3 mark. Just remember to tip on what your bill should have been. These people aren't working for free.
(4)
Jennifer R.
A friend and I went in for a nice lunch after walking around and not finding anything much better. We immediately liked the ambiance, as it had a Scottish-pub like feel to it, almost. We sat down, excited to see what the food would be like. I ordered a chicken sandwich, and my friend got a roast beef sandwich. My sandwich was literally two pieces of slightly buttered bread with some slightly undercooked pieces of grilled chicken breast stuck in between it. I ordered lettuce and tomatoes with it, and it came on the side with only enough for one pieces of the sandwich. I shrugged that off and ate it, just because it was pretty cheap and I didn't want to be too picky. Then we saw our waitress drinking a glass of wine at the register. We didn't say anything at the time, so as not to be troublesome and whiny, but I did call them a few minutes later and asked to speak with the manager. I told him about the situation (I tried to be very nice!) and his response was, "Yup. We were just tasting a house wine. K?" ..like it was my fault one of his staff members were drinking -- and it was NOT just a "sample". I don't have a problem with drinking obviously, but doing it on premises, and right in front of the customers...I mean, sheesh...she could've at least made it into the kitchen! Needless to say, I'm def not going back there.
(1)
Danan R.
Go during happy hour (sun-thurs 5-7:30 and 9-11:30)and get the spinach pie washed down with a Dark & Stormy. All the food is 50% off. I just wish that they offered Yuengling...Sam Adams just doesn't hold a light to it. It can get very crowded on weekends and they have turned people away when they reached their capacity. This is definitely one of the tourist/college students attractions in Harvard Square, but they do have a pretty good beer selection.
(3)
Sara P.
I really liked this bar! My friend came here 15 years ago when looking at colleges, and since we found ourselves back in Cambridge, we decided to check it out. We grabbed a seat at the bar downstairs. I liked that they had Franziskaner Weissbier on draft. I also got the pasta with gorgonzola sauce, which was delicious. I also had the bread, whcih was fresh and tasty. The service was great, and I had an excellent time! I have no beef with Grendel's, so it gets a 5. I'd definitely go back.
(5)
Won Ho K.
The spinach lasagna was pretty good for bar food. Lots of olives, and the tomato sauce was decent. The wings were dry and small. Not that great. The prices were decent. It was VERY loud and crowded inside. I might go back every once in a while, but definitely not regularly.
(3)
a g.
Worst food I have ever had. Started with the calimari salad. Things got worse from there on. Ordered a burger with avocado and bacon. Bacon tasted old and stale.The avocado was too little. Bun bigger than beef pattie. There was no seasoning at all. If u can afford to eat elsewhere, please do go go elsewhere. The waiter never bothered to ask how the food was...
(1)
Suki S.
I like Grendels. They have great beer and unlike some of the other reviewers, I actually think they have pretty good food. I'm vegetarian and they have some really great options: Veggie chili and the quinoa stew are highly recommended. I've been to a lot of bars and restaurants in Cambridge and this is one I kept walking by, but never thought to go in. I think it's worth trying though. The bartenders/waitstaff are really friendly. They're all pierced and tattooed but aren't pretentious about it (see my review of The Other Side Cafe to better understand what I mean by that.) It's hard to categorize this place. It's definitely not a sports bar and it's not very swanky either. It is what it is. There is decent food and really good beer which is nice when that's all you're looking for. It does get a bit crowded at night especially during tourist season and when wannabe Harvard students are taking tours around the area. For the most part though, you'll have no trouble finding a spot at the bar or seat at a table. It's not necessarily the first choice of mine when having drinks or dinner in Cambridge but it's the perfect place for a quick drink and a bite to eat on your way to the movie theater in Harvard sq. or if you're just looking for a low-key place to go. I like it, I've been several times and will be back, give it a shot.
(3)
Alicia B.
I wouldn't call this a beer bar. Sorry. For the true beer lover, their selection is limited. But, to give them credit, they do offer a FEW crafts. But not many. When we went in early November, they had a couple pumpkins on the menu. The food is good. The happy hour deal is better. You can get 50% off your order until 7 p.m. and 1/2 off the price of your first draft. It's a good location, though a tad hard to find. And the space inside is tiny. It gets packed fast; no surprise because of the happy hour prices. I ordered the salmon. It was a perfect portion - though I wouldn't ever consider it "canjun style." Service is very subpar. We had to chase down our waitress more than once to order another round and get our check. All in all, a decent place to go. But, I certainly would NOT put this on your Harvard Square pub crawl list. Not worth it if you're looking for an array of crafts.
(3)
Brian B.
To be fair, we didn't order any food and only had drinks at the bar so I have no idea how good their menu is at Grendel's. I love this place. My party of four sat at the bar and ordered drinks and my Dark & Stormy was exquisite and my wife was overjoyed that they had her raspberry beer on the menu. To make things even better, the female bartender had made a custom playlist of 90s New Jack Swing and everyone was dancing and having a good time behind the bar as people were singing along. Sadly, we had to leave early but we'll be back.
(4)
Justin T.
Went with friends for happy hour (half off menu minus booze) on a weekday. We were there right as it started and the crowd was decent, and the service was also great. My Greek Salad was a little smaller than I had expected but for the price, who would complain? The major problem was the gnat/fly issue. Bugs were all over our corner of the restaurant! The waitress simply offered the advice that the bugs are attracted the flora along the window.
(3)
Tony W.
I finally went here the other night - every time I attempt to go to this place I am saddled down by some friend or another that can't stand up waiting for a seat for more than 3 minutes. Their loss. Despite the fact that the place smells like a bathroom stall, it's a great place to chill and have drinks. I actually like the fact that it smells terrible; that in my book means character. I can't testify to the state of the bathrooms, but everyone else in my party (mostly female) came back pale-faced, indicating that they had had to share the bathroom with a member of the opposite sex - that seems like a good time to me! The sevice is the one detractor from the experience. We only had drinks, but the waitress, who I'm pretty sure was over 100 years old, kept confusing my drink with everyone else's at the table - nothing irritates me more than when a waitress repeatedly forgets what I order. They had cider with rum and mulled wine on the drink menu - are there really better winter beverages than that? They were both very tasty. Anyway, the atmosphere is great - not a ton of suits throwing back Bud Lite and talking about life in their cubicles and TPS report processing times - rather, it's the common man just looking for a ambient place to put back a pint or two with some good friends.
(4)
Sameer N.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? What's with all these awesome reviews? I have a story to tell, it's 100% true and there's no masala added to it. I went here in the summer time with my homies. It was briefly after I wandered around Harvard Sq. trying to find a new t-shirt. I went for the "cheap appetizers" and I got served accordingly. We ordered the spinach artichoke dip and it tasted like someone dipped their sweaty ballsack in my mouth. It was such a bum out. The other "snacks" tasted like straight trash too. The only entertaining part about the whole experience was that they brought each wackass appetizer out one after the other. I was trying to see how awful each successive one got. I was psyched on burning my money with no clue that the recession was on it's way with nothing to stop it. The view was good in the summer time. There were a bunch of hot white girls who were like, loving buying Juno on DVD from Starbucks and otherwise being clueless (making them prime targets for cheeseball banter at the bar inside and a potential summertime tryst with no guilt.. it's not evil if they're robots) Also, there was some mentally insane homeless guy crushing some ladies bike in front of her while she tried to stop him. I took a picture with my phone but I'm too lazy to upload it. Bottom line. Stop praising bogus food on this thing. For the same aggregate amount of money that you spent on 3 appetizers that taste like ball lint in an old pair of skivs, you could be eating one delicious meal elsewhere. Welcome to the New America where you turn down garbage food and splurge on sinful delicacies.
(1)
Julia Z.
Great outdoor seating, nice live performance in the square (the singer would take donations), cheap but tasty food. A perfect place for hanging out and/or casual dates!
(4)
Calli C.
This place would have ordinarily gotten four stars. It's got great potential, with the underground atmosphere, the seat-youself attitude, the unisex bathrooms, half-price food... Our party of five was short two people but we were still allowed to occupy a big round wooden table in the back corner that is clearly labeled "ONLY FOR PARTIES OF 5+." The drinks were decent, the food was tasty but nothing special. The service was horrible. There was only one waitress for our entire five-table section which was completely full. She kept forgetting our drink orders even though she seemed to write them down; we had to ask for plates and napkins with our nachos, and then for cutlery with our entrees. And for what seemed like a busy evening, she moseyed around the section seemingly avoiding eye contact with every customer who was trying to flag her down to ask for something, or order.
(3)
Niki M.
Love the half-off menu, though many of the items are hit or miss; the hummus is to be avoided, but the fondue is pretty great. No bother, who goes to a bar for the food? The drinks are good: solid selection of beer, wines, etc. The sangria is alright. This is a great place to meet up and hang out. The staff has been wonderful each time I've visited. Not a must-see destination, but a fine place to make a pitstop.
(3)
Jen G.
I like Grendel's Den because it just feels like a fun place to be- basement, fireplace, relaxed crowd, neat tables and seat arrangements... I don't even mind it when it's crowded. It can get cramped so I wouldn't plan a party here or anything but it is a great hole in the wall kind of place to hang out with one or two close buddies on a chilly evening. The beer menu is great, a lot of local, a lot of variety, darn cheap! The food is decent for the prices. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options. The portabella mushroom rueben is my go to sandwich. One complaint: Sandwiches come with your choice of chips or slaw. 3 times I have ordered coleslaw and 3 times I have received chips so that's kind of annoying... but over all its one of my favorite stops in harvard sq. for casual meal and drink!
(4)
Blake J.
Over time, Grendel's has upset me. The first time I went, it happened to not be half price, a grave mistake. If you count the pepto-bismol I had to pick up later, I paid around $15 for lackluster shrimp pasta. The second time and most other times, it was half price meaning the food is priced somewhere near what it's actually worth. Also, I came to drink in a serious way and I was not disappointed by the notoriously slow and negligent service. I guess I needed to be reminded that Grendel's is a bar first and foremost in order to enjoy it properly. The last time, a couple weeks ago, I showed up with a group of co-workers for express lunch. The sandwich of the day was unfortunately eclipsed by the gazpacho that I ordered. I've had white gazpacho, but it's frankly dishonest to serve tomato-less gazpacho and not mention that anywhere on the menu. Why the hell is it green and tastes strongly of cilantro???? The chef owes the Spanish people a hefty apology for massacring a national dish. Fortunately, the server was nice enough to replace the gazpacho with a chicken noodle soup free of charge. I'm not sure how this place stays open when absolutely all of the other establishments within fifty paces are markedly better.
(2)
Ben A.
Came here for Brunch on a Sunday after finding Bartley's to be closed. Maybe it was because I had my heart set on a topping-laden tasty burger and fries but I was not impressed by Grendels. It wasn't bad.. it just wasn't that good. Their brunch menu had one burger on it and no explanation of what sort of toppings came with the variations... disappointing but I figured it was a sign to try something else. I ended up settling on some sort of turkey wrap with tomato goat cheese and guacamole. It was decent but nothing special; I could hardly taste the goat cheese or the guac. To add insult to injury they don't even serve fries! I was relegated to a plate of Lays' potato chips, half of which were crushed! I heard that they brew their own beer so perhaps I will give it another shot for a drink some time but I don't think I'll be coming back here for food anytime soon.
(2)
Ryan M.
It is what it is. Half price food every night when you buy a drink. Drinks aren't expensive. Food isn't totally gross. People aren't terrible. It's a little annoying that you have to drink and you aren't allowed the half-price food deal if you want to sit outside. Eh.
(3)
Jeffrey H.
First of all, I can't help but think of "grundle" whenever I say or hear this bar's name. Visit urban dictionary should you require more information. Annnnyyyywayyyyyy - Grendel's is a great spot to grab drinks with friends and spend a few hours in a low key atmosphere away from the troubles outside. The space is small and tucked underneath Harvard Square (the "grundle" of Cambridge perhaps?) combining both a bar and restaurant. You should expect to wait in line if you're visiting during a peak time or on the day of an event as their capacity is small. If I were to rate just the bar I would give a solid four stars - you can't go wrong with some good beer specials and friendly service at fair prices. But once you factor in the food, I am forced to knock it down to three stars. The food is less than average - I ordered a hamburger and it was no better (if not worse) than something I'd pick up pre-made in a 7-Eleven fridge. I've been here a few times and definitely plan future visits - but I'll probably skip the food and just double the beer. Hi mom.
(3)
Liz H.
I really like Grendel's and it's reliably decent, but I don't know if it's quite 4-star caliber. Go during the half price hours in the evening when everything on the menu is half off with a beverage purchase -- awesome. I seem to remember they used to do this for lunch too, but apparently not anymore. They raised the prices a few months back and seem to have taken the falafel sandwich off the menu, both of which are very disappointing. Overall though, its a solid spot. The service is generally crap but they have interesting beers and decent food. Its great for low-key dinner/drinks, especially outside when the weather is nice.
(3)
Lily K.
I went here for Sunday brunch with my father who was in town. HUGE mistake. Basically, everything that they could possibly do wrong they did wrong: -Drinks came out about 20 minutes after our food did. Given that I was absolutely parched, I got really impatient and asked at least 3 different waiters passing by if we could please have our drinks, each of whom said "Sure, right away" and proceeded to forget about us. Not okay. -The french toast was absolutely drenched in butter and dripping with oil. Disgusting. Someone needs to tell them that French toast is supposed to be made by dipping bread in eggs, not melted butter. And, it was topped with sour cream, which is just an odd flavor combo. -Food was bought to the table without knives/forks. Seriously, can the service be any worse? For their atrocious timing, incompetent staff, and food, I'd give them one star. The outdoor seating is nice, though.
(1)
Scott S.
Interesting crowd Half price food at times, with booze Good beer, fun seating
(4)
Daniel D.
I need to come here more often. Their food was alright the one time that I came here for dinner. It's often too crowded to find a place to sit, and most of the seating is just for table service. Overall, it's a fine drinking hole but nothing extraordinary.
(3)
Derek B.
This bar in a basement has been a different experience every time I've gone. The place can range from really quiet on weekdays to incredibly crowded and packed late night and on weekends. Experience on the menu has been average and service has never kept me waiting for too long. If you do find yourself in Grendel's Den on a cold night, they have some of the best Hot Cider in town. Start there and then work your way to a Hot Toddy.
(3)
Steven F.
I have a major affinity for Grendel's. Situated as it is, in the heart of Harvard Square, this place can be a real steal. If you go during the week from 5-7, your meal is half off as long as you get drinks-which really shouldn't be a problem. The food that comes out of the kitchen is not only reasonably priced, it's absolutely delicious. I know I've heard some people complain about the portion sizes, but I've never left hungry. Also, they have fondue. Enough said? There's always a good crowd and the bartenders are wonderfully showy and verbose, yet down to earth-and they make a mean cosmo. It's kind of a perfect spot for those who want to be out, but aren't looking for an over crowded, stuffy/pretentious bar.
(4)
Angela M.
Ok, so in all fairness, it's been about a year since I've been here (so I hope a few things have changed). Location is convenient and the space itself was nice. The staff was fairly rude, but perhaps we caught them on a bad day. We went for brunch and the food was nothing to write home about. Overall, I was not impressed enough to ever go back. Having said that, the iced tea was pretty delicious...so it wasn't a total loss.
(2)
Maria B.
One of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area. This was a major summer hang out for me and friends after work and on the weekends. You can't go wrong with their half off menu in the evenings! I always order the Lala's Grill (the steak- but I've heard the chicken is great as well). The Argentinian chimichurri sauce that it comes with is amazing. Now I'm craving it, great. The artichoke, spinach and crab meat dip is amazing as well and I will be the first to admit I scarfed it down in record time :-/ Plus, they always have the most amazing specials... I can't think of the names but I had a Moroccan pasta dish once that I wish they would keep on their regular menu. Their drink options are extensive and the wines are beyond delicious (trust me I've had quite a few glasses there!) Oh right, and the sangria! Plus the vibe in general is great, it's usually super crowded so the only downside is finding a seat but it's worth the wait (and usually you don't have to wait too long to get one). Waiters are also very friendly and attentive. My only gripe about the place is their hummus appetizer- it was pretty bland- but all of the other great things about Grendel's more than make up for it!
(5)
jonathan u.
Don't judge the exterior of the place, it really isn't just a basement....they have food too. So we stumbled on this place while checking the prices on the surrounding menus and seeing as we just weren't in a spend $150 type of mood, Grendels fit right in. The staff is warm and friendly, you seat yourself but everyone is really pleasant. We head some Humus and it was great. I also gave the old Absinthe another shot, but just as the first time it tasted like a stale gingerbread house gumdrop. For my meal I had the chicken grill with mashed potatoes. Everything was great but the mashed potatoes were a little lumpy, but that didn't bother me too much cause at least you know someone made them from potatoes not from powdered flakes. Overall nothing was absolutely amazing but everything was solid and the staff more then made up for any minor details. Definitely check this place out.
(4)
Joseph D.
What's in a name? Well in this case the ancient monster seems to rear her head in the form of an original, warm, and inviting place where everyone can rid themselves of the fear of Grendel and become Beowulf. Alright enough with the play on the name, this is certainly one of my favorite spots near Harvard Square. Original menu with the homemade look and feel also makes a bunch when it comes to their beer and liquor collection. For the food my personal favorites include the vegan chili, hummus bi Tahini, and the Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip. These are all fantastic but to top it all off their specials menu is always full and always evolving. After you order your food, which can be had for half price at various happy hours throughout the week, make sure to take a keen look at their drink menu and specials. The classic Grendel's Ale is a staple of the den but if it is a special event or hell you just are enjoying your time in the square check out the Pisco Sour that features BarSol. Staff and Bartenders do well for their customers and in particular can be very helpful with the menu and knowledge of their surroundings. So swing on by, swoop down the small set of steps and enjoy!
(4)
Lauren G.
I avoided this place for over a year. It just looked kind of stuffy. Not in the fancy sense of the word (you literally can't get more casual than Grendel's), but in the "claustrophic in a basement" sense of the word. Looks like I was the one missing out. When a friend finally got me to try this place, I realized that Grendel's was a quick, easy, and Cheap (with a capital C) place to get dinner and a drink in Harvard Square. The menu is huge, and I don't know who would be ordering some of the fancier items from a place like Grendel's. But I have been so happy with my turkey burger (with goat cheese and avocado), that I haven't wanted to venture out of my comfort zone to try anything else. So - the turkey burger, get it. It's delicious. The only problem with this place is that tables go to the most aggressive patrons, so if you're not comfortable with that, you'll probably have a stressful meal. It also leads to a lot of hovering, which isn't exactly ideal when you're trying to enjoy a drink and a conversation (and a turkey burger).
(4)
Alvin C.
I've been maybe 5 times and I live less than 5 blocks away. I guess it has that "vibe" people want in a not so dive bar (based on pricing). It is not the best place to sit inside. Outdoor seating is another story. You can't beat the view, but don't order more than a beer.
(2)
Graham C.
Grendel's was the spot for a late brunch with a friend who was up for his Harvard reunion. (Did you say Harvard with that Thurston Howell lockjaw accent? Because that's how I wrote it.) I had the Eggs Benny and a Gansett. I believe that absent having found true love, that Naragansett Beer is about as close as I've come. I'm also uniquely aware that when life is not going well, then that's a sure sign that its 'Gansett Time." The Eggs Benny didn't have a normal holandaise sauce. It was lighter and a little sweeter. Meh. The potatoes that came with it were sliced thinly and apparently roasted, and they were okay with some salt. It is in a basement, so there's no light. You might want to save your visit for a rainy day. But it did offer a respite from the stroller pushing Cambridge MILFs, and for that I thank thee. The best was the letter framed next to the bathroom. It was a Bush Cheney fundraiser invite sent to the Pine Street Inn. (That's a homeless shelter around here.) Awesome.
(3)
Racheal M.
I am giving three stars based on the great atmosphere. The food is probably more like two stars, a good deal during their half price special time. For the area, the food is cheap and the atmosphere is great.
(3)
Chris B.
I like this kind of bar a lot; the kind where you can sit down and talk with your friends- you can't do this at every bar! There is nothing exceptional about this place but somehow I find myself here more and more often. guess its the least bad when it comes to Harvard Sq. bars- Don't eat the food- yuck...
(3)
Albert Q.
I went here back in September with my sister and her group of MIT buddies. Essentially, this place is located in a basement. To get in, you walk down a set of stairs, show the bouncer your ID, and enter into an entirely new world. On one side, there is a bar, and on the other is a bunch of tables. As it was a busy night, we had to wait awhile to be seated. And then comes the good part. My order for the evening was on recommendation. One of my co-workers recommended that in Boston, I get a lobster roll, and this is exactly what I did. With the dish, I paired it up with Wachusetts Blueberry Beer. In short, the absolute best decision I ever made. The lobster roll was just phenomenal, and the beer had the fruitiest taste, and instantly made me a fruit beer fan. For me, the experience was absolutely savory and beautiful. I'm definitely coming here the next time I am in Boston. As for Wachusetts, I emailed them and asked if they could distribute their beer to California. Still waiting!
(5)
Christina G.
This place is so awesome! I have never in my life been to a place with a half off menu, and all you need to do is purchase $3 worth of beverage to be eligible, that is incredible!!!! Now that I got that out of the way, the atmosphere is very cool and laid back. We sat inside, but they have a great patio out front as well. Our server was kickass, and the food was borderline, but some things were delicious. I got the "beggar's banquet" which equalled enough food to feed an army, and basically a taste of everything on the menu! Definitely come during half price hours for a great selection of beers and some apps.
(4)
Bryan R.
I like the space inside. Bombers of BBC Steel Rail made the night.
(4)
Jonathan S.
Best place for cheap food from 5:00 - 7:30PM daily, and from 9:00 - 11:30PM Sunday. Spend $3 for drinks and all food is half price. My wife and I split a plate of ribs, two appetizers and beers for under $20. I checked the receipt twice, and it was that cheap! The portions are normal sized (rare in a restaurant these days) but the the food is remarkably good and the menu has a lot of variety. It is hard to find a better deal in Harvard Square for that price. The crowd is young, but well behaved even on a Saturday night. This is not a dance club or a single's bar. The menu said that they don't serve Bud, Miller, Coors or other cheap beers, and this keeps the frat boys away. But if you want cheap beer, you can always get a Michelob or a Narragansett. Coors is forbidden but Narragansett is ok? Go figure. For drinks, try their rotating beers on tap, or get yourself a Dark and Stormy during the winter. Oh, and if you like yuppie food, I highly recommend the Natural Disaster.
(5)
Barney B.
The menu is half price certain times as long as you spend at least $3 in booze. Excuse me? Can you spend less than $3 in booze? EVER?? the food is ok, it's always packed, and it's the kind of place you walk into and say "this is a local institution" even if you never have heard of it. A great place, even if Jeffrey H taint liking its name.
(4)
Lisa R.
I was out with a bunch of people from flickr (yes, I know, I'm a cheater) . . . and we were really hungry after a long day of shooting photos in the cold. Someone suggested Grendel's, and I thought "YES"! I remembered reading all about it here on Yelp. I absolutely love the cozy atmosphere at Grendel's. There were several happy looking couples all sitting around the bar. We sat at the big round corner table as you walk right in. The table was an old wagon wheel. They have a fantastic beer selection and a lot of great food. We got a few appetizers, and I had one of the specials, which was some type of Indian stew with chick peas and tofu. It came with warm pita triangles. I would definitely come to this place again. It's perfect for a large-ish group.
(5)
Cate K.
This is a fun place to go for a beer or six... and if I were rating this place after a few beers then I'd definitely give them an extra star. The weekday happy hour is their best feature - half price apps. The food isn't that tasty unless you're paying 1/2 price, though.
(3)
Jenna K.
I give this place 3 stars because I usually go here when I don't want anything else in Harvard Square. However, I LOVE the veggie burger (it's all I've ordered there.) While the inside "den" can be fun on a cold night for drinks, I encourage you to sit in the patio area. TONS of people watching to be had, always live music playing from a local musician, and umbrellas shield you from the dozens of pigeons. The wait staff has been consistently friendly and helpful.
(3)
Ben C.
It's midnight on Harvard/Yale weekend. It's about 5 degrees outside. There's a line. I'm spewing a string of curse words and jumping up and down, but a.) I'm meeting people who are inside, and b.) every other place has a line, and a cover, so it's not like I could do better somewhere else. When I finally got inside, it was not crowded at all. This could have made me angry, but in fact it was really nice on such a busy weekend to not be elbow to elbow with crowds of people while I was trying to enjoy a drink and catch up with old friends. The beer selection was good and moderately priced, they had a selection of hot drinks to revive those of us who were frozen stiff from the line, and the atmosphere was nice and comfortable. Of the bars I visited over the weekend it was by far my favorite, and any time I'm back in Cambridge it will be my standby. One complaint: they don't make Irish car bombs. This was a critical setback in my quest to get too drunk to feel the cold. Do me a favor and anytime you go, ask for an Irish car bomb. If enough people ask, maybe they'll start doing it.
(4)
Pete C.
Sit at the bar. (The table service isn't the best.) Eat here, don't just drink. (It's a good bar but there are better places to drink in the area.) Go when the food is half-price. (You can get a solid meal for cheap cheap cheap.) Talk to the people who work there. (Everyone is really friendly.) Come with friends. (But not too many or you won't find room.) Get the hot cider and port wine special. (Get it.)
(4)
Sogol G.
Oh My God!!! This place serves awfully bad food and provide equally awful service. The "Sirloin Steak"had lots of fat attached to it and it was dry. The plate was so small that the food was falling out of it (not because there was too much food, but because there was a ridiculously small plate). The outdoor seating was the only nice thing about it. even their warm drink by the time they get to you is very cold. I will never go there again. And they have two bathrooms but they are "either", "Or" and both are extremely gross. Why the hell would they do that? I don't get it!
(1)
Simona S.
It seems that I came here on a good night. Or maybe at a good time. Though the guy checking IDs was KIND of Dbag, our waiter was awesome. First off, he gave us half off on our food even though we ate outside on the patio, was really friendly, didn't judge me when I asked for a vat of lemons in my water, and asked us if it was okay if he went to go get a pack of smokes. It's so okay, that it's insane. Jason was great. I liked him. A lot. And we tipped him a lot. 3 people, one huge vat of cheese (granted, I've had MUCH better fondue a la Melting Pot), the Cataplana, and a couple of sodas cost us a beatiful $20. Will definitely come back here again, hopefully with Jason in tow, and hopefully with edible food at 50% off. Better than half off apps from Applebees, methinks. The Shakespeare in the Park was kind of creepy in the background though.
(4)
Ali G.
Great cozy lunch spot! I got a greek chicken salad, and my friend got a turkey havarti pesto sandwich. Pretty impressed with the quality of food for a bar! Salad was fresh, and grilled chicken was super juicy! Tomatoes had no taste, but everything else in the salad was fresh. Wow I had a bite of the turkey havarti sandwich and all i have to say is yum! Kind of heavy for a sandwich, but so so good.
(4)
Leah I.
It's been called to my attention that I did not write in my review that we tried to get anyone's attention, but I will mention that we did indeed try to flag someone down. We attempted many times to verbally get someone's attention as well as physically (hand waving, etc). So, having been ignored, we left. It has also been mentioned to me that it is a seat yourself place - a sign might be nice to place, you know, somewhere. Since there is no sign, it would have been helpful for someone, anyone, to have said, "Hey, it's seat yourself, so wherever you can find a place." It literally would have taken 5 seconds to do so. Since it was incredibly busy and we were a relatively large group (it's a small bar, the tables aren't huge), we would have left but definitely would have come back to try again on another day.
(1)
Denise W.
This place is kinda bangin, and I know a lot of people who feel similarly. God, it's like sometimes I think about moving away from the Medford/Cambridge/Somerville area then remember places like this where a cast of characters who are sincerely brilliant and drunk can make your day. There are a lot of things sort of working in the favor of this establishment, including the crazy bar and the controlled-chaos atmosphere. This is definitely less of a structured, professional environment and something more like that one bar out of Good Will Hunting (wait a minute ....) which obviously is some people's cup of tea and notsomuch for others.
(5)
Sue M.
SOOOOOOO CHEAP and good!!!! 2 things that often do not come together in this city. The service is also great and in the summer it is great to sit outside and people watch! Get the tips and the hummus plate
(4)
Wendy L.
Food and drinks are both just okay but they are both so cheap! The reduced price meals before 7:30 p.m. (I think) are a great deal. The meals are actually quite small - if you're hungry, I'd definitely with the mediterranean steak plate thing. Otherwise, I typically think of Grendel's food as being my "starter" for the night. It's a great place in the winter in particular - dark wood, warm and cozy...though I think that sometimes causes a bit of a smell downstairs. Another subterranean eating/drinking environment, but somehow, it seems more fitting for a place like Grendel's.
(3)
Candice R.
Stopped in for lunch while walking around the Harvard campus. No kiddies, I'm not Ivy League material, I was just being a tourist. I found it odd that it was 11:30 and this place wasn't even open yet, but we were told to take a seat and someone would get to us in 5 minutes. We've been sitting for 5 minutes at a table in the middle of the patio, which had since filled to the brim with other hungry folks like ourselves, and the waitress went down the line of tables, getting to us after about 10 minutes. I'm starving, but my french dip and onion soup comes fast, and it's only $6.50 for my yummy sandwich, chips and onion soup. My boy gets his Cesar salad, only $5 bucks, and we are now happy campers. Too bad they don't have fries.
(3)
Cy K.
Drinks are pretty standard here, but the food is slightly below. The sandwiches all resemble what I'd put together at home (none of the restaurant quality). Service is friendly, but a little slow - I always have to be pretty active in flagging folks down - especially for your bill.
(2)
Anna F.
You can beat half off the entire food menu for about 4 hours every day. the food is not stellar, the service can be slow but it's a solid value in an expensive neighborhood. I also love their "no Coors, no Bud, no Miller" policy. They have a decent draft selection and a well stocked bar. Great after work or after movie hangout. Happy Hour deal: All food is half price with $3 beverage purchase per person 5- 7:30 pm every night 9- 11:30 pm Sunday - Thursday offer not available on patio
(4)
Natasha A.
Grendel's Den has a happy hour special every day where their entire already dirt cheap menu is half price with the purchase of any drink. The food is far from gourmetbut has good standard pub grub such as apps and sandwiches as well as a few more original items. I love their crab and artichoke dip. This place if lots of fun to go with a group of friends but can be difficult to get a table. They have a few outdoor tables but can not serve alcohol to them.
(5)
Jillian Y.
Awesome. Came here with some coworkers and what was totally awesome is that the food is half price most of the time (not sure why, kind of strange, but I accept it as a gift). We got a bunch of apps - and the spinach/artichoke/seafood dip was scrumdiddlyumptious. Arriving at 7 pm or earlier's a good idea though...it fills up really quickly afterward. If you have a group of 5, there are four or five great 5+ tables in the corners.
(4)
Gina R.
The atmosphere is great & the music is amusing. The servers there were pretty friendly too. But the food was not too impressive, which is fine considering the price. I got the Mac n' cheese & the crab dip as an appetizer. The Mac was a bit dry & the chips were slightly stale. But the dip itself was phenomenal!!! And the Cajun shrimp I added to my Mac was amazing. So maybe I just got the wrong dish? Also the cider was quite delicious.
(4)
Emily G.
I have to be honest here and say- I'm not giving this place four stars because of excellent service, amazing food, or ambiance. No - I'm giving this place 4 stars because of value for price point. Last night I went with a girlfriend and we got there at 7oclock. This is when she re-explained to me that everything as half off when you ordered one drink (not a very hard thing to do!). My friend got the seafood platter which normally is a very cheap $12 but since it was half price - she got to eat a very nice looking seafood meal for $6! I got the portobello wrap which is normally $6.50 -but was now $3.25. Value is soooo important these days - and where else on a friday night can you enjoy good food and company for that kind of price? That's almost absurd. That said - I don't give this five stars because the place was kind of uncomfortably packed. People were practically spilling over onto our table (who can blame them - the food is good and cheap!!) I'll definitly be back from 530 - 730!
(4)
Ricky R.
Just had some beer here with a friend and it was cool enough, great location, good beer selection and friendly staff, oh and they have Fernet Branca.
(4)
Corey H.
Went here on a Tuesday night. Not that busy inside. Service wasn't too great but not horible. The beers were chilled but not cold, which is what I wanted when it was 90 degrees outside. The food was actually really good. I had the reuben sandwich and the bread was soft and the sandwich as a whole was a good portion size.
(3)
eliza w.
We went to Grendel's on our visit to the historic Weetheim cobblestoney home in ye olde beantown. And to be honest, any place that has a decent beer list, and rewards drinking is good in my book (half off food for having a beer?!? thanks!). It was a bit crowded, but we managed to score a table right by the fireplace fairly easily. I had a coupla the local brews, and they were tasty and perfect for a crisp New England evening. The food was a step above regular pub fare, and we demolished it happily. The service was friendly, if a little disorganized (they forgot one of our dishes, but they removed it from our bill). And if we didn't have to head out for dinner (dinner after snackins...yesh!) I could've just hung out there all night, drinking beers and talking story with cwee and sy. I don't remember much else from Cambridge-Havaaahad Square, but I do remember Grendel's fondly, and would be happy to go back anytime I'm back.
(4)
Colleen S.
I can't get really enthused about the food here, it's all OK at least, and some of it even good (try the Salvadoran veggies & tofu, that is on my good list) but nothing really stands out. some of it is downright bad(ish) but you won't die from food poisoning. That said, the ambiance & people watching opportunities rule! The drinks are good, the selection amazing, the service decent (sometimes amazing, I've never had a bad experience here, it's always been solid) and you can sit outside and watch Harvard Square unfold before you.
(3)
John A.
Ok I'm aware that it's haughty intellectual Cambridge and they do things a little different on that side of the river. But it would be helpful if Grendel's Den resolved their seating situation. This would be especially important between 5:00 and 7:30 every night when meals are half priced. There's nothing wrong with a traditional hostess and a wait list. Just a thought from a patron that loves Grendel's Den but is getting tired of literal fist fights for tables.
(3)
Ellen C.
So this is definitely just a review for the bar- i didn't eat anything (well, some chips and salsa, but nothing prepared). The bar- though- was great. - I really enjoyed the Cider - I had a great Gin and Tonic - I had a wonderful time sitting there and talking with a friend. Just loud enough to hide the conversation from everyone else in the bar. Just quiet enough to be able to hear each other well. So- I haven't been for food, and cannot contest the other reviews, but I do really suggest trying out the bar!
(4)
Nina Y.
It's quirky and there's good, half priced food and cheap drinks around dinnertime. Prices are even decent when it's not happy hour. It keeps me coming back again and again...
(4)
Lauren K.
A friend and I went to Grendel's the other night for dinner. We were excited that we got our order in before 7:30 so that it was 1/2 off. I would have been angry if I had to pay full price for the meal. First: I got a summer ale that was warm and pretty flat- Not what you want on a hot summer night! Second: Crab, Spinach and Artichoke dip: very fishy and bland. Not wanting to be rude, I stopped myself from spitting it out. The menu selections were unimpressive- I didn't know what they were going for. My meal was a bunch of little things, like hummus, spinach pie and plain unflavored grilled chicken, that were bland and boring. My friends steak was very tough and 80% gristle, and the only ingredient used to "flavor" her rice was butter/oil. When we left I wanted to go get a slice of pizza and a Bud Light. Perhaps the sandwiches are better? The fondue seemed to be a big seller as well.
(2)
Kristen F.
Living in Brighton... I never think to come to Harvard Sq. yet it's practically in my back pocket. I'm glad I crossed the river the other weekend. The area is a cheap cab ride away, and it's a mecca for thirsty bar hoppers. Started off with Grendel's Den. Chill place, very relaxed. Great for a starting off point. Great selection of beers that don't include the regulars. I ordered a Dark and Stormy, which totally did the trick. A round of drinks for 4 was incredibly reasonable, too. Toto, we're not in Boston anymore. Overall, a great place to hit up for a beverage or two before moving on, or to camp out at with a few friends.
(4)
Amanda B.
Of course, who doesn't love the Den's fabulous 1/2 price happy hour?? This is mostly when I visit Grendel's Den. I believe it's Sunday through Friday 4-7pm and all the food on the menu is half off. You can't beat that deal with a stick. Last time I was there I had the seafood plate (a piece of fish, a couple small scallops and shrimp) and it came with two sides. It was just enough and it was yummy. There's a delish hummus plate and an array of sandwiches. The food's not spectacular, but it's good. I can't remember ever ordering something I didn't like. The atmosphere is a good mix of Cambridge-area students and professor-types. It's cozy and casual.
(4)
jen f.
$4 for a dark and stormy $12 for 3 dark and 'stormies' + free to sit outside ______________________ $12 for the only way to sit in the middle of harvard square and be more amused and loving than angry and not amused
(4)
Colleen Y.
Eating here is kind of like shopping off the clearance rack...you think things are better just because they are cheaper. I was psyched that my ten dollar squash and chicken stew was only going to be 5 dollars. Until, I left and realized that I wouldn't have paid 5 dollars for that meal again. Maybe I should have just stuck to a classic burger, but ew. I won't be back at Grendel's unless I'm on some awkward first date when I know the guy is a cheapo. Sorry...and why do they call Sam Ale, Grendel's Ale? Not clever enough to be funny. But, waitress was sweet, it was super warm, and I like that you get to seat yourself.
(2)
barbaric y.
Grendel's is one of those bars that's not quite for the proletariat, not quite for the foodie, and not quite for the intellectual. Nor is it for the Harvard date night- I've seen this one a few times in all of its awkward glory, with couples attempting to make loud conversation over their lagers and Lala's grill plates. Grendel's is more like a mutant- and hence appropriate in regards to its Old English namesake. Shay's across the street is good but let's face it- the majority of people go to be seen lounging about out front, where space is at a premium and exclusive without needing a cover charge. Park it outside of Grendel's on a nice evening and the only ones watching you will be the pigeons, bums, and disgruntled Peets patrons who failed to find a seat next door. The food is alright here. Yes, I said it, despite the numerous complaints I've heard both in and out of the bar. The worst I've had here was a pasta with gorgonzola sauce whose main crime was being saucy without having too much pizzazz (many people you will meet in this bar have similar qualities). One of the best things I've had here was, oddly enough, the nachos. Being from California, I take my nachos seriously and as many know, one of the first heartbreaks a West Coast kid usually experiences when shipping out to Boston is the sudden realization that a good plate of nachos is hard to find. Without laboring under any pretense of authenticity, Grendel's simply serves up a decent dish of chips, salsa and guac. Sure, those avocados probably cost them $3 a pop, but it makes the tear brought to my eye when I eat them all the more dear. The avocados also come loaded up on the Santa Fe salad, which is my favorite thing to munch on when I'm pretending to compensate for the beer. Occasionally the menu will change up and again, I have to give Grendel's credit for attempting to serve up the most un-pubby pub food around. Salvadoran vegetables and tofu? Quinoa? Hummus? And all for low-low prices, especially if you're willing to pop in during happy hour and buy yourself a well-deserved drink. Their beer list, too, has some surprisingly good little microbrews which are changed up from time to time. The service is good but no-nonsense; I once tipsily tried to snag an extra cinnamon stick from the bar and was rewarded with the bartender turning around, grabbing a whole handful and slamming them down in front of my shamed face. Treat them well, and they will do the same for you.
(4)
G S.
Paulaner and seat yourself? I'm a fan! This is a great little cozy spot to gather friends together for some drinks or light dinner. It can get crowded but there is usually a spot around the bar to stand and wait until a table opens. The staff is great and offers to keep an eye out for open tables as well. The food is good pub food, and they offer a lot of vegetarian options. So thankful not to resort to eating a dinner of sides when we go here! They also have Swiss fondue on the menu which I'm curious to try, but Swiss fondue from a bar and grill? Not quite that brave yet...
(4)
Victoria A.
I stopped by for a quick lunch while in Boston. First of all, this is one of the few places where my water has been salty. Really frickin weird, but then again I'm a New Yorker and I've never tasted Boston tap water. Is it supposed to be this way? The salad I had was okay. Worth the 5 bucks I guess. Service was pretty bad and my friend and I amused ourselves with the little mouse running around in the corner. Uncleanly, but cute. Props to the name. Love it. It has so much potential. Unfortunately, that is not met.
(2)
Jesse C.
I remember the first time I was in Grendels, I was with my good friend and some of his family. My friend got a call from someone who was meeting up with us and he was trying to give him directions over the phone. My bud misread the name of the bar and thought it was 'Grundels' and he was standing in the bar near the entrance yelling loudly into his cell 'yeah man we're at Grundels we're at Grundels!' I loved seeing one of the waiters try to tell him the right name, almost worried that word would get around that this bar had 'grundle' in it's name...hilarious. Since then I've gone here tons of times, the food is simple but good, and when you go from 5-7:30 the food is half price with a drink so it's really cheap. This is one of those examples of a bar trying to have the feeling of happy hour without lower drink prices (Massachusetts is so lame with the 'no happy hour'). As far as atmosphere, I love subterranean bars, especially in the winter. It just has a nicely lit cozy/tavern feel, and if you like to have hot drinks like mulled wine, rum cider and irish coffee this place is for you. The whole 'seat yourself' thing can become a little chaotic when you have 2 or 3 groups of people waiting for one table to get finished. All in all though, if you are looking for a extra cheap dinner and a drink in harvard square, it's the place to go. It's just a great feeling to order a $9 meal and see $4.50 on the check, It keeps me coming back.
(4)
Jane D.
I go here every Friday around 6 and it never fails. the spinach and crab dip is delicious. the hot chocolate and peppermint schnappes drink is awesome - especially for the winter months! staff is super friendly, place is laid back. prices are amazing - and the food is fresh and yummy!
(5)
Nancy L.
What I love about Grendel's Den is that it typifies the quintessential college hang out place: good atmosphere, cheap food and drinks, and a young crowd. While the food is not amazing, it's decent. Stick to the basics such as sandwiches or American fare and you will fare better. Their more complex foods tend to fall a bit short of menu description. BUT!!!! the best thing about Grendel's is absolutely the HALF-PRICE HOURS: 5-7:30 every night and 9-11:30 pm from Sunday till Thursday! Buying a measly $3 drink (alcoholic or not) reduces your food cost by half, so you get a decent meal with drink for less than $10 in a great atmosphere. (A great dinner before heading over to the Brattle for a double-feature!!) That is what I call cheap eats (+ cheap entertainment)
(4)
Sarah S.
No fries?! Lame-o salad? Quesadilla that lacked the proper amount of deliciously melted cheese? Boo, Grendel's, boo. I should go back and try something else, but first I have to allow myself time to forget that horrible, dry, thing that was masquerading as a quesadilla.
(2)
Q S.
Your average bar & bar food. I had a portabella mushroom wrap. It was soggy. And tasted like vinegar - no other flavors were present except for balsamic vinegar.
(3)
Benito L.
Ehhh, not that impressed by the food, but loved the patio area. For the life of me though, I could not understand our waiter (thick English accent).
(2)
Jen S.
Don't know why I haven't reviewed this place before. Have been here a few times- never disappointed but nothing to rave about. Friendly service. One of the few places that actually have decent service when you sit outside. I prefer coming here in the summer so I CAN be seated outside. I've never actually eaten INSIDE before. Food is decently priced. Definitely a place that can be revisited!
(4)
Mark T.
bobby s. Said: "The door man drinks Guiness while not allowing you in with proper ID!?!?!?! The floor is filty and so are the waters/waitresses as they sneeze on you (why me!!!!!) I walked back outside to talk to my freind and the dor man was sos drunk from Guiness tha he keeps on the cornerstone that he forgot who I was and would not allow me in until my girlfriend showed her breasts. He has glasses and a dark brown beard and is fat (BEWARE THE GRENDEL STAAAACKER!!!!!!!!!)" LMFAO!! If this is the guy I think it was given from what he's bitching about and the date of teh review, I was sitting at a table in the back room kind of diagonally near this guy, and went out for a smoke as he got KICKED OUT!! He pulled a KNIFE OUT on his friend and then threatened to call the cops on the DOOR GUY (who wasn't exactly walmart greeter friendly but about as good as you get for a random door guy in Harvard Square, which isn't bad)! I didn't exactly sit down and have a drink with a guy but he seemed like a totally coked up useless douche. Anywhoo, the seafood combo was totally fine (if a touch overcooked), especially for the money during happy hour. The burger was honestly kind of crap. I've been in here before and had the hummus plates which are genuinely tasty, as well as a decent veg tofu plate... DEFINTELY not 5 star but at half price it's good stuff. They've got pretty cheap Gansettes and a few Octoberfests which are normally priced. Extra star for the value and the BS that the staff deals with. Hillarious.
(4)
Michael K.
Everytime I walk by this place and it always smells really good. So I thought I'd give it a try last night. They had 1/2 off food from 5:30pm -7pm, and from 9pm-11pm thats if you buy a $3 drink which is really cool. We ordered the spinach, artichoke and crab dip. There was barely any spinach, and I could see the chunks of crab, but I had to add a lot of salt to taste anything. I had the portobello wrap, which was really wet and tasted like styrofoam. The potato chips it came with were better than the wrap. My wife had the Spinach Pie which was decent but it was a very small portion. I can see why they charge 1/2 price on food. I don't think I'd go back here for meals again. We found out that the good smell was coming from "Upstairs on the Square"
(2)
Jess L.
I might have a bias because I went in knowing I'd like this place just because of all the great things I had heard. I went around midnight with a few friends. It has a really welcoming atmosphere. The wait staff was really friendly - we chatted about Obama - and I had the best peppermint schnapps hot chocolate. In fact, everyone who ordered a spiked coffee-like drink was pleased. The atmosphere was fun, and it wasn't too loud (i.e., you could hear people). My roommate had been there before, and she said the food was great, too. I'll definitely go back to explore some more.
(5)
Jenna P.
Came here earlier around dinner time on a Friday night and sat at the bar with a girlfriend of mine. We split a chicken sandwich and a bottle of white wine. Everything was delicious and the prices were great! Seating is limited but I thought it was worth the wait!
(4)
Hiep V.
Myself and a couple others decided to give Grendel's a try only because they offered fondue on the menu. It was either here, the Wine Cellar, or the Melting Pot. After an hour of sifting through reviews of the fondue from the three choices, we chose to go with Grendel based on cost and overall satisfaction from other Yelpers. Harvard Sq. has always been a headache for me to park. On a Thursday night, we gave up looking for street parking and parked in the garage. Yay for $2 validation, nay for the $14 I had to pay after an hour and half. Upon arrival, there weren't any available seats for us as we arrived right at the end of 1/2 price hours. We ended up seating ourself temporarily in a back area by the rear emergency exit. Our surface was merely a half table with 3 bar stools so eating on it was certainly out of the question. The waitress arrived and we opted to just order drinks until a bigger table opened up. The way we were situated, it was not possible to see if people left or not, so we asked if the waitress could let us know when something else opened up. Five minutes later, she informed us that a table had opened up on the other side of the wall, and we quickly made our way over. We had noticed that the bar was serving warm cider and it was something that my friend and I wanted to try. I noticed on the main page of the menu a "Sin Cider" and assumed that it would be the same. When it came out, we knew that we had clearly ordered the wrong thing, but decided not to make a hassle out of it and it was only our fault out of ignorance. To describe the cider, it was white wine served in a pint glass. I actually enjoyed it and it went very well with the fondue. For food, we had the crab dip, fondue for 2, and a tuna melt. The crab dip was okay. Our 3rd person said the tuna melt was good. I felt the fondue was good. I have an infatuation with cheeses and loved the fondue. My two friends felt that the wine in the fondue was a bit heavy, but I thought it was just fine. I've had fondue in Switzerland a couple years back and as I recalled, it tasted quite similar. The two of us were unable to finish the fondue. We only made it through half the basket of bread. I would have loved to finish everything, but didn't feel too comfortable thinking of how many calories I had just consumed. Our waitress seemed tired but yet she was patient and helpful with everything. I'll definitely go back again, but will definitely try to arrive during the half price hours.
(4)
Kevin L.
Our really cool waiter brought us some extra potato chips, because the ones that came with our food were good. We asked him for seconds (thirds?) on chips, and he brings out this GIGANTIC, UNMARKED white bag full of chips. And he was wearing a hilariously racist shirt! Loved it.
(4)
Deepa C.
This is the perfect place for a group after work. Or for a couple of people grabbing a drink after dinner. Or for a Sunday afternoon pint. We used to come here after salsa class for pitchers of sangria, and it was always hopping on a random Tuesday at 10. Not many places in Boston can say that. The food is nothing spectacular, but the atmosphere is welcoming and the vibe is inviting.
(3)
Annie L.
I hear "cute" is not the word to describe this trendy scientists' bar. But it's damn cute. To me, it's less like Grendel's Den and much more like a Hobbit's Hole. But nobody really asked me. Beer is priced fairly. I think maybe it was cheap-ish or half-off one night, and it was definitely moderate during Oktoberfest.
(4)
Darren G.
Why do I keep ending up here? The location is great, the atmosphere is pretty good, the restaurant set up and structue is cool. The food...dismal and the service...horrible. There is one member of their staff who I had the displeasure of having twice who is just not friendly. I've gone for drinks a couple times as well and as long as you're sticking to beer you'll be okay; don't order a mixed drink.
(2)
Chris C.
great spot!!! good food!! relaxing and special kurdos to NICK for being such a FABULOUS bartender and host. great saturday handout
(5)
Erica S.
Half priced food from 5-7:30 every night, and 9-11:30 Sunday through Thursday. Yaaaaayyyyy!!! I get a couple "dark n' stormies" (they have the BEST ones) and a plate of Salvadoran vegetables with tofu and rice, and always leave stuffed, happy, and kinda drunk. Sure, the food isn't amazing, but it's decent, filling, and when it's half price, my dinner always costs less than a drink... I speak for the broke asses of Boston when I say, that's a freakin' sweet deal man! People have pretty much covered the ambiance and the bathrooms, so I'll keep it short: Ambiance= chill and cozy, like there should be a fireplace in the corner and a moose head on the wall or something. Hot tip= no half priced food outside, sorry, but the patio IS nice! Bathrooms= coed, and confusing for drunk people. Yay Grendel's.
(4)
Tim F.
Not going to say I'm wild about this place. For a basement, they do alright, but even the fireplace can't save it. There are places better for ambiance, and better for pub grub.
(2)
Danie R.
In Massachusetts, it's illegal to have booze to be on "happy hour" so most establishments go with a food happy hour, like Grendel's! Grendel's happy hour is INSANE though! It's my absolute favorite. Their food is half-priced for about 5 hours a day and the food is goooood too. I like the natural disaster on a veggie burger, nachos, and their portobello reuben. The bar tenders are always lovely, as I only sit at the bar, and their French 75 is fantastic. Peter enjoys their beers too.
(4)
Denise M.
In terms of value for both food and drink, this is a great place. With it's location, the Den could definitely charge 2 or 3x the price, but has elected instead to serve standard pub food with a wide selection of drinks to create a fun atmosphere.
(4)
Jen H.
I've been here a handful of times now, and really... Meh. I've experienced better. I'm actually upset by this because it's in a fun location, seems to have decent patrons, and could be a really fun hangout spot. But sadly, those have not been my experiences. First time I set foot in here, you smelled like fish. Strong odor of fish. I walked in, I walked out. I can't take a fishy smelling place, makes me ill. Second time I tried you, I was very nervous. Lucky for me, the fish smell was gone. *phew* Had a drink, really busy, kinda crappy service, but everyone has off nights now and then, and you were busy so... I can't complain too much about that. Third time, came and this was the first stop on a pub crawl. It was the meeting place. No matter where I stood (by the bar) I seemed to be in some server's way. Rather than say "excuse me" or tell me a better place to stand so that I wasn't in their way, I got bumped around/into 80% of the time. :-( Fourth time, my first time getting food. I ordered the quesadilla appetizer because I was there in time for the apps special. Very disappointing and unflavorful. Glad I got it on the apps special! Which, the waitress forgot to do initially... no biggie, we'll just ask her to fix it. Oooh, a mean mug! What was that for?! :-( Then, the rest of the group started to arrive, we started to take over the tables, and everything went to hell in a hand basket. I was not drinking, so the wait time wasn't bothersome for me, but GOOD-NESS. It shouldn't take that long to get service. People had to start going to the bar to get drinks in a 20minute timeframe. But, then we got scolded for going to the bar. Okay, I get it, that is $ you're not getting, as a former server, I understand how that would be disappointing and/or annoying. However, I would have busted my butt to get everyone drinks so that DIDN'T happen, and our server did not. Oh, I do NOT like the co-ed bathrooms with multiple stalls. That's just weird to me. If it's unisex then it should be single stall. Just something that makes me uncomfortable. Maybe it's my own hang up, or maybe others feel the same way... I'm not sure. I think I'm willing to give Grendals one final try, and if it's still lackluster, then I think that's gotta be my final attempt. Normally, I wouldn't have even given it this many tries... but there's something about the place that keeps me coming back and hoping that it will be better. I almost feel like I'm in denial of an abusive relationship or something. One more time... then I will have to move on. Here's hoping!
(2)
Emily C.
This place has a great vibe! Obviously being in Harvard square helps-but I think the ambiance of being called a den and having the setting be in a basement helps! The beer is great-the bartenders are friendly but not great on their tentativeness. The food is just ok-nothing spectacular. Mostly I like their salsa...my gf tried their Gorgonzola pasta with Cajun chicken and it literally looked like something that came out of a box but it tasted great. I think without the Gorgonzola it was legit pasta roni! Grendel's Ale is superb though!
(3)
Rupert H.
I used to really like Grendel's...I went there for lunch yesterday and it was just awful. Service was REALLY slow. The $4.95 lunch specials are supposedly served quickly--it took about 30 minutes for our food to be served. I ordered the veggie burger and it was just awful. A tasteless burger with no visible vegetables, and served with nothing--no lettuce, no tomato. It was just awful. I definitely won't be going back there.
(1)
Cloie H.
*I have been meaning to write this review for two weeks; I finally have gotten my butt in gear because upon checking my profile, the last review I wrote was for a Taco Bell. That is being fixed right now.* I really have a soft spot for this place. It is tucked away behind a nondescript door and is rather cramped (at least on the nights that I have been there) but it has character and that is something that you just can't buy. I am going to admit something right now which is not the norm for me. I order the same exact thing every time I go here. This may hamper my review in your eyes but I honestly don't care too much. I order the fondue, a French 75, and a Mediterranean salad. Every time. judge me, that's fine, whatever. It's good! If you have been to Grendel's you might be thinking that getting the fondue for just yourself is suicide by cheese (what a way to go) but I always go here with my BFF who lives near by. The "fondue for two" is normally $25; steep true, but it can easily feed four people and during a certain time in the early evening all their entrees are half price. I don't know what the exact time is or I would write it here, but it is similar to happy hours time. The last time I was there was about two weeks ago and I was with a relatively large group of people (9) so we were seated right by the door at a large round table that in its former life was a wagon wheel. Now, growing up on a farm I know a small fact that not all people know; when laid on their sides wagon wheels are not flat. They are slightly convex; this is in order to absorb shock when actively participating in wheel-like activities. Thus, when wagon wheel tables were all the rage in the 80's, they had glass tops to them. The wagon wheel table at Grendel's does not have a glass top. Another interesting fact: they have filled he space between the spokes with cement and then pushed pieces of broken china into it. So, to sum up, this table is convex with a horrible uneven surface due to a slightly dated craft technique. Clearly the best surface to serve any type of food or drink. I think you know where that story went. Luckily it was my drink and not the flaming pot of bubbling cheese. The point of this long ramble is this; the waitress we had was awesome. She was right there when it happened and she asked what I would like to do (new drink or water?). I told her honestly that I didn't want an entire new drink but I would have liked to finish the one that was spilled upon me. She told me that unfortunately she doesn't think that they make half drinks and upon that information I decided to have a water. When she came back with the water she had a half a drink for me too, surprise! She also handled the ordering of nine people at various different times just fine and had most, if not all, of the orders come out at the same time. She wasn't snippy or saccharine, just a normal girl doing a great job. She gets a whole star. The other two stars go toward the food and the location, and (as of right now anyway) with their rating being three and a half stars I would like to dedicate the half a star to the atmosphere. This place is in an urban collegiate neighbor hood and it is not at all douchey or grungy; it isn't trying to hard but clearly still cares about its patrons. Yes it is small, but hey, so is practically any restaurant in Cambridge. If you want to have good drinks and yummy with people you like in an atmosphere that is not any where near intimidating, you should go here.
(3)
Tamar A.
Great ambiance, pretty good beer list, nice outdoor seating. And yet... AWFUL CRAB DIP. Like, stupendously bad.
(2)
Mittal S.
I did not eat here because they did not have seating for couples even though there were 3 tables available, but they were reserved for groups of 5 or more. It was super loud. This is a perfect college hang out. After waiting for 25 minutes, I walked out. Will not go back here again.
(1)
Irene B.
I like Grendel's Den on their off-peak hours. Saturday at 4:30 or Sunday brunch is a good time, you can always get a seat and its a pretty cozy place to hang out at. Friday - Saturday nights its packed and I usually stay away. You cannot buy Miller, Coors or Budweiser here - their house brew is pretty unremarkable and their beer list isn't terribly extensive, but happy hour is 5-7, which is pretty sweet. Food is okay - the hummus is tasty, the salsa is from a jar - I still like Grendel's, though.
(4)
Leighann F.
Disclaimer: this is a strictly atmosphere/bar/drink-related review. This has nothing to do with food....yet. Charming wood tables, lots of exposed brick and an eclectic mix of people: students, professors young and old. A bustling but not too noisy atmosphere, this place seems perfect for anyone looking for a few low-key drinks. There were tables for couples tucked away in the corner, big tables for groups and plenty of spaces at the bar. Great beer selection and a short walk from my new pad, I will definitely be back here. Maybe soon I will talk about the food. OH - one odd thing...I THINK the restrooms are co-ed? The signs on the doors say "either or" with pictures that made no indication as to whether they meant "male" or "female."
(4)
Marti S.
A friend and I had heard about these half price entrees, so we figured we'd check it out, being poor grad students and whatnot. We figured the food would be overpriced, like everything in Boston, and that we'd end up paying more than we'd like. However, we were pleasantly surprised! The food is fairly inexpensive to start with, and then after the half-off, it was so cheap! For the two of us, after tip, it was only about $20, and that was with drinks (which are not half off). The food isn't amazing, but it's better than you'd expect for the price. I had a roast beef sandwich with herb cheese, and she had a Mediterranean wrap, both of which we enjoyed. Apparently, the peppermint schnapps hot chocolate is also yumtastic. I wasn't super impressed with the beer selection, though. It's super busy during happy hour when everything is half off (5 - 7:30), but we noticed that business kind of tapered off around 6:30, so it might not be a bad idea to head in a little later, rather than earlier.
(4)
rewan a.
Great place to drink. I love the atmosphere. You can tell it's a very relaxed, chill bar. Unfortunately the food is not very good. I have tried to eat there on so many different occasions (half price at night during the week) but it's just not good. I would much rather spend more money on a better meal. But I still really like going there. I recommend going to have a few drinks but not eat.
(4)
Jeff G.
A great pub with a warm local vibe. My new local when I'm in Cambridge MA
(4)
Anna W.
My co-workers and I go here for Happy Hour at least once a month. Note to beer drinkers -- this bar is anti-Anheuser-Busch, so they don't carry any of their beers (Bud, Michelob, etc.). So, don't ask for them because then they know that you're not a regular and you will get some long speech about why Budweiser is the devil incarnate. Anyway... I love the 1/2 price food deal they have going on during happy hour. Granted, the food isn't that great, but then again, you get what you pay for! My two favorite things on the menu are the garlic bread (decent) and the stuffed portabello mushroom (actually pretty good). Stay away from anything that requires actual preparation and cooking. You will be sorely disappointed. Also, they don't have fries here, which is a bummer. They give you potato chips instead. Blah! The wait and bartending staff is nice and down-to-earth. They are quick to see if you need a drink refill or anything else. Given that this place is in a basement, ambiance is not that bad. It could use a few TVs, and the tables are all rickety because the floor is incredibly uneven, but even with all those bad points, there is no other place I'd rather spend happy hour in Harvard Square. We've tried other places, but we always go back to Grendel's. We can be as loud and obnoxious and we want to be and no one else cares because they are just as loud! Gotta love that.
(3)
Haley T.
Best place to sing along to "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch" after consuming (one too many) fine and tasty beverages.
(5)
Dee P.
The food is so cheap! Never mind the half-price after-work dinner special, just the regular menu is a deal. And right now they're running a "throwback" specials menu to their original (1970s) offerings-- I don't think anything was over $8. Tasty, tasty. Almost-always-great service, good beer selections and talented bartenders. A really mixed crowd, co-ed bathrooms, and a super-friendly atmosphere. Definitely one of my favorite places to grab a beer. Patio seating relatively recently opened up for alcohol service (but you do have to eat something. Or order something, in any case)- as it gets warmer it'll be harder to come by (long waits) so check it out if you haven't!
(5)
Nick C.
Grendel's Den is my favorite bar in Harvard Square. Low key, good beer, good service, and $5 dollar nachos. I go here for a quick beer and snack whenever I miss dinner. Unconditional recommendation.
(5)
Alicia N.
Honestly when someone said we were going to Grundels, I thought it was a sexual innuendo and didn't have any idea what was going on. A stumble down the street and a pair of stairs later I lost my grundle virginity. So the table wasn't stable and I had to hold it up with my knee....and yes the food probably wasn't anything to write home about BUT with half off appetizers(litz about $2 each), cheap drinks, and a non-annoying attentive waiter I will definitely frequent this place. Our fire locked bearded waiter was at our beck and call all night, refilling drinks without being annoying. He didn't mind that we lingered for an awkwardly long time glassy eyed and gossiping. I would never suggest this place as a first date, or for a good meal but if you and a bunch of friends want to get loose and relax this is the place to go without ending up broke.
(4)
Tristan B.
Did you get rejected from Harvard University and could only get into Northeastern? Did you really want to hang out with Harvard undergrads, watch them play cards, and be part of the crowd, because that's really all that matters when it comes to horseshoes, hand grenades, and making sweet contacts? I know I always wanted a Harvard girl to show mommy and daddy that even though I slacked off in high school, I could at least hang out with smart people and be their peer. If so, Grendle's Den is your answer and salvation. Thrill to the fact that you're in the actual room with possibly the brightest (or perhaps the most legacied) young men and women in the country. Never mind that they're getting shitfaced on crap beer, or just being abject assholes in general in their own parties, you want Harvard, you got it here. There's a reason why they call it Grendle's Den, and I stress the word "den". Outside of the token few tables set up outside during the fall, you're going to stumble down the few brick steps into a traditional locale that's more or less the bowels of the school. It's sort of dark, it's not pretty, and you probably shouldn't wear that school blazer down here. In fact, it seems the general fashion code is "Whatever I could scrape up off the floor.", which is pretty much fine for this place. I don't suggest going here though if you're rearin' for some after a social party drink. Food is cheap during "happy hour", but with the cheapness comes the price (hur hur) of it not being that great. It's completely functional, yes, but Miracle of Science grub this ain't. But jeeze, half price food? I can't cry about it too much. Just keep it in mind that heartburn is a possibility. Carry your tums. Drinks are standard fare, you can actually get a Dark & Stormy or a Black Russian without getting funny looks, which is definitely a plus in my book, as I am a stickler for my dark alcohols. Martini's are serviceable, but it's pretty hard to screw up a glass full of gin with an olive in it. Service is decent, even when packed, which is always a good sign that they're properly staffed. No qualms there. So yeah, I don't really hang out there that much, being post college and all, but that's not to say if happy hour calls and I need a dark & stormy that I'm not going to trip down the stairs to get one and some nachos.
(4)
Andrew M.
You can have a beer outside in the vicinity of grass and other people. Name me another place in Cambridge where you can do this. (I didn't say there wasn't one, I just said name me one.) They have a passable beer selection and harpy hour specials add a layer of icing to your beer. The inside space feels a bit unhappenin and has unpredictable temperature.
(4)
Amy N.
Definitely worth going to, especially during the half off hours. The spinach and artichoke dip has an extra friend:snow crab, and he's delicious. The portabello reuben was excellent. I'm not a fan of loud places and this place had the potential to be loud but we sat up in back where the music was less and it only took a slight elevation in volume to be heard across the table. There was a good selection of beer and cocktails, I had the B's cream soda and there was plenty of rum in the ginger ale. (many places are super stingy). All around a good pub type place with better food than you would expect (fondue?!) at a great value.
(4)
Kate M.
This place would have four stars if it weren't for an experience I had with a bartender there. To start: This is a great place. It's located underground and it has a very warm air to it. I love that they outright announce that they do NOT have Bud, Bud Light, Miller, Miller Lite and Michelob. Nice job. The crowd is a mix of older locals (lifers, I guess you can say) and students. Surprisingly, it mixes well. Now, for my experience with the bartender: It was a Sunday night around 10:00 PM. Our bartender was female with a long brown ponytail, heavyset, unattractive and about 5'9" or so. I was with a friend who paid for the next round while I was in the bathroom. When I got back to the table, he paused and realized that he couldn't remember if the bartender had given him change. He looked through his wallet and was pretty sure that she hadn't. (He was just starting on drink #2 of the night -- there was no way he was drunk.) "Excuse me," he said. "I hate to ask you this...but did you give me change? I don't really remember." "Then you're getting too drunk to be here," she replied. WHAT?! He had consumed ONE beer!! "So...you did give it back to me?" he asked. Dude is polite. "I gave you a five and four ones," she told him. "Okay, then." "You know, you should try keeping an eye on your money sometime," she said before walking away. Looking over this, I realize that it doesn't sound bad, but she responded with such sarcasm, rudeness, superiority and attitude that I have difficulty conveying in writing. It wasn't an adorable ploy to be brash and "authentic" -- she was being, well, a d*ck. Honestly, I'm slow to aggravate when it comes to service. I used to waitress and I know that it gets bad. But this bartender made me, literally, want to throw things at her. I will be back. It's a great bar. But I will do anything in my power to avoid that bartender.
(3)
Lindsay W.
Every time I go to Grendel's Den I have a great time. The most recent time I went with my mother and my girlfriends, Nina and Arielle. We were really excited for our hot port cider, but they were out of port (one reason for only four stars) so we ordered a pitcher of sangria instead. I was surprised at how good it was! The food is also great too. My mother and I shared the veggie banquet which included hummus, pita, spinach pie, broccoli and tofu with rice. It also came with a salad. I don't recommend the Mediterranean salad because the tahini dressing is a little blah. But the spinach pie is great! And the dish was only ~$12. The previous time I was here I had the vegan chili and that was fabulous too! The best thing about Grendel's Den is that you kind of feel like you are in a cozy, little den. I love it!
(4)
ExtrafirmTofu ..
Tasty comfort food at a price that can't be beat...I love the spinach pie! But how awesome would it be if they had air conditioning too? TOTALLY awesome, my friend. Like, 100% awesome. For reals.
(3)
Leo L.
Today was my first time here and I have to say... it was great to finally find a decent priced place in Harvard Square with decent food and service! Definitely recommend anyone to try it you just may have to wait a while if you want to seat at the patio.
(3)
Cara P.
As my SO and I were walking along the crowded Harvard Square streets tonight, we realized we were extremely hungry and needed to park our asses for some food and drink stat. We had 45 minutes until Gone Baby Gone started at the cinema. Maybe I was high from my Lush excursion........maybe it was because from where we were standing, we detected a waft emanating from Grendel's. It lured us in. We walked down a few steps into a small dark bar that has two areas with tables to eat at.- it was packed. This place is extremely small and does not have enough two tops. We were immediately confronted by a dumb as nails, guy sitting on a stool by the door.......I can only assume he was the bouncer.........you know, since it must get so out of hand there ???? He asked for our ID's before we were allowed to even sit down. I scrambled to find it as we were standing smack in front of all these people eating at their tables.Than we ....just stood there. finally we got the hint we should seat ourselves. We walked through the area looking for a place to sit.....We were forced to sit behind a brick beam that separated us from the main area.....we were at a tiny table with two stools. There were two men seated at the table behind us...no really two inches away......that were 50 something typical cambridge-onian Kingdom Heart Champs and were literally playing the game while bitching about the disgusting food. _Shudder_ Our food came out quickly. As a mater of fact, it came with the appetizer and drinks. I ordered the Veggie Combo.....The spinach pie was alright........the salad was DRENCHED in dressing and my falafel looked like a small round jaw breaker. Oh and it was as hard as one too. I am now thanking my lucky stars I chose Umass Boston over Harvard . I would have spent many a nights in the 10,000 degrees crap of a den ........eating falafel jaw breakers and enduring bitchy wait staff and the moronic guys on a stool by the door that think they are bouncers. OK so I didn't even apply to Ha-vad... even if I wanted to, I would never come close to being accepted......still, there is only ONE way I would ever come back to Grendels and that would be to have drinks at their outside table area...........two pumps down for Grendels
(2)
Alyssa S.
Great spot for the early-20s crowd. Low-key, cheap beverages, and friendly service! Definitely a spot to hit up with your friends for a casual night out or post-dinner hang out.
(3)
Bethany W.
service and ambiance are what stick out in my mind. the last time i was in grendel's was nov. 2009, but the fact that it's one of the places in boston that i remember from my short visit, i thought it merited a review. to be honest, i don't even remember what i ordered. i'm sure one of the big reasons it was such a fabulous time was the company i was in. that said, the ambiance at grendel's is great. in general, just being in harvard square has a great mix of people. that i recall, everyone was happy with what they ordered, which is a testament in itself. by the end of the night there were over 10 people in our group, all arriving at different times, and our server handled it efficiently and graciously. i tried to go back once more before leaving boston, but, unfortunately, they were filled to the brim that night. if i wasn't in seattle i'd give it a second chance. why not. i'll leave it to those of you visiting/living on the east coast.
(3)
Rob C.
Plenty of others have mentioned friendly waiters, a warm, funky atmosphere, and good food, all of which are true. One thing that i noticed the other night is that they have Harpoon Munich Dark on tap, which is kind of like the red-headed stepchild of the Harpoon brewery (if you go to their beer festivals, the Munich will always be the shortest line). This is unjust because it is ever so tasty on draught, and ever so hard to find, too. As another point in Grendel's favor, the other night, they were playing that CD by Sublime, and it was skipping and scratched, so there's a good chance that it may have gotten thrown out and you'll never have to hear 'Santeria' if you go there. It's a bonus from where i stand, but your mileage may vary.
(4)
Ben H.
I love the atmosphere and the spinach pie. The margarita I got came with chili salt, which I believe is salt with chili powder. Luckily, it also came with a straw. The chili salt was gross, but the margarita, consumed through the straw, was quite good. It was definitely worth coming here once. I'd probably come again during the day or on a weeknight, but on the weekend it's crazy. The place is packed, and their seating policy is to wish you luck in grabbing a table before somebody else takes it.
(3)
Melissa M.
come for the cheap cheap cheap bar food (it's half price 5-7:30pm) after work. Stay for the lovely drinks. They even donate some of the money from certain drinks to charity. The bathroom is unisex, but on the several times I tinkled it was clean. The staff can be slow, but it don't matter because they also sell champagne. If if I'm 'pagnin I'm happy.
(4)
Shelly A.
Cheap drinks, better than average bar food including a very yummy turkey burger and special hours where food is all but free. This is a college kid's dream but thank god, not a college kid's haven. The unisex bathrooms still throw me every time considering that one of them has multiple stalls. Keep that in mind when you teeter yonder after tossing a few back.
(4)
Renee H.
Oh Grendel's, how I love you. I duck in here pretty often when I'm wandering around Harvard Square. First off, I love that fact that there is no TV here. It's a good place to come in, relax, and not be surrounded by people yelling at a game. (It means you can actually sit down in the bar on a game night, too.) The food isn't the best I've ever had, but I think it's pretty good for bar food. I'm veg, so I can't speak for their whole menu, but I find it generally pretty tasty. For the price, I think the quality is good, and the portions are generous. Also, not a bad beer selection (depending on your taste), and good hard liquor as well. They make a fine Dark 'n Stormy. Their port and cider is great on a cold afternoon or evening--they keep a crock pot going at the bar heating the cider up. Their Chocolate Cake Shot is delicious; nice and sweet, for those of us who like dessert-y booze. They also make passable mimosas and sangria--far from the best I've ever had, but still pretty good. I've almost always had fantastic service. It's always been pretty attentive, especially if I'm sitting at the bar. They keep my glass filled and my belly full, and don't dilly-dally with the check, either. And the waitstaff/bartenders have always, always been friendly.
(5)
Michael L.
I went here for lunch yesterday, by myself, and really had an enjoyable time. I would have liked to sit outside on their patio, but it was full, and I needed to be in and out of there in 40 minutes. I think that "Den" is a great way to describe this place. It's decorated in a sort of haphazard way, combining lots of wood, lots of mirrors and normal pub-crap on the walls. The staff were furiously busy, especially the waitress who had ALL the outside tables. She was running in and out, and banging the door hard every time. Didn't bother me. So I sat myself (as the sign said I should) and my waiter came up within 3-4 minutes. I had scoped out the menu beforehand, and they have an entire section of "quick lunch" items. I chose to get a tuna melt with a salad (Caesar) and a beer (Cambridge Amber). The entire quick lunch menu is $3.95 per item, and had a few different interesting choices for a filling lunch. I have never had tuna melt before, but I understand the concept. I really like tuna, but I despise mayo. I thought mayo would be involved, but it wasn't, or was so subtle it didn't matter. The sandwich came on an english muffin, and was topped with provolone and very fresh tomato. It was extremely tasty, but not really something I'd go out of my way for. The salad was iceberg lettuce with a tasteless dressing, 7.4 croutons and a handful of crappy Parmesan tossed on. Next time I will get the Greek salad, which is another option and might have an olive in it. For $4 I'm not going to bitch about salad too much. I finished my meal and wanted to leave, but a hag in a powersuit sitting with her kids was complaining to my waiter about something. Lame. I have to go back to work. I looked at another waitress like "can you come here I need something" and she did. She was really nice when I asked her to tell my waiter that he was great but that I couldn't wait while the woman made everyone else's service slower because she got bad service. She got my check and I was back to work on time. From 5:30 - 7:00 everything on the food menu is half-price if you buy a drink.
(4)
Jenna H.
I'm a huge fan of Grendel's den, I love this cozy little underground pub. The half-priced food happy hour is a great deal, I can almost always escape with a bill thats $10 or under. The vegeterian chili is delicious, especially with cheese and onions on top, and the vegetarian nachos were quite good as well. I've also tried their fondue meal for two; its around 20 dollars and includes 2 salads to start with and a big pot of delicious white whine and cheese fondue. Really good food at a great value. The only problem is its almost always completely packed around dinner time; the only way to be sure you can get a table is to come relatively early, like around 5:00.
(4)
Kerri O.
I will never, ever, be able to diss Grendel's. I have so many happy memories there. My one complaint is with the either/or bathrooms. Boys, and I mean the Mens, your aim is bad. No Gal wants to go in a bathroom where a drunk boy has whizzed. For all the obvious reasons. *Hint*- we don't pee standing up, and you don't lift the lid. Fill in the blanks, and lift the lid next time- lunkyhead. Aside from the Bathrooms, Grendel's Den is one of the last holdouts that's preventing Harvard Square into turning into a Mall. For that reason alone; go there, and enjoy them. God forbid, they turn into an Applebee's. They have great Pub Food, great bartender's, and are funky Cambridge. We all don't want funky Cambridge to die, so drink heartily, and for Goddsakes, lift the lid!
(4)
Jenn H.
I like the ambiance of Grendel's and some of their sandwiches are okay. The drink selection is good and when the food is half-off, it's worth it. The service is less than stellar- slow about things like water, and when we finally got water there was hair in it. Ew. It's good food for the morning after you've been drinking and good for drinks, but other than that I'd skip it.
(2)
Brandon V.
Grendel's - good, central place to meet up with friends for a night out in Harvard Square or a couple of drinks before heading out or for food on the CHEAP. Other than that, it's crowded, noisy, and the food isn't of the best quality. I remember getting a horrible headache in there once after staying for an hour for dinner. If you're okay with that stuff, then you'll probably be fine there. That said, last time I was there was a couple of years ago, and I sat outside and ate and it was perfectly fine.
(3)
Josephine P.
I can't imagine this place on a hoppin' crowded night, but I was there on a slowish Sunday night and it was super chill, service was great, loved the food. No complaints here. Particularly, I loved my portobello reuben on rye. As a vegetarian going on 12 years now, I never thought I would ever experience what a reuben was (due to the fact that the main component of that sandwich is beef)...until now...and.it.was.glorious. Why did it never occur to me to just omit the meat? Replace it with mushrooms? No clue. But the good people of Grendels did it for me. The Gorgonzola pasta was divine and the vegetarian banquet was alright. I must say, I especially recommend their sandwiches. They're cheap and filling and come with a side of chips or cole slaw. In Harvard Sq. this place and Pinocchio's are my cheap go-to places to eat. Also, side note: this might just be me, but I was impressed that they carried Lavazza coffee.
(4)
Peter R.
Rachel Ray are you on Crack? well i swear i saw Rachel Ray from the show "40$ a day" go to this place and rave how the food was "delicious" and great price. First off i find her show to be really annoying and the only reason i was watching was because she was doing boston.. So on a nice day a friend and i decided to grab lunch on the outside area... located with a view of that lil park area. Well we decided on burgers and gooosh were they pitiful... The meat was very low quality over cooked and down right nasty.. the only way we could force down some of it was by literally covering it in ketchup. Also no french fries just some plain chips.. despite being the best thing on my plate i assumed for the price they could hit me up with some fries.. My suggestions are go to basically any other place in the area and you will be happier..On our way out i did see one guy who seemed to know how to order in this place and that was just a beer and a plate of chips.. Man this place is such a waste of space... and Rachel Ray needs to lay off the crack
(1)
vanessa a.
Located on the cobbled walkways of Winthrop Street, Grendel's has great outdoor dining and the basement sec makes for a nice and cozy dining experience. I enjoyed a beautiful and tasty Sonoma wrap w/a side of cole slaw. Don't expect anything fancy, this is a typical pub and the atmosphere is very comfortable. Oh, and if you're driving, park at the Charles Hotel parking garage, the restaurant will comp $2 off your ticket. great location in Harvard sq.
(4)
Joseph G.
I like the Grendel's Den philosophy of not bothering to have cheap beer. They always make me happy with their selection of beers usually featuring Paulaner Hefeweizen on tap. Probably the best thing about this place though is how the food is half price seemingly all the time. I love walking out of there having paid $15 for two beers and a full meal. I also love the old time pub feel of the place. Not into sports bars and high end looking bars. This is place has stone walls and all. Tis great.
(4)
John W.
This aint no gastropub, but the grub is tasty. I'm a fan of the Falafal Wrap and the California Gardenburger (with jack cheese and guacamole). During their happy hour (5- 7:30pm every night & 9- 11:30pm Sunday - Thursday), all food is half off with the purchase of an adult beverage. They offer a decent selection beer and wine. And during the warm weather, they have outdoor tables in the park, however, the half-price deal doesnt apply outside. Their "happy hour" makes this the perfect place in Harvard Square to hang out with friends after work before a trip across the street to Shay's.
(4)
Bernadette S.
Just went for brunch yesterday - my first time at this legendary establishment. It was affordable and my meal was delicious - the ham, gruyere and veggie frittata - though I didn't notice the gruyere. For $7.50 I received this, a small bowl of fruit and potatoes o'brien. Yummy but I was still hungry. Jen's meal was pathetic - a turkey burger that was about 2mm thin, really poorly presented and unappetizing. I felt badly for her. 3 stars for potential and imagination - it was nice to see a veggie frittata with peas and a bellini with absinthe. Make the frittata and especially the turkey burger a little heartier, though.
(3)
Caitlin C.
bad food. long wait. above all---BAD SERVICE. No thank you.
(1)
C.Michele S.
The Tuna melt is amazing! This place is small and does get a little crowded after 8pm. Since it's really only a sitting type of bar you have to plan accordingly. The drinks are decent priced though I wish they were a little bigger. The food though is really cheap so def check this place out if you need a pre-drinks place.
(3)
Sophia L.
Not gourmet by any standards but fun for a drink or two and pleanty of options for food! I definitely think the service left something to be desired but I can see this being a fun place just to grab a casual drink with friends. Great for cheap happy hour half price food.
(3)
Jacqueline M.
An 'everyone is welcome' spirit is what you'll find at Grendel's Den, along with inexpensive food and drink. In the summer time, they have patio seating, which is worth the wait. I've pretty much found most of their food tasty and filling. This place is great if you are on a student budget.
(4)
Ashlee C.
Good place to hang out and sip a drink if you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere. I have had no trouble getting a table on weekends - the turnover seems pretty high at this place. I cannot attest to the food; so far I have only had drinks here. I can't really say that I recommend the mixed drinks. I got a martini there that was an absolute disaster, so stick to the beer. A Cambridge classic that is worth seeing if you are in the area.
(3)
Harsh V.
Half priced dinners: this is how it'll go down. Order a $5 beer which while entirely decent isn't the best in show. Pair it with a fully loaded burger (veggie or meaty) - many toppings to choose from - for less than $3.50. Entirely wholesome after-work dining experience. I'm throwing in an extra star for the ridiculously inexpensive food deal.
(4)
Sara B.
Love the atmosphere, and the outdoor seating is great in the warm weather, but the patrons can be a bit...hmmm...overtly intellectual, if you will...and self-involved...in a way that becomes difficult to listen to after an hour or so if you wind up next to a particularly talkative bunch. The tables are small and the quarters close. Best thing about Grendel's is the half-price deal. It's amazing. Half off everything on the menu with the purchase of one drink. The hours for the deal are - I believe - 5-7:30pm every day, and 9-11:30pm Sunday - Thursday. The spinach/artichoke/snow crab dip sounds amazing, but tastes like it's out of a can. Disappointing. Burgers are great, including the veggie burgers, but they don't come with fries. Thought the cole slaw is tasty and light. The Guinness stew and the cheese fondue are unique and hearty, especially good on a cold night. Nachos are awesome for the price. Lots of great vegetarian options. This is Harvard Square, after all.
(3)
Maria V.
It's the night of a Sox game. We're walking around Harvard Square and want to 1) catch the game 2) get some food and drink without going broke. This being Harvard Square, of course, those two otherwise basic needs are rather difficult to fulfill. Grendel's delivers. We left after three innings and did barely $10 in damage each. Not bad, not bad.
(4)
Erik H.
This place is literally my home away from home. I realize that I am very biased but this is hands down the best bar in Harvard Square. You can complain about the service but a lot of the customers bring a inflated sense of entitlement into the bar and simply don't like being put in their place. The food is decent and if you ask for recommendation you will often be pleasantly surprised. If you are out looking for a good time you'll find it here. If you go out and think you're in Faneuil Hall you will probably not.
(5)
Alice K.
This little restaurant could be easily overlooked, but really shouldn't be. The beer is good and the food is better. The menu is tasty, unique and affordable; portions are just right for a satisfying meal without leftovers. (Highly recommended, though it's a special and won't be around long: the bacon and onion Alsatian tart) Food is half-priced from 5:30-7:00 every night and 9-11 on weeknights with more than $3 of beverages. Seating yourself can be confusing the first time out, and the only thing to be wary of is the occasional Harvard Square weirdo at the bar. ;)
(4)
John D.
I've been to this restaurant once and will not return again. I went for a late lunch on a Sunday recently. There were not many other patrons at the time, and despite this and the fact that there were a number of wait staff, the service was disappointing. They managed to forget to set the table until asked and made a mistake with our order (the kitchen must have misread the ticket, which was correct). The prices seemed reasonable until we got our food. The portions were small and the food bland. I was hoping for a filling meal, but after an appetizer, soup, and a wrap, was still hungry.
(2)
Lou L.
This place is nothing to rave about, but you can't beat there happy hour prices. 1/2 all food 4 -7 p.m. everyday. Loved the cheese fondue for two, but it is really meant for about six people!
(4)
Aaron S.
This used to be one of the nicest places in the Boston area to grab a drink, but these days it has a little too much of a frat part feel to it. Still though, I feel the need to give it four stars, so how bad could it be.
(4)
Akilesh A.
Crappy food, but a mildly fun atmosphere. And, if you go during certain times in the evenings, you can get their crappy food half-price. I'd avoid.
(1)
John M.
Good beer, inedible (not incredible, INEDIBLE) food. By "intimate and cozy" I think a previous reviewer meant "stifling heat, infernal din, cramped, and overcrowded." Service is ridiculously slow.
(2)
Andy M.
Grendel's Den is a restaurant disguised as a bar. Sure, the drinks and affordable prices are what bring students and hipsters in. But the meals are good, and who doesn't like a good price for a meal. Check out the seasonal outdoor seating, or the cave like interior, and you'll have a good time.
(5)
Ken P.
I'm a huge fan of this place. The food is really good, and during the half-priced time period, really cheap. The beer selection is great. The ambiance is what you'd sort of expect from an old-fashioned basement bar. The only issue I typically have is a lack of seating. There really aren't that many tables for the amount of people that trickle in during peak hours... But, for a place with cheap food and good beer, that's to be expected.
(4)
Sally F.
Grendels has now updated their website and their staff on which items on the menu are "safe" for glutards like me. So, if you're gluten-free, head over to their website for a GF menu...they have them in the bar, too, so you'll be all set. Enjoy your quinoa, everyone!
(5)
Warren H.
Went here with my wife and daughter for a late dinner when visiting Cambridge. Overall, we had a fine experience. It was pleasant, a bit noisy but not unbearable. We were surprised and delighted by the half price food offer and took full advantage. My daughter ordered a burger along with me. My wife ordered a seafood platter with salmon, shrimp and scallops. Everything was good save the veggies which were canned. Fresh veggies would make the experience perfect. We were looking for simple pub grub and we found it! We'll be back again.
(4)
Melissa W.
Stopped in here for a drink on a very cold winter's night for a glass of bourbon... the bartender was very attentive and personable. This is definitely a dive bar filled with hipsters and Harvard types, but not obnoxiously so. I did not try the food.
(4)
Tiffany M.
--Edit to add, regarding owner's comment-- Bringing out apps and entrees at the same time is a huge no-no. No guest should have to COMPLAIN about it for you to know that it SUCKS. Neither of you were very pleasant. I remember your comment exactly. It was
(3)
Gabby N.
I would actually like to give this place a 3 1/2. I'm visiting Boston this week to visit some high school friends and our itinerary has pretty much been: walk, eat, walk, drink, walk, eat, drink, drink, drink...etc. We came in here last night for "dinner" and of course drinking. The food was awesome considering it was 50% off when you buy a drink for a minimum of $3. You could eat a burger for a mere 3.25. We ended up ordering 3 full orders of wings (so yummy), a salad (not bad...), nachos (I wish there was more cheese), and some dip with imitation crab and other stuff (pretty damn good). I ordered a baileys and iced cappuccino for my drink and my friends ordered a couple rounds of sangria and Arnie's Army. The sangria wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great. Arnie's Army however was surprisingly good. I don't typically drink hard alcohol and it was pretty much vodka. For all you ladies, it is a tasty drink well worth the money and alcohol percentage. Only down side to this place? Bad service. We went up to the bar to order my drink because it wasn't on the menu and she told us just to sit down and ask our waiter. When our waiter came around to get our order she left half way through before we even got to finish telling her what we wanted. Our table was never cleared until we asked. Well worth it to come for happy hour, don't know otherwise.
(4)
Matthew M.
Grendel's Den is a nice little bar. The beer selection is small but good, having a number of high-quality brews available, including several locals like Cambridge Brewing Co. and Berkshire Brewing Co. It's not my thing, but several of my friends like to go there because they have absinthe. The food is thoroughly solid. It wasn't magical, but I was far from disappointed. I've had the nachos, a rueben, and a broiled trout (catch of the day that day), and all were fully satisfying. Take that, and consider that on weeknights food is HALF PRICE as long as you buy a beverage, and you can score some seriously nice eats for small cash. The atmosphere is pretty nice. Not very huge, a little cozy, but it feels a little bit like hanging out in a friend's furnished basement to me.
(4)
Jolene S.
I made the mistake of eating here late on Wednesday night. My friend is moving to NYC and we were out late. Given the fact that almost everything else was closed, I decided to give this place a try. I suppose that the prices during half-price hours are unbeatable but the burger I ordered was just not palatable (it's hard to go wrong with beef, barbecue sauce, cheese and bacon). The meat was dry and the cheese rubbery. Even the roll sucked. The best thing I had was the mocha latte drink. I was not impressed and won't be going back. There are so many better options in the area.
(2)
Jason W.
Grendel's Den is the quintessential "grad student bar" - cheap food, casual atmosphere, and an atomsphere conducive to enjoying your drink instead of getting blitzed like an undergrad. Every night from 5-7:30, the restaurant offers 1/2 price on all food with a $3 drink minimum. This is easy to hit - one beer (or even a fancy root beer) gets you half off apps, entrees - everything. The food is pretty good. It's upscale bar food. Nothing special at full price, but it is a definite deal during happy hour. Three stars for the food and full price, but happy hour bumps this up to four stars. It's right in the middle of the Cambridge area. Parking in garages is plentiful (if not expensive), but Grendel's Den will validate. From here, it's an easy walk to the other shops and restaurants near Harvard, making this restaurant a great place to start the night. One tip: GET HERE EARLY. This place gets packed by 6:30 PM. You will definitely have trouble finding a table as the evening goes on, and they are very specific in saying that the half price meals only happen until 7:30 - if your order is entered in the computer at 7:31, you are out of luck.
(4)
Lalin A.
Mediocre food but cheap! Usually very hard to find seating, especially for bigger groups. Smells bad: inadequate airconditioning. But, could be a fun place if you get a corner or wall-side table and just enjoy casual conversation with friends. Not a place to take your date! Make the most out of the happy hour and half-price deal.
(3)
Happy Eater B.
The half-off deal is absolutely fantastic. The food is great, the beers are carefully chosen, the atmosphere is lively. Factors keeping it from five-stars: flies of some kind were at the table, one of our table's entrees was just average. Overall, a nice place to go and, for half-off, a terrific deal.
(4)
S G.
What I love about Grendel's Den is that it reminds me of the way pubs used to be, back when going to a wine bar or being able to name more than three types of cheese made you a yuppie. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a drink at a repurposed warehouse with a lightly ironic menu, but sometimes it is nice to just go somewhere where they don't mess about. They have a good, surprisingly vegetarian friendly menu. Things are cheap, even without their special deal, and the food is tasty. The waiters are always around when you need them but they don't interrupt your conversation with the ubiquitous 'how is everything so far?'. If your purpose is to go out and have a relaxing, pleasant evening with some friends, you really can't go wrong here.
(4)
Alexander H.
Great aspects about this place: Good beer and drink selection, great ambiance, nice location, good food, reasonable prices, a sandwich called "Grendel" Not so great aspects of Grendels: Server was kinda cranky, crowded, seating isn't exactly the most comfortable you'll find All in all, if you're looking for a good place in Harvard square for some filling, fatty food, look no further.
(4)
Michael C.
Where else can you get a sit-down lunch for $3.95? Need I say more? Probably not, but I will anyway. You get about seven or eight choices for that delightfully low price. The food's decent--uninspiring and small sandwiches, but good soups and salads. Nice, cozy atmosphere if you sit by the fireplace. Service is okay but can be somewhat slow, especially if your waitress's friends are there and she spends her work time chatting with them and ignoring her other customers. But hey, for $3.95, I'm happy. In warm weather I enjoy taking lunch out from the various Harvard Square sandwich shops and eating it outside, but in wintertime it's nice to sit in a restaurant--and who really wants to eat inside Felipe's or Sabra Grill? So if winter ever comes this year, you'll find me by the warm Grendel's fire.
(4)
Julia O.
I have been here many times over the past four years and each time I go there I've been pretty happy with the food and service, and would give a 3-4 star rating. I went there today and we waited almost 50 minutes for our food to arrive - and everyone else around us seemed to be experiencing the same delay too - and there weren't that many people there. Our waiter seemed to be high or something because we had to ask for our check twice and the second time we did then proceeded to go on and on about how today he was talking in a british accent but didn't know why. He also hovered right over us as we were taking our wallets out to pay which was very awkward and we weren't planning on leaving much of a tip. Sad to say I won't be going there again because I did like their nachos...
(1)
E B.
Cheap food, tastes good. An interesting mix of menu. Good bar atmosphere and seating outside during the summer. Good options for vegetarians. The music played is sometimes interesting and people at the bar are friendly, sometimes the customers more than the bartenders.
(4)
Maia C.
Not my type of place. Slow to getting to the table and the food was odd. My friend got pasta which looked good. Since we ordered a soda and water they seemed to not want to serve us. It would probably be ok if we liked the dungeon.
(2)
_ _.
Scale of 1-10 (multiple visits): 7 Food 8 *Drinks* 7 Service 9 Atmosphere 7 Value
(3)
Steve F.
A fun, cheap, lively place. The Dark n Stormy was indeed good, as was the mulled wine that my date had. The food (quesedilla) was just ok, but the atmosphere and drinks made up for it.
(4)
Layla P.
went here for drinks on a cold Friday night. Got warmed up with a delicious peppermint schnapps hot chocolate which everyone at my table loved. Canadian hot cider was also toasty and delicious. But most of all I wish I knew how to make your Peachtree toddy at my own house, just curl up with that in a mug and you'd be fine even if the heat went out!
(4)
Michael B.
Besides the great name, Grendel's is a chill place to grab drinks & late night snacks down in its basement grotto, and also a fun, tasty place to grab brunch on a Sunday. The outside tables are perfect for brunch in nice weather and give you the chance to take in some quality people watching in the nearby park. Also, the tables are mostly in the shade, so you don't have to worry about getting fried by the sun on a warm spring or summer day. My girlfriend and I ate brunch there this morning and would definitely go back. Our waiter this morning was especially fun and chill.
(4)
John C.
Grendel's Den may be a little out of the way, but worth it. I've been coming here for more than a decade (yes, I remember when it was two levels) and the food has been consistently excellent. While my favorite might by their straw and hay pasta, there's plenty on the menu for everyone (including vegetarian entrees). The bar and restaurant are for good friends and good conversation... there isn't a TV in sight and the music is loud enough to hear but not drowning out conversation. Highly recommended.
(4)
Stephanie T.
grendel's den is pretty great. though, i'm pretty sure i'd dish out 4 stars to ANY restaurant that offers half prices on their ENTIRE food menu every week night from 5-7:30 and weekends from 9-11:30. beer selection is small, food is creative, but not very bold. i've never had anything i absolutely HAD to have again, which can be problematic with a small menu. but i've never had complaints either. though, personal preference - chips or slaw with sandwiches is a pretty lame. i like fries. especially for an $8 burger, i want fries! not just a bag of lays dumped on my plate. that could be just me though. good atmosphere, friendly (albeit busy) wait staff. i will (and do) return - especially for half price food! 4 stars!
(4)
Yi-Fen S.
non-stellar service, perhaps apropos given dark dive dingy atmosphere (a good thing, gotta be in the mood though). you come here to chill with a few brews and good company (obvi littered with hahvahd crowd) stick to the potables: dark n stormy, unique ales (like pumpkin in autumn). edibles offerings quite varied in terms of "globetrotting selections" and vegan options (peruvian quinoa, pesto pasta)... definitely not your run-of-the-mill bar foods, but lacking in general (aside from pretty impressive chimichurri): overcooked steak, creamy but chalky/cementy hummus, "mediterranean" cuisine, but sometimes that's just what you need on a cold winter's night after an exhausting day at the museum / midnight snack / any day trumps Qdoba and the like around the square. very affordable and great collegiate pub vibe
(3)
Ryan C.
Bad burger served with worse cole slaw. Inexcusable for a pub to serve crappy food, esp when it's as simple as a burger.
(1)
Lucy Z.
Boyfriend and I were walking around the square on what could've been the hottest day of the summer. The tables outside looked inviting, but I was amazed anyone could really put up w/ the heat. So, we sought refuge downstairs and inside (in the "Den" haha). The place is sort of dark and almost cavernous and a glance at the menu suggests it's a pub that screams of beer-centric happy hours and Barcardi specials (nothing wrong with that at all). I sprung for a veggie salad w/ tofu (yes, I managed to avoid the tempting sandwiches and burgers). It was alright . I was happy with the generous serving of veggies, as it did satisfy my veggie quota for a whole week, but I do have to throw a Are-You-Kidding-Me with the tofu (strangely flavored, kind of soggy, etc). My boyfriend however, really enjoyed his turkey & harvarti sandwich, on a baguette with pesto-mayo. Even though it came with potato chips and not fries.
(3)
Ashley S.
Sometime good enough is, well, good enough. Grendel's is good enough. It's passable, eclectic bar food that's pretty cheap. It's even cheaper if you come before 7:30p on a weeknight, when it's half price. Yup. You can get dinner for like $4...and not because you got a fast food burrito. Footnotes: + They have a wide selection of veggie offerings + They have a few large tables that they save for groups
(3)
Carissa H.
Every time I've been to Grendel's, the food has been great and the staff has had no problem when there were 7-12 people in our party wandering in and out all evening. Grendel's beats the hell out of Cambridge Common (and Charlie's since there's never anywhere to sit at Charlie's). Half price food for most of the evening sweetens the deal. And I don't drink so I can't speak about their alcohol selection, but my friends who do drink have never complained.
(5)
Jasmine C.
Went there for the first time last night and this is going to my new fav place to hang out after work. Not saying that the food is GREAT, but hey, with $3 beer and $4 HUGE serving of Nachos, how bad can it get. It has a nice selection of beer, (although i wanted the Carlsberg and they didnt have it) and a good selection of food. Granted i only had nachos, but i saw plenty of items (tuna melt and chicken wings) that I def want to try when i get back the next time -- which wont be long. Atmosphere was really good -- no pretentious people and they even have outdoor sitting. Extra plus for summer.
(3)
Mark G.
Great fresh salsa.
(5)
Whitney K.
Scott is a great bar tender. Such a stand up dude. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Shane F.
I went to Grendel's for the first time in 8 years last night. The last time I'd eaten anything there may have been 10 years before that. Since the upstairs closed I can't remember hearing anyone talk about Grendel's without mentioning the cheap food during happy hour. So, I expected the food to be crap and the beer to be ordinary. Well, the beer was better than ordinary and I was plum shocked by the food. The whole menu is half price before 7:30 Sunday through Thursday! Two of us sat down at 7:20 and had dinner with drinks for $16. I had a well above average bar burrito with a whole quarter of an avocado added for fifty cents. I think that's a pretty good price for avocado. My conclusion from last night is that Grendel's Den is surprisingly good, shockingly affordable and has simply gobs of vegetarian options.
(4)
Z R.
I don't come here for the food. I come for the atmosphere. The old creaky wooden floors and equally old creaky big wooden tables are charming. It reminds me of Chumley's in NYC. For those of you who are looking to eat here, however, the food isn't terrible. It's decent and reasonably-priced. Someone mentioned food poisoning in their review. Just stick to the basics, and you'll be fine.
(4)
Kirs P.
I was just at Grendel's last night and was reminded how much I love this place. Is the food great? Not really, but you can't beat the prices- especially during the happy hour half price everything on the menu. That's pretty sweet. Especially if you get the fondue for 2, which if you do as an app with your group, is a great way to pass the time. The service? Eh. But, again, you never really end up caring, because you are having a pretty great time drinking, talking, and watchin' everyone else in the restaurant. Weirdness- they have co-ed bathrooms, which if it were just one stall woudn't be weird, but one of the bathrooms has two stalls in it. All I've gotta say is that boys are not always the best bathroom partners.
(5)
A M.
This place is worth avoiding at all costs. The only thing more repugnant than the bathrooms at Grendel's Den is the staff behind the bar. These miserable, slow-moving vehicles take every chance to be rude to customers. The one time they do speed up is at last call, which they ring a good 20 min before every other place in Cambridge, just to get all the paying customers out. Fat and greedy, they only care to serve their moronic minions, who hang around the bar enjoying free drinks well past closing. Shame on you!
(1)
Steve D.
A bit of a cave but great people, great food, great value. Classic spot.
(4)
Alice P.
I went today with my husband and friends of ours for lunch. Before that I had only been for drinks and snacks so I was eager to try out an actual meal. My husband got a cesear salad to start and I stole some of the crotons were which were divine. But crotons do not a meal make (unfortunately) so it was on to my burger and chips. I was quite surprised that they don't have fries (one of my guilty pleasures) so I got homefries in addition to the chips. The homefries were excellent - whole slices of potato satueed lightly. The chips were just generic chips - nothing to write home about. Unfortunately the hamburger was less than stellar. It was two patties that were quite greasy and had more of a light grey sheen than the dark brown/black that hamburgers usually are. It was kind of off-putting. The lettuce for a topping was shredded which meant almost none of it stayed on, and the slice of tomato was rather measly. All in all it didn't taste bad; I guess I was just expecting more. I do like the atmosphere and the drinks are great, but I was less impressed with the food. Also, it was still brunch time, but there were very few brunch items. It mainly consisted of egg-and-meat concoctions.
(3)
Sutee D.
I go to Grendel's for the atmosphere. It's bar where you can actually have good conversations. Although it still retains it's laid-back vibe, on Friday and Saturday nights, you can feel the energy from all of the people around you. You get the buzz from a lot of different conversations happening around you (and the alcohol), but you can still hear your friends (not to be taken for granted in bars in Boston). Good selection of drinks-wine, beer, cider, etc. The food is super-cheap (1/2 off at times!) during happy hour, etc, but a bit disappointing. The quality and price cater towards the college crowd but doesn't quite fit with the overall ambiance. Grendel's is the kind of place where I wouldn't mind paying more for quality food. If you're going to put seafood on the menu, do it justice. Otherwise, just stick with basic bar food. I'll go either way, but please make up your mind.
(3)
Eve C.
Relaxed a friendly, with really cheap food and a great bar. Thankfully they DO NOT serve Bud. =)
(5)
Susan D.
I was split between giving this bar/restaurant one or two stars and rounded up because I am in a gracious mood. The food was not spectacular. I ordered the shrimp sauteed in sambal sauce, which was pure sambal (Chinese chilies) mixed with 7 shrimp on top of a bed of white rice. My husband ordered a forgettable Mediterranean wrap. Credos for serving up authentic spicy food, but nay for the lack of originality when it comes to how they mixed the flavors. Also, the service was crappy. I guess what would I expect from a college bar. We ordered two beers and our meals. Twenty minutes later, the waiter asks us to remind him what we ordered. Then it took another 30 minutes for the drinks to come out because my husband's special beer glass was going through the wash. Sadly, when his beer arrived, the glass was hot, which made the beer strangely warm. Overall, what do you expect? The food was half off and watching the future powers of the world hang out with their professors was fun.
(2)
William H.
I want to like this place, I really do. It's a cool funky below ground spot, but that just isn't enough for me. The food at best is boring and at most times its just plain bad. I went back a couple of days ago, willing to give it another try. It was 3:00 in the afternoon, not rush hour and we waited 20 minutes for someone to come with menus, then another 15-20 before our order was taken. The service is complete crap not to mention the rude wait staff. Seriously if you don't like your job, quit! After another 30 minute wait for the food, the clam chowder was only luke warm and had grit in it. The bread on the sandwich was stale and the beef was cold. After all that we had to wait yet another 20 minutes just to get our check. If you don't mind mediocre food, fine but plan on long waits and rude staff.
(2)
Marcus D.
I don't know why this place gets such rave reviews. As a bar, it's alright, they actually let the Guinness sit for like twenty minutes to get it right, so kudos on that one, otherwise it's just a run of the mill pub. The place was packed and the patrons were sucking up the air, making it almost a little gross, but the bartender was friendly.
(2)
Kabir H.
This place has really cheap food. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for. If you're just drinking, they've got a number of cozy spots that can seat a decent sized party. The lighting is the highlight of this place; dimly lit and there are even a couple tables in the back, away from prying eyes... Show up with a friend or a large party if you can find seats, but stick to beer.
(3)
Bill B.
Awesome if you show up after hours M-Th. Half off food and seating isn't as bad as you'd expect. Don't think I would want to bother with the prices on the weekend tho. Good place to meet up with buddies after work.
(5)
Julia F.
I went here on a Friday or Saturday night, we were meeting a group of maybe 10 people, only the person who had invited us had never seen how small the place was - it was at capacity for about 30+ minutes, so we all had to take turns waiting to get in. It was a decent night, we all go in finally once a few people who had come to have dinner left. It was difficult to try to have the bill split up, but finally we got different tabs for at least the food we ended up eating half way through our drinking. First impression of the staff, not good. Though the door guy grew on me, as the night went on (our interactions were many, what with my constant-smoking-while-drinking-habits). In the end, it was alright. I would go, but only bring one person tops with me... and not drink enough to have to use the bathroom... cause it's gross and teeny. Thumbs up on the veggie burger, but does my memory serve rightly that they don't have fries? A place that doesn't serve fries freaks me out a little bit...
(3)
Phil W.
My friends and I used to come here weekly for post-work drinks. We've since moved onto Gargoyle's in Davis Square, as it's more local for us, but we still hit Grendels once in a while. The half-price food in the evenings is a great deal, and I can't recommend the Natural Disaster sandwich enough - two turkey patties, cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato? Awesome. I order it every time. Though I don't understand for the life of me why they can't put some flippin' french fries on the menu. Everything else on the menu is bar food fare, so where are the fries? Seriously! Service varies on your server; sitting at the bar helps. One of the bartenders really likes Wilco and all other things Jeff Tweedy. We get along great.
(3)
Purvi R.
Stop #2 on the bf's birthday bar crawl. We entered to find our friends already waiting for us, and got down to business. This is a great location to meet up with folks; pretty big inside, larger tables/booths, and yummy cocktails - I think I had a raspberry mojito or similar. It also had a down-to-earth feel about the place, which is just my speed. It is on the list of places to come back - I really like this little area of Winthrop, super cute and nice to walk around in with no cars!
(3)
Michele L.
One of the few places in Boston that offers happy hour specials (half price food until 7), so worth it, but it does get really crowded. Beer selection is mediocre and so is the food - except the vegan chili which was really cheap and delicious. Come here for the prices and the atmosphere - its cosy and denlike as the name suggests. If you are ok with waiting outside for a spot to open up its definitely a good spot to hit up on a Saturday night.
(3)
Jennafir E.
All this place has going for it was the decor. It was a chill bar with good outdoor seating. The rest, well isn't memorable in a good way. The hummus is horrific. Stay away for the love of god. The sangria wasn't made well and the beer choices could have been better.
(2)
Rachel G.
Come to Grendel's Den for happy hour and, with any drink purchase (alcoholic or non-!), your food is half off. For this alone, I'd give this place a try, but since we got food that was a. tasty and b. very well-portioned (not skimped or modified to fit the prices) I feel as though true fandom is in order. They're also one of the few casual places that I've been to in Boston/Cambridge that serves fondue. When four of us went to Om this past summer, we all found ourselves wishing we were here instead.
(4)
Mats K.
This is a nice after-work meetup restaurant. The food is always tasty (and their happy hour half off everything on the menu makes it easy on the wallet) though the portions are a bit on the small side. They have a good selection of beer. Nice place to come and hang out after work with friends.
(4)
Laura M.
Really crowded with a mixed group (college kids, young professionals, older folks) on a Thursday evening during their "happy hour." Half-price food with the purchase of a drink before 7:00. My turkey sandwich was decent and my Dead Guy Ale was $3.80 -- not bad. Got out of there with a $7 dinner including the beer. Service was slow and somewhat surly, and I had to get up and ask a bartender for a glass to pour my beer into (am I a snob? I like to see the color and the head when I try a new beer...). Hard to get a table. I'd give it three stars if not for the cheap special, but the price is so right. And they have Dark and Stormies.
(4)
Terra W.
I give Grendel's a 1 star, not that I have actually eaten there though. One Saturday night we stopped by not too long ago. It was crowded, and there were 3 of us. One server told us to sit wherever we wanted, so we sat at the only open table, still a mess from the previous patrons (which is OK), which was a table for 5. We say looking at the menu for 15 or so minutes when our server finally appeared. She informed us that since there was just three of us, we could not sit there, at that table for 5. We asked where we should sit since there were no other tables, and she rudely repeated herself, gave us a nasty look and walked away. We went to the thai place around the corner instead where we got service with a smile. I won't be heading back to Grendel's anytime soon.
(1)
Noelle F.
A couple things I love about this place: they have original sin cider on tap, the half-price special they run, the atmosphere (very cozy and laid back). My one and only con is the food. I've tried a couple menu items and everything has just been so-so. Then again, it was half priced so I can't complain too much! Overall, great place to have a couple after work beers
(4)
Michael D.
Initially I wasn't to impressed with Grendel's Den, but it quickly grew on me with it's really diverse beer and drink menu, cheap and simple pub grub, good/fast service, and a really social atmosphere. It's now one of my default dives when i'm anywhere near Harvard Square.
(4)
jorbi p.
I'm giving Grendel's 5 because I can't give it 4.5, which is probably more what it deserves. The vibe in this place is great. No tv's, and half price food to be had with great frequency. And the food is usually quite awesome, especially for the price. The Seafood Dishes and the French Dip sandwich are awesome, as are their various specials (I'm praying they bring back their Chicken Pot Pie from last winter.) I dare you to order the Shrimp Sambal... easily the spiciest/hottest dish I've ever had. The waitresses are usually brimming with cuteness (can't complain about that) and are usually very friendly (though I have had the occasional rude one). The bartenders are usually very cool... the guy ones tend to be the friendlier ones I find. Who knows why. Now for the important part: drinks. Grendel's has the best Dark & Stormy I've ever had... i don't know if it's the special canned ginger beer they use or the fact that they get the goslings and the ginger beer to separate just right, but it's damn good. They also serve a warm port wine & cider that is really good during the winter months. For some reason they don't have any corporate beer (odd only because they do have have corporate booze) which might bother some, but is fine by me. There is also outside patio seating, which you can now drink at as long as you order food. There are no half price specials outside, however. The only reason I'd knock this place down 1/2 star is because every so often the food is not 100% and because when they get busy, it can take a while to get service sometimes. I've sat at the bar 5 or 10 minutes a couple times before getting served, and the bar isn't that big. Also, their bar stools are very uncomfortable, albeit only if you sit on them for a 1/2 hour or more. These negatives are infrequent though, and no reason not to check this place out.
(5)
Dan M.
Grendel's is easily one of my favorite places to kick back and relax with a drink. It's got a laid-back atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and a real mix of patrons which makes for great people watching. It can get pretty packed on a Saturday night, but unlike a lot of places you never feel like you have to shout to have a conversation. My experiences with the food menu have been limited to the nachos, potato skins, and the French Dip, and I haven't been disappointed by them, plus the half-price hours make it hard to go wrong. One of the best things about the drink menu is the "No Bud, Coors, Miller" statement on it, so if you want cheap, bad beer go somewhere else. There are a handful of beers that are always on tap, my favorites being Guinness and Original Sin Cider, and a frequently changing selection of micro brews to choose from. They also have a great Dark and Stormy if that's more up your alley. A couple of people have commented on the unisex bathrooms. There are two bathrooms, one is a double stall (on opposite sides of the sink) and the other is a single. If you don't want to share a bathroom just wait for the single.
(5)
Meghan D.
Extremely diverse menu - cannot beat their half off menu prices before 7:30! Great meet up for friends - as a starting point or even staying place for the night. I have done both - and had a good time either way. Just a short walk from the Harvard Square t-stop. Worth a quick stop or a whole meal.
(3)
Alexandra C.
This place is awesome. I love the outdoor seating and of course the half-off menu every day! My roomie is a vegetarian and they also have some great vegetarian options. We had the portobello wrap and artichoke/crab/spinach dip the other night and they were both amazing! Definitely worth going to.
(4)
Luke C.
The only thing grendel's has going for it is the appetizer special from 5 to 730. Other than that, nothing shines about this place. Grendels has mediocre food and black flies flying around. I've made the mistake of bringing a date here once, needless to say things didn't work out. There's so many better options nearby (John harvard's brew house, for example)
(2)
Emily S.
Two gripes are that it is impossibly crowded and the service is ehhh...other than that: cheap Dark n Stormys...good beer on tap...and half priced food at certain hours. So there.
(4)
Nicole M.
I'm almost positive I've tried their fries - c'mon let's face it, whose fries haven't I tried?!! - but haven't eaten anything else at Grendel's. Just booze! Yes, it gets loud and crowded and sometimes a bit dank, but it's always a good time.
(3)
Beth G.
The food is blah, meh, feh, whatever- don't eat there. But if you're out w/a group of friends in Harvard Square and want to get your drink on, then Grendel's is the place.
(3)
Francesca R.
See now, I almost gave Grendel's four stars because when I'm here, I usually have a nice, relaxed evening and I'm a big fan of a good atmosphere. But then I remembered why I'm never the one to suggest going here, and usually offer up alternatives before settling here - the service is sloooow and the food is meh. However, they really do have awesomely cheap grub, and when a group of us get together and camp out at one of the tables, it's a good time. I would spend more money on booze if only I could find our server...
(3)
Seth O.
Having worked in Harvard square for several years, Grendel's has always been one of my favorite spots for lunch or for drinks after work. While it can get a bit crowded during the frugal period known as happy hour; I've found it a relatively quiet place to lunch, especially if you don't go out until 1:30 or 2:00. People have mentioned that the fondue's not spectacular; well, in the grand scheme of fondue, its not the best out there, but it is still tasty cheese with bread; but during happy hour it's $10 between 2 maybe more people and I can't think of many places you can a vat of molten cheesy goodness for anything approaching that price. I've always liked the Grendel Roast beef sandwich and the chicken breast sandwich with honey mustard as well as the shrimp caesar salad; all of which find their way onto the lunch menu. One further note; it seems you can now drink alcohol outside there (though sadly no happy hour on the coveted patio chairs) which is something I think everyone who frequents the place has been waiting for.
(5)
Christopher R.
This almost reminds me of one of my favorite drinking spots in DC (The Brickskeller). I guess its just the brick. The food is decent, the drinks are average, the service is okay. I guess I just love it because of the atomosphere. Its a great place to chill.
(4)
Byron M.
If you are running low on cash and you want to eat well and have a decent beer, find your way to Grendel's Den in Harvard Square. They are located in the basement (low rent) part of the building. They have happy hour half price food when you spend a minimum of $3 per person on drinks. The food is ok, but is not going to win any awards, but if you want a cheap night out, this is the place. I liked their burger on a baguette. It was good. It is busy during happy hour. They do happy hour every day.
(3)
Jeff S.
This place is more about atmosphere and for the fact that you can get the happy hour special on the food if you take a drink. The food is less than mediocre-nothing to write home about except order a side salad. I swear it is the best salad I have ever had because of all the stuff they put in it!! Whatever you do, do not order the fondue. You think you are getting this amazing bubbling concoction of cheese but really it is a lump of unpleasantness that takes forever to get to the consistency of rubber cheese to tear and put it on the bread by hand. They really need to take it off the menu and consider putting fries on there instead of greasy, salty, poor man's potato chips.
(3)
grey b.
True, I've only been here briefly twice, but i just don't feel the need to go back. Given the number of good to great bars withing a ten minute walk from here, G.D. is a wholly unremarkable establishment with mediocre service and mediocre food trapped in bland atmosphere.
(2)
Julia W.
I really really love this place. It does get pretty crowded on weekends but I have never had to wait that long for a table even then. The staff are friendly, the service is fast, the drinks are yum and they have a Dark and Stormy for about $4.75 that is fantastic! The food is so great to. Just a good, honest, delicious menu which has never disappointed me. Totally reasonable prices and they have that half price thing on some weekdays! Whenever my friends or a date suggest Harvard Sq I always find myself saying "how about Grendel's Den". Thanks Grendels! You give me warm fuzzy feelings.
(5)
Teju P.
This is a hidden jem for veggie lovers. Me and my friend split a quinoa dish and the special hummus melt. We left with full stomachs and no food coma. The lemonade is excellent and not to sweet. Definitely a veggie friend place!
(5)
Lindsay L.
As a student, I go here every once in awhile for their lunch specials for $3.95 or for a drink and for their half price appetizers later at night. There aren't many great food deals in Harvard Square, so I will definitely give Grendel's points for making the effort to have lots of cheap food. It's also a nice, laidback bar scene. That being said, the food is always pretty average and I haven't been wowed by anything. The portions are pretty small as well. I would say it's good on a budget or if you're looking for a place where you can get a beer and want a quick snack but aren't too picky.
(3)
Steve E.
Great bar with nice, cheap food.
(5)
Jessica C.
Love the half-price before 7:30 special-- I came with my best friend and we shared the cheese fondue ($24 regularly, $12 with the deal) and had a few drinks. Not a huge fan of the fondue in terms of a meal (huge pot of stinky cheese off which I managed to get tipsy) but it was a fun experience. Otherwise good service, delicious drinks, and very down-to-earth for a delicious, affordable dinner. Lovely atmosphere. My only quip is that my mental image of Grendel was always a little grubbier than the Grendel on the restaurant T-shirts.. I guess I can live with that. :-)
(4)
Joe R.
Nothing too flashy about ol' Grendel's (except maybe that it catches some of the uber-sheik glow from nearby OM's beacon-like opulence), but cool none-the-less. Great place for a meal at the counter. I didn't pick up on the "Harvard" bar aspect as much as other reviewers (other than the fact that it is practically on-campus and everyone in a 10-mile radius is affiliated with the school). If you're seeking to avoid the big "H," this may be a poor choice of geography...
(4)
Nick B.
What can I say, the price is right. That said, the food is tasty, but the portions always leave me feeling somewhat unfulfilled, so I'm glad I've never tried to get food here during non-happy hour. The good news is that non-happy hour only lasts from 7-9pm, so chances are you'll get some cheap eats whenever you show up. This applies extra on Sunday when a variety of menu items can be had for a buck. A buck! As a footnote, there is a supreme court case entitled "Larkin v. Grendel's Den" [459 U.S. 116 (1982)]. A little slice of history for the other legally-minded nerds out there.
(3)
Alexis J.
My mistake - the flowers are real! Obviously very good specimens when I saw them as I did think they were fake. Now, I can't argue with fresh cut flowers, can I?
(4)
D. C.
Grendels' is usually packed. Especially at 1/2 price time. Half-Price hours are from 5:00 pm til 7:30 pm every evening and from 9:00 pm til 11:30 pm Sunday - Thursday. For me its hit or miss. Sometimes the food is really good but sometimes its just ok. My favorite is their turkey burger, its surprisingly good and not dry at all. You really can't beat that half price menu and the pub atmosphere. I'd give it a 3.5 if I could.
(4)
Wyatt G.
I just tried out Grendel's Den for the first time and am very impressed: * vegan-friendly (they have their own veggie burger recipe that's great) * great service (my server was upbeat and helpful) * affordable * nice atmosphere I will definitely be coming back.
(5)
Andrew W.
Love the half-price food happy hour and college town vibe. Where else can you get a steak for $7.50 in any major city? Was pretty good too! Grendel's = recession proof.
(4)
Jeanne B.
Good place for a pint. The bar area is not very big so sitting is your best option. Wherever I stand I end up being in the way. Prices are decent and they have a nice selection of brews on tap.
(3)
Lady Fang Y.
I keep hoping the food will be consistent. But it seems to get worse every time I go. The first time I went it was amazing, then every time after it went south. Today I tried the Grendel sandwich, deli style roast beef with herg garlic cream cheese and rye toast. That was it. It was SO dry, the bread hurt my mouth and there was the bare minimum of cheese. No joke, the 4 tables around us, every person , 7 people, ordered the Lala chicken...maybe we missed out! I look forward to the spinach dip, but the last time I was there it was scary, and I didn't want to risk it. No bud, coors, miller or lite versions were served there. Fine by me. Original Sin is on tap! Disappointed for lunch today...probably the last time I'll eat there.
(2)
tommie r.
GD's is pretty "what you see is what you get"; the substance of the place rests more in its atmosphere, set up and patrons than in its food. if you're feeling relaxed, are mostly going out for drinks and are basically in the mood for anything that fits the technical definition of "food" GDs is a good place for you.
(4)
Emily S.
Sin Cider on tap :) Great atmosphere in the middle of Harvard SQ.
(4)
Sean E.
Hrmm... Their food is veeeeery hit or miss with me. But the price is right. You know, they kind of put you in the position where you can't really complaint about the food because you only paid a few bucks for it. They can do something awesome like a plate of mussels for 5 bucks or something and have it be really tasty -- and then you can get a sandwich or some chicken or soup or something and have it just be really blah. Point being -- they're food is as good as what you're paying. It's a nice atmosphere, good beers and single malts can be found here, good place to meet up before a movie or just to hang out. But if you're out on a date or looking to impress or just looking to have a good meal -- I'd head elsewhere my friend.
(3)
Courtney H.
Been back to Grendel's a couple times lately with one visit lasting a good 8 hours. That should tell you how awesome this bar is! Go, and go now.
(4)
Corydon S.
Grendel's Den is my favorite place to avoid the inflated prices and ego of Harvard Square. At lunch the food is so cheap, you may look at your bill twice. I like going earlier in the day when place is pretty dead and I can eat my roast beef sandwich in peace. When it's packed, it gets so loud that it's hard to hear what the person across from you is saying. Still it's worth being able to chow smugly on food that is decent and cheaper than any of the places around it.
(3)
Tez C.
Grendel's gets five starts for me just because of their half-off food happy hours. 500-730 and after 900, as long as you get one drink $3+, all food is half off, and while the food isn't spectacular, it is pretty good and cheaper than most food you can find in Harvard Square. The place is pretty cozy, though it can get pretty crowded at times. Our waitress was awesome. All around good times. It's the closest thing to a happy hour I've found here.
(5)
Dalet Z.
cool spot with cool waiters/waitresses & bartenders. cool drinks/beer (had a black & cider - guiness with apple sin cider. it was delicious!) great deals on food. 1/2 off their whole menu from 5:00 to 7:30pm. (i got the lala's dinner - i forget the name of it, but it comes with your choice of steak or chicken or both. i did both. and your choice of 2 sides. i thought it was pretty tasty! would only get the chicken next time though. the steak was a bit chewy. but maybe it's the way i ordered it - medium well. who knows. i got the salad & mashed potatoes. loved both of them. my fiance' likes their roast beef sandwich. and i've gotten their turkey burger before which was good. they have great beer selections. they have outdoor seating too, which is nice in the summer. and still open even though october is almost over.
(4)
D P.
Seriously, I would give a zero star but 1 is as low as I can rate. I used to really like Grendel's and looks like they have gone down the hill. We went there after couple of years on Memorial day and with perfect temperature outside, we decided to sit outside. Besides service being really slow, I can not be more unhappy about each food items we ordered. I almost feel like calling the manager and having him fire the cook -- if there was a cook working on a holiday or was it a busboy putting food together. Let me start with app-- ordered hummus($5) which had 'no taste'. It was clearly prepared on the premise since there was no 'lemon', 'salt' or any hint of other spice. It was terrible. Second, for the lunch entree, there was a special of "Kerala Curry with Tofu/Chicken"($8) which came on a bed of rice and vegetables. Curry was nothing but someone dumped coconut milk and was so mildly spiced that I ate a little bit but I stopped eating because I don't like to eat if I don't enjoy food. Another entree was 'lella's chicken'($9) -- OMG, the chicken was so dry that even with a steak knife, it took forever to cut it. The only part was descent in 'Leila's chicken' was the sauce on the side which was parsley, cilantro, garlic based sauce .
(1)
Abbey L.
Grendel's is a great spot for after work. All food is 50% off between 5 and 7 and frankly even without that discount, it's quite cheap. It's not the greatest food I've ever had, but it's totally fine and there are a lot of choices on the menu.
(3)
kelly w.
I think this is my favorite place in Boston. I've only been twice so far, but both times I had some really well-mixed, affordable and unusual drinks. The food ranges from basic to somewhat imaginative, and I think it's good. And you can't beat the price.
(5)
M. Deloris D.
What with all the Beowolf hullaballoo, there's no better time than the present to give props to this underground underground (not a typo) hangout. Grendel's Den serves up eats on the cheap 5- 7:30 pm every night and 9- 11:30 pm Sunday - Thursday long as you meet a drink minimum of $3/person. This place isn't the "meat market" it could be and I'm thankful for that. The food is not gourmet but it's cheap and good. I'm a HUGE fan of the shrimp sambal and the steak tips aren't bad either. Whatever you do, skip dessert. There's much better to be had in the vicinity. I challenge you to see how far a $10 bill will stretch at Grendel's.
(4)
Nicholas M.
Grendels has a nice patio which is perfect for those 80 degree days in April after suffering through a long winter. I enjoyed one of their wraps which had turkey, avocado & bacon and shared the "vegetable banquet". The portions were however...Anti American if you know what I mean. But nonetheless it was nice lunch in a great part of Cambridge I have never been to. I'll probably be back for a beer some night.
(3)
Austin S.
Grendel's is all about price and atmosphere -- both are phenomenal. The entire menu is very reasonably priced, especially during their extensive happy hours. That isn't to say that the food's actually very good, but the fact that you can get a perfectly decent smoked turkey and bacon wrap or a bowl of quite filling pasta for $4 is pretty amazing. The beer and wine selection are quite good, especially given the prices. Their recently revamped wine list is much improved. Honestly, I'd prefer a little more rotation on the beer menu, but they usually have at least a couple good brews on tap. Mostly, though, the atmosphere is just damn good. It's perhaps the most chill, comfortable, homey place in Harvard Square. It's quite a testament to say this: it's actually comfortable to go in at 1:00 pm, sit at the bar with a bunch of reading you have to do for work/school, have some lunch and a beer (or three), and enjoy the occasional friendly distractions of the bar staff.
(4)
Stephanie H.
My sister got me hooked on this place soon after I moved to Boston area in 2002. I have loved it ever since. When I moved to the north shore in 2005 I was going to miss being so close to Grendals. I have made it back a few times but not as much as I would want when I lived in Belmont. They have good food and beer at great prices and it such a cozy atmosphere. Sometimes finding a seat can be hard but be patient. in the warmer months they set up some seats outside. Good any season of the year to go to.
(4)
Krista H.
This is totally a place that I bring people to that are from out of town. It is very reasonably priced, food is great, and the atmosphere is the best in Boston. Very laid back and a great place to meet up with friends. The menu isn't too exciting but the food is never bad. I'm always up for a trip to Grendel's, no matter what day of the week it is.
(4)
jodi h.
Good atmosphere for a beer, but avoid the food. It isn't tasty at all. They can't even good basic bar food. Go to Charlie's down the street if you want to eat. Having said that, they have half price food before and after dinner time, so, at least the food is cheap.
(2)
Jason C.
Best deal in the Boston area. Where else can you get a decent meal and a nice beer for under $10?
(5)
Julie R.
While this place wasn't great, it wasn't bad either. The crowd looked like mostly Harvard grad students. It was in the basement it had that old speak easy type feeling. Drinks were ok but came very slow. The waitress we had passed by so many times then finally noticed the glasses where empty with us saying something. It's a cool place for a drink but if the server was on top of things I'd give it another star. Didn't try any food but noticed the menu had some low priced specials.
(3)
Jeremy S.
Cool underground pub (literally not figuratively!). Good beer selection and a friendly casual place to drink with your buddies.
(4)
michael m.
Came here for lunch the other day. The tables are packed in really tight together, so you're pretty much on top of one another. We were able to get a table quick though, and the service was passable. Ordered the steak tip sandwich, which was alright. However, it came with chips, as the place doesn't serve french fries. Such a disappointment when getting steak or a burger. The atmosphere is very basement like -- dark and dingy -- but not a real problem. There is a patio, and as of now, you cannot drink alcohol there, but Grendel's is getting a permit for that. There's a great selection of beer -- Magic Hat, Cambridge Hefeweizen, Harpoon -- no Bud Light or Miller Lite. These were at a decent price, too. The menu has a few perks, too. There's the $3.95 lunchtime special, half price menu from 5 to 7, and dollar meals Sunday night. You can see the menus here: grendelsden.com/menu.html
(3)
Ben J.
Fantastic Clam Chowder. French dip was so so and service was a little slow. Great atmosphere in Havard Square.
(3)
Daisy K.
food's super cheap at nine, their second happy hour, when the eats are half off, but that goes hand in hand with mediocre tastes. i did however drink some pungent dark and stormys and the beer selection was long enough to browse, wonder, and order again and again. i like the space- low dark and warm, and the bar's situated as a perfect u-turn. i love the fact that its wheelchair accessible, seeing eye dog friendly, and that they have bathrooms designed for all genders at the same time. they do have the sign "either/or" on the bathrooms, but whyyyy must we be punished with the binary gender norm? there is no either/or; it's "anything/everything"! (summary: food's eh but the drinks are set, and everything ends in a smile on the toilet). oh and they played prince for most of the night. use that fact with your own enlightening discretion (i liked it ;D)
(3)
Adam B.
not much i can add to a place with 119 reviews. but, ill throw my 2 cents in... came here saturday night for dinner with a friend and sat out side. it was a really nice night so we weathered the breeze to enjoy a nice dinner under the moon (wow, that sounded ghey...haha). i really like this place because they really advertise the fact, that all those crappy light beers are just that....CRAP. you wont find any sort of brahweiser here...the assortment of beer is great as well as the drinks. my friend got a very tasty patron Margarita and i, an equally good martini. the food however, wasn't the greatest. i got the seafood combo and wasn't very happy wit the portions. the salmon was about the size of my thumb ( i have tiny hands) and the shrimp, about a third that. the "rice pilaf" was tasteless and the sauce that came with the fish tasted like salt water. my friend got the santa fe salad, and the chicken was cold and barbecue sauce, not very good... probably not a great place to eat, but not bad to hang out and drink a few cocktails and some beers from around the world.
(3)
kyle c.
i still love this place! those of us that work down the street at charlie's make an effort to come here after our day shifts weekly. the staff is excellent, particularly bartender dave. while i like coming to this bar often, my favorite times are when dave is working.
(5)
Terry S.
Once in that blue moon, I feel like visiting the den of the grendel. There are things about the place that I like and there are things that I like more. Let us discuss these for a moment. Outside seating is a serious thumbs up. Its nicely located in that little plaza area and its pretty awesome for people watching while you munch and sip. One small issue is that the food isn't all that outstanding. But, when you glance the prices... I mean, not so bad. So, you get what you pay for, and from what I gather there are ample times that they do half-pricing on food as long as you are having a drink. I like that more than full priced food. Anyway, the inside of the place has a nice feel and one might say its "grendel-esque", but with a great deal less dismembered human limbs. Perhaps, if it was named after his mother, things would be different. All around, this is a great little spot to sit back and relax, have a few drinks and talk about how complete badassed Beowulf was and how he must've been great in the sack. Er... or on a pile of hay and mud.
(4)
Abbey B.
Four stars NOT for the food, but everything else. Eating here is never memorable. I can't remember one thing I've gotten that was better than something I could make at home. But they have a great half price deal on food at certain hours of the day, if you buy a drink. Sundays, a bunch of menu items are $1 with purchase of a drink. Not half bad. Let me just say here that I LOVE Grendel's. Probably my favorite bar. Great beer selection, always creative and delicious seasonal drinks that don't cost too much, great music. It's seat yourself, so if you're there on a busy night, you might find yourself checking out the other tables to see how close to done everyone is, then hover near that table so you can stake your claim as soon as the table's empty. I love that Grendel's is small but cozy, very laid back, and the servers are always really nice. Love this place. Oh, Rachael Ray went here on one of her shows. THAT pissed me off. She probably stayed for five minutes, then asked for a Wet-Nap.
(4)
Tracee D.
yes to exposed brick yes to Beowolf yes to basements yes to beer yes to a too cute/gruffy server boy,. no to food no to Harv. Sq no to mean bartender old disheveled lady who had the audacity to tell me that the server boy needs to "make his livin' " when I tried to order a quick- social- lubricant shot at the bar....
(2)
Julia Megan W.
Love to come here for the half-price specials. It is always a pleasant walk through the square and it all feels very low: low down, low key, low price. I like to get the fish with a baked potato and anytime they throw gorgonzola on anything it is a win. I think the nachos here are silly in a not good way.
(4)
Heather L.
i went to grendel's den with a few friends and we had a really great time. the waitress we had was a sweatheart (wish i could remember her name) the sandwiches were really good and the atmosphere was fun! i've yet to have a good drink there but i'm pretty picky.
(4)
Susan L.
Sitting outside in the sun chowing down and having a beer while listening to live music are some of the best things about summertime. Although the food isn't that great, the overall experience was.
(3)
S S.
I agree with Trish's review on this one, Grendel is really like a fast food place with beer. It gets really loud and packed here on friday and the evening with students. During the day, its the tourist that wander in.There is one unisex bathroom, they have a decent selection on tap, the food is cheap and filling. Really, there is not much to say about this place.
(3)
Jared G.
Solid beer bar, I agree, but definitely lacking in the food department. I caught a flimsy Caesar salad up at the bar; dry grilled chicken and lettuce so weak I almost pitied the fool who'd picked it. I must say, though, that the happy hour deals do seem pretty impressive. Come here for a couple cold ones and a relaxed atmosphere. But for goodness' sake - there are so many other places to get a good meal in the square- why come here for dinner?
(3)
Kiki B.
underground location, underimpressive food. sure it's cheap, but i'm pretty sure they cook on a hot plate.
(1)
Corry B.
I went here on a first date who was nice but was talking about porn by the time we got here. This is more the kind of place you talk about hobbits (okay, I guess porn and hobbits aren't mutually exclusive). Wonderful beer selection- I heart any place that won't sell Budwiser, and I was spared my evil judgment by not having to watch date order a Beer Lite (why? why do you drink those things?) while he got the yummiest mulled cider! Hot drinks! Yeah! Fireplace! I will devote myself to any bar that has those hooks on the underside of the bar for jacket hanging. I'd even forgive lite beer for those hooks. I think. Update: I went back here again with a much better companion and we got there early enough (before 7:30 on weekday, 9-11 on weekend-good deal! ) to order 1/2 price food- the WHOLE freaking menu! I was kind of overwhelmed and for some reason freaked out (oh! the choices! for price? what do i do? order something i usually can't afford? or?or?) and ordered spaghetti, a nice olive-y yet seemingly caper-less pasta puttanesca- but it was good. They put things on smallish looking plates, but it's the right amount and they are tricky, cuz you think you are getting such a deal you keep ordering drink after drink after... and the bathrooms can be co-ed so if you want some privacy and don't feel like running in on some stranger shakin' off the droplets go into the single cell on the right. Oh, and this night the music was amazingly bad. To the point of it being campy and spurring conversation about the Fat Boys and New Kids on the Block (you'd be surprised how much they have in common when you analyze...) which in my opinion is much safer than porn talk.
(3)
Justine K.
Went to Grendel's Den for the first time this weekend and was pleasantly surprised! Have been to Harvard Square a million time s and some how never checked out Grendel's. All food was half price if you buy a drink. In season they offer warm cider drinks.. can't wait to go back and try em. Cute and cozy inside with a fireplace (wasn't lit while we were there). Staff was friendly but not over the top. I would reccomed this place after a day of shopping or for a snack and a drink if you are looking to relax.
(4)
Brian D.
The only really cool thing about Grendel's is the name. This place should be really cool. It's underground, sort of dank but it just goes really blah, really fast. If you get a table you will probably get pretty meh service. If'n you are at the bar - ditto. The drinks aren't super cheap and they aren't super expensive. The food looked like it was pretty average. I think the coolest thing about Grendel's is just getting drunk and calling the place 'Grundel's' instead or even 'Grendel's Grundel'.
(2)
Chris D.
Great little spot. Sometimes gets crowded on the weekends, but usually you can find a table. The drinks are good and reasonably priced. The kitchen closes a little earlier than you'd like, maybe around 11 (I forget). The staff is always friendly, and overall the atmosphere is very comfortable.
(4)
David T.
awesome, fun place to grab a great draught or a stiff drink. the bartenders are awesome, and sit at the bar and chat you up once shift change comes around. everyone's pretty much awesome here. food is so-so, but i went for the drinks. service at the bar downstairs is super quick and easy on the wallet too. awesome place to just meet random, cool strangers and leave having made some crazy friends! the buffalo wings were rather plentiful, and the potato skins weren't so much skins, but like awesome baked potatoes! ate away to my heart's content!
(4)
Kristine M.
Half price food during happy hour. Turkey, pesto, and havarti sandwich for only $3.25? I'm sold. The sandwich was pretty good and I like the coziness of it.
(4)
Paolo D.
Jesus, I don;t know whay so many people bitch and moan about the food.....You are getting a real meal here for $5 if you go during Happy Hour.....I always order the mixed grill, which is great. Beers are reasonably priced, lots to choose from, there's always a good number of people hanging, unfortunately it is always 85 degrees in here, which is weird, since it is in the basement.
(4)
Ger T.
The food here is cheap, filling, kind of like higher-class diner food without all the grease. It's a good place to meet friends for a quick bite if you're in Harvard Square and want an inexpensive place to eat. Their burgers are no-frills, but again, filled me up, and they have a pretty good drinks selection with a good Happy Hour special for half off your meal. The chill, college-town-y atmosphere is really what makes the experience here, not the food.
(3)
S W.
If you enjoy the taste of your own projectile vomit, look no further than here! It may be a fun bar but beware of the food- I got awful food poisoning from this place. And when I mention this to people, more often than not, someone else can relay a story of an upset stomach after eating here.. So if you wish to drink, I am pretty sure they haven't poisoned the libations so you will be safe-- But stay far away from the food.
(1)
David B.
Cheese fondue for 2 at happy hour = $12.50 and comes with 2 salads laden with veggies. Add a 1/2 carafe of tasty cheap white wine to meet the min drink requirement, and you have an outrageous meal for you and your honey for about 25 bucks after tip.
(4)
Sofia H.
i might have always gone at the same time but the few times i've stopped by grendel's den (awesome name i have to say, why i tried it in the first place...) the service always seems to be so all over the place that it makes the good (but not fantastic) food taste a little worse... i suppose to get a beer and go this place might be a good call but in general grendel's den is alright but def doesn't really impress
(3)
michael s.
Having only eaten here once, I suppose I could possibly hold off on reviewing Grendel's until I've eaten there again a few times but the problem is, my experience there pretty much makes me never want to come back. Oh yes, also the server told us to never come back. This was quite a while ago, so perhaps that particular server has moved on to bigger and better things, like being a jerk at a more upscale restaurant, but that singular bad experience was enough to ensure that I never bother to come back. Because it is mildly reknowned around Harvard square, a group of three of us went to Grendel's one night for a later dinner. It was pretty busy but there were a couple of free tables and we were seated at one of the tables outside. We waited for our waiter for about 15 minutes. He came, took our orders in a rather surly manner and left. Fine, maybe he had a bad day, I can understand that. When I start to take it personally is when the waiter is polite and courteous to his other tables, but not us. The food came, after an incredibly long time, and it was only partially warm. At this point we decided to cut our losses and not deal with having to send back the food, so we ate our lukewarm burgers and fries and tried to flag the waiter down to get our bill. This turned out to be quite the task since our waiter was quite adept at completely ignoring us. I want to highlight here that it wasn't that our waiter was just horrendously busy - he had time to make small talk with other tables and demonstrate very clearly that his surliness was reserved just for select patrons. We waited for about 30 minutes before finally giving up and going down to the manager to get our bill to pay it. We left a tip commensurate with the service we received (read: whatever change was left over) and as we were walking away from Grendels, suddenly our waiter was able to devote all his attention to us as he chased after us and bitched us out for leaving him such a small tip. His parting sally? "Don't ever come back here." Gladly.
(1)
Doris K.
What a steal! I'll admit that the food isn't spectaular but when you pay half-price it makes it worth it. If you buy a $3 drink during certain times of the day you can get all of your food half-price. The portions aren't huge but they are enough to fill you up. I usually get the pork tenderloin with mashed and sauerkraut. The boyfriend gets the Grendal sandwich with roast beef? and a cream cheese sauce. It's actually pretty decent. I would stick to the familiar things when it comes to food. I tried a chili lime chicken once (it was on the specials) and it didn't turn out so well. Don't expect too much service but sometimes we get lucky.
(4)
Devin S.
To say that Grendel's is special is a lie, but, it shouldn't stop you from going. The half price deal's they offer are fantastic as long as you stay within the realm of typical pub grub. Their burgers, appetizers and soup are well worth the money at full price, it's only when you start experimenting with 'abnormal' menu items that you'll be happy the price is discounted enough to that you can eat the check. Make sure that whatever you order fits the atmosphere and you won't be disappointed.
(3)
Aretha B.
cheap bar menu excellent dark n stormys (cheap!) and original sin cider on tap, mmmmm
(4)
Stephen K.
Four stars for drinks, 2-3 for food. But I'm usually coming here for the drinks and the people so I guess I'll put it at four. The people you bring will raise or lower that accordingly. Onward... They have a nice selection of beers and a tap that rotates monthly, as well as some interesting drinks that my friends like to try, like crazy blueberry things and dark and stormies. I really like the atmosphere, though when it gets too crowded it's not as fun, and seems like they might be understaffed. I try to avoid the weekends for that reason. But during the week (at least) the staff is friendly and attentive - also everything on their menu is half price after 9 on weeknights. As for the food, they do have some express lunch specials for about four bucks, and what you get is reasonable considering the price. The outside tables right next to the little park provide a nice atmosphere if the weather is good, but the service is a definitely slower as the staff (understandably) seems to try to cut down on the trips up and down the stairs. My advice: have dinner (if it's not too fancy) at one of the better places in Harvard Square and a couple drinks here afterward.
(4)
Sarah L.
Grendel's is my go-to place for cheap food and drinks. Not as elegant as some places in Harvard Square, but cozy and warm and great in the winter. Great place for a light dinner or drinks with friends. There's not a ton of space but it's good for a table of two or a group on a weekday.
(4)
Kai P.
Over fifteen years ago I went to Grendel for fondue. It was a good time A, because I had never had fondue B, because I was 17. Now that I am old and the wonder of trying hot stinky cheese on skewered bread has passed I realize it wasn't that cool being the food has gotten drastically weak. While the burgers are quite fine and actually my friend was given a double burger rather than a single, it still points out that the cooks are either not paying attention or don't care. My seafood platters haddock looked like a scaled guppy, the scallops and shrimps were fine tho. This now leaves my memories of the fondue which were shattered when I tried the abrasively over wined sharp flavor... It tasted less like fine cheese and more like cheese whiz dunked in boxed wine. The wait staff was cool a nice but seem way disinterested in keeping up appearances. About three were all sitting at the bar reading when i was there. I didn't even realize they were staff until later. At best Grendel is a decent place to get a beer these days and strait bar food but outside of that your taking you life and taste buds in your own hands.
(2)
Jeff B.
You're more likely to hear people talking about Suetonius than the Superbowl here. If football does come up in conversation, it's likely being used as an example to explain a complicated physical phenomenon. Don't overthink the menu, concentrate on the conversation. Order some drinks and appetizers, sit, relax, discuss.
(3)
Amanda L.
Went there for Oktoberfest in Harvard Square and this place definitely did not disappoint. My bf got the Oktoberfest Marzen ale and I got the Original Sin Cider. We shared some bratwurst and soft pretzels with Camembert cheese and onions. Delicious, especially when you combine the two. Place was ridiculously busy and the seats were something to be desired but I will definitely come back to try their brunch and mimosas =) Plus I saw something for like $3.95 lunch specials? Def need to check it out again
(4)
Heather H.
Look, the beer list is so-so, the food is pretty bad, it gets really hot, the staff is bitchy about what table you sit at sometimes, you're surrounded by Harvard kids, but yeah, it's really cheap. But why would you go to Grendel's when Charlie's and Shay's are just a few steps away in either direction?
(2)
luke s.
the place offers what sounds like a deal--half off food during happy hour--but do not be deceived. i understand that the seductive prices make it appealing, and the impecunious college students that populate harvard square have good reason to seek modestly priced fare, but the cost benefit analysis comes out decidedly against grendel's. the beer selection is slightly better than what is available in the vicinity, but the prices aren't. the sangria, while tasty, seems to lack any alcohol content whatsoever. and the food that seemed like such a deal moments before, is sub-par at best. a hangover toddler with a microwave and an active imagination can do better with less, and would probably offer quicker service.
(2)
Adrienne B.
You can't beat their happy hour special: if you order booze (pitcher of sangria is CHeAP) your food is 1/2 off. Their prices are already low so this is amazing. Many a night after work I've met up with friends and had a great time here. During the school year its a pain to have to stand around and wait for a table so we've gone elsewhere but its worth the wait if your a first timer. Please if you're not a party of 5 abide by the rules of the big tables- I'm usally a party of 5 and its annoying to stand waiting for a party of 3 to leave the only table that will fit us!
(4)
Geoff T.
Though the prices have gone up a bit in the last couple years, I still love this place. When it's warm, have a seat at one of the outdoor tables-- when it's cold go down to the cozy under ground room (Do they still light the fire place?). Food is half-priced during happy hour, a mixed drink-- say a Gin and Tonic-- is a lot cheaper here than other bars (I won't quote a price as I haven't been there for a few months). The food is an ecclectic collection that ranges from middle eastern to italian. It can get crowed after work, but it's a great place for lunch or a little later at night after a movie at the Brattle Theater for a drink and some potato skins. Lots of character, decent beer selection, great vibe.
(5)
Arik C.
Nu Bud, no Miller, BASTA! How I admire a bar that won't serve crap beer! Great prices on beer and not a bad selection. Wish they had more English beers but still what they have is all good!
(5)
Michael G.
We went on a Sunday for lunch and couldn't decide if it was good or not. My french dip was really good, and I enjoyed the coffee. However, their tiny bottomless cups of coffee are slow to be refilled. I constantly had to ask our waitress to pour more. Plus, my girlfriend's hot chocolate was watery and bland. I'll probably return again, especially for the happy hour food.
(3)
Lauren T.
I came here on a Sunday for Brunch with my mom after an art exhibit. For a woman used to higher quality places than I can afford, she approved of this place. The Brunch menu was short, sweet, classy and cheap. They offered seven egg choices and seven sandwich plates, all priced under $10 and dabbled with some sort of exotic cheese. The drink menu was fun and included the brunch basics, as well, as some champagne-infused ones I had never heard of. All around a cozy, great place, to warm up in, munch and placate a pestering mother.
(3)
Brandy S.
Love this place in the winter!!!! The small bar is home to some "wicked smaht kids", and yummy food. The best part is their happy hour - everything on the food menu is half off. If you have a group, the fonue is a good deal. There is no pretention and no expectations - just casual fun.
(5)
Jen and Tim S.
The sangria is tasty and the food is cheap during their half price specials. Not huge portions, which I think is a plus. The portions are just enough to eat and they cost about $3, which can't be beat. They have an interesting selection and changing specials, which is nice. The service is friendly & great on 4 out of 5 trips, I'd say. Only downside is you can't drink at the outdoor tables. A perfect meet up if you're in Harvard Square.
(4)
Trish F.
Oh Grendel's. A little like fast food but with beer. I dig this place.. the place itself does have a bit of a basement feel which is a sharp contrast from it's outdoor seating that overlooks the little common on JFK Street. I've never paid full price for food, so I've always been a happy camper. On Sundays after 8pm they have a dollar menu (that's how Trishie rolls).. and during the weekdays they have a half price menu ($3 beverage purchase required) after work (5-7:30) time and late night (9-11:30)... with a $3.95 express lunch from 11:30am-3pm. I don't know if I'd pay full price for the food, but it is good for how much I pay for it. Every time I've gone, I've had a different waitress.. which is weird to me. The drinks are a pretty decent price, I just had a Sam summer for under $4, but they don't care Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Coors Light, Michelob.. they have a lovely little note at the end of the drink list. I wouldn't go with more than 3 or 4 people, it can get cramped. Note: The full bathroom is unisex so use the bathroon next to it (single "stall") if bumping into the opposite sex before washing your hands makes you feel uncomfortable.
(3)
H Y.
It's kind of like Grendel's Lair; dark and underground and littered with the ghosts of beer and random pub food. Good for a drink and a sandwich or salad in a pinch when everywhere else is crowded. Cheap enough so you don't feel ripped off. Vaguely mediocre enough so you regret not eating somewhere else.
(3)
Stacey D.
The 4-7pm half price food deal makes this a great after work snack & drink spot! As others have said, the food is not fabulous, but good with plenty of options for vegetarians. Good beer selection too - Cambridge Amber's my fav :) The basement atmosphere gives this place a cool vibe as well.
(4)
Jack N.
Decent sangria, and friendly bartenders make for an enjoyable night out, but not a big fan of the food. Great location, but nothing to go out of your way for.
(3)
Rue B.
Very good and very cheap with the half-price food deals. Stick with the sandwiches and you won't be disappointed. Cozy basement location and an okay beer selection. Like a warm hug from a Danish ogre.
(4)
buckminster f.
i like grendel's, well, when its happy hour. the food is bland and uninspired, but hey, who can complain when it's all half off? did you know that their fireplace is fake? its basically a picture of a fireplace with some plastic materials flailing in some manmade gust. pathetically enough, the bf and i arrived at grendel's one winter night, and strove to get seated next to the faux fireplace, to find out soon enough that the thing emitted no heat. when we looked closer, we discovered that it was not really a fireplace. i realize this review is not very helpful to you. let me try to fix that. if you are planning to go there, id recommend that you get the turkey burger with mango chutney and other goodies piled on. the wines are not so good, so stay away. the beers you can't mess up, so there you have it. if you want a real fireplace, go across the place to the little red house.
(3)
Andres M.
I have been here many times. I like the fact that this place has character. It i probably one of the oldest places in Harvard Square. The prices are decent, plus they have happy hour in which the food are is half priced. But be warned that this discount only applies if you order a drink. The only thing that annoys me is that it's always crowded and it's hard to find a table. Sometimes you have to leave. There is no waiting list.
(4)
Jamie W.
Big fan of Grendel's! It's small, but to me feels cozy. It's loud, but to me feels lively. Not many places can pull that off. Most small, loud, environments are annoying. Grendel's just feels so laid back and non-assuming. They have some good beers. The food is pretty good, and affordable. Not fine dining, but decent selection. I'm a fan of the hummus appetizer and the vegan chili (ask them to hold the pesto if you're vegan though). One of my favorite things to do on a Saturday is go for a run along the Charles, then saunder up to Grendel's for beer and chili. Running clothes are fine!
(5)
erin e.
Delicious. Cheap. Cold Beers. I might try to eliminate half of that final star in my rating due only to the fact that occasionally it's often full of college kids.
(5)
Jennifer S.
My favorite lunch spot in Harvard Sq. They have great lunchtime specials, $3.95 for a perfectly portioned sandwich or burger. Try the french dip, I promise it will be the best one you have ever had!! The food also arrives at your table very quickly so you have plenty of time for lunch and a few errands on your lunch break. This is also a great place to head to after work, all of their food is 1/2 off from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and on Sunday they have a variety of apps for $1. FYI: Rachel Ray recently visited this spot and featured it on her show $40 a Day.
(5)
Irene F.
Amazing!! The half-price deal is wonderful, but the portions are kind of small. However, I hadthe seafood combo for my half-price and was happily sull. The snow crap dip is also yummy, and my friends had salads and quesadillas that they were very happy with. A great selection of brews and wines, as well as friendly service, made this an awesome pre-theater or just hanging around kind of place.
(5)
dane j.
about a month ago my cousin, girlfriend, and i meet our flat M8s in harvard square, and we are hungry. we walk around, checking everything out like the newb's we are and find a non chain awesome looking restaurant under a big tree with hanging lights like moths we went right to it. confusion entailed as we try to figure out how to nab the great seats outside, until someone finally tells us to sit where we want. we grab 2 tables, to combine them for the 5 of us, and are stopped and told 5 of us have to find a way to squeeze onto a table designed for 2. remember we're hungry, so we ignore the weirdness of being told we can't combine tables and sit...it takes forever to get drinks, get our appetizer 2 mins before getting our check, and had to settle for way less than stellar food. Dry, lacking in flavor, and hard to eat on a small table, this food was definitely not the highlight of our visit. All 5 of us were less than impressed with our entrees. Awkwardly enough, the coolest part about our visit was our waiters 70's porn 'stache! He was totally rocking the hipster vibe. Looking to have drinks at a cool spot on a clear night? This place is definitely a good choice. Looking for impressive service and great food, find another spot nearby. Honestly, the food was THAT horrible.
(2)
Jennifer B.
I haven't tried the food, but my beer was as expected, and I enjoy the cozy, cave-like vibe. Like drinking with hibernating intellectuals.
(3)
Stan B.
got an email from the owner with an apology. hence an extra star.
(2)
Georgia Y.
Grendel's is hardly high class, but it's a great place to hit up when you're low on cash and you want a casual meal with friends. I'm a fan of the beer selection, the cave-like quality of the room, and the spinach pie. You get what you pay for here - acceptable, cheap pub grub, beer, and average service. Some people mention a "frat feel" to this place, but I haven't really noticed it.
(3)
John F.
Great place for dinner with friends. And, the dinner special (buy a drink over $3, get your food half off!) is amazing. Definitely the place to go in Harvard Sq. with people after work for drinks and dinner. The portions are kind of small, though, so be prepared, and don't hesitate when it comes to ordering that appetizer!
(4)
Aly H.
Good place for drinks, but the food is less than average. Great location!
(2)
Crystal K.
Good neighborhood bar. Food is okay--typical pub fare but a little bit of a notch up. Great beer selection and their $10 sangria pitchers are awesome!! We go here fairly often but we're less likely to when school is in--too many Harvard kids there who make me realize how old I am. ;-) Definitely a good place to meet up with friends.
(4)
Flora B.
Tasty bar food, decent beer selection... good atmosphere. Pahk your car in the Hahvahd Yahd and make your way to this Hahvahd Bahr.
(4)
Ellie L.
One winter night, the unbearable walk from the T stop to my friend's place in Harvard forced me to seek refuge in underground Grendel's. After a beseeching phone call, I persuaded my pal to meet me here for a warm wine punch before heading back out into Boston's beastly January. After that, the Den lost its magical appeal and became just another Harvard bar, but hey, if it's cold and it's a hot drink you're wanting...
(3)
Stephen J.
Great price - if you go at the right time. Grendel's happy hour is really the only time I think I'd eat there, because the half-priced appetizers aren't quite full-size portions. Between 5:30 and 7:30 every day you can get this splendid deal, provided that you consume $3 worth of drinks. While they do have a decent beer selection, the food really can't quite make up for it because not only are the portions a little suspect, but the taste isn't spectacular either. If you're thinking of getting drunk in the afternoon, then hit up Grendel's at 5:30 and eat until you drop. Otherwise, you can do better.
(2)
M S.
This is a great place to go for drinks and appetizers with friends. The happy hour is very easy on a student's budget. Grendel's offers very decent beer at reasonable prices, and has a good selection of vegetarian food. Avoid peak hours, however, as the place gets crowded and the waiters don't get around to all the tables very often. Also, during the early happy hour, make sure to order your food before 7:30, even if you arrive and get drinks before then; otherwise, you'll be stuck paying full price for the food.
(4)
Michelle R.
Cheapest full meal in the square when you hit the lunch or happy hour. The food is a bit bland, but it serves its purpose. Outdoor seating is at your own risk, sometimes the servers forget about you. When you've got a good side crowd with various tastes, grendel's can usually provide something for everyone without wowing anyone. Serves only beer and wine.
(3)
Alexandra L.
Nothing too crazy about Grendel's - good beer selection, lots of seating and cheap appetizers during happy hour. I don't think I have ever eaten anything here, but they keep things simple and get it done right - everyone can appreciate that.
(3)
Anonymous P.
Disgusting. That a place serves alcohol does not in itself justify more than one star.
(1)
Kristin G.
Went here this weekend for a few drinks and some food- everything was pretty good- nothing spectacular, though. Pretty typical place.
(3)
Brian B.
While visiting Boston, we ate here a couple of times. Nice place to sit outside and people watch. The turkey & havarti sandwich was good. I liked the portions (small), and the price (cheap). If only that stupid ass hippy hadn't shown up each day we were there, making me listen to his awful Beatles covers.
(4)
Roshni R.
great little spot in harvard sq...i can't believe i never wandered in while i actually lived in cambridge! while i'm generally not a fan of mexican food in bos, the nachos here were great! my entree was a bacon and green onion "tart"--it was kind of like a mexican pizza but with provencal flair. excellent! my companions had the reuben sandwich and the bsilla (moroccon jumbalaya type thing). we all enjoyed our meal as well as the selection of beers/ciders. i hope to stop by again next time i'm in the area (especially for the half-price with drink deal)!
(4)
Rebecca Y.
Cozy, but not romantic. Great place to meet for beers and apps.
(3)
Ruth P.
Grendel's den used to have an amazing salad bar, but this was at least 10-15 years ago. I used to come here with my parents for dinner, but the atmosphere has definetly changed over the last decade or so. Good beers, very college atmosphere now. Nothing to really write home about, but certainly no complaints either. Grendels also has good outdoor seating which is nice for the warmer weather
(4)
Anna f.
Great Place for soup and salad and maybe a quiche at lunch. Service is great !
(5)
J B.
pretty good vegetarian-friendly bar menu, good happy hour if you are looking for something cheap. good for a whatever night or a stop off before heading elsewhere.
(3)
Erin G.
I came here with some friends for some food and happy hour, and it wasn't any place I would rush back to. The food is half price when you drink during happy hour, so that was nice, but the waitress wasn't friendly (yes, I went with Allison T) and the food was alright. I did think they had an interesting menu for a bar however, not ur usual burgers, but more veggie and little snadwiches type food.
(3)
Josh F.
A must go for cheap eats; their happy hour is the best deal in town. Buy a glass of booze and anything on the menu is half priced, not just appetizers. Not worth it at full price, though. Good beer selection. I've only been here to meet friends after work so I've never really experienced the college crowd other reviewers have mentioned. It is a little cramped down there so not good for large groups of people.
(4)
Scott B.
i could lose weight if i ate here every day - the food is gross - i did have a beer that wasnt bad there - hey they can even screw up eggs - i mean how do you do that?
(2)
Peter P.
I'm not asking you to love it, but you MUST respect it. Grendels is a total Cambridge institution. Grendels Den has been there for ever and ever and ever. There used to be a law that a church or religious institution could deny a business a liquor license if they were within a certain proximity of the "place of warship." Well god bless the late Sue and Herby for taking this one all the way to the supreme court in a groundbreaking case "Establishment of Religion and Free Exercise ... Grendel's Den, 459 US 116 (1982)" in which they cited separation of church and state. Do you know how many churches are in Cambridge??? Lets just say, if this law still stood the churches could have made Cambridge a dry town! Good drinks, good priced, half priced food during "happy hour" this place is part of the definition of Cambridge! do not....I repeat, DO NOT call this a "Harvard bar" this is a CAMBRIDGE bar.
(5)
Dorian G.
nice place for a cheap bite. i had the falafel plate, which was presented so that i could create my own wrap. they give you the pitas, the salad, the falafel, and the tahina. i could have used more falafel, but for $6, i was content.
(4)
Melissa B.
College students keep this place open. There are way too many other places in Harvard Square for me to EVER step foot in this place. On my one and only visit here it was just way too dirty for me. If I end up in a college hangout, I'd rather go to Shay's. And for cheap food and strong drinks, Charlie's is way better.
(1)
Jessica R.
The place has fairly nice atmosphere but as far as I could tell the food there sucks for vegans. They are famous for winning a supreme court case though because they wanted a liquor license and are next to a church who objected.
(2)
Kirsten J.
I always have fantastic food here, espcially on Fondue Thursdays, when it's half-off. The service can sometimes be a bit lacking or not terribly polite. Also, if the weather permits, sit outside to eat, it's perfect for people watching.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Tue, Thu, Fri Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Sarah D.
Things about Grendel's Den, By Sarah D: -It is in a basement. -It is very crowded always, no matter what. -It is "seat yourself", so it is mayhem always, no matter what. -Sometimes the waitresses seem very startled to be waitressing. -Sometimes a sandwich costs $3. -They don't sell hot dogs, but they do sell fondue. -It is a very inconvenient place to plan to be, but is a very happy place to happen to be. -I like Grendel's Den.
(4)Mercy D.
While planning my trip to Boston I came across Grendel's and was really looking forward to their half off food deal. It didn't disappoint. I imagined it to be a hole in the wall type place in order to have such a rock bottom deal, but the building was impressive and charming, and the outdoor patio was spacious and overlooks the park. Our server was friendly and attentive, and our food was pretty solid. The drink selection was vast. My only complaint was that the edges of my cheddar bacon burger were a little chilled, while the inside was piping hot, which only made me wonder how the burger was prepared. As a french fry fanatic I thought I would miss the fries, but my meal was substantial and didn't leave me wanting. In any case this place is located right across from Shake Shack, so I could have satisfied my craving there after my meal. Overall a good experience, and I'll definitely be back when I'm in town again.
(4)Soo Jung R.
It was my second time here, but first time during early evening. We had trouble flagging down a server to ask about seating, trouble flagging down a server to get our orders, and our order was below expectations. We ordered the red sangria pitcher to share, and it tasted very little like wine, a little bit of sparkling water, and just plan water. In short, very watered down. When the server brought us the drink, they spilled water from the tray (not sure why there was so much water in the first place) and some of it splattered on people in our party. Overall, I really don't think I'd go back. Since I don't mind a smaller selection of drinks, I'd rather grab a beer from Shake Shack right across - it's not like Grendel's is that much cheaper anyhow.
(2)Natasha M.
Worst service ever. Our server was really abrupt and not friendly. Maybe she couldn't handle a large crowd? In any case, we felt really uncomfortable. We ordered a pitcher of sangria (which was filled all the way to the top with ice) and some appetizers. Our appetizers were all very underwhelming. We asked for a slice of orange to entertain my nephew while we waited, and the server's response was that they didn't have a lot so she couldn't guarantee it. Really?1 slice?! Mind you our sangria was filled with oranges. She ended up bringing a slice to us so the side comments weren't necessary. She also just placed all of our flatware in one pile and said "I'll just leave this right there". Okay? Never again.
(2)Tracey L.
Grendel's is great. It's a chill, low-fuss place to grab a drink and some food. For a pub/den, they have a surprisingly interesting menu - lots of Mediterranean and Latin American influence. They are also surprisingly vegetarian friendly. I am a huge fan of the quinoa stew and am so glad they put it on the permanent menu. The garden burger is also solid, and they always have a vegetarian option for soup of the day. The food can be a bit inconsistent though. Some days the yucatan pork is delicious. Other days, it's dry and stringy. It's a risk worth taking for a cozy place to nurture a drink and conversation. Also, $5.95 lunch special - nuff said.
(4)Daniela C.
Apparently this is the only bar-bar in Cambridge where you can order drinks and not food. Tons of Harvard kids, which, privilege, whatever. The staff were super nice and attentive, and most importantly didn't give me a weird look when I ordered a bloody mary at 1 AM. Would definitely come back again.
(5)Spencer L.
Nice spot at Harvard Square. Food were nice. Highly recommend wild mussels on white wine garlic. Waitress were always busy.
(4)Eric B.
I've been coming here for over 20 years and although I go gourmet as a habit now, Grendel's is my fallback. I love siting at the bar and reading in the I between hours, or taking a friend here if I haven't seen them in a spell. You can get close and personal here and watch the Cambridgians at play. This place is big value for the price and has good service. Sit outside in the summer if you aren't iN A hurry. They have half price of the menu happy hours on Sun thru Thurs, don't know the hours. They always have tasty specials going that sits on a solid good menu. A few gourmet items but a solid tasty burger. My favorite on tap drink is Original Sin hard cider, which they have had for years, love it. I have picky picky friends who have been come to this place since it opened 40 plus years ago. The staff is smart and though busy and rushed they get you what you need. Tip you servers folks!
(5)Akzhan M.
Food was good, but the service horrendous. They are horrible at handling customer objections. We came here on Thursday night for half off. My husband ordered a beer, quesadilla (appetizer) and sandwich for the half off special. I didn't order anything, but had a couple of bites from his quesadilla and sandwich. When we received the bill, we noticed that they did not honor half off on one of the items. When asked why one if the items was priced at a full price, they said one item per person, although the menu doesn't state that it's one item per person. After speaking to the manager, she was extremely rude; stating that we are trying to scam the restaurant by asking for the item half off and mentioned that they are giving us the food for free. She said we should be grateful that there is no other place that has such a fantastic deal. Service wise this is not what we have expected from this place, as we were a big table and we were charged 20% tip for argumentative and defensive staff, and horrendous service. It's a shame that previously our friends experienced good service, but we were unable to enjoy it.
(1)Scott E.
The food was very bland and the service was average at best. I ordered the chicken sandwich and it tasted like a piece of reheated costco chicken with 0 seasoning on it. My daughter got the hamburger, which was also lacking any flavor, including a regular beef flavor. A bubba burger from the freezer section at the grocery store would be an upgrade.
(2)Anthony L.
In the summer of 2014 I made a lofty list of places I must go to before the year ends. Obviously that did not go as planned, BUT I finally made my way over to Grendel's Den over the past weekend (Sat., 3/21). First impression: adorable! The Den (I like that) is nestled in the basement in the heart of Havard Square. I got there around 4:30 after some time at the Fogg Museum as I was craving a hoppy beer. While The Den does not have an extensive beer menu, it has a quality menu. Only a handful were on tap (maybe we are just spoiled by living in Boston & Camberville) and a few more offered via bottle. Whatever, they were all **damn** good choices. I ordered the hot spinach, artichoke, and snow crab dip and was mildly disappointed, mainly because I wish there was a stronger presence of spinach and artichoke. Hefty helping of chips, though. I would TOTALLY come back for another round of drinks and a snack! Pro tip: - The older waitress is a sticker on tables that are for five or more patrons; I actually saw her argue with a group of four people, pointing to the 5+ sign... they politely said, "Okay, I guess we will just go somewhere else then" ... I was surprised that she did not stop them, offer them a different table, or show some sort of hospitality. I hope they, too, drank good beer.
(4)Linda V.
good service, great beer options. Easy in and out location in the heart of Harvard Square.
(5)Sarah N.
Cozy spot for broke 20 somethings. The environment is a bit dark, but hey, it's a "den". Wish they would have turned the music down some last time I was in. Setting is super casual. Fine dining it ain't. Walk in and seat yourself. The waitstaff doesn't appear to have a dress code, and you won't be catered to hand and knee because they might only have one or two waitstaff working at a time. However, they are very down to earth and polite. Probably the best deal on dinner and a drink you'll find in the area. 5-7:30 is a food happy hour (Massachusetts law prohibits liquor happy hours) so you get your $7 burger for $3.50 with your $8 drink. Not bad! The food isn't fancy but is tasty, and well worth the full price, especially given the prices and quality of other eateries in the area. If you're looking for a fancy Bostonian eatery, go elsewhere. If you're looking for a student haunt, you're in the right place.
(4)Robyn B.
One of the best parts of Harvard Square. Half priced food between 5-7:30pm is amazing. Get the Lala's Grilled Chicken! The mussels are also good, as is the salmon. And they have Original Sin cider on tap!!! Fun, cozy atmosphere. I always take any visitors here. OH and be surey to read the history on the back of the menu.... it includes an epic Supreme Court case. Grendel's is awesome.
(5)L S.
Grab a table if you can outside, great vibe, lots of people walking by, especially when the weather's nice. Food was decent, ordered a chicken salad, everything was fresh and crisp. Service was mediocre at best
(3)Inês L.
Went one night for the special happy hour and then again for lunch. Love that they have vegan options and everything is super cheap. At night, it gets a little crazy but it's nice and quaint during lunch. Hidden little gem. Service was on and then off, don't take it personally.
(4)Astra G.
Tip- During their half off food times, go in groups of 2 or 4 or more. Never a group of 3. Tip- Order the dark and stormy. Tip- Order the wings they are delicious and not fried. Tip- Some food items here are actually pretty bland (read- no salt not much seasoning) while others are not. It's very hit or miss but it's cheap and great for your friend who needs a low salt diet.
(4)Senor P.
Used to come here all the time after class. Always had a good experience. Recently I came with my girlfriend, after talking it up quite a bit, and was ignored for a half hour, waited 2 full hours from the time I walked in to the time food arrived, then charged for wine we never got (but ordered with dinner). Pretty horrendous service. 3 stars purely for nostalgia.
(3)Liliya M.
This place is filthy. As in physically, actually dirty. I feel like there's a roach just waiting for someone to turn the lights off so he can eat the crumbs from your mediocre meal to his heart's desire.
(2)Imfromdetroit R.
As a young business traveler I try as hard as I can to check out the local fare. I have been to many cities, but have never been truly moved to write a review. Most places leave you feeling indifferent. Not Grendel's. Scene: An anxious 20-something year-old follows a waitress from the patio down a flight stairs in search of a cheap bite and a rich beer. I fell in love with the interior immediately. It would have been just as suitable for The Den to be located in The Shire. The doorman indicated there was little room. So I shuffled to the natural habitat of the wallflower. I was already intimidated by the location. It's Harvard. Their heads turned like I reeked of lower intelligence and mediocrity. They could see my knuckles dragging from a mile away. Or maybe it was the mouth-breathing. At any rate, I shook those feelings and shuffled in. I finally found a spot at the bar. The barman was gruff. No frills. All business. I like that. I ordered a Clown Shoes Blaecorn Unidragon. I was so blown away they had this beer, I did not note the rest of their offerings. My beer nirvana faded. I began to pick up on the surroundings. I was in between the drunkest person at the bar and some local ladies. The cast: The drunk, his prey, local ladies, proud gay man, myself, and what I can assume are regulars reading books and discussing existentialism. Gay man is loud and proud. You go guy. Drunk dude is offended. In what I can assume is some sort of twisted effort to inflict jealousy on his prey, the drunk rambles for ten minutes straight on how much the gay man wants him. That noise dies down. I strike up a conversation with the locals. I'm looking for dives. Charlie's came highly recommended. The locals leave and are replaced by a charismatic waitress. She studied neurology. She didn't want to go the research route. From what I understand, it is boring. If you read this, I hope you do find an exciting and rewarding career. The moral of the story is this: go to Grendel's Den. Marvel at the interior. Meet some characters. Be humbled by the fact that you are surrounded by amazing strangers with incredible stories.
(5)Julia C.
Great for drinks and outdoor meals with a view of Winthrop Sq. They offer express lunches which are a great value, but my favorite dish is the yucatan style pork (not offered as a lunch special, but not too pricey anyways). The deal of half price food with a drink is incredible and offered for most of the evening (I don't remember the details).
(4)Iaroslav M.
last time I have been here was like 3 years ago.and i used to like it. its different now i would say. Food is bad. Mussels are very vinegary/wine/wierd taste like, tilapia-is it real fish here or just an imitation ? ( glad it was half off, otherwise I would never paid 14$ for such tasteless fish along with potato and "mix of salvadorian vegetables (thats what you call a few frozen and then microwaved veggies '.) .beer is good, service too. Ill come back for drinks only. Btw,i puked after the food i had here. So be careful
(2)Yan C.
First of all, Grendel's Den has its own Wikipedia page. If that's not cool, I don't know what is. You can read up all the history of the establishment. I certainly did. Fun fact: this is one of Ben Affleck's favorite restaurants. Parts of the movie "The Town," which he directed, were shot here. Second of all, can we just talk about how cool the name is?? It's something I would expect to find in Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings or the Hobbit. I came here on a Saturday night to grab a drink with a group of friends. The restaurant/bar is underground. The entrance isn't the most conspicuous, so it took me just a little walking to find the right door. I had to take a few steps down to enter. As I walked in, I noticed that the place is packed with young people - many Harvard students and some young professionals. It was quite noisy but we were able to find a booth in the back that gave us a little more privacy. There's a great selection of beer here - tasty and inexpensive! What a steal, especially considering it's located at Harvard Square. I'm not a big beer drinker at all, but I truly enjoyed the Honey Brown - just like what the name suggested, it had a hint of sweetness to it. My friends all liked their beers as well. The cocktail options also looked interesting. Despite how crowded it was, the staff kept up with the service. Our waitress was attentive and brought out our beers soon after we placed the order. Bottom line, I will definitely be visiting Grendel's Den again - next time I'll have a sandwich to go with my beer!
(4)Sarah S.
To Keri K., that was posted on the very same day as our visit. We got there at 430 and waited for another of our group until around 5.
(1)J S.
Googled gluten free options in Harvard Square and came up with Grendel's Den. Turns out, no gluten free menu, and no guarantee of any gluten free items, just FYI. That's fine, it's a specialty thing. Generally I like the food, and it's very reasonably priced. Always enjoy the wings. There's a couple of dishes that are hit or miss, and kind of on the bland side (this time it was the spinach, artichoke, and crab dip, a bit meh) but I'll keep coming back.
(4)Sue B.
I hate to complain about our brunch because it was really cheap ($7 for eggs Florentine), but you get what you pay for and maybe a bit less. The coffee came out cold. The spinach in the eggs Florentine was straight out of a frozen package of spinach and not even hot - maybe just defrosted. The hollandaise sauce was barely there. I had to ask for a steak knife to cut through the English muffin. Disappointing though my friend enjoyed her Mexican breakfast.
(2)Jordan S.
Cheapest place to eat in Boston without being skimped out on portions. Great atmosphere. They got dem sandwiches. That is all that matters, right? They actually try to put together sandwiches beyond a turkey club, it's a miracle. They do a damn good job. Everything is half off at happy hour, creating confusingly cheap prices. I don't have a story about how I was wandering with my dog and chanced upon this gracious establishment. I was a hungry person looking for a hunger solution and left satisfied yet wanting even more of the menu and with most of my wallet intact. Amen
(5)Ryan B.
I ate Sunday brunch here with my future mother-in-law and aunt-in-law. We ordered family-style and shared orders of the Artichoke Crab Dip and the Mussels for our appetizers. The artichoke dip was the winner among the two, except the tortilla chips we were given were a little stale. All of us agreed the mussels were wanting. For our main dishes, I ordered the Eggs Benedict and my guests shared the Eggs with Quinoa. Of the two, the Eggs Benedict was the clear winner, the poached egss were cooked perfectly. When pierced the yolks spilled over the ham and the english muffin--it was beautiful. However, the poached eggs on the quinoa dish were overcooked and to our disappointment no such yolk spillage occurred (poaching eggs is extremely difficult though). In summary, I would wager a guess that Gendel's is a classic dive bar that gets plenty of play from appreciating Harvard students. As other Yelpers pointed out, certain dishes shine while others swing-and-miss. I think we got unlucky with the quinoa's eggs and very lucky with the Eggs Benedict, but regardless the Benedict was delicious and worthy of a return trip. Grendel's is A-OK and worth a shot.
(3)Simon L.
Somewhat of an institution. Underground, deep, dark and not really that dirty. Very cozy with a bar and tables surrounding. Seat yourself. There's no coors or bud. Yuengling lager at $4 a pint is a great deal. Fresh soups - mushroom cream and chicken noodle. The hamburger is pretty awesome with a nice char and cooked perfectly medium rare. No fancy meat blends but a well seasoned burger. Lovely place to hang out and imbibe.
(4)Lauren G.
Amazingly rude waitress in the outdoor seating. Didn't pay attention to us or any of the other patrons. Didn't tell us that half price food was only for inside customers. Don't waste your time.
(1)Jules J.
Went here after 10.30pm on a Thursday, when most other restaurants in the area have closed their kitchens. We weren't sure, given the fact that the menu offers pretty much anything, and some of the reviews here weren't great. But, BOY, were we wrong! Really great beer selection, and tasty food, for half of the price at that hour. We paid basically nothing for what we consumed, and everything was tasty too! Sure, the place is a little off-beat and maybe the waitress wasn't as punctual as she could have been, but the place had a certain flair to it. If you expect fanciness, you are in the wrong place. If you expect the best bang for buck in the square, go here!
(5)A C.
nice pub atmosphere and friendly service. $7 margarita and good beer list. Spinach pie was good but served with tasteless rice. Chicken quesadilla was terrible, chicken wings were pretty bad too. Garden burger seemed deep fried. won't go there again.
(2)Denise A.
Grendel's is a long time favorite. Cozy atmosphere, decent pub food, and cheap drinks. They've got a good beer selection too! Recently had a pumpkin beer shandy which was maybe a bit too early for fall but it hit the spot. And as the place that introduced me to dark and stormies...I can't help but love it. They get around Massachusetts's no-happy-hour laws by offering half price on food items with the purchase of at least $5 in drinks (they don't have to be alcoholic) during certain time slots. They can get pretty busy so sometimes they are a bit more lenient with the time limits to accommodate you. The result is a ridiculously cheap and awesome meal. It makes me wonder why they have a walking billboard guy by the T when I think their deals speak for themselves and I've never seen them not-packed. Their food is pretty decent but not spectacular. But they've got some surprising items on there. I had what was basically Mexican style pulled pork with rice and black beans. Not too shabby! I'm not going to lie, though. Usually when I come here to eat I get the potato skins with cheese and bacon. It gets pretty loud in here. I've had many a pleasant afternoon sipping on their sangria on the few tables they have outside but those can get a bit complicated since there isn't too much wiggle room. Still, even if I have to hunch over the table and summon all the air from my lungs to talk with my friends, this is one of my favorite hang out places. And the atmosphere is jovial. Plus, when it's the middle of winter and all I want is a good strong drink, there is no warmer hovel out there that makes me so happy.
(4)Aleh V.
A very special place at otherwise too touristic area. A nice bar. Lacking some charm but this is not what you expect from a bar. The selection of draft beer is ok.
(4)Cindy H.
Cheap prices for food and drinks, but not much selection. They had my go-to - the Harpoon IPA, so I wasn't too unhappy. I got the wings and they just just mediocre, but I can't complain for the price. Our waiter kept an eye on us despite how flocked he was, which I appreciate. While I'm not raving about this place, Grendel's is one of the best places to hang out in Harvard Square.
(3)Alyson S.
This is a prime happy hour location if you can get a spot. Arrive a few minutes before it starts to claim a spot and you will enjoy a great evening of fun. The food is half price and it gets busier as the time passes. Definitely recommend you try to stop by while the college kids are away since it makes it much easier. Decent food, great atmosphere to catch up with friends, and large beer selection.
(5)Andre A.
Been two times before with no problem at all, I actually liked the place! Last time was with 2 other friends and another was about to arrive. The bar was as described by other yelpers a fair bit crowded but there were several "5 people only tables" that were empty. Instead of just sitting down we asked for permission to sit down and told the waitress it would be four of us and not five. She said "NO" , turned her back on us and left. Sure Grendel's...if you don't want our money I'll take it elsewhere. Keep your tables empty.
(2)Bob T.
I've been a patron of Grendel's for nearly forty years now, and I keep coming back every time I'm in Cambridge. It's in the basement of a building abutting a mini-park a block out from Harvard Square (although old-timers like me will remember when they had the first floor as well), with some outside tables in good weather. Don't think of it as a bar, or as a restaurant, but as a pub: lots of drinks, and lots of great food at spectacular prices. (Let's put it this way: I'm a teetotaler and always have been, but I love Grendel's all the same.) It has an old-time pub atmosphere: cramped, raucous, but fun and friendly. The prices really are spectacular -- you can easily eat for less than $10 a person -- which makes me happy now as in long-past broke student days. Sandwiches at lunch time are LESS than $5, and their full-scale meal sandwiches just a couple bucks more. Salads and appetizers are much the same. Like a pub, the selection isn't huge, but really, how many different entree choices do I need? Everything is well prepared, and I don't think I've ever had a bad meal here. The best part is their half-price time, which runs for a couple hours daily late afternoon early evening and for a couple hours before midnight. HALF PRICE off of already cheap, quality food. (You still pay full price for drinks, which is how they don't go broke.) It's very tough to beat. Hell, you'd pay more at a fast food joint. It's not perfect: the Den is a crowded, loud place: it's nowhere to go for quiet conversations or if you can't stand being jammed up against your neighbors. But if that's the atmosphere you like, Grendel's is the place for you. I live a hundred miles away now, and my visits to Cambridge are few and far between, but if you're in the area, avoid the pretentious, high-priced dumps and drop in on the Den. I promise you'll be a fan too.
(4)Na S.
It's a really nice place, quiet but cheerful. The employees are nice and helpful. Totally recomend the veggie burger! It was our first time here and was a really good one. We ended up here because I'm vegetarian and were going to be in the area so we looked up online for some place with veg options. Looking forward to go back and try some of the others!
(4)Cristobal C.
Walked in during happy hour. The quest for an open table for two was a challenge. Luckily we found a table with stools in the back behind a wall next to the elevator. The ambiance was great. This bar has character. After eating and drinking (At happy hour price), I understood why it was so crowded and hard to find a seat. The food was excellent, the view of the rafters and interesting looking plumbing made me feel good about being a DIY plumber. The two boys/girls bathrooms were a little confusing at first. I couldnt tell which was which or were not dedicated to each. I took a guess and think I got it right. Wait staff were on point with the order, the food and with their beer recommendation.
(4)Greta G.
We have been to Grendel's on a plethora of occasions. The usually abrasive service is par for the course if it is happy hour (half price) time frame. However in the last three times, we have been treated exceptionally rudely and virtually ignored. Today, my partner snagged a table outside after a 10 min wait and 10 min later was asked to move. All the while she remained unattended. I arrived 20 min after and just then did her drink order get taken. I sat there with her for another 10 min before another server arrived and it took a subsequent 15 more min to get a drink. If the quality of the food didn't match the price, I doubt any non broke individual would eat here. She ordered a chicken Caesar salad and not only did the server forget the order, it still took 35 minutes. I'm unsure of there is a poultry farm somewhere that she needed to kill and pluck the chicken from, however this is absurd. I will never return to this horrific establishment.
(1)Jim S.
Has kept its prices down while all around it is going through the ceiling. Crowded bar in the basement atmosphere is real, not fake. Food is fine - signature Fondue for 2 (most expensive thing on the menu) is pretty good, although it won't be confused with what you get in Zermatt (or at my house). The service was really good, which is not my memory of previous visits (although those were years ago). I didn't see a huge number of waitpeople considering the place was packed, but they did the job well. I just hope this doesn't get bought out by some ritzy upscale someday.
(4)Peter Y.
Something something Harvard bros something something discussing philosophy. While I'm usually not one to believe in stereotypes, it was pretty ironic that the table next to us was filled with Harvard med students talking about the meaning of life. Anyways, located underground, Grendel's Den literally feels like a grungy hole in the ground. If highly educated Hobbits went out to pubs, this would be it. Though, said Hobbits would probably be slightly disappointed to find a small beer selection and weak cocktails. Don't get me wrong, if you haven't outgrown your PBR stage yet, then this would be perfect for you. But for me, I like my non-watered down alcohol thankyouverymuch. Their cocktails are also a bit on the sugary side, with very artificial, syrupy tastes. I feel like at this stage of the game, I'm just not into this kind of scene anymore. But hey, if Harvard chicks start frequenting this place, you might see me here more often.
(3)Kirsten L.
Service was super slow here today. I'm not sure what the hold up was...it seemed pretty calm on a Saturday afternoon. Ordered the Santa Fe salad-light and tasty. Chicken quesadilla- crispy and good. The wheat beer was perfect for a hot summer day. We sat outside so we had the view of the "park". Music was played by a local guy on a guitar- relaxing and good. There was a guy a few feet down not eating just sitting there with his cigarette smoking away while we inhale second hale smoke while we eat. Lovely. Again...service was SLOW!!!! Get the waitress/waiter attention as soon as you can or else you won't see them for 30 mins.
(2)DJ Micaiah M.
It was Ok. I am editing this review because I feel like I was a bit harsh in my initial review. It was a pretty busy night! This place is an interesting dive bar with basic bar food. It is a great place to bring friends for drinks though. A little loud for my tastes on this particular night. Their burgers and sandwiches are decent but are served with what looks like Lays potato chips. I ordered a special "Andy's Manwich" but it was basically a roast beef sandwich. Not what I was expecting (manwich). You may like this kind of Place though! The location is nice. It is kind of hidden in a basement style area in the middle of Harvard Square. I did like the ambiance though Very unique.
(3)Alexandra M.
Awesome Cambridge institution - grabbing a table can be tough, but eating during happy hour is the aay to go! Recommend a Whales Tale & French Dip.
(4)Anna J.
Grendel's never disappoints. From the moment you take those steps downstairs, it feels like steps back in time. This place has lots of character, and not just sitting at the bar! When visiting I like to sit at the bar and enjoy the company of the bartender and their wisdom of beers and spirits. The food here is cheap but good for the cost. They have a wide selection of beers and happy hour is the best time to get in. I have visited a few times, both as the hangout spot for the night and as just a stop for beers before moving on. And am never unhappy. The staff is friendly and they are awesome with suggestions on what beer to try next. You can tell they've been educated on the beers they serve cuz they have their own opinions on the varying types. Great place! I enjoy visiting Grendel's and can't wait to do it again.
(4)Mel C.
The grilled chicken with rice pilaf is your best happy hour bet. Grendels happy hour makes it a popular spot for Harvard kids and locals alike.
(4)Andrea B.
Grendel's Den is like a whole little underground world, one that you would never expected would exist merely from the unsuspecting signage outside. It's a pretty cool place to grab some apps and drinks. It's generally crowded, and understandably so, because they've got some pretty great deals on their already cheap food and drinks! Come in any night of the week (yes, ANY night) from 5:00 to 7:30 and find that all food prices are half-off if you purchase a minimum of $3 in drinks. Sunday through Thursday, they have half-off from 9:00 to 11:30 also. Their overall drink selection is pretty decent. Food is just so-so, but there's a lot to choose from, and I love that! I've been here for drinks and apps and also for lunch. The best thing that I've tried was off the specials menu (see photo), and it was called "Andy's Manwich." It's a pretty hefty sandwich, loaded with beef, BBQ sauce, horseradish cream, sautéed onions and cheddar cheese. Now, why it is called a manwich is a bit beyond me, seeing as I am 100% woman and I enjoyed it immensely. That sandwich was definitely a lone standout for me, though. All apps that I've tried have ranged from average to, well, average again. So the three stars are for the crazy cheap eats, not so much the quality of food. I wasn't overly wowed by most of what I've tried, but did I leave with both my tummy and wallet full? You betcha.
(3)Joey M.
Unless your a tourist and are thinking, hey I'd like to check out this "Harvard square" thing you've probably been to Grendel's. And let me go out on a limb here and say, if you didn't like it, you probably should have guessed a place with the word "den" in it wasn't really in your wheelhouse. The food is good, but not great. Go during one of their half price food hours and it becomes a damn good deal. Pro tip: order the nachos. Its filling and comes with their vegetarian chilli on top. Awwww yeah. The drinks are drinky. The dark and stormies, both dark and stormy (and delicious). I also tried a sip of my roomates "Kayne's workout plan" and it was refreshing and delicious. And of course, they have a decent number of beers on tap. I whole heatedly approve of this den (ESPECIALLY during the half price food times). The price is right, the atmosphere basement bar like and the clientele delightful.
(4)Leslie T.
Cheap food, definitely would not have gone there had there been no half-price menu. Our waitress was old and condescending. The gorgonzola egg noodles were super soggy and when my friend asked for another item, she sassed at us. Furthermore, she took our bill before we left and gave an offensive comment on how little we tipped her due to her lackluster service!
(2)Jeff M.
After being denied because of the size of the crowds at not one but two other Harvard locations.....Grendel's was our next choice on the list to try and brave the Friday night rush. I had been here before, it was a very cold February night and I'll never forget how cozy feeling it was at the time. I don't get back to Harvard Square all that often anymore but when I do, I want to try to have the best experience, especially when I have visitors in town. Eureka! After heading down the stairs, we discovered in the back next to the bathrooms a table that says "reserved for at least five people". It was literally the only one left in the entire location. I quickly grabbed it and began placing all of our coats on the well placed wall rack on the other side of our table. Our server was great all night, although my only minor complaint is that he could be a little more educated on the beer selections. He stated a handful of times, "I've never tried that". I don't know what the rules are in the restaurant world but maybe your staff could have a tasting some night with a little education thrown in on the vast selection of brews you offer. The prices here are incredible! We started with a hummus plate for $5, chips and salsa for just $3.50. I had the turkey and havarti on a baguette and it was only $7 with a side of chips. The sandwich was by no means anything fancy but it didn't need to be, it was more of an aside to all of the imbibing we were doing and it was adequate at a tremendous price. This left more room in the budget to buy a $20 beer on the menu that came wrapped in paper called "The Red Giant". Freaking spectacular and great to share with a group if you want to splurge. The funniest part of the night was when none of us could figure out the sexes of the bathrooms. Numerous times we walked in on some gals in what I thought was the guys room marked by Einstein. Now I'm realizing they are unisex but its still a bit awkward. It only took a handful of visits for me to fall in love to the divey, under the street feel of Grendel's but for those rare times I do find myself in good ol' Hahvud, I'll be thinking about them again for a meal and a few brewkis.
(5)Lindsay F.
Okay. I do not give 5 stars idly, but this place is maintaining a wonderful vibe and niche that screams college town Boston. If you want amazing, unique food and a fancy atmosphere, this is the antithesis of what you want. If you want cheap, good and nummy food and drinks in a basement where waitresses seem to have a Boston attitude of stern/cold but friendly and warm to familiar faces, then this place is great. 1. Love the food. Spinach artichoke crab dip, salsa, guacamole, fondue, and half priced apps during daily happy hour. 2. Nummy drinks. Awesome sangria, and the best dark and stormy ever (strong!) 3. The atmosphere. Grungy-esque pub full of intelligent grad students, undergrad students, foreigners, professors, faculty, and the occasional local. All wanting a little break from their studious reality. To really explain the atmosphere, this is what they feel about mice. I saw a little mouse running around (it's a basement) and told the waitress, who said "oh yea, they come visit sometimes" and smiled at me and walked away. Gross, kinda, but also just kinda awesome :D This was a staple for 4 years in undergrad, and it is a must stop when I'm in town!
(5)Kiley S.
Came here on a whim, wasn't that impressed. They had a huge variety but the quality wasn't that great. The waitress straight up told us to not order a burger which was appreciated, but if you can't even make a good burger at a dive bar? come on. The turkey pesto sandwich was good. I wouldn't recommend this to friends, maybe just stick to the bar. *service was great.
(2)Roma B.
Patio seating is first come first-served. If you see an empty table outside its yours! Skip the sangria it's cheap but not great. Food is decent but not fancy. Affordable place in Harvard sq! Order the dark & stormy, you won't regret it!
(4)Matthew B.
This spot is reliable. Tasty beer. Awesome chili. Good sandwiches. There's nothing like a hole-in-the-ground spot around Harvard that makes me happy.
(4)MisoSoup O.
Brings back memories from the time I have studied at Harvard. Wasn't here for 8 years and the place did not change a bit! It is a basement, with a great atmosphere. A place a student would love to eat daily (and it is affordable), and still be happy (nutrition wise). You can not go wrong here- the food, the drinks (Margarita is a bit on the light side...), the service. A perfect place for any student. This time we took muscles, haddock and a double burger. All was tastey. I will return just for the muscles.
(5)Dipak S.
Food - Really tasty food. Got the peruvia quinoa stew that was awesome. Ambience - Is a nice place buzzling with a young crowd. Service - Really really good service. Especially the server Josh was friendly and enaured we had a great time. Cost - $20 per pax with drinks.
(5)Tiffany W.
As it is in the epic poem, keep away from Grendel! My initial visit was unexpected. I knew it would be crowded and staff would be busy. But I didn't think it would be an excuse for the way my friends and I were treated. We inched our way in to find a table and in the process, a waiter continually rolled his eyes at us, told us to wait somewhere else, responded to our questions with contempt. We were yet to be seated, and I was already prepared to skedaddle. Even so, we sat down and ordered drinks. Our waitress was as attentive as she could be, but was clearly irritated when we asked to split the check. She returned and prodded us to tip her generously because of the "huge" favor she had done for us. Pretty obnoxious. Through all of this, I decided to give Grendel's another go. Three-go's in fact. The last time was the strangest. We sat at a smaller table, waiting for a larger party to leave. Once we moved tables, the waiter was confused as to what we wanted and without asking or waiting for our answer, he left us to rearrange the tables ourselves. He was super frustrated and glared at us for our entire stay. Ok. Later, he provided us two forks for five people. So naturally, we need more silverware. Right? No. After our request, his response was, "Is two forks not enough?". No, it's not enough. It's never enough. I don't know if I should be angry or just sad that this waiter doesn't realize five people means five forks. Also, food is meh. I did find Grendel's cozy and tend to favor places that play old R&B and hip hop, until I realized they play the same playlist every damn weekend. I'm done giving them the benefit of the doubt, hoping they'll play something other than No Diggity (though I don't mind listening to Goodies over and over again). If the music doesn't bother you, the service should. There are exceptions, but the waiters we've had are so unbelievably rude. I've never experienced such arbitrary hostility. Sad. Thought I could make this a favorite haunt, since it's so close. I won't be visiting again.
(1)Theresa P.
We stopped at Grendel's Den as whim while spending the day in Cambridge. You pick your own seats when you enter, I know this because I checked with the bartender that was very friendly. It's wasn't too packed so we were able to find a table toward the back. The atmosphere is cozy and dim. Our server came promptly, took our beverage orders. Our drinks came out very quickly. We ordered potato skins and our entrees. Our potato skins came out with our entrees. Which wasn't a bother. I know that would bother some people but not really us, we were hungry. Our food came out very quickly. I got the pumpkin tortelloni which came with the wonderfully seasoned walnuts and Gorgonzola sauce. I LOVED it!!! my goodness it was wonderful. The sauce could have been a little warmer but I still loved it. My daughter ordered the fettuccine with Gorgonzola sauce and grilled chicken, I tried it, her pasta was cooked perfectly and chicken was seasoned wonderfully. My fiance would not share a bit of his burger but he gobbled it down quickly. The potato skins which we actually ate last were perfect, we had bacon added to it. All in all, the food was great. Atmosphere was super cozy. Service was great. The next time we're in Cambridge stopping here is on our list :)
(5)Ana R.
Grendel's is an underground, appropriately dark and divey pub in Harvard Square. I came here with a group of 8 on a Monday around 9:30pm. Our waitress was ornery as hell. She took an immediately dislike for everyone, couldn't remember what we'd ordered and then was annoyed when we didn't know she had to write the drinks order on a separate piece of paper (???). We ordered apps, entrees and beers. Lots of potential for a big tip, but she couldn't care less. She gave us the beers en masse, leaving us to figure out which amber colored liquids were ours. My chicken skewers were bleh, but I liked the fresh celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, so I asked for more and got charged $1 along with receiving a lecture from the chef via our waitress The Lovely Helga. The chicken quesadilla was also incredibly bland. At Harvard Square prices, I expect better fare, even if it's from a pub I have to go downstairs for.
(1)Ro M.
Awesome Bar Scene! Live, but not super crazy.
(4)Trevor L.
Had lunch at the bar. Surprisingly good Cuban sandwich on flatbread. Great location, decent beer selection, Rock bottom prices. You couldn't ask for more.
(5)Patrick C.
Got the Yucatan burrito. stale tortilla (seemed like they used it without reheating it at all) and stale tortilla chips on the side. my girlfriends turkey havarti sandwich was decent.
(2)Hurnan V.
We came here on a weekday night for dinner, to take advantage of the deal where you can get half off of your entrees if you buy a $3 drink. Located in the heart of Harvard square, Grendel's may be difficult to find, as it is located underground with a small door sign. The staff was very friendly and attentive throughout our stay despite the volume of patrons, making it a pleasant experience overall. I ordered a Mediterranean wrap with a side of chips (other option was coleslaw); it was tightly wrapped (which I appreciated so I could minimize my mess!), the cheese was strong but not too overwhelming, which is what I usually prefer for my wraps. My only gripe is that the dining environment is a bit dark and dingy - perhaps to emulate a den as the name suggests, but this is not my preference. However, great place for some solid food at a reasonable price.
(3)Sean S.
I loved how it was pretty busy, but the bar wasn't cramped. Came in by myself and met a few cool people, it has a sort of basement/underground feel with a nice vibe. I got a decently priced bottle of cheap wine, and some deviled eggs which were good, and some mac and cheese, which was OK. Honestly, the food quality and alcohol selection were nothing special, but the atmosphere brings it up to about 3.5 stars. Worth noting that before I moved to the bar, I waited at a table for over 20 minutes without service.
(3)Vivian C.
Context: Monday Night 7:00 PM, right in time for 5-7:30 PM Half Price Hour! YAY! Ambiance: There's patio seating and indoor seating with a bar. We sat next to the fake fireplace by the door. The swinging door is constantly opened because servers and customers are coming in, which is fine because that's the point of the door. So if you don't like a cold draft blowing on your every 2 minutes DON'T SIT THERE. There are PLENTY of other great seats in the house. The lighting is also super dark. Service: Super attentive! Our server checked in with us multiple times. I really appreciate that! He was nice, patient, and informative, and he had a beard too! FOOOODDDD! OMNOM NOM NOM: Nachos Supreme ($8): YUMMMMY! Guacamole, sour cream, beans, and salsa generously slathered on top of cheesy tortilla chips. Yes, yes, yes. The salsa has a nice spicy kick. The toppings were plentiful. My boyfriend likes to mix them all in one delicious mush. Yum. Salmon ($14): My boyfriend ordered the salmon with veggies and a baked potato. The salmon comes cooked in a small casserole plate and a lemon slice. It was moist, the top was more dry than the bottom probably because of the plate. The veggies were good and the baked potato pretty standard except that it didn't come with anything other than butter. Overall not bad. Not my favz, but still good. Beggar's Banquet with Chicken ($12.50): I ordered the Beggar's Banquet with Chicken. This truly is a banquet! This comes with a slice of spinach pie, hummus, pita, rice, grilled chicken breast, and pasta with pesto. That's a lot! Considering that I love a diverse plate with a lot of different textures and flavors, the Beggar's Banquet was PERFECT. I cut up the chicken into small pieces and mixed it into my pasta with pesto YUM. The chicken was a little dry, but it was tasty with the pasta. The hummus was interesting...I might be wrong but it seemed to have a lot of tahini in it. It also tasted like it had peanuts instead of chickpeas or pinenuts. Let's just say it wasn't standard, but all right. The spinach pie had a delightfully flaky crust! I loved it. The spinach filling was a little too salty for my taste, but paired with the rice the saltiness was no overwhelming, but my complementary with the rice. Bottled Sodas ($3 each): Spindrift Grapefruit soda and some Root Beer. These were both really tasty and made by local companies. I like the support of local businesses. Price: GREAT! Because of Half Price Hour a meal for two with drinks was ~$25 + tip. However, there are a few caveats. 1) You have to sit INSIDE, no problem! 2) You have to order $3+ drink per person, no problem you came to a bar for a reason! 3) No doggie bags, so come hungry. Overall, I loved Grendel's Den! My only complaint was the swinging door and slightly dry chicken breast and peanut-esque hummus. So FOUR STARS FOR GRENDEL'S! REVIEW HAIKU come, five to seven half off, but buy a nice drink don't sit by the door
(4)Thomas D.
I think the word for Grendel's is "companionable." And the food is awesome. And the prices are right. And even though it's been a quarter-century since I've been an undergraduate (not at a school near Grendel's, to be sure!), I cherish the "collegiate" atmosphere of the Den. It has become, in the last few years, one of my favorite places for lunch and conversation with a friend. (I recommend the wondrously ample chicken burrito and the unfailingly satisfying tuna melt.) The best, forsooth and verily.
(5)Andrew R.
Does one fine dine at Grendel's Den? Does one long for the foodstuffs, both traditional and non, that line its menu? Does one yearn for their list of drinks? No, no, and no. What one does is this: come in, sit down, get a drink (any drink will do), and eat at half off. The food isn't always great, some choices are much better than others, but it's cheap. And that's why you're here. To sit in the underground and drink and eat for cheap. Because at those prices, it's actually worth it to eat here.
(4)Duncan L.
Grendel's Den was the first stop on a night of walking through Harvard Square and getting drinks and appetizers, and was the perfect place to start the night. We waited a little while in order to get a table outside, but as soon as one was available we grabbed it. You need to get some food while sitting at a table outside, but the food is great, so that's certainly not a problem. We grabbed a beer each (the usuals for the Boston-area were on tap), and enjoyed a couple appetizers. The standout was the hummus, and was the perfect appetizer to start the evening. We took our time and enjoyed the beautiful summer weather. Unlike most outdoor seating in the area, it's not located on a busy sidewalk, so you feel a little more private and a little less pressure to hurry up with your meal. I would definitely make another stop here for beers or appetizers. Consider Grendel's added to the list!
(4)Clay N.
This "underground" spot has nothing special about it except for one thing: THE COUCH! The food is so-so. The drinks are good (get the peppermint schnapps hot chocolate in the winter). The crowd is typically tipsy locals who are too sober for Whitney's or tipsy grad students to drunk for the Sinclair. But the couch is incredible!! Somehow it is the perfect combination of firm (support) and soft (comfort). Nestled right against the fire in the left corner of the room, within eyesight of the bar, sporting a table low enough to be used as an ottoman, this couch is about as close as you'll get to heaven without getting on the Mass Pike and going to East Freetown (Heaven is a neighborhood, but I digress.) Come for the couch, stay because you are drunk and asleep.
(3)Amanda S.
This was a nice place to enjoy a weekend lunch on a sunny day. The outdoor seating was nice, and there was live music in the adjacent park. The service was great. I had the Grendel Margarita, which was good, and the lobster roll, which was delicious.
(4)Ari P.
Back when I was counting down the days to age 21, this had a place high up on the list to try, since it's right up in the square. Little did I know that they have their little 1/2 off happy hour for the weekday dinner rush. I started off with the german draft beer, which was decent, and came in the traditional tall glass which was fun, but felt out of place. I have to say I'm glad that the burger was 1/2 off, because like another reviewer mentioned, it tasted more like the meat was boiled. I should've known when they didn't ask how I like it cooked. It was a good enough experience that I tipped the waitress as if I paid full-price. I feel like there must be a strange connotation saying you work somewhere termed "Grendel's Den."
(3)Amanda S.
Just TERRIBLE service, the waiters wouldn't even let me get on the phone with the manager to complain, they just hung up, just hung up! why??? I've never been treated so rudely in all my life, I'm still livid about the experience. Never had trouble form service in the past, but this was a whole new level of hell dealing with these people. Couldn't give a small enough star to this place, wish I could write more negative reviews.
(1)Abbie M.
I don't know why dives have such a bad rap. I'm not giving this place 5 stars as an upscale restaurant, I'm giving them 5 stars as a top-of-the-line dive. We wandered in here midweek, drawn by the super low app prices. A few drinks and some apps shouldn't be a $500 affair. At the end of the night, with 5 people having 3ish drinks each as well as splitting several apps, our check was $105. That's 20 bucks a pop for a whole night of fun on a patio. It's not as if we were ordering all house/well drinks either, we had a seat for the Grey Goose as well. Creative and fun drink suggestions, standard dive food fare like chips and salsa and artichoke dip. For clarification, I immensely disliked the artichoke dip as it was hot with crab in it so it tasted like hot briny seaweed to me. Totally decent beer selection for the unsnobby. Perfect place for broke college kids and broke college grads.
(5)Christopher S.
Grendel's has been a regular stop for some friends and I almost every week for the past 8 years. Despite coming in with a sometimes-large, sometimes-demanding group, every week -- and sometimes, when a conference is in town, taking over a huge section of the restaurant for ourselves -- I've always felt super-welcome here. The food is solid and tasty. The service is great (In particular, Trevor is a hard-working godsend, dealing with the most inane requests you can think of with aplomb). And the beer choices are varied and delicious. I love Grendel's. The only thing I miss in recent years is the playing of Baba O'Riley at midnight, which was always fun. I highly recommend Grendel's, and bring all my friends to it when we're looking for a great place to grab some tasty food and a great drink.
(5)James C.
I have been a few times now. I've always had a pleasant time. The staff is friendly and seems to like where they work. The food is cheap but enjoyable. Some dishes are awesome while others are merely satisfying but the staff will guide you honestly if you ask. I was there for Sunday brunch and there was no wait but busy enough so you didn't feel like an intruder. Christina was our server and was pleasant and funny. Amazingly this laid back cavern of a restaurant was able to make my favorite brunch drink, Death in the Afternoon (it has absinthe)! Made my dining experience. If you want to avoid lines, have a laid back experience with friendly staff try Grendles.
(4)Brennon S.
Ever feel like you've walked into a party, uninvited, held by hip kids? Ever been ignored by a feeble old waitress? Have you ever gotten diarrhea from $6 appetizers? Don't answer those questions. Clearly they are ridiculous.
(1)whit e.
Why, right in the middle of Harvard square, this hidden dive offers surprisingly good prices and a good selection of hot ciders and beers. The service is sometimes reluctant or absent, and the food is nothing remarkable. However, the atmosphere is classic cozy with a fake fireplace and a basement hideout where one can scheme, carouse or whatever else one does in a classic warm and cozy dive bar. I've been back and would gladly go again. Tip - Friday happy hour features low priced appetizers.
(3)Allison C.
Prime location, pretty spacious dining areas both outside and inside, and really generous happy hour food prices, but overall? Just meh. I think I am turned off by the lackadaisical service. Once, a friend of mine arrived late after my party already put in our orders, so when the first round of orders arrived, the server pitched a quick Q "Anything else I can do for ya?" and I promptly, casually, and kindly said "Yea! Could we just get a time estimate on my buddy's breakfast burrito? He arrived late." She stared blankly back at me "Excuse me?" I repeated my Q, and she carelessly said "I don't know. Probably a few minutes before it comes out." Before I barked back, my friend nudged me to let it go and said "That's fine. Thanks!" As far as food goes, it is fair, not outstanding. You can substitute any meat in the breakfast/brunch dishes. Hollandaise on the benedict had a good weight and creaminess to it, but the flavor was a bit bland. Breakfast potatoes are thinly sliced rather than hashed, and are seasoned well. If you want hot sauce, be prepared for sriracha!
(2)Matheus D.
Sarah is the reason we keep coming back. What a sweetheart and babe!! Keep an eye out for their happy hour specials(food not booze). Also as any dive bar should have, fernet all night long.
(4)Ami O.
So cozy, so many beers, tasty nachos, I would come here every Saturday night if I could
(5)Ian S.
Grendel's is a great, fun place to grab a drink or a cheap meal in the Harvard Square area. It's more or less a college bar, but it's got a little more character than that label might suggest. The food and drinks are good, but perhaps more importantly the food is CHEAP if you go during happy hour. Cheap as in half-off. As in, like, the $2-5 range. Unbeatable!
(4)Misty S.
I came here for the first time recently with a group of 8 others. Pluses - a few good beers on draft - vegetarian options - Outdoor seating - strong drinks - prices for food are insanely low meh - took us forever to get the check. our food came out at different times, and because of that we were running late to an event and weren't able to find our waitress for a good 15 mins before we got the check - my drink was empty for most of my time there - the food is not very good. I guess you get what you pay for I'd probably go again and sit at the bar but likely wouldn't eat here again. Which is a bummer because I was pumped about the veg-friendly menu.
(2)Michael H.
My girlfriend and I went there for lunch and it was great. The atmosphere is fantastic and the food delicious. Great service.
(4)Justin B.
Good atmosphere and drinks. The curry fries are awesome! A bit small. Don't expect to have much room for 4+. Either way give it a try.
(4)Elizabeth W.
Grende'ls Den is a smallish, basement, seat-yourself, affordable prices establishment. The place can get crowded, and there's not much room to stand around. Sometimes you're forced to be that creepy table predator who hovers above your prey of a table that appears to be paying their bill, hoping to snag it before someone else swoops in. Sometimes you form that allegiance with the people already sitting: the friendly smile, how was the food here, oh are you leaving soon, mind if we take your table when you go, gee that's so nice of you. It can be hectic, but I think I've always gotten a seat eventually whether a group of 2 or 6. The best reason to come here is the half priced deal between 5 and 7:30. The food is standard pub food, nothing fancy or elaborate but consistently good. The cheese fondue for 2 is a nice option to switch it up, and yes, that can be half price also. They have some fun and affordable cocktail options, so the $3 drink minimum is easy. I took my mother here on a recent visit for the half price deal. We each had a sweet tea mixed drink, she had the fresh veggie burger, and I had the chicken platter option with the pesto pasta. When all was said and done our meal came to $22, not too shabby!
(4)James R.
I would have had a more enjoyable experience if the table we were seated at in the back wasn't infested with fruit flies of some kind. They might have been coming from one of the vent above our heads that was coated in what I hope was dust, but they were everywhere. Other than that, the experience was just meh. The food was alright, but nothing special. The half-price food deal was nice, but you needed to buy at least $3 in drinks and none of the non-alcoholic drinks were above $2.75, and I wasn't in the mood for alcohol in the afternoon when we went. They also don't serve you water or refill your glass unless you ask for it, which is smart from a green perspective, but when your waitress doesn't come around too often it is a tad annoying.
(2)Manfred S.
Still the least pretentious watering hole in the Boston area. From homeless to ivy league professor, from barely legal to drink to senior citizen, everyone gets the same good service. It once served as my living room (during my academic days) and it hasn't changed. Always a good place to grab a pint of original sin and some half-off happy hour snacks.
(4)Caitlin W.
My boyfriend and I popped by Grendel's Den to grab a drink on our way to dinner a few Saturdays ago. We're suckers for a good lit reference, so when we were browsing our options it immediately caught our eye. After remarking how illicit we felt walking down the stone staircase, we happily found two seats at the bar and were quickly offered drink menus. My boyfriend decided to stick with beer, but I am always on the hunt for an inventive cocktail, so I decided to order something a bit more adventurous. Suffice to say, the Whiskey Flower is delicious -- just enough bite from the lemon to temper the bourbon, but the Woodford is definitely still the star (as it should be!). With respect to the ambiance, Grendel's Den is exactly what you'd expect from the name. Cambridge is a haven for hipster bars, but this one, with its basement location, lends itself to an image of dark, cozy spaces with an air of mischief and just the slightest hint of Harvard pretension. This is, in fact, a good thing; I can easily see myself spending many an afternoon here, enjoying a few drinks and an app while chatting away with my companions and making new friends at the bar. Having walked past Grendel's Den dozens of times and always saying that we'd have to try it some time, I'm so glad that we finally did. Based on our first impression, we will certainly be back!
(4)Izzy D.
A quintessential (literally) underground Cambridge pub where you can almost feel the Harvard geniuses of yore waxing poetic about life, love and the pursuit... or something. The atmosphere is charmingly dingy and the food is pretty good (they have a whole vegetarian menu - killing me softly). The drinks are absolutely nothing to write home about but it's a piece of the brick and cobblestone that is Harvard Square history and you are obliged (as an American citizen) to check out if you can. Lows: French 75 (suuuper strong/bitter gin drink) Highs: Moscow Mule, flaming shot of absinthe (just kidding says my hangover)
(3)Katrina N.
Great atmosphere, half price food specials, decent beer list. If you go for dinner, stick to the standard pub fare and the spinach pie, which are good. Last visit I had a pasta special, and the dish was overcooked and under-spiced. I will go back, though mostly for the atmosphere and the drinks.
(3)Katie B.
Great cozy atmosphere, you seat yourselves and my group sat by the faux fireplace. I was here earlier this week and I have to agree with Theresa P.'s account of the Pumpkin Tortellini special. The handmade, pumpkin stuffed tortellinis were divine. Gorgonzola can be overbearing and this dish had the perfect amount and the walnuts tied everything together so nicely! Everyone in my group was definitely satisfied. I highly recommend. Service was prompt and mindful. The Sunday thru Thursday special on food and alcoholic drink was an amazing plus.
(5)Adam M.
Awesome awesome awesome express lunch. One of the best lunch deals in Harvard Square.
(4)Hannah R.
A- for the food, C+ for the unpleasant waiting period. But realistically, the best reason to go here is the half-priced food from 5-7:30p. Bless ol' Harold and Sue for coming up with a solid business plan that guaranteed a constant stream of hungry Harvard folk. We got two drinks each and split the mussels appetizer, a small caesar salad, the portobello reuben, and the natural disaster turkey burger. Everything besides the salad (which was just OK) was mouthwateringly wonderful. Portobello reuben? Slap me purple and call me eggplant, I'm sold. The natural disaster comes with melted swiss cheese, avocado slices, chutney, and chipotle spread. Pure omnoms. Waiting to get to that glorious meal though? Super hellish after a long day at the office. No matter where you stand, you're in the way. The hungrier you get, the more sure you are that everyone sitting at a table is laughing at you and staying extra time just to keep you from sitting down. The bartender may or may not forget about you. And no, four people cannot sit at one of the designated five-people-or-more tables. I'm feeling hangry all over again just thinking about it.
(3)Ryan P.
Nothing fried, a table always turns up, and friendly down to earth service. I love the fondue for two, and the fish is amazing. I always get the vegetarian banquet and leave stuffed. This is a great, laid back spot and the summer outside seating is the best Harvard Square offers.
(5)Dave M.
I've never experienced such bizarrely hostile service at a bar in my life. I went to Grendel's tonight with several old friends from my grad school program after our reunion. Since I knew my wife and I wouldn't be staying long, I ordered us beers from the bar rather than from the nearby table where my group of friends was standing. When I went to get myself a second beer and close my tab, the bartender gave me the beer but told me he'd transferred my tab to the waitress handling our table. I flagged the waitress down, got the tab, and paid. The waitress then collected not only the bill but also my half-full beer, which she took back to the bar and poured out. When she came back out, I mentioned that I'd still been drinking my beer. She offered to get me a new one; I said no thanks, I was leaving anyway. At that point, out of nowhere, the bartender started screaming at me, saying I'd stiffed him and that I'd lied to him. An apparently drunk customer at the bar also started yelling at me, calling me a cheap bastard. I asked what on earth was going on. The bartender, rather than dealing with the drunk customer at the bar, started yelling at me to leave. I left in order to de-escalate the situation. While I waited for her outside, my wife asked the bartender what had happened. He yelled at her some more and then walked away. I honestly still don't know what I did, besides maybe trying to pay the bartender instead of the waitress, to provoke such abuse.
(1)Alice S.
Worst food ever. Even the Caesar salad tastes WRONG. Beef brisket was horrible too.... There is a reason that on a Saturday night there is a half hour wait at every restaurant in this area except for this place...this place is 60% empty tables and a kitchen stacked to the ceiling with food that would be hard pressed to outdo the food the lunch lady slipped in your plate in middle school. It's almost impressive how shitty this place is. The only good thing about your experience will be the booze you use to drown yourself in after tasting the piss that is Grendel's Den. I would rather be torn limb from limb by Grendel himself than eat the bread. Stick with the water. They do water pretty well. A happy home for the sad leftovers of neighboring bistros. As a matter of fact I'm seriously considering taking my own life at this point. The brisket is just reaching my rectum and my GI had no problem tagging it for the poison it is. As I type this, water is flooding my stomach and small intestine to decrease the concentration of this toxic waste. Bottom line is: great service and very strong AC
(1)Juliana O.
This was one of my favorite spots when I was a poor college student living in Cambridge. I revisited it last night for dinner and drinks, and I am happy to see that it hasn't really changed in 5 years since I was last there. It was just as great as I remembered, if not better! Here's what makes Grendel's great: The food is DIRT CHEAP. They have happy hour every day, even on Saturday night, when you get your food half off with a minimum drink purchase. My boyfriend and I had 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, and 5 or 6 beers for a grand total of $40. Where else can you get that in Harvard Square?! Super cozy underground spot with brick walls, nice atmosphere, "either/or" restrooms, and a map of the USA labelled with MORDOR. The service might be a little bit slow because they don't have a huge staff, but our server last night was great. She brought us everything promptly, it was easy to get her attention, and when one of our beers got knocked over (oops) she was there right away with a clean rag and some soda water for me to clean my clothes off. (Yes, we left her a big tip.) Their Dark and Stormy cocktail is a solid choice - it was my drink of choice when I turned 21 and I still make them for my friends at home - and their beer list is great. The review saying that the beer list is "always out of date" was totally correct, but their selection changes all the time and they have great local stuff. Like it says on the menu, "No Bud, no Coors, no Miller, no Michelob...." Just the good stuff! So glad to see this place still doing well. It was great to be back!
(5)Louis T.
I grew up in Cambridge, and when I go back, I always always always stop at Grendel's Den. The ambiance is great, whether for a late afternoon beer and appetizer, or later at night when it gets more crowded and noisier. They always have a good selection of beer, and the food is quite good--not just for a smallish bar, actually good, full stop. The fact that this bar has been to the actual Supreme Court (google "larkin v. grendel's den") is just a bonus. Go now! Have a Cambridge Amber on me.
(5)Paige C.
basement of harvard musty old pub with some food sad burger tonight I have been to Grendel's twice while living in Boston. The first time was magical, much like Harvard square can be upon one's first visit. They had this amazing gargonzola cheese pasta, and the pasta was FRESH. It was incredible. It made such a huge impression on me all those 5 years ago. I had been itching to return, and return I did, 5 years later. Sadly, it was not the magical experience of before. After experiencing much of what Boston has to offer, my expectations have risen, and at the very least, a place has to be able to serve a decent burger to survive. As Grendel's taught me, this is not the case, and this was by far, the worst burger I've had in Boston. Even more so, I was with a group of about 6 people, they kept getting our orders wrong. I was served a "veggie" burger before receiving the meat burger I ordered. That was weird. I didn't try it, but the veggie burger looked kind of like a smashed fried corn patty. Hmm... One of my companions also received the wrong order, and the waiter didn't offer to change it. I don't understand. Then the burger... No cheese... Even though I ordered cheese. It was cold. It looked like boiled meat. Not grilled. Not fresh. Not good. I was sad. Grendel's, I'm so disappointed.
(3)Fancypants X.
Grendel's, you've got the great outdoors going for you, but sluggish service & sour caesar dressing makes your lovely locale inconsequential. Surprise! Fall in Cambridge means rain one day & sweltering heat the next. On the day of my visit, my weather app read 85 degrees. I took shade under one of Grendel's large blue umbrellas, as a sign directed me to "seat myself." No one greeted me for 10-15 minutes. And after I received my diet-friendly meal of a diet coke (I know, fake sugar is even worse than HFCS) & a chicken caesar salad, my waitress didn't reappear til I flagged her down for the bill. Decent prices ($12 for my lunch), & I spied nachos on the menu (for when I'm being more indulgent), but a waitress who takes her sweet, precious time & dressing not done right makes me hesitant to spend my money here again. Even chain-fast food joint Panera makes a better Caesar salad.
(2)Tiffany L.
My favorite place to go for an inexpensive, quality meal! The sandwiches and appetizers are fantastic, and I love the atmosphere!
(5)Becky M.
Food and beer and a great meeting place. Wandered in when looking for food during a visit to the Square. My BF and I tried 2 beers -- Cambridge Amber and Grendel's Ale -- along with a veggie burger (me on a soft kaiser roll) and a Grendel (him...roast beef with a creamy cheesy spread on a baguette). No TVs in the bar where we were (so not a spot to watch the game on Sunday). Lots of big parties and the waitstaff was a bit slow given the packed dining room. We didn't mind....weren't in a rush. I t's nothing fancy -- but a great spot for a casual meal, meet-up and a pint. Would certainly go back.
(4)Saad M.
This place is as cool as the other side of the pillow. It's located in the heart of Harvard Square which might scream cheesy student or tourist trap but it's neither. Service is affable, friendly and relaxed. There are plenty of tables to grab along with spots at the bar. The noise level is great especially on a Saturday night, really adds to the ambience without drowning out conversation. Not the world's biggest wine selection but I think that'll be obvious upon entering. The food is surprisingly robust with large portions to boot. I had the french dip sandwich was a bit greasy but otherwise very filling and I could have easily taken half of it home. We also split the artichoke dip which was pretty good for bar fare without being laden down with grease. The beer selection is extensive and although I'm not a beer snob I can see why this place would appeal to one. Also the price point is incredible; the food is really cheap and during lunch hour during the week it's even cheaper. This place is a great value and also a really cool spot to have some drinks later in a relaxed atmosphere.
(4)Cristina R.
Cheap drinks, cheap eats make this poor girl happy indeed. Many mixed drinks are only $6! Dark and stormy. Do it. 1/2 price food happy hours are amazing (pretty much every food offering on the menu half off during certain times) and should be a more wide-spread practice in the Cambridge dining sphere. Not high-class cuisine by any means (pretty standard sandwiches, salads, etc), but edible nonetheless. What more do you want? The place can get pretty packed and is definitely not somewhere you go to relax or even be able to hear your friends clearly, but the atmosphere is lively and fun. Go down the stairs into Grendel's Den and get happy.
(4)Peter H.
Good at what it does. Inexpensive dishes, quickly prepared and great for a quick, refueling lunch bite. Nice atmosphere as well, sitting out in the square, under leafy trees with a competent guitarist busking in the background
(4)Nick N.
Visualize a New England university town, and then populate that mental generalization with restaurants. Among the hypothetical establishments, you'd want one frequented by a charming array of colorful locals, right? You'd want it to include a large bar, with low prices and a simple but discriminating alcohol menu, right? You'd want the bartenders to be smart and funny? You'd want a healthy proportion of them to be moonlighting graduate students? You'd want patio seating? You probably wouldn't want anything fastidious about the food, right? You'd want it to be simple and reliable and filling and cheap. Maybe you'd want that food to be half-price for a good chunk of the night? You'd want it to be a place hot with atmosphere, in an unusual space, eclectically decorated, and maybe named with some literary allusion, right? A place unmistakable for anywhere else in the world, and a place you're always going to miss when you're out of town? This is that place.
(5)Grace T.
Used to go here more often when I served and bar tended in Harvard, but we had the worst server in the business. I generally only write positive reviews, but the restaurant owner should know why people are't coming back. It began with a grey haired waitress yelling something about "3$ is 3$" while cleaning the table next to us. Then we discovered she was our sever... great. I've had bad nights as a server, but it's never acceptable to treat customers with such an air of arrogance and self importance as she did throughout the service. She then too our orders. Since we were not provided with a cocktail or beer list my friends asked for water while they decided. She audibly scoffed. I Ordered from the beer list I could see on the wall. Another friend ordered 2 IPAs both of which they were out of. Finally he ordered another on draft, but was disappointed when he received a beer from the same company, but in bottle form. He actually felt so uncomfortable with the server that he didn't bother saying anything. The server slapped our beers down, basically ignoring us and my friends who wanted drinks. My other friends disgusted by the waitress's attitude decided not to order drinks and the rest of us didn't bother to order dinner from this woman. No need to extend our time with someone so unpleasant. We left as soon as possible. This woman is toxic and definitely not a way I want to celebrate Boston Strong. I haven't had such bad service in years. I doubt I'll be back with all the other good places to go in Harvard. Don't waste your time here. Even Charlies is better.
(1)Joe T.
Either the menu has improved significantly, or I just started to pay more attention to the menu. There is now a REALLY DELICIOUS tofu vegetable dish. Tastes very comforting and home-y. :-) Go Grendel's. Also, the bartender, Ned, rocks.
(4)Heidi L.
Oh, Grendel's. I know you're an institution. I know half-price days and nights (and in fact, full-priced days on weekend nights -- but just one time. I know my deals). But after, I have always regretted getting a burger or wrap, or really anything at half-price, much less full price. The food is really not great. Like, really. The strategy is to get a beer (if you really want to come), and order something half-price, and give it to your friend who eats a lot to earn some goodwill.
(2)Lauren Y.
We sat outside. Very slow and unfriendly service. Mediocre food. Great prices on drinks and lunch, but you get what you pay for. Good atmosphere on the outdoor patio overlooking park, good people watching. Won't go back for food though.
(2)Kristine A.
I have been here a few times but this last time wasn't so great. I ordered a drink which didn't come until after my boyfriend was done eating his salad. Then he asks for another beer & it takes forever to get it. The server wasn't very attentive & not sure if it was because we were outside or not. I don't like the fact they refill the water but there's no ice in it. Had to wait yet again for the check, so I finally got up & was waking away so he would realize we didn't want to sit there anymore.
(1)Marie B.
My boyfriend and I went here on a Friday night. We were told by the doorman to seat ourselves, although he had no idea if there were any available tables and that we should just check. We decided to sit outside and as I walked down the path to see if any tables were available, the waitress working the section exasperatedly told my boyfriend that we shouldn't be walking around the section. We had to wait ten or so minutes for an outside table, which was totally fine. Once I thought I saw a table leave I asked the waitress if a table had opened up. (I didn't want to try to sit down if the table hadn't been totally bussed yet) She snapped at me with, "no!" Five minutes later a different waiter asked why we were waiting for an outside table because one was available and that we should go seat ourselves. So, that was pretty irritating. We were happy to see that the prices were very reasonable but it turns out that it's just because the food sucks. I ordered the chicken burrito an it came out lukewarm. I'm not sure if it's because it sat in the window for a while or what, but I can say that chicken should not ever be served at that temperature. The chicken was also weird and dry and flavorless. It tasted sort of old, really. The burrito is served with a weird piece of lettuce rib and a piece of a slice of tomato on top. My boyfriend got one of the larger platters that came with hummus and spinach pie and tofu, veggies and rice. The hummus was pretty awful. The spinach pie basically just tasted like eating straight up feta. The noodles and pesto he said were fine, but it's hard to screw that up. Really though, they didn't even toss the noodles with the sauce. it's really just a bowl of pasta with a spoonful of pesto thrown on top. Really not restaurant quality. It seemed like this place had an interestingly varied menu and I had trouble choosing what to eat. I made a mental note to come back and try other things too, but I think I'll pass. The waiter was nice and took half off of our meals, but I really don't think any of their food would be any better. Plus there's always the chance you'll get that super rude waitress...
(2)Jeffrey K.
Last time I wrote about Grendel's, I trashed it based on 2 or 3 experiences about 4 years ago. Each time there were the same problems. Since then, I've been back about 3 or 4 more times and it's been much better. the service and food has been decent. It's likely I came in on rather unfortunate times before because they were completely slammed. The recent times has been less trying on the staff. Bottomline, if you're looking for cheap eats and drink, this is a good place to stop. I wouldn't go full blown meal but it's a great place to start an evening out.
(3)Hillary V.
Really great food, good beer selection, interesting atmosphere. And they serve NO fried foods.
(4)Kathleen W.
I made a trip to Grendel's the two times I visited Boston and was pleased to find that they served Absinthe cocktails(!) So...light that sugar cube and let me down that absinthe!! I love the "underground" feeling of the bar. It definitely feels like a hangout spot for Grendel from Beowulf (heh, literary nerd reference). Friendly service, tasty bar food, and fun drinks. The first time I went it was fairly crowded and dimly lit. The second time, the bar was more casual, well lit, and less crowded. A little inconsistent if I say so myself, but overall not a bad spot to grab a drink.
(4)Kamille W.
Grendel's is one of my go-to lunchtime spots in Harvard Square. First of all, it's crazy cheap. Like, eat-a-whole-meal-for-less-than-five-bucks cheap. The food isn't breaking down culinary barriers or anything, but it is definitely tasty. The sandwiches are especially good -- my favorites are the Grendel (roast beef with boursin cheese) and the French dip. Everything comes out super quickly; I don't think I've ever waited longer than 10 minutes for my food to arrive. I never have to worry that I won't make it back to the office in time when I come to Grendel's. The service is solid. Grendel's isn't the kind of place where your waiter is going to fawn over you and make tons of idle chatter, but every server I've had has been pleasant and accommodating. I once asked for steamed veggies (not on the menu) instead of the standard potato chips with my sandwich, and the server didn't even bat an eye. I wasn't charged extra either, which was a nice surprise. If you're pressed for time and are looking for cheap eats in the square, give Grendel's a chance.
(4)Sushmita M.
Solid list of beers and winter warmers (hot toddies, warm port, mulled wine), but whatever you do, don't order the pasta. Even if the menu speaks of pumpkin tortellini, and most definitely even if it's half off for happy hour (read: 6 dollars and oh-so-tempting). Remember, it's half off for a reason. Stick to the libations.
(3)Evie B.
This is a bar and based on what our meal was like, you should just go there to enjoy the liquor..not the food or ambiance. It's a BAR. We were sucked in by the people sitting outside (upper street side) who we thought were eating food from Grendel's. We went down a narrow lil entry and entered a packed bar. Found an ittty bitty lil table and the three of us hunched around it. Waited, waited and waited some more for someone to acknowledge that we were sitting there (5 small seating areas around us). There seemed to be what appeared to be a waiter or two flitting in and out our our area. FINALLY, came took drink order and was again gone for an eternity. SUM=Slow service. Food: We went with bar food traditionals Burger/Fries - Wings/Side Caesar salad, turkey sand/chips. Burger over cooked, dry, flavorless, way too small for the HUGE arse bun and lettuce (which is usually used to dress up a food tray). WINGS...Who get wings wrong??? There were 10 puny baby wings that were so overcooked/burnt/dry. I wish I had taken a picture. They were dry rub seasoned, and you were given a tablespoon size container of hot sauce/blue cheese..WHO the HELL gets wings wrong in a bar??? Caesar Salad- huge leaves of lettuce, (warm lettuce), sprinkling of parmesan and I think there was a drop of dressing. The two stars come from my husband's turkey sandwich. Now, either I was just so hungry and desperate for something to taste good, or it actually tasted good. Overpriced, underwhelming experience...
(2)Leslie H.
I suggested this place to my cousin since it was featured on the Food Network at some point in time, and also recommended by her roommate. I'm so glad we were able to stop in while I was visiting town! What I love about the area is that there are so many people walking around - it's like it's the middle of the day but it's nighttime! We walked down the stairs into the restaurant and were confused about whether or not we were to seat ourselves, but a passing waiter helped us out and told us to sit wherever. We chose a small, two-seat table in the back. Lucky us, we arrived just past 9pm so our food was half-price with a minimum $3 drink purchase per person! Huzzah! I guess this is the equivalent to "happy hour," aka reduced price drinks, in Texas. I saw that service was slow on Yelp, so I wasn't completely surprised when we had to wait for what seemed to be an eternity for a waitress. As a precaution, we were ready to order by the time the waitress did arrive, just in case she were to disappear into a black hole once again. We ordered two appetizers and a salad to split - the hummus bi tahini; hot artichoke, spinach, and snow crab dip; and the mozzarella and tomato salad. The dip is amazing, and the hummus has a nice smoky flavor to it. I will pass on the salad if we go again - I prefer my mozzarella and tomato with basil, not mixed greens. For the drinks, my cousin got the house brew (I think), and I got the Saranac Root Beer (SO good!). Surprisingly, once the waitress initially arrived, she was attentive, and the food/drinks were delivered very quickly. Maybe it was because we ordered simple appetizers, but we were appreciative nonetheless. The atmosphere is great, like you're in an old tavern. I loved the alternative music that was at just the right volume. The only downside is that the space is small so the tables are somewhat crammed together. Our teeny table was very close to a large round, and two oversized groups attempted to sit at the large round table before giving up and moving elsewhere. I felt like we were sitting in their laps. I haven't found a place quite like this in Austin, and would probably go here all the time if I lived nearby.
(4)Andi P.
During the (week)day, Grendel's is an ideal spot for reading/writing/grading--at least if one wants beer in lieu of lattes (and really, who doesn't?). At most other times, it's ideal for some casual after- school/work/whatever snacking and drinking, especially because they've got a gluten-free menu with a decent selection of items from the "normal" menu, meaning that I can do more than spectate while you eat your burger. Options include vegan chili, salads, wings, grilled chicken, and whatever the fish of the day happens to be, all of them reasonably priced: grendelsden.com/menu/GLU… Not only that, but they've also got gluten-free beer, and not one that I've seen anywhere else yet: "Saxon" ( saxonbeer.com/Saxon_beer… ), brewed by Sinebrychoff/Carlsberg Group. Like Estrella's Damm Daura ( glutenfreepdx.wordpress.… ), it's made from deglutenized barley, which I much prefer to the sorghum concoctions out there. Last night, I tested out the beer as well as the nachos from the gluten-free menu, and came away delightfully unglutenated. Additionally: our waitress was lovely, knowledgable, and attentive; Robin L. claims that her Reuben was "the closest thing to a 'perfect Reuben' [she has] had yet"; the busy-but-pleasant basement atmosphere is, despite its quirky college bar aura, TV-less (thankfully); the restrooms are ungendered; and, last but not least, the name makes me think happy thoughts of besieged mead halls, West Saxon, and creatures having their arms torn off.
(4)Allison R.
The time is finally here- more than a year has passed since my awkwierd date at Grendel's and I can totally use it as fodder for my review of the establishment, while hopefully providing an entertaining anecdote... Grendel's is decidedly average; I've been there for the half-price menu, but the food makes me sorta sick, so it's not really worth it. The beer is okay, and the mixed drinks play it safe. So when I coordinated a date with an ex-coworker through match.com (long story culminating with my identity as an online stalker) and he suggested meeting up here, I was less than pleased. But the suggestion of the Publick House in Brookline posed too much of a trek for my Watertown-dwelling date, and he started getting pissy that coordinating our meeting was getting too high-maintenance (like his morning hair styling routine wasn't?! nehhh)...so I grudgingly agreed. Anyway, we met, went in, and awkwardly sat down-- myself at a booth with a keg underneath it. A kinda cool footrest...but weird. I ordered my first harpoon, and he ordered an original sin cider. Then the waiter thought I'd be the one getting the girly drink and tried to hand me the cider. Now I'm getting too into details of the date and digressing... Anyway, we spent a good five hours boozing and talking. Also, I think the bathrooms are sort of unisex, or have a communal entry way. because we met awkwardly in there once. Also, it was a cold October day, and he kept his jacket and scarf on the entire time, which I thought was weird. The bill was reasonable, but I didn't pay it so I don't really know. My conclusion, though, is it's safe to come here for beers, since the atmosphere isn't bad, especially when the place gets more crowded. Kinda homey and nice. We left with him intending to do the gentlemanly thing and walk me home, which went over swimmingly because I got us lost on our drunken stumble back to my place. The conclusion to this long constitutional involved hitting Bukowski for yet another beer-- I remember him ordering a Harpoon IPA and saying he didn't like harpoon. Huh. I turned him on to the peanut butter burger, and I'm sure he's eternally grateful. Anyway, after driving him home (I make smart drunk decisions), I got a tour of his apartment. We shared an uncomfortable non-kiss in the hallway and I promptly blurted, "I have to go, bye!" and ran away. From my car, I texted him to appologize for the awkward moment, but in my drunken stupor, could not spell "awkward" and settled on "awkwierd." Somehow, I found my way home. We broke up three days later when I invited him to hang out again and he told me he was crazy busy and this wouldn't work out. Thanks for setting my crazy failed date in motion, Grendel's! Awkwierd.
(2)Eunice R.
Wow this place has cheap alcohol. An extra star for that. However, you get what you're paying for. The $5 house red wine that I had was probably the worst wine that I ever had. In addition, trying to get seats for a party of 6 was ridiculously hard. You have to be pretty aggressive. I would like to try their sangria the next time I'm here. They only sell it by half or whole pitcher.
(3)Ranjit V.
The weird thing about this place is you have to seat yourself. So if you go at a busy time, you basically chill at the bar and have to "vultlure" people. You want to be classy and not run to a table that's leaving, but you have to in order to get it before someone else. The beer selection is great and the food is good otherwise.
(4)Nicole F.
I first went to Grendel's Den a few months ago after a friend recommended it. I had a few hours to kill with my parents and boyfriend, so we went to Harvard Square for dinner and ended up at Grendel's for half-price happy hour. It ended up being about $50 for an appetizer, four meals, two sodas, and four drinks...super cheap. However, the food's not all that great and there's really not that much on the menu. Don't come here if you're picky! I had the chicken burrito. There was nothing wrong with it, but it just wasn't anything special. The atmosphere was good. It was freezing cold and snowing outside, so it was nice to sit by the fire. However, the four of us had to sit at a small table since the normal tables are only for parties of 5 or more. That night our service was great, other than the fact that our waiter charged me for guacamole which I didn't order. My mom was a little perturbed by the "either or" bathrooms though! Haha. The next week I attempted to go to Grendel's with my brother and a few friends but we couldn't find a table (again, there were 4 of us) so we left and went somewhere else. The week after that I ended up at Grendel's again, this time for Sunday brunch with a friend. It was surprisingly not crowded at all despite having a pretty good brunch menu. I ended up getting the eggs florentine (poached eggs over spinach with Hollandaise sauce) which came with a small bowl of fresh fruit and home fries. The home fries were not good at all. I can't even describe what I didn't like about them, but I took a few bites and left the rest. Despite the fact that the restaurant was nearly empty, our waitress took a long time to attend to us, brought our meals out about five minutes apart (which was awkward...do I wait for mine to get cold or...?), and forgot to bring my fruit, which I had to ask for. She just didn't seem like she wanted to be there at all. Thus ended my time living outside Boston and regular trips to Harvard Square. Last month, I ended up in Boston with my grandparents and mom, since my grandfather had an appointment at MGH. I thought they would enjoy Grendel's since they love pub food...who knows why. I was right! My mom and grandmother shared a salad and sandwich and my grandmother couldn't stop talking about how great it was! She was also very happy that her Guinness was room temperature, as it should be. My grandfather was pleased with his sandwich as well. I had the burrito again...and again, it was mediocre. At least I didn't get charged for guacamole this time. Our waitress was very busy, waiting tables inside and out, so service was a little slow but I don't blame her. She was fairly friendly and personable. Overall, a good lunch. I think it's a hit-or-miss kind of place. Pros: cheap, good atmosphere, outdoor seating available, drinks Cons: slow service, mediocre food, crowded at night
(3)Di B.
You can not go wrong with Grendel's Happy Hour Special.. 1/2 entree with $3 and over drink. They have great vegetarian options and rotating selection of beers. The food isnt anything amazing, but for this deal I will keep coming back. The outdoor patio is really nice as well.
(4)Emily D.
Move over McCormicks, I just found my new Happy Hour Spot. 1/2 off food from 5:00-7pm. Who likes "cheap" food raise your hands! *raises hand* Unlike other happy hour spots, don't be worried about over priced drinks either. I ordered a svedka with ginger ale. $5!!!! Let me repeat.. cheap food, cheap ass drinks.... *raises both hands* We're not talking gourmet food here.. we're talking pretty decent bar food. Seat yourself. College kids. Busy, so get there early.
(4)EricaLynn J.
Top Ten Reasons Why Grendel's Den is Even Better Than a Pants Party: 10. The 'come on in, seat yourself, welcome to your home for the next few hours' vibe is a refreshing respite from some of the more uptight surroundings nearby. 9. Scientists. Everywhere. Most of them drunk. If you are an eavesdropper or at the very least, a people-watcher, you can't lose here. 8. Comfort food at comfortable prices; bar food at el cheapo prices. Sometimes they're mixed together and called "today's special." Indeed it is. 7. They put the imprint of a shamrock on your Guinness pints. 6. In one of the very large (unisex) bathrooms, there's a bench. A very pretty painted bench, mind you. Ever just want to sit down and ponder life's mysteries in a strange forum? Thanks to Grendel's, you totally can. 5. There is never a shortage of amusing waitstaff. In some cases, you can substitute 'amusing' with 'absolutely lost their mind crazy', which maybe explains the whole bench in the bathroom thing, but who can tell? 4. Their happy hour (half-priced food and drink specials) should be renamed 'super duper happy many hours' because that's how you'll feel when you're done indulging and you have spent less than what you spent to feed the meter in town the day before for an hour's worth of Harvard Square shopping. 3. Your food doesn't come out too quickly, which is a fabulous thing really, if you think about it. When something comes out within five minutes, my mind tends to wander and not in the good way. 2. Your drinks come out very quickly, which is a fabulous thing really, if you think about it. When drinks don't come out within five minutes, my mind tends to wander and not in the good way. 1. ABSINTHE. You, too, can indulge in the goodness that is Absinthe, complete with spoon and sugarcube and fire, thanks to Grendel's addition of Absinthe to their drink menu. You can and you should.
(4)Megan L.
Came here with a friend after we discovered a horrendous live band at Tommy Doyle's, and decided to get our drink on elsewhere. Grendel's was super crowded, but we threw some elbows and scored seats at the bar. Bartenders are AWESOME...my Lambic was never empty and each bottle came with a nice mix of friendliness and snark. Made friends with a girl on the next stool who was having man problems and got to tell her "he's just not that into you." Super interesting crowd...all ages. I expected a ton of students but it definitely skewed older than I had anticipated. Also, lots of black turtlenecks. All in all, a good night!
(3)K P.
I go there whenever I can. No crap beers on tap or in bottle, so that generally keeps a certain amount of frat bros out even at night, something rare in Harvard Square. Awesome quick lunch menu, the bartenders and servers are great but won't bend over backwards to kiss your ass, which I appreciate. Food is simple and delish, rotating soup and sandwich specials keep it interesting. Never had a bad experience.
(5)Christina K.
Eh, I'd give it 3.5 stars. We came here for lunch, and the menu read like it was amazing. I am giving it the extra .5 because it is veggie friendly and they serve quinoa. Who knew you could find quinoa, spinach pie, and tofu at a bar/restaurant? The prices are very low, and they have lunch specials too for $5. But you also get what you pay for. Food is kind of bland, although I do give them props for trying to create an eclectic, kinda gourmet menu (certainly read really good from perusing the menu outside). I had the vegetarian banquet: salad, spinach pie, hummus, rice, and veggies and tofu. The veggies and tofu were kinda tasteless, spinach pie was good but not what you would think of as spanakopita (had egg as a binder and no feta), hummus was super heavy on tahini (which is a little off-putting) and the greek salad, though fresh, was lacking. My partner had the quinoa stew (props for quinoa! High protein seed, though eaten like a starch like rice) which was tomato based and he added the shrimp. He said the cajun shrimp was not all that cajun-y. I had the quinoa, which was tasty, but none of our food came hot enough. We also ordered the potato skins, which were good (how could they not), but were nothing special at potatoes, melted cheese, salsa and sour cream. Salsa was really good though - maybe get that as an appetizer. Could be a good place for drinks. Dunno.
(3)Katie H.
I went with some friends to get some drinks and snacks. Our waitress just wasn't very attentive. It was very tough to flag her down, and when she did come by, she wasn't helpful. We normally tip 18-20%, but this time, we left probably somewhere around 12%, and she came to get us as we were leaving, asking what was wrong, and why we didn't leave a higher tip. Rather than argue, my group gave her a couple more dollars and got out of there.
(2)Frank W.
Grendel's is one of those places you go when you're unsure of yourself, your evening, and what the hell is available to you in Harvard Square. I've been on two occasions, both when either I or someone I was meeting was new to the area. Grendel's reverse happy hour is always a good reason to go and get some food, but there's nothing special about this place. It's loud. It's crowded. It has very little bar space. Drinking is not optimal here, because either you get a table and are slightly awkward just drinking and not eating, or you snag a spot at the bar with the other 5 people who also got so lucky. Blah. The food is nothing to write home about either. I've had a salad, some hummus plates, and one of their chicken sandwiches. Underwhelming, cooked fine, but simply no imagination. I would rather save the money and do the food prep myself. And that's saying something. Grendel's, you try so hard to be mediocre, how can I give you anything but that rating?
(2)Laura S.
This is my go-to bar if I end up in Harvard Square for a night. Is it great? No. Nothing about it is exceptional in any way. Does it do for a beer or two? Certainly. Last I was there, I got the CBC Amber Ale, which was quite tasty. Our server was not super attentive, it was relatively loud, but we found a quiet corner, so it worked out alright. There was not a great beer selection, maybe two things I would consider trying on tap and a few more bottled beers. If you're looking for a bar in the area, I say go here. But I wouldn't seek it out.
(2)Jackie D.
Do you ever make a sandwich and think to yourself, "Dang, that was a really good sandwich"? Grendel's is kind of like that. Nothing out-of-this-world creative, but it's still awesome - ESPECIALLY when it's half price from 5-7. And ESPECIALLY when you don't want to break the bank but as of that moment, you've only got some frozen chicken and various condiments in your kitchen. I got the turkey and Havarti sandwich with herb mayo on a baguette, and for some reason I can't stop thinking about it. My girlfriend got the turkey burger with avocado, creamy chipotle sauce, chutney and swiss (the "Natural Disaster"), which was also very good. Best of all, we got FIVE drinks (including two Harry Potter themed cocktails and a perfectly made Dark & Stormy with real ginger beer), and the entire total came to $46 including tip. Say WHAT?! I dunno, dude. Put me in a dark corner with awesome drinks and cheap, tasty food and you get five stars from me.
(5)Jerome T.
Their food was quite yummy, if nothing special. The burger appeared to be approximately 3oz per patty, but came with two patties. It tasted quite good, and I left satisfied. The drink that they celebrate here is the "Dark and Stormy," and it seems to be strong, but very well made. I have no complaints at all. That being said, I wouldn't come here again with the abundance of choices, but I wouldn't complain either. An average-Above average experience.
(4)Elizabeth G.
Dark n Stormy. That's all you need to know. Grendel's makes a MEAN Dark n Stormy. The food is pretty good. Not the best food ever, but it definitely hits the spot for reasonably priced pub food (especially in Harvard Square). Unfortunately it's quite a small space, so if you're coming in a large group (I'm talking 3+)... good luck. Although on nice days/nights its not bad to wait outside. I do like some of the smaller 2-seater tables that are positioned in tiny stone nooks in the back. It really does feel like a cave, er, a den...
(5)Dawn E.
Any bar that refuses to serve shit beer, has their own branded beer (which is yummy), and that has a 70's style crock pot behind the bar (like Mom used to have) for hot cider is my kind of bar. I am a fan. Oh, and the bartender was fun. I have never had food at Grendel's, so I'm reviewing the bar only. But the bar rocks in my book.
(4)Warren H.
Went here with my wife and daughter for a late dinner when visiting Cambridge. Overall, we had a fine experience. It was pleasant, a bit noisy but not unbearable. We were surprised and delighted by the half price food offer and took full advantage. My daughter ordered a burger along with me. My wife ordered a seafood platter with salmon, shrimp and scallops. Everything was good save the veggies which were canned. Fresh veggies would make the experience perfect. We were looking for simple pub grub and we found it! We'll be back again.
(4)Melissa W.
Stopped in here for a drink on a very cold winter's night for a glass of bourbon... the bartender was very attentive and personable. This is definitely a dive bar filled with hipsters and Harvard types, but not obnoxiously so. I did not try the food.
(4)Amanda G.
Grendel's Den feels like home/my early adulthood because it's my dinner tradition with a close friend and former co-worker. Grendel's Den is pretty much like what it sounds - something between a den and the bar on Cheers. It's great. The best things about Grendel's are: There's a varied, comfort-food filled menu that is consistently delish, and it's super cheap. In fact, come here on weekdays before 7, and everything you order to eat is 1/2 price with purchase of one drink. In the Winter months, I always get a turkey burger, hot cider with rum, and share a hummus appetizer. In the Summer months, I pretty much have the same thing, sub the hot cider for white wine. I love the food, I love the place and I love the fact that it can cost less than $20 for a starter, entree and drink. For newbies: You need to grab a seat, so don't wait for a waitress to greet you, and try to get a table in the back up the stairs, because it's farther from the door (I suppose that only matters in Winter). Come Summertime, the patio opens up, and that's fun, too.
(4)Mark C.
Decent selection of beers, but a little pricey. Service is slow, and the food is merely OK. A bit small, so you may be out of luck if you're trying to grab some food. There are tons of spots in Harvard Square you could get into quicker that have better food. Mainly a place to get a couple drinks.
(3)Brian F.
If only we had spent less time trying to figure out where to eat and more time getting our butts to Grendel's we could've taken advantage of the happy hour prices (half off food from 5-7:30pm with a $3+ purchase in beverages)! I went for a burger... delicious! I tried Raclette cheese on my burger - unique and tasty. As the waitress described, it's salty and French--you know, the way I like my men. I'll be craving that burger for a while now!
(4)Matt G.
I'm not a huge fan of this place at all. The only saving grace is the appetizer special from 5-7:30. Their beer list is pretty strong, with some good local microbrews. The food is mediocre and standard 'bar fare'... the thing that irritates me beyond belief is the staff that greets you when you come in. Coming in after work on a Thursday, you are often greeted with a rather surly College Senior who rather rudely demands your ID. (I'm nearly 30) [don't get me wrong, I understand the IDing thing... but at least be courteous about it!] Then, you get constant grief as you try to find a place to stand/sit since the place is always mobbed. god forbid you wait for a friend to arrive by the door... heavens no. I'm not a huge fan... I'd much rather take another T stop and head to Porter or walk down the street to Redline.
(2)Johnna M.
Grendel's holds a special place in my heart as it is where I met so many wonderful yelpers during yelp pub crawl. I have come here a few times after and certainly appreciate the bar. Sangria is great and major props for serving Guinness the way it should be served (with the cute little shamrock thingy) I also like that the inside decor makes me feel like I am dining in the Shire and that I am surrounded by drunken intellectuals. I just don't like the food. Sounds good on paper, does not taste so good in my mouth. I typically get a veggie sandwich type thing-maybe their pub grub is better. Outdoor seating is great for people watching!
(3)Cheryl H.
I have been to parts of the world where they don't have refrigerators and that night's dinner might be the lamb carcass you see in the market with the sun beating down upon it amidst a swarm of flies, yet I have never gotten as sick in any of those places as I did after eating at Grendel's. The highlight of the meal was the beer. If I hadn't gotten sick, I would probably give them an extra star just for their decent, reasonably priced beer list. The food though...omfg, the food. The spinach pie was okay, but the quinoa it came with had zero flavor. none. It was like they just threw some quinoa and water together and decided to serve it. And it was slightly dessicated like it had been sitting around for a while, which was the flashing red beacon that I somehow missed. My friend got some sort of combo thing that came with chicken and rice pilaf and it was the same deal - no flavor at all. Just plain boiled rice and a piece of dry, flavorless meat. The salad that came with it was a puddle of dressing with some onion slices and a few leaves. Even if it's half off, that still doesn't change the fact that the food is total crap. If you're going to go, stick to drinks.
(1)Lu B.
Grendel's is the soft, warm underbelly of Harvard square. When you're in this windowless den it's hard to tell how much time has passed. I wish the fireplace in the front by the door was real, although I suppose that might make the tables near it uninhabitable, even in these cold winter months... I'm pretty sure that portion sizes here are created with the half-priced food happy hour in mind. Which is fine for me, since I'm not a fan of restaurant leftovers. It doesn't bother me one bit that they serve chips instead of fries; and any place that offers me a sandwich featuring Boursin has clearly found a way to my heart. My non-hops allergic friends heart the beer selection and I heart the dark and stormies. The first come first serve seating has never proven an issue for me. If I'm solo or with one friend I almost always prefer to eat at the bar, and bar space can be hard to come by here, but a table will do just fine. The servers and bartenders are kept on their toes, this place is always busy, but I always find them to be friendly. I find the unisex bathrooms quirky, rather than creepy. In summer, the outdoor patio is the absolute best place in the square to sit and people watch on a warm day.
(4)Mindy L.
Grendel's Den is one of the few places that make me feel as though I'm not cool enough (cool being a relative term) to completely fit in with the crowd. It's an ecclectic bunch, to be sure, but I always go in and feel as though I just don't quite belong. This could totally be in my head, or it might just be the vibe of the place... ...HOWEVER I am willing to overlook a certain amount of discomfort when I am served an excellent drink. I have to give Grendel's props for mixing a very delicious Dark-n-Stormy. It's got a little spice, a little heat to it with the ginger beer...but not heavy-handed. I've had some Dark-n-Stormy's that require double-fisting with a glass of water, but not this one! It comes in a fun little mug, too so you can knock one back in style...
(3)Ann S.
Grendel's has always been a favorite place in Harvard Square. I've been going there for years and have introduced lots of friends who have also become fans. I'm sorry to say that after last night's experience, I'm packing it in. My friends and I planned to meet at Grendels for dinner and drinks last night. My friend got there first and after waiting patiently for a table, found one that would accommodate our party of 6. As she walked over to the table, a young woman dove in front of her and announced she was taking the table for her not-there-yet party of 5. My friend pushed back, but gave up b/c she didn't feel like dealing with Rude Girl. I arrived about a minute later, with the rest of our group. After discussing what had happened, we decided to go back in to Grendel's and see if there was another table available, since it started to snow and we weren't that psyched to walk around aimlessly ISO another place to go on a busy Friday night. Unfortunately, there were no tables free, except for the one that Rude Girl, had snatched from my friend. Rude Girl was sitting ALONE at the table my friend had waited for. When I approached Rude Girl to say that table snatching wasn't cool, the door check guy--who had not been there to see the situation--announced that tables were first come, first served. I explained to him that my friend WAS there first, but that Rude Girl literally pushed her out of the way and stole our table. Door Guy then said he didn't see it, so I asked him why he was weighing in on something he didn't see? We didn't want to mix things up so we left, but really Grendel's. Shame on you for not doing a better job on being fair AND for not making saying that the entire party needed to be present to secure a table as other places do. Grendel's, this bad experience has lost you many loyal customers. I sincerely hope you do something about the seating chaos you've created. Until then, we'll be taking our business elsewhere..
(1)Amber S.
Very friendly staff, love the comfy vibe and beer/drink choices but the food was ehhh not so great. Crab/artichoke dip was mediocre and chicken/steak from lala's grill was chicken and steak with lots of chewy/tendon-y bites. Big portions but id it doesnt take good ... why force it down your gob. I would rather me again for the drinks though... cambridge amber ale was yummy and the mixed drinks sounded incred!
(2)Joshua W.
Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar is very Harvard Square. Anyone that hasn't been or doesn't know about Harvard Square, it's a place that's a urban sensation. Culture clash; vegans, vegetarians, music performers, bars, trendy hot spots. It's everything that you want in a hang out area that's open to all. When I got there it was down a set of stairs and you just walk in a sit down. We then we're given time to look over the menus. The waiter was more than happy to give us, not just one, but multiple suggestions to eat. As a vegetarian I decided to go with the vegetarian burger with their special topping that was made of avocado, chutney, and a couple other sauces. The combination with the handmade burger was glorious. By far the best veggie burger I've ever tasted and all the while it was an environment that my father and I felt comfortable enough to relax and enjoy conversation. Highly recommend.
(4)Ave H.
This review is based on bar only, not food. First off, I think this place is super cute. The entrance is easily missed if you don't know what you're looking for as it is an unmarked door next to the small sign. It is a basement entrance that you have to go down a few stairs to get to. Once you enter you can immediate feel the welcoming coziness. An intimate space that is laid out very well. The bar is shaped in a manner so that you can see all the other customers at it, rather than in a line. There also are no TVs - which I thought was great. Drink prices were more than reasonable and they had a decent selection of beers (and a cider) on draft for $5. Our bartender was very friendly and she gave a perfect pour, which unfortunately is less common than it should be. This is also a bar that recognizes that different types of beer call for different styles of glasses. There is nothing worse than getting a hefeweizen in a standard pint glass. /shudder The atmosphere is very much a mix of cozy lounge and comfy hangout. I look forward to returning and hopefully trying their food in the near future!
(4)Amanda C.
I ate at Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar last Saturday. For a meal in Cambridge this is such a great deal. From 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. they have half price all food with a $3 drink purchase, which, if you are on a crazy budget, a Narragansett is $3.25, so it is an easy bargain to swing. The service was really great and the food was filling and hot. The beer selection is really great here too. I am glad to find a place that does not serve Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Miller or any of those other beers that are bland and boring. I hope you all can give it a try!
(5)John L.
I appreciate Grendel's Den. I like the fact that they don't serve the regular gang of beers. I like the fact that they have absinthe (though I have not imbibed in this substance, I have seen others order it). I like their bar setup, and their extensive selection of brews. I kind of wish that it was easier to move around in there (it can get quite crowded really easily, leading to wacky situations involving avoiding waiters and other patrons while maneuvering around). But overall, I like Grendel's Den, its downstairs location, and it's overall vibe.
(4)Emilie P.
This food was great for the price during Happy hour. My friend and I had a glass of wine each, two fresh Mediterranean salads (which were fantastic), and shared a large pot of fondue. The bill? $24. Wow, can't beat that. The atmosphere is low-key and the hostesses weren't overly nice but did their job well. My main gripe were the restrooms, which are confusingly unisex (the sign on both bathrooms say "Either-or". I chose one and a minute later a man came in and attempted to force his way into the stall because I guess he couldn't hear me screaming or maybe he just wasn't expecting to hear a female voice. He told me this was the men's room and asked what I was doing there. Confused I said I was sorry but then he realized it was in fact unisex. He then apologized profusely and said he would wait outside to make sure no one else came in while I was there. This whole awkward situation would have been avoided if there were separate restrooms.
(3)Ethan T.
Staying with my love of basement bar themes I have to comment of this place. Starting with the obvious literary name, the stone walls, wood tables, and cave like feeling make this a unique place to stop for lunch. The food is decent, and the bar has Number 9 on tap, and the feel of an ancient European tavern is palpable. The place stands out on to me is that every time I stop in I imagine the scene from The Great Gatsby where Gatsby and Nick meet Wolfshine and is cuff links made of molars. The bar is just that kind of place. Yes, there are TV's but I am not sure if I have ever paid attention to one for more than a moment. Go, relax, and let your imagination run wild.
(5)Nik B.
Cocktail lessons for Grendel's den: 1. Please do not serve me a French75 with ice in it. Would you put ice in your champagne? I didn't think so. If you need the recipe, here it is: cocktailtimes.com/gin/fr… 2. Please don't throw a bit of wine into pineapple juice, add some maraschino cherries and call it White Sangria. What a poor excuse for a drink. When served in a pitcher full of ice, it basically tastes like pineapple juice. If that was the desired taste, pineapple juice would have been ordered. 3. Also, why is Lucid Absinthe served as the Absinthe Drip of choice? It's such a terrible brand of Absinthe. I appreciate the cheap prices, but minor adjustments can be made that will severely increase the quality of the cocktail program without having to increase the cost. I suggest that Grendel's Den consult with some mixologists and get things figured out.
(2)Vitaliy Z.
I had a hamburger there and it was the worst burger I ever had at a restaurant. It tasted like they threw a frozen patty on a lukewarm grill. It was very bland, tasteless and with absolutely no grill marks or caramelization. And strangely enough it was overcooked at the same time. I remember having a hamburger there few yers ago and it was equally as bad. Maybe I should start to learn from my mistakes.
(1)Danielle K.
I'm a fan of Grendel's 1/2 priced menu until 7:30 PM on weekdays. It's average bar food, but I enjoy meeting friends there anyway.
(4)Johanna M.
Grendel's has been a staple eatery of ours for years. The secret underground restaurant and bar boasts an eclectic array of customers and regulars and has amazing happy hour prices with many healthy choices for both happy hour half-price appetizers and entrees. The best time to visit Grendel's is in the evening, as the atmosphere gets very different later on at night (unless you are into that kind of edgy thing). The crowd can get loud and the place fills up with local students quickly. But if you are looking for a mellow place to read and relax and have a tasty treat after work, Grendel's is a great well kept secret that fits the bill.
(4)Steph P.
I've been wanting to check out Grendel's for a long time and finally went with some out of town guests today. We wanted to sit outside and were a little confused on how we would go about doing that. I would have appreciated a sign saying "seat yourself" or something along those lines. Once we sat down inside the server came over promptly, but wasn't super friendly. I liked the menu, a lot of cool things like Spinach Pie, Crab and Artichoke Dip, a French Dip Sandwich and even Italian sodas. I of course had a diet coke since I am whore for them, along with a turkey burger with grilled onions and Russian dressing. The burger was good, juicy and on a yummy fluffy roll with a side of tangy coleslaw. My companions had the lobster roll and spinach pie, both of which were yummy. I guess I just expected it to be more...special. It was fun inside, old and brick-y. The food was good and varied. But I just expected a little more. I might come by again if I am in the area and want to sit outside, but probably won't go out of my way.
(3)Bronwen Y.
Would definitely go back to Grendel's Den after my awesome lunch there yesterday. Love the atmosphere - underground brick-walled-pubby feel. Fantastic people watching, too! Hipster Cambridge-ites, Harvard undergrads, and awkward little high school seniors on college visits with their parents. Great food selection. I had a solid French Dip Sandwich (B+, the Au Jus was a little weak) with coleslaw and a couple of Sam Lights. Love the disclaimer on the menu - No Coors, No Coors Light, No Bud, No Bud Light, No Miller, etc. etc. Great beer selection otherwise, with an impressive number available on tap. In all, A+. Wish it was closer so I could go more often!
(5)Matt L.
Went here again on Tuesday... really as good as it gets for me with Cambridge places. The food is always decent and cheap, even when the menu isn't half price -- which it usually is. I go here a lot, so I know what to get, and the staff know how I like my drinks. People are always friendly, and unless its a Friday or Saturday night, there's always a table for two.
(5)Jade Y.
When I first moved here, groups of us would be trying this place out since it's right in Harvard square. Their staff is friendly and grounded. The food is :/ not tasty, I'd rather go hungry then eat their food quite honestly. Not too impressed with this place, there are definitely better options in Harvard Square. Their food is just so bad I can't even write a decent review. Their beers are extremely well priced though and it's a good atmosphere to be around friends.
(2)Milena P.
So I found this place thanks to a former fling from Harvard who insisted on us meeting here for a beer. A couple of weeks later, I ditched the dude but kept this little gem of a place. Since my best friend/tutor lives in Porter, and I live in Kendall, this was a good meeting place for us to work on homework together. And working on homework over a nice (cheap) pint of beer can't get any better. The waiters/bartenders are friendly enough. The food is just pub food, but they have half-price food between 5:30 and 7:30 and then later at night again (I think). So that works pretty well.
(4)Jeremy K.
Having worked in Harvard square for almost six months now, it has been hard for me not to end up going to Grendel's Den. It's been around for a long time and therefore packs quite a history! People can recall having gone there twenty, thirty years ago and still come in masses... It's part of the square but can easily go unnoticed by tourists because of basement entrance... I've been there twice now, once for brunch on a Sunday morning and once a few weeks ago with my parents for a late night dinner. I like the fact that they have booze in their brunch menu; I love booze and it just makes waking up on a Sunday morning that much more pleasant. Yes, I want a mimose. Actually, make it two. Or three. I'm diverging. No but seriously, there menu isn't bad but there's nothing special or impressive about it. It's very American and most of the food is simple. The cooks don't go out of their way to create anything original. You have your typical nachos, quesadilla, pasta, sandwiches, burgers... Same, good old stuff you can find anywhere else. The atmosphere is very weird inside of this place. Despite the creepy name of the establishment it is not bad inside; they even have some tables with cute little nightstand-like lamps on them. A cool twist! It's not too spacious and is often packed. One of the dishes I had there which I trully enjoyed a lot and crave once in a while is the fettuccine with the Gorgonzola sauce they have. It's $6.50 and is both very tasty and satisfying. That's about the only thing that I've tasted there that's impressed me. The salads are bland. It's a decent place for a quick drink but not a weekly hangout-worthy place. Good for an occasional pit-stop, if that. Except if you want to eat outside. They do have a patio which caused me to add a star. My advice to them would be to tweak the menu a bit. A little less junk, a bit more taste and twists and a better use of the space... and music! Let's hear some good stuff. C'mon! Oh and watch out on some of the deals they have on the food... They have specials on certain days and times of the week!
(3)Chandra C.
Grendel's is hands down my favorite place to warm up if I'm in the square for more than 5 minutes during the seemingly 10 months of winter we have around here. I've been day drinking, getting lunch with professors (oh, back when I was a student) and also done dinner here after a disastrous attempt at Legal's with some family friends. The food is above average pub-style but also with a decent amount of healthy options as well (always love their hummus). The winter drinks make me, actually, wish it was a bit colder right now. During the summer months, I'm less inclined to spend time here since if its sunny being in a basement bar is less than ideal, but that is my only complaint. I've been here more times than I can count (over about 7 years) and its a great spot if you just have an hour to kill or a good spot to make a night of it. Oh and though I can't give you any names of the bartenders, they are almost always friendly and fabulous!
(4)Adam G.
Great atmosphere inside, very unique and warm but not farty or boring. The Bar is made from Salvaged Pews from a Church and they seem to have a great selection on tap. I ordered the Spinach and Artichoke dip with crab and it was delicious, very rich and the chips that came with it were some of the best I have had. My friend ordered the Beggar's Banquet which he let me try (Your choice of meat with Spinach pie, pita bread, hummus and pasta or salad.) It was excellent, especially the hummus. I ordered the Veggie burger which came with chips. Perhaps it was a dumb choice to get the Veggie Burger because it wasn't the best. It tasted okay but was not as substantial as a burger should be. Also, I did not care for the chips. We ordered the house brew (a flavorful dark kind of lager which is not really my style but was okay.) The best thing about this place was the service. Our waiter was super-nice and accommodating. Service was amazingly fast and because of the high marks with regards to service I will want to come back here next time I'm in Harvard Square. I just won't order the veggie burger again.
(4)Maya T.
Great happy hour! Friendly staff!
(4)Becki W.
I have been here twice, and while i have yet to have a bad experience, I can't get jiggy with this place. The food is okay, and the staff is nice enough, but that is about as much as I can "rave" about it. Basically, all I can say about it is that it doesn't suck.
(3)Vanessa V.
Ya know what? The food really isn't that good at all. I still love the bar and the ambiance, but every time I try to eat there I'm disappointed, unless I'm paying half price. I would particularly warn against getting the fondue (unless you like your cheese too thick to dip things in), but everything on the menu that I've tried is kindof meh.
(3)John L.
The reason I'm giving this two stars is mostly because the Guinness draft was flat. It simply did not pour to my expectations and was not served in a true Guinness Pint glass. Very disappointing. I may try this place again next time I'm in Harvard Sq. for food, but hard to, when there are so many other places to choose try as well. It is true, first impression could be your last impression.
(2)Gina F.
Beer on tap is good. Don't order any of the food specials because it's not worth it. I had their vegan chili and it's actually really good (needs some extra salt though). Atmosphere is cozy and typical of Harvard Square. Okay place to hang out with friends but the food, in general, isn't really worth it. I prefer Tommy Doyle's, which is right across the street.
(3)May N.
4 stars for the bar, atmosphere, and value, but 2 stars for the food. After moving here and settling in, I'm getting a chance to explore the culinary side of Boston/Cambridge and so far, am not impressed. First, to save money as my first paychecks are rolling in, I'm looking for good happy hours (cheap food, not booze, this being MA) and this seemed like a good bet. Happy hour here is 5:30-7 every night and again 9-11:30 Sun-Thurs, deal being buy at least a $3 drink, get all food 1/2 off as long as you don't eat on the patio. So, technically, I guess you could eat in the "den" during HH, hang out on the patio or the in the adjacent park as the summer heat subsides, and then go back in the den when HH starts up again Sun-Thurs! It's already an inexpensive place to eat so the HH makes it that much sweeter. Good beer, wine, and cocktail selection with very un-Boston prices. So referring to the food, I feel like I could make a lot of this at home. I'm glad I went during HH because I would have been annoyed paying full price for the Beggars Plate. My partner got the Vegetarian Plate. The hummus was rich and plain. Maybe I've been spoiled by Trader Joe's flavored hummus selection. Light, not greasy, average portions. Our waitress was prompt and cleared off our small table for two as we finished plates. Liked how the bigger tables were marked "5 or more please" because we get annoyed when we play nice by sitting at a small table and then see another couple sitting at a very large table alone. Would return for the booze, the food only during HH, but only after I've exhausted the many, many other restaurant choices nearby.
(3)Bob H.
long wait for a good beer and a good sandwich. Next time I will go somewhere else
(2)Lindsey M.
The drinks here are okay but the food leaves a lot to be desired. I'm certain that if they stopped doing the happy hour specials it'd likely go out of business for lack of interest. I ordered one of the salads which had an off putting cheese/lettuce ratio. If I order a salad, a sprinkle of cheese is okay; but I would have ordered nachos or lasagna if I wanted a half-a-pound of cheese. Okay, so my biggest gripe is that they have poor documentation and service around food allergies, I had to take Benadryl because they didn't disclose that their dressing was a "spicy ranch" and the lighting was so poor it was hard to tell it was tinged red. I even mentioned my food allergies to make sure the chicken wasn't blackened or seasoned in any way, and they serve me spicy ranch when it reads simply "ranch" on the menu. When I asked what was in it (the itchiness had started) the waitress said, "Ummmm, I don't know, the guy that makes it isn't here." Overall this place was disappointing and I will likely not return. I call for a rename - Grendel's Dump.
(2)Leila T.
Really friendly, low key basement bar. Certainly not the rowdy crowd- but it can get crowded, even still, we didn't have a problem getting a table. No obnoxious douchebags, just preppy intellectuals. Service was friendly but slow. I like that they don't serve Bud, Coors or Miller.
(4)Brian D.
Honestly, I went to the Grendel with friends several time in the late 90s, and never liked it. The staff was kind of snobby, the food was strange and the atmosphere was just...unpleasant. I understand the vagueness of that comment, but that's exactly how the Grendel always left me. Feeling vaguely disgusted. I finally went back with friends the other night to try it again. We were going to a show at the ART and they had a special deal, a select number of entrees for $8, tax and tip included and you'd be in and out in time to make your show. A great concept. Well we got there early and had a special German appetizer (appropriate, I suppose, since we were seeing "Cabaret"), made with Camembert and Caraway seeds and hot pretzels to dip. The pretzels were very hot, the dip was...meh. I liked the place a little better this time around, the waitstaff was friendly and the Bratwurst sandwich I had was tasty. My friends loved the pesto pasta, but everything else was also deemed "meh." I guess this is the sort of place that you get, or you don't. It's still got sort of a 70s-80s hippy vibe, like Birkenstocks, the Dead and backpacking in Europe. Which is fine, but not for me. I'd say there are plenty of better places in the area for food, but I will give them 2 stars for caring about good beer and at least trying to do some interesting food. If I could, I'd give them 2 1/2 stars for saying on the front of their drinks menu in bold letters "No Bud, No Bud Light, No Miller Light," etc.
(2)Sean J.
I don;t get all the poor reviews. The staff was very friendly, even when I knocked over a glass and broke it by the bar. The drinks were stiff and cheap and the house booze wasn't bad (Bombay G&T for 5$?). I guess the only bad thing is how packed this place gets. It's really small and tends to get some overflow from the surrounding bars on a weekend night so be prepared to stand.
(4)Dean S.
This place was stop #1 on my tour de force visit to Cambridge/Boston. Starving after a 5 hour greyhound trip from NYC to Boston, my friend picked me up from the Harvard station and took me directly here. First, and best of all, was the price of food with a drink purchase (5-7pm or 9-11:30pm, and I think we got in just at 11:30). Everything on the menu was half-off with the deal, so to go along with my Yeungling, I got the most expensive and appetizing-sounding thing on the menu -- the 10 oz Sirloin Steak banquet. And a very good banquet it was. It came with pasta, spinach pie, hummus, and pita bread. Everything was cooked well and was plenty for me and my starved appetite. I honestly don't remember too much about the taste, texture, etc of everything that I ate because I was extreeeemely hungry. But it sure hit the spot. The ambiance is dark and pubby, which I enjoyed. There were lots of Harvard students hanging out and drinking, but the noise level in the room wasn't too loud. Seems like it'd be a fun place to go to happy hour after class or after a rough midterm. I've got a place like that back at my alma mater, but I don't think the food there was quite as good. Also, Service was extremely nice and attentive. I was extremely happy to receive our bill and not feel my wallet hurting after the very first stop of my trip. I would love to come by here again on my next visit for a drink or two and some good food.
(4)Hawker C.
Had a really disappointing casual brunch here while visiting Harvard Square. Overall, food was average, to a bit worse, with a couple of notable problems: - They serviced undrinkable, lukewarm coffee - Two of us ordered eggs Benedict. One was OK; the other was raw, almost uncooked. We asked the server to take it back, and got a bit of an argument about how we didn't understand how eggs Benedict are cooked. We then got a replacement serving that was dramatically *over* cooked. I guess the chef was trying to teach us a lesson. Service in general was slow and spacey; our server spent a lot of time chatting with folks at other tables (I guess they were friends?) and at one point even sat down to chat.
(2)Mike N.
Certainly one doesn't come here for the ambience, because it is thoroughly unremarkable in its mediocrity. Similarly, the burgers are so middle of the road that it begs the question "why even bother?" In fact, the only thing that does stand out about this place are the waiters. If slow, pretentious, self important servers are your thing, then you've come to the right place.
(2)Jessica J.
Great for their happy hour: 1/2 off on all food I had their Warm Spiced Rum and chicken pot pie, which was perfect after walking around in the cold. The vibe is warm and tavern-y. Wish this place was closer to me!
(4)Kerry M.
Best joint in Harvard Square. Really relaxed, good soul food, good drinks.
(4)Deanna D.
The service was great and the beer is cheap! We went there during happy hour so the food was half off and for those prices the food was good. I would not eat there if it wasn't happy hour as the food is not that great but its a cool joint for drinks. The menu has lots of choices and is inexpensive-- so something for everyone! We will back again!
(4)Tanya V.
This is a true college basement bar with a Harvard spin. Warm and cozy, edgy but nice bartenders/servers, and not expensive. A good place to feel like you're 23 again, and enjoy some relaxed sandwiches and beers.
(3)Tiffany M.
--Edit to add, regarding owner's comment-- Bringing out apps and entrees at the same time is a huge no-no. No guest should have to COMPLAIN about it for you to know that it SUCKS. Neither of you were very pleasant. I remember your comment exactly. It was
(3)Dallas S.
So, my parents came in from Minnesota for my graduation and I took them to Grendel's Den, our experience was as such: It was a great day to be in Cambridge; typical hustle and bustle of Harvard Square, street performers and musicians made sitting outdoors enjoyable... Our waiter was pleasant when he visited our table; he made sure we had warm and fresh coffee, but it was obvious that the restaurant had been understaffed that day....The coffee was, however, good. I had the veggie burger made California style (with avocados and tomatoes, etc.) and it tasted fine enough. I'm bummed I wasn't informed that I had the option of a multi-grain roll instead of white bread. Additionally, my father had a burger and we both had the same complaint of the lack of french fries being on the menu! We ordered salsa and tortilla chips for starters and they were stale, icky! They were broken up and must have been what remained from the previous batch. The lobster roll my mother ordered was dry and scant--she also thought it was "fishy" tasting, however, she did enjoy the roll in was on! (lol)... I tried a bite of the Moroccan Stew, with shrimp and feta cheese, which was on the daily specials menu, and it was the best at the table. Therefore, I'm going to give Grendel's Den a total of 3 stars. Part of the 3 star makeup was based solely on the Grendel himself; in fact he was so great my dad had to buy a t-shirt to remember him. And there you have it.
(3)Damien S.
One hundred forty reviews and not a single one refers to Grendel's as what it is: the womb of Harvard Square. The subterranean hug with cold beer, step-up pub grub and conversational bartenders. A truly great spot to tip a pint with friends.
(4)Jen L.
Delicious, affordable, great drink selection. Half price happy hour is a must. This place is a go-to whenever I'm meeting up with friends. It's been a little loud sometimes, but come on. You're at a bar. Definitely recommended!
(4)Caro M.
Mulled wine? Yes, please! I LOVE Grendel's Den! Located really close to Harvard Square- there seems to be a good crowd on any given day of the week. Cheap, easy, fun, shiiiiiiiiit! I only wish I lived closer. Every time I've been here, it's always been a great time. Could be the company I'm with. Could be the cheap boozage and bites... or it could just be this place itself. I usually sit in the lounge just to chill out over a beer or cocktail and endless witty banter and chit chat. Grendel's Den is definitely one of my favorite watering holes in Cambridge!
(5)Julia M.
One of the few unpretentious bars in Harvard Square. Great happy hour if you want very cheap food in Cambridge. I won't call the food good, but it is edible. Barely. And do you like basements? I know I do. Grendel's is a dive, but it has a certain charm. This bar has actually been here since John Harvard founded Harvard University in 1492. True story, I read it on the internet.
(4)Jennifer R.
A friend and I went in for a nice lunch after walking around and not finding anything much better. We immediately liked the ambiance, as it had a Scottish-pub like feel to it, almost. We sat down, excited to see what the food would be like. I ordered a chicken sandwich, and my friend got a roast beef sandwich. My sandwich was literally two pieces of slightly buttered bread with some slightly undercooked pieces of grilled chicken breast stuck in between it. I ordered lettuce and tomatoes with it, and it came on the side with only enough for one pieces of the sandwich. I shrugged that off and ate it, just because it was pretty cheap and I didn't want to be too picky. Then we saw our waitress drinking a glass of wine at the register. We didn't say anything at the time, so as not to be troublesome and whiny, but I did call them a few minutes later and asked to speak with the manager. I told him about the situation (I tried to be very nice!) and his response was, "Yup. We were just tasting a house wine. K?" ..like it was my fault one of his staff members were drinking -- and it was NOT just a "sample". I don't have a problem with drinking obviously, but doing it on premises, and right in front of the customers...I mean, sheesh...she could've at least made it into the kitchen! Needless to say, I'm def not going back there.
(1)Danan R.
Go during happy hour (sun-thurs 5-7:30 and 9-11:30)and get the spinach pie washed down with a Dark & Stormy. All the food is 50% off. I just wish that they offered Yuengling...Sam Adams just doesn't hold a light to it. It can get very crowded on weekends and they have turned people away when they reached their capacity. This is definitely one of the tourist/college students attractions in Harvard Square, but they do have a pretty good beer selection.
(3)Sara P.
I really liked this bar! My friend came here 15 years ago when looking at colleges, and since we found ourselves back in Cambridge, we decided to check it out. We grabbed a seat at the bar downstairs. I liked that they had Franziskaner Weissbier on draft. I also got the pasta with gorgonzola sauce, which was delicious. I also had the bread, whcih was fresh and tasty. The service was great, and I had an excellent time! I have no beef with Grendel's, so it gets a 5. I'd definitely go back.
(5)Won Ho K.
The spinach lasagna was pretty good for bar food. Lots of olives, and the tomato sauce was decent. The wings were dry and small. Not that great. The prices were decent. It was VERY loud and crowded inside. I might go back every once in a while, but definitely not regularly.
(3)a g.
Worst food I have ever had. Started with the calimari salad. Things got worse from there on. Ordered a burger with avocado and bacon. Bacon tasted old and stale.The avocado was too little. Bun bigger than beef pattie. There was no seasoning at all. If u can afford to eat elsewhere, please do go go elsewhere. The waiter never bothered to ask how the food was...
(1)Suki S.
I like Grendels. They have great beer and unlike some of the other reviewers, I actually think they have pretty good food. I'm vegetarian and they have some really great options: Veggie chili and the quinoa stew are highly recommended. I've been to a lot of bars and restaurants in Cambridge and this is one I kept walking by, but never thought to go in. I think it's worth trying though. The bartenders/waitstaff are really friendly. They're all pierced and tattooed but aren't pretentious about it (see my review of The Other Side Cafe to better understand what I mean by that.) It's hard to categorize this place. It's definitely not a sports bar and it's not very swanky either. It is what it is. There is decent food and really good beer which is nice when that's all you're looking for. It does get a bit crowded at night especially during tourist season and when wannabe Harvard students are taking tours around the area. For the most part though, you'll have no trouble finding a spot at the bar or seat at a table. It's not necessarily the first choice of mine when having drinks or dinner in Cambridge but it's the perfect place for a quick drink and a bite to eat on your way to the movie theater in Harvard sq. or if you're just looking for a low-key place to go. I like it, I've been several times and will be back, give it a shot.
(3)Alicia B.
I wouldn't call this a beer bar. Sorry. For the true beer lover, their selection is limited. But, to give them credit, they do offer a FEW crafts. But not many. When we went in early November, they had a couple pumpkins on the menu. The food is good. The happy hour deal is better. You can get 50% off your order until 7 p.m. and 1/2 off the price of your first draft. It's a good location, though a tad hard to find. And the space inside is tiny. It gets packed fast; no surprise because of the happy hour prices. I ordered the salmon. It was a perfect portion - though I wouldn't ever consider it "canjun style." Service is very subpar. We had to chase down our waitress more than once to order another round and get our check. All in all, a decent place to go. But, I certainly would NOT put this on your Harvard Square pub crawl list. Not worth it if you're looking for an array of crafts.
(3)Brian B.
To be fair, we didn't order any food and only had drinks at the bar so I have no idea how good their menu is at Grendel's. I love this place. My party of four sat at the bar and ordered drinks and my Dark & Stormy was exquisite and my wife was overjoyed that they had her raspberry beer on the menu. To make things even better, the female bartender had made a custom playlist of 90s New Jack Swing and everyone was dancing and having a good time behind the bar as people were singing along. Sadly, we had to leave early but we'll be back.
(4)Justin T.
Went with friends for happy hour (half off menu minus booze) on a weekday. We were there right as it started and the crowd was decent, and the service was also great. My Greek Salad was a little smaller than I had expected but for the price, who would complain? The major problem was the gnat/fly issue. Bugs were all over our corner of the restaurant! The waitress simply offered the advice that the bugs are attracted the flora along the window.
(3)Abby J.
Main reasons why I heart Grendel's: 1. Half-price food (I'm talkin', the ENTIRE menu) Sun-Thur 5-7:30pm & 9-11:30pm 2. Awesome drinks! I'm a cocktail gal... takes a lot to get a buzz outta me. Hint: get a Dark & Stormy or Elaine's Ricky (a.k.a. the Pink Drink, $1 goes to Komen For The Cure). Also has a great beer selection. 3. Black bean quesadilla..... yummmmmmm (I know I know, it's hard to screw up a quesadilla... but the pico, green tomatillo salsa, and sour cream along with it are seriously the tits). That's the short of it. I've never tried their burgers, but I have had the Beggar's Banquet (I think that's what it's called). I've had it with the grilled chicken as well as the veggie version... both (I think, but don't quote me) include spinach & feta pie and pasta w/ gorgonzola sauce... all of which are completely delish. Yes, it's a basement... which can bum me out a bit on a nice day. But that's what the patio's for! yay! But even if the patio is full and/or crowded (which does occasionally happen)... I will still settle for the "den"... I love it that much. As far as service goes, I've never had a reason to complain. I can't remember encountering a server or bartender who was not completely attentive and friendly.
(5)Bridget H.
Grendels has a few things going for it. The drinks are cheap and decent. I recently went there on a cold December night and was delighted to find a variety of hot and mulled alcoholic drinks on the menu. I particularly enjoyed the mulled port. The location is good and the bar is cozy (though not warm -- what's up with the fake digital fireplace?). However, the food is mediocre, if reasonably homey. I think of it as the kind of food I might prepare for myself in a hurry from someone else's kitchen. It's basic and fairly healthy, but nothing remarkable. I think it is kind of a shame given the location that they can't put someone in the kitchen who has more passion. If they food was better, I'd hang out there.
(3)Cy K.
Drinks are pretty standard here, but the food is slightly below. The sandwiches all resemble what I'd put together at home (none of the restaurant quality). Service is friendly, but a little slow - I always have to be pretty active in flagging folks down - especially for your bill.
(2)Anna F.
You can beat half off the entire food menu for about 4 hours every day. the food is not stellar, the service can be slow but it's a solid value in an expensive neighborhood. I also love their "no Coors, no Bud, no Miller" policy. They have a decent draft selection and a well stocked bar. Great after work or after movie hangout. Happy Hour deal: All food is half price with $3 beverage purchase per person 5- 7:30 pm every night 9- 11:30 pm Sunday - Thursday offer not available on patio
(4)Natasha A.
Grendel's Den has a happy hour special every day where their entire already dirt cheap menu is half price with the purchase of any drink. The food is far from gourmetbut has good standard pub grub such as apps and sandwiches as well as a few more original items. I love their crab and artichoke dip. This place if lots of fun to go with a group of friends but can be difficult to get a table. They have a few outdoor tables but can not serve alcohol to them.
(5)Dennis K.
Being a commuter from outside Boston i find it very hard to be able to enjoy Harvard Square. When i drive through i feel like i'm in China or Vietnam....with ivy. Pedestrians and bicyles rule the road and anyone in a car is merely in the way. The trek through this flood of people to Grendel's Den on this thursday night made me feel like Beowolf...only i wanted to tear my own arm off and swat people out of the way with it. Nevertheless, Grendel's is a cozy, laid back place with a pseudo bohemian vibe. An ok place for small gatherings or flying solo and running in to an eclectic variety of people. However we were a part of a group of 25 and those among us who were forced to stand due to lack of seating were made to feel like they were in the way. We kept getting told to clear a path near the doorway. Understandable but its the only place they COULD stand. The waitress was freindly, patient and professional. She accomodated our group of 25 well. I dont think any of us waited longer than 3 minutes for a drink. This was also my first uni-sex bathroom experience. I am a little perplexed as to the protocol of such an arrangment. The doors are marked "either" and "or". When i entered one and saw a girl coming out of a stall i wondered if "either" i should stay "or" go. If its not locked is it ok to stay and..er...go, or walk back out? Not sure. This was later made somewhat less vague when two girls entered as a dried my hands and proceeded immeditaly to their respective stalls without dely. Certainly a thought provoking arrangment that breaks down traditonal boundries between the sexes. The biggest problem i have with Grendel's is that they promote Paulaner's Oktoberfest quite prominately on their website. That that tall frothy-topped glass of golden brew displayed so enticingly on thier site was the only beverage that i looked forward to experiencing that night. When i asked the waitress for one she looked at me as though she had no idea what i was talking about. She directed me to a beverage menu with no Paulaner Oktoberfest even displayed on it! I asked if they even serve it and just got a sort of shrug. I have since learned that the Paulener Oktoberfest is no longer displayed on the website and there is a fine Franziskaner now being served. Our waitress was hired before the switch from the Paulaner to Franziskaner. I should also mention the other fine selections such as Dead Man Rogue and a rare personal favorite, Honey Brown at a very reasonable $3 a bottle. The owner, Kari, was kind enough to provide some feedback on my review. She seems to care very much about the reputation of her business and the experience of her customers which has had a positive impact on me. It gets a well deserved three stars from me. I'm sure my next visit will be even better when all the Harvard freshmen parents have split!
(3)Ken M.
Wow! That was awful! I know I am starting out with a lot of exclamation points but the lunch disaster deserves it. My wife and I decided to spend a Saturday in Cambridge. We had a lazy morning and wanted to grab lunch before heading over to the Brattle Theater for a matinee. We walked by Grendel's Den, the menu seemed interesting, they had available outdoor seating and it seemed like just the ticket. We found a table, my wife went to powder her nose, I looked through the menu, the waitress comes over to get my drink order. So far, so good. My wife comes back and it is my turn to use the facilities. I get back and the waitress has still not returned with my iced tea or taken my wife's drink order. I'm a bit surprised, especially since the lunch rush hasn't started yet, but I don't think much about it. Little did I know that this was my queue to run far, far away. She finally makes it back to the table with my iced tea and takes my wife's drink order and our lunch orders. We chit chat as we wait and watch the people walking around Harvard Square. When a waiter stops at our table with someone else's order we both wonder aloud at the length of time it is taking to get our salads. It is not crowded yet. People are starting to come in and get tables but by no means is it a lunch rush yet. (for clarification, my wife and I have both worked in restaurants and we know what a lunch rush means and how to handle it) We finally get our salads and the waitress says she will be right back with my wife's dressing (why she didn't bring the dressing with the salads is a bit of a mystery). Lisa had ordered the Mediterranean Salad with grilled chicken and I ordered the broiled Calamari Salad special of the day. This is when the wait begins. The waitress tells my wife she will be right back with her dressing and then walks to the table of 5 next to us and takes their drink orders and then she walks to the only other table in the place that has patrons and checks on them and gets into a conversation with them. She finally goes in to the restaurant. My wife is waiting for her dressing so she can eat lunch. I'm waiting for my wife's dressing so she can eat lunch and therefore I can eat lunch. We wait and we wait and we wait. Finally my wife goes inside to check on the status of her dressing. The waitress is eating her lunch, chatting with co-workers and waiting for the other table's drink orders to be filled. She tells my wife she will be right up. My wife is more polite than I am and says ok and comes back. The waitress does follow shortly with the dressing so we can finally begin to eat. It was not worth the wait. The lettuce was old and bitter (much like this meal was making me), the grilled chicken was cold, dry and tasteless, the tahini dressing that we waited so long for was tasteless, the calamari was rubbery and cold. The waitress eventually checks back with us as both of us have taken a bite. When she asks how everything is we can only half-heartedly nod. She sneers (yes I said sneers) and sarcastically says "Glad to hear it". Not only is she slow and the food bad but she is a smart-aleck as well (yes I edited what I really wanted to call her). A few minutes later she walks by and my wife flags her down to ask for the check. She says she will be right back with it. She goes to check on the other table that she was headed to when we flagged her down and then stops back and tells us again she will be right back with the check. Ah, we think to ourselves, the point was made and it was just a one off misunderstanding. We wait, wait, wait and wait some more. At this point I decide to go inside to get the check. At least this time I don't actually see her eating but she is waiting for a large drink order to be filled. She doesn't see me so the bartender comes over to ask what he can do for me. I tell him that we asked for our check and that "she" (as I point to her) told us she would be right back. That was a long time ago and we just want to pay and leave. He goes over to tell her and he tells me she will bring it right over. I stay at the bar and wait for her to finish grabbing the tray of drinks, another patron's check with credit card and finally our check. She walks over to me and instead of saying "I'm sorry for the wait" or anything that indicates an attempt at understanding that she is a bad waitress she tells me "I was bringing it right up" in a petulant 12 year old tone of voice. She got no tip and we will not be going back to Grendel's Den.
(1)Julie S.
One of my favorite places in Harvard Square. Brought two out of town friends here last Saturday. We were lucky enough to get a table, and ended up staying about two hours longer than we wanted to. It was perfect as a place to catch up and actually hear yourselves talk, while still feeling like you are at a busy bar on a Saturday night. The server came over plenty, so we never even had to get up to refill drinks. Good beer selection with a pretty good amount of craft and local beers, plus old favorites for the less adventurous.
(4)Dave R.
It's in a basement. It's got really low ceilings that almost broke my head. It's got a map of the US next to the bathroom that points out the states that allow gay marriage, and labels the rest of the country "Mordor." Basically, how could it get more awesome? I had some kind of coffee beer here, and it was huge and awesome. I also had a pretty solid chicken sandwich. To be fair, I was also on a really good date so I wasn't paying as much attention to the food as I could have, but it's a cool place for a low-key first date! Our waitress was really patient with us, especially considering that we hung around for like 3 hours. If you like places that FEEL like they are holes in the wall, even though they aren't, check it out!
(4)Kimble M.
If you're in the Harvard Squarea, looking for a place to grab a casual drink and catch up with an old friend, you could certainly do worse than Grendel's. It's the kind of bar that's ideal for that - small tables, not too loud, not too crowded (they will make you wait outside if it is), a not-overwhelming drink menu, and food to fuss around with while you share your life story. The wait staff is often a bit slow in getting to you, but with good conversation, you hardly care. You will have to vacate at 1AM, though, at that point you're either drunk enough to think the Kong sounds fun, classy enough to think Noir sounds fun, or smart enough to go finish your conversation at home.
(3)Bill H.
I've been to Grendel's a number of times in the last year. It's a good place to stop for a quick bite or a drink with (one) friend. Past that you're not likely to find a place to sit at peak hours. They've got a good tap -- few regulars, few local brews, and an import or two. Food is so-so, there really isn't a single dish that I've had there that I've loved. Several solid sandwiches and salads, but nothing that I'm dying to get when I drop by.
(4)Camille R.
Vegan options and food quality turn me on. The folks are always fun, too.
(4)Mimi X.
Grendel's is like a back-up friend- i.e., it's like someone who annoys you most of the time, but one that you can't help but go to when all your other friends are out of town and you're bored. My feelings on Grendel's are mixed. The atmosphere is nice, but the service is really slow and sometimes rude. The food is average at best, but the happy hour almost makes it worth it. If you're looking for a hot-totty on a cold, wet day go to Grendels. Otherwise, go see your more interesting, nicer friends.
(3)Jillian Y.
Awesome. Came here with some coworkers and what was totally awesome is that the food is half price most of the time (not sure why, kind of strange, but I accept it as a gift). We got a bunch of apps - and the spinach/artichoke/seafood dip was scrumdiddlyumptious. Arriving at 7 pm or earlier's a good idea though...it fills up really quickly afterward. If you have a group of 5, there are four or five great 5+ tables in the corners.
(4)Greg C.
This place is just too gross and small to be comfortable. I haven't had a lot of the food there, but I have had the garden salad. The garden salad holds true to it's name. Radishes... There were actually radishes in this salad. Who eats radishes? And it wasn't just one or two slices... I'm talking a WHOLE radish. And those little, pickled, min-corn-on-the-cob things. And cauliflower. It was gross, and impossible to eat because the salad plates were perfectly flat. It was basically like eating a scoop of a compost pile on a school desk. And the waitresses are those "relaxed" waitresses. The kind that aren't snobby... but aren't good at their job either. You know the kind. Come on now.
(2)Renee M.
Grendel's Den is CHEAP. Every night during certain hours you can get half price meals, and they always have a sandwich special that's around $5 I believe. Their beer menu is pretty darn good, the food is pretty good, but nothing really to write home about. I do like the vibe of this place though... it's in the basement of a building and it does really feel like a den. Fun place to come with a couple friends to grab a cheap lunch or dinner. There is seating outside as well, but I have not had the opportunity to take advantage of it, as the times I've come to Grendel's it's either been too crowded outside or rainy.
(3)Janee L.
The half price menu from 5-7:30 makes this place a great dinner location. The den is a bit dark for my taste but it's got a great atmosphere and the food is excellent. I had the turkey and Havarti sandwich. It reminded me of a sandwich I really like at Disney's California Adventure only I think Grendel's may actually be better.
(4)Rachael L.
First thing's first, you shouldn't be here for the food. The cheap happy hour is great, but don't expect you'll be putting gourmet food down your gullet. I've gone to Grendel's a few times, and enjoyed their tuna melt, burgers and chili, wings etc. I recently ordered the breaded fish and mixed vegetables, I don't know what I was thinking. Why didn't anyone stop me?! The fish was covered in saw dust and the veggies were from a soggy bag in the freezer. My boyfriend ordered the chicken curry, which was flavorless, runny chicken slopped on rice. He had to send it back and opted for the mac and cheese, which seemed to come from an elementary school cafeteria. This meal definitely left me feeling like a Grendel. The drinks are delightful, and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. It's usually busy because of their great deals. Remember to seat yourself! The waitstaff has always been accommodating and pleasant. The music, eclectic. Go have yourself a few drinks with friends and have a toe tapping good time, but it might be worth is venturing somewhere else for food, or keep your order simple.
(2)Eric A.
Half of the restaurant (where you enter) stinks The other Half of the restaurant where the A/C is fine so make sure to sit on that side. Drinks were good, German Food was decent. I'm quite picky with my German Sausage and was decently happy with the entree. Great place to drinks and hang out though so I would come back with no hesitation
(3)Rey P.
Not too bad. Service was weirdly... weird. I don't know. I couldn't tell if the guy was hostile or cranky or just generally curmudgeonly, but he didn't seem all that into waiting tables. My friend and I ordered the cheese fondue for two -- pretty much the entire reason we came to the place -- Swiss, Gruyere, and Raclette with white wine and kirsch. It definitely hit the spot! I mean, when will a big pot of cheese NOT hit the spot? The fondue was served with a garden salad, which was okay, but not well thought out. It was strange to me to have baby corn, kalamata olives, and chopped fennel in the same salad, and there were even other chopped veggies in it. My mouth didn't know if we were in China, Greece, Norway, or who knows where else with all the non-complimentary flavors going on. Still, BIG POT OF CHEESE. Weird waiters and melting pot salads just aren't that bad when serving up and being served up with a big pot of ooey, gooey cheese. Mmmmm...
(3)Tiffany Z.
Very crowded and extremely noisy (on weekends at least) -- difficult to get a table. So, the atmosphere was simply not my cup of tea (but if that's the type of crowd you're looking for, it might be a good choice). The food was awful -- I think I ordered a steak of some sort and sampled my companions' food as well; in short, I wouldn't recommend ordering the food here if you can avoid it. On the other hand, I do really enjoy the warm mulled cider they do during winter. So, I could be tempted to return earlier in the evening or in the mid-afternoon (or maybe a weekday evening would be less crowded?) for a drink during the winter months.
(2)Irene R.
worst hamburger ever. When the waitress told me (with a snarky attitude) that they only cooked the burgers one way I should have known they weren't fresh. What I got was some defrosted then cooked up patty. A waitress who didn't really want to help us out. It wasn't all that crowded and she couldn't even refill our water or get us our check. I think I'm going to throw the burger up. It really made me sick and it was just gross.
(1)Matt K.
Who would have guessed a bar would make my freshman english class cool? If anyone doesn't know what I'm talking about then shame on you. It's straight up pub grub but they often have really great specials and happy hours. I had lunch here about a month ago for 5 bucks. Very hard to beat in the square. My only complaint, what cost them two stars was that they actually charge full price for soda refills. Not beer mind you, but soda. Not cool.
(3)Han S.
A great place to go and grab a few drinks with some friends while solving the world's problems! Great selection of ciders and beers on tap and plus they make excellent Dark and Stormy's and have great happy hour food prices!!
(4)Meredith V.
Pretty good food, reasonably priced drinks, great people watching, and hot waiters. What more is there?
(4)Kat V.
I hold this place pretty close to my heart - so why, WHY does it insist on hurting me?! My very first experience at Grendel's was shortly after landing in Boston and it was pretty good. It changed my life the day I walked through that door. So, at that point I had nothing but good things to say. Naturally, when it was time for the Harvard stop October Edition of Thirsty Thursday - I gravitated to Grendel's. I had nothing but positive vibes and good things to say - why did Grendel's change that?! I called every day for 3 days leading up, letting them know that a group of roughly 20 of us were going to be coming in. I called 3 times because each time, the person I talked to seemed to have no concept of who to relay the message to or where to write it down - and each time, it was news to the person I was telling..GREATTTTT. Thursday comes, we descend on the place - high hopes in hand. Damn...let down. Our server seemed annoyed with us and not willing to work with us at all. Some of us arrived early to grab food, we arrived in time for their 1/2 price special. We asked her if we made it in time, she said yes, then delivered a check with full price. Then, she rolled her eyes when we asked to correct the check. When the rest of the group started arriving, she was taking forever to get our drinks and then scolding us as members went to the bar to get drinks. I understand that takes away from her tickets, but then she needs to actually get us the drinks...we waited as long as we could, and we waited a reasonable amount of time. And ask me to wait for you, don't scold me for going to the bar...you are not my parent, I can take my business elsewhere. Then, it came down to the checks. Several times we asked her if we could do cash and pay as we go for each person. She said yes. With groups so large, her putting us all on one ticket is unacceptable (we were spread between 4-5 separate tables) - especially since we approached her when we got there to talk about it. She just ignored us (after telling us she would)! If anything, we were trying to help her - with a group that large, it is hard to not get screwed on the ticket. Moral of the story - we got sick of the slow crappy service and went somewhere that welcomed us with open arms, single cash only tickets and all...
(2)Michael B.
No joking, this is the best bar in Harvard Square! This is my number 1 place that I recommend my guests on my tours. Hell, I go here all the time. I just can't get enough of this place! A must in Harvard Square :)
(5)Angie G.
Have you had the Sangria here? Have you had any of the food? Have you had anything from their menu? Are you a moron? I love this place. I've come here with a group of friends, solo. You name it. Their food is yummy. It's crazy cheap. Their Sangria is amazing. The staff rocks and.. well, you'd be an idiot not to come here to chill. It's that easy. Their "Happy Hour" or whatever the hell it's called time is awesome. Who doesn't want even cheaper yummy food?
(4)Flora R.
Obviously - cheap happy hour food is a great find, especially in Cambridge. And it's not just cheap - the food is pretty tasty too! Be warned that it gets busy but the waitstaff is efficient and usually helpful. They have a small but well curated drink menu (those French 75s are addictive) and a handful of good beers on tap. A great option if you're hungry in the Harvard area on a small budget.
(4)Traci H.
It's good, it's not great. It's not too cheap, not too expensive. It's not too nice, but not too shabby. It's chill, which makes it a good place to hang out, but don't expect too much. I do give it extra star power because of the outdoor seating. On a nice day, it's great to sit outside on the tables and enjoy a cool drink, but be warned, you MUST order food if you're going to drink on an outdoor table - something about a city law that you can't serve alcohol on the outdoor table unless there's a food order. However, they're pretty cool about it and we just ordered a plate of peas to go along with our drinks. Yes, I said that right..."I'll have the peas and a coco mojito." Nothing wrong with that! The food is ok. The service is ok. It's a nice place to just hang - low stress environment bar to just hang with your friends.
(4)Tommy V.
This is kind of a neat place, but the prices on the lunch menu are now higher and the food has always been just okay. Service is always very spotty too. For the price and pretentiousness, i'd say you can find better in the area. If you are into drinking, I'm sure this is a fine spot, but no "major" beers are served.
(2)Sarah A.
Oh, Grendel's. Knocking you down a star after some horrible service at the outdoor patio. I don't feel like going into all the errors of the server, but, seriously, when the water you requested with your drink order arrives at the END of the meal, just before the check, that is just BAD. I still have a special place in my heart for Grendel's, however, but I think I will stick with the half priced happy hour menu. It's easier to take bad service when you're not paying full price for you meal.
(3)Eric R.
I took my second trip to Grendel's this past saturday night with a small group of friends and it was exactly what we were looking for. We tried to meet at Grafton Street but per usual it was jam packed and there was no way to get to the bar so we headed out quickly. After being told Tommy Doyle's had a $5 cover we headed down to Grendel's since all we wanted to do was hang out and have a few beers - anywhere that required a cover or for anyone to remove a baseball hat wasn't going to fly... Some seats at the bar opened up pretty quickly and we were able to each grab a seat and belly up to the bar. I had the Grendel's Ale which was surprisingly good. Bar tenders were friendly and attentive and it wasn't too loud so we were able to have the night out we wanted.
(4)Charlotte M.
I like this nearby bar within the heart of Harvard Square. The food is wonderful, and really reasonably priced often half price if you buy a drink. Nice atmosphere downstairs inside the primary bar, and also terrific out door seating inside the summer. I've had some not so good experiences with a number of the staff working there, but in case you can get past a couple of rude encounters, it is a great place to hang out and grab a drink as well as a bite to eat.
(4)David L.
Grendel's is an incredibly cheap, hole-in-the-wall type place that is a hangout for mostly graduate students. Food is half-priced from 5-7:30 everyday, and they also have lunch specials for $4.95, but overall the food is not that great. Soup and sandwiches are ok, basically what you would expect, but everything else is definitely subpar. However, they do have a fair amount of good beers on taps and other drinks for reasonable prices. The restaurant is really small and the cluttered layout of the tables probably violates about 75 fire codes, which makes the place seem fairly crowded during all hours of the day. The service is about average to below average, but you could figure that out as soon as you stepped into the door and looked inside for 2 seconds. Overall, Grendel's is not a bad place for a few drinks and a quick bite, but you get what you pay for.
(3)Kar M.
Very Very nice find. Veggie Friendly Comfy What more can you ask for when it comes to pub food? A+
(5)Misty C.
The bar tender flipped me off, literally. He gave me double middle fingers for asking where my card was (he had been ringing me up for about 20 minutes and I was anxious to get my card back). Do NOT go to this bar if you expect decent customer service and a friendly smile. I have never been FLIPPED OFF by an employee of any business until tonight. Perhaps he thought we had some kind of banter going on, but we certainly didn't, and I was wildly offended. Don't waste your tip money on this bar.
(1)Boogie S.
1st to review!!11 I brought a friend from outta town here for some cheap food and beverage on a Monday night. The crowd was thin, but I wasn't expecting it to be slammin' with mad phat hunnies. I just wanted a pint of something tasty and some form of cooked animal flesh, and with that I had great success. I ordered a Paulaner Hefeweizen and a bubba burger? I'm not sure about the name, but it was two slabs of perfectly cooked beef with cheddar, bacon, and BBQ sauce. Served with potato chips, not fries, but I can't complain for $8 cut in half to $4 during "MA happy hour". Thanks a lot, Puritans. My Russian friend noobed out and ordered a lobster sandwich, which was pitifully small as I had predicted, but at half price was still an okay deal. I laughed at his poor decision while BBQ sauce dripped down my face in triumph. Bartender was cool as hell, the place had a relaxed vibe, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
(4)Grace S.
Pros: Half off your meal from 5-7:30pm with the purchase of a drink. Are you kiddin me?! Good, decent vibe -- somewhere in between a neighborhood bar and the pub at Harvard. Cons: That said, the drinks and the food are nothing to rave about. Balance: PROS BOTTOM LINE: Grendel's, all in all, you're A-okay. And nightlife in Harvard Square would lose its cham without you.
(3)L J.
I've been here twice. The first time was a weekend night sometime in the winter. The winter in New England lasts so long I have no way of remembering what month it was, but it was packed with good looking people drinking heavily. Today I went and ate lunch outside. It's early August, and it was extremely comfortable compared to the heat wave condition that I've grown accustomed to. The lunch specials are about $5 and I have to recommend the Spinach Pie & Rice Pilaf (Thursday Only). My date wrapped it up with a cappuccino, which I thought was very classy, then on the way out I gave a couple bucks to the busking musician out in the park. It was a great day, and whether it's winter or summer, Grendel's good.
(5)Katherine E.
Good food at good prices. It can get crowded which makes the service a bit slower. But well worth the wait.
(4)J A.
Grendel's is my go-to place for a REALLY affordable dinner/drinks in a true pub-style atmosphere. You've got to hit this place during their happy hour, which can't be beat. Where else can you get 1/2 price off of the entire menu with the purchase of at least one drink?! I have brought my friends here over and over and they always say, "wow, how come I didn't know about this place?" Some of my faves: their sangia (carafes/pitchers only), their yummy BBQ salad with shrimp, and their hummus plate. Oh, and if you're a sweet cider fan they have "Sin Cider" on tap. The food is yummy, the prices are great, and the only drawback is if you get there right in the middle of their happy hour time. You could end up waiting for a while, especially if you're with a group. It can be hard to find enough room for everyone in the midst of that deal. I suggest getting there just before happy hour starts, or towards the end right before it's finished to get your meal and the deal.
(4)Lauren R.
I still stand by my previous review - but having had a Magic Hat #9, the Popeye salad, and a quesadilla for around $10 last night, I am forced to re-evaluate the situation. Perhaps I'm growing more frugal, but the whole "half price ALL food" (provided you buy a drink) thing is really appealing. The spinach in my salad (the Popeye boasts green apple slices, walnuts, mushrooms, blue cheese, and a sh*t-ton of spinach, natch) was a little limp due to the dressing, but it was otherwise delicious. If I had paid full price for that salad, I might have been peeved. My cheese quesadilla, which was pretty good, albeit it is fairly difficult to mess them up, came with a chunky dry salsa, sour cream, and what I at first thought was runny guacamole. This last item appeared to be a spicy green pepper....thing. It was too runny and not chunky enough to be salsa, so I don't really know what to call it. The food's not perfect, but you can't beat the price. I think I finally understand what all the fuss is about.
(4)David D.
A great pub atmosphere, especially when you come for the happy hour. All their food being half price (with a $3 drink order) is ridiculously awesome. Go between 5 and 7:30pm Sunday through Thursday to take advantage of that. Just because I discovered the food was half-price, I figured, what the heck, I'll get the lobster roll. WIth the instant 50% discount, it was only $6.50. Having just moved to Boston from DC, I was expecting something great up here in the Northeast. No such luck, their lobster roll is only decent. But for $6.50? Um, sure. I promptly finished it, and ordered another entree. Because, well, I can. The second entree (portobello and goat cheese wrap) was much better. Also, their Dark and Stormy is one of the best I've had. Try it if you're there.
(4)Nicolas C.
Grundal's den is in the pit of Winthrop street. The squeamish feelings imagining a dirty grundal is comparable to that of my experience at Grendel's, here is what I mean: Upon entering the establishment I saw it was charming, warm and laid back. I had just came from Border Cafe and had been carrying some leftovers. Me and my buddies were cruising Harvard sq in celebration of a friend's 21st birthday and decided to pop in for a drink. I took out a quesadilla and started to eat it knowing very well that I would surely be asked to put it away or I would "beat the system" and finish it before anyone was aware. What I didn't expect were the tone and manner in which the patrolling server handled the situation. "It's actually illegal to eat that here" he (mis)-informed me with a tone that suggested I had just murdered a puppy. Clearly the legislature has something on the books for Grendel's den. "Illegal?", I asked curiously. I don't know the law so well. "What I mean..." He said something that clarified. In my mind he stumbled on his words and wet himself since he had just realized he was using the law to deter me from eating a quesadilla, tool. To be fair our actual waitor was attentive and the prices are fine. I just happen to have experience something that upset my delicate sensabilities and soured my perspective. The moral of the story is that customer service is key and tone conveys a whole lot more than words. Don't be an authoritative douche bag to a customer through your "big boy voice", your not a drill sergeant.
(2)Anthony R.
Grendel's has: - Well-priced and well-made cocktails - A good set of beers (the 500 mL Paulaner Hefewiezen sticks out as a particularly good value) - Giant happy hour deals - A great patio area - A pretty cool basement space - not so great when it's nice and sunny out but the perfect place to weather a storm or spend an evening With a few important caveats: - Mediocre food, for the most part. The burgers are pretty bad -- my suggestion is sandwiches and buffalo wings, which are both at least okay. - No deep fryer, is my suspicion - explains the lack of fries and other fried appetizers - No happy hour deals on the patio (don't get burned!), and hard to get seating when it's nice out - Often rather slow service In the end, not a stellar place, but a good bet for quick, inexpensive eats during happy hour or a couple drinks with friends.
(3)Joanna F.
My friend and I went here last night for dinner. I wasn't sure if she would like it since she's generally not into "bar food" and she tends to like classier joints. But she seemed to really like this place, and so did I. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, especially on a cold winter's night. The service was awesome and the menu is fairly healthy for bar food. I got the mediterranean platter which was supposed to be steak tips, hummus, pita and salad. I somehow ended up with steak tips, mashed potatoes, a piece of grilled chicken and salad. I don't know what happened. The steak tips were tougher than I would have liked. So the food was so-so in my opinion. I would definitely come back for some drinks and probably dinner again. I may not come back solely based on the food though.
(3)Dara C.
Grendel's serves a perfectly serviceable burger: two flat patties, a little overdone/gray for my taste but still juicy, smushed in a soft deli roll, dripping with cheddar and bacon grease. Anemic tomato notwithstanding, it was cheap and satisfying. (No fries, though. Only bagged chips. In the words of Snookie ... wahhh!) Michael Schlow's burger this ain't; still, it's kind of exactly what you want with a beer. Crab-artichoke dip left a little to be desired. It was mostly warm-ish cream cheese with large chunks of (imitation?) crab and some stale corn chips. Not the most flavorful crab-artichoke dip I've had; it was screaming out for the addition of salt or spice. Good, short beer list with cheap, cheap bottles of beer, the only way to a woman's heart. And the patio is the best location in Harvard Square for people-gawking. Service was fine, as long as you're not expecting white gloves and a palate-cleansing sorbet. (Narragansett is, of course, the best palate cleanser ...) A solid three stars. I'd happily return for some apps and drinks.
(3)Paul S.
As a college student, this is a great venue. Food is good, prices are very cheap, and the vibe is always nice, whether it's brunch, lunch, dinner time, or late night drinks. Love the patio seating outside during nice weather as well. The service is not the greatest, but I think this is a great place to bring your friends!
(4)Ken P.
I'm a huge fan of this place. The food is really good, and during the half-priced time period, really cheap. The beer selection is great. The ambiance is what you'd sort of expect from an old-fashioned basement bar. The only issue I typically have is a lack of seating. There really aren't that many tables for the amount of people that trickle in during peak hours... But, for a place with cheap food and good beer, that's to be expected.
(4)Sally F.
Grendels has now updated their website and their staff on which items on the menu are "safe" for glutards like me. So, if you're gluten-free, head over to their website for a GF menu...they have them in the bar, too, so you'll be all set. Enjoy your quinoa, everyone!
(5)Mark T.
bobby s. Said: "The door man drinks Guiness while not allowing you in with proper ID!?!?!?! The floor is filty and so are the waters/waitresses as they sneeze on you (why me!!!!!) I walked back outside to talk to my freind and the dor man was sos drunk from Guiness tha he keeps on the cornerstone that he forgot who I was and would not allow me in until my girlfriend showed her breasts. He has glasses and a dark brown beard and is fat (BEWARE THE GRENDEL STAAAACKER!!!!!!!!!)" LMFAO!! If this is the guy I think it was given from what he's bitching about and the date of teh review, I was sitting at a table in the back room kind of diagonally near this guy, and went out for a smoke as he got KICKED OUT!! He pulled a KNIFE OUT on his friend and then threatened to call the cops on the DOOR GUY (who wasn't exactly walmart greeter friendly but about as good as you get for a random door guy in Harvard Square, which isn't bad)! I didn't exactly sit down and have a drink with a guy but he seemed like a totally coked up useless douche. Anywhoo, the seafood combo was totally fine (if a touch overcooked), especially for the money during happy hour. The burger was honestly kind of crap. I've been in here before and had the hummus plates which are genuinely tasty, as well as a decent veg tofu plate... DEFINTELY not 5 star but at half price it's good stuff. They've got pretty cheap Gansettes and a few Octoberfests which are normally priced. Extra star for the value and the BS that the staff deals with. Hillarious.
(4)Michael K.
Everytime I walk by this place and it always smells really good. So I thought I'd give it a try last night. They had 1/2 off food from 5:30pm -7pm, and from 9pm-11pm thats if you buy a $3 drink which is really cool. We ordered the spinach, artichoke and crab dip. There was barely any spinach, and I could see the chunks of crab, but I had to add a lot of salt to taste anything. I had the portobello wrap, which was really wet and tasted like styrofoam. The potato chips it came with were better than the wrap. My wife had the Spinach Pie which was decent but it was a very small portion. I can see why they charge 1/2 price on food. I don't think I'd go back here for meals again. We found out that the good smell was coming from "Upstairs on the Square"
(2)Jess L.
I might have a bias because I went in knowing I'd like this place just because of all the great things I had heard. I went around midnight with a few friends. It has a really welcoming atmosphere. The wait staff was really friendly - we chatted about Obama - and I had the best peppermint schnapps hot chocolate. In fact, everyone who ordered a spiked coffee-like drink was pleased. The atmosphere was fun, and it wasn't too loud (i.e., you could hear people). My roommate had been there before, and she said the food was great, too. I'll definitely go back to explore some more.
(5)Jenna P.
Came here earlier around dinner time on a Friday night and sat at the bar with a girlfriend of mine. We split a chicken sandwich and a bottle of white wine. Everything was delicious and the prices were great! Seating is limited but I thought it was worth the wait!
(4)Hiep V.
Myself and a couple others decided to give Grendel's a try only because they offered fondue on the menu. It was either here, the Wine Cellar, or the Melting Pot. After an hour of sifting through reviews of the fondue from the three choices, we chose to go with Grendel based on cost and overall satisfaction from other Yelpers. Harvard Sq. has always been a headache for me to park. On a Thursday night, we gave up looking for street parking and parked in the garage. Yay for $2 validation, nay for the $14 I had to pay after an hour and half. Upon arrival, there weren't any available seats for us as we arrived right at the end of 1/2 price hours. We ended up seating ourself temporarily in a back area by the rear emergency exit. Our surface was merely a half table with 3 bar stools so eating on it was certainly out of the question. The waitress arrived and we opted to just order drinks until a bigger table opened up. The way we were situated, it was not possible to see if people left or not, so we asked if the waitress could let us know when something else opened up. Five minutes later, she informed us that a table had opened up on the other side of the wall, and we quickly made our way over. We had noticed that the bar was serving warm cider and it was something that my friend and I wanted to try. I noticed on the main page of the menu a "Sin Cider" and assumed that it would be the same. When it came out, we knew that we had clearly ordered the wrong thing, but decided not to make a hassle out of it and it was only our fault out of ignorance. To describe the cider, it was white wine served in a pint glass. I actually enjoyed it and it went very well with the fondue. For food, we had the crab dip, fondue for 2, and a tuna melt. The crab dip was okay. Our 3rd person said the tuna melt was good. I felt the fondue was good. I have an infatuation with cheeses and loved the fondue. My two friends felt that the wine in the fondue was a bit heavy, but I thought it was just fine. I've had fondue in Switzerland a couple years back and as I recalled, it tasted quite similar. The two of us were unable to finish the fondue. We only made it through half the basket of bread. I would have loved to finish everything, but didn't feel too comfortable thinking of how many calories I had just consumed. Our waitress seemed tired but yet she was patient and helpful with everything. I'll definitely go back again, but will definitely try to arrive during the half price hours.
(4)Kevin L.
Our really cool waiter brought us some extra potato chips, because the ones that came with our food were good. We asked him for seconds (thirds?) on chips, and he brings out this GIGANTIC, UNMARKED white bag full of chips. And he was wearing a hilariously racist shirt! Loved it.
(4)Deepa C.
This is the perfect place for a group after work. Or for a couple of people grabbing a drink after dinner. Or for a Sunday afternoon pint. We used to come here after salsa class for pitchers of sangria, and it was always hopping on a random Tuesday at 10. Not many places in Boston can say that. The food is nothing spectacular, but the atmosphere is welcoming and the vibe is inviting.
(3)Annie L.
I hear "cute" is not the word to describe this trendy scientists' bar. But it's damn cute. To me, it's less like Grendel's Den and much more like a Hobbit's Hole. But nobody really asked me. Beer is priced fairly. I think maybe it was cheap-ish or half-off one night, and it was definitely moderate during Oktoberfest.
(4)Darren G.
Why do I keep ending up here? The location is great, the atmosphere is pretty good, the restaurant set up and structue is cool. The food...dismal and the service...horrible. There is one member of their staff who I had the displeasure of having twice who is just not friendly. I've gone for drinks a couple times as well and as long as you're sticking to beer you'll be okay; don't order a mixed drink.
(2)Chris C.
great spot!!! good food!! relaxing and special kurdos to NICK for being such a FABULOUS bartender and host. great saturday handout
(5)Erica S.
Half priced food from 5-7:30 every night, and 9-11:30 Sunday through Thursday. Yaaaaayyyyy!!! I get a couple "dark n' stormies" (they have the BEST ones) and a plate of Salvadoran vegetables with tofu and rice, and always leave stuffed, happy, and kinda drunk. Sure, the food isn't amazing, but it's decent, filling, and when it's half price, my dinner always costs less than a drink... I speak for the broke asses of Boston when I say, that's a freakin' sweet deal man! People have pretty much covered the ambiance and the bathrooms, so I'll keep it short: Ambiance= chill and cozy, like there should be a fireplace in the corner and a moose head on the wall or something. Hot tip= no half priced food outside, sorry, but the patio IS nice! Bathrooms= coed, and confusing for drunk people. Yay Grendel's.
(4)Tim F.
Not going to say I'm wild about this place. For a basement, they do alright, but even the fireplace can't save it. There are places better for ambiance, and better for pub grub.
(2)Danie R.
In Massachusetts, it's illegal to have booze to be on "happy hour" so most establishments go with a food happy hour, like Grendel's! Grendel's happy hour is INSANE though! It's my absolute favorite. Their food is half-priced for about 5 hours a day and the food is goooood too. I like the natural disaster on a veggie burger, nachos, and their portobello reuben. The bar tenders are always lovely, as I only sit at the bar, and their French 75 is fantastic. Peter enjoys their beers too.
(4)Denise M.
In terms of value for both food and drink, this is a great place. With it's location, the Den could definitely charge 2 or 3x the price, but has elected instead to serve standard pub food with a wide selection of drinks to create a fun atmosphere.
(4)Jen H.
I've been here a handful of times now, and really... Meh. I've experienced better. I'm actually upset by this because it's in a fun location, seems to have decent patrons, and could be a really fun hangout spot. But sadly, those have not been my experiences. First time I set foot in here, you smelled like fish. Strong odor of fish. I walked in, I walked out. I can't take a fishy smelling place, makes me ill. Second time I tried you, I was very nervous. Lucky for me, the fish smell was gone. *phew* Had a drink, really busy, kinda crappy service, but everyone has off nights now and then, and you were busy so... I can't complain too much about that. Third time, came and this was the first stop on a pub crawl. It was the meeting place. No matter where I stood (by the bar) I seemed to be in some server's way. Rather than say "excuse me" or tell me a better place to stand so that I wasn't in their way, I got bumped around/into 80% of the time. :-( Fourth time, my first time getting food. I ordered the quesadilla appetizer because I was there in time for the apps special. Very disappointing and unflavorful. Glad I got it on the apps special! Which, the waitress forgot to do initially... no biggie, we'll just ask her to fix it. Oooh, a mean mug! What was that for?! :-( Then, the rest of the group started to arrive, we started to take over the tables, and everything went to hell in a hand basket. I was not drinking, so the wait time wasn't bothersome for me, but GOOD-NESS. It shouldn't take that long to get service. People had to start going to the bar to get drinks in a 20minute timeframe. But, then we got scolded for going to the bar. Okay, I get it, that is $ you're not getting, as a former server, I understand how that would be disappointing and/or annoying. However, I would have busted my butt to get everyone drinks so that DIDN'T happen, and our server did not. Oh, I do NOT like the co-ed bathrooms with multiple stalls. That's just weird to me. If it's unisex then it should be single stall. Just something that makes me uncomfortable. Maybe it's my own hang up, or maybe others feel the same way... I'm not sure. I think I'm willing to give Grendals one final try, and if it's still lackluster, then I think that's gotta be my final attempt. Normally, I wouldn't have even given it this many tries... but there's something about the place that keeps me coming back and hoping that it will be better. I almost feel like I'm in denial of an abusive relationship or something. One more time... then I will have to move on. Here's hoping!
(2)Emily C.
This place has a great vibe! Obviously being in Harvard square helps-but I think the ambiance of being called a den and having the setting be in a basement helps! The beer is great-the bartenders are friendly but not great on their tentativeness. The food is just ok-nothing spectacular. Mostly I like their salsa...my gf tried their Gorgonzola pasta with Cajun chicken and it literally looked like something that came out of a box but it tasted great. I think without the Gorgonzola it was legit pasta roni! Grendel's Ale is superb though!
(3)Rupert H.
I used to really like Grendel's...I went there for lunch yesterday and it was just awful. Service was REALLY slow. The $4.95 lunch specials are supposedly served quickly--it took about 30 minutes for our food to be served. I ordered the veggie burger and it was just awful. A tasteless burger with no visible vegetables, and served with nothing--no lettuce, no tomato. It was just awful. I definitely won't be going back there.
(1)Cloie H.
*I have been meaning to write this review for two weeks; I finally have gotten my butt in gear because upon checking my profile, the last review I wrote was for a Taco Bell. That is being fixed right now.* I really have a soft spot for this place. It is tucked away behind a nondescript door and is rather cramped (at least on the nights that I have been there) but it has character and that is something that you just can't buy. I am going to admit something right now which is not the norm for me. I order the same exact thing every time I go here. This may hamper my review in your eyes but I honestly don't care too much. I order the fondue, a French 75, and a Mediterranean salad. Every time. judge me, that's fine, whatever. It's good! If you have been to Grendel's you might be thinking that getting the fondue for just yourself is suicide by cheese (what a way to go) but I always go here with my BFF who lives near by. The "fondue for two" is normally $25; steep true, but it can easily feed four people and during a certain time in the early evening all their entrees are half price. I don't know what the exact time is or I would write it here, but it is similar to happy hours time. The last time I was there was about two weeks ago and I was with a relatively large group of people (9) so we were seated right by the door at a large round table that in its former life was a wagon wheel. Now, growing up on a farm I know a small fact that not all people know; when laid on their sides wagon wheels are not flat. They are slightly convex; this is in order to absorb shock when actively participating in wheel-like activities. Thus, when wagon wheel tables were all the rage in the 80's, they had glass tops to them. The wagon wheel table at Grendel's does not have a glass top. Another interesting fact: they have filled he space between the spokes with cement and then pushed pieces of broken china into it. So, to sum up, this table is convex with a horrible uneven surface due to a slightly dated craft technique. Clearly the best surface to serve any type of food or drink. I think you know where that story went. Luckily it was my drink and not the flaming pot of bubbling cheese. The point of this long ramble is this; the waitress we had was awesome. She was right there when it happened and she asked what I would like to do (new drink or water?). I told her honestly that I didn't want an entire new drink but I would have liked to finish the one that was spilled upon me. She told me that unfortunately she doesn't think that they make half drinks and upon that information I decided to have a water. When she came back with the water she had a half a drink for me too, surprise! She also handled the ordering of nine people at various different times just fine and had most, if not all, of the orders come out at the same time. She wasn't snippy or saccharine, just a normal girl doing a great job. She gets a whole star. The other two stars go toward the food and the location, and (as of right now anyway) with their rating being three and a half stars I would like to dedicate the half a star to the atmosphere. This place is in an urban collegiate neighbor hood and it is not at all douchey or grungy; it isn't trying to hard but clearly still cares about its patrons. Yes it is small, but hey, so is practically any restaurant in Cambridge. If you want to have good drinks and yummy with people you like in an atmosphere that is not any where near intimidating, you should go here.
(3)Mittal S.
I did not eat here because they did not have seating for couples even though there were 3 tables available, but they were reserved for groups of 5 or more. It was super loud. This is a perfect college hang out. After waiting for 25 minutes, I walked out. Will not go back here again.
(1)Irene B.
I like Grendel's Den on their off-peak hours. Saturday at 4:30 or Sunday brunch is a good time, you can always get a seat and its a pretty cozy place to hang out at. Friday - Saturday nights its packed and I usually stay away. You cannot buy Miller, Coors or Budweiser here - their house brew is pretty unremarkable and their beer list isn't terribly extensive, but happy hour is 5-7, which is pretty sweet. Food is okay - the hummus is tasty, the salsa is from a jar - I still like Grendel's, though.
(4)Leighann F.
Disclaimer: this is a strictly atmosphere/bar/drink-related review. This has nothing to do with food....yet. Charming wood tables, lots of exposed brick and an eclectic mix of people: students, professors young and old. A bustling but not too noisy atmosphere, this place seems perfect for anyone looking for a few low-key drinks. There were tables for couples tucked away in the corner, big tables for groups and plenty of spaces at the bar. Great beer selection and a short walk from my new pad, I will definitely be back here. Maybe soon I will talk about the food. OH - one odd thing...I THINK the restrooms are co-ed? The signs on the doors say "either or" with pictures that made no indication as to whether they meant "male" or "female."
(4)Marti S.
A friend and I had heard about these half price entrees, so we figured we'd check it out, being poor grad students and whatnot. We figured the food would be overpriced, like everything in Boston, and that we'd end up paying more than we'd like. However, we were pleasantly surprised! The food is fairly inexpensive to start with, and then after the half-off, it was so cheap! For the two of us, after tip, it was only about $20, and that was with drinks (which are not half off). The food isn't amazing, but it's better than you'd expect for the price. I had a roast beef sandwich with herb cheese, and she had a Mediterranean wrap, both of which we enjoyed. Apparently, the peppermint schnapps hot chocolate is also yumtastic. I wasn't super impressed with the beer selection, though. It's super busy during happy hour when everything is half off (5 - 7:30), but we noticed that business kind of tapered off around 6:30, so it might not be a bad idea to head in a little later, rather than earlier.
(4)fraulein v.
The Beer selection is great. Great German beers poured correctly. The outside seating in the summer is also grand. The food isnt great, the only pro is that it is cheap. Someone said they had a decent vegetarian selection that i found laughable. All in all i would like this spot a bit better if not seated in the jock - douchebag section every time. still, i might rather go to charlies for beers.
(3)Anna W.
My co-workers and I go here for Happy Hour at least once a month. Note to beer drinkers -- this bar is anti-Anheuser-Busch, so they don't carry any of their beers (Bud, Michelob, etc.). So, don't ask for them because then they know that you're not a regular and you will get some long speech about why Budweiser is the devil incarnate. Anyway... I love the 1/2 price food deal they have going on during happy hour. Granted, the food isn't that great, but then again, you get what you pay for! My two favorite things on the menu are the garlic bread (decent) and the stuffed portabello mushroom (actually pretty good). Stay away from anything that requires actual preparation and cooking. You will be sorely disappointed. Also, they don't have fries here, which is a bummer. They give you potato chips instead. Blah! The wait and bartending staff is nice and down-to-earth. They are quick to see if you need a drink refill or anything else. Given that this place is in a basement, ambiance is not that bad. It could use a few TVs, and the tables are all rickety because the floor is incredibly uneven, but even with all those bad points, there is no other place I'd rather spend happy hour in Harvard Square. We've tried other places, but we always go back to Grendel's. We can be as loud and obnoxious and we want to be and no one else cares because they are just as loud! Gotta love that.
(3)Haley T.
Best place to sing along to "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch" after consuming (one too many) fine and tasty beverages.
(5)Dee P.
The food is so cheap! Never mind the half-price after-work dinner special, just the regular menu is a deal. And right now they're running a "throwback" specials menu to their original (1970s) offerings-- I don't think anything was over $8. Tasty, tasty. Almost-always-great service, good beer selections and talented bartenders. A really mixed crowd, co-ed bathrooms, and a super-friendly atmosphere. Definitely one of my favorite places to grab a beer. Patio seating relatively recently opened up for alcohol service (but you do have to eat something. Or order something, in any case)- as it gets warmer it'll be harder to come by (long waits) so check it out if you haven't!
(5)Nick C.
Grendel's Den is my favorite bar in Harvard Square. Low key, good beer, good service, and $5 dollar nachos. I go here for a quick beer and snack whenever I miss dinner. Unconditional recommendation.
(5)Alicia N.
Honestly when someone said we were going to Grundels, I thought it was a sexual innuendo and didn't have any idea what was going on. A stumble down the street and a pair of stairs later I lost my grundle virginity. So the table wasn't stable and I had to hold it up with my knee....and yes the food probably wasn't anything to write home about BUT with half off appetizers(litz about $2 each), cheap drinks, and a non-annoying attentive waiter I will definitely frequent this place. Our fire locked bearded waiter was at our beck and call all night, refilling drinks without being annoying. He didn't mind that we lingered for an awkwardly long time glassy eyed and gossiping. I would never suggest this place as a first date, or for a good meal but if you and a bunch of friends want to get loose and relax this is the place to go without ending up broke.
(4)Tristan B.
Did you get rejected from Harvard University and could only get into Northeastern? Did you really want to hang out with Harvard undergrads, watch them play cards, and be part of the crowd, because that's really all that matters when it comes to horseshoes, hand grenades, and making sweet contacts? I know I always wanted a Harvard girl to show mommy and daddy that even though I slacked off in high school, I could at least hang out with smart people and be their peer. If so, Grendle's Den is your answer and salvation. Thrill to the fact that you're in the actual room with possibly the brightest (or perhaps the most legacied) young men and women in the country. Never mind that they're getting shitfaced on crap beer, or just being abject assholes in general in their own parties, you want Harvard, you got it here. There's a reason why they call it Grendle's Den, and I stress the word "den". Outside of the token few tables set up outside during the fall, you're going to stumble down the few brick steps into a traditional locale that's more or less the bowels of the school. It's sort of dark, it's not pretty, and you probably shouldn't wear that school blazer down here. In fact, it seems the general fashion code is "Whatever I could scrape up off the floor.", which is pretty much fine for this place. I don't suggest going here though if you're rearin' for some after a social party drink. Food is cheap during "happy hour", but with the cheapness comes the price (hur hur) of it not being that great. It's completely functional, yes, but Miracle of Science grub this ain't. But jeeze, half price food? I can't cry about it too much. Just keep it in mind that heartburn is a possibility. Carry your tums. Drinks are standard fare, you can actually get a Dark & Stormy or a Black Russian without getting funny looks, which is definitely a plus in my book, as I am a stickler for my dark alcohols. Martini's are serviceable, but it's pretty hard to screw up a glass full of gin with an olive in it. Service is decent, even when packed, which is always a good sign that they're properly staffed. No qualms there. So yeah, I don't really hang out there that much, being post college and all, but that's not to say if happy hour calls and I need a dark & stormy that I'm not going to trip down the stairs to get one and some nachos.
(4)Andrew M.
You can have a beer outside in the vicinity of grass and other people. Name me another place in Cambridge where you can do this. (I didn't say there wasn't one, I just said name me one.) They have a passable beer selection and harpy hour specials add a layer of icing to your beer. The inside space feels a bit unhappenin and has unpredictable temperature.
(4)Joel G.
They say you get what you pay for...and I had heard Grendel's Den bucked that trend...but I didn't find that to be the case when I came here last month. My table orderdued the fondue. The cheese was not very tasty, and the bread was stale. I ordered the Beggars Banquet for my entree. The chicken was dry, and the spinach pie was less than impressive. One final note. I went to dinner with 5 people...two of us felt like the food made us sick later that night. I won't be returning.
(2)Mike L.
Loved it! Small, quaint bar that had good food and better beer. Orginial Sin Cider on tap and Grendel's Ale are both beers I would recommend consuming while in town.
(4)Kate M.
This place would have four stars if it weren't for an experience I had with a bartender there. To start: This is a great place. It's located underground and it has a very warm air to it. I love that they outright announce that they do NOT have Bud, Bud Light, Miller, Miller Lite and Michelob. Nice job. The crowd is a mix of older locals (lifers, I guess you can say) and students. Surprisingly, it mixes well. Now, for my experience with the bartender: It was a Sunday night around 10:00 PM. Our bartender was female with a long brown ponytail, heavyset, unattractive and about 5'9" or so. I was with a friend who paid for the next round while I was in the bathroom. When I got back to the table, he paused and realized that he couldn't remember if the bartender had given him change. He looked through his wallet and was pretty sure that she hadn't. (He was just starting on drink #2 of the night -- there was no way he was drunk.) "Excuse me," he said. "I hate to ask you this...but did you give me change? I don't really remember." "Then you're getting too drunk to be here," she replied. WHAT?! He had consumed ONE beer!! "So...you did give it back to me?" he asked. Dude is polite. "I gave you a five and four ones," she told him. "Okay, then." "You know, you should try keeping an eye on your money sometime," she said before walking away. Looking over this, I realize that it doesn't sound bad, but she responded with such sarcasm, rudeness, superiority and attitude that I have difficulty conveying in writing. It wasn't an adorable ploy to be brash and "authentic" -- she was being, well, a d*ck. Honestly, I'm slow to aggravate when it comes to service. I used to waitress and I know that it gets bad. But this bartender made me, literally, want to throw things at her. I will be back. It's a great bar. But I will do anything in my power to avoid that bartender.
(3)Lindsay W.
Every time I go to Grendel's Den I have a great time. The most recent time I went with my mother and my girlfriends, Nina and Arielle. We were really excited for our hot port cider, but they were out of port (one reason for only four stars) so we ordered a pitcher of sangria instead. I was surprised at how good it was! The food is also great too. My mother and I shared the veggie banquet which included hummus, pita, spinach pie, broccoli and tofu with rice. It also came with a salad. I don't recommend the Mediterranean salad because the tahini dressing is a little blah. But the spinach pie is great! And the dish was only ~$12. The previous time I was here I had the vegan chili and that was fabulous too! The best thing about Grendel's Den is that you kind of feel like you are in a cozy, little den. I love it!
(4)ExtrafirmTofu ..
Tasty comfort food at a price that can't be beat...I love the spinach pie! But how awesome would it be if they had air conditioning too? TOTALLY awesome, my friend. Like, 100% awesome. For reals.
(3)Leo L.
Today was my first time here and I have to say... it was great to finally find a decent priced place in Harvard Square with decent food and service! Definitely recommend anyone to try it you just may have to wait a while if you want to seat at the patio.
(3)Cara P.
As my SO and I were walking along the crowded Harvard Square streets tonight, we realized we were extremely hungry and needed to park our asses for some food and drink stat. We had 45 minutes until Gone Baby Gone started at the cinema. Maybe I was high from my Lush excursion........maybe it was because from where we were standing, we detected a waft emanating from Grendel's. It lured us in. We walked down a few steps into a small dark bar that has two areas with tables to eat at.- it was packed. This place is extremely small and does not have enough two tops. We were immediately confronted by a dumb as nails, guy sitting on a stool by the door.......I can only assume he was the bouncer.........you know, since it must get so out of hand there ???? He asked for our ID's before we were allowed to even sit down. I scrambled to find it as we were standing smack in front of all these people eating at their tables.Than we ....just stood there. finally we got the hint we should seat ourselves. We walked through the area looking for a place to sit.....We were forced to sit behind a brick beam that separated us from the main area.....we were at a tiny table with two stools. There were two men seated at the table behind us...no really two inches away......that were 50 something typical cambridge-onian Kingdom Heart Champs and were literally playing the game while bitching about the disgusting food. _Shudder_ Our food came out quickly. As a mater of fact, it came with the appetizer and drinks. I ordered the Veggie Combo.....The spinach pie was alright........the salad was DRENCHED in dressing and my falafel looked like a small round jaw breaker. Oh and it was as hard as one too. I am now thanking my lucky stars I chose Umass Boston over Harvard . I would have spent many a nights in the 10,000 degrees crap of a den ........eating falafel jaw breakers and enduring bitchy wait staff and the moronic guys on a stool by the door that think they are bouncers. OK so I didn't even apply to Ha-vad... even if I wanted to, I would never come close to being accepted......still, there is only ONE way I would ever come back to Grendels and that would be to have drinks at their outside table area...........two pumps down for Grendels
(2)Alyssa S.
Great spot for the early-20s crowd. Low-key, cheap beverages, and friendly service! Definitely a spot to hit up with your friends for a casual night out or post-dinner hang out.
(3)Bethany W.
service and ambiance are what stick out in my mind. the last time i was in grendel's was nov. 2009, but the fact that it's one of the places in boston that i remember from my short visit, i thought it merited a review. to be honest, i don't even remember what i ordered. i'm sure one of the big reasons it was such a fabulous time was the company i was in. that said, the ambiance at grendel's is great. in general, just being in harvard square has a great mix of people. that i recall, everyone was happy with what they ordered, which is a testament in itself. by the end of the night there were over 10 people in our group, all arriving at different times, and our server handled it efficiently and graciously. i tried to go back once more before leaving boston, but, unfortunately, they were filled to the brim that night. if i wasn't in seattle i'd give it a second chance. why not. i'll leave it to those of you visiting/living on the east coast.
(3)Rob C.
Plenty of others have mentioned friendly waiters, a warm, funky atmosphere, and good food, all of which are true. One thing that i noticed the other night is that they have Harpoon Munich Dark on tap, which is kind of like the red-headed stepchild of the Harpoon brewery (if you go to their beer festivals, the Munich will always be the shortest line). This is unjust because it is ever so tasty on draught, and ever so hard to find, too. As another point in Grendel's favor, the other night, they were playing that CD by Sublime, and it was skipping and scratched, so there's a good chance that it may have gotten thrown out and you'll never have to hear 'Santeria' if you go there. It's a bonus from where i stand, but your mileage may vary.
(4)Ben H.
I love the atmosphere and the spinach pie. The margarita I got came with chili salt, which I believe is salt with chili powder. Luckily, it also came with a straw. The chili salt was gross, but the margarita, consumed through the straw, was quite good. It was definitely worth coming here once. I'd probably come again during the day or on a weeknight, but on the weekend it's crazy. The place is packed, and their seating policy is to wish you luck in grabbing a table before somebody else takes it.
(3)Melissa M.
come for the cheap cheap cheap bar food (it's half price 5-7:30pm) after work. Stay for the lovely drinks. They even donate some of the money from certain drinks to charity. The bathroom is unisex, but on the several times I tinkled it was clean. The staff can be slow, but it don't matter because they also sell champagne. If if I'm 'pagnin I'm happy.
(4)Jasmine C.
Went there for the first time last night and this is going to my new fav place to hang out after work. Not saying that the food is GREAT, but hey, with $3 beer and $4 HUGE serving of Nachos, how bad can it get. It has a nice selection of beer, (although i wanted the Carlsberg and they didnt have it) and a good selection of food. Granted i only had nachos, but i saw plenty of items (tuna melt and chicken wings) that I def want to try when i get back the next time -- which wont be long. Atmosphere was really good -- no pretentious people and they even have outdoor sitting. Extra plus for summer.
(3)Mark G.
Great fresh salsa.
(5)Whitney K.
Scott is a great bar tender. Such a stand up dude. Will definitely be back.
(5)Maria V.
It's the night of a Sox game. We're walking around Harvard Square and want to 1) catch the game 2) get some food and drink without going broke. This being Harvard Square, of course, those two otherwise basic needs are rather difficult to fulfill. Grendel's delivers. We left after three innings and did barely $10 in damage each. Not bad, not bad.
(4)Michael L.
I went here for lunch yesterday, by myself, and really had an enjoyable time. I would have liked to sit outside on their patio, but it was full, and I needed to be in and out of there in 40 minutes. I think that "Den" is a great way to describe this place. It's decorated in a sort of haphazard way, combining lots of wood, lots of mirrors and normal pub-crap on the walls. The staff were furiously busy, especially the waitress who had ALL the outside tables. She was running in and out, and banging the door hard every time. Didn't bother me. So I sat myself (as the sign said I should) and my waiter came up within 3-4 minutes. I had scoped out the menu beforehand, and they have an entire section of "quick lunch" items. I chose to get a tuna melt with a salad (Caesar) and a beer (Cambridge Amber). The entire quick lunch menu is $3.95 per item, and had a few different interesting choices for a filling lunch. I have never had tuna melt before, but I understand the concept. I really like tuna, but I despise mayo. I thought mayo would be involved, but it wasn't, or was so subtle it didn't matter. The sandwich came on an english muffin, and was topped with provolone and very fresh tomato. It was extremely tasty, but not really something I'd go out of my way for. The salad was iceberg lettuce with a tasteless dressing, 7.4 croutons and a handful of crappy Parmesan tossed on. Next time I will get the Greek salad, which is another option and might have an olive in it. For $4 I'm not going to bitch about salad too much. I finished my meal and wanted to leave, but a hag in a powersuit sitting with her kids was complaining to my waiter about something. Lame. I have to go back to work. I looked at another waitress like "can you come here I need something" and she did. She was really nice when I asked her to tell my waiter that he was great but that I couldn't wait while the woman made everyone else's service slower because she got bad service. She got my check and I was back to work on time. From 5:30 - 7:00 everything on the food menu is half-price if you buy a drink.
(4)Jenna H.
I'm a huge fan of Grendel's den, I love this cozy little underground pub. The half-priced food happy hour is a great deal, I can almost always escape with a bill thats $10 or under. The vegeterian chili is delicious, especially with cheese and onions on top, and the vegetarian nachos were quite good as well. I've also tried their fondue meal for two; its around 20 dollars and includes 2 salads to start with and a big pot of delicious white whine and cheese fondue. Really good food at a great value. The only problem is its almost always completely packed around dinner time; the only way to be sure you can get a table is to come relatively early, like around 5:00.
(4)Kerri O.
I will never, ever, be able to diss Grendel's. I have so many happy memories there. My one complaint is with the either/or bathrooms. Boys, and I mean the Mens, your aim is bad. No Gal wants to go in a bathroom where a drunk boy has whizzed. For all the obvious reasons. *Hint*- we don't pee standing up, and you don't lift the lid. Fill in the blanks, and lift the lid next time- lunkyhead. Aside from the Bathrooms, Grendel's Den is one of the last holdouts that's preventing Harvard Square into turning into a Mall. For that reason alone; go there, and enjoy them. God forbid, they turn into an Applebee's. They have great Pub Food, great bartender's, and are funky Cambridge. We all don't want funky Cambridge to die, so drink heartily, and for Goddsakes, lift the lid!
(4)Yi-Fen S.
non-stellar service, perhaps apropos given dark dive dingy atmosphere (a good thing, gotta be in the mood though). you come here to chill with a few brews and good company (obvi littered with hahvahd crowd) stick to the potables: dark n stormy, unique ales (like pumpkin in autumn). edibles offerings quite varied in terms of "globetrotting selections" and vegan options (peruvian quinoa, pesto pasta)... definitely not your run-of-the-mill bar foods, but lacking in general (aside from pretty impressive chimichurri): overcooked steak, creamy but chalky/cementy hummus, "mediterranean" cuisine, but sometimes that's just what you need on a cold winter's night after an exhausting day at the museum / midnight snack / any day trumps Qdoba and the like around the square. very affordable and great collegiate pub vibe
(3)Ryan C.
Bad burger served with worse cole slaw. Inexcusable for a pub to serve crappy food, esp when it's as simple as a burger.
(1)Barry B.
I love Grendel's Den. They have a great beer selection and some of the best bartenders around. I am, however, kind of tired of hearing people whine about the food. IT'S A BAR. If you want to go out and get a good meal, got to a RESTAURANT. I just don't get it... you're the one choosing to eat at a bar, and then you complain when you get bar food? Anyway, food is great (for bar food), but that's not why I'm giving them five stars. Bartenders are just unreal, but that's not why I'm giving them five stars. Drink selection, music, overall environment... everything's great, but that's not why I'm giving them five stars. I'm giving them fivs stars because of Diane and Allen S. I don't know this couple, who I assume to be a pair of entitled yuppies with an overblown sense of self-importance. But back in September they wrote a review for Grendel's that caught my eye: "A friend of ours was saying good things about this place, so one night we decided to try it out. Of course, it was the one night I forgot my ID and they wouldn't let me in. I really don't look that young and I was with a group of people that definitely looked between the ages of 23-27 at the youngest" Did you seriously just really give a restaurant a two star review as a result of your own incompetence? Did you honestly just expect them to arbitrarily break the law for you? "Well, I know you have no ID, but you say you're 23 and that's good enough for me. Go right on in Mr. S." Get real. Let me explain this as simply as possible: No ID = No admittance into a bar. Period. It doesn't matter how young you look or how important you think you are. I would have thought this was self-evident. So I'm giving a five star review to this restaurant for having an excellent bouncer and for not ruining my night out drinking by letting in someone like Diane and Allen S.
(5)Daniel M.
Grendel's has been a standard go-to since moving to Cambridge. The 50% off food deal is just too good to pass up. I mean really since happy hour is not legal here (effing Puritans) this more than makes up for it. Note: since I'm feeling a little under the weather I opted for the root beer which still met the $3 beverage price and was SO GOOD. It's one of those sweetened with sugar deals (how novel) and I repeat SO GOOD. I like that as a pescatarian my options are pretty open here. They have plenty of veggie fare and none of it contains chicken! My favorite tuna steak sandwich unfortunately seems to have been removed from the menu but the other options certainly make up for it. Their burger options are tasty and all can be made with Gardenburgers without an additional cost. Thanks! The nachos are yummy, piled high with vegetarian chili, sour cream, salsa, and of course cheese. They do a good job of making sure that no chip is left uncovered. The quesadilla with black beans is very good as well but you need to eat fast as it gets a bit mushy. The 50% off deal makes for a great value and with their myriad beer and booze (dark & stormy!) it's quite easy to hit the $3 mark. Just remember to tip on what your bill should have been. These people aren't working for free.
(4)Andy M.
Grendel's Den is a restaurant disguised as a bar. Sure, the drinks and affordable prices are what bring students and hipsters in. But the meals are good, and who doesn't like a good price for a meal. Check out the seasonal outdoor seating, or the cave like interior, and you'll have a good time.
(5)Gabby N.
I would actually like to give this place a 3 1/2. I'm visiting Boston this week to visit some high school friends and our itinerary has pretty much been: walk, eat, walk, drink, walk, eat, drink, drink, drink...etc. We came in here last night for "dinner" and of course drinking. The food was awesome considering it was 50% off when you buy a drink for a minimum of $3. You could eat a burger for a mere 3.25. We ended up ordering 3 full orders of wings (so yummy), a salad (not bad...), nachos (I wish there was more cheese), and some dip with imitation crab and other stuff (pretty damn good). I ordered a baileys and iced cappuccino for my drink and my friends ordered a couple rounds of sangria and Arnie's Army. The sangria wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great. Arnie's Army however was surprisingly good. I don't typically drink hard alcohol and it was pretty much vodka. For all you ladies, it is a tasty drink well worth the money and alcohol percentage. Only down side to this place? Bad service. We went up to the bar to order my drink because it wasn't on the menu and she told us just to sit down and ask our waiter. When our waiter came around to get our order she left half way through before we even got to finish telling her what we wanted. Our table was never cleared until we asked. Well worth it to come for happy hour, don't know otherwise.
(4)Matthew M.
Grendel's Den is a nice little bar. The beer selection is small but good, having a number of high-quality brews available, including several locals like Cambridge Brewing Co. and Berkshire Brewing Co. It's not my thing, but several of my friends like to go there because they have absinthe. The food is thoroughly solid. It wasn't magical, but I was far from disappointed. I've had the nachos, a rueben, and a broiled trout (catch of the day that day), and all were fully satisfying. Take that, and consider that on weeknights food is HALF PRICE as long as you buy a beverage, and you can score some seriously nice eats for small cash. The atmosphere is pretty nice. Not very huge, a little cozy, but it feels a little bit like hanging out in a friend's furnished basement to me.
(4)Jolene S.
I made the mistake of eating here late on Wednesday night. My friend is moving to NYC and we were out late. Given the fact that almost everything else was closed, I decided to give this place a try. I suppose that the prices during half-price hours are unbeatable but the burger I ordered was just not palatable (it's hard to go wrong with beef, barbecue sauce, cheese and bacon). The meat was dry and the cheese rubbery. Even the roll sucked. The best thing I had was the mocha latte drink. I was not impressed and won't be going back. There are so many better options in the area.
(2)Derek B.
This bar in a basement has been a different experience every time I've gone. The place can range from really quiet on weekdays to incredibly crowded and packed late night and on weekends. Experience on the menu has been average and service has never kept me waiting for too long. If you do find yourself in Grendel's Den on a cold night, they have some of the best Hot Cider in town. Start there and then work your way to a Hot Toddy.
(3)Jason W.
Grendel's Den is the quintessential "grad student bar" - cheap food, casual atmosphere, and an atomsphere conducive to enjoying your drink instead of getting blitzed like an undergrad. Every night from 5-7:30, the restaurant offers 1/2 price on all food with a $3 drink minimum. This is easy to hit - one beer (or even a fancy root beer) gets you half off apps, entrees - everything. The food is pretty good. It's upscale bar food. Nothing special at full price, but it is a definite deal during happy hour. Three stars for the food and full price, but happy hour bumps this up to four stars. It's right in the middle of the Cambridge area. Parking in garages is plentiful (if not expensive), but Grendel's Den will validate. From here, it's an easy walk to the other shops and restaurants near Harvard, making this restaurant a great place to start the night. One tip: GET HERE EARLY. This place gets packed by 6:30 PM. You will definitely have trouble finding a table as the evening goes on, and they are very specific in saying that the half price meals only happen until 7:30 - if your order is entered in the computer at 7:31, you are out of luck.
(4)Tony W.
I finally went here the other night - every time I attempt to go to this place I am saddled down by some friend or another that can't stand up waiting for a seat for more than 3 minutes. Their loss. Despite the fact that the place smells like a bathroom stall, it's a great place to chill and have drinks. I actually like the fact that it smells terrible; that in my book means character. I can't testify to the state of the bathrooms, but everyone else in my party (mostly female) came back pale-faced, indicating that they had had to share the bathroom with a member of the opposite sex - that seems like a good time to me! The sevice is the one detractor from the experience. We only had drinks, but the waitress, who I'm pretty sure was over 100 years old, kept confusing my drink with everyone else's at the table - nothing irritates me more than when a waitress repeatedly forgets what I order. They had cider with rum and mulled wine on the drink menu - are there really better winter beverages than that? They were both very tasty. Anyway, the atmosphere is great - not a ton of suits throwing back Bud Lite and talking about life in their cubicles and TPS report processing times - rather, it's the common man just looking for a ambient place to put back a pint or two with some good friends.
(4)Bryan R.
I like the space inside. Bombers of BBC Steel Rail made the night.
(4)Ali G.
Great cozy lunch spot! I got a greek chicken salad, and my friend got a turkey havarti pesto sandwich. Pretty impressed with the quality of food for a bar! Salad was fresh, and grilled chicken was super juicy! Tomatoes had no taste, but everything else in the salad was fresh. Wow I had a bite of the turkey havarti sandwich and all i have to say is yum! Kind of heavy for a sandwich, but so so good.
(4)Sameer N.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? What's with all these awesome reviews? I have a story to tell, it's 100% true and there's no masala added to it. I went here in the summer time with my homies. It was briefly after I wandered around Harvard Sq. trying to find a new t-shirt. I went for the "cheap appetizers" and I got served accordingly. We ordered the spinach artichoke dip and it tasted like someone dipped their sweaty ballsack in my mouth. It was such a bum out. The other "snacks" tasted like straight trash too. The only entertaining part about the whole experience was that they brought each wackass appetizer out one after the other. I was trying to see how awful each successive one got. I was psyched on burning my money with no clue that the recession was on it's way with nothing to stop it. The view was good in the summer time. There were a bunch of hot white girls who were like, loving buying Juno on DVD from Starbucks and otherwise being clueless (making them prime targets for cheeseball banter at the bar inside and a potential summertime tryst with no guilt.. it's not evil if they're robots) Also, there was some mentally insane homeless guy crushing some ladies bike in front of her while she tried to stop him. I took a picture with my phone but I'm too lazy to upload it. Bottom line. Stop praising bogus food on this thing. For the same aggregate amount of money that you spent on 3 appetizers that taste like ball lint in an old pair of skivs, you could be eating one delicious meal elsewhere. Welcome to the New America where you turn down garbage food and splurge on sinful delicacies.
(1)Julia Z.
Great outdoor seating, nice live performance in the square (the singer would take donations), cheap but tasty food. A perfect place for hanging out and/or casual dates!
(4)Calli C.
This place would have ordinarily gotten four stars. It's got great potential, with the underground atmosphere, the seat-youself attitude, the unisex bathrooms, half-price food... Our party of five was short two people but we were still allowed to occupy a big round wooden table in the back corner that is clearly labeled "ONLY FOR PARTIES OF 5+." The drinks were decent, the food was tasty but nothing special. The service was horrible. There was only one waitress for our entire five-table section which was completely full. She kept forgetting our drink orders even though she seemed to write them down; we had to ask for plates and napkins with our nachos, and then for cutlery with our entrees. And for what seemed like a busy evening, she moseyed around the section seemingly avoiding eye contact with every customer who was trying to flag her down to ask for something, or order.
(3)Niki M.
Love the half-off menu, though many of the items are hit or miss; the hummus is to be avoided, but the fondue is pretty great. No bother, who goes to a bar for the food? The drinks are good: solid selection of beer, wines, etc. The sangria is alright. This is a great place to meet up and hang out. The staff has been wonderful each time I've visited. Not a must-see destination, but a fine place to make a pitstop.
(3)Jen G.
I like Grendel's Den because it just feels like a fun place to be- basement, fireplace, relaxed crowd, neat tables and seat arrangements... I don't even mind it when it's crowded. It can get cramped so I wouldn't plan a party here or anything but it is a great hole in the wall kind of place to hang out with one or two close buddies on a chilly evening. The beer menu is great, a lot of local, a lot of variety, darn cheap! The food is decent for the prices. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options. The portabella mushroom rueben is my go to sandwich. One complaint: Sandwiches come with your choice of chips or slaw. 3 times I have ordered coleslaw and 3 times I have received chips so that's kind of annoying... but over all its one of my favorite stops in harvard sq. for casual meal and drink!
(4)Blake J.
Over time, Grendel's has upset me. The first time I went, it happened to not be half price, a grave mistake. If you count the pepto-bismol I had to pick up later, I paid around $15 for lackluster shrimp pasta. The second time and most other times, it was half price meaning the food is priced somewhere near what it's actually worth. Also, I came to drink in a serious way and I was not disappointed by the notoriously slow and negligent service. I guess I needed to be reminded that Grendel's is a bar first and foremost in order to enjoy it properly. The last time, a couple weeks ago, I showed up with a group of co-workers for express lunch. The sandwich of the day was unfortunately eclipsed by the gazpacho that I ordered. I've had white gazpacho, but it's frankly dishonest to serve tomato-less gazpacho and not mention that anywhere on the menu. Why the hell is it green and tastes strongly of cilantro???? The chef owes the Spanish people a hefty apology for massacring a national dish. Fortunately, the server was nice enough to replace the gazpacho with a chicken noodle soup free of charge. I'm not sure how this place stays open when absolutely all of the other establishments within fifty paces are markedly better.
(2)Ben A.
Came here for Brunch on a Sunday after finding Bartley's to be closed. Maybe it was because I had my heart set on a topping-laden tasty burger and fries but I was not impressed by Grendels. It wasn't bad.. it just wasn't that good. Their brunch menu had one burger on it and no explanation of what sort of toppings came with the variations... disappointing but I figured it was a sign to try something else. I ended up settling on some sort of turkey wrap with tomato goat cheese and guacamole. It was decent but nothing special; I could hardly taste the goat cheese or the guac. To add insult to injury they don't even serve fries! I was relegated to a plate of Lays' potato chips, half of which were crushed! I heard that they brew their own beer so perhaps I will give it another shot for a drink some time but I don't think I'll be coming back here for food anytime soon.
(2)Ryan M.
It is what it is. Half price food every night when you buy a drink. Drinks aren't expensive. Food isn't totally gross. People aren't terrible. It's a little annoying that you have to drink and you aren't allowed the half-price food deal if you want to sit outside. Eh.
(3)Jeffrey H.
First of all, I can't help but think of "grundle" whenever I say or hear this bar's name. Visit urban dictionary should you require more information. Annnnyyyywayyyyyy - Grendel's is a great spot to grab drinks with friends and spend a few hours in a low key atmosphere away from the troubles outside. The space is small and tucked underneath Harvard Square (the "grundle" of Cambridge perhaps?) combining both a bar and restaurant. You should expect to wait in line if you're visiting during a peak time or on the day of an event as their capacity is small. If I were to rate just the bar I would give a solid four stars - you can't go wrong with some good beer specials and friendly service at fair prices. But once you factor in the food, I am forced to knock it down to three stars. The food is less than average - I ordered a hamburger and it was no better (if not worse) than something I'd pick up pre-made in a 7-Eleven fridge. I've been here a few times and definitely plan future visits - but I'll probably skip the food and just double the beer. Hi mom.
(3)Liz H.
I really like Grendel's and it's reliably decent, but I don't know if it's quite 4-star caliber. Go during the half price hours in the evening when everything on the menu is half off with a beverage purchase -- awesome. I seem to remember they used to do this for lunch too, but apparently not anymore. They raised the prices a few months back and seem to have taken the falafel sandwich off the menu, both of which are very disappointing. Overall though, its a solid spot. The service is generally crap but they have interesting beers and decent food. Its great for low-key dinner/drinks, especially outside when the weather is nice.
(3)Lily K.
I went here for Sunday brunch with my father who was in town. HUGE mistake. Basically, everything that they could possibly do wrong they did wrong: -Drinks came out about 20 minutes after our food did. Given that I was absolutely parched, I got really impatient and asked at least 3 different waiters passing by if we could please have our drinks, each of whom said "Sure, right away" and proceeded to forget about us. Not okay. -The french toast was absolutely drenched in butter and dripping with oil. Disgusting. Someone needs to tell them that French toast is supposed to be made by dipping bread in eggs, not melted butter. And, it was topped with sour cream, which is just an odd flavor combo. -Food was bought to the table without knives/forks. Seriously, can the service be any worse? For their atrocious timing, incompetent staff, and food, I'd give them one star. The outdoor seating is nice, though.
(1)Scott S.
Interesting crowd Half price food at times, with booze Good beer, fun seating
(4)Daniel D.
I need to come here more often. Their food was alright the one time that I came here for dinner. It's often too crowded to find a place to sit, and most of the seating is just for table service. Overall, it's a fine drinking hole but nothing extraordinary.
(3)Steven F.
I have a major affinity for Grendel's. Situated as it is, in the heart of Harvard Square, this place can be a real steal. If you go during the week from 5-7, your meal is half off as long as you get drinks-which really shouldn't be a problem. The food that comes out of the kitchen is not only reasonably priced, it's absolutely delicious. I know I've heard some people complain about the portion sizes, but I've never left hungry. Also, they have fondue. Enough said? There's always a good crowd and the bartenders are wonderfully showy and verbose, yet down to earth-and they make a mean cosmo. It's kind of a perfect spot for those who want to be out, but aren't looking for an over crowded, stuffy/pretentious bar.
(4)Angela M.
Ok, so in all fairness, it's been about a year since I've been here (so I hope a few things have changed). Location is convenient and the space itself was nice. The staff was fairly rude, but perhaps we caught them on a bad day. We went for brunch and the food was nothing to write home about. Overall, I was not impressed enough to ever go back. Having said that, the iced tea was pretty delicious...so it wasn't a total loss.
(2)Maria B.
One of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area. This was a major summer hang out for me and friends after work and on the weekends. You can't go wrong with their half off menu in the evenings! I always order the Lala's Grill (the steak- but I've heard the chicken is great as well). The Argentinian chimichurri sauce that it comes with is amazing. Now I'm craving it, great. The artichoke, spinach and crab meat dip is amazing as well and I will be the first to admit I scarfed it down in record time :-/ Plus, they always have the most amazing specials... I can't think of the names but I had a Moroccan pasta dish once that I wish they would keep on their regular menu. Their drink options are extensive and the wines are beyond delicious (trust me I've had quite a few glasses there!) Oh right, and the sangria! Plus the vibe in general is great, it's usually super crowded so the only downside is finding a seat but it's worth the wait (and usually you don't have to wait too long to get one). Waiters are also very friendly and attentive. My only gripe about the place is their hummus appetizer- it was pretty bland- but all of the other great things about Grendel's more than make up for it!
(5)jonathan u.
Don't judge the exterior of the place, it really isn't just a basement....they have food too. So we stumbled on this place while checking the prices on the surrounding menus and seeing as we just weren't in a spend $150 type of mood, Grendels fit right in. The staff is warm and friendly, you seat yourself but everyone is really pleasant. We head some Humus and it was great. I also gave the old Absinthe another shot, but just as the first time it tasted like a stale gingerbread house gumdrop. For my meal I had the chicken grill with mashed potatoes. Everything was great but the mashed potatoes were a little lumpy, but that didn't bother me too much cause at least you know someone made them from potatoes not from powdered flakes. Overall nothing was absolutely amazing but everything was solid and the staff more then made up for any minor details. Definitely check this place out.
(4)Joseph D.
What's in a name? Well in this case the ancient monster seems to rear her head in the form of an original, warm, and inviting place where everyone can rid themselves of the fear of Grendel and become Beowulf. Alright enough with the play on the name, this is certainly one of my favorite spots near Harvard Square. Original menu with the homemade look and feel also makes a bunch when it comes to their beer and liquor collection. For the food my personal favorites include the vegan chili, hummus bi Tahini, and the Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip. These are all fantastic but to top it all off their specials menu is always full and always evolving. After you order your food, which can be had for half price at various happy hours throughout the week, make sure to take a keen look at their drink menu and specials. The classic Grendel's Ale is a staple of the den but if it is a special event or hell you just are enjoying your time in the square check out the Pisco Sour that features BarSol. Staff and Bartenders do well for their customers and in particular can be very helpful with the menu and knowledge of their surroundings. So swing on by, swoop down the small set of steps and enjoy!
(4)Gracie B.
The service is soo bad! Why do I keep going here? Okay, let me think. It's very inexpensive, conveniently located, and the food is not as bad as most of the local fast food joints. It's just getting harder and harder to use those reasons to justify my venturing down those dark little steps and putting up with that holier than thou attitude.
(1)Lauren G.
I avoided this place for over a year. It just looked kind of stuffy. Not in the fancy sense of the word (you literally can't get more casual than Grendel's), but in the "claustrophic in a basement" sense of the word. Looks like I was the one missing out. When a friend finally got me to try this place, I realized that Grendel's was a quick, easy, and Cheap (with a capital C) place to get dinner and a drink in Harvard Square. The menu is huge, and I don't know who would be ordering some of the fancier items from a place like Grendel's. But I have been so happy with my turkey burger (with goat cheese and avocado), that I haven't wanted to venture out of my comfort zone to try anything else. So - the turkey burger, get it. It's delicious. The only problem with this place is that tables go to the most aggressive patrons, so if you're not comfortable with that, you'll probably have a stressful meal. It also leads to a lot of hovering, which isn't exactly ideal when you're trying to enjoy a drink and a conversation (and a turkey burger).
(4)Alvin C.
I've been maybe 5 times and I live less than 5 blocks away. I guess it has that "vibe" people want in a not so dive bar (based on pricing). It is not the best place to sit inside. Outdoor seating is another story. You can't beat the view, but don't order more than a beer.
(2)Graham C.
Grendel's was the spot for a late brunch with a friend who was up for his Harvard reunion. (Did you say Harvard with that Thurston Howell lockjaw accent? Because that's how I wrote it.) I had the Eggs Benny and a Gansett. I believe that absent having found true love, that Naragansett Beer is about as close as I've come. I'm also uniquely aware that when life is not going well, then that's a sure sign that its 'Gansett Time." The Eggs Benny didn't have a normal holandaise sauce. It was lighter and a little sweeter. Meh. The potatoes that came with it were sliced thinly and apparently roasted, and they were okay with some salt. It is in a basement, so there's no light. You might want to save your visit for a rainy day. But it did offer a respite from the stroller pushing Cambridge MILFs, and for that I thank thee. The best was the letter framed next to the bathroom. It was a Bush Cheney fundraiser invite sent to the Pine Street Inn. (That's a homeless shelter around here.) Awesome.
(3)Racheal M.
I am giving three stars based on the great atmosphere. The food is probably more like two stars, a good deal during their half price special time. For the area, the food is cheap and the atmosphere is great.
(3)Chris B.
I like this kind of bar a lot; the kind where you can sit down and talk with your friends- you can't do this at every bar! There is nothing exceptional about this place but somehow I find myself here more and more often. guess its the least bad when it comes to Harvard Sq. bars- Don't eat the food- yuck...
(3)Albert Q.
I went here back in September with my sister and her group of MIT buddies. Essentially, this place is located in a basement. To get in, you walk down a set of stairs, show the bouncer your ID, and enter into an entirely new world. On one side, there is a bar, and on the other is a bunch of tables. As it was a busy night, we had to wait awhile to be seated. And then comes the good part. My order for the evening was on recommendation. One of my co-workers recommended that in Boston, I get a lobster roll, and this is exactly what I did. With the dish, I paired it up with Wachusetts Blueberry Beer. In short, the absolute best decision I ever made. The lobster roll was just phenomenal, and the beer had the fruitiest taste, and instantly made me a fruit beer fan. For me, the experience was absolutely savory and beautiful. I'm definitely coming here the next time I am in Boston. As for Wachusetts, I emailed them and asked if they could distribute their beer to California. Still waiting!
(5)Christina G.
This place is so awesome! I have never in my life been to a place with a half off menu, and all you need to do is purchase $3 worth of beverage to be eligible, that is incredible!!!! Now that I got that out of the way, the atmosphere is very cool and laid back. We sat inside, but they have a great patio out front as well. Our server was kickass, and the food was borderline, but some things were delicious. I got the "beggar's banquet" which equalled enough food to feed an army, and basically a taste of everything on the menu! Definitely come during half price hours for a great selection of beers and some apps.
(4)Jonathan S.
Best place for cheap food from 5:00 - 7:30PM daily, and from 9:00 - 11:30PM Sunday. Spend $3 for drinks and all food is half price. My wife and I split a plate of ribs, two appetizers and beers for under $20. I checked the receipt twice, and it was that cheap! The portions are normal sized (rare in a restaurant these days) but the the food is remarkably good and the menu has a lot of variety. It is hard to find a better deal in Harvard Square for that price. The crowd is young, but well behaved even on a Saturday night. This is not a dance club or a single's bar. The menu said that they don't serve Bud, Miller, Coors or other cheap beers, and this keeps the frat boys away. But if you want cheap beer, you can always get a Michelob or a Narragansett. Coors is forbidden but Narragansett is ok? Go figure. For drinks, try their rotating beers on tap, or get yourself a Dark and Stormy during the winter. Oh, and if you like yuppie food, I highly recommend the Natural Disaster.
(5)Barney B.
The menu is half price certain times as long as you spend at least $3 in booze. Excuse me? Can you spend less than $3 in booze? EVER?? the food is ok, it's always packed, and it's the kind of place you walk into and say "this is a local institution" even if you never have heard of it. A great place, even if Jeffrey H taint liking its name.
(4)Lisa R.
I was out with a bunch of people from flickr (yes, I know, I'm a cheater) . . . and we were really hungry after a long day of shooting photos in the cold. Someone suggested Grendel's, and I thought "YES"! I remembered reading all about it here on Yelp. I absolutely love the cozy atmosphere at Grendel's. There were several happy looking couples all sitting around the bar. We sat at the big round corner table as you walk right in. The table was an old wagon wheel. They have a fantastic beer selection and a lot of great food. We got a few appetizers, and I had one of the specials, which was some type of Indian stew with chick peas and tofu. It came with warm pita triangles. I would definitely come to this place again. It's perfect for a large-ish group.
(5)Cate K.
This is a fun place to go for a beer or six... and if I were rating this place after a few beers then I'd definitely give them an extra star. The weekday happy hour is their best feature - half price apps. The food isn't that tasty unless you're paying 1/2 price, though.
(3)Jenna K.
I give this place 3 stars because I usually go here when I don't want anything else in Harvard Square. However, I LOVE the veggie burger (it's all I've ordered there.) While the inside "den" can be fun on a cold night for drinks, I encourage you to sit in the patio area. TONS of people watching to be had, always live music playing from a local musician, and umbrellas shield you from the dozens of pigeons. The wait staff has been consistently friendly and helpful.
(3)Ben C.
It's midnight on Harvard/Yale weekend. It's about 5 degrees outside. There's a line. I'm spewing a string of curse words and jumping up and down, but a.) I'm meeting people who are inside, and b.) every other place has a line, and a cover, so it's not like I could do better somewhere else. When I finally got inside, it was not crowded at all. This could have made me angry, but in fact it was really nice on such a busy weekend to not be elbow to elbow with crowds of people while I was trying to enjoy a drink and catch up with old friends. The beer selection was good and moderately priced, they had a selection of hot drinks to revive those of us who were frozen stiff from the line, and the atmosphere was nice and comfortable. Of the bars I visited over the weekend it was by far my favorite, and any time I'm back in Cambridge it will be my standby. One complaint: they don't make Irish car bombs. This was a critical setback in my quest to get too drunk to feel the cold. Do me a favor and anytime you go, ask for an Irish car bomb. If enough people ask, maybe they'll start doing it.
(4)Pete C.
Sit at the bar. (The table service isn't the best.) Eat here, don't just drink. (It's a good bar but there are better places to drink in the area.) Go when the food is half-price. (You can get a solid meal for cheap cheap cheap.) Talk to the people who work there. (Everyone is really friendly.) Come with friends. (But not too many or you won't find room.) Get the hot cider and port wine special. (Get it.)
(4)Sogol G.
Oh My God!!! This place serves awfully bad food and provide equally awful service. The "Sirloin Steak"had lots of fat attached to it and it was dry. The plate was so small that the food was falling out of it (not because there was too much food, but because there was a ridiculously small plate). The outdoor seating was the only nice thing about it. even their warm drink by the time they get to you is very cold. I will never go there again. And they have two bathrooms but they are "either", "Or" and both are extremely gross. Why the hell would they do that? I don't get it!
(1)Simona S.
It seems that I came here on a good night. Or maybe at a good time. Though the guy checking IDs was KIND of Dbag, our waiter was awesome. First off, he gave us half off on our food even though we ate outside on the patio, was really friendly, didn't judge me when I asked for a vat of lemons in my water, and asked us if it was okay if he went to go get a pack of smokes. It's so okay, that it's insane. Jason was great. I liked him. A lot. And we tipped him a lot. 3 people, one huge vat of cheese (granted, I've had MUCH better fondue a la Melting Pot), the Cataplana, and a couple of sodas cost us a beatiful $20. Will definitely come back here again, hopefully with Jason in tow, and hopefully with edible food at 50% off. Better than half off apps from Applebees, methinks. The Shakespeare in the Park was kind of creepy in the background though.
(4)Leah I.
It's been called to my attention that I did not write in my review that we tried to get anyone's attention, but I will mention that we did indeed try to flag someone down. We attempted many times to verbally get someone's attention as well as physically (hand waving, etc). So, having been ignored, we left. It has also been mentioned to me that it is a seat yourself place - a sign might be nice to place, you know, somewhere. Since there is no sign, it would have been helpful for someone, anyone, to have said, "Hey, it's seat yourself, so wherever you can find a place." It literally would have taken 5 seconds to do so. Since it was incredibly busy and we were a relatively large group (it's a small bar, the tables aren't huge), we would have left but definitely would have come back to try again on another day.
(1)Denise W.
This place is kinda bangin, and I know a lot of people who feel similarly. God, it's like sometimes I think about moving away from the Medford/Cambridge/Somerville area then remember places like this where a cast of characters who are sincerely brilliant and drunk can make your day. There are a lot of things sort of working in the favor of this establishment, including the crazy bar and the controlled-chaos atmosphere. This is definitely less of a structured, professional environment and something more like that one bar out of Good Will Hunting (wait a minute ....) which obviously is some people's cup of tea and notsomuch for others.
(5)Sue M.
SOOOOOOO CHEAP and good!!!! 2 things that often do not come together in this city. The service is also great and in the summer it is great to sit outside and people watch! Get the tips and the hummus plate
(4)Wendy L.
Food and drinks are both just okay but they are both so cheap! The reduced price meals before 7:30 p.m. (I think) are a great deal. The meals are actually quite small - if you're hungry, I'd definitely with the mediterranean steak plate thing. Otherwise, I typically think of Grendel's food as being my "starter" for the night. It's a great place in the winter in particular - dark wood, warm and cozy...though I think that sometimes causes a bit of a smell downstairs. Another subterranean eating/drinking environment, but somehow, it seems more fitting for a place like Grendel's.
(3)Candice R.
Stopped in for lunch while walking around the Harvard campus. No kiddies, I'm not Ivy League material, I was just being a tourist. I found it odd that it was 11:30 and this place wasn't even open yet, but we were told to take a seat and someone would get to us in 5 minutes. We've been sitting for 5 minutes at a table in the middle of the patio, which had since filled to the brim with other hungry folks like ourselves, and the waitress went down the line of tables, getting to us after about 10 minutes. I'm starving, but my french dip and onion soup comes fast, and it's only $6.50 for my yummy sandwich, chips and onion soup. My boy gets his Cesar salad, only $5 bucks, and we are now happy campers. Too bad they don't have fries.
(3)Gina R.
The atmosphere is great & the music is amusing. The servers there were pretty friendly too. But the food was not too impressive, which is fine considering the price. I got the Mac n' cheese & the crab dip as an appetizer. The Mac was a bit dry & the chips were slightly stale. But the dip itself was phenomenal!!! And the Cajun shrimp I added to my Mac was amazing. So maybe I just got the wrong dish? Also the cider was quite delicious.
(4)Emily G.
I have to be honest here and say- I'm not giving this place four stars because of excellent service, amazing food, or ambiance. No - I'm giving this place 4 stars because of value for price point. Last night I went with a girlfriend and we got there at 7oclock. This is when she re-explained to me that everything as half off when you ordered one drink (not a very hard thing to do!). My friend got the seafood platter which normally is a very cheap $12 but since it was half price - she got to eat a very nice looking seafood meal for $6! I got the portobello wrap which is normally $6.50 -but was now $3.25. Value is soooo important these days - and where else on a friday night can you enjoy good food and company for that kind of price? That's almost absurd. That said - I don't give this five stars because the place was kind of uncomfortably packed. People were practically spilling over onto our table (who can blame them - the food is good and cheap!!) I'll definitly be back from 530 - 730!
(4)Tamar A.
Great ambiance, pretty good beer list, nice outdoor seating. And yet... AWFUL CRAB DIP. Like, stupendously bad.
(2)eliza w.
We went to Grendel's on our visit to the historic Weetheim cobblestoney home in ye olde beantown. And to be honest, any place that has a decent beer list, and rewards drinking is good in my book (half off food for having a beer?!? thanks!). It was a bit crowded, but we managed to score a table right by the fireplace fairly easily. I had a coupla the local brews, and they were tasty and perfect for a crisp New England evening. The food was a step above regular pub fare, and we demolished it happily. The service was friendly, if a little disorganized (they forgot one of our dishes, but they removed it from our bill). And if we didn't have to head out for dinner (dinner after snackins...yesh!) I could've just hung out there all night, drinking beers and talking story with cwee and sy. I don't remember much else from Cambridge-Havaaahad Square, but I do remember Grendel's fondly, and would be happy to go back anytime I'm back.
(4)Colleen S.
I can't get really enthused about the food here, it's all OK at least, and some of it even good (try the Salvadoran veggies & tofu, that is on my good list) but nothing really stands out. some of it is downright bad(ish) but you won't die from food poisoning. That said, the ambiance & people watching opportunities rule! The drinks are good, the selection amazing, the service decent (sometimes amazing, I've never had a bad experience here, it's always been solid) and you can sit outside and watch Harvard Square unfold before you.
(3)John A.
Ok I'm aware that it's haughty intellectual Cambridge and they do things a little different on that side of the river. But it would be helpful if Grendel's Den resolved their seating situation. This would be especially important between 5:00 and 7:30 every night when meals are half priced. There's nothing wrong with a traditional hostess and a wait list. Just a thought from a patron that loves Grendel's Den but is getting tired of literal fist fights for tables.
(3)Ellen C.
So this is definitely just a review for the bar- i didn't eat anything (well, some chips and salsa, but nothing prepared). The bar- though- was great. - I really enjoyed the Cider - I had a great Gin and Tonic - I had a wonderful time sitting there and talking with a friend. Just loud enough to hide the conversation from everyone else in the bar. Just quiet enough to be able to hear each other well. So- I haven't been for food, and cannot contest the other reviews, but I do really suggest trying out the bar!
(4)Nina Y.
It's quirky and there's good, half priced food and cheap drinks around dinnertime. Prices are even decent when it's not happy hour. It keeps me coming back again and again...
(4)Lauren K.
A friend and I went to Grendel's the other night for dinner. We were excited that we got our order in before 7:30 so that it was 1/2 off. I would have been angry if I had to pay full price for the meal. First: I got a summer ale that was warm and pretty flat- Not what you want on a hot summer night! Second: Crab, Spinach and Artichoke dip: very fishy and bland. Not wanting to be rude, I stopped myself from spitting it out. The menu selections were unimpressive- I didn't know what they were going for. My meal was a bunch of little things, like hummus, spinach pie and plain unflavored grilled chicken, that were bland and boring. My friends steak was very tough and 80% gristle, and the only ingredient used to "flavor" her rice was butter/oil. When we left I wanted to go get a slice of pizza and a Bud Light. Perhaps the sandwiches are better? The fondue seemed to be a big seller as well.
(2)Kristen F.
Living in Brighton... I never think to come to Harvard Sq. yet it's practically in my back pocket. I'm glad I crossed the river the other weekend. The area is a cheap cab ride away, and it's a mecca for thirsty bar hoppers. Started off with Grendel's Den. Chill place, very relaxed. Great for a starting off point. Great selection of beers that don't include the regulars. I ordered a Dark and Stormy, which totally did the trick. A round of drinks for 4 was incredibly reasonable, too. Toto, we're not in Boston anymore. Overall, a great place to hit up for a beverage or two before moving on, or to camp out at with a few friends.
(4)Amanda B.
Of course, who doesn't love the Den's fabulous 1/2 price happy hour?? This is mostly when I visit Grendel's Den. I believe it's Sunday through Friday 4-7pm and all the food on the menu is half off. You can't beat that deal with a stick. Last time I was there I had the seafood plate (a piece of fish, a couple small scallops and shrimp) and it came with two sides. It was just enough and it was yummy. There's a delish hummus plate and an array of sandwiches. The food's not spectacular, but it's good. I can't remember ever ordering something I didn't like. The atmosphere is a good mix of Cambridge-area students and professor-types. It's cozy and casual.
(4)jen f.
$4 for a dark and stormy $12 for 3 dark and 'stormies' + free to sit outside ______________________ $12 for the only way to sit in the middle of harvard square and be more amused and loving than angry and not amused
(4)Colleen Y.
Eating here is kind of like shopping off the clearance rack...you think things are better just because they are cheaper. I was psyched that my ten dollar squash and chicken stew was only going to be 5 dollars. Until, I left and realized that I wouldn't have paid 5 dollars for that meal again. Maybe I should have just stuck to a classic burger, but ew. I won't be back at Grendel's unless I'm on some awkward first date when I know the guy is a cheapo. Sorry...and why do they call Sam Ale, Grendel's Ale? Not clever enough to be funny. But, waitress was sweet, it was super warm, and I like that you get to seat yourself.
(2)Jesse C.
I remember the first time I was in Grendels, I was with my good friend and some of his family. My friend got a call from someone who was meeting up with us and he was trying to give him directions over the phone. My bud misread the name of the bar and thought it was 'Grundels' and he was standing in the bar near the entrance yelling loudly into his cell 'yeah man we're at Grundels we're at Grundels!' I loved seeing one of the waiters try to tell him the right name, almost worried that word would get around that this bar had 'grundle' in it's name...hilarious. Since then I've gone here tons of times, the food is simple but good, and when you go from 5-7:30 the food is half price with a drink so it's really cheap. This is one of those examples of a bar trying to have the feeling of happy hour without lower drink prices (Massachusetts is so lame with the 'no happy hour'). As far as atmosphere, I love subterranean bars, especially in the winter. It just has a nicely lit cozy/tavern feel, and if you like to have hot drinks like mulled wine, rum cider and irish coffee this place is for you. The whole 'seat yourself' thing can become a little chaotic when you have 2 or 3 groups of people waiting for one table to get finished. All in all though, if you are looking for a extra cheap dinner and a drink in harvard square, it's the place to go. It's just a great feeling to order a $9 meal and see $4.50 on the check, It keeps me coming back.
(4)Jane D.
I go here every Friday around 6 and it never fails. the spinach and crab dip is delicious. the hot chocolate and peppermint schnappes drink is awesome - especially for the winter months! staff is super friendly, place is laid back. prices are amazing - and the food is fresh and yummy!
(5)barbaric y.
Grendel's is one of those bars that's not quite for the proletariat, not quite for the foodie, and not quite for the intellectual. Nor is it for the Harvard date night- I've seen this one a few times in all of its awkward glory, with couples attempting to make loud conversation over their lagers and Lala's grill plates. Grendel's is more like a mutant- and hence appropriate in regards to its Old English namesake. Shay's across the street is good but let's face it- the majority of people go to be seen lounging about out front, where space is at a premium and exclusive without needing a cover charge. Park it outside of Grendel's on a nice evening and the only ones watching you will be the pigeons, bums, and disgruntled Peets patrons who failed to find a seat next door. The food is alright here. Yes, I said it, despite the numerous complaints I've heard both in and out of the bar. The worst I've had here was a pasta with gorgonzola sauce whose main crime was being saucy without having too much pizzazz (many people you will meet in this bar have similar qualities). One of the best things I've had here was, oddly enough, the nachos. Being from California, I take my nachos seriously and as many know, one of the first heartbreaks a West Coast kid usually experiences when shipping out to Boston is the sudden realization that a good plate of nachos is hard to find. Without laboring under any pretense of authenticity, Grendel's simply serves up a decent dish of chips, salsa and guac. Sure, those avocados probably cost them $3 a pop, but it makes the tear brought to my eye when I eat them all the more dear. The avocados also come loaded up on the Santa Fe salad, which is my favorite thing to munch on when I'm pretending to compensate for the beer. Occasionally the menu will change up and again, I have to give Grendel's credit for attempting to serve up the most un-pubby pub food around. Salvadoran vegetables and tofu? Quinoa? Hummus? And all for low-low prices, especially if you're willing to pop in during happy hour and buy yourself a well-deserved drink. Their beer list, too, has some surprisingly good little microbrews which are changed up from time to time. The service is good but no-nonsense; I once tipsily tried to snag an extra cinnamon stick from the bar and was rewarded with the bartender turning around, grabbing a whole handful and slamming them down in front of my shamed face. Treat them well, and they will do the same for you.
(4)Victoria A.
I stopped by for a quick lunch while in Boston. First of all, this is one of the few places where my water has been salty. Really frickin weird, but then again I'm a New Yorker and I've never tasted Boston tap water. Is it supposed to be this way? The salad I had was okay. Worth the 5 bucks I guess. Service was pretty bad and my friend and I amused ourselves with the little mouse running around in the corner. Uncleanly, but cute. Props to the name. Love it. It has so much potential. Unfortunately, that is not met.
(2)Jen S.
Don't know why I haven't reviewed this place before. Have been here a few times- never disappointed but nothing to rave about. Friendly service. One of the few places that actually have decent service when you sit outside. I prefer coming here in the summer so I CAN be seated outside. I've never actually eaten INSIDE before. Food is decently priced. Definitely a place that can be revisited!
(4)Nancy L.
What I love about Grendel's Den is that it typifies the quintessential college hang out place: good atmosphere, cheap food and drinks, and a young crowd. While the food is not amazing, it's decent. Stick to the basics such as sandwiches or American fare and you will fare better. Their more complex foods tend to fall a bit short of menu description. BUT!!!! the best thing about Grendel's is absolutely the HALF-PRICE HOURS: 5-7:30 every night and 9-11:30 pm from Sunday till Thursday! Buying a measly $3 drink (alcoholic or not) reduces your food cost by half, so you get a decent meal with drink for less than $10 in a great atmosphere. (A great dinner before heading over to the Brattle for a double-feature!!) That is what I call cheap eats (+ cheap entertainment)
(4)Sarah S.
No fries?! Lame-o salad? Quesadilla that lacked the proper amount of deliciously melted cheese? Boo, Grendel's, boo. I should go back and try something else, but first I have to allow myself time to forget that horrible, dry, thing that was masquerading as a quesadilla.
(2)Q S.
Your average bar & bar food. I had a portabella mushroom wrap. It was soggy. And tasted like vinegar - no other flavors were present except for balsamic vinegar.
(3)Benito L.
Ehhh, not that impressed by the food, but loved the patio area. For the life of me though, I could not understand our waiter (thick English accent).
(2)Ricky R.
Just had some beer here with a friend and it was cool enough, great location, good beer selection and friendly staff, oh and they have Fernet Branca.
(4)Corey H.
Went here on a Tuesday night. Not that busy inside. Service wasn't too great but not horible. The beers were chilled but not cold, which is what I wanted when it was 90 degrees outside. The food was actually really good. I had the reuben sandwich and the bread was soft and the sandwich as a whole was a good portion size.
(3)G S.
Paulaner and seat yourself? I'm a fan! This is a great little cozy spot to gather friends together for some drinks or light dinner. It can get crowded but there is usually a spot around the bar to stand and wait until a table opens. The staff is great and offers to keep an eye out for open tables as well. The food is good pub food, and they offer a lot of vegetarian options. So thankful not to resort to eating a dinner of sides when we go here! They also have Swiss fondue on the menu which I'm curious to try, but Swiss fondue from a bar and grill? Not quite that brave yet...
(4)Amy N.
Definitely worth going to, especially during the half off hours. The spinach and artichoke dip has an extra friend:snow crab, and he's delicious. The portabello reuben was excellent. I'm not a fan of loud places and this place had the potential to be loud but we sat up in back where the music was less and it only took a slight elevation in volume to be heard across the table. There was a good selection of beer and cocktails, I had the B's cream soda and there was plenty of rum in the ginger ale. (many places are super stingy). All around a good pub type place with better food than you would expect (fondue?!) at a great value.
(4)Shelly A.
Cheap drinks, better than average bar food including a very yummy turkey burger and special hours where food is all but free. This is a college kid's dream but thank god, not a college kid's haven. The unisex bathrooms still throw me every time considering that one of them has multiple stalls. Keep that in mind when you teeter yonder after tossing a few back.
(4)Renee H.
Oh Grendel's, how I love you. I duck in here pretty often when I'm wandering around Harvard Square. First off, I love that fact that there is no TV here. It's a good place to come in, relax, and not be surrounded by people yelling at a game. (It means you can actually sit down in the bar on a game night, too.) The food isn't the best I've ever had, but I think it's pretty good for bar food. I'm veg, so I can't speak for their whole menu, but I find it generally pretty tasty. For the price, I think the quality is good, and the portions are generous. Also, not a bad beer selection (depending on your taste), and good hard liquor as well. They make a fine Dark 'n Stormy. Their port and cider is great on a cold afternoon or evening--they keep a crock pot going at the bar heating the cider up. Their Chocolate Cake Shot is delicious; nice and sweet, for those of us who like dessert-y booze. They also make passable mimosas and sangria--far from the best I've ever had, but still pretty good. I've almost always had fantastic service. It's always been pretty attentive, especially if I'm sitting at the bar. They keep my glass filled and my belly full, and don't dilly-dally with the check, either. And the waitstaff/bartenders have always, always been friendly.
(5)rewan a.
Great place to drink. I love the atmosphere. You can tell it's a very relaxed, chill bar. Unfortunately the food is not very good. I have tried to eat there on so many different occasions (half price at night during the week) but it's just not good. I would much rather spend more money on a better meal. But I still really like going there. I recommend going to have a few drinks but not eat.
(4)Jeff G.
A great pub with a warm local vibe. My new local when I'm in Cambridge MA
(4)Jenn H.
I like the ambiance of Grendel's and some of their sandwiches are okay. The drink selection is good and when the food is half-off, it's worth it. The service is less than stellar- slow about things like water, and when we finally got water there was hair in it. Ew. It's good food for the morning after you've been drinking and good for drinks, but other than that I'd skip it.
(2)Brandon V.
Grendel's - good, central place to meet up with friends for a night out in Harvard Square or a couple of drinks before heading out or for food on the CHEAP. Other than that, it's crowded, noisy, and the food isn't of the best quality. I remember getting a horrible headache in there once after staying for an hour for dinner. If you're okay with that stuff, then you'll probably be fine there. That said, last time I was there was a couple of years ago, and I sat outside and ate and it was perfectly fine.
(3)Josephine P.
I can't imagine this place on a hoppin' crowded night, but I was there on a slowish Sunday night and it was super chill, service was great, loved the food. No complaints here. Particularly, I loved my portobello reuben on rye. As a vegetarian going on 12 years now, I never thought I would ever experience what a reuben was (due to the fact that the main component of that sandwich is beef)...until now...and.it.was.glorious. Why did it never occur to me to just omit the meat? Replace it with mushrooms? No clue. But the good people of Grendels did it for me. The Gorgonzola pasta was divine and the vegetarian banquet was alright. I must say, I especially recommend their sandwiches. They're cheap and filling and come with a side of chips or cole slaw. In Harvard Sq. this place and Pinocchio's are my cheap go-to places to eat. Also, side note: this might just be me, but I was impressed that they carried Lavazza coffee.
(4)Caitlin C.
bad food. long wait. above all---BAD SERVICE. No thank you.
(1)C.Michele S.
The Tuna melt is amazing! This place is small and does get a little crowded after 8pm. Since it's really only a sitting type of bar you have to plan accordingly. The drinks are decent priced though I wish they were a little bigger. The food though is really cheap so def check this place out if you need a pre-drinks place.
(3)Peter R.
Rachel Ray are you on Crack? well i swear i saw Rachel Ray from the show "40$ a day" go to this place and rave how the food was "delicious" and great price. First off i find her show to be really annoying and the only reason i was watching was because she was doing boston.. So on a nice day a friend and i decided to grab lunch on the outside area... located with a view of that lil park area. Well we decided on burgers and gooosh were they pitiful... The meat was very low quality over cooked and down right nasty.. the only way we could force down some of it was by literally covering it in ketchup. Also no french fries just some plain chips.. despite being the best thing on my plate i assumed for the price they could hit me up with some fries.. My suggestions are go to basically any other place in the area and you will be happier..On our way out i did see one guy who seemed to know how to order in this place and that was just a beer and a plate of chips.. Man this place is such a waste of space... and Rachel Ray needs to lay off the crack
(1)vanessa a.
Located on the cobbled walkways of Winthrop Street, Grendel's has great outdoor dining and the basement sec makes for a nice and cozy dining experience. I enjoyed a beautiful and tasty Sonoma wrap w/a side of cole slaw. Don't expect anything fancy, this is a typical pub and the atmosphere is very comfortable. Oh, and if you're driving, park at the Charles Hotel parking garage, the restaurant will comp $2 off your ticket. great location in Harvard sq.
(4)Joseph G.
I like the Grendel's Den philosophy of not bothering to have cheap beer. They always make me happy with their selection of beers usually featuring Paulaner Hefeweizen on tap. Probably the best thing about this place though is how the food is half price seemingly all the time. I love walking out of there having paid $15 for two beers and a full meal. I also love the old time pub feel of the place. Not into sports bars and high end looking bars. This is place has stone walls and all. Tis great.
(4)John W.
This aint no gastropub, but the grub is tasty. I'm a fan of the Falafal Wrap and the California Gardenburger (with jack cheese and guacamole). During their happy hour (5- 7:30pm every night & 9- 11:30pm Sunday - Thursday), all food is half off with the purchase of an adult beverage. They offer a decent selection beer and wine. And during the warm weather, they have outdoor tables in the park, however, the half-price deal doesnt apply outside. Their "happy hour" makes this the perfect place in Harvard Square to hang out with friends after work before a trip across the street to Shay's.
(4)Bernadette S.
Just went for brunch yesterday - my first time at this legendary establishment. It was affordable and my meal was delicious - the ham, gruyere and veggie frittata - though I didn't notice the gruyere. For $7.50 I received this, a small bowl of fruit and potatoes o'brien. Yummy but I was still hungry. Jen's meal was pathetic - a turkey burger that was about 2mm thin, really poorly presented and unappetizing. I felt badly for her. 3 stars for potential and imagination - it was nice to see a veggie frittata with peas and a bellini with absinthe. Make the frittata and especially the turkey burger a little heartier, though.
(3)Sophia L.
Not gourmet by any standards but fun for a drink or two and pleanty of options for food! I definitely think the service left something to be desired but I can see this being a fun place just to grab a casual drink with friends. Great for cheap happy hour half price food.
(3)S G.
What I love about Grendel's Den is that it reminds me of the way pubs used to be, back when going to a wine bar or being able to name more than three types of cheese made you a yuppie. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a drink at a repurposed warehouse with a lightly ironic menu, but sometimes it is nice to just go somewhere where they don't mess about. They have a good, surprisingly vegetarian friendly menu. Things are cheap, even without their special deal, and the food is tasty. The waiters are always around when you need them but they don't interrupt your conversation with the ubiquitous 'how is everything so far?'. If your purpose is to go out and have a relaxing, pleasant evening with some friends, you really can't go wrong here.
(4)Alexander H.
Great aspects about this place: Good beer and drink selection, great ambiance, nice location, good food, reasonable prices, a sandwich called "Grendel" Not so great aspects of Grendels: Server was kinda cranky, crowded, seating isn't exactly the most comfortable you'll find All in all, if you're looking for a good place in Harvard square for some filling, fatty food, look no further.
(4)Michael C.
Where else can you get a sit-down lunch for $3.95? Need I say more? Probably not, but I will anyway. You get about seven or eight choices for that delightfully low price. The food's decent--uninspiring and small sandwiches, but good soups and salads. Nice, cozy atmosphere if you sit by the fireplace. Service is okay but can be somewhat slow, especially if your waitress's friends are there and she spends her work time chatting with them and ignoring her other customers. But hey, for $3.95, I'm happy. In warm weather I enjoy taking lunch out from the various Harvard Square sandwich shops and eating it outside, but in wintertime it's nice to sit in a restaurant--and who really wants to eat inside Felipe's or Sabra Grill? So if winter ever comes this year, you'll find me by the warm Grendel's fire.
(4)Julia O.
I have been here many times over the past four years and each time I go there I've been pretty happy with the food and service, and would give a 3-4 star rating. I went there today and we waited almost 50 minutes for our food to arrive - and everyone else around us seemed to be experiencing the same delay too - and there weren't that many people there. Our waiter seemed to be high or something because we had to ask for our check twice and the second time we did then proceeded to go on and on about how today he was talking in a british accent but didn't know why. He also hovered right over us as we were taking our wallets out to pay which was very awkward and we weren't planning on leaving much of a tip. Sad to say I won't be going there again because I did like their nachos...
(1)E B.
Cheap food, tastes good. An interesting mix of menu. Good bar atmosphere and seating outside during the summer. Good options for vegetarians. The music played is sometimes interesting and people at the bar are friendly, sometimes the customers more than the bartenders.
(4)Layla P.
went here for drinks on a cold Friday night. Got warmed up with a delicious peppermint schnapps hot chocolate which everyone at my table loved. Canadian hot cider was also toasty and delicious. But most of all I wish I knew how to make your Peachtree toddy at my own house, just curl up with that in a mug and you'd be fine even if the heat went out!
(4)Michael B.
Besides the great name, Grendel's is a chill place to grab drinks & late night snacks down in its basement grotto, and also a fun, tasty place to grab brunch on a Sunday. The outside tables are perfect for brunch in nice weather and give you the chance to take in some quality people watching in the nearby park. Also, the tables are mostly in the shade, so you don't have to worry about getting fried by the sun on a warm spring or summer day. My girlfriend and I ate brunch there this morning and would definitely go back. Our waiter this morning was especially fun and chill.
(4)John C.
Grendel's Den may be a little out of the way, but worth it. I've been coming here for more than a decade (yes, I remember when it was two levels) and the food has been consistently excellent. While my favorite might by their straw and hay pasta, there's plenty on the menu for everyone (including vegetarian entrees). The bar and restaurant are for good friends and good conversation... there isn't a TV in sight and the music is loud enough to hear but not drowning out conversation. Highly recommended.
(4)Lucy Z.
Boyfriend and I were walking around the square on what could've been the hottest day of the summer. The tables outside looked inviting, but I was amazed anyone could really put up w/ the heat. So, we sought refuge downstairs and inside (in the "Den" haha). The place is sort of dark and almost cavernous and a glance at the menu suggests it's a pub that screams of beer-centric happy hours and Barcardi specials (nothing wrong with that at all). I sprung for a veggie salad w/ tofu (yes, I managed to avoid the tempting sandwiches and burgers). It was alright . I was happy with the generous serving of veggies, as it did satisfy my veggie quota for a whole week, but I do have to throw a Are-You-Kidding-Me with the tofu (strangely flavored, kind of soggy, etc). My boyfriend however, really enjoyed his turkey & harvarti sandwich, on a baguette with pesto-mayo. Even though it came with potato chips and not fries.
(3)Ashley S.
Sometime good enough is, well, good enough. Grendel's is good enough. It's passable, eclectic bar food that's pretty cheap. It's even cheaper if you come before 7:30p on a weeknight, when it's half price. Yup. You can get dinner for like $4...and not because you got a fast food burrito. Footnotes: + They have a wide selection of veggie offerings + They have a few large tables that they save for groups
(3)Carissa H.
Every time I've been to Grendel's, the food has been great and the staff has had no problem when there were 7-12 people in our party wandering in and out all evening. Grendel's beats the hell out of Cambridge Common (and Charlie's since there's never anywhere to sit at Charlie's). Half price food for most of the evening sweetens the deal. And I don't drink so I can't speak about their alcohol selection, but my friends who do drink have never complained.
(5)Shane F.
I went to Grendel's for the first time in 8 years last night. The last time I'd eaten anything there may have been 10 years before that. Since the upstairs closed I can't remember hearing anyone talk about Grendel's without mentioning the cheap food during happy hour. So, I expected the food to be crap and the beer to be ordinary. Well, the beer was better than ordinary and I was plum shocked by the food. The whole menu is half price before 7:30 Sunday through Thursday! Two of us sat down at 7:20 and had dinner with drinks for $16. I had a well above average bar burrito with a whole quarter of an avocado added for fifty cents. I think that's a pretty good price for avocado. My conclusion from last night is that Grendel's Den is surprisingly good, shockingly affordable and has simply gobs of vegetarian options.
(4)Jacqueline M.
An 'everyone is welcome' spirit is what you'll find at Grendel's Den, along with inexpensive food and drink. In the summer time, they have patio seating, which is worth the wait. I've pretty much found most of their food tasty and filling. This place is great if you are on a student budget.
(4)Ashlee C.
Good place to hang out and sip a drink if you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere. I have had no trouble getting a table on weekends - the turnover seems pretty high at this place. I cannot attest to the food; so far I have only had drinks here. I can't really say that I recommend the mixed drinks. I got a martini there that was an absolute disaster, so stick to the beer. A Cambridge classic that is worth seeing if you are in the area.
(3)Harsh V.
Half priced dinners: this is how it'll go down. Order a $5 beer which while entirely decent isn't the best in show. Pair it with a fully loaded burger (veggie or meaty) - many toppings to choose from - for less than $3.50. Entirely wholesome after-work dining experience. I'm throwing in an extra star for the ridiculously inexpensive food deal.
(4)Sara B.
Love the atmosphere, and the outdoor seating is great in the warm weather, but the patrons can be a bit...hmmm...overtly intellectual, if you will...and self-involved...in a way that becomes difficult to listen to after an hour or so if you wind up next to a particularly talkative bunch. The tables are small and the quarters close. Best thing about Grendel's is the half-price deal. It's amazing. Half off everything on the menu with the purchase of one drink. The hours for the deal are - I believe - 5-7:30pm every day, and 9-11:30pm Sunday - Thursday. The spinach/artichoke/snow crab dip sounds amazing, but tastes like it's out of a can. Disappointing. Burgers are great, including the veggie burgers, but they don't come with fries. Thought the cole slaw is tasty and light. The Guinness stew and the cheese fondue are unique and hearty, especially good on a cold night. Nachos are awesome for the price. Lots of great vegetarian options. This is Harvard Square, after all.
(3)Elliott N.
Grendel's Den can be a fantastic place, if you let it. Personally, I love Grendel's. Their beer selection is consistently solid with some remarkable guest beers featured frequently (Stone Double Bastard for $11 in a bar!? That's only $2 more than the liquor store!), their mixed drinks are made well and not stingy with the good stuff, their staff is consistently friendly and prompt--I've never had a bad experience with the waitstaff at Grendel's, even when they're mobbed, which is saying something. The atmosphere is also great, with an appropriate subterranean den vibe. Another thing that makes me smile: gender neutral bathrooms! The only detractors: seating and some food. Now don't get me wrong, some of Grendel's food is fantastic, with their specials consistently a cut above much of the other fare. Some, however, is pretty subpar (I'd steer clear of the nachos, IE chips with canned beans and preshredded cheese thrown into the microwave). If you go during the half off food hours (why would you go any other time?), it can also be tough to get a table. Still, great staff, good and fairly priced drinks, nice atmosphere, and half off food that renders most everything on the menu less than $7 give this place high marks for me.
(4)Charoline D.
Ah Grendel's the start of our Saturday night bar crawl to try some new places out in Harvard Square and move away from our almost too often sojourns to River Gods. Bouncer was friendly, the patrons we're mostly "Bro"s, and the bartender was a bit anal retentive. He was fairly quick with getting our order while we sat atop stools at the bar and kept being insistant about using coasters. I had an Original Sin cider and we played the "what do you think their name is?" game. This basically consists of us pointing out people, guessing what their name is, and various other things such as occupation, where they met their boyfriend, hobbies may include, etc. Didn't get a chance to try out the food, but I think from previous reviews that it may not have been all that necessary. All and all, a pretty relaxed atmosphere.
(3)Erik H.
This place is literally my home away from home. I realize that I am very biased but this is hands down the best bar in Harvard Square. You can complain about the service but a lot of the customers bring a inflated sense of entitlement into the bar and simply don't like being put in their place. The food is decent and if you ask for recommendation you will often be pleasantly surprised. If you are out looking for a good time you'll find it here. If you go out and think you're in Faneuil Hall you will probably not.
(5)Michele G.
Half price menu! Plus, get yourself incredibly happy with the awesome Dark n' Stormies. :)
(3)Yana Y.
Grendel's, Grendel's, oh how I love thee. Half price food menu from 5-7:30pm/9-11:30pm (Delicious food!) Delicious white + red sangria Sorry kids, you lose a half a star for not having 1/2 price menu be applicable outside, and another half for having the worlds slowest wait-staff.
(4)Alexandra K.
I had some drinks at Grendel's last evening with some friends. I had already eaten dinner but others in my party ordered food. I had a cider that was pretty good. Tasted a little like Woodchuck, nothing special. They seemed to have a pretty good wine and beer selection however, my colleagues liked their selections as well. Our waiter was funny and entertaining. He made the table laugh on several occasions. We joked about how he looked like Colin Ferrel at one point. We were sitting at a round table for 5 or more in the back corner. I was in the corner near the wall and because it was a round table with a bench against the wall, I couldn't really sit comfortably at the table, I had to lean forward a lot to be in the conversations. The music was also a little too loud. However, not as loud as most bars can be. They have a special half priced happy hour listed on the menu where, if I'm not mistaken, most things on the menu are half priced. It was evenings on weekdays and later on weekends I think... Two of the people I was with ordered the cheese fondue. I could smell it the second it hit the table! I love cheese fondue and this one smelled a little 'funky'. However, it seems that it was just a really strong cheese which means it might have tasted great. I agree with Ligaya that the texture of the cheese looks a little funny and lumpy. I think this can be attributed to the kerosene flame thingy they put under it. I don't think it heats evenly. I had a good time at Grendel's, but I wouldn't necessarily go back.
(3)Eric S.
Just OK overall. The location is good overall. The outdoor seating is great for people watching. The food is so-so. I got the veggie burger with guacamole, mashed potatoes, and falafel plate. The guacamole was dull green, like it was old. They have a good beer selection. The friend I was eating with was not at all impressed with his chicken dish.
(3)Katherine J.
This place was OK. Just came here for a couple of glasses of guinness and a bite to eat. I was craving french fries but they didn't have any! Instead I had the spinach pie. It filled me up but this isn't gourmet food. While we were eating, the power went off but it was quickly restored and everyone clapped. It's a cute, cozy neighborhood feel type of place.
(4)Jenny F.
Bar area is a little tight, but grab a table and you'll be set. Decent spot to hang out on a quieter week night.
(3)Sari G.
I was visiting Boston and came here with some friends on a Saturday night for drinks. Was seated promptly, our server was really great. Its all about their ginger ale and rum! I have tasted every ginger ale known to woman and this drink is amazing! The crowd each had their little nooks and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Great fun - amazing ginger ale.
(5)Anna S.
This place has a fantastic atmosphere - it's warm and cozy, with low ceilings, exposed brick, and dim lighting. I've found that the service is sometimes a touch slow, but the food is good, and their happy-hour is very budget-friendly.
(4)Khalid S.
I came here accidentally, cause there were no tables available at Charlie's Kitchen walking distance from here. But that was a blessing in disguise. I'm not totally impressed by Grendel's, cause the service was average, and I got the feeling that the staff didn't care much cause every single table on this Saturday night was occupied. I was just by myself so I looked around and waited for my food, though I can see this place being fun going in a big group. Moving on to why I was here, the food. I had the shrimp Sambal which the menu warned that it was hot as hell. I said to myself maybe it's like the Fire sauce at Taco Bell which is barely close to what hot really is. But let me tell you, the Sambal was really absolutely positively hot. I had to stop eating until my server replenished my water supply because I couldn't take it anymore. They served it with rice and green peas. I'm a big fan of spicy food, so I adored it. The portions were just right as well.
(4)Josh O.
Today either I got on the wrong bus or the MBTA website lied to me because I ended up in Harvard Sq. instead of Davis Sq. I had been planning on using one of my $1 burrito coupons at Boloco, so at first I figured I'd just hop on the T and get to Davis Sq. that way, but as I was walking to the T I saw a guy handing out leaflets that had in big letters 'LUNCH SPECIAL $3.95'. So I grabbed it. Turns out that Grendel's Den has a $3.95 lunch special where you can choose from a burger, soup and salad, a french dip sandwich, a salad, a half sandwich and soup, or a half sandwich and salad. 'Hot damn', I thought to myself. So I headed over to Grendel's which I'd walked by before but never been in. First off, I _love_ basement bars. I don't know why, but I do. Secondly, I got a pretty decent lunch for $3.95. It wasn't amazing, but it was good, it was filling, and it was cheap. Third, Guinness for only $4.25. Not bad at all.
(4)Tasha L.
The cheap happy hour is delightful after work. Original Sin cider is on tap. The cocktails are adequate-- I recommend the mojito when it is in season. I always stick to sandwiches, the falafel wrap is a favorite. The potato chips have their charm. The entrees come in very small portions...but I wouldn't get too fancy here. It can get very noisy...but the ambiance is very cozy and comforting, especially in the winter. The staff do their jobs well...sometimes you have to be patient because it's so mobbed, but they are all very nice. I was there for a big Red Sox game and no one was paying attention. That was nice.
(5)Mallory R.
One of the coziest spots in Harvard Square on a winter evening. Love the brick walls and the cheap menu. The half price menu is a real steal and worth the trek out to Cambridge. Usually just go for appetizers when with friends and we often get the hot spinach and artichoke dip. My best friend and I were fans of an appetizer that is no longer featured (bread with tomato sauce) but regardless of the menu changes I still enjoy myself when I go to Grendel's. Whether it's a humid summer night and you are sitting outside or cozying up inside on a winter night, Gendel's is a spot where you will find yourself comfortable and at home, among strangers.
(5)Tristan S.
Every non-appetizer I've eaten here has been pretty subpar. Service is often slow. However, the atmosphere is great - walking down into a hole-in-a-wall basement/bar is a good feeling. Portions arent huge, and could be cheaper. The time to go is half-price hours: 5-7 every night (with a beverage purchase). The nachos are quite good, and the other apps I've had were good, but avoid the entrees.
(2)Adrienne W.
OK, I admit it. I should probably be giving Grendel's Den four stars, but my own hangups require three stars. I'm in my mid-twenties and stopped by with a girlfriend to take advantage of the half priced food with drink. To my consternation, I looked around on the Wednesday night and felt like ancient. My half priced polenta with cheesy goodness and mushrooms was yummy - significantly smaller than my friend's nachos but nicely sized so I felt perfectly satisfied instead of sick when I finished it. (And this coming from someone who is just learning to tolerate most mushrooms!) We sat at the bar and conferred with the bartender over our drink choice. Being unemployed, I like to make every drink count these days. The dark and stormy was lovely and the bartender was able to make a small bit of the hot cider for my friend to sample. I'll be back - a non-fast food meal and a good drink for $10 is a nice deal for me!
(3)Ali I.
This is an awesome little hole in the wall underground drinking lair. It has a cool vibe and Its pretty affordable. The food is decent too, vegetarian friendly.
(4)Ben K.
Whoa, watch out, though. Outside is full price food all the time. You're maybe making up the balance in people-watching and warm weather, but it definitely bumps the food out of the "well, I guess this is an okay sandwich for $3" range.
(3)Diana G.
I stopped in here yesterday for a couple pints of Guinness, and then learned about the half-price food from 5-7:30. So, I decided to order a burger. It wasn't the greatest burger I have ever had, but it did the trick. I have had the seafood combo dinner here before, and I remember that was great! I'm sure I'll stop in here on a regular basis. I like the atmosphere, the service is pretty good, and they serve great beers. What more can you ask for? :D
(4)Maia C.
Not my type of place. Slow to getting to the table and the food was odd. My friend got pasta which looked good. Since we ordered a soda and water they seemed to not want to serve us. It would probably be ok if we liked the dungeon.
(2)_ _.
Scale of 1-10 (multiple visits): 7 Food 8 *Drinks* 7 Service 9 Atmosphere 7 Value
(3)Steve F.
A fun, cheap, lively place. The Dark n Stormy was indeed good, as was the mulled wine that my date had. The food (quesedilla) was just ok, but the atmosphere and drinks made up for it.
(4)Erin M.
I was pleasantly surprised! Fun atmosphere in a crowded basement, which is one of my favorite bar settings. The waitress was very nice when we moved the tables around and then moved to a DIFFERENT table... a lot of places would give you crap for that, because it's annoying. My recent years living in the Midwest make me long for happy hours - and this is the closest I've found to a real happy hour deal since moving back to Boston: 1/2 off your food if you buy $3 worth of drinks (which averages for the whole table! So if one person has two drinks, the person who got none also gets half-off food). My burger was... OK. I was looking for a greasy bar burger, and I got it. The bun was gross and soggy. The burger itself was tasty. Just chips, no fries. My friend got one of the vegetarian specials and it looked way more delicious. I would like to go back and try this. I'm going with three stars for now. May be bumped if I return and like the other food more.
(3)Andrea P.
I love this little cave. It's cheap and offers tons of vegetarian options! Daily specials, Mediterranean/Californian-themed bar food with an occasional Latin or Asian twist....I like! It is absolutely MANDITORY to go during the 1/2 price happy hours (Daily 5-7:30 pm and Sun-Thurs 9-11:30 pm) or for lunch specials (11:30 am-3 pm). Otherwise the food is not even close to being worth it, because it's not THAT good; it's on the better side of average. They have a Portabello Reuben, a Mediterranean combo plate, that delicious fondue everyone talks about, and pretty decent red Sangria, sold by the half and whole pitchers. My favorite tables are the two half-circles that face the brick wall by the bathrooms. Much more private, way less noisy. The service is eh, but whatever, I'd be pissed too if people were constantly shorting me tips because they don't realize they're supposed to tip on the original amount of the bill and not the discounted happy hour amount! Growl!
(4)Lisa R.
Want to grab a quick lunch in the square? Grendel's is awesome! Can't finish a whole sandwhich? Get a half sandwhich with a half salad or soup! I love their weekday lunch specials: who else lets you exchange half your sandwhich for something else yummy on the side for the same price? The service is always lightning speed and you can't beat a $5 lunch in Harvard Square. No, the food is not gourment, but you should take Grendels for what it is and enjoy the greasy bar food and cave-like decor. If it's nice out, grab a table outside! I would love to give this place a 3.5, but alas Yelp makes you choose.
(3)William M.
I madly appreciate Grendel's, if only for the fact that they fought a Supreme Court case to keep their doors open. (gotta fight...for your right... to party, etc etc.) Anyways, their food is a complaint I hear alot, but it's wicked cheap and usually not the reason I come here. The waitresses are unbelievably patient given how disorganized my groups have been. Probably my favorite bar in Boston.
(5)Nora T.
I heard about Grendel's half price specials, and thought it was too good to be true. I decided to trek down there one night to see how this worked, and was pleasantly surprised. The tables are seat-yourself, which meant that we had to wait a bit to get the attention of the waitress, but once we did I was not disappointed. I was able to devouer a delicious spinach and artichoke dip with crab and a sumptious turkey burger, wash it all down with an italian soda, and it all cost about $10. I plan on going back to see what else their manu has to offer, but my first trip left me very satisfied and didn't break the bank. (Technically my boyfriend's bank.. but still..)
(4)CR S.
Yech. Hamburgers looked like they were boiled. Salads were basic, with iceberg lettuce, like mom made back in the fifties. Find somewhere else to eat.
(1)Julie M.
Grendel's Den does little to stand out among its peers... This bar is easy to miss and I assume is overshadowed by Tommy O'Doyle's across the street. I went to Grendel's Den the night before Thanksgiving with a group of about 7 people. We sat at a "5 or more" table. Our waitress was friendly - she was willing to deal with someone "returning a drink" - and we did end up getting a free round of shots (it had turned out that the waitress and I had a friend in common). The drinks were moderately priced... and the bar let us hang out even after they had officially closed. Again, Grendel's Den is getting three stars because it was an okay bar, but nothing spectacular.
(3)Pablo S.
This gotta be one of the worse and unhealthy places in the whole world !!! Our server was smoking right in front of our table with the entire staff and completely ignored us every time we need it something... How's the 0.20 tip now??? We will never go back + stay away !!!!!
(1)Lalin A.
Mediocre food but cheap! Usually very hard to find seating, especially for bigger groups. Smells bad: inadequate airconditioning. But, could be a fun place if you get a corner or wall-side table and just enjoy casual conversation with friends. Not a place to take your date! Make the most out of the happy hour and half-price deal.
(3)Happy Eater B.
The half-off deal is absolutely fantastic. The food is great, the beers are carefully chosen, the atmosphere is lively. Factors keeping it from five-stars: flies of some kind were at the table, one of our table's entrees was just average. Overall, a nice place to go and, for half-off, a terrific deal.
(4)Stephanie T.
grendel's den is pretty great. though, i'm pretty sure i'd dish out 4 stars to ANY restaurant that offers half prices on their ENTIRE food menu every week night from 5-7:30 and weekends from 9-11:30. beer selection is small, food is creative, but not very bold. i've never had anything i absolutely HAD to have again, which can be problematic with a small menu. but i've never had complaints either. though, personal preference - chips or slaw with sandwiches is a pretty lame. i like fries. especially for an $8 burger, i want fries! not just a bag of lays dumped on my plate. that could be just me though. good atmosphere, friendly (albeit busy) wait staff. i will (and do) return - especially for half price food! 4 stars!
(4)tommie r.
GD's is pretty "what you see is what you get"; the substance of the place rests more in its atmosphere, set up and patrons than in its food. if you're feeling relaxed, are mostly going out for drinks and are basically in the mood for anything that fits the technical definition of "food" GDs is a good place for you.
(4)Emily S.
Sin Cider on tap :) Great atmosphere in the middle of Harvard SQ.
(4)Sean E.
Hrmm... Their food is veeeeery hit or miss with me. But the price is right. You know, they kind of put you in the position where you can't really complaint about the food because you only paid a few bucks for it. They can do something awesome like a plate of mussels for 5 bucks or something and have it be really tasty -- and then you can get a sandwich or some chicken or soup or something and have it just be really blah. Point being -- they're food is as good as what you're paying. It's a nice atmosphere, good beers and single malts can be found here, good place to meet up before a movie or just to hang out. But if you're out on a date or looking to impress or just looking to have a good meal -- I'd head elsewhere my friend.
(3)Courtney H.
Been back to Grendel's a couple times lately with one visit lasting a good 8 hours. That should tell you how awesome this bar is! Go, and go now.
(4)Corydon S.
Grendel's Den is my favorite place to avoid the inflated prices and ego of Harvard Square. At lunch the food is so cheap, you may look at your bill twice. I like going earlier in the day when place is pretty dead and I can eat my roast beef sandwich in peace. When it's packed, it gets so loud that it's hard to hear what the person across from you is saying. Still it's worth being able to chow smugly on food that is decent and cheaper than any of the places around it.
(3)Tez C.
Grendel's gets five starts for me just because of their half-off food happy hours. 500-730 and after 900, as long as you get one drink $3+, all food is half off, and while the food isn't spectacular, it is pretty good and cheaper than most food you can find in Harvard Square. The place is pretty cozy, though it can get pretty crowded at times. Our waitress was awesome. All around good times. It's the closest thing to a happy hour I've found here.
(5)Dalet Z.
cool spot with cool waiters/waitresses & bartenders. cool drinks/beer (had a black & cider - guiness with apple sin cider. it was delicious!) great deals on food. 1/2 off their whole menu from 5:00 to 7:30pm. (i got the lala's dinner - i forget the name of it, but it comes with your choice of steak or chicken or both. i did both. and your choice of 2 sides. i thought it was pretty tasty! would only get the chicken next time though. the steak was a bit chewy. but maybe it's the way i ordered it - medium well. who knows. i got the salad & mashed potatoes. loved both of them. my fiance' likes their roast beef sandwich. and i've gotten their turkey burger before which was good. they have great beer selections. they have outdoor seating too, which is nice in the summer. and still open even though october is almost over.
(4)D P.
Seriously, I would give a zero star but 1 is as low as I can rate. I used to really like Grendel's and looks like they have gone down the hill. We went there after couple of years on Memorial day and with perfect temperature outside, we decided to sit outside. Besides service being really slow, I can not be more unhappy about each food items we ordered. I almost feel like calling the manager and having him fire the cook -- if there was a cook working on a holiday or was it a busboy putting food together. Let me start with app-- ordered hummus($5) which had 'no taste'. It was clearly prepared on the premise since there was no 'lemon', 'salt' or any hint of other spice. It was terrible. Second, for the lunch entree, there was a special of "Kerala Curry with Tofu/Chicken"($8) which came on a bed of rice and vegetables. Curry was nothing but someone dumped coconut milk and was so mildly spiced that I ate a little bit but I stopped eating because I don't like to eat if I don't enjoy food. Another entree was 'lella's chicken'($9) -- OMG, the chicken was so dry that even with a steak knife, it took forever to cut it. The only part was descent in 'Leila's chicken' was the sauce on the side which was parsley, cilantro, garlic based sauce .
(1)Abbey L.
Grendel's is a great spot for after work. All food is 50% off between 5 and 7 and frankly even without that discount, it's quite cheap. It's not the greatest food I've ever had, but it's totally fine and there are a lot of choices on the menu.
(3)kelly w.
I think this is my favorite place in Boston. I've only been twice so far, but both times I had some really well-mixed, affordable and unusual drinks. The food ranges from basic to somewhat imaginative, and I think it's good. And you can't beat the price.
(5)Z R.
I don't come here for the food. I come for the atmosphere. The old creaky wooden floors and equally old creaky big wooden tables are charming. It reminds me of Chumley's in NYC. For those of you who are looking to eat here, however, the food isn't terrible. It's decent and reasonably-priced. Someone mentioned food poisoning in their review. Just stick to the basics, and you'll be fine.
(4)Kirs P.
I was just at Grendel's last night and was reminded how much I love this place. Is the food great? Not really, but you can't beat the prices- especially during the happy hour half price everything on the menu. That's pretty sweet. Especially if you get the fondue for 2, which if you do as an app with your group, is a great way to pass the time. The service? Eh. But, again, you never really end up caring, because you are having a pretty great time drinking, talking, and watchin' everyone else in the restaurant. Weirdness- they have co-ed bathrooms, which if it were just one stall woudn't be weird, but one of the bathrooms has two stalls in it. All I've gotta say is that boys are not always the best bathroom partners.
(5)A M.
This place is worth avoiding at all costs. The only thing more repugnant than the bathrooms at Grendel's Den is the staff behind the bar. These miserable, slow-moving vehicles take every chance to be rude to customers. The one time they do speed up is at last call, which they ring a good 20 min before every other place in Cambridge, just to get all the paying customers out. Fat and greedy, they only care to serve their moronic minions, who hang around the bar enjoying free drinks well past closing. Shame on you!
(1)Steve D.
A bit of a cave but great people, great food, great value. Classic spot.
(4)Alice P.
I went today with my husband and friends of ours for lunch. Before that I had only been for drinks and snacks so I was eager to try out an actual meal. My husband got a cesear salad to start and I stole some of the crotons were which were divine. But crotons do not a meal make (unfortunately) so it was on to my burger and chips. I was quite surprised that they don't have fries (one of my guilty pleasures) so I got homefries in addition to the chips. The homefries were excellent - whole slices of potato satueed lightly. The chips were just generic chips - nothing to write home about. Unfortunately the hamburger was less than stellar. It was two patties that were quite greasy and had more of a light grey sheen than the dark brown/black that hamburgers usually are. It was kind of off-putting. The lettuce for a topping was shredded which meant almost none of it stayed on, and the slice of tomato was rather measly. All in all it didn't taste bad; I guess I was just expecting more. I do like the atmosphere and the drinks are great, but I was less impressed with the food. Also, it was still brunch time, but there were very few brunch items. It mainly consisted of egg-and-meat concoctions.
(3)Sutee D.
I go to Grendel's for the atmosphere. It's bar where you can actually have good conversations. Although it still retains it's laid-back vibe, on Friday and Saturday nights, you can feel the energy from all of the people around you. You get the buzz from a lot of different conversations happening around you (and the alcohol), but you can still hear your friends (not to be taken for granted in bars in Boston). Good selection of drinks-wine, beer, cider, etc. The food is super-cheap (1/2 off at times!) during happy hour, etc, but a bit disappointing. The quality and price cater towards the college crowd but doesn't quite fit with the overall ambiance. Grendel's is the kind of place where I wouldn't mind paying more for quality food. If you're going to put seafood on the menu, do it justice. Otherwise, just stick with basic bar food. I'll go either way, but please make up your mind.
(3)Eve C.
Relaxed a friendly, with really cheap food and a great bar. Thankfully they DO NOT serve Bud. =)
(5)Susan D.
I was split between giving this bar/restaurant one or two stars and rounded up because I am in a gracious mood. The food was not spectacular. I ordered the shrimp sauteed in sambal sauce, which was pure sambal (Chinese chilies) mixed with 7 shrimp on top of a bed of white rice. My husband ordered a forgettable Mediterranean wrap. Credos for serving up authentic spicy food, but nay for the lack of originality when it comes to how they mixed the flavors. Also, the service was crappy. I guess what would I expect from a college bar. We ordered two beers and our meals. Twenty minutes later, the waiter asks us to remind him what we ordered. Then it took another 30 minutes for the drinks to come out because my husband's special beer glass was going through the wash. Sadly, when his beer arrived, the glass was hot, which made the beer strangely warm. Overall, what do you expect? The food was half off and watching the future powers of the world hang out with their professors was fun.
(2)William H.
I want to like this place, I really do. It's a cool funky below ground spot, but that just isn't enough for me. The food at best is boring and at most times its just plain bad. I went back a couple of days ago, willing to give it another try. It was 3:00 in the afternoon, not rush hour and we waited 20 minutes for someone to come with menus, then another 15-20 before our order was taken. The service is complete crap not to mention the rude wait staff. Seriously if you don't like your job, quit! After another 30 minute wait for the food, the clam chowder was only luke warm and had grit in it. The bread on the sandwich was stale and the beef was cold. After all that we had to wait yet another 20 minutes just to get our check. If you don't mind mediocre food, fine but plan on long waits and rude staff.
(2)Marcus D.
I don't know why this place gets such rave reviews. As a bar, it's alright, they actually let the Guinness sit for like twenty minutes to get it right, so kudos on that one, otherwise it's just a run of the mill pub. The place was packed and the patrons were sucking up the air, making it almost a little gross, but the bartender was friendly.
(2)Kabir H.
This place has really cheap food. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for. If you're just drinking, they've got a number of cozy spots that can seat a decent sized party. The lighting is the highlight of this place; dimly lit and there are even a couple tables in the back, away from prying eyes... Show up with a friend or a large party if you can find seats, but stick to beer.
(3)Bill B.
Awesome if you show up after hours M-Th. Half off food and seating isn't as bad as you'd expect. Don't think I would want to bother with the prices on the weekend tho. Good place to meet up with buddies after work.
(5)Julia F.
I went here on a Friday or Saturday night, we were meeting a group of maybe 10 people, only the person who had invited us had never seen how small the place was - it was at capacity for about 30+ minutes, so we all had to take turns waiting to get in. It was a decent night, we all go in finally once a few people who had come to have dinner left. It was difficult to try to have the bill split up, but finally we got different tabs for at least the food we ended up eating half way through our drinking. First impression of the staff, not good. Though the door guy grew on me, as the night went on (our interactions were many, what with my constant-smoking-while-drinking-habits). In the end, it was alright. I would go, but only bring one person tops with me... and not drink enough to have to use the bathroom... cause it's gross and teeny. Thumbs up on the veggie burger, but does my memory serve rightly that they don't have fries? A place that doesn't serve fries freaks me out a little bit...
(3)Phil W.
My friends and I used to come here weekly for post-work drinks. We've since moved onto Gargoyle's in Davis Square, as it's more local for us, but we still hit Grendels once in a while. The half-price food in the evenings is a great deal, and I can't recommend the Natural Disaster sandwich enough - two turkey patties, cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato? Awesome. I order it every time. Though I don't understand for the life of me why they can't put some flippin' french fries on the menu. Everything else on the menu is bar food fare, so where are the fries? Seriously! Service varies on your server; sitting at the bar helps. One of the bartenders really likes Wilco and all other things Jeff Tweedy. We get along great.
(3)Purvi R.
Stop #2 on the bf's birthday bar crawl. We entered to find our friends already waiting for us, and got down to business. This is a great location to meet up with folks; pretty big inside, larger tables/booths, and yummy cocktails - I think I had a raspberry mojito or similar. It also had a down-to-earth feel about the place, which is just my speed. It is on the list of places to come back - I really like this little area of Winthrop, super cute and nice to walk around in with no cars!
(3)Michele L.
One of the few places in Boston that offers happy hour specials (half price food until 7), so worth it, but it does get really crowded. Beer selection is mediocre and so is the food - except the vegan chili which was really cheap and delicious. Come here for the prices and the atmosphere - its cosy and denlike as the name suggests. If you are ok with waiting outside for a spot to open up its definitely a good spot to hit up on a Saturday night.
(3)Jennafir E.
All this place has going for it was the decor. It was a chill bar with good outdoor seating. The rest, well isn't memorable in a good way. The hummus is horrific. Stay away for the love of god. The sangria wasn't made well and the beer choices could have been better.
(2)Rachel G.
Come to Grendel's Den for happy hour and, with any drink purchase (alcoholic or non-!), your food is half off. For this alone, I'd give this place a try, but since we got food that was a. tasty and b. very well-portioned (not skimped or modified to fit the prices) I feel as though true fandom is in order. They're also one of the few casual places that I've been to in Boston/Cambridge that serves fondue. When four of us went to Om this past summer, we all found ourselves wishing we were here instead.
(4)Mats K.
This is a nice after-work meetup restaurant. The food is always tasty (and their happy hour half off everything on the menu makes it easy on the wallet) though the portions are a bit on the small side. They have a good selection of beer. Nice place to come and hang out after work with friends.
(4)Laura M.
Really crowded with a mixed group (college kids, young professionals, older folks) on a Thursday evening during their "happy hour." Half-price food with the purchase of a drink before 7:00. My turkey sandwich was decent and my Dead Guy Ale was $3.80 -- not bad. Got out of there with a $7 dinner including the beer. Service was slow and somewhat surly, and I had to get up and ask a bartender for a glass to pour my beer into (am I a snob? I like to see the color and the head when I try a new beer...). Hard to get a table. I'd give it three stars if not for the cheap special, but the price is so right. And they have Dark and Stormies.
(4)Terra W.
I give Grendel's a 1 star, not that I have actually eaten there though. One Saturday night we stopped by not too long ago. It was crowded, and there were 3 of us. One server told us to sit wherever we wanted, so we sat at the only open table, still a mess from the previous patrons (which is OK), which was a table for 5. We say looking at the menu for 15 or so minutes when our server finally appeared. She informed us that since there was just three of us, we could not sit there, at that table for 5. We asked where we should sit since there were no other tables, and she rudely repeated herself, gave us a nasty look and walked away. We went to the thai place around the corner instead where we got service with a smile. I won't be heading back to Grendel's anytime soon.
(1)Noelle F.
A couple things I love about this place: they have original sin cider on tap, the half-price special they run, the atmosphere (very cozy and laid back). My one and only con is the food. I've tried a couple menu items and everything has just been so-so. Then again, it was half priced so I can't complain too much! Overall, great place to have a couple after work beers
(4)Michael D.
Initially I wasn't to impressed with Grendel's Den, but it quickly grew on me with it's really diverse beer and drink menu, cheap and simple pub grub, good/fast service, and a really social atmosphere. It's now one of my default dives when i'm anywhere near Harvard Square.
(4)jorbi p.
I'm giving Grendel's 5 because I can't give it 4.5, which is probably more what it deserves. The vibe in this place is great. No tv's, and half price food to be had with great frequency. And the food is usually quite awesome, especially for the price. The Seafood Dishes and the French Dip sandwich are awesome, as are their various specials (I'm praying they bring back their Chicken Pot Pie from last winter.) I dare you to order the Shrimp Sambal... easily the spiciest/hottest dish I've ever had. The waitresses are usually brimming with cuteness (can't complain about that) and are usually very friendly (though I have had the occasional rude one). The bartenders are usually very cool... the guy ones tend to be the friendlier ones I find. Who knows why. Now for the important part: drinks. Grendel's has the best Dark & Stormy I've ever had... i don't know if it's the special canned ginger beer they use or the fact that they get the goslings and the ginger beer to separate just right, but it's damn good. They also serve a warm port wine & cider that is really good during the winter months. For some reason they don't have any corporate beer (odd only because they do have have corporate booze) which might bother some, but is fine by me. There is also outside patio seating, which you can now drink at as long as you order food. There are no half price specials outside, however. The only reason I'd knock this place down 1/2 star is because every so often the food is not 100% and because when they get busy, it can take a while to get service sometimes. I've sat at the bar 5 or 10 minutes a couple times before getting served, and the bar isn't that big. Also, their bar stools are very uncomfortable, albeit only if you sit on them for a 1/2 hour or more. These negatives are infrequent though, and no reason not to check this place out.
(5)Dan M.
Grendel's is easily one of my favorite places to kick back and relax with a drink. It's got a laid-back atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and a real mix of patrons which makes for great people watching. It can get pretty packed on a Saturday night, but unlike a lot of places you never feel like you have to shout to have a conversation. My experiences with the food menu have been limited to the nachos, potato skins, and the French Dip, and I haven't been disappointed by them, plus the half-price hours make it hard to go wrong. One of the best things about the drink menu is the "No Bud, Coors, Miller" statement on it, so if you want cheap, bad beer go somewhere else. There are a handful of beers that are always on tap, my favorites being Guinness and Original Sin Cider, and a frequently changing selection of micro brews to choose from. They also have a great Dark and Stormy if that's more up your alley. A couple of people have commented on the unisex bathrooms. There are two bathrooms, one is a double stall (on opposite sides of the sink) and the other is a single. If you don't want to share a bathroom just wait for the single.
(5)Meghan D.
Extremely diverse menu - cannot beat their half off menu prices before 7:30! Great meet up for friends - as a starting point or even staying place for the night. I have done both - and had a good time either way. Just a short walk from the Harvard Square t-stop. Worth a quick stop or a whole meal.
(3)Alexandra C.
This place is awesome. I love the outdoor seating and of course the half-off menu every day! My roomie is a vegetarian and they also have some great vegetarian options. We had the portobello wrap and artichoke/crab/spinach dip the other night and they were both amazing! Definitely worth going to.
(4)Luke C.
The only thing grendel's has going for it is the appetizer special from 5 to 730. Other than that, nothing shines about this place. Grendels has mediocre food and black flies flying around. I've made the mistake of bringing a date here once, needless to say things didn't work out. There's so many better options nearby (John harvard's brew house, for example)
(2)Emily S.
Two gripes are that it is impossibly crowded and the service is ehhh...other than that: cheap Dark n Stormys...good beer on tap...and half priced food at certain hours. So there.
(4)Nicole M.
I'm almost positive I've tried their fries - c'mon let's face it, whose fries haven't I tried?!! - but haven't eaten anything else at Grendel's. Just booze! Yes, it gets loud and crowded and sometimes a bit dank, but it's always a good time.
(3)Beth G.
The food is blah, meh, feh, whatever- don't eat there. But if you're out w/a group of friends in Harvard Square and want to get your drink on, then Grendel's is the place.
(3)Francesca R.
See now, I almost gave Grendel's four stars because when I'm here, I usually have a nice, relaxed evening and I'm a big fan of a good atmosphere. But then I remembered why I'm never the one to suggest going here, and usually offer up alternatives before settling here - the service is sloooow and the food is meh. However, they really do have awesomely cheap grub, and when a group of us get together and camp out at one of the tables, it's a good time. I would spend more money on booze if only I could find our server...
(3)Seth O.
Having worked in Harvard square for several years, Grendel's has always been one of my favorite spots for lunch or for drinks after work. While it can get a bit crowded during the frugal period known as happy hour; I've found it a relatively quiet place to lunch, especially if you don't go out until 1:30 or 2:00. People have mentioned that the fondue's not spectacular; well, in the grand scheme of fondue, its not the best out there, but it is still tasty cheese with bread; but during happy hour it's $10 between 2 maybe more people and I can't think of many places you can a vat of molten cheesy goodness for anything approaching that price. I've always liked the Grendel Roast beef sandwich and the chicken breast sandwich with honey mustard as well as the shrimp caesar salad; all of which find their way onto the lunch menu. One further note; it seems you can now drink alcohol outside there (though sadly no happy hour on the coveted patio chairs) which is something I think everyone who frequents the place has been waiting for.
(5)Christopher R.
This almost reminds me of one of my favorite drinking spots in DC (The Brickskeller). I guess its just the brick. The food is decent, the drinks are average, the service is okay. I guess I just love it because of the atomosphere. Its a great place to chill.
(4)Byron M.
If you are running low on cash and you want to eat well and have a decent beer, find your way to Grendel's Den in Harvard Square. They are located in the basement (low rent) part of the building. They have happy hour half price food when you spend a minimum of $3 per person on drinks. The food is ok, but is not going to win any awards, but if you want a cheap night out, this is the place. I liked their burger on a baguette. It was good. It is busy during happy hour. They do happy hour every day.
(3)Jeff S.
This place is more about atmosphere and for the fact that you can get the happy hour special on the food if you take a drink. The food is less than mediocre-nothing to write home about except order a side salad. I swear it is the best salad I have ever had because of all the stuff they put in it!! Whatever you do, do not order the fondue. You think you are getting this amazing bubbling concoction of cheese but really it is a lump of unpleasantness that takes forever to get to the consistency of rubber cheese to tear and put it on the bread by hand. They really need to take it off the menu and consider putting fries on there instead of greasy, salty, poor man's potato chips.
(3)grey b.
True, I've only been here briefly twice, but i just don't feel the need to go back. Given the number of good to great bars withing a ten minute walk from here, G.D. is a wholly unremarkable establishment with mediocre service and mediocre food trapped in bland atmosphere.
(2)Julia W.
I really really love this place. It does get pretty crowded on weekends but I have never had to wait that long for a table even then. The staff are friendly, the service is fast, the drinks are yum and they have a Dark and Stormy for about $4.75 that is fantastic! The food is so great to. Just a good, honest, delicious menu which has never disappointed me. Totally reasonable prices and they have that half price thing on some weekdays! Whenever my friends or a date suggest Harvard Sq I always find myself saying "how about Grendel's Den". Thanks Grendels! You give me warm fuzzy feelings.
(5)Teju P.
This is a hidden jem for veggie lovers. Me and my friend split a quinoa dish and the special hummus melt. We left with full stomachs and no food coma. The lemonade is excellent and not to sweet. Definitely a veggie friend place!
(5)Lindsay L.
As a student, I go here every once in awhile for their lunch specials for $3.95 or for a drink and for their half price appetizers later at night. There aren't many great food deals in Harvard Square, so I will definitely give Grendel's points for making the effort to have lots of cheap food. It's also a nice, laidback bar scene. That being said, the food is always pretty average and I haven't been wowed by anything. The portions are pretty small as well. I would say it's good on a budget or if you're looking for a place where you can get a beer and want a quick snack but aren't too picky.
(3)Steve E.
Great bar with nice, cheap food.
(5)Jessica C.
Love the half-price before 7:30 special-- I came with my best friend and we shared the cheese fondue ($24 regularly, $12 with the deal) and had a few drinks. Not a huge fan of the fondue in terms of a meal (huge pot of stinky cheese off which I managed to get tipsy) but it was a fun experience. Otherwise good service, delicious drinks, and very down-to-earth for a delicious, affordable dinner. Lovely atmosphere. My only quip is that my mental image of Grendel was always a little grubbier than the Grendel on the restaurant T-shirts.. I guess I can live with that. :-)
(4)Joe R.
Nothing too flashy about ol' Grendel's (except maybe that it catches some of the uber-sheik glow from nearby OM's beacon-like opulence), but cool none-the-less. Great place for a meal at the counter. I didn't pick up on the "Harvard" bar aspect as much as other reviewers (other than the fact that it is practically on-campus and everyone in a 10-mile radius is affiliated with the school). If you're seeking to avoid the big "H," this may be a poor choice of geography...
(4)Nick B.
What can I say, the price is right. That said, the food is tasty, but the portions always leave me feeling somewhat unfulfilled, so I'm glad I've never tried to get food here during non-happy hour. The good news is that non-happy hour only lasts from 7-9pm, so chances are you'll get some cheap eats whenever you show up. This applies extra on Sunday when a variety of menu items can be had for a buck. A buck! As a footnote, there is a supreme court case entitled "Larkin v. Grendel's Den" [459 U.S. 116 (1982)]. A little slice of history for the other legally-minded nerds out there.
(3)Alexis J.
My mistake - the flowers are real! Obviously very good specimens when I saw them as I did think they were fake. Now, I can't argue with fresh cut flowers, can I?
(4)D. C.
Grendels' is usually packed. Especially at 1/2 price time. Half-Price hours are from 5:00 pm til 7:30 pm every evening and from 9:00 pm til 11:30 pm Sunday - Thursday. For me its hit or miss. Sometimes the food is really good but sometimes its just ok. My favorite is their turkey burger, its surprisingly good and not dry at all. You really can't beat that half price menu and the pub atmosphere. I'd give it a 3.5 if I could.
(4)Wyatt G.
I just tried out Grendel's Den for the first time and am very impressed: * vegan-friendly (they have their own veggie burger recipe that's great) * great service (my server was upbeat and helpful) * affordable * nice atmosphere I will definitely be coming back.
(5)Andrew W.
Love the half-price food happy hour and college town vibe. Where else can you get a steak for $7.50 in any major city? Was pretty good too! Grendel's = recession proof.
(4)Jeanne B.
Good place for a pint. The bar area is not very big so sitting is your best option. Wherever I stand I end up being in the way. Prices are decent and they have a nice selection of brews on tap.
(3)Lady Fang Y.
I keep hoping the food will be consistent. But it seems to get worse every time I go. The first time I went it was amazing, then every time after it went south. Today I tried the Grendel sandwich, deli style roast beef with herg garlic cream cheese and rye toast. That was it. It was SO dry, the bread hurt my mouth and there was the bare minimum of cheese. No joke, the 4 tables around us, every person , 7 people, ordered the Lala chicken...maybe we missed out! I look forward to the spinach dip, but the last time I was there it was scary, and I didn't want to risk it. No bud, coors, miller or lite versions were served there. Fine by me. Original Sin is on tap! Disappointed for lunch today...probably the last time I'll eat there.
(2)Devin S.
To say that Grendel's is special is a lie, but, it shouldn't stop you from going. The half price deal's they offer are fantastic as long as you stay within the realm of typical pub grub. Their burgers, appetizers and soup are well worth the money at full price, it's only when you start experimenting with 'abnormal' menu items that you'll be happy the price is discounted enough to that you can eat the check. Make sure that whatever you order fits the atmosphere and you won't be disappointed.
(3)M. Deloris D.
What with all the Beowolf hullaballoo, there's no better time than the present to give props to this underground underground (not a typo) hangout. Grendel's Den serves up eats on the cheap 5- 7:30 pm every night and 9- 11:30 pm Sunday - Thursday long as you meet a drink minimum of $3/person. This place isn't the "meat market" it could be and I'm thankful for that. The food is not gourmet but it's cheap and good. I'm a HUGE fan of the shrimp sambal and the steak tips aren't bad either. Whatever you do, skip dessert. There's much better to be had in the vicinity. I challenge you to see how far a $10 bill will stretch at Grendel's.
(4)Nicholas M.
Grendels has a nice patio which is perfect for those 80 degree days in April after suffering through a long winter. I enjoyed one of their wraps which had turkey, avocado & bacon and shared the "vegetable banquet". The portions were however...Anti American if you know what I mean. But nonetheless it was nice lunch in a great part of Cambridge I have never been to. I'll probably be back for a beer some night.
(3)Austin S.
Grendel's is all about price and atmosphere -- both are phenomenal. The entire menu is very reasonably priced, especially during their extensive happy hours. That isn't to say that the food's actually very good, but the fact that you can get a perfectly decent smoked turkey and bacon wrap or a bowl of quite filling pasta for $4 is pretty amazing. The beer and wine selection are quite good, especially given the prices. Their recently revamped wine list is much improved. Honestly, I'd prefer a little more rotation on the beer menu, but they usually have at least a couple good brews on tap. Mostly, though, the atmosphere is just damn good. It's perhaps the most chill, comfortable, homey place in Harvard Square. It's quite a testament to say this: it's actually comfortable to go in at 1:00 pm, sit at the bar with a bunch of reading you have to do for work/school, have some lunch and a beer (or three), and enjoy the occasional friendly distractions of the bar staff.
(4)Stephanie H.
My sister got me hooked on this place soon after I moved to Boston area in 2002. I have loved it ever since. When I moved to the north shore in 2005 I was going to miss being so close to Grendals. I have made it back a few times but not as much as I would want when I lived in Belmont. They have good food and beer at great prices and it such a cozy atmosphere. Sometimes finding a seat can be hard but be patient. in the warmer months they set up some seats outside. Good any season of the year to go to.
(4)Krista H.
This is totally a place that I bring people to that are from out of town. It is very reasonably priced, food is great, and the atmosphere is the best in Boston. Very laid back and a great place to meet up with friends. The menu isn't too exciting but the food is never bad. I'm always up for a trip to Grendel's, no matter what day of the week it is.
(4)jodi h.
Good atmosphere for a beer, but avoid the food. It isn't tasty at all. They can't even good basic bar food. Go to Charlie's down the street if you want to eat. Having said that, they have half price food before and after dinner time, so, at least the food is cheap.
(2)Jason C.
Best deal in the Boston area. Where else can you get a decent meal and a nice beer for under $10?
(5)Julie R.
While this place wasn't great, it wasn't bad either. The crowd looked like mostly Harvard grad students. It was in the basement it had that old speak easy type feeling. Drinks were ok but came very slow. The waitress we had passed by so many times then finally noticed the glasses where empty with us saying something. It's a cool place for a drink but if the server was on top of things I'd give it another star. Didn't try any food but noticed the menu had some low priced specials.
(3)Jeremy S.
Cool underground pub (literally not figuratively!). Good beer selection and a friendly casual place to drink with your buddies.
(4)michael m.
Came here for lunch the other day. The tables are packed in really tight together, so you're pretty much on top of one another. We were able to get a table quick though, and the service was passable. Ordered the steak tip sandwich, which was alright. However, it came with chips, as the place doesn't serve french fries. Such a disappointment when getting steak or a burger. The atmosphere is very basement like -- dark and dingy -- but not a real problem. There is a patio, and as of now, you cannot drink alcohol there, but Grendel's is getting a permit for that. There's a great selection of beer -- Magic Hat, Cambridge Hefeweizen, Harpoon -- no Bud Light or Miller Lite. These were at a decent price, too. The menu has a few perks, too. There's the $3.95 lunchtime special, half price menu from 5 to 7, and dollar meals Sunday night. You can see the menus here: grendelsden.com/menu.html
(3)Daisy K.
food's super cheap at nine, their second happy hour, when the eats are half off, but that goes hand in hand with mediocre tastes. i did however drink some pungent dark and stormys and the beer selection was long enough to browse, wonder, and order again and again. i like the space- low dark and warm, and the bar's situated as a perfect u-turn. i love the fact that its wheelchair accessible, seeing eye dog friendly, and that they have bathrooms designed for all genders at the same time. they do have the sign "either/or" on the bathrooms, but whyyyy must we be punished with the binary gender norm? there is no either/or; it's "anything/everything"! (summary: food's eh but the drinks are set, and everything ends in a smile on the toilet). oh and they played prince for most of the night. use that fact with your own enlightening discretion (i liked it ;D)
(3)Adam B.
not much i can add to a place with 119 reviews. but, ill throw my 2 cents in... came here saturday night for dinner with a friend and sat out side. it was a really nice night so we weathered the breeze to enjoy a nice dinner under the moon (wow, that sounded ghey...haha). i really like this place because they really advertise the fact, that all those crappy light beers are just that....CRAP. you wont find any sort of brahweiser here...the assortment of beer is great as well as the drinks. my friend got a very tasty patron Margarita and i, an equally good martini. the food however, wasn't the greatest. i got the seafood combo and wasn't very happy wit the portions. the salmon was about the size of my thumb ( i have tiny hands) and the shrimp, about a third that. the "rice pilaf" was tasteless and the sauce that came with the fish tasted like salt water. my friend got the santa fe salad, and the chicken was cold and barbecue sauce, not very good... probably not a great place to eat, but not bad to hang out and drink a few cocktails and some beers from around the world.
(3)kyle c.
i still love this place! those of us that work down the street at charlie's make an effort to come here after our day shifts weekly. the staff is excellent, particularly bartender dave. while i like coming to this bar often, my favorite times are when dave is working.
(5)Terry S.
Once in that blue moon, I feel like visiting the den of the grendel. There are things about the place that I like and there are things that I like more. Let us discuss these for a moment. Outside seating is a serious thumbs up. Its nicely located in that little plaza area and its pretty awesome for people watching while you munch and sip. One small issue is that the food isn't all that outstanding. But, when you glance the prices... I mean, not so bad. So, you get what you pay for, and from what I gather there are ample times that they do half-pricing on food as long as you are having a drink. I like that more than full priced food. Anyway, the inside of the place has a nice feel and one might say its "grendel-esque", but with a great deal less dismembered human limbs. Perhaps, if it was named after his mother, things would be different. All around, this is a great little spot to sit back and relax, have a few drinks and talk about how complete badassed Beowulf was and how he must've been great in the sack. Er... or on a pile of hay and mud.
(4)Ben J.
Fantastic Clam Chowder. French dip was so so and service was a little slow. Great atmosphere in Havard Square.
(3)Abbey B.
Four stars NOT for the food, but everything else. Eating here is never memorable. I can't remember one thing I've gotten that was better than something I could make at home. But they have a great half price deal on food at certain hours of the day, if you buy a drink. Sundays, a bunch of menu items are $1 with purchase of a drink. Not half bad. Let me just say here that I LOVE Grendel's. Probably my favorite bar. Great beer selection, always creative and delicious seasonal drinks that don't cost too much, great music. It's seat yourself, so if you're there on a busy night, you might find yourself checking out the other tables to see how close to done everyone is, then hover near that table so you can stake your claim as soon as the table's empty. I love that Grendel's is small but cozy, very laid back, and the servers are always really nice. Love this place. Oh, Rachael Ray went here on one of her shows. THAT pissed me off. She probably stayed for five minutes, then asked for a Wet-Nap.
(4)Tracee D.
yes to exposed brick yes to Beowolf yes to basements yes to beer yes to a too cute/gruffy server boy,. no to food no to Harv. Sq no to mean bartender old disheveled lady who had the audacity to tell me that the server boy needs to "make his livin' " when I tried to order a quick- social- lubricant shot at the bar....
(2)Julia Megan W.
Love to come here for the half-price specials. It is always a pleasant walk through the square and it all feels very low: low down, low key, low price. I like to get the fish with a baked potato and anytime they throw gorgonzola on anything it is a win. I think the nachos here are silly in a not good way.
(4)Heather L.
i went to grendel's den with a few friends and we had a really great time. the waitress we had was a sweatheart (wish i could remember her name) the sandwiches were really good and the atmosphere was fun! i've yet to have a good drink there but i'm pretty picky.
(4)Susan L.
Sitting outside in the sun chowing down and having a beer while listening to live music are some of the best things about summertime. Although the food isn't that great, the overall experience was.
(3)S S.
I agree with Trish's review on this one, Grendel is really like a fast food place with beer. It gets really loud and packed here on friday and the evening with students. During the day, its the tourist that wander in.There is one unisex bathroom, they have a decent selection on tap, the food is cheap and filling. Really, there is not much to say about this place.
(3)Jared G.
Solid beer bar, I agree, but definitely lacking in the food department. I caught a flimsy Caesar salad up at the bar; dry grilled chicken and lettuce so weak I almost pitied the fool who'd picked it. I must say, though, that the happy hour deals do seem pretty impressive. Come here for a couple cold ones and a relaxed atmosphere. But for goodness' sake - there are so many other places to get a good meal in the square- why come here for dinner?
(3)Kiki B.
underground location, underimpressive food. sure it's cheap, but i'm pretty sure they cook on a hot plate.
(1)Corry B.
I went here on a first date who was nice but was talking about porn by the time we got here. This is more the kind of place you talk about hobbits (okay, I guess porn and hobbits aren't mutually exclusive). Wonderful beer selection- I heart any place that won't sell Budwiser, and I was spared my evil judgment by not having to watch date order a Beer Lite (why? why do you drink those things?) while he got the yummiest mulled cider! Hot drinks! Yeah! Fireplace! I will devote myself to any bar that has those hooks on the underside of the bar for jacket hanging. I'd even forgive lite beer for those hooks. I think. Update: I went back here again with a much better companion and we got there early enough (before 7:30 on weekday, 9-11 on weekend-good deal! ) to order 1/2 price food- the WHOLE freaking menu! I was kind of overwhelmed and for some reason freaked out (oh! the choices! for price? what do i do? order something i usually can't afford? or?or?) and ordered spaghetti, a nice olive-y yet seemingly caper-less pasta puttanesca- but it was good. They put things on smallish looking plates, but it's the right amount and they are tricky, cuz you think you are getting such a deal you keep ordering drink after drink after... and the bathrooms can be co-ed so if you want some privacy and don't feel like running in on some stranger shakin' off the droplets go into the single cell on the right. Oh, and this night the music was amazingly bad. To the point of it being campy and spurring conversation about the Fat Boys and New Kids on the Block (you'd be surprised how much they have in common when you analyze...) which in my opinion is much safer than porn talk.
(3)Justine K.
Went to Grendel's Den for the first time this weekend and was pleasantly surprised! Have been to Harvard Square a million time s and some how never checked out Grendel's. All food was half price if you buy a drink. In season they offer warm cider drinks.. can't wait to go back and try em. Cute and cozy inside with a fireplace (wasn't lit while we were there). Staff was friendly but not over the top. I would reccomed this place after a day of shopping or for a snack and a drink if you are looking to relax.
(4)Brian D.
The only really cool thing about Grendel's is the name. This place should be really cool. It's underground, sort of dank but it just goes really blah, really fast. If you get a table you will probably get pretty meh service. If'n you are at the bar - ditto. The drinks aren't super cheap and they aren't super expensive. The food looked like it was pretty average. I think the coolest thing about Grendel's is just getting drunk and calling the place 'Grundel's' instead or even 'Grendel's Grundel'.
(2)Chris D.
Great little spot. Sometimes gets crowded on the weekends, but usually you can find a table. The drinks are good and reasonably priced. The kitchen closes a little earlier than you'd like, maybe around 11 (I forget). The staff is always friendly, and overall the atmosphere is very comfortable.
(4)David T.
awesome, fun place to grab a great draught or a stiff drink. the bartenders are awesome, and sit at the bar and chat you up once shift change comes around. everyone's pretty much awesome here. food is so-so, but i went for the drinks. service at the bar downstairs is super quick and easy on the wallet too. awesome place to just meet random, cool strangers and leave having made some crazy friends! the buffalo wings were rather plentiful, and the potato skins weren't so much skins, but like awesome baked potatoes! ate away to my heart's content!
(4)Kristine M.
Half price food during happy hour. Turkey, pesto, and havarti sandwich for only $3.25? I'm sold. The sandwich was pretty good and I like the coziness of it.
(4)Paolo D.
Jesus, I don;t know whay so many people bitch and moan about the food.....You are getting a real meal here for $5 if you go during Happy Hour.....I always order the mixed grill, which is great. Beers are reasonably priced, lots to choose from, there's always a good number of people hanging, unfortunately it is always 85 degrees in here, which is weird, since it is in the basement.
(4)Ger T.
The food here is cheap, filling, kind of like higher-class diner food without all the grease. It's a good place to meet friends for a quick bite if you're in Harvard Square and want an inexpensive place to eat. Their burgers are no-frills, but again, filled me up, and they have a pretty good drinks selection with a good Happy Hour special for half off your meal. The chill, college-town-y atmosphere is really what makes the experience here, not the food.
(3)S W.
If you enjoy the taste of your own projectile vomit, look no further than here! It may be a fun bar but beware of the food- I got awful food poisoning from this place. And when I mention this to people, more often than not, someone else can relay a story of an upset stomach after eating here.. So if you wish to drink, I am pretty sure they haven't poisoned the libations so you will be safe-- But stay far away from the food.
(1)David B.
Cheese fondue for 2 at happy hour = $12.50 and comes with 2 salads laden with veggies. Add a 1/2 carafe of tasty cheap white wine to meet the min drink requirement, and you have an outrageous meal for you and your honey for about 25 bucks after tip.
(4)Sofia H.
i might have always gone at the same time but the few times i've stopped by grendel's den (awesome name i have to say, why i tried it in the first place...) the service always seems to be so all over the place that it makes the good (but not fantastic) food taste a little worse... i suppose to get a beer and go this place might be a good call but in general grendel's den is alright but def doesn't really impress
(3)michael s.
Having only eaten here once, I suppose I could possibly hold off on reviewing Grendel's until I've eaten there again a few times but the problem is, my experience there pretty much makes me never want to come back. Oh yes, also the server told us to never come back. This was quite a while ago, so perhaps that particular server has moved on to bigger and better things, like being a jerk at a more upscale restaurant, but that singular bad experience was enough to ensure that I never bother to come back. Because it is mildly reknowned around Harvard square, a group of three of us went to Grendel's one night for a later dinner. It was pretty busy but there were a couple of free tables and we were seated at one of the tables outside. We waited for our waiter for about 15 minutes. He came, took our orders in a rather surly manner and left. Fine, maybe he had a bad day, I can understand that. When I start to take it personally is when the waiter is polite and courteous to his other tables, but not us. The food came, after an incredibly long time, and it was only partially warm. At this point we decided to cut our losses and not deal with having to send back the food, so we ate our lukewarm burgers and fries and tried to flag the waiter down to get our bill. This turned out to be quite the task since our waiter was quite adept at completely ignoring us. I want to highlight here that it wasn't that our waiter was just horrendously busy - he had time to make small talk with other tables and demonstrate very clearly that his surliness was reserved just for select patrons. We waited for about 30 minutes before finally giving up and going down to the manager to get our bill to pay it. We left a tip commensurate with the service we received (read: whatever change was left over) and as we were walking away from Grendels, suddenly our waiter was able to devote all his attention to us as he chased after us and bitched us out for leaving him such a small tip. His parting sally? "Don't ever come back here." Gladly.
(1)Doris K.
What a steal! I'll admit that the food isn't spectaular but when you pay half-price it makes it worth it. If you buy a $3 drink during certain times of the day you can get all of your food half-price. The portions aren't huge but they are enough to fill you up. I usually get the pork tenderloin with mashed and sauerkraut. The boyfriend gets the Grendal sandwich with roast beef? and a cream cheese sauce. It's actually pretty decent. I would stick to the familiar things when it comes to food. I tried a chili lime chicken once (it was on the specials) and it didn't turn out so well. Don't expect too much service but sometimes we get lucky.
(4)Stephen K.
Four stars for drinks, 2-3 for food. But I'm usually coming here for the drinks and the people so I guess I'll put it at four. The people you bring will raise or lower that accordingly. Onward... They have a nice selection of beers and a tap that rotates monthly, as well as some interesting drinks that my friends like to try, like crazy blueberry things and dark and stormies. I really like the atmosphere, though when it gets too crowded it's not as fun, and seems like they might be understaffed. I try to avoid the weekends for that reason. But during the week (at least) the staff is friendly and attentive - also everything on their menu is half price after 9 on weeknights. As for the food, they do have some express lunch specials for about four bucks, and what you get is reasonable considering the price. The outside tables right next to the little park provide a nice atmosphere if the weather is good, but the service is a definitely slower as the staff (understandably) seems to try to cut down on the trips up and down the stairs. My advice: have dinner (if it's not too fancy) at one of the better places in Harvard Square and a couple drinks here afterward.
(4)Sarah L.
Grendel's is my go-to place for cheap food and drinks. Not as elegant as some places in Harvard Square, but cozy and warm and great in the winter. Great place for a light dinner or drinks with friends. There's not a ton of space but it's good for a table of two or a group on a weekday.
(4)Kai P.
Over fifteen years ago I went to Grendel for fondue. It was a good time A, because I had never had fondue B, because I was 17. Now that I am old and the wonder of trying hot stinky cheese on skewered bread has passed I realize it wasn't that cool being the food has gotten drastically weak. While the burgers are quite fine and actually my friend was given a double burger rather than a single, it still points out that the cooks are either not paying attention or don't care. My seafood platters haddock looked like a scaled guppy, the scallops and shrimps were fine tho. This now leaves my memories of the fondue which were shattered when I tried the abrasively over wined sharp flavor... It tasted less like fine cheese and more like cheese whiz dunked in boxed wine. The wait staff was cool a nice but seem way disinterested in keeping up appearances. About three were all sitting at the bar reading when i was there. I didn't even realize they were staff until later. At best Grendel is a decent place to get a beer these days and strait bar food but outside of that your taking you life and taste buds in your own hands.
(2)Jeff B.
You're more likely to hear people talking about Suetonius than the Superbowl here. If football does come up in conversation, it's likely being used as an example to explain a complicated physical phenomenon. Don't overthink the menu, concentrate on the conversation. Order some drinks and appetizers, sit, relax, discuss.
(3)Aretha B.
cheap bar menu excellent dark n stormys (cheap!) and original sin cider on tap, mmmmm
(4)Amanda L.
Went there for Oktoberfest in Harvard Square and this place definitely did not disappoint. My bf got the Oktoberfest Marzen ale and I got the Original Sin Cider. We shared some bratwurst and soft pretzels with Camembert cheese and onions. Delicious, especially when you combine the two. Place was ridiculously busy and the seats were something to be desired but I will definitely come back to try their brunch and mimosas =) Plus I saw something for like $3.95 lunch specials? Def need to check it out again
(4)Heather H.
Look, the beer list is so-so, the food is pretty bad, it gets really hot, the staff is bitchy about what table you sit at sometimes, you're surrounded by Harvard kids, but yeah, it's really cheap. But why would you go to Grendel's when Charlie's and Shay's are just a few steps away in either direction?
(2)luke s.
the place offers what sounds like a deal--half off food during happy hour--but do not be deceived. i understand that the seductive prices make it appealing, and the impecunious college students that populate harvard square have good reason to seek modestly priced fare, but the cost benefit analysis comes out decidedly against grendel's. the beer selection is slightly better than what is available in the vicinity, but the prices aren't. the sangria, while tasty, seems to lack any alcohol content whatsoever. and the food that seemed like such a deal moments before, is sub-par at best. a hangover toddler with a microwave and an active imagination can do better with less, and would probably offer quicker service.
(2)Adrienne B.
You can't beat their happy hour special: if you order booze (pitcher of sangria is CHeAP) your food is 1/2 off. Their prices are already low so this is amazing. Many a night after work I've met up with friends and had a great time here. During the school year its a pain to have to stand around and wait for a table so we've gone elsewhere but its worth the wait if your a first timer. Please if you're not a party of 5 abide by the rules of the big tables- I'm usally a party of 5 and its annoying to stand waiting for a party of 3 to leave the only table that will fit us!
(4)Geoff T.
Though the prices have gone up a bit in the last couple years, I still love this place. When it's warm, have a seat at one of the outdoor tables-- when it's cold go down to the cozy under ground room (Do they still light the fire place?). Food is half-priced during happy hour, a mixed drink-- say a Gin and Tonic-- is a lot cheaper here than other bars (I won't quote a price as I haven't been there for a few months). The food is an ecclectic collection that ranges from middle eastern to italian. It can get crowed after work, but it's a great place for lunch or a little later at night after a movie at the Brattle Theater for a drink and some potato skins. Lots of character, decent beer selection, great vibe.
(5)Arik C.
Nu Bud, no Miller, BASTA! How I admire a bar that won't serve crap beer! Great prices on beer and not a bad selection. Wish they had more English beers but still what they have is all good!
(5)Michael G.
We went on a Sunday for lunch and couldn't decide if it was good or not. My french dip was really good, and I enjoyed the coffee. However, their tiny bottomless cups of coffee are slow to be refilled. I constantly had to ask our waitress to pour more. Plus, my girlfriend's hot chocolate was watery and bland. I'll probably return again, especially for the happy hour food.
(3)Lauren T.
I came here on a Sunday for Brunch with my mom after an art exhibit. For a woman used to higher quality places than I can afford, she approved of this place. The Brunch menu was short, sweet, classy and cheap. They offered seven egg choices and seven sandwich plates, all priced under $10 and dabbled with some sort of exotic cheese. The drink menu was fun and included the brunch basics, as well, as some champagne-infused ones I had never heard of. All around a cozy, great place, to warm up in, munch and placate a pestering mother.
(3)Brandy S.
Love this place in the winter!!!! The small bar is home to some "wicked smaht kids", and yummy food. The best part is their happy hour - everything on the food menu is half off. If you have a group, the fonue is a good deal. There is no pretention and no expectations - just casual fun.
(5)Jen and Tim S.
The sangria is tasty and the food is cheap during their half price specials. Not huge portions, which I think is a plus. The portions are just enough to eat and they cost about $3, which can't be beat. They have an interesting selection and changing specials, which is nice. The service is friendly & great on 4 out of 5 trips, I'd say. Only downside is you can't drink at the outdoor tables. A perfect meet up if you're in Harvard Square.
(4)Trish F.
Oh Grendel's. A little like fast food but with beer. I dig this place.. the place itself does have a bit of a basement feel which is a sharp contrast from it's outdoor seating that overlooks the little common on JFK Street. I've never paid full price for food, so I've always been a happy camper. On Sundays after 8pm they have a dollar menu (that's how Trishie rolls).. and during the weekdays they have a half price menu ($3 beverage purchase required) after work (5-7:30) time and late night (9-11:30)... with a $3.95 express lunch from 11:30am-3pm. I don't know if I'd pay full price for the food, but it is good for how much I pay for it. Every time I've gone, I've had a different waitress.. which is weird to me. The drinks are a pretty decent price, I just had a Sam summer for under $4, but they don't care Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Coors Light, Michelob.. they have a lovely little note at the end of the drink list. I wouldn't go with more than 3 or 4 people, it can get cramped. Note: The full bathroom is unisex so use the bathroon next to it (single "stall") if bumping into the opposite sex before washing your hands makes you feel uncomfortable.
(3)H Y.
It's kind of like Grendel's Lair; dark and underground and littered with the ghosts of beer and random pub food. Good for a drink and a sandwich or salad in a pinch when everywhere else is crowded. Cheap enough so you don't feel ripped off. Vaguely mediocre enough so you regret not eating somewhere else.
(3)Stacey D.
The 4-7pm half price food deal makes this a great after work snack & drink spot! As others have said, the food is not fabulous, but good with plenty of options for vegetarians. Good beer selection too - Cambridge Amber's my fav :) The basement atmosphere gives this place a cool vibe as well.
(4)Jack N.
Decent sangria, and friendly bartenders make for an enjoyable night out, but not a big fan of the food. Great location, but nothing to go out of your way for.
(3)Rue B.
Very good and very cheap with the half-price food deals. Stick with the sandwiches and you won't be disappointed. Cozy basement location and an okay beer selection. Like a warm hug from a Danish ogre.
(4)buckminster f.
i like grendel's, well, when its happy hour. the food is bland and uninspired, but hey, who can complain when it's all half off? did you know that their fireplace is fake? its basically a picture of a fireplace with some plastic materials flailing in some manmade gust. pathetically enough, the bf and i arrived at grendel's one winter night, and strove to get seated next to the faux fireplace, to find out soon enough that the thing emitted no heat. when we looked closer, we discovered that it was not really a fireplace. i realize this review is not very helpful to you. let me try to fix that. if you are planning to go there, id recommend that you get the turkey burger with mango chutney and other goodies piled on. the wines are not so good, so stay away. the beers you can't mess up, so there you have it. if you want a real fireplace, go across the place to the little red house.
(3)Andres M.
I have been here many times. I like the fact that this place has character. It i probably one of the oldest places in Harvard Square. The prices are decent, plus they have happy hour in which the food are is half priced. But be warned that this discount only applies if you order a drink. The only thing that annoys me is that it's always crowded and it's hard to find a table. Sometimes you have to leave. There is no waiting list.
(4)Jamie W.
Big fan of Grendel's! It's small, but to me feels cozy. It's loud, but to me feels lively. Not many places can pull that off. Most small, loud, environments are annoying. Grendel's just feels so laid back and non-assuming. They have some good beers. The food is pretty good, and affordable. Not fine dining, but decent selection. I'm a fan of the hummus appetizer and the vegan chili (ask them to hold the pesto if you're vegan though). One of my favorite things to do on a Saturday is go for a run along the Charles, then saunder up to Grendel's for beer and chili. Running clothes are fine!
(5)erin e.
Delicious. Cheap. Cold Beers. I might try to eliminate half of that final star in my rating due only to the fact that occasionally it's often full of college kids.
(5)Jennifer S.
My favorite lunch spot in Harvard Sq. They have great lunchtime specials, $3.95 for a perfectly portioned sandwich or burger. Try the french dip, I promise it will be the best one you have ever had!! The food also arrives at your table very quickly so you have plenty of time for lunch and a few errands on your lunch break. This is also a great place to head to after work, all of their food is 1/2 off from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and on Sunday they have a variety of apps for $1. FYI: Rachel Ray recently visited this spot and featured it on her show $40 a Day.
(5)Irene F.
Amazing!! The half-price deal is wonderful, but the portions are kind of small. However, I hadthe seafood combo for my half-price and was happily sull. The snow crap dip is also yummy, and my friends had salads and quesadillas that they were very happy with. A great selection of brews and wines, as well as friendly service, made this an awesome pre-theater or just hanging around kind of place.
(5)Ellie L.
One winter night, the unbearable walk from the T stop to my friend's place in Harvard forced me to seek refuge in underground Grendel's. After a beseeching phone call, I persuaded my pal to meet me here for a warm wine punch before heading back out into Boston's beastly January. After that, the Den lost its magical appeal and became just another Harvard bar, but hey, if it's cold and it's a hot drink you're wanting...
(3)dane j.
about a month ago my cousin, girlfriend, and i meet our flat M8s in harvard square, and we are hungry. we walk around, checking everything out like the newb's we are and find a non chain awesome looking restaurant under a big tree with hanging lights like moths we went right to it. confusion entailed as we try to figure out how to nab the great seats outside, until someone finally tells us to sit where we want. we grab 2 tables, to combine them for the 5 of us, and are stopped and told 5 of us have to find a way to squeeze onto a table designed for 2. remember we're hungry, so we ignore the weirdness of being told we can't combine tables and sit...it takes forever to get drinks, get our appetizer 2 mins before getting our check, and had to settle for way less than stellar food. Dry, lacking in flavor, and hard to eat on a small table, this food was definitely not the highlight of our visit. All 5 of us were less than impressed with our entrees. Awkwardly enough, the coolest part about our visit was our waiters 70's porn 'stache! He was totally rocking the hipster vibe. Looking to have drinks at a cool spot on a clear night? This place is definitely a good choice. Looking for impressive service and great food, find another spot nearby. Honestly, the food was THAT horrible.
(2)Jennifer B.
I haven't tried the food, but my beer was as expected, and I enjoy the cozy, cave-like vibe. Like drinking with hibernating intellectuals.
(3)Stan B.
got an email from the owner with an apology. hence an extra star.
(2)Georgia Y.
Grendel's is hardly high class, but it's a great place to hit up when you're low on cash and you want a casual meal with friends. I'm a fan of the beer selection, the cave-like quality of the room, and the spinach pie. You get what you pay for here - acceptable, cheap pub grub, beer, and average service. Some people mention a "frat feel" to this place, but I haven't really noticed it.
(3)John F.
Great place for dinner with friends. And, the dinner special (buy a drink over $3, get your food half off!) is amazing. Definitely the place to go in Harvard Sq. with people after work for drinks and dinner. The portions are kind of small, though, so be prepared, and don't hesitate when it comes to ordering that appetizer!
(4)Aly H.
Good place for drinks, but the food is less than average. Great location!
(2)Crystal K.
Good neighborhood bar. Food is okay--typical pub fare but a little bit of a notch up. Great beer selection and their $10 sangria pitchers are awesome!! We go here fairly often but we're less likely to when school is in--too many Harvard kids there who make me realize how old I am. ;-) Definitely a good place to meet up with friends.
(4)Flora B.
Tasty bar food, decent beer selection... good atmosphere. Pahk your car in the Hahvahd Yahd and make your way to this Hahvahd Bahr.
(4)Stephen J.
Great price - if you go at the right time. Grendel's happy hour is really the only time I think I'd eat there, because the half-priced appetizers aren't quite full-size portions. Between 5:30 and 7:30 every day you can get this splendid deal, provided that you consume $3 worth of drinks. While they do have a decent beer selection, the food really can't quite make up for it because not only are the portions a little suspect, but the taste isn't spectacular either. If you're thinking of getting drunk in the afternoon, then hit up Grendel's at 5:30 and eat until you drop. Otherwise, you can do better.
(2)M S.
This is a great place to go for drinks and appetizers with friends. The happy hour is very easy on a student's budget. Grendel's offers very decent beer at reasonable prices, and has a good selection of vegetarian food. Avoid peak hours, however, as the place gets crowded and the waiters don't get around to all the tables very often. Also, during the early happy hour, make sure to order your food before 7:30, even if you arrive and get drinks before then; otherwise, you'll be stuck paying full price for the food.
(4)Michelle R.
Cheapest full meal in the square when you hit the lunch or happy hour. The food is a bit bland, but it serves its purpose. Outdoor seating is at your own risk, sometimes the servers forget about you. When you've got a good side crowd with various tastes, grendel's can usually provide something for everyone without wowing anyone. Serves only beer and wine.
(3)Alexandra L.
Nothing too crazy about Grendel's - good beer selection, lots of seating and cheap appetizers during happy hour. I don't think I have ever eaten anything here, but they keep things simple and get it done right - everyone can appreciate that.
(3)Anonymous P.
Disgusting. That a place serves alcohol does not in itself justify more than one star.
(1)Kristin G.
Went here this weekend for a few drinks and some food- everything was pretty good- nothing spectacular, though. Pretty typical place.
(3)Brian B.
While visiting Boston, we ate here a couple of times. Nice place to sit outside and people watch. The turkey & havarti sandwich was good. I liked the portions (small), and the price (cheap). If only that stupid ass hippy hadn't shown up each day we were there, making me listen to his awful Beatles covers.
(4)Roshni R.
great little spot in harvard sq...i can't believe i never wandered in while i actually lived in cambridge! while i'm generally not a fan of mexican food in bos, the nachos here were great! my entree was a bacon and green onion "tart"--it was kind of like a mexican pizza but with provencal flair. excellent! my companions had the reuben sandwich and the bsilla (moroccon jumbalaya type thing). we all enjoyed our meal as well as the selection of beers/ciders. i hope to stop by again next time i'm in the area (especially for the half-price with drink deal)!
(4)Rebecca Y.
Cozy, but not romantic. Great place to meet for beers and apps.
(3)Melissa B.
College students keep this place open. There are way too many other places in Harvard Square for me to EVER step foot in this place. On my one and only visit here it was just way too dirty for me. If I end up in a college hangout, I'd rather go to Shay's. And for cheap food and strong drinks, Charlie's is way better.
(1)Jessica R.
The place has fairly nice atmosphere but as far as I could tell the food there sucks for vegans. They are famous for winning a supreme court case though because they wanted a liquor license and are next to a church who objected.
(2)Kirsten J.
I always have fantastic food here, espcially on Fondue Thursdays, when it's half-off. The service can sometimes be a bit lacking or not terribly polite. Also, if the weather permits, sit outside to eat, it's perfect for people watching.
(4)Alice K.
This little restaurant could be easily overlooked, but really shouldn't be. The beer is good and the food is better. The menu is tasty, unique and affordable; portions are just right for a satisfying meal without leftovers. (Highly recommended, though it's a special and won't be around long: the bacon and onion Alsatian tart) Food is half-priced from 5:30-7:00 every night and 9-11 on weeknights with more than $3 of beverages. Seating yourself can be confusing the first time out, and the only thing to be wary of is the occasional Harvard Square weirdo at the bar. ;)
(4)John D.
I've been to this restaurant once and will not return again. I went for a late lunch on a Sunday recently. There were not many other patrons at the time, and despite this and the fact that there were a number of wait staff, the service was disappointing. They managed to forget to set the table until asked and made a mistake with our order (the kitchen must have misread the ticket, which was correct). The prices seemed reasonable until we got our food. The portions were small and the food bland. I was hoping for a filling meal, but after an appetizer, soup, and a wrap, was still hungry.
(2)Lou L.
This place is nothing to rave about, but you can't beat there happy hour prices. 1/2 all food 4 -7 p.m. everyday. Loved the cheese fondue for two, but it is really meant for about six people!
(4)Aaron S.
This used to be one of the nicest places in the Boston area to grab a drink, but these days it has a little too much of a frat part feel to it. Still though, I feel the need to give it four stars, so how bad could it be.
(4)Akilesh A.
Crappy food, but a mildly fun atmosphere. And, if you go during certain times in the evenings, you can get their crappy food half-price. I'd avoid.
(1)John M.
Good beer, inedible (not incredible, INEDIBLE) food. By "intimate and cozy" I think a previous reviewer meant "stifling heat, infernal din, cramped, and overcrowded." Service is ridiculously slow.
(2)Ruth P.
Grendel's den used to have an amazing salad bar, but this was at least 10-15 years ago. I used to come here with my parents for dinner, but the atmosphere has definetly changed over the last decade or so. Good beers, very college atmosphere now. Nothing to really write home about, but certainly no complaints either. Grendels also has good outdoor seating which is nice for the warmer weather
(4)Anna f.
Great Place for soup and salad and maybe a quiche at lunch. Service is great !
(5)J B.
pretty good vegetarian-friendly bar menu, good happy hour if you are looking for something cheap. good for a whatever night or a stop off before heading elsewhere.
(3)Erin G.
I came here with some friends for some food and happy hour, and it wasn't any place I would rush back to. The food is half price when you drink during happy hour, so that was nice, but the waitress wasn't friendly (yes, I went with Allison T) and the food was alright. I did think they had an interesting menu for a bar however, not ur usual burgers, but more veggie and little snadwiches type food.
(3)Josh F.
A must go for cheap eats; their happy hour is the best deal in town. Buy a glass of booze and anything on the menu is half priced, not just appetizers. Not worth it at full price, though. Good beer selection. I've only been here to meet friends after work so I've never really experienced the college crowd other reviewers have mentioned. It is a little cramped down there so not good for large groups of people.
(4)Scott B.
i could lose weight if i ate here every day - the food is gross - i did have a beer that wasnt bad there - hey they can even screw up eggs - i mean how do you do that?
(2)Peter P.
I'm not asking you to love it, but you MUST respect it. Grendels is a total Cambridge institution. Grendels Den has been there for ever and ever and ever. There used to be a law that a church or religious institution could deny a business a liquor license if they were within a certain proximity of the "place of warship." Well god bless the late Sue and Herby for taking this one all the way to the supreme court in a groundbreaking case "Establishment of Religion and Free Exercise ... Grendel's Den, 459 US 116 (1982)" in which they cited separation of church and state. Do you know how many churches are in Cambridge??? Lets just say, if this law still stood the churches could have made Cambridge a dry town! Good drinks, good priced, half priced food during "happy hour" this place is part of the definition of Cambridge! do not....I repeat, DO NOT call this a "Harvard bar" this is a CAMBRIDGE bar.
(5)Dorian G.
nice place for a cheap bite. i had the falafel plate, which was presented so that i could create my own wrap. they give you the pitas, the salad, the falafel, and the tahina. i could have used more falafel, but for $6, i was content.
(4)Imran G.
Grendels is a great place to go if you want lots of food for not a lot of money. However, the actual quality of the food is pretty low. Don't get caught up in the idea that the happy hour will be amazing if you purchase a $3 drink. All the non-alcoholic $3 drinks are mediocre at best, and the food that goes along with it also mediocre at best. I got a California burger, which, wasn't horrible but it wasn't great either. The jack cheese wasn't melted at all, the patty was mediocre, and the only thing that was decent was the guacamole. We also got an order of wings, which came with hot sauce on the side, and some warm ranch with a very weird texture. Again, mediocre food. I was surprised by our bill, despite "happy hour" prices, it didn't seem that to be that great of a deal. I suppose if you're looking for a lively atmosphere to grab drinks, then this isn't that bad of a spot to try. The food is mediocre, a little pricey for what it was in the end because of the $3 drinks. Wouldn't try it again, don't go for the food.
(2)Mariya F.
This place is pretty alright in my book. Great place to get together with friends (as long as you get lucky with their first come, first serve seating arrangement) for some cheap eats. They have happy hour everyday from 5-7:30pm where everything on their menu is half off with a minimum $3 drink. The food is not anything to brag about; often very plain and boring (they serve PLAIN quinoa as a side, absolutely nothing on it, I may as well be eating cardboard), but for $3-5 bucks for a full stomach you can't really complain. The beer selection is not too bad. My biggest complaint is that they don't have french fries, which is just absurd. Overall cool underground place for cheap mediocre food and drink though.
(3)Drago K.
Very slow service (30 mins after I ordered, the waiter forgot what my order was), wine's meh, casual atmosphere, outside seating by the park (best feature), average food. Had the eggs benedict: greasy burned potatoes, low quality ham, etc. Overall disappointing experience.
(2)Chad C.
My fiance and I sat outside on a beautiful May afternoon, the square was busy as ever with graduations. The sangria was delicious and refreshing, we went through two pitchers. The food was also very good. This is a great place for a good drink, food and people watching!
(4)Will C.
Grendel's Den is my panic room. Whenever I'm having a life crisis, or the weather is particularly bad, or the power goes out at my apartment, I am immediately compelled to march straight to Grendel's. Because it resides in a basement of an old building and the decor is decidedly lived in, I feel a palpable sense of comfort when I am within its walls. The food at Grendel's is not great. It's not even good, honestly, but to come to Grendel's to eat food is like going to the Grand Canyon to ride a donkey. It's an available activity that you may want to take advantage of to supplement your experience while you're there, but it's not exactly the main draw. When the food is half priced (and really, the food is half priced more often than it's full priced, which in of itself should tell you something about it's quality), it seems to be a good value for the money, and since a half priced sandwich at Grendel's is $4, what I'm trying to say is that it is comparable to something you would buy at a high end gas station. The beer list if solid and varied, but not expansive. You'll find something for to suit every taste, but you won't find a sprawling ledger that gives you the choice of twenty four different microbrews from Asheville, NC. The prices are in line with other bars in the area, and the service ranges from excellent to "someone should put out an Amber alert for my waiter, because I have not seen him in forty five minutes". With all that said, why am I rating Grendel's four stars? Why did I have to talk myself out of rating it a perfect five? Why did I walk two miles in the middle of Hurricane Sandy to get to Grendel's on a weekday afternoon? I'm not sure its appeal is quantifiable, or at the very least, the reason I like Grendel's is difficult to describe. The short answer is that the people inside Grendel's, from the owners down to the very last person at the very last table, are fascinating and remarkable. A lot of other reviews note that Grendel's is a college bar, but that seems off the mark. I'm hard pressed to think of another college bar that not only refuses to serve watered down beer like Bug Light, but also has defiant signage stating their intention never to do so. There is similar signage at the bar imploring no one in particular to charge the George Bush administration with war crimes. There is not a single TV on the premises. It is named after a murderous troll from a 11th century Scandinavian poem. If none of this reads like a college bar, that's because it's not. The people who are describing it as such are probably associating the worn down tabletops and wobbly chairs with memories of their college experience. More accurately, Grendel's could be described as a post-college bar, a place where people go after work to escape the pretension that surrounds them every day and a place where the level of discourse far outpaces that of the average dive bar. It's a place where no-one seems to give a shit about the score of the Red Sox game, but is mostly devoid of hipsters. It's a place where a guy in a beret taught me a card trick during a snow storm. It's a real place with real people, and most nights thats enough for me.
(4)Shannon K.
We came here on a Saturday night looking for a casual fun place to have a few drinks, and we were not disappointed. If you're not familiar with the place you might miss it, as it lives up to the "den" part of it's name with it's underground location. There is a big bar area and lots of small tables which can get a little cramped if it gets too busy. It happened to be a perfect sized crowd for a Saturday night, certainly helped by the fact that it was late May and the college crowd had all ready evacuated for the summer. Drink prices were phenomenal ($3 for a pint of Cisco Grey Lady) and they had a great selection of beers and mixed drinks. There is a somewhat pretentious sign over the bar pronouncing that they don't serve any of your standard Coors and Bud lights, but of course no one really needs those beers anyway. I heard someone try to order an Irish Car Bomb and the bartender's response was "not at this bar." Again fairly pretentious, however it's kind of nice to know they aren't into the whole blackout college scene. The bartender was really pleasant and attentive to us as customers, which was much appreciated. I would definitely come back !
(4)M S.
Awesome options for vegetarians, I am a huge fan of the Mushroom Reuben (YUM!) My only complaint is in regards to their draft list which is infrequently updated and therefore contains a lot of beers that they no longer carry. Otherwise this place is a solid, unpretentious spot to hip up when you're in Harvard Square.
(4)Kathleen A.
Great atmosphere. Reasonable food. I was appalled last night to learn that they are not giving Thanksgiving to their employees and making them work on the holiday - advertised on the menu! When I spoke to the manager about it, he said this is the first year in decades they are being asked to work. When I saw it on the menu, I almost left. I don't think businesses should be rewarded for making their employees work on holidays.
(3)Joanna H.
What to expect: Standard bar food quality. Portions are not skimpy, but also not especially generous. Read on to decide if the Half-Off menu is worth it: Half off appetizers everyday from 5:30-7:30pm BUT only with the purchase of a beverage that's min. $3. The cheapest alcoholic drink is their bottle of Honey Brown for $3.50, other than that, the prices jump to $5. If you're ordering an entree for yourself, you'll probably save $1-2. Example: I ordered a $8.50 Natural Disaster burger plus a Cisco Grey Lady for $5.50 and paid $12 with gratuity. This might be a worthwhile deal if you're sharing as a group.
(3)M See Y.
(you didn't think I wasn't gonna yelp this crap up?) The food and serving staff aren't that bad. It's the manger that I have sh!t beef with (or so I was told she was the manager). My friends and I use to be regulars here. Although, I was accused of not paying my bill and the manger gave me an attitude about not having time and wanting to find the receipt -- I paid a ridiculous amount and left. Honesty and accountability apparently isn't appreciated here. Get a new manager!
(1)Siobhan G.
Come here regularly for drinks with colleagues. Great location and like the atmosphere. I appreciate the drink selection and their consistency. I can't really comment on the food--this place isn't really allergen-friendly, but what I see others ordering looks like tasty comfort food.
(4)Alyssa F.
Dark, cheap, sticky, and an identity crisis of a menu offering Mexican, Greek, Italian, South American, Middle Eastern and American foods, none of which are very good. For half price, maybe it's a winner (we just missed the cutoff), but probably best to stick with the booze. You will be granted exactly one square foot of space in which to dine, so keep your elbows in and know that attempts to use the empty table or chair next to you, for any reason, will be thwarted.
(2)Stefanie G.
A hidden gem. So maybe it isn't so "hidden" with the locals, but I freaking love this place! Great tasting food at low, low prices. Plus, they are very vegetarian friendly here. I ordered off their specials menu and got the calamari, artichoke, tomato, and capers salad for the grand total of $8. I also ordered the Peruvian Quinoa Stew--which consisted of quinoa sautéed in tomato sauce, squash, and zucchini. Again, that was about $8. This place is so freaking sweet I cant get over it!!! Perfect for students, tourists, and people on the go. I am sure the beer selection will please any alcohol lover as well! FOUR STARS! Also, the waiting staff is made up of cute little punk girls with tattoos all over the place.
(5)Tony J.
Interesting cocktails, not a huge burden on your wallet. About $6-$8. One night I really wanted one of their cocktails with cucumber. But I ordered the wrong one and it turned out nasty. A week later I went back and finally got the one I was originally thinking about and it was delicious. That is all.
(4)Leandra F.
Some of the worst food I've had at any restaurant, ever. The chicken wings were so hard it was actually difficult to bite into them once they cooled off a bit. The dipping sauce for the pretzel was lukewarm cheesy mush. Good place for drinks but don't try the food.
(2)Janice D.
A superb place (really very den-like) to meet friends and have great conversation. Good selection of beers and many choices for food. Food is nothing too special, but commensurate with the type of place - wayyyy better than your usual bar foods. Overall a great restaurant-bar! Go before 7:30pm and the food is half-price (Boston restaurants can't charge half price alcohol, so they do the food instead - great!)
(5)Tara G.
So glad we stumbled upon this place walking around Cambridge. We were all wanting a snack and this was the perfect place! Cheap food & drinks, and the food was delicious! I had the vegetarian nachos and was totally impressed by their homemade vegetarian chili. They also have a good beer selection from microbreweries. Service was a little slow because there was only 1 server for the entire place - but it was a Sunday at 2pm.
(4)Stella P.
Good prices and tastes for college students.
(4)Corey L.
First, I love the name. Next, I've been here a number of times. Both inside in the winter and out on the porch in the summer watching the "musicians' in the Square playing their instruments. Good drink menu, solid food. I also really like the atmosphere. Quite a cool place.
(4)Evan H.
The proper review would say nothing, that's how depressing the food here was. I came with my family because we couldn't convince my dad to go elsewhere, but the warning signs were evident. First problem: the food took half an hour to come out. Second problem: the server's attitude. Third problem: the food. My trout was fine, but about a half portion. Our caesar salad didn't have dressing on the side as we requested. The twin hamburgers had the consistency and taste of something I would've eaten in my high school. In fact, the food was roughly equivalent to a cafeteria, from the packaged coleslaw to the felt-like-flash-frozen burgers. The slices of cheese on the twin hamburgers ($3 more than getting a double hamburger) weren't even fully melted. Add to all this a server who seemed annoyed that he had to be serving us and an abundance of good places eat nearby and there is no reason to go here.
(2)James H.
Let me say first: I love Grendel's, been coming here for years and will go again I'm sure. But last night was really ridiculous in terms of service. The waitstaff on the outside patio is completely overwhelmed. I don't know if they're short staffed or what but the initial wait--to even get the table cleaned from patrons before and be acknowledged-- was endless, the food arrived way late (appetizer and entree together), a request for another beer went totally ignored, took forever to get the check to mercifully leave. It was painful watching other customers have the same bewildered experience. It makes me wonder: isn't there some manager who could tell it was a you-know-what show out there and do something. As I said, I'll be back cause I have a lot of good experiences in the bank already. Just please, don't take customers like me for granted.
(2)Maddie C.
This is my favorite bar in the area. Most people I know prefer Charlie's, but to be honest, I don't like the space inside Charlie's that much. The ambiance at Grendel's is just perfect-- casual but not divey. It's quieter than the other bars around, and not too dark. Plus, there are no TVs-- I love that. The half-off special is a major draw for me-- go with the appetizers, which are cheaper but pretty hefty and can count for whole meals (like the potato skins or my personal favorite, the nachos). And they have my favorite beer here, Rapscallion Honey Ale! In winter they have delicious mulled wine and hot cider (with and without alcohol).
(5)Cecilia J.
I can see how Grendel's would be a beloved place for college students. Cheap food and hearty atmosphere. We were directed here by a random person on the street who thought we were completely lost when she saw me holding up my iPhone maps app. She claimed the food here was "very very good", but I disagree. It really is half-price food from 5-7:30 every night with a purchase of a $3 beverage. But, you get what you pay for. Portions were small and the food just didn't taste very good. The barbecue chicken pizza (regular price $10) is about 10 inches in diameter. Thin crust and not much else to it. The tomato basil bisque was way too salty. The spinach pie, or spanikopita, (regular price $8) tasted pretty good but came with a healthy heaping of rice pilaf that was bland. A good portion of their menu was vegetarian, unlike most pub menus, which are twenty kinds of burgers and fried foods. Grendel's is kind of hidden underground. So you walk down some stairs and open a large, heavy door. Inside is a warm, yellow atmosphere full of people laughing and talking. The bouncer checks your ID and then you seat yourself. But, it is terribly crowded. There is very little room to walk between the tables. t's great if you want to pre-game or something but not if you want to have an actual conversation with someone sitting across the table. You can sit at the wraparound bar, at 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-person tables, or at a couple of the high-top tables in the back. Maybe because I have been out of college for a few years so it was a bit of a shock, but the clientele was very... collegiate. I paid $22 for 2 entrees, 2 soups, and a beer at half-price. That's not bad, but I wouldn't come back at full-price.
(2)Anne W.
I really really try to love this place.. but I really never do. I came here after a long day with a large party. I guess it's a free for all.. we had over 10 people there so it was difficult to figure out seating.. we ended up forming a L-Shape series of tables. Nobody on their staff offered to help. Not only did they keep us about 15 minutes to order.. they told us they would only take drink orders first even though we were ready for both. I really think they are understaffed. I understand the appeal though.. they are a substainable restaurant/bar. They don't throw anything away.. but recycles everything. At first I thought they took leftovers and re-served it.. which would be rather disgusting. But my appeal would only be if they had a stupendous food menu.. which was less than inspiring from what I ate and what I saw my friends get... and the drink menu. Stuck with beer this time because I knew the drinks would dissapoint.
(1)Laurinda U.
Was here for brunch just this Sunday with a friend. We split a full sized plate of buffalo wings ($8), I ordered the Eggs Benedict ($7.50), and he ordered the breakfast burrito ($5.50) with bacon ($2). The wings were very very dry so I would not recommend them. The Hollandaise sauce on my Eggs Benedict broke so there was a small puddle of butter. But that made no difference because the EB were still delicious and really you can't go wrong with butter. The Eggs Benedict comes with a side of potatoes and a cup of fruit! Delicious, great portion size, and good service. We just sat and ate in the outdoor seating area and just enjoyed ourselves - in the sweet sweet Boston humidity.
(4)Audrey K.
Better lit than your standard dive, Grendel's benefits from its prime location, beer list, and the draw of half-priced food happy hour. That said, the food is truly awful. Small portions, not fresh, and worse than usual pub fare. You do not want to eat anything on their menu. Literally any restaurant in Harvard Square offers better food. Restaurant draws a casual, noisy crowd. Expect to have a hard time getting seated at peak hours.
(2)Christina T.
I love you Grendel's. You are nice, warm and toasty in the winter and cool and breezy in the summer. Your drinks are cheap and top notch and your food is simple and understated. Friendly and prompt service is the extra cherry on top. Harvard Square is one of my favorite spots in Cambridge and whenever I pass by, I look over to Grendel's with fondness.
(4)Alison F.
Why is the veggie burger deep fried? I'm always happy to find bars that have hand-made veggie burgers instead of frozen so I ordered it without anything else. I don't like coleslaw or potato chips. It came with tomato and lettuce, should have had goat cheese on top because the burger was very bland and chewy. The bun covers up the lack of taste and the fried grease. My beer helped.
(2)Jen D.
Two words for the chilly days: MULLED WINE. When I think of my brief time in Cambridge, Grendel's is probably going to be one of two pubs that I think of. It's cozy, the staff are nice, the prices are reasonable, and the 1/2 price appetizers at Happy Hour make for an awesome after-class discussion venue. It is small--if you're in a group larger than three and arriving after 6pm or so, it might be hard to get a seat. Still, it's a spot with zero attitude and good beer and ale on tap. Grendel's slays!
(5)Eric C.
Ah Grendel's Den! Many an hour I've fondly spent here. It's a lively place with lots of friendly atmosphere. It's not quite a dive bar but it's not exactly Cheers either (the mythical TV show one, not the tourist trap one in Faneuil) Stay away from the food and you'll do fine. Not that the food is gross per se, but it's not really dining out quality food. It's just snack food (even the 'entrees' are snack sized) to help your beer buzz. And not quality snack food either. It's kind of the 'oh i could make this with a microwave if i felt like chopping stuff for twenty minutes' kind of food. Oh yeah and it's not exactly a wine place either. If you like beer and you're okay with only 30-50 types of it (not a beer snob) and you like loud (from all the talking not music) places where you have to scream in your friend's ears this is the place to be.
(4)Lola A.
If you want a proper Dark & Stormy, this is your place. A D&S is only rum, ginger beer, and a lime on the rim for you to keep there as decor or to squeeze in and add zip. It's simple business, but, sadly, a lot of places don't do so well with the simple drinks. Grendel's Den does it right! Cheap, tasty drinks are always a draw.
(4)Greg M.
Dark and Stormy. That's basically all you need to know (and order) when you come here. Laid-back atmosphere. Friendly staff. Great prices (especially for Harvard Square). OK draft selection. Can't speak for the food. But seriously, come here for a Dark and Stormy.
(4)David W.
Grendels was ok. It wasn't amazing, but wasn't bad either. Came for lunch on Sunday as I was in town for a show at A.R.T. Definitely a college spot. Cheap food, cheap drinks. Beers and cocktails were very reasonable. I was amused by the Big Girl Mimosa (16 ounces of mimosa served in a pint glass). Yes, a classy place. Service was pretty attentive and friendly. My real issue is that the portions were frankly small. I understand that the food is cheap to begin with, but my french dip left me hungry. Fine if you don't serve anything fried, but if you are giving me a side of chips give me a sandwich that will fill me up more than a snack wrap at Mcdonalds. That said, the french dip was tasty. The creamy tomato soap I also had was a bit much, for me, but that may have just been my taste. I did appreciate that it is super vegetarian friendly (but also had meat dishes for carnivore friends), and very sustainable. They compost, and recycle, etc. Anyway not a bad option in Cambridge, but definitely not the best. Would probably be a better spot to come for drinks and apps than a meal.
(3)Halle R.
Every place has a "go here if..." niche. Here's Grendel's: Go here if you're a party of 2 or greater than 5, for drinks only, anytime earlier than 6 PM or between 7 and 7:45 PM. If you're a party of 3 or 4, you won't be able to get a table, and will have to wait while a parade of groups of 2 or 5 get in before you. This is because they won't let groups smaller than 5 sit at the corner tables, but have no such restriction on the limited number of 4-person tops. So groups of 2 take the tables for 4, and groups of 4 can't take the bigger tables. Out of luck. If you're looking for food, go elsewhere. The food here is inconsistent at best. I was going to say it might be worth it during the half price times, but if you're that hungry just go grab fast food. It'll be faster, and probably tastier too. If you're thinking of coming at any of the times I didn't mention, don't bother, unless you like waiting. You won't be able to find a seat. It gets a second star because of the clever and friendly ambiance/theme. I could probably justify the wait/crowds if the food were better, because it really is a great concept, but as it is I'll probably avoid in the future. Somebody alert me if they hire a new chef.
(2)Alexis J.
I wasn't at this bar long, I only had a couple of drinks but from what I saw, I liked. Our waitress was nice, drinks were good and fairly priced. Also, extra points because it's a cool looking place.
(5)Carrie S.
I wrote a review on grendals 6 years ago and now I'm updating that. I still love Grendals. I mean, 5 dollar lunch? You can't really beat that. And the service is usually really great. And you can't beat half off specials either! And that's why a friend and I went the other day. We sat on the patio because it was still relatively nice out (maybe upper 50s) and we didn't want to give up on being outside for the day yet (I had been at work all day). So, we sat on the patio, got a couple of beers and were told that in order to sit there we needed to order food. That was totally cool with us because we needed dinner. What wasn't told to us (and was only posted on the sign entering the patio area in pretty friggen small print) was that the half price deal doesn't count on the patio because the patio is so popular. Um, it was 50 something degrees out and we were the only ones there when we sat down at 6:30, aka, dinner time. I wouldn't have been peeved by this if the woman had told us; we would have just went inside. She did not inform us. Our beers were great and our sandwiches as well. I love the food. But that little mishap gave me a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. Only reason it's getting 3 stars instead of 4 or 5 Grendals: you should definitely let you patrons know about that when sitting on the patio. Especially when they're already told to order food. Little print on ONE sign does not do the job.
(3)Abby G.
Great bar on Harvard. Easy on the wallet, relaxed vibe, good food (for a bar certainly), and just overall fun spot.
(5)Nandanie S.
Beer on tap is good. Food is simple and tasty. It's your typical bar/pub in Harvard Square that's always welcoming to peeps who wanna kick back with a drink and a quick bite to eat. Prices are worth it. Check out their specials because they change from time to time...making things interesting.
(4)Sonia Q.
Horrible service. Food is mediocre, not worth it. And oh yea, they charge for refills. Never going back.
(1)Ellie W.
Half price meals from 5-7? This is the perfect spot for the beginnings of a pub crawl, and I'm surprised it isn't overflowing with poor college students looking for cheap eats. If you're looking for fancy cuisine, this isn't it. If you're looking for better-than-your-average-bar-food, your search has ended. My friend and I shared the artichoke dip and I had the Peruvian Quinoa, both hearty and delicious. It's a small space, so you're almost sitting on top of people at your neighboring tables, but hey, it's a breeding ground for conversation. Maybe awkwardness. But mostly conversation. Just imagine: "Hi, you're sitting on my lap. I need to get to my food. Don't mind me as I reach around your waist to get to my beer and pasta. Kthanks." Grab a $2.50 beer and enjoy.
(4)Sarah P.
You can almost miss this place, which may be what the locals want. Place isn't huge and may be hard to get a table..Vibe was pretty chill, dim lighting and low key. Looked a good place to chat and get a bite. Happy hour meal specials from 5:30-7pm on Weekdays- half price food with a $3 minimum drink purchase per person. Cream of spinach soup was good. Cheap food, college pub but not in an obnoxious way. There were some older people there as well. Stick to typical pub fare and get some drinks (and extra food..portions arent huge) and you'll enjoy it.
(3)Roxie D.
Sigh. It is with a heavy heart that I revise my formerly glowing review of Grendel's Den. Years ago, when a friend first asked me if I wanted to go to Grendel's, I thought she said "grundel's." (For those of you not in the know, urban dictionary has a concise definition that is a mere google search away). However, "grundel" is a rather suitable way to describe this place, or at least, the service we received there yesterday. A group of friends and I met in Harvard Square. We couldn't decide where to go, but I convinced them to head to here. Cheap food! The siren song of cheap drinks! Outdoor seating! What's not to love? I'll tell ya what's not to love: Hidden fees, nasty servers who dress like they invaded Mayim Bialik's closet in 1995, and public shaming if you failed to read the fine print on a box two tables over. Our dinner was filled wit more unprovoked crazy than a Bravo reality show. Anything we asked for- a refill, a recommendation on what she thought was good, a bit of dressing for a salad since they'd obviously forgotten to mix it in-was met with terrifyingly passive agressive white knuckle rage. She was such a bitch during our meal that we decided to skip the dessert and drinks we were planning on having there. When our bill came, we paid with 2 credit cards and some cash, writing out the amounts for each card after we were met with a full on verbal assault when we just asked to pay separately. She took it and went inside. We breathed a collective sigh of relief, planning where we'd go next. We thought that our hell was over, but it was just beginning. She came back to our table, slammed our money/card down, and informed us that any bills paid with a combination of cash and credit were subject to a 20% fee. "Um, where does it say that? I'm looking at the menu and it says that policy only applies to parties splitting the bill on 4 credit cards." Our server, clearly irritated and annoyed by our ignorance, said "It's clearly stated on the box." The box? She picks up the box that holds the salt and pepper from the table next to ours and points to the policy, her voice dripping with exasperation. She even did a Vanna White style "hold it near my face, plaster on a fake smile, and point" move before swooping in front of all of us to drive her point home. I picked up the box at our table, rotated it so that she could see all sides, and pointed out that there was NOTHING on our box and we hadn't known about this policy. Were we supposed to ask our surrounding tables to review their boxes? If it was such a problem, why didn't she say anything when she picked up the pile of cash and the credit cards? She didn't apologize, or acknowledge that it was her mistake to assume that we had known about this hidden fee- instead, she snatched up our bill, and loudly declared while stomping down the stairs, "Oh, ok- you don't want to leave a 20% gratuity? That's FINE." First of all, we were planning on leaving 20%, even though our server had acted like a rotting butthole. We're classy like that. We had factored that into the amounts we asked her to run on our cards though she obviously didn't deserve even the standard 10% you leave for appallingly bad service. When she came back, I asked to speak to her manager. "The bartender is sort of the manager, you can go talk to him if you have a problem." She smirked, and walked off. In ANY restaurant, if you ask to speak to a manager, it is customary that they come to your table to see what the problem is. We were so disgusted by the service, and thoroughly convinced that the real manager wasn't even on the premises, hence the grundel-esque behavior, that we left. My friend called later, asked to speak to the manager, explained the situation, and got attitude about how busy they were before being hung up on. No apologies, nothing. FYI, they were not busy. We were surrounded by empty tables when we asked to speak to her boss. That is not how you run a business. That is not how you treat paying customers, especially ones who are polite and thank you even though you're acting like a hatchet wound. It felt like we had wandered into some over-privileged 13 year old's house and demanded that she fan us with giant peacock feathers and hand feed us peeled grapes. I didn't interrupt her at home and ask her for a personal favor- I was asking her to do her job while she was at work. No attitude necessary. Either come to work and do your job or don't come to work at all. It's that simple. I am thoroughly horrified by the unparalleled nastiness and immature behavior we witnessed at this restaurant. Their food may be cheap, but so are their servers.
(1)David R.
Another Harvard Square classic. Great beer selection, pretty spartan burger and potato chips, popular with students. Good place to go with a group of friends and take over a big table, but note it can be tough to get a seat. You probably won't spend a lot of money here either. Remember, though, that this is ultimately a college bar. Go in with the appropriate expectations and you should have a pretty good experience.
(4)Samia O.
Half-price happy hour, that's the only reason we went there. If you don't drink, or if you only drink water while dining then this might be a little tricky for you. In order to get the half-off deal, you must get a $3 drink. But since my boo wanted to give it a try, I got a bottle of "botanically brewed" lemonade ($4) as recommended by the server. It was nothing more than a bottle of convoluted, alcohol-tasting lemon "juice". Spinach Pie: due to the lack of description on the menu, the three of us debated for a while whether it would be a spinach pizza, a spinach quiche, or a spinach sphere. And when the waitress was ready to take our order 15 minutes later, the mystery was solved: Spinach pie = Spanakopita. To be exact it was a square of spanakopita slightly larger than my palm and thicker than the length of my pinky. The filling was really pasty, as the spinach was inseparable from the cheese (feta and ricotta?). The phyllo dough... so hard to cut since it was quite stale. The rice pilaf was flavorless, if it were seasoned at all. Ultimately, this dish brought me back to elementary school days, as it tasted like some reheated cafeteria food. California burger: the only ingredient that was good on that burger was the guacamole. Enough said. If the food is not good, it is not good no matter how cheap it is. What matters is whether you get this blissful feeling after eating a meal. And I certainly didn't get that from eating their food.
(2)Annabel J.
I love Grendel's for a number of reasons. -Relaxed, chill, divey atmosphere -good crowd, not packed with yuppies -bar food that is a step above just the typical sports bar nachos and wings, while also still having the typical nachos and wings (they also have things like a hummus plate and mediterranean salad) -half priced menu weekdays during happy hour inside -indoor and outdoor seating -awesome bartenders and servers!!!
(5)Elizabeth R.
The atmosphere was nice. However, our server was very impatient and rude. After waiting a long time for our food after our appetizer (chips/salsa), the server then came over and asked us if we were ready for our check. As it turns out, she had forgotten to put our dinner order in. She then acknowledged that she knew we already didn't like her (presumably because she realized how rude she was?). Forgetting to put our order in would have been no big deal at all if she hadn't been so rude and condescending with us before. Then she took our order again and got our food to us within a reasonable amount of time. We got one single free beer out of the ordeal, and she was much nicer for the rest of our time. It was kind of nice to see her affect change from impatient to accommodating, but that was of course because she had made a mistake. None of us were too impressed with the food once we got it, which says something because we were starving by that point. I really wanted to like this place, but it was a poor experience due to horrible service and mediocre food.
(1)Priyanka R.
I'm gonna keep this short and sweet. I love Grendel's Den, its a basement bar with a cozy college student feel. The happy hour is amazing, great meal and ambiance for around $10. Location is right in Harvard Square and the waitress was extremely friendly and candid. Even after finishing our meal we stayed for another hour just enjoying witty banter between friends and no one even bothered us! I would recommend the Burger with cheese, jalapeños and sauteed onions, they put so many jalapeños on it. Yummy and left me extremely satisfied. They make a mean burger. Just say yes. Only drawback were the tables were EXTREMELY close together, and therefore restricted movement, the draft from the door was not so fun either - hence the four stars instead of five. Definitely coming back again soon, I'm just not sitting so close to the door!
(4)Eric F.
Talk about one sweet happy hour! Decent draft list and ordering just one drink lets you go to town on ANYTHING on the food menu for half price. The family and I had a chance to try the spinach, artichoke & crab dip, grass fed burger, grilled trout, lobster roll and Peruvian quinoa stew. Now unfortunately, the quality of the dishes more or less reflected the discounted price...bland fish and burger, greasy roll with not so fresh lobster, etc. BUT! The portions were solid and the spinach dip and cole slaw weren't too shabby. All in all, a fantastic spot for students to kick back with some grub and beer without at all breaking the bank.
(3)Sarah C.
Great drinks but rudest wait staff I have ever encountered. The bar tender was so unfriendly, unwilling to accommodate us, and slow. The bartender actively ignored certain people at our table. Several wait staff yelled at people in our party for standing in a certain area (where there were stools). Totally underwhelmed and really turned off. Worst service I've ever experienced in Harvard square. WILL NOT RETURN HERE.
(1)Alexis C.
I never even noticed this place because I'd see Upstairs on the Square above it and think, "Maybe one day I'll be able to splash that much dough on a meal." Finally a friend pointed out its existence to me, and we went. Lots of college students, and a very eclectic menu of diverse items. The food was okay, but quite decent if you factored in the low price, and the portions aren't stingy. I see why it appeals to students. We amused ourselves by reading the history of Grendel's Den, which is printed on the menu. I had not known it had such a storied legal past. We also talked about Beowulf and tried to find a reference to it on the menu but failed. Come here if you're hungry but poor.
(3)Stephanie M.
What can I really say about this place? My girl friend and I had our first date here. So, that's at least two stars. The food? I like to say its mostly "shit you can make at home but don't feel like it." Its pretty solid, but not mind blowing by any means. I often crave the nachos. I was hesitant for the longest time to try the dark and stormy. I had tried that particular drink at other bars and really quite hated it. But I absolutely love the ones they make here. It's probably one of the only things I order. Besides a gin and tonic. The waitstaff? Usually depends on the night, or who you get. It gets really crowded here at random times. The happy hour special can't really be beat. Its good for groups or even for as little as 2 people. It can get a little noisy, but its a bar, in the basement. What do you expect?
(5)Anna K.
I love Grendel's! Really nice bartenders, strong cheap drinks. Their half off food deals from 5-7:30 can't be beat. I love their chicken wraps and salads. Also the spinach artichoke crab dip is delicious and the mussels are yummy too. Burgers are just ok, I wish they offered fries. Chicken wings are good, nice spice and meaty. I also enjoy their fish dinner that comes with a couple sides. Bring cash or expect an automatic gratuity to be added if you split cards with your party. I usually don't mind though because the servers are usually good and deserve it.
(4)David F.
We had heard a lot about this place so had high expectations. We rocked up in the late afternoon for very late lunch. The place was pleasant enough and with few punters in attendance, we had our choice of seats so we chose a table beside the faux fireplace which lacked any warmth and, as it turned out, just like our waitress. The very definition of surliness, she tossed menus at us and continued in that vein throughout the meal. That, frankly, wouldn't have bothered me if the food was any good. We both ordered burgers - they don't do fries so we had chips/crisps on the side instead which is a very poor carb substitute in my view. The burgers were grey, limp, thin patties of poor quality beef on a rubbish supermarket bun. Cheap and nasty. Best part of the meal was the price. Two burgers and two beers each came to $40 for the lot with a grudgingly given tip. Dreadful and very disappointing given the expectations we had going in. Never again,
(1)Megan B.
Great spot if you are visiting but don't want to feel like a tourist. Beer selection was good, speedy service didn't let your drink stay low too long. Has TVs if you want to watch sports. Quiet for a packed sports bar. Lots of students and good food
(5)Izza F.
You know those bars you go to and get real drunk at and somehow you walk out with a huge bill and you feel positive you only got 5 drinks but somehow you were charged for 10? Well not here. It's quite the opposite. I'll buy like 5 cocktails and somehow my bill always seems like they've knocked off a drink or two. You can feel confident that you will get a fair bill for exactly what you bought and not a cent more. I love their food. It is eclectic and somewhat exotic comfort food. Their menu is made up of a variety of comfort food, typical bar food, mediterranean and vegetarian fare. Try their Salvadoran veggies and tofu over rice. It is so good. I get it every time. Either that or their noodles. Who doesn't love noodles and butter? It is one of their side dishes. Yeah I know it is pretty simple but sometimes you want to keep it simple. Can't say I am a fan of their gorgonzola sauce though. Try their chicken wings too. They are like smoked, they taste like they are straight off a bbq. Great portions and great prices. The staff is great. The bartenders are so friendly, always seem so happy to see you. The owner is really sweet too. This place is charming and fun.
(4)Jack O.
Service is good, crowd is studenty but not too much. Good food, gotta love the half price policy during happy hour!
(5)Liz P.
The dark and stormies are to die for. A good place for not-overpriced food all day and a fun place to get a drink at night.
(5)Angeline P.
So the food here is a pretty solid three stars. I came on a Sunday evening, and they had the half price food promotion with a drink purchase. I ordered the most expensive thing on the menu, which was a fish dish. The fish looked filleted except for the part where I was pulling bones out. This is kind of expected whenever I order fish that isn't paired with chips somewhere. I'm not docking stars for that, but I will dock stars for pretty flavorless fish. The reason for the two-star review is for bad service. There were three of us, but my friend left her ID at home, so she couldn't order the beer (which was the only thing she wanted to drink). Well, rather than have her pay full price on an entree because she didn't have her ID, her boyfriend suggested getting another beer when he was finished. Since it would still be a grand total of three beers for a party of three, it made sense that we would all be able to get half price on food. That's apparently not how it works. My friend had to order another drink (non-alcoholic) in order to get her food half off. The waitress didn't bother to explain why this was their policy, and seemed less interested in us as a table after we made the suggestion. The only follow ups we got involved glowering looks when I told her no, I didn't want to order another beer. I'm not so interested in this place.
(2)Christian H.
Harvard Square is never short of great places to eat and hang out. One in particular that deserves high marks is Grendel's. The bar and restaurant is tucked away underground, so it is fairly hard to miss. When you do find it, you will not be disappointed. A large draft selection, plenty of different food options and a fun atmosphere are in store for you Grendel's experience. With local and microbrews, it is a haven for beer enthusiasts and anyone who wants to branch out and try something new. The food selection is pretty great as well. Plenty of options for carnivores, vegetarians and omnivores. The plates are a bit on the small side as are the portions, but it's definitely quality over quantity. A winning app? The crab and artichoke dip. Go for it. You know you want to try it! The staff is friendly and the place is laid back, a bit on the divey side, but it a good way. This place is a winner for your outings in Harvard Square, whether you are just coming off work, or just want to hang out with friends on the weekend. Check it out!
(4)Anya L.
What a fun find! While visiting Cambridge, we needed to grab a quick bite to eat before getting back on the road. A Yelp search brought up Grendel's, and with the appeal of 1/2 priced food items during Happy Hour, we decided to duck inside. I appreciate that this place doesn't take itself too seriously, especially given its location. We grabbed two spots at the bar and scanned an impressive list of beers and drinks. I was tempted to get a spiked apple cider when I got a whiff of the simmering brew, but I opted for the CBC Pumpkin ale (awesome, btw). The bf and I ordered mussels, wings and a salad to share. The price of each dish already made the meal worthwhile, but when the food actually showed up, I was even more impressed. The wings were tasty and sizable (I hate tiny, meatless wings), the bowl of mussels was piled high, and the salad had generous amounts of avocado, chicken and cheese. If we didn't have to drive, I know we would have stayed longer - certainly for more beer but also to perhaps order more food once appetites reappeared. I hope to return to Grendel's to sample some of their entrees. In the meantime, give this place a try - it offers a great atmosphere after a long day at work.
(4)Jeff F.
- 1-2 stars if you come here for food - 3-4 stars if you come here for a drink (probably some of the best cider options in the city.)
(2)Michelle M.
I actually really liked everything they had here. The cuisine was cheap and delicious.
(5)Erin C.
Grendel's is one of my go to bars in Harvard Sq. Cozy up to the bar for a mulled wine or Sailor Jerry's Mulled Cider. If you manage to make it for their Happy Hour you can also enjoy 1/2 priced food with a $3 drink purchase. Perfect. You might see me there ordering my regular...Mulled wine with a portabello reubuen. Tasty AND cheap!
(4)Chris M.
I used to enjoy coming here for a quick bite before seeing a film (alas, we've lost that pleasure, too, in Harvard Sq.) or for the half price appetizers at Happy Hour, but never again. On a sunny day last summer, I opted to take advantage of the outdoor dining area and was appalled at both the food and the service. First of all, the waiter cavalierly cleaned the table with a spray bottle (not water) and the spray hit my face and clothes. I decided to let it go and not say anything. I ordered a spinach salad with nuts and feta, and was assured this would be a decent size for an entree with plenty of spinach. At $9 or $10 for a lunchtime salad special, I expected a reasonably sized salad. What I got was a few leaves of spinach laden with feta and nuts and dressing. Before I could say anything, the waiter disappeared. I had to get my check from someone else. Although I've never had high expectations of the food at Grendals, it was decent and friendly, what I expected of a longstanding neighborhood anchor. What Grendels has become, unfortunately, is a Harvard Sq. tourist trap. RIP, Grendels as you used to be.
(1)John-Michael E.
Pay good money for good drinks and they'll basically be giving the food away on special. Definitely going back the next time I'm in town.
(4)Juliet A.
Cozy, intimate spot for a casual dinner with some friends. Because Grendel's is such a neighborhood fave, make sure you come on the off-hours if you want to be able to hear conversation. This is my bro-in-law's favorite spot in Harvard Square, so whenever my hubs and I are in town visiting, this is a go-to place. The food is pretty good - no huge wow factor - but the prices are beyond fair considering the location (and astronomical rent prices they must be paying!). Entrees/salads/sandwiches all around $7-11. Very nice. My recommendations: -French Dip sandwich. Roast beef is served cold (some places do it warm, which I prefer), but the dipping juice is superb. -Southwestern salad. A favorite for good reason. -Crab and spinach dip.
(3)Felecia C.
I have been to Grendel's a few times for drinks and always enjoyed the divey basement atmosphere. So I was excited to hear per other Yelp reviews that Grendel's offers a gluten-free menu. I should have known something was up when I realized that the link grendelsden.com/menu/GLU… no longer works. But I thought I might be able to chat with the staff to see if they could still accommodate. To sum it up, the server told me they didn't have a gluten-free menu. When I inquired as to what I might be able to eat and if there was someone else I could speak to, she said she had no idea and wasn't familiar with gluten. Hardly apologetic. Ok then. Thanks. Maybe the food's good otherwise, and yeah I should have called ahead. But the positive gluten-free reviews are pretty recent, so I'm wondering what happened and why the current staff has no clue. No matter, there are several other gluten-free friendly options right around the corner that will get my business.
(2)Chantal G.
They have a great area to sit outside on a warm day, I'm not sure I would sit inside however. It's the usual type of dive bar food, but I loved the hamburgers! They serve you chips instead of french fries with your burger... I was a little sad about that. If I'm eating burgers, I'm going all out.
(3)Inez M.
I decided to stop into this place between appointments today because I was handed a flyer in Harvard Square and they had a good luncheon deal. I walked in and I did not know if I had to be seated or seat Myself. Didn't know. First time there on a whim. The staff ignored Me although they saw Me looking around like a fish out of water. I finally got the attention of the waiter and asked him if I seat Myself. He said yes. Strange question perhaps but I am use to being seated in places I go to eat and am use the the staff being aware that I am in the room. I found a table and placed My order but I felt extremely uncomfortable there. There was a "vibe" that I was getting from the waiter that made Me uncomfortable. I have been to all kinds of drinking and dining places and I don't feel that "vibe" often. I ordered soup, salad, and pinot noir. The young lady who placed the meal on My table was very pleasant. Great energy and great "vibe" from her. Unfortunately I had to take My meal to go because I didn't have the time to relax and enjoy it due to the fact I had to make My other appointment. The soup was pretty good and the Mediterranean salad was ok minus the watery salad dressing. My waiter was "polite" but not "friendly". There is a difference. I watched him as he served the "guests" around Me and he was a lot more friendlier towards them than he was to Me. Needless to say, I will not be back there because I felt unwelcomed. The staff should be friendly with ALL of their customers for they never know when a food critic is coming in there and food critics come in all creeds. No, he did not get a good tip from Me. If I wanted to be a ass I would of left him a penny. Next time dude treat ALL of your customers with a friendly cheer and chatter as you do the others around them. The ONLY reason I give this place one star is because of the lovely young lady who brought My food to Me.
(1)Chris C.
I know people love this place and its a Harvard Square landmark, but I haven't been very impressed after a couple visits. They have an ok beer selection with food of average quality. Regular prices are sort of high for what you get although their happy hour and other specials are a pretty good deal. I think the thing that I really don't like about this place is how insanely crowded and busy it always is.
(3)Julia M.
Grendel's is my go-to bar when I'm in Harvard Square. It has a great atmosphere, friendly staff, & good, reasonably priced drinks. The only downside to Grendel's is that there is not a lot of seating inside, so the place quickly fills up on Friday & Saturday nights.
(4)Meka A.
Let me make it clear - I love Grendel's. Not because their drinks are the fanciest or the food the best in the Square, but because it's the perfect combination of inexpensive drinks, good hearty cheap food, and a laid-back bar atmosphere. Come here for lunch, dinner, or a drink to start your night out and you won't be disappointed. In the winter, my go-to drink is the spiked apple cider (oddly, it's hard to find warm alcoholic drinks in Harvard Square), but in the warmer months, I default to a drink I was introduced to by Grendel's - Kanye's Workout Plan - a crisp, refreshing blend of cucumber vodka, soda, and lime. I've had all types of food from Grendel's, but have been most pleased with their wraps.
(3)Kelly O.
I'm all about great deals, and had been meaning to come to Grendel's Den for their half price meal deals for some time. Last night was finally my chance, for a pre-Brattle dinner/drinks date with friends. It was raining and thus it wasn't too crowded, so we got a table right away around 5:45. The interior is really cozy and welcoming, and it's the kind of place I would easily have spent hours in back in my student days, tucked away at a corner table with a beer in one hand and a book in the other. I was pleasantly surprised to have a waitress that was not only friendly but attentive; usually in cheap food situations, you're faced with surly/MIA service (looking at you, Pour House), but our waitress was lovely and really added a positive note to our time here (thanks, waitress!). Also surprised to see a pretty decent beer menu (so awesome they eschew Bud and Miller and the rest of the lawnmower gang) and a cheap cocktail list (had me some nice Hot Rum Cider for only $5). The menu's not bad either... love the fact that it's the entire menu that's half priced 5-7:30, not just a small list, and the prices are cheap to begin with so you can really go to town for not a lot of cash. We got the potato skins and nachos to split, and then I got a turkey burger with cheddar and BBQ sauce as my main. Everything is obviously frozen/packaged/not homemade ("these chips taste like store brand"), but nothing was too terrible or unpalatable, and really for the price we're paying, I can't complain (plus what do you expect from a place like this, you can't think you're going in for the meal of your life). The potato skins could have been crispier on the outside but otherwise were pretty standard/unmemorable, the nachos had strange chunky guac but excellent vegan chilli, and the turkey burger was a preformed patty with some sort of strange added flavor to it that I couldn't put my finger on (not bad, just not the usual charbroiled turkey flavor). Portions are on the smaller size... we got 3 small half potatoes with our skins order, the nachos are on a regular sized plate and not piled too high, and the very thin burgers come with a handful of chips (or coleslaw, if you're so inclined). With 2 apps and a main, I left satisfied but not overly full. I wouldn't say I'm a fan of their food per say, but it wasn't terrible and I think it's decent for the price, and wouldn't hesitate to return during happy hour if I was looking for some cheap eats (and definitely would return just for drinks any time). Overall though, I'd say Grendel's has more pluses than minuses. I've been a Pour House fan for years for their special half price nights, but I have to say the only two things Pour House has on Grendel's are giant beers for $5.50 and better food (see: mac&cheese, chimichanga). Other than that, Grendel's wins the day (better beer selection, better cocktail selection, larger menu choice, better atmosphere, better service).
(3)Binh L.
Like the exposed brick, great space, cozy decor, but there is just something I can't quite point out that I don't like. Wouldn't go here if you intend on having real conversation though. It gets so loud during the normal rush. What I do like? The snow crab dip, the cute cheese fondue (wish they gave enough bread to finish the cheese) to share with some friends. Like a nice date without any chemistry.
(3)Cassandra B.
An underrated advantage of the sub-par food is that IF you need a snack, they have offerings like spinach pie and quinoa along with the standard bar food. While the food is not anything special at all, it is nice to get a bar snack that is not greasy or unhealthy. However, like other reviews have said, you don't come here for the food. It is a friendly, cozy, laid-back, casual place to grab some drinks and catch up with friends. I like coming here on weeknights for a fun but low-key night of conversation and drinks that will not break the bank. Good beer list and more reasonably priced than other bars/restaurants with the same variety. I'm no cocktail connoisseur (whiskey ginger is complicated enough for me) but my friends have enjoyed the low-prices of the small menu of 'fun' cocktails here.
(4)Neel P.
If you're coming from the West Coast and craving the New England cozy pub atmosphere with good drink and food, come here and you won't be disappointed. The apple cider with port was particularly delicious to sip on while I enjoyed my French Dip au Jus. I hear it gets crowded in the late evening, but it was pretty calm on a Sunday evening at 6pm.
(4)Wen-fai F.
Lunch specials for $4.95, half-price off the entire menu daily, inventive dishes, large amount of outdoor seating, need I say more? This place really is a godsend amidst the over-priced, crappy food brew-pubs in Harvard Square. The lunch is as cheap as cheap can get. For under 5 bucks, you can get a half-sandwich of the day (if it's a tuna melt, get it!) with your choice of soup or salad. The funny part is a half-sandwich is an open-faced sandwich with just as much filling as a normal sandwich, so you're really only missing the top piece of bread. They also offer burgers, a french dip sandwich, and some pasta dishes for the same low price. I've only ever been here for dinner during their happy hour half-priced times (I see no reason to go any other time!). The gorgonzola mac & cheese is a must-try. While the portions aren't huge, they'll fill you up and you'll be leftover free. This place is seat yourself. I'd recommend sitting outside, weather permitting. It's so relaxing although you're subject to hearing whatever street performer is sitting in the courtyard. The inside can get a bit noisy but if your party is small, the bar is a fun place to sit. The service is brisk but attentive. Grendel's seems to understand the demographic it's working with: non-paid college students or way-underpaid graduate students. Thank you, Grendel's for continuing to feed us inventive American food at low, low prices. OK the food is not gourmet but given that it's Harvard Square and things are generally over-priced and stuffy, Grendel's is a 'hidden gem' in that respect.
(4)Lisa I.
I'm indifferent towards Grendel's. If someone wanted to go, I'd go with them, but I probably wouldn't choose to come here on my own. The food is okay - slightly better than most pub food. And the menu has good variety, with lots of salads, sandwiches, and entrees beyond your standard wings & fried food. The restaurant is small and cramped, but it's a pub, so what do you expect? The food is cheap and everything is half price from 5-7:30PM weeknights!
(3)Ziyan C.
Good location, right in the heart of Harvard Square. Nice that you can sit at the tables and just get drinks - good for some post-dinner chatting with a big group of friends. Service was a little slow - I noticed our server was covering a huge section though, and she seemed to check on us whenever she could (occasionally at best). Drinks are fine.. fairly good beer selection. Got a dark & stormy but I feel like I've had better. Fairly lively, even late on a Tuesday night. Pretty good crowd. Low key, fun vibe.
(2)Stephanie H.
Don't expect Bud, Coors or bad macro beer here. Only craft brews available! Local hangout, vegan and veggie friendly. Thoroughly enjoyed their picture of "mordor" aka the places where LGBT marriage isn't legal. LGBT friendly as well.
(4)Dessa R.
Landmark stop for the Harvard crowd and Cambridge locals, which actually also makes it simultaneously touristy-- since visitors want to observe these folks in their natural habitat. This well-known little tavern is below ground level, and gleams multiple hues of hardwood throughout. The walls are stony, and the space is dark, giving it a little bit of a speakeasy/catacomb flavor. Good bar selection. Happy hour, which I believe goes on most days-- half price food if you order two drinks. Food is pretty satisfying, and certainly superior to typical bar grub. I had a gorgonzola tortellini with walnuts, which was really good (and half price)! As if that wasn't enough, one can be easily entertained for hours on end by eavesdropping on the pretentious graduate students dining nearby. Ah, the circle of life.
(3)Nadir V.
Pleasantly surprised by the price and quality of the restaurant. As a graduate student I try to maximize my dollar, and this surely felt like they were not overcharging for a yummy plate of nachos and a strong IPA. My friend ordered a second round of cole slaw because 'it was the best he ever had'. A must go in Harvard Square!
(4)Monique S.
This very spacious den is full of all types of people, from tourists to students and the after work crowd. There is a bad fruit fly problem in the back. There are a ton of fruit flies on the wall and swarming around. Once we saw the problem, we moved to another seat. The half off special is quite a good deal, the buffalo wings come with sauce on the side. The bleu cheese is a little watery. They do not have fries. The sandwiches and burgers come with chips or coleslaw. Our waitress was personable and was knowledgeable of the menu and beer selection.
(3)Chris M.
I want to love Grendel's Den, I really do. You have amazing cider on tap, you are in a very cool location, you have an awesome drink selection, fairly priced... it's a winning formula... Really, this place is like a coffee haus, that serves alcohol instead of coffee. I love it, well, the concept. There's just something missing. Maybe it's me, or maybe it's you, i'm not really sure. It might have to do with the fact that both times I have been here, I was with a large group. Grendel's isn't made for that. I wouldn't go here with a party of more than 4 (so, Kat, me and Sally, and a +1 can go here for cider... that's it!). I also think the bar is kind of awkward, you can't really stand around the bar, without being in the way. The service is ok, I mean, I didn't like how with a large party, they threw everyone on one tab (flash to me thinking i'm going to get screwed over and have a $270 bill to cover, as people hop in and out of the party), Getting the staff to pay as you go, would keep people there drinking a lot longer, and we all know alcohol sales is where the cash money is at. Also, avoid the corner table that has like copper flashing over it... I think the wood underneath it is rotting or something and it was letting out a strange smell... kind of like someone was rubbing you with a bunch of pennies. There's a lot of potential in this place, and it's a good little neighborhood hangout. I think it kind of stops there though. I wish it was more bar and less restaurant. I'll still go, I'll still give it the chance to wow me, I think they just need to kick it up a notch and they'd have a 5 star establishment.
(3)Scott B.
Lousy. I really, really was hoping the experience would be as cool as their monkey man logo... but it turned out to be a no-go. First of all, this space is SMALL... and by small I mean disfunctionally small. Prepare to get very close and personal with your dining neighbors. Then there's the service. Just walking in the front door left me with a feeling of chaos. And our server should definitely win an award for her terrible service. She brought us beers, took our order, and we did not see her again. We did catch up with her briefly when she brought us the check. Absolute train wreck. And the food. Argh. Seriously? Bland... boring... blah. To Grendel's credit, it was a busy Saturday night. All in all, Grendel's gave me no reason to be impressed, and several reasons to stay away in the future.
(2)Mercedes V.
I give Grendel' Den 5 stars for what it is: a bar with bar food! The happy hour is good, the food is good (not great but good), and the service is good. It's a cool atmosphere. No frills but a fun place to go. Grendel's Den is small so depending on what time you go, you might have a hard time finding a seat (oh yeah, it's seat yourself so you can just wander around until you find a table). I've been a few times here (usually with friends late at night) but I also took my dad for dinner one time and he loved it too! Rachael Ray went there on one her show (I love watching those shows on the travel channel and food network) so that was a neat added touch. If you want something gourmet or with great service for a date or something, this isn't the place for you. Grendel's Den is a casual place with a cool atmosphere and location. I definitely recommend.
(5)Andrew C.
Cool place to go. I had the lobster sandwich this time. Which I got as the afternoon special before the prices went up. Tables could have been cleaner, it was kinda sticky. But if you're here to just drink and chill it's a perfect place to go.
(3)Olga Q.
One of my favorite, unassuming places to go to. I always recommend this place for a low key hangout where you'll get good food and drinks. While so many places in Harvard sq try their absolute hardest to be incredibly pretentious with an expensive albeit mediocre food and drink selection, this place is just a breathe of fresh air despite being in a basement. With eclectic choices of beers and drinks and a great menu for even vegetarians, what more can you ask for. They even do a solid brunch!
(4)Jackie S.
Grendel's is such a gem. What a delciious and super cheap meal! I can't believe it's half off your meal with the pruchase of a drink for happy hour. Good food, good staff, classic Harvard Square feel. I definitely will come back!
(4)Dana S.
I went here after a Boston Cannons lax game a few weeks back. It was late for dinner (probably around 9:30) but they still had a full menu and the service was fast and friendly. We started w/ the hummus plate that was accompanied by olives and pita bread. I remember the hummus being slightly bland and needing some salt, but mixed w/ the olives it was a nice light starter. I ordered a portabello wrap that was filled to the max w/ fresh marinated portabellos. My boyfriend ordered a turkey burger w/ coleslaw and was pleased with the portion size and taste of his dish. My wrap was a little hard to eat without a fork and knife given the marinade on the mushrooms, making it a little soggy and hard to keep together, but the flavors were good. for a REALLY cheap meal (esp in boston/harvard sq) i would recommend Grendels. there's also outside seating available which is great for summer.
(3)Mike P.
* Drinks: Great "Dark and Stormy" and mulled wine * Food: Good quality (a surprise at a bar, esp with the 1/2 happy hour specials) * Crowd: Good mix of locals and college students
(5)Ashley A.
Went out on a Wednesday night. My two friends and I were kind of barhopping. Grendel's was our 3rd stop, and after downing a few, we were slightly buzzed and having a good time. However, Grendel's quickly put a damper on that with a rude welcome from the bartender. My friends and I took the first seats we saw at the bar, and I unknowingly sat too close to the screen that waiters and waitresses use to place orders and print receipts. Instead of kindly saying, "I'm sorry, but you can't sit there," the bartender quite sardonically states "That computer is there for a reason." Umm don't you work for tips, buddy?! I've worked several jobs in customer service, and I have never, even on my worst days, been that rude to a customer. My friends and I left (after one used the bathroom) and didn't spend a dime. I personally refuse to use my hard-earned dollars at a place where I don't feel welcomed.
(1)Jackie B.
I like the half-price food for happy hour. I like the drink selection. However, the last time I went we had a less than amicable server who left a pretty bad taste in my mouth. She was unfriendly, slow, and the cincher- after we ate, my party of 6 pooled together our cash and cards and made sure to include a good tip. She proceeded to stand at the table, said 'you know we can't include tips on cards' after we then assured her we had accounted for that, she looked at us like we were trying to cheat her and COUNTED the money to make sure we gave her a tip. When she realized we did, just gave a grunt and walked away. NEVER have I had that experience. We are all college/grad school graduates and were nothing but respectful. I don't like to be judged as a cheapskate when I am paying someone EXTRA for their services.
(3)Astra G.
Tip- During their half off food times, go in groups of 2 or 4 or more. Never a group of 3. Tip- Order the dark and stormy. Tip- Order the wings they are delicious and not fried. Tip- Some food items here are actually pretty bland (read- no salt not much seasoning) while others are not. It's very hit or miss but it's cheap and great for your friend who needs a low salt diet.
(4)A C.
nice pub atmosphere and friendly service. $7 margarita and good beer list. Spinach pie was good but served with tasteless rice. Chicken quesadilla was terrible, chicken wings were pretty bad too. Garden burger seemed deep fried. won't go there again.
(2)Daniela C.
Apparently this is the only bar-bar in Cambridge where you can order drinks and not food. Tons of Harvard kids, which, privilege, whatever. The staff were super nice and attentive, and most importantly didn't give me a weird look when I ordered a bloody mary at 1 AM. Would definitely come back again.
(5)Spencer L.
Nice spot at Harvard Square. Food were nice. Highly recommend wild mussels on white wine garlic. Waitress were always busy.
(4)Senor P.
Used to come here all the time after class. Always had a good experience. Recently I came with my girlfriend, after talking it up quite a bit, and was ignored for a half hour, waited 2 full hours from the time I walked in to the time food arrived, then charged for wine we never got (but ordered with dinner). Pretty horrendous service. 3 stars purely for nostalgia.
(3)Liliya M.
This place is filthy. As in physically, actually dirty. I feel like there's a roach just waiting for someone to turn the lights off so he can eat the crumbs from your mediocre meal to his heart's desire.
(2)Mercy D.
While planning my trip to Boston I came across Grendel's and was really looking forward to their half off food deal. It didn't disappoint. I imagined it to be a hole in the wall type place in order to have such a rock bottom deal, but the building was impressive and charming, and the outdoor patio was spacious and overlooks the park. Our server was friendly and attentive, and our food was pretty solid. The drink selection was vast. My only complaint was that the edges of my cheddar bacon burger were a little chilled, while the inside was piping hot, which only made me wonder how the burger was prepared. As a french fry fanatic I thought I would miss the fries, but my meal was substantial and didn't leave me wanting. In any case this place is located right across from Shake Shack, so I could have satisfied my craving there after my meal. Overall a good experience, and I'll definitely be back when I'm in town again.
(4)Soo Jung R.
It was my second time here, but first time during early evening. We had trouble flagging down a server to ask about seating, trouble flagging down a server to get our orders, and our order was below expectations. We ordered the red sangria pitcher to share, and it tasted very little like wine, a little bit of sparkling water, and just plan water. In short, very watered down. When the server brought us the drink, they spilled water from the tray (not sure why there was so much water in the first place) and some of it splattered on people in our party. Overall, I really don't think I'd go back. Since I don't mind a smaller selection of drinks, I'd rather grab a beer from Shake Shack right across - it's not like Grendel's is that much cheaper anyhow.
(2)Natasha M.
Worst service ever. Our server was really abrupt and not friendly. Maybe she couldn't handle a large crowd? In any case, we felt really uncomfortable. We ordered a pitcher of sangria (which was filled all the way to the top with ice) and some appetizers. Our appetizers were all very underwhelming. We asked for a slice of orange to entertain my nephew while we waited, and the server's response was that they didn't have a lot so she couldn't guarantee it. Really?1 slice?! Mind you our sangria was filled with oranges. She ended up bringing a slice to us so the side comments weren't necessary. She also just placed all of our flatware in one pile and said "I'll just leave this right there". Okay? Never again.
(2)Tracey L.
Grendel's is great. It's a chill, low-fuss place to grab a drink and some food. For a pub/den, they have a surprisingly interesting menu - lots of Mediterranean and Latin American influence. They are also surprisingly vegetarian friendly. I am a huge fan of the quinoa stew and am so glad they put it on the permanent menu. The garden burger is also solid, and they always have a vegetarian option for soup of the day. The food can be a bit inconsistent though. Some days the yucatan pork is delicious. Other days, it's dry and stringy. It's a risk worth taking for a cozy place to nurture a drink and conversation. Also, $5.95 lunch special - nuff said.
(4)Eric B.
I've been coming here for over 20 years and although I go gourmet as a habit now, Grendel's is my fallback. I love siting at the bar and reading in the I between hours, or taking a friend here if I haven't seen them in a spell. You can get close and personal here and watch the Cambridgians at play. This place is big value for the price and has good service. Sit outside in the summer if you aren't iN A hurry. They have half price of the menu happy hours on Sun thru Thurs, don't know the hours. They always have tasty specials going that sits on a solid good menu. A few gourmet items but a solid tasty burger. My favorite on tap drink is Original Sin hard cider, which they have had for years, love it. I have picky picky friends who have been come to this place since it opened 40 plus years ago. The staff is smart and though busy and rushed they get you what you need. Tip you servers folks!
(5)Akzhan M.
Food was good, but the service horrendous. They are horrible at handling customer objections. We came here on Thursday night for half off. My husband ordered a beer, quesadilla (appetizer) and sandwich for the half off special. I didn't order anything, but had a couple of bites from his quesadilla and sandwich. When we received the bill, we noticed that they did not honor half off on one of the items. When asked why one if the items was priced at a full price, they said one item per person, although the menu doesn't state that it's one item per person. After speaking to the manager, she was extremely rude; stating that we are trying to scam the restaurant by asking for the item half off and mentioned that they are giving us the food for free. She said we should be grateful that there is no other place that has such a fantastic deal. Service wise this is not what we have expected from this place, as we were a big table and we were charged 20% tip for argumentative and defensive staff, and horrendous service. It's a shame that previously our friends experienced good service, but we were unable to enjoy it.
(1)Scott E.
The food was very bland and the service was average at best. I ordered the chicken sandwich and it tasted like a piece of reheated costco chicken with 0 seasoning on it. My daughter got the hamburger, which was also lacking any flavor, including a regular beef flavor. A bubba burger from the freezer section at the grocery store would be an upgrade.
(2)Inês L.
Went one night for the special happy hour and then again for lunch. Love that they have vegan options and everything is super cheap. At night, it gets a little crazy but it's nice and quaint during lunch. Hidden little gem. Service was on and then off, don't take it personally.
(4)Anthony L.
In the summer of 2014 I made a lofty list of places I must go to before the year ends. Obviously that did not go as planned, BUT I finally made my way over to Grendel's Den over the past weekend (Sat., 3/21). First impression: adorable! The Den (I like that) is nestled in the basement in the heart of Havard Square. I got there around 4:30 after some time at the Fogg Museum as I was craving a hoppy beer. While The Den does not have an extensive beer menu, it has a quality menu. Only a handful were on tap (maybe we are just spoiled by living in Boston & Camberville) and a few more offered via bottle. Whatever, they were all **damn** good choices. I ordered the hot spinach, artichoke, and snow crab dip and was mildly disappointed, mainly because I wish there was a stronger presence of spinach and artichoke. Hefty helping of chips, though. I would TOTALLY come back for another round of drinks and a snack! Pro tip: - The older waitress is a sticker on tables that are for five or more patrons; I actually saw her argue with a group of four people, pointing to the 5+ sign... they politely said, "Okay, I guess we will just go somewhere else then" ... I was surprised that she did not stop them, offer them a different table, or show some sort of hospitality. I hope they, too, drank good beer.
(4)Linda V.
good service, great beer options. Easy in and out location in the heart of Harvard Square.
(5)Sarah N.
Cozy spot for broke 20 somethings. The environment is a bit dark, but hey, it's a "den". Wish they would have turned the music down some last time I was in. Setting is super casual. Fine dining it ain't. Walk in and seat yourself. The waitstaff doesn't appear to have a dress code, and you won't be catered to hand and knee because they might only have one or two waitstaff working at a time. However, they are very down to earth and polite. Probably the best deal on dinner and a drink you'll find in the area. 5-7:30 is a food happy hour (Massachusetts law prohibits liquor happy hours) so you get your $7 burger for $3.50 with your $8 drink. Not bad! The food isn't fancy but is tasty, and well worth the full price, especially given the prices and quality of other eateries in the area. If you're looking for a fancy Bostonian eatery, go elsewhere. If you're looking for a student haunt, you're in the right place.
(4)Robyn B.
One of the best parts of Harvard Square. Half priced food between 5-7:30pm is amazing. Get the Lala's Grilled Chicken! The mussels are also good, as is the salmon. And they have Original Sin cider on tap!!! Fun, cozy atmosphere. I always take any visitors here. OH and be surey to read the history on the back of the menu.... it includes an epic Supreme Court case. Grendel's is awesome.
(5)L S.
Grab a table if you can outside, great vibe, lots of people walking by, especially when the weather's nice. Food was decent, ordered a chicken salad, everything was fresh and crisp. Service was mediocre at best
(3)Imfromdetroit R.
As a young business traveler I try as hard as I can to check out the local fare. I have been to many cities, but have never been truly moved to write a review. Most places leave you feeling indifferent. Not Grendel's. Scene: An anxious 20-something year-old follows a waitress from the patio down a flight stairs in search of a cheap bite and a rich beer. I fell in love with the interior immediately. It would have been just as suitable for The Den to be located in The Shire. The doorman indicated there was little room. So I shuffled to the natural habitat of the wallflower. I was already intimidated by the location. It's Harvard. Their heads turned like I reeked of lower intelligence and mediocrity. They could see my knuckles dragging from a mile away. Or maybe it was the mouth-breathing. At any rate, I shook those feelings and shuffled in. I finally found a spot at the bar. The barman was gruff. No frills. All business. I like that. I ordered a Clown Shoes Blaecorn Unidragon. I was so blown away they had this beer, I did not note the rest of their offerings. My beer nirvana faded. I began to pick up on the surroundings. I was in between the drunkest person at the bar and some local ladies. The cast: The drunk, his prey, local ladies, proud gay man, myself, and what I can assume are regulars reading books and discussing existentialism. Gay man is loud and proud. You go guy. Drunk dude is offended. In what I can assume is some sort of twisted effort to inflict jealousy on his prey, the drunk rambles for ten minutes straight on how much the gay man wants him. That noise dies down. I strike up a conversation with the locals. I'm looking for dives. Charlie's came highly recommended. The locals leave and are replaced by a charismatic waitress. She studied neurology. She didn't want to go the research route. From what I understand, it is boring. If you read this, I hope you do find an exciting and rewarding career. The moral of the story is this: go to Grendel's Den. Marvel at the interior. Meet some characters. Be humbled by the fact that you are surrounded by amazing strangers with incredible stories.
(5)Julia C.
Great for drinks and outdoor meals with a view of Winthrop Sq. They offer express lunches which are a great value, but my favorite dish is the yucatan style pork (not offered as a lunch special, but not too pricey anyways). The deal of half price food with a drink is incredible and offered for most of the evening (I don't remember the details).
(4)Sarah D.
Things about Grendel's Den, By Sarah D: -It is in a basement. -It is very crowded always, no matter what. -It is "seat yourself", so it is mayhem always, no matter what. -Sometimes the waitresses seem very startled to be waitressing. -Sometimes a sandwich costs $3. -They don't sell hot dogs, but they do sell fondue. -It is a very inconvenient place to plan to be, but is a very happy place to happen to be. -I like Grendel's Den.
(4)Yan C.
First of all, Grendel's Den has its own Wikipedia page. If that's not cool, I don't know what is. You can read up all the history of the establishment. I certainly did. Fun fact: this is one of Ben Affleck's favorite restaurants. Parts of the movie "The Town," which he directed, were shot here. Second of all, can we just talk about how cool the name is?? It's something I would expect to find in Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings or the Hobbit. I came here on a Saturday night to grab a drink with a group of friends. The restaurant/bar is underground. The entrance isn't the most conspicuous, so it took me just a little walking to find the right door. I had to take a few steps down to enter. As I walked in, I noticed that the place is packed with young people - many Harvard students and some young professionals. It was quite noisy but we were able to find a booth in the back that gave us a little more privacy. There's a great selection of beer here - tasty and inexpensive! What a steal, especially considering it's located at Harvard Square. I'm not a big beer drinker at all, but I truly enjoyed the Honey Brown - just like what the name suggested, it had a hint of sweetness to it. My friends all liked their beers as well. The cocktail options also looked interesting. Despite how crowded it was, the staff kept up with the service. Our waitress was attentive and brought out our beers soon after we placed the order. Bottom line, I will definitely be visiting Grendel's Den again - next time I'll have a sandwich to go with my beer!
(4)Sarah S.
To Keri K., that was posted on the very same day as our visit. We got there at 430 and waited for another of our group until around 5.
(1)J S.
Googled gluten free options in Harvard Square and came up with Grendel's Den. Turns out, no gluten free menu, and no guarantee of any gluten free items, just FYI. That's fine, it's a specialty thing. Generally I like the food, and it's very reasonably priced. Always enjoy the wings. There's a couple of dishes that are hit or miss, and kind of on the bland side (this time it was the spinach, artichoke, and crab dip, a bit meh) but I'll keep coming back.
(4)Sue B.
I hate to complain about our brunch because it was really cheap ($7 for eggs Florentine), but you get what you pay for and maybe a bit less. The coffee came out cold. The spinach in the eggs Florentine was straight out of a frozen package of spinach and not even hot - maybe just defrosted. The hollandaise sauce was barely there. I had to ask for a steak knife to cut through the English muffin. Disappointing though my friend enjoyed her Mexican breakfast.
(2)Jordan S.
Cheapest place to eat in Boston without being skimped out on portions. Great atmosphere. They got dem sandwiches. That is all that matters, right? They actually try to put together sandwiches beyond a turkey club, it's a miracle. They do a damn good job. Everything is half off at happy hour, creating confusingly cheap prices. I don't have a story about how I was wandering with my dog and chanced upon this gracious establishment. I was a hungry person looking for a hunger solution and left satisfied yet wanting even more of the menu and with most of my wallet intact. Amen
(5)Ryan B.
I ate Sunday brunch here with my future mother-in-law and aunt-in-law. We ordered family-style and shared orders of the Artichoke Crab Dip and the Mussels for our appetizers. The artichoke dip was the winner among the two, except the tortilla chips we were given were a little stale. All of us agreed the mussels were wanting. For our main dishes, I ordered the Eggs Benedict and my guests shared the Eggs with Quinoa. Of the two, the Eggs Benedict was the clear winner, the poached egss were cooked perfectly. When pierced the yolks spilled over the ham and the english muffin--it was beautiful. However, the poached eggs on the quinoa dish were overcooked and to our disappointment no such yolk spillage occurred (poaching eggs is extremely difficult though). In summary, I would wager a guess that Gendel's is a classic dive bar that gets plenty of play from appreciating Harvard students. As other Yelpers pointed out, certain dishes shine while others swing-and-miss. I think we got unlucky with the quinoa's eggs and very lucky with the Eggs Benedict, but regardless the Benedict was delicious and worthy of a return trip. Grendel's is A-OK and worth a shot.
(3)Simon L.
Somewhat of an institution. Underground, deep, dark and not really that dirty. Very cozy with a bar and tables surrounding. Seat yourself. There's no coors or bud. Yuengling lager at $4 a pint is a great deal. Fresh soups - mushroom cream and chicken noodle. The hamburger is pretty awesome with a nice char and cooked perfectly medium rare. No fancy meat blends but a well seasoned burger. Lovely place to hang out and imbibe.
(4)Lauren G.
Amazingly rude waitress in the outdoor seating. Didn't pay attention to us or any of the other patrons. Didn't tell us that half price food was only for inside customers. Don't waste your time.
(1)Jules J.
Went here after 10.30pm on a Thursday, when most other restaurants in the area have closed their kitchens. We weren't sure, given the fact that the menu offers pretty much anything, and some of the reviews here weren't great. But, BOY, were we wrong! Really great beer selection, and tasty food, for half of the price at that hour. We paid basically nothing for what we consumed, and everything was tasty too! Sure, the place is a little off-beat and maybe the waitress wasn't as punctual as she could have been, but the place had a certain flair to it. If you expect fanciness, you are in the wrong place. If you expect the best bang for buck in the square, go here!
(5)Andre A.
Been two times before with no problem at all, I actually liked the place! Last time was with 2 other friends and another was about to arrive. The bar was as described by other yelpers a fair bit crowded but there were several "5 people only tables" that were empty. Instead of just sitting down we asked for permission to sit down and told the waitress it would be four of us and not five. She said "NO" , turned her back on us and left. Sure Grendel's...if you don't want our money I'll take it elsewhere. Keep your tables empty.
(2)Denise A.
Grendel's is a long time favorite. Cozy atmosphere, decent pub food, and cheap drinks. They've got a good beer selection too! Recently had a pumpkin beer shandy which was maybe a bit too early for fall but it hit the spot. And as the place that introduced me to dark and stormies...I can't help but love it. They get around Massachusetts's no-happy-hour laws by offering half price on food items with the purchase of at least $5 in drinks (they don't have to be alcoholic) during certain time slots. They can get pretty busy so sometimes they are a bit more lenient with the time limits to accommodate you. The result is a ridiculously cheap and awesome meal. It makes me wonder why they have a walking billboard guy by the T when I think their deals speak for themselves and I've never seen them not-packed. Their food is pretty decent but not spectacular. But they've got some surprising items on there. I had what was basically Mexican style pulled pork with rice and black beans. Not too shabby! I'm not going to lie, though. Usually when I come here to eat I get the potato skins with cheese and bacon. It gets pretty loud in here. I've had many a pleasant afternoon sipping on their sangria on the few tables they have outside but those can get a bit complicated since there isn't too much wiggle room. Still, even if I have to hunch over the table and summon all the air from my lungs to talk with my friends, this is one of my favorite hang out places. And the atmosphere is jovial. Plus, when it's the middle of winter and all I want is a good strong drink, there is no warmer hovel out there that makes me so happy.
(4)Aleh V.
A very special place at otherwise too touristic area. A nice bar. Lacking some charm but this is not what you expect from a bar. The selection of draft beer is ok.
(4)Cindy H.
Cheap prices for food and drinks, but not much selection. They had my go-to - the Harpoon IPA, so I wasn't too unhappy. I got the wings and they just just mediocre, but I can't complain for the price. Our waiter kept an eye on us despite how flocked he was, which I appreciate. While I'm not raving about this place, Grendel's is one of the best places to hang out in Harvard Square.
(3)Alyson S.
This is a prime happy hour location if you can get a spot. Arrive a few minutes before it starts to claim a spot and you will enjoy a great evening of fun. The food is half price and it gets busier as the time passes. Definitely recommend you try to stop by while the college kids are away since it makes it much easier. Decent food, great atmosphere to catch up with friends, and large beer selection.
(5)Iaroslav M.
last time I have been here was like 3 years ago.and i used to like it. its different now i would say. Food is bad. Mussels are very vinegary/wine/wierd taste like, tilapia-is it real fish here or just an imitation ? ( glad it was half off, otherwise I would never paid 14$ for such tasteless fish along with potato and "mix of salvadorian vegetables (thats what you call a few frozen and then microwaved veggies '.) .beer is good, service too. Ill come back for drinks only. Btw,i puked after the food i had here. So be careful
(2)Bob T.
I've been a patron of Grendel's for nearly forty years now, and I keep coming back every time I'm in Cambridge. It's in the basement of a building abutting a mini-park a block out from Harvard Square (although old-timers like me will remember when they had the first floor as well), with some outside tables in good weather. Don't think of it as a bar, or as a restaurant, but as a pub: lots of drinks, and lots of great food at spectacular prices. (Let's put it this way: I'm a teetotaler and always have been, but I love Grendel's all the same.) It has an old-time pub atmosphere: cramped, raucous, but fun and friendly. The prices really are spectacular -- you can easily eat for less than $10 a person -- which makes me happy now as in long-past broke student days. Sandwiches at lunch time are LESS than $5, and their full-scale meal sandwiches just a couple bucks more. Salads and appetizers are much the same. Like a pub, the selection isn't huge, but really, how many different entree choices do I need? Everything is well prepared, and I don't think I've ever had a bad meal here. The best part is their half-price time, which runs for a couple hours daily late afternoon early evening and for a couple hours before midnight. HALF PRICE off of already cheap, quality food. (You still pay full price for drinks, which is how they don't go broke.) It's very tough to beat. Hell, you'd pay more at a fast food joint. It's not perfect: the Den is a crowded, loud place: it's nowhere to go for quiet conversations or if you can't stand being jammed up against your neighbors. But if that's the atmosphere you like, Grendel's is the place for you. I live a hundred miles away now, and my visits to Cambridge are few and far between, but if you're in the area, avoid the pretentious, high-priced dumps and drop in on the Den. I promise you'll be a fan too.
(4)Na S.
It's a really nice place, quiet but cheerful. The employees are nice and helpful. Totally recomend the veggie burger! It was our first time here and was a really good one. We ended up here because I'm vegetarian and were going to be in the area so we looked up online for some place with veg options. Looking forward to go back and try some of the others!
(4)Cristobal C.
Walked in during happy hour. The quest for an open table for two was a challenge. Luckily we found a table with stools in the back behind a wall next to the elevator. The ambiance was great. This bar has character. After eating and drinking (At happy hour price), I understood why it was so crowded and hard to find a seat. The food was excellent, the view of the rafters and interesting looking plumbing made me feel good about being a DIY plumber. The two boys/girls bathrooms were a little confusing at first. I couldnt tell which was which or were not dedicated to each. I took a guess and think I got it right. Wait staff were on point with the order, the food and with their beer recommendation.
(4)Greta G.
We have been to Grendel's on a plethora of occasions. The usually abrasive service is par for the course if it is happy hour (half price) time frame. However in the last three times, we have been treated exceptionally rudely and virtually ignored. Today, my partner snagged a table outside after a 10 min wait and 10 min later was asked to move. All the while she remained unattended. I arrived 20 min after and just then did her drink order get taken. I sat there with her for another 10 min before another server arrived and it took a subsequent 15 more min to get a drink. If the quality of the food didn't match the price, I doubt any non broke individual would eat here. She ordered a chicken Caesar salad and not only did the server forget the order, it still took 35 minutes. I'm unsure of there is a poultry farm somewhere that she needed to kill and pluck the chicken from, however this is absurd. I will never return to this horrific establishment.
(1)Jim S.
Has kept its prices down while all around it is going through the ceiling. Crowded bar in the basement atmosphere is real, not fake. Food is fine - signature Fondue for 2 (most expensive thing on the menu) is pretty good, although it won't be confused with what you get in Zermatt (or at my house). The service was really good, which is not my memory of previous visits (although those were years ago). I didn't see a huge number of waitpeople considering the place was packed, but they did the job well. I just hope this doesn't get bought out by some ritzy upscale someday.
(4)Peter Y.
Something something Harvard bros something something discussing philosophy. While I'm usually not one to believe in stereotypes, it was pretty ironic that the table next to us was filled with Harvard med students talking about the meaning of life. Anyways, located underground, Grendel's Den literally feels like a grungy hole in the ground. If highly educated Hobbits went out to pubs, this would be it. Though, said Hobbits would probably be slightly disappointed to find a small beer selection and weak cocktails. Don't get me wrong, if you haven't outgrown your PBR stage yet, then this would be perfect for you. But for me, I like my non-watered down alcohol thankyouverymuch. Their cocktails are also a bit on the sugary side, with very artificial, syrupy tastes. I feel like at this stage of the game, I'm just not into this kind of scene anymore. But hey, if Harvard chicks start frequenting this place, you might see me here more often.
(3)Kirsten L.
Service was super slow here today. I'm not sure what the hold up was...it seemed pretty calm on a Saturday afternoon. Ordered the Santa Fe salad-light and tasty. Chicken quesadilla- crispy and good. The wheat beer was perfect for a hot summer day. We sat outside so we had the view of the "park". Music was played by a local guy on a guitar- relaxing and good. There was a guy a few feet down not eating just sitting there with his cigarette smoking away while we inhale second hale smoke while we eat. Lovely. Again...service was SLOW!!!! Get the waitress/waiter attention as soon as you can or else you won't see them for 30 mins.
(2)DJ Micaiah M.
It was Ok. I am editing this review because I feel like I was a bit harsh in my initial review. It was a pretty busy night! This place is an interesting dive bar with basic bar food. It is a great place to bring friends for drinks though. A little loud for my tastes on this particular night. Their burgers and sandwiches are decent but are served with what looks like Lays potato chips. I ordered a special "Andy's Manwich" but it was basically a roast beef sandwich. Not what I was expecting (manwich). You may like this kind of Place though! The location is nice. It is kind of hidden in a basement style area in the middle of Harvard Square. I did like the ambiance though Very unique.
(3)Anna J.
Grendel's never disappoints. From the moment you take those steps downstairs, it feels like steps back in time. This place has lots of character, and not just sitting at the bar! When visiting I like to sit at the bar and enjoy the company of the bartender and their wisdom of beers and spirits. The food here is cheap but good for the cost. They have a wide selection of beers and happy hour is the best time to get in. I have visited a few times, both as the hangout spot for the night and as just a stop for beers before moving on. And am never unhappy. The staff is friendly and they are awesome with suggestions on what beer to try next. You can tell they've been educated on the beers they serve cuz they have their own opinions on the varying types. Great place! I enjoy visiting Grendel's and can't wait to do it again.
(4)Mel C.
The grilled chicken with rice pilaf is your best happy hour bet. Grendels happy hour makes it a popular spot for Harvard kids and locals alike.
(4)Andrea B.
Grendel's Den is like a whole little underground world, one that you would never expected would exist merely from the unsuspecting signage outside. It's a pretty cool place to grab some apps and drinks. It's generally crowded, and understandably so, because they've got some pretty great deals on their already cheap food and drinks! Come in any night of the week (yes, ANY night) from 5:00 to 7:30 and find that all food prices are half-off if you purchase a minimum of $3 in drinks. Sunday through Thursday, they have half-off from 9:00 to 11:30 also. Their overall drink selection is pretty decent. Food is just so-so, but there's a lot to choose from, and I love that! I've been here for drinks and apps and also for lunch. The best thing that I've tried was off the specials menu (see photo), and it was called "Andy's Manwich." It's a pretty hefty sandwich, loaded with beef, BBQ sauce, horseradish cream, sautéed onions and cheddar cheese. Now, why it is called a manwich is a bit beyond me, seeing as I am 100% woman and I enjoyed it immensely. That sandwich was definitely a lone standout for me, though. All apps that I've tried have ranged from average to, well, average again. So the three stars are for the crazy cheap eats, not so much the quality of food. I wasn't overly wowed by most of what I've tried, but did I leave with both my tummy and wallet full? You betcha.
(3)Joey M.
Unless your a tourist and are thinking, hey I'd like to check out this "Harvard square" thing you've probably been to Grendel's. And let me go out on a limb here and say, if you didn't like it, you probably should have guessed a place with the word "den" in it wasn't really in your wheelhouse. The food is good, but not great. Go during one of their half price food hours and it becomes a damn good deal. Pro tip: order the nachos. Its filling and comes with their vegetarian chilli on top. Awwww yeah. The drinks are drinky. The dark and stormies, both dark and stormy (and delicious). I also tried a sip of my roomates "Kayne's workout plan" and it was refreshing and delicious. And of course, they have a decent number of beers on tap. I whole heatedly approve of this den (ESPECIALLY during the half price food times). The price is right, the atmosphere basement bar like and the clientele delightful.
(4)Leslie T.
Cheap food, definitely would not have gone there had there been no half-price menu. Our waitress was old and condescending. The gorgonzola egg noodles were super soggy and when my friend asked for another item, she sassed at us. Furthermore, she took our bill before we left and gave an offensive comment on how little we tipped her due to her lackluster service!
(2)Jeff M.
After being denied because of the size of the crowds at not one but two other Harvard locations.....Grendel's was our next choice on the list to try and brave the Friday night rush. I had been here before, it was a very cold February night and I'll never forget how cozy feeling it was at the time. I don't get back to Harvard Square all that often anymore but when I do, I want to try to have the best experience, especially when I have visitors in town. Eureka! After heading down the stairs, we discovered in the back next to the bathrooms a table that says "reserved for at least five people". It was literally the only one left in the entire location. I quickly grabbed it and began placing all of our coats on the well placed wall rack on the other side of our table. Our server was great all night, although my only minor complaint is that he could be a little more educated on the beer selections. He stated a handful of times, "I've never tried that". I don't know what the rules are in the restaurant world but maybe your staff could have a tasting some night with a little education thrown in on the vast selection of brews you offer. The prices here are incredible! We started with a hummus plate for $5, chips and salsa for just $3.50. I had the turkey and havarti on a baguette and it was only $7 with a side of chips. The sandwich was by no means anything fancy but it didn't need to be, it was more of an aside to all of the imbibing we were doing and it was adequate at a tremendous price. This left more room in the budget to buy a $20 beer on the menu that came wrapped in paper called "The Red Giant". Freaking spectacular and great to share with a group if you want to splurge. The funniest part of the night was when none of us could figure out the sexes of the bathrooms. Numerous times we walked in on some gals in what I thought was the guys room marked by Einstein. Now I'm realizing they are unisex but its still a bit awkward. It only took a handful of visits for me to fall in love to the divey, under the street feel of Grendel's but for those rare times I do find myself in good ol' Hahvud, I'll be thinking about them again for a meal and a few brewkis.
(5)Lindsay F.
Okay. I do not give 5 stars idly, but this place is maintaining a wonderful vibe and niche that screams college town Boston. If you want amazing, unique food and a fancy atmosphere, this is the antithesis of what you want. If you want cheap, good and nummy food and drinks in a basement where waitresses seem to have a Boston attitude of stern/cold but friendly and warm to familiar faces, then this place is great. 1. Love the food. Spinach artichoke crab dip, salsa, guacamole, fondue, and half priced apps during daily happy hour. 2. Nummy drinks. Awesome sangria, and the best dark and stormy ever (strong!) 3. The atmosphere. Grungy-esque pub full of intelligent grad students, undergrad students, foreigners, professors, faculty, and the occasional local. All wanting a little break from their studious reality. To really explain the atmosphere, this is what they feel about mice. I saw a little mouse running around (it's a basement) and told the waitress, who said "oh yea, they come visit sometimes" and smiled at me and walked away. Gross, kinda, but also just kinda awesome :D This was a staple for 4 years in undergrad, and it is a must stop when I'm in town!
(5)Kiley S.
Came here on a whim, wasn't that impressed. They had a huge variety but the quality wasn't that great. The waitress straight up told us to not order a burger which was appreciated, but if you can't even make a good burger at a dive bar? come on. The turkey pesto sandwich was good. I wouldn't recommend this to friends, maybe just stick to the bar. *service was great.
(2)Roma B.
Patio seating is first come first-served. If you see an empty table outside its yours! Skip the sangria it's cheap but not great. Food is decent but not fancy. Affordable place in Harvard sq! Order the dark & stormy, you won't regret it!
(4)Matthew B.
This spot is reliable. Tasty beer. Awesome chili. Good sandwiches. There's nothing like a hole-in-the-ground spot around Harvard that makes me happy.
(4)MisoSoup O.
Brings back memories from the time I have studied at Harvard. Wasn't here for 8 years and the place did not change a bit! It is a basement, with a great atmosphere. A place a student would love to eat daily (and it is affordable), and still be happy (nutrition wise). You can not go wrong here- the food, the drinks (Margarita is a bit on the light side...), the service. A perfect place for any student. This time we took muscles, haddock and a double burger. All was tastey. I will return just for the muscles.
(5)Dipak S.
Food - Really tasty food. Got the peruvia quinoa stew that was awesome. Ambience - Is a nice place buzzling with a young crowd. Service - Really really good service. Especially the server Josh was friendly and enaured we had a great time. Cost - $20 per pax with drinks.
(5)Tiffany W.
As it is in the epic poem, keep away from Grendel! My initial visit was unexpected. I knew it would be crowded and staff would be busy. But I didn't think it would be an excuse for the way my friends and I were treated. We inched our way in to find a table and in the process, a waiter continually rolled his eyes at us, told us to wait somewhere else, responded to our questions with contempt. We were yet to be seated, and I was already prepared to skedaddle. Even so, we sat down and ordered drinks. Our waitress was as attentive as she could be, but was clearly irritated when we asked to split the check. She returned and prodded us to tip her generously because of the "huge" favor she had done for us. Pretty obnoxious. Through all of this, I decided to give Grendel's another go. Three-go's in fact. The last time was the strangest. We sat at a smaller table, waiting for a larger party to leave. Once we moved tables, the waiter was confused as to what we wanted and without asking or waiting for our answer, he left us to rearrange the tables ourselves. He was super frustrated and glared at us for our entire stay. Ok. Later, he provided us two forks for five people. So naturally, we need more silverware. Right? No. After our request, his response was, "Is two forks not enough?". No, it's not enough. It's never enough. I don't know if I should be angry or just sad that this waiter doesn't realize five people means five forks. Also, food is meh. I did find Grendel's cozy and tend to favor places that play old R&B and hip hop, until I realized they play the same playlist every damn weekend. I'm done giving them the benefit of the doubt, hoping they'll play something other than No Diggity (though I don't mind listening to Goodies over and over again). If the music doesn't bother you, the service should. There are exceptions, but the waiters we've had are so unbelievably rude. I've never experienced such arbitrary hostility. Sad. Thought I could make this a favorite haunt, since it's so close. I won't be visiting again.
(1)Theresa P.
We stopped at Grendel's Den as whim while spending the day in Cambridge. You pick your own seats when you enter, I know this because I checked with the bartender that was very friendly. It's wasn't too packed so we were able to find a table toward the back. The atmosphere is cozy and dim. Our server came promptly, took our beverage orders. Our drinks came out very quickly. We ordered potato skins and our entrees. Our potato skins came out with our entrees. Which wasn't a bother. I know that would bother some people but not really us, we were hungry. Our food came out very quickly. I got the pumpkin tortelloni which came with the wonderfully seasoned walnuts and Gorgonzola sauce. I LOVED it!!! my goodness it was wonderful. The sauce could have been a little warmer but I still loved it. My daughter ordered the fettuccine with Gorgonzola sauce and grilled chicken, I tried it, her pasta was cooked perfectly and chicken was seasoned wonderfully. My fiance would not share a bit of his burger but he gobbled it down quickly. The potato skins which we actually ate last were perfect, we had bacon added to it. All in all, the food was great. Atmosphere was super cozy. Service was great. The next time we're in Cambridge stopping here is on our list :)
(5)Ana R.
Grendel's is an underground, appropriately dark and divey pub in Harvard Square. I came here with a group of 8 on a Monday around 9:30pm. Our waitress was ornery as hell. She took an immediately dislike for everyone, couldn't remember what we'd ordered and then was annoyed when we didn't know she had to write the drinks order on a separate piece of paper (???). We ordered apps, entrees and beers. Lots of potential for a big tip, but she couldn't care less. She gave us the beers en masse, leaving us to figure out which amber colored liquids were ours. My chicken skewers were bleh, but I liked the fresh celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, so I asked for more and got charged $1 along with receiving a lecture from the chef via our waitress The Lovely Helga. The chicken quesadilla was also incredibly bland. At Harvard Square prices, I expect better fare, even if it's from a pub I have to go downstairs for.
(1)Ro M.
Awesome Bar Scene! Live, but not super crazy.
(4)Trevor L.
Had lunch at the bar. Surprisingly good Cuban sandwich on flatbread. Great location, decent beer selection, Rock bottom prices. You couldn't ask for more.
(5)Patrick C.
Got the Yucatan burrito. stale tortilla (seemed like they used it without reheating it at all) and stale tortilla chips on the side. my girlfriends turkey havarti sandwich was decent.
(2)Hurnan V.
We came here on a weekday night for dinner, to take advantage of the deal where you can get half off of your entrees if you buy a $3 drink. Located in the heart of Harvard square, Grendel's may be difficult to find, as it is located underground with a small door sign. The staff was very friendly and attentive throughout our stay despite the volume of patrons, making it a pleasant experience overall. I ordered a Mediterranean wrap with a side of chips (other option was coleslaw); it was tightly wrapped (which I appreciated so I could minimize my mess!), the cheese was strong but not too overwhelming, which is what I usually prefer for my wraps. My only gripe is that the dining environment is a bit dark and dingy - perhaps to emulate a den as the name suggests, but this is not my preference. However, great place for some solid food at a reasonable price.
(3)Sean S.
I loved how it was pretty busy, but the bar wasn't cramped. Came in by myself and met a few cool people, it has a sort of basement/underground feel with a nice vibe. I got a decently priced bottle of cheap wine, and some deviled eggs which were good, and some mac and cheese, which was OK. Honestly, the food quality and alcohol selection were nothing special, but the atmosphere brings it up to about 3.5 stars. Worth noting that before I moved to the bar, I waited at a table for over 20 minutes without service.
(3)Vivian C.
Context: Monday Night 7:00 PM, right in time for 5-7:30 PM Half Price Hour! YAY! Ambiance: There's patio seating and indoor seating with a bar. We sat next to the fake fireplace by the door. The swinging door is constantly opened because servers and customers are coming in, which is fine because that's the point of the door. So if you don't like a cold draft blowing on your every 2 minutes DON'T SIT THERE. There are PLENTY of other great seats in the house. The lighting is also super dark. Service: Super attentive! Our server checked in with us multiple times. I really appreciate that! He was nice, patient, and informative, and he had a beard too! FOOOODDDD! OMNOM NOM NOM: Nachos Supreme ($8): YUMMMMY! Guacamole, sour cream, beans, and salsa generously slathered on top of cheesy tortilla chips. Yes, yes, yes. The salsa has a nice spicy kick. The toppings were plentiful. My boyfriend likes to mix them all in one delicious mush. Yum. Salmon ($14): My boyfriend ordered the salmon with veggies and a baked potato. The salmon comes cooked in a small casserole plate and a lemon slice. It was moist, the top was more dry than the bottom probably because of the plate. The veggies were good and the baked potato pretty standard except that it didn't come with anything other than butter. Overall not bad. Not my favz, but still good. Beggar's Banquet with Chicken ($12.50): I ordered the Beggar's Banquet with Chicken. This truly is a banquet! This comes with a slice of spinach pie, hummus, pita, rice, grilled chicken breast, and pasta with pesto. That's a lot! Considering that I love a diverse plate with a lot of different textures and flavors, the Beggar's Banquet was PERFECT. I cut up the chicken into small pieces and mixed it into my pasta with pesto YUM. The chicken was a little dry, but it was tasty with the pasta. The hummus was interesting...I might be wrong but it seemed to have a lot of tahini in it. It also tasted like it had peanuts instead of chickpeas or pinenuts. Let's just say it wasn't standard, but all right. The spinach pie had a delightfully flaky crust! I loved it. The spinach filling was a little too salty for my taste, but paired with the rice the saltiness was no overwhelming, but my complementary with the rice. Bottled Sodas ($3 each): Spindrift Grapefruit soda and some Root Beer. These were both really tasty and made by local companies. I like the support of local businesses. Price: GREAT! Because of Half Price Hour a meal for two with drinks was ~$25 + tip. However, there are a few caveats. 1) You have to sit INSIDE, no problem! 2) You have to order $3+ drink per person, no problem you came to a bar for a reason! 3) No doggie bags, so come hungry. Overall, I loved Grendel's Den! My only complaint was the swinging door and slightly dry chicken breast and peanut-esque hummus. So FOUR STARS FOR GRENDEL'S! REVIEW HAIKU come, five to seven half off, but buy a nice drink don't sit by the door
(4)Thomas D.
I think the word for Grendel's is "companionable." And the food is awesome. And the prices are right. And even though it's been a quarter-century since I've been an undergraduate (not at a school near Grendel's, to be sure!), I cherish the "collegiate" atmosphere of the Den. It has become, in the last few years, one of my favorite places for lunch and conversation with a friend. (I recommend the wondrously ample chicken burrito and the unfailingly satisfying tuna melt.) The best, forsooth and verily.
(5)Andrew R.
Does one fine dine at Grendel's Den? Does one long for the foodstuffs, both traditional and non, that line its menu? Does one yearn for their list of drinks? No, no, and no. What one does is this: come in, sit down, get a drink (any drink will do), and eat at half off. The food isn't always great, some choices are much better than others, but it's cheap. And that's why you're here. To sit in the underground and drink and eat for cheap. Because at those prices, it's actually worth it to eat here.
(4)Duncan L.
Grendel's Den was the first stop on a night of walking through Harvard Square and getting drinks and appetizers, and was the perfect place to start the night. We waited a little while in order to get a table outside, but as soon as one was available we grabbed it. You need to get some food while sitting at a table outside, but the food is great, so that's certainly not a problem. We grabbed a beer each (the usuals for the Boston-area were on tap), and enjoyed a couple appetizers. The standout was the hummus, and was the perfect appetizer to start the evening. We took our time and enjoyed the beautiful summer weather. Unlike most outdoor seating in the area, it's not located on a busy sidewalk, so you feel a little more private and a little less pressure to hurry up with your meal. I would definitely make another stop here for beers or appetizers. Consider Grendel's added to the list!
(4)Clay N.
This "underground" spot has nothing special about it except for one thing: THE COUCH! The food is so-so. The drinks are good (get the peppermint schnapps hot chocolate in the winter). The crowd is typically tipsy locals who are too sober for Whitney's or tipsy grad students to drunk for the Sinclair. But the couch is incredible!! Somehow it is the perfect combination of firm (support) and soft (comfort). Nestled right against the fire in the left corner of the room, within eyesight of the bar, sporting a table low enough to be used as an ottoman, this couch is about as close as you'll get to heaven without getting on the Mass Pike and going to East Freetown (Heaven is a neighborhood, but I digress.) Come for the couch, stay because you are drunk and asleep.
(3)Amanda S.
This was a nice place to enjoy a weekend lunch on a sunny day. The outdoor seating was nice, and there was live music in the adjacent park. The service was great. I had the Grendel Margarita, which was good, and the lobster roll, which was delicious.
(4)Ari P.
Back when I was counting down the days to age 21, this had a place high up on the list to try, since it's right up in the square. Little did I know that they have their little 1/2 off happy hour for the weekday dinner rush. I started off with the german draft beer, which was decent, and came in the traditional tall glass which was fun, but felt out of place. I have to say I'm glad that the burger was 1/2 off, because like another reviewer mentioned, it tasted more like the meat was boiled. I should've known when they didn't ask how I like it cooked. It was a good enough experience that I tipped the waitress as if I paid full-price. I feel like there must be a strange connotation saying you work somewhere termed "Grendel's Den."
(3)Amanda S.
Just TERRIBLE service, the waiters wouldn't even let me get on the phone with the manager to complain, they just hung up, just hung up! why??? I've never been treated so rudely in all my life, I'm still livid about the experience. Never had trouble form service in the past, but this was a whole new level of hell dealing with these people. Couldn't give a small enough star to this place, wish I could write more negative reviews.
(1)Abbie M.
I don't know why dives have such a bad rap. I'm not giving this place 5 stars as an upscale restaurant, I'm giving them 5 stars as a top-of-the-line dive. We wandered in here midweek, drawn by the super low app prices. A few drinks and some apps shouldn't be a $500 affair. At the end of the night, with 5 people having 3ish drinks each as well as splitting several apps, our check was $105. That's 20 bucks a pop for a whole night of fun on a patio. It's not as if we were ordering all house/well drinks either, we had a seat for the Grey Goose as well. Creative and fun drink suggestions, standard dive food fare like chips and salsa and artichoke dip. For clarification, I immensely disliked the artichoke dip as it was hot with crab in it so it tasted like hot briny seaweed to me. Totally decent beer selection for the unsnobby. Perfect place for broke college kids and broke college grads.
(5)Christopher S.
Grendel's has been a regular stop for some friends and I almost every week for the past 8 years. Despite coming in with a sometimes-large, sometimes-demanding group, every week -- and sometimes, when a conference is in town, taking over a huge section of the restaurant for ourselves -- I've always felt super-welcome here. The food is solid and tasty. The service is great (In particular, Trevor is a hard-working godsend, dealing with the most inane requests you can think of with aplomb). And the beer choices are varied and delicious. I love Grendel's. The only thing I miss in recent years is the playing of Baba O'Riley at midnight, which was always fun. I highly recommend Grendel's, and bring all my friends to it when we're looking for a great place to grab some tasty food and a great drink.
(5)James C.
I have been a few times now. I've always had a pleasant time. The staff is friendly and seems to like where they work. The food is cheap but enjoyable. Some dishes are awesome while others are merely satisfying but the staff will guide you honestly if you ask. I was there for Sunday brunch and there was no wait but busy enough so you didn't feel like an intruder. Christina was our server and was pleasant and funny. Amazingly this laid back cavern of a restaurant was able to make my favorite brunch drink, Death in the Afternoon (it has absinthe)! Made my dining experience. If you want to avoid lines, have a laid back experience with friendly staff try Grendles.
(4)Brennon S.
Ever feel like you've walked into a party, uninvited, held by hip kids? Ever been ignored by a feeble old waitress? Have you ever gotten diarrhea from $6 appetizers? Don't answer those questions. Clearly they are ridiculous.
(1)whit e.
Why, right in the middle of Harvard square, this hidden dive offers surprisingly good prices and a good selection of hot ciders and beers. The service is sometimes reluctant or absent, and the food is nothing remarkable. However, the atmosphere is classic cozy with a fake fireplace and a basement hideout where one can scheme, carouse or whatever else one does in a classic warm and cozy dive bar. I've been back and would gladly go again. Tip - Friday happy hour features low priced appetizers.
(3)Allison C.
Prime location, pretty spacious dining areas both outside and inside, and really generous happy hour food prices, but overall? Just meh. I think I am turned off by the lackadaisical service. Once, a friend of mine arrived late after my party already put in our orders, so when the first round of orders arrived, the server pitched a quick Q "Anything else I can do for ya?" and I promptly, casually, and kindly said "Yea! Could we just get a time estimate on my buddy's breakfast burrito? He arrived late." She stared blankly back at me "Excuse me?" I repeated my Q, and she carelessly said "I don't know. Probably a few minutes before it comes out." Before I barked back, my friend nudged me to let it go and said "That's fine. Thanks!" As far as food goes, it is fair, not outstanding. You can substitute any meat in the breakfast/brunch dishes. Hollandaise on the benedict had a good weight and creaminess to it, but the flavor was a bit bland. Breakfast potatoes are thinly sliced rather than hashed, and are seasoned well. If you want hot sauce, be prepared for sriracha!
(2)Alexandra M.
Awesome Cambridge institution - grabbing a table can be tough, but eating during happy hour is the aay to go! Recommend a Whales Tale & French Dip.
(4)Caitlin W.
My boyfriend and I popped by Grendel's Den to grab a drink on our way to dinner a few Saturdays ago. We're suckers for a good lit reference, so when we were browsing our options it immediately caught our eye. After remarking how illicit we felt walking down the stone staircase, we happily found two seats at the bar and were quickly offered drink menus. My boyfriend decided to stick with beer, but I am always on the hunt for an inventive cocktail, so I decided to order something a bit more adventurous. Suffice to say, the Whiskey Flower is delicious -- just enough bite from the lemon to temper the bourbon, but the Woodford is definitely still the star (as it should be!). With respect to the ambiance, Grendel's Den is exactly what you'd expect from the name. Cambridge is a haven for hipster bars, but this one, with its basement location, lends itself to an image of dark, cozy spaces with an air of mischief and just the slightest hint of Harvard pretension. This is, in fact, a good thing; I can easily see myself spending many an afternoon here, enjoying a few drinks and an app while chatting away with my companions and making new friends at the bar. Having walked past Grendel's Den dozens of times and always saying that we'd have to try it some time, I'm so glad that we finally did. Based on our first impression, we will certainly be back!
(4)Izzy D.
A quintessential (literally) underground Cambridge pub where you can almost feel the Harvard geniuses of yore waxing poetic about life, love and the pursuit... or something. The atmosphere is charmingly dingy and the food is pretty good (they have a whole vegetarian menu - killing me softly). The drinks are absolutely nothing to write home about but it's a piece of the brick and cobblestone that is Harvard Square history and you are obliged (as an American citizen) to check out if you can. Lows: French 75 (suuuper strong/bitter gin drink) Highs: Moscow Mule, flaming shot of absinthe (just kidding says my hangover)
(3)Katrina N.
Great atmosphere, half price food specials, decent beer list. If you go for dinner, stick to the standard pub fare and the spinach pie, which are good. Last visit I had a pasta special, and the dish was overcooked and under-spiced. I will go back, though mostly for the atmosphere and the drinks.
(3)Katie B.
Great cozy atmosphere, you seat yourselves and my group sat by the faux fireplace. I was here earlier this week and I have to agree with Theresa P.'s account of the Pumpkin Tortellini special. The handmade, pumpkin stuffed tortellinis were divine. Gorgonzola can be overbearing and this dish had the perfect amount and the walnuts tied everything together so nicely! Everyone in my group was definitely satisfied. I highly recommend. Service was prompt and mindful. The Sunday thru Thursday special on food and alcoholic drink was an amazing plus.
(5)Adam M.
Awesome awesome awesome express lunch. One of the best lunch deals in Harvard Square.
(4)Hannah R.
A- for the food, C+ for the unpleasant waiting period. But realistically, the best reason to go here is the half-priced food from 5-7:30p. Bless ol' Harold and Sue for coming up with a solid business plan that guaranteed a constant stream of hungry Harvard folk. We got two drinks each and split the mussels appetizer, a small caesar salad, the portobello reuben, and the natural disaster turkey burger. Everything besides the salad (which was just OK) was mouthwateringly wonderful. Portobello reuben? Slap me purple and call me eggplant, I'm sold. The natural disaster comes with melted swiss cheese, avocado slices, chutney, and chipotle spread. Pure omnoms. Waiting to get to that glorious meal though? Super hellish after a long day at the office. No matter where you stand, you're in the way. The hungrier you get, the more sure you are that everyone sitting at a table is laughing at you and staying extra time just to keep you from sitting down. The bartender may or may not forget about you. And no, four people cannot sit at one of the designated five-people-or-more tables. I'm feeling hangry all over again just thinking about it.
(3)Ryan P.
Nothing fried, a table always turns up, and friendly down to earth service. I love the fondue for two, and the fish is amazing. I always get the vegetarian banquet and leave stuffed. This is a great, laid back spot and the summer outside seating is the best Harvard Square offers.
(5)Dave M.
I've never experienced such bizarrely hostile service at a bar in my life. I went to Grendel's tonight with several old friends from my grad school program after our reunion. Since I knew my wife and I wouldn't be staying long, I ordered us beers from the bar rather than from the nearby table where my group of friends was standing. When I went to get myself a second beer and close my tab, the bartender gave me the beer but told me he'd transferred my tab to the waitress handling our table. I flagged the waitress down, got the tab, and paid. The waitress then collected not only the bill but also my half-full beer, which she took back to the bar and poured out. When she came back out, I mentioned that I'd still been drinking my beer. She offered to get me a new one; I said no thanks, I was leaving anyway. At that point, out of nowhere, the bartender started screaming at me, saying I'd stiffed him and that I'd lied to him. An apparently drunk customer at the bar also started yelling at me, calling me a cheap bastard. I asked what on earth was going on. The bartender, rather than dealing with the drunk customer at the bar, started yelling at me to leave. I left in order to de-escalate the situation. While I waited for her outside, my wife asked the bartender what had happened. He yelled at her some more and then walked away. I honestly still don't know what I did, besides maybe trying to pay the bartender instead of the waitress, to provoke such abuse.
(1)Alice S.
Worst food ever. Even the Caesar salad tastes WRONG. Beef brisket was horrible too.... There is a reason that on a Saturday night there is a half hour wait at every restaurant in this area except for this place...this place is 60% empty tables and a kitchen stacked to the ceiling with food that would be hard pressed to outdo the food the lunch lady slipped in your plate in middle school. It's almost impressive how shitty this place is. The only good thing about your experience will be the booze you use to drown yourself in after tasting the piss that is Grendel's Den. I would rather be torn limb from limb by Grendel himself than eat the bread. Stick with the water. They do water pretty well. A happy home for the sad leftovers of neighboring bistros. As a matter of fact I'm seriously considering taking my own life at this point. The brisket is just reaching my rectum and my GI had no problem tagging it for the poison it is. As I type this, water is flooding my stomach and small intestine to decrease the concentration of this toxic waste. Bottom line is: great service and very strong AC
(1)Cristina R.
Cheap drinks, cheap eats make this poor girl happy indeed. Many mixed drinks are only $6! Dark and stormy. Do it. 1/2 price food happy hours are amazing (pretty much every food offering on the menu half off during certain times) and should be a more wide-spread practice in the Cambridge dining sphere. Not high-class cuisine by any means (pretty standard sandwiches, salads, etc), but edible nonetheless. What more do you want? The place can get pretty packed and is definitely not somewhere you go to relax or even be able to hear your friends clearly, but the atmosphere is lively and fun. Go down the stairs into Grendel's Den and get happy.
(4)Juliana O.
This was one of my favorite spots when I was a poor college student living in Cambridge. I revisited it last night for dinner and drinks, and I am happy to see that it hasn't really changed in 5 years since I was last there. It was just as great as I remembered, if not better! Here's what makes Grendel's great: The food is DIRT CHEAP. They have happy hour every day, even on Saturday night, when you get your food half off with a minimum drink purchase. My boyfriend and I had 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, and 5 or 6 beers for a grand total of $40. Where else can you get that in Harvard Square?! Super cozy underground spot with brick walls, nice atmosphere, "either/or" restrooms, and a map of the USA labelled with MORDOR. The service might be a little bit slow because they don't have a huge staff, but our server last night was great. She brought us everything promptly, it was easy to get her attention, and when one of our beers got knocked over (oops) she was there right away with a clean rag and some soda water for me to clean my clothes off. (Yes, we left her a big tip.) Their Dark and Stormy cocktail is a solid choice - it was my drink of choice when I turned 21 and I still make them for my friends at home - and their beer list is great. The review saying that the beer list is "always out of date" was totally correct, but their selection changes all the time and they have great local stuff. Like it says on the menu, "No Bud, no Coors, no Miller, no Michelob...." Just the good stuff! So glad to see this place still doing well. It was great to be back!
(5)Paige C.
basement of harvard musty old pub with some food sad burger tonight I have been to Grendel's twice while living in Boston. The first time was magical, much like Harvard square can be upon one's first visit. They had this amazing gargonzola cheese pasta, and the pasta was FRESH. It was incredible. It made such a huge impression on me all those 5 years ago. I had been itching to return, and return I did, 5 years later. Sadly, it was not the magical experience of before. After experiencing much of what Boston has to offer, my expectations have risen, and at the very least, a place has to be able to serve a decent burger to survive. As Grendel's taught me, this is not the case, and this was by far, the worst burger I've had in Boston. Even more so, I was with a group of about 6 people, they kept getting our orders wrong. I was served a "veggie" burger before receiving the meat burger I ordered. That was weird. I didn't try it, but the veggie burger looked kind of like a smashed fried corn patty. Hmm... One of my companions also received the wrong order, and the waiter didn't offer to change it. I don't understand. Then the burger... No cheese... Even though I ordered cheese. It was cold. It looked like boiled meat. Not grilled. Not fresh. Not good. I was sad. Grendel's, I'm so disappointed.
(3)Peter H.
Good at what it does. Inexpensive dishes, quickly prepared and great for a quick, refueling lunch bite. Nice atmosphere as well, sitting out in the square, under leafy trees with a competent guitarist busking in the background
(4)Fancypants X.
Grendel's, you've got the great outdoors going for you, but sluggish service & sour caesar dressing makes your lovely locale inconsequential. Surprise! Fall in Cambridge means rain one day & sweltering heat the next. On the day of my visit, my weather app read 85 degrees. I took shade under one of Grendel's large blue umbrellas, as a sign directed me to "seat myself." No one greeted me for 10-15 minutes. And after I received my diet-friendly meal of a diet coke (I know, fake sugar is even worse than HFCS) & a chicken caesar salad, my waitress didn't reappear til I flagged her down for the bill. Decent prices ($12 for my lunch), & I spied nachos on the menu (for when I'm being more indulgent), but a waitress who takes her sweet, precious time & dressing not done right makes me hesitant to spend my money here again. Even chain-fast food joint Panera makes a better Caesar salad.
(2)Tiffany L.
My favorite place to go for an inexpensive, quality meal! The sandwiches and appetizers are fantastic, and I love the atmosphere!
(5)Becky M.
Food and beer and a great meeting place. Wandered in when looking for food during a visit to the Square. My BF and I tried 2 beers -- Cambridge Amber and Grendel's Ale -- along with a veggie burger (me on a soft kaiser roll) and a Grendel (him...roast beef with a creamy cheesy spread on a baguette). No TVs in the bar where we were (so not a spot to watch the game on Sunday). Lots of big parties and the waitstaff was a bit slow given the packed dining room. We didn't mind....weren't in a rush. I t's nothing fancy -- but a great spot for a casual meal, meet-up and a pint. Would certainly go back.
(4)Saad M.
This place is as cool as the other side of the pillow. It's located in the heart of Harvard Square which might scream cheesy student or tourist trap but it's neither. Service is affable, friendly and relaxed. There are plenty of tables to grab along with spots at the bar. The noise level is great especially on a Saturday night, really adds to the ambience without drowning out conversation. Not the world's biggest wine selection but I think that'll be obvious upon entering. The food is surprisingly robust with large portions to boot. I had the french dip sandwich was a bit greasy but otherwise very filling and I could have easily taken half of it home. We also split the artichoke dip which was pretty good for bar fare without being laden down with grease. The beer selection is extensive and although I'm not a beer snob I can see why this place would appeal to one. Also the price point is incredible; the food is really cheap and during lunch hour during the week it's even cheaper. This place is a great value and also a really cool spot to have some drinks later in a relaxed atmosphere.
(4)Nick N.
Visualize a New England university town, and then populate that mental generalization with restaurants. Among the hypothetical establishments, you'd want one frequented by a charming array of colorful locals, right? You'd want it to include a large bar, with low prices and a simple but discriminating alcohol menu, right? You'd want the bartenders to be smart and funny? You'd want a healthy proportion of them to be moonlighting graduate students? You'd want patio seating? You probably wouldn't want anything fastidious about the food, right? You'd want it to be simple and reliable and filling and cheap. Maybe you'd want that food to be half-price for a good chunk of the night? You'd want it to be a place hot with atmosphere, in an unusual space, eclectically decorated, and maybe named with some literary allusion, right? A place unmistakable for anywhere else in the world, and a place you're always going to miss when you're out of town? This is that place.
(5)Louis T.
I grew up in Cambridge, and when I go back, I always always always stop at Grendel's Den. The ambiance is great, whether for a late afternoon beer and appetizer, or later at night when it gets more crowded and noisier. They always have a good selection of beer, and the food is quite good--not just for a smallish bar, actually good, full stop. The fact that this bar has been to the actual Supreme Court (google "larkin v. grendel's den") is just a bonus. Go now! Have a Cambridge Amber on me.
(5)Grace T.
Used to go here more often when I served and bar tended in Harvard, but we had the worst server in the business. I generally only write positive reviews, but the restaurant owner should know why people are't coming back. It began with a grey haired waitress yelling something about "3$ is 3$" while cleaning the table next to us. Then we discovered she was our sever... great. I've had bad nights as a server, but it's never acceptable to treat customers with such an air of arrogance and self importance as she did throughout the service. She then too our orders. Since we were not provided with a cocktail or beer list my friends asked for water while they decided. She audibly scoffed. I Ordered from the beer list I could see on the wall. Another friend ordered 2 IPAs both of which they were out of. Finally he ordered another on draft, but was disappointed when he received a beer from the same company, but in bottle form. He actually felt so uncomfortable with the server that he didn't bother saying anything. The server slapped our beers down, basically ignoring us and my friends who wanted drinks. My other friends disgusted by the waitress's attitude decided not to order drinks and the rest of us didn't bother to order dinner from this woman. No need to extend our time with someone so unpleasant. We left as soon as possible. This woman is toxic and definitely not a way I want to celebrate Boston Strong. I haven't had such bad service in years. I doubt I'll be back with all the other good places to go in Harvard. Don't waste your time here. Even Charlies is better.
(1)Joe T.
Either the menu has improved significantly, or I just started to pay more attention to the menu. There is now a REALLY DELICIOUS tofu vegetable dish. Tastes very comforting and home-y. :-) Go Grendel's. Also, the bartender, Ned, rocks.
(4)Heidi L.
Oh, Grendel's. I know you're an institution. I know half-price days and nights (and in fact, full-priced days on weekend nights -- but just one time. I know my deals). But after, I have always regretted getting a burger or wrap, or really anything at half-price, much less full price. The food is really not great. Like, really. The strategy is to get a beer (if you really want to come), and order something half-price, and give it to your friend who eats a lot to earn some goodwill.
(2)Marie B.
My boyfriend and I went here on a Friday night. We were told by the doorman to seat ourselves, although he had no idea if there were any available tables and that we should just check. We decided to sit outside and as I walked down the path to see if any tables were available, the waitress working the section exasperatedly told my boyfriend that we shouldn't be walking around the section. We had to wait ten or so minutes for an outside table, which was totally fine. Once I thought I saw a table leave I asked the waitress if a table had opened up. (I didn't want to try to sit down if the table hadn't been totally bussed yet) She snapped at me with, "no!" Five minutes later a different waiter asked why we were waiting for an outside table because one was available and that we should go seat ourselves. So, that was pretty irritating. We were happy to see that the prices were very reasonable but it turns out that it's just because the food sucks. I ordered the chicken burrito an it came out lukewarm. I'm not sure if it's because it sat in the window for a while or what, but I can say that chicken should not ever be served at that temperature. The chicken was also weird and dry and flavorless. It tasted sort of old, really. The burrito is served with a weird piece of lettuce rib and a piece of a slice of tomato on top. My boyfriend got one of the larger platters that came with hummus and spinach pie and tofu, veggies and rice. The hummus was pretty awful. The spinach pie basically just tasted like eating straight up feta. The noodles and pesto he said were fine, but it's hard to screw that up. Really though, they didn't even toss the noodles with the sauce. it's really just a bowl of pasta with a spoonful of pesto thrown on top. Really not restaurant quality. It seemed like this place had an interestingly varied menu and I had trouble choosing what to eat. I made a mental note to come back and try other things too, but I think I'll pass. The waiter was nice and took half off of our meals, but I really don't think any of their food would be any better. Plus there's always the chance you'll get that super rude waitress...
(2)Jeffrey K.
Last time I wrote about Grendel's, I trashed it based on 2 or 3 experiences about 4 years ago. Each time there were the same problems. Since then, I've been back about 3 or 4 more times and it's been much better. the service and food has been decent. It's likely I came in on rather unfortunate times before because they were completely slammed. The recent times has been less trying on the staff. Bottomline, if you're looking for cheap eats and drink, this is a good place to stop. I wouldn't go full blown meal but it's a great place to start an evening out.
(3)Hillary V.
Really great food, good beer selection, interesting atmosphere. And they serve NO fried foods.
(4)Kathleen W.
I made a trip to Grendel's the two times I visited Boston and was pleased to find that they served Absinthe cocktails(!) So...light that sugar cube and let me down that absinthe!! I love the "underground" feeling of the bar. It definitely feels like a hangout spot for Grendel from Beowulf (heh, literary nerd reference). Friendly service, tasty bar food, and fun drinks. The first time I went it was fairly crowded and dimly lit. The second time, the bar was more casual, well lit, and less crowded. A little inconsistent if I say so myself, but overall not a bad spot to grab a drink.
(4)Lauren Y.
We sat outside. Very slow and unfriendly service. Mediocre food. Great prices on drinks and lunch, but you get what you pay for. Good atmosphere on the outdoor patio overlooking park, good people watching. Won't go back for food though.
(2)Kamille W.
Grendel's is one of my go-to lunchtime spots in Harvard Square. First of all, it's crazy cheap. Like, eat-a-whole-meal-for-less-than-five-bucks cheap. The food isn't breaking down culinary barriers or anything, but it is definitely tasty. The sandwiches are especially good -- my favorites are the Grendel (roast beef with boursin cheese) and the French dip. Everything comes out super quickly; I don't think I've ever waited longer than 10 minutes for my food to arrive. I never have to worry that I won't make it back to the office in time when I come to Grendel's. The service is solid. Grendel's isn't the kind of place where your waiter is going to fawn over you and make tons of idle chatter, but every server I've had has been pleasant and accommodating. I once asked for steamed veggies (not on the menu) instead of the standard potato chips with my sandwich, and the server didn't even bat an eye. I wasn't charged extra either, which was a nice surprise. If you're pressed for time and are looking for cheap eats in the square, give Grendel's a chance.
(4)Sushmita M.
Solid list of beers and winter warmers (hot toddies, warm port, mulled wine), but whatever you do, don't order the pasta. Even if the menu speaks of pumpkin tortellini, and most definitely even if it's half off for happy hour (read: 6 dollars and oh-so-tempting). Remember, it's half off for a reason. Stick to the libations.
(3)Siobhan G.
Come here regularly for drinks with colleagues. Great location and like the atmosphere. I appreciate the drink selection and their consistency. I can't really comment on the food--this place isn't really allergen-friendly, but what I see others ordering looks like tasty comfort food.
(4)Alyssa F.
Dark, cheap, sticky, and an identity crisis of a menu offering Mexican, Greek, Italian, South American, Middle Eastern and American foods, none of which are very good. For half price, maybe it's a winner (we just missed the cutoff), but probably best to stick with the booze. You will be granted exactly one square foot of space in which to dine, so keep your elbows in and know that attempts to use the empty table or chair next to you, for any reason, will be thwarted.
(2)Evie B.
This is a bar and based on what our meal was like, you should just go there to enjoy the liquor..not the food or ambiance. It's a BAR. We were sucked in by the people sitting outside (upper street side) who we thought were eating food from Grendel's. We went down a narrow lil entry and entered a packed bar. Found an ittty bitty lil table and the three of us hunched around it. Waited, waited and waited some more for someone to acknowledge that we were sitting there (5 small seating areas around us). There seemed to be what appeared to be a waiter or two flitting in and out our our area. FINALLY, came took drink order and was again gone for an eternity. SUM=Slow service. Food: We went with bar food traditionals Burger/Fries - Wings/Side Caesar salad, turkey sand/chips. Burger over cooked, dry, flavorless, way too small for the HUGE arse bun and lettuce (which is usually used to dress up a food tray). WINGS...Who get wings wrong??? There were 10 puny baby wings that were so overcooked/burnt/dry. I wish I had taken a picture. They were dry rub seasoned, and you were given a tablespoon size container of hot sauce/blue cheese..WHO the HELL gets wings wrong in a bar??? Caesar Salad- huge leaves of lettuce, (warm lettuce), sprinkling of parmesan and I think there was a drop of dressing. The two stars come from my husband's turkey sandwich. Now, either I was just so hungry and desperate for something to taste good, or it actually tasted good. Overpriced, underwhelming experience...
(2)Leslie H.
I suggested this place to my cousin since it was featured on the Food Network at some point in time, and also recommended by her roommate. I'm so glad we were able to stop in while I was visiting town! What I love about the area is that there are so many people walking around - it's like it's the middle of the day but it's nighttime! We walked down the stairs into the restaurant and were confused about whether or not we were to seat ourselves, but a passing waiter helped us out and told us to sit wherever. We chose a small, two-seat table in the back. Lucky us, we arrived just past 9pm so our food was half-price with a minimum $3 drink purchase per person! Huzzah! I guess this is the equivalent to "happy hour," aka reduced price drinks, in Texas. I saw that service was slow on Yelp, so I wasn't completely surprised when we had to wait for what seemed to be an eternity for a waitress. As a precaution, we were ready to order by the time the waitress did arrive, just in case she were to disappear into a black hole once again. We ordered two appetizers and a salad to split - the hummus bi tahini; hot artichoke, spinach, and snow crab dip; and the mozzarella and tomato salad. The dip is amazing, and the hummus has a nice smoky flavor to it. I will pass on the salad if we go again - I prefer my mozzarella and tomato with basil, not mixed greens. For the drinks, my cousin got the house brew (I think), and I got the Saranac Root Beer (SO good!). Surprisingly, once the waitress initially arrived, she was attentive, and the food/drinks were delivered very quickly. Maybe it was because we ordered simple appetizers, but we were appreciative nonetheless. The atmosphere is great, like you're in an old tavern. I loved the alternative music that was at just the right volume. The only downside is that the space is small so the tables are somewhat crammed together. Our teeny table was very close to a large round, and two oversized groups attempted to sit at the large round table before giving up and moving elsewhere. I felt like we were sitting in their laps. I haven't found a place quite like this in Austin, and would probably go here all the time if I lived nearby.
(4)Imran G.
Grendels is a great place to go if you want lots of food for not a lot of money. However, the actual quality of the food is pretty low. Don't get caught up in the idea that the happy hour will be amazing if you purchase a $3 drink. All the non-alcoholic $3 drinks are mediocre at best, and the food that goes along with it also mediocre at best. I got a California burger, which, wasn't horrible but it wasn't great either. The jack cheese wasn't melted at all, the patty was mediocre, and the only thing that was decent was the guacamole. We also got an order of wings, which came with hot sauce on the side, and some warm ranch with a very weird texture. Again, mediocre food. I was surprised by our bill, despite "happy hour" prices, it didn't seem that to be that great of a deal. I suppose if you're looking for a lively atmosphere to grab drinks, then this isn't that bad of a spot to try. The food is mediocre, a little pricey for what it was in the end because of the $3 drinks. Wouldn't try it again, don't go for the food.
(2)Mariya F.
This place is pretty alright in my book. Great place to get together with friends (as long as you get lucky with their first come, first serve seating arrangement) for some cheap eats. They have happy hour everyday from 5-7:30pm where everything on their menu is half off with a minimum $3 drink. The food is not anything to brag about; often very plain and boring (they serve PLAIN quinoa as a side, absolutely nothing on it, I may as well be eating cardboard), but for $3-5 bucks for a full stomach you can't really complain. The beer selection is not too bad. My biggest complaint is that they don't have french fries, which is just absurd. Overall cool underground place for cheap mediocre food and drink though.
(3)Drago K.
Very slow service (30 mins after I ordered, the waiter forgot what my order was), wine's meh, casual atmosphere, outside seating by the park (best feature), average food. Had the eggs benedict: greasy burned potatoes, low quality ham, etc. Overall disappointing experience.
(2)Chad C.
My fiance and I sat outside on a beautiful May afternoon, the square was busy as ever with graduations. The sangria was delicious and refreshing, we went through two pitchers. The food was also very good. This is a great place for a good drink, food and people watching!
(4)Ami O.
So cozy, so many beers, tasty nachos, I would come here every Saturday night if I could
(5)Ian S.
Grendel's is a great, fun place to grab a drink or a cheap meal in the Harvard Square area. It's more or less a college bar, but it's got a little more character than that label might suggest. The food and drinks are good, but perhaps more importantly the food is CHEAP if you go during happy hour. Cheap as in half-off. As in, like, the $2-5 range. Unbeatable!
(4)Will C.
Grendel's Den is my panic room. Whenever I'm having a life crisis, or the weather is particularly bad, or the power goes out at my apartment, I am immediately compelled to march straight to Grendel's. Because it resides in a basement of an old building and the decor is decidedly lived in, I feel a palpable sense of comfort when I am within its walls. The food at Grendel's is not great. It's not even good, honestly, but to come to Grendel's to eat food is like going to the Grand Canyon to ride a donkey. It's an available activity that you may want to take advantage of to supplement your experience while you're there, but it's not exactly the main draw. When the food is half priced (and really, the food is half priced more often than it's full priced, which in of itself should tell you something about it's quality), it seems to be a good value for the money, and since a half priced sandwich at Grendel's is $4, what I'm trying to say is that it is comparable to something you would buy at a high end gas station. The beer list if solid and varied, but not expansive. You'll find something for to suit every taste, but you won't find a sprawling ledger that gives you the choice of twenty four different microbrews from Asheville, NC. The prices are in line with other bars in the area, and the service ranges from excellent to "someone should put out an Amber alert for my waiter, because I have not seen him in forty five minutes". With all that said, why am I rating Grendel's four stars? Why did I have to talk myself out of rating it a perfect five? Why did I walk two miles in the middle of Hurricane Sandy to get to Grendel's on a weekday afternoon? I'm not sure its appeal is quantifiable, or at the very least, the reason I like Grendel's is difficult to describe. The short answer is that the people inside Grendel's, from the owners down to the very last person at the very last table, are fascinating and remarkable. A lot of other reviews note that Grendel's is a college bar, but that seems off the mark. I'm hard pressed to think of another college bar that not only refuses to serve watered down beer like Bug Light, but also has defiant signage stating their intention never to do so. There is similar signage at the bar imploring no one in particular to charge the George Bush administration with war crimes. There is not a single TV on the premises. It is named after a murderous troll from a 11th century Scandinavian poem. If none of this reads like a college bar, that's because it's not. The people who are describing it as such are probably associating the worn down tabletops and wobbly chairs with memories of their college experience. More accurately, Grendel's could be described as a post-college bar, a place where people go after work to escape the pretension that surrounds them every day and a place where the level of discourse far outpaces that of the average dive bar. It's a place where no-one seems to give a shit about the score of the Red Sox game, but is mostly devoid of hipsters. It's a place where a guy in a beret taught me a card trick during a snow storm. It's a real place with real people, and most nights thats enough for me.
(4)Shannon K.
We came here on a Saturday night looking for a casual fun place to have a few drinks, and we were not disappointed. If you're not familiar with the place you might miss it, as it lives up to the "den" part of it's name with it's underground location. There is a big bar area and lots of small tables which can get a little cramped if it gets too busy. It happened to be a perfect sized crowd for a Saturday night, certainly helped by the fact that it was late May and the college crowd had all ready evacuated for the summer. Drink prices were phenomenal ($3 for a pint of Cisco Grey Lady) and they had a great selection of beers and mixed drinks. There is a somewhat pretentious sign over the bar pronouncing that they don't serve any of your standard Coors and Bud lights, but of course no one really needs those beers anyway. I heard someone try to order an Irish Car Bomb and the bartender's response was "not at this bar." Again fairly pretentious, however it's kind of nice to know they aren't into the whole blackout college scene. The bartender was really pleasant and attentive to us as customers, which was much appreciated. I would definitely come back !
(4)M S.
Awesome options for vegetarians, I am a huge fan of the Mushroom Reuben (YUM!) My only complaint is in regards to their draft list which is infrequently updated and therefore contains a lot of beers that they no longer carry. Otherwise this place is a solid, unpretentious spot to hip up when you're in Harvard Square.
(4)Kathleen A.
Great atmosphere. Reasonable food. I was appalled last night to learn that they are not giving Thanksgiving to their employees and making them work on the holiday - advertised on the menu! When I spoke to the manager about it, he said this is the first year in decades they are being asked to work. When I saw it on the menu, I almost left. I don't think businesses should be rewarded for making their employees work on holidays.
(3)Joanna H.
What to expect: Standard bar food quality. Portions are not skimpy, but also not especially generous. Read on to decide if the Half-Off menu is worth it: Half off appetizers everyday from 5:30-7:30pm BUT only with the purchase of a beverage that's min. $3. The cheapest alcoholic drink is their bottle of Honey Brown for $3.50, other than that, the prices jump to $5. If you're ordering an entree for yourself, you'll probably save $1-2. Example: I ordered a $8.50 Natural Disaster burger plus a Cisco Grey Lady for $5.50 and paid $12 with gratuity. This might be a worthwhile deal if you're sharing as a group.
(3)M See Y.
(you didn't think I wasn't gonna yelp this crap up?) The food and serving staff aren't that bad. It's the manger that I have sh!t beef with (or so I was told she was the manager). My friends and I use to be regulars here. Although, I was accused of not paying my bill and the manger gave me an attitude about not having time and wanting to find the receipt -- I paid a ridiculous amount and left. Honesty and accountability apparently isn't appreciated here. Get a new manager!
(1)Stefanie G.
A hidden gem. So maybe it isn't so "hidden" with the locals, but I freaking love this place! Great tasting food at low, low prices. Plus, they are very vegetarian friendly here. I ordered off their specials menu and got the calamari, artichoke, tomato, and capers salad for the grand total of $8. I also ordered the Peruvian Quinoa Stew--which consisted of quinoa sautéed in tomato sauce, squash, and zucchini. Again, that was about $8. This place is so freaking sweet I cant get over it!!! Perfect for students, tourists, and people on the go. I am sure the beer selection will please any alcohol lover as well! FOUR STARS! Also, the waiting staff is made up of cute little punk girls with tattoos all over the place.
(5)Tony J.
Interesting cocktails, not a huge burden on your wallet. About $6-$8. One night I really wanted one of their cocktails with cucumber. But I ordered the wrong one and it turned out nasty. A week later I went back and finally got the one I was originally thinking about and it was delicious. That is all.
(4)Leandra F.
Some of the worst food I've had at any restaurant, ever. The chicken wings were so hard it was actually difficult to bite into them once they cooled off a bit. The dipping sauce for the pretzel was lukewarm cheesy mush. Good place for drinks but don't try the food.
(2)Janice D.
A superb place (really very den-like) to meet friends and have great conversation. Good selection of beers and many choices for food. Food is nothing too special, but commensurate with the type of place - wayyyy better than your usual bar foods. Overall a great restaurant-bar! Go before 7:30pm and the food is half-price (Boston restaurants can't charge half price alcohol, so they do the food instead - great!)
(5)Tara G.
So glad we stumbled upon this place walking around Cambridge. We were all wanting a snack and this was the perfect place! Cheap food & drinks, and the food was delicious! I had the vegetarian nachos and was totally impressed by their homemade vegetarian chili. They also have a good beer selection from microbreweries. Service was a little slow because there was only 1 server for the entire place - but it was a Sunday at 2pm.
(4)Stella P.
Good prices and tastes for college students.
(4)Corey L.
First, I love the name. Next, I've been here a number of times. Both inside in the winter and out on the porch in the summer watching the "musicians' in the Square playing their instruments. Good drink menu, solid food. I also really like the atmosphere. Quite a cool place.
(4)Matheus D.
Sarah is the reason we keep coming back. What a sweetheart and babe!! Keep an eye out for their happy hour specials(food not booze). Also as any dive bar should have, fernet all night long.
(4)Misty S.
I came here for the first time recently with a group of 8 others. Pluses - a few good beers on draft - vegetarian options - Outdoor seating - strong drinks - prices for food are insanely low meh - took us forever to get the check. our food came out at different times, and because of that we were running late to an event and weren't able to find our waitress for a good 15 mins before we got the check - my drink was empty for most of my time there - the food is not very good. I guess you get what you pay for I'd probably go again and sit at the bar but likely wouldn't eat here again. Which is a bummer because I was pumped about the veg-friendly menu.
(2)Michael H.
My girlfriend and I went there for lunch and it was great. The atmosphere is fantastic and the food delicious. Great service.
(4)Justin B.
Good atmosphere and drinks. The curry fries are awesome! A bit small. Don't expect to have much room for 4+. Either way give it a try.
(4)Elizabeth W.
Grende'ls Den is a smallish, basement, seat-yourself, affordable prices establishment. The place can get crowded, and there's not much room to stand around. Sometimes you're forced to be that creepy table predator who hovers above your prey of a table that appears to be paying their bill, hoping to snag it before someone else swoops in. Sometimes you form that allegiance with the people already sitting: the friendly smile, how was the food here, oh are you leaving soon, mind if we take your table when you go, gee that's so nice of you. It can be hectic, but I think I've always gotten a seat eventually whether a group of 2 or 6. The best reason to come here is the half priced deal between 5 and 7:30. The food is standard pub food, nothing fancy or elaborate but consistently good. The cheese fondue for 2 is a nice option to switch it up, and yes, that can be half price also. They have some fun and affordable cocktail options, so the $3 drink minimum is easy. I took my mother here on a recent visit for the half price deal. We each had a sweet tea mixed drink, she had the fresh veggie burger, and I had the chicken platter option with the pesto pasta. When all was said and done our meal came to $22, not too shabby!
(4)James R.
I would have had a more enjoyable experience if the table we were seated at in the back wasn't infested with fruit flies of some kind. They might have been coming from one of the vent above our heads that was coated in what I hope was dust, but they were everywhere. Other than that, the experience was just meh. The food was alright, but nothing special. The half-price food deal was nice, but you needed to buy at least $3 in drinks and none of the non-alcoholic drinks were above $2.75, and I wasn't in the mood for alcohol in the afternoon when we went. They also don't serve you water or refill your glass unless you ask for it, which is smart from a green perspective, but when your waitress doesn't come around too often it is a tad annoying.
(2)Manfred S.
Still the least pretentious watering hole in the Boston area. From homeless to ivy league professor, from barely legal to drink to senior citizen, everyone gets the same good service. It once served as my living room (during my academic days) and it hasn't changed. Always a good place to grab a pint of original sin and some half-off happy hour snacks.
(4)Eric C.
Ah Grendel's Den! Many an hour I've fondly spent here. It's a lively place with lots of friendly atmosphere. It's not quite a dive bar but it's not exactly Cheers either (the mythical TV show one, not the tourist trap one in Faneuil) Stay away from the food and you'll do fine. Not that the food is gross per se, but it's not really dining out quality food. It's just snack food (even the 'entrees' are snack sized) to help your beer buzz. And not quality snack food either. It's kind of the 'oh i could make this with a microwave if i felt like chopping stuff for twenty minutes' kind of food. Oh yeah and it's not exactly a wine place either. If you like beer and you're okay with only 30-50 types of it (not a beer snob) and you like loud (from all the talking not music) places where you have to scream in your friend's ears this is the place to be.
(4)Lola A.
If you want a proper Dark & Stormy, this is your place. A D&S is only rum, ginger beer, and a lime on the rim for you to keep there as decor or to squeeze in and add zip. It's simple business, but, sadly, a lot of places don't do so well with the simple drinks. Grendel's Den does it right! Cheap, tasty drinks are always a draw.
(4)Greg M.
Dark and Stormy. That's basically all you need to know (and order) when you come here. Laid-back atmosphere. Friendly staff. Great prices (especially for Harvard Square). OK draft selection. Can't speak for the food. But seriously, come here for a Dark and Stormy.
(4)David W.
Grendels was ok. It wasn't amazing, but wasn't bad either. Came for lunch on Sunday as I was in town for a show at A.R.T. Definitely a college spot. Cheap food, cheap drinks. Beers and cocktails were very reasonable. I was amused by the Big Girl Mimosa (16 ounces of mimosa served in a pint glass). Yes, a classy place. Service was pretty attentive and friendly. My real issue is that the portions were frankly small. I understand that the food is cheap to begin with, but my french dip left me hungry. Fine if you don't serve anything fried, but if you are giving me a side of chips give me a sandwich that will fill me up more than a snack wrap at Mcdonalds. That said, the french dip was tasty. The creamy tomato soap I also had was a bit much, for me, but that may have just been my taste. I did appreciate that it is super vegetarian friendly (but also had meat dishes for carnivore friends), and very sustainable. They compost, and recycle, etc. Anyway not a bad option in Cambridge, but definitely not the best. Would probably be a better spot to come for drinks and apps than a meal.
(3)Halle R.
Every place has a "go here if..." niche. Here's Grendel's: Go here if you're a party of 2 or greater than 5, for drinks only, anytime earlier than 6 PM or between 7 and 7:45 PM. If you're a party of 3 or 4, you won't be able to get a table, and will have to wait while a parade of groups of 2 or 5 get in before you. This is because they won't let groups smaller than 5 sit at the corner tables, but have no such restriction on the limited number of 4-person tops. So groups of 2 take the tables for 4, and groups of 4 can't take the bigger tables. Out of luck. If you're looking for food, go elsewhere. The food here is inconsistent at best. I was going to say it might be worth it during the half price times, but if you're that hungry just go grab fast food. It'll be faster, and probably tastier too. If you're thinking of coming at any of the times I didn't mention, don't bother, unless you like waiting. You won't be able to find a seat. It gets a second star because of the clever and friendly ambiance/theme. I could probably justify the wait/crowds if the food were better, because it really is a great concept, but as it is I'll probably avoid in the future. Somebody alert me if they hire a new chef.
(2)Alexis J.
I wasn't at this bar long, I only had a couple of drinks but from what I saw, I liked. Our waitress was nice, drinks were good and fairly priced. Also, extra points because it's a cool looking place.
(5)Carrie S.
I wrote a review on grendals 6 years ago and now I'm updating that. I still love Grendals. I mean, 5 dollar lunch? You can't really beat that. And the service is usually really great. And you can't beat half off specials either! And that's why a friend and I went the other day. We sat on the patio because it was still relatively nice out (maybe upper 50s) and we didn't want to give up on being outside for the day yet (I had been at work all day). So, we sat on the patio, got a couple of beers and were told that in order to sit there we needed to order food. That was totally cool with us because we needed dinner. What wasn't told to us (and was only posted on the sign entering the patio area in pretty friggen small print) was that the half price deal doesn't count on the patio because the patio is so popular. Um, it was 50 something degrees out and we were the only ones there when we sat down at 6:30, aka, dinner time. I wouldn't have been peeved by this if the woman had told us; we would have just went inside. She did not inform us. Our beers were great and our sandwiches as well. I love the food. But that little mishap gave me a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. Only reason it's getting 3 stars instead of 4 or 5 Grendals: you should definitely let you patrons know about that when sitting on the patio. Especially when they're already told to order food. Little print on ONE sign does not do the job.
(3)Abby G.
Great bar on Harvard. Easy on the wallet, relaxed vibe, good food (for a bar certainly), and just overall fun spot.
(5)Allison R.
The time is finally here- more than a year has passed since my awkwierd date at Grendel's and I can totally use it as fodder for my review of the establishment, while hopefully providing an entertaining anecdote... Grendel's is decidedly average; I've been there for the half-price menu, but the food makes me sorta sick, so it's not really worth it. The beer is okay, and the mixed drinks play it safe. So when I coordinated a date with an ex-coworker through match.com (long story culminating with my identity as an online stalker) and he suggested meeting up here, I was less than pleased. But the suggestion of the Publick House in Brookline posed too much of a trek for my Watertown-dwelling date, and he started getting pissy that coordinating our meeting was getting too high-maintenance (like his morning hair styling routine wasn't?! nehhh)...so I grudgingly agreed. Anyway, we met, went in, and awkwardly sat down-- myself at a booth with a keg underneath it. A kinda cool footrest...but weird. I ordered my first harpoon, and he ordered an original sin cider. Then the waiter thought I'd be the one getting the girly drink and tried to hand me the cider. Now I'm getting too into details of the date and digressing... Anyway, we spent a good five hours boozing and talking. Also, I think the bathrooms are sort of unisex, or have a communal entry way. because we met awkwardly in there once. Also, it was a cold October day, and he kept his jacket and scarf on the entire time, which I thought was weird. The bill was reasonable, but I didn't pay it so I don't really know. My conclusion, though, is it's safe to come here for beers, since the atmosphere isn't bad, especially when the place gets more crowded. Kinda homey and nice. We left with him intending to do the gentlemanly thing and walk me home, which went over swimmingly because I got us lost on our drunken stumble back to my place. The conclusion to this long constitutional involved hitting Bukowski for yet another beer-- I remember him ordering a Harpoon IPA and saying he didn't like harpoon. Huh. I turned him on to the peanut butter burger, and I'm sure he's eternally grateful. Anyway, after driving him home (I make smart drunk decisions), I got a tour of his apartment. We shared an uncomfortable non-kiss in the hallway and I promptly blurted, "I have to go, bye!" and ran away. From my car, I texted him to appologize for the awkward moment, but in my drunken stupor, could not spell "awkward" and settled on "awkwierd." Somehow, I found my way home. We broke up three days later when I invited him to hang out again and he told me he was crazy busy and this wouldn't work out. Thanks for setting my crazy failed date in motion, Grendel's! Awkwierd.
(2)Kristine A.
I have been here a few times but this last time wasn't so great. I ordered a drink which didn't come until after my boyfriend was done eating his salad. Then he asks for another beer & it takes forever to get it. The server wasn't very attentive & not sure if it was because we were outside or not. I don't like the fact they refill the water but there's no ice in it. Had to wait yet again for the check, so I finally got up & was waking away so he would realize we didn't want to sit there anymore.
(1)Nicole F.
I first went to Grendel's Den a few months ago after a friend recommended it. I had a few hours to kill with my parents and boyfriend, so we went to Harvard Square for dinner and ended up at Grendel's for half-price happy hour. It ended up being about $50 for an appetizer, four meals, two sodas, and four drinks...super cheap. However, the food's not all that great and there's really not that much on the menu. Don't come here if you're picky! I had the chicken burrito. There was nothing wrong with it, but it just wasn't anything special. The atmosphere was good. It was freezing cold and snowing outside, so it was nice to sit by the fire. However, the four of us had to sit at a small table since the normal tables are only for parties of 5 or more. That night our service was great, other than the fact that our waiter charged me for guacamole which I didn't order. My mom was a little perturbed by the "either or" bathrooms though! Haha. The next week I attempted to go to Grendel's with my brother and a few friends but we couldn't find a table (again, there were 4 of us) so we left and went somewhere else. The week after that I ended up at Grendel's again, this time for Sunday brunch with a friend. It was surprisingly not crowded at all despite having a pretty good brunch menu. I ended up getting the eggs florentine (poached eggs over spinach with Hollandaise sauce) which came with a small bowl of fresh fruit and home fries. The home fries were not good at all. I can't even describe what I didn't like about them, but I took a few bites and left the rest. Despite the fact that the restaurant was nearly empty, our waitress took a long time to attend to us, brought our meals out about five minutes apart (which was awkward...do I wait for mine to get cold or...?), and forgot to bring my fruit, which I had to ask for. She just didn't seem like she wanted to be there at all. Thus ended my time living outside Boston and regular trips to Harvard Square. Last month, I ended up in Boston with my grandparents and mom, since my grandfather had an appointment at MGH. I thought they would enjoy Grendel's since they love pub food...who knows why. I was right! My mom and grandmother shared a salad and sandwich and my grandmother couldn't stop talking about how great it was! She was also very happy that her Guinness was room temperature, as it should be. My grandfather was pleased with his sandwich as well. I had the burrito again...and again, it was mediocre. At least I didn't get charged for guacamole this time. Our waitress was very busy, waiting tables inside and out, so service was a little slow but I don't blame her. She was fairly friendly and personable. Overall, a good lunch. I think it's a hit-or-miss kind of place. Pros: cheap, good atmosphere, outdoor seating available, drinks Cons: slow service, mediocre food, crowded at night
(3)Di B.
You can not go wrong with Grendel's Happy Hour Special.. 1/2 entree with $3 and over drink. They have great vegetarian options and rotating selection of beers. The food isnt anything amazing, but for this deal I will keep coming back. The outdoor patio is really nice as well.
(4)EricaLynn J.
Top Ten Reasons Why Grendel's Den is Even Better Than a Pants Party: 10. The 'come on in, seat yourself, welcome to your home for the next few hours' vibe is a refreshing respite from some of the more uptight surroundings nearby. 9. Scientists. Everywhere. Most of them drunk. If you are an eavesdropper or at the very least, a people-watcher, you can't lose here. 8. Comfort food at comfortable prices; bar food at el cheapo prices. Sometimes they're mixed together and called "today's special." Indeed it is. 7. They put the imprint of a shamrock on your Guinness pints. 6. In one of the very large (unisex) bathrooms, there's a bench. A very pretty painted bench, mind you. Ever just want to sit down and ponder life's mysteries in a strange forum? Thanks to Grendel's, you totally can. 5. There is never a shortage of amusing waitstaff. In some cases, you can substitute 'amusing' with 'absolutely lost their mind crazy', which maybe explains the whole bench in the bathroom thing, but who can tell? 4. Their happy hour (half-priced food and drink specials) should be renamed 'super duper happy many hours' because that's how you'll feel when you're done indulging and you have spent less than what you spent to feed the meter in town the day before for an hour's worth of Harvard Square shopping. 3. Your food doesn't come out too quickly, which is a fabulous thing really, if you think about it. When something comes out within five minutes, my mind tends to wander and not in the good way. 2. Your drinks come out very quickly, which is a fabulous thing really, if you think about it. When drinks don't come out within five minutes, my mind tends to wander and not in the good way. 1. ABSINTHE. You, too, can indulge in the goodness that is Absinthe, complete with spoon and sugarcube and fire, thanks to Grendel's addition of Absinthe to their drink menu. You can and you should.
(4)Christina K.
Eh, I'd give it 3.5 stars. We came here for lunch, and the menu read like it was amazing. I am giving it the extra .5 because it is veggie friendly and they serve quinoa. Who knew you could find quinoa, spinach pie, and tofu at a bar/restaurant? The prices are very low, and they have lunch specials too for $5. But you also get what you pay for. Food is kind of bland, although I do give them props for trying to create an eclectic, kinda gourmet menu (certainly read really good from perusing the menu outside). I had the vegetarian banquet: salad, spinach pie, hummus, rice, and veggies and tofu. The veggies and tofu were kinda tasteless, spinach pie was good but not what you would think of as spanakopita (had egg as a binder and no feta), hummus was super heavy on tahini (which is a little off-putting) and the greek salad, though fresh, was lacking. My partner had the quinoa stew (props for quinoa! High protein seed, though eaten like a starch like rice) which was tomato based and he added the shrimp. He said the cajun shrimp was not all that cajun-y. I had the quinoa, which was tasty, but none of our food came hot enough. We also ordered the potato skins, which were good (how could they not), but were nothing special at potatoes, melted cheese, salsa and sour cream. Salsa was really good though - maybe get that as an appetizer. Could be a good place for drinks. Dunno.
(3)Katie H.
I went with some friends to get some drinks and snacks. Our waitress just wasn't very attentive. It was very tough to flag her down, and when she did come by, she wasn't helpful. We normally tip 18-20%, but this time, we left probably somewhere around 12%, and she came to get us as we were leaving, asking what was wrong, and why we didn't leave a higher tip. Rather than argue, my group gave her a couple more dollars and got out of there.
(2)Frank W.
Grendel's is one of those places you go when you're unsure of yourself, your evening, and what the hell is available to you in Harvard Square. I've been on two occasions, both when either I or someone I was meeting was new to the area. Grendel's reverse happy hour is always a good reason to go and get some food, but there's nothing special about this place. It's loud. It's crowded. It has very little bar space. Drinking is not optimal here, because either you get a table and are slightly awkward just drinking and not eating, or you snag a spot at the bar with the other 5 people who also got so lucky. Blah. The food is nothing to write home about either. I've had a salad, some hummus plates, and one of their chicken sandwiches. Underwhelming, cooked fine, but simply no imagination. I would rather save the money and do the food prep myself. And that's saying something. Grendel's, you try so hard to be mediocre, how can I give you anything but that rating?
(2)Laura S.
This is my go-to bar if I end up in Harvard Square for a night. Is it great? No. Nothing about it is exceptional in any way. Does it do for a beer or two? Certainly. Last I was there, I got the CBC Amber Ale, which was quite tasty. Our server was not super attentive, it was relatively loud, but we found a quiet corner, so it worked out alright. There was not a great beer selection, maybe two things I would consider trying on tap and a few more bottled beers. If you're looking for a bar in the area, I say go here. But I wouldn't seek it out.
(2)Jackie D.
Do you ever make a sandwich and think to yourself, "Dang, that was a really good sandwich"? Grendel's is kind of like that. Nothing out-of-this-world creative, but it's still awesome - ESPECIALLY when it's half price from 5-7. And ESPECIALLY when you don't want to break the bank but as of that moment, you've only got some frozen chicken and various condiments in your kitchen. I got the turkey and Havarti sandwich with herb mayo on a baguette, and for some reason I can't stop thinking about it. My girlfriend got the turkey burger with avocado, creamy chipotle sauce, chutney and swiss (the "Natural Disaster"), which was also very good. Best of all, we got FIVE drinks (including two Harry Potter themed cocktails and a perfectly made Dark & Stormy with real ginger beer), and the entire total came to $46 including tip. Say WHAT?! I dunno, dude. Put me in a dark corner with awesome drinks and cheap, tasty food and you get five stars from me.
(5)Elliott N.
Grendel's Den can be a fantastic place, if you let it. Personally, I love Grendel's. Their beer selection is consistently solid with some remarkable guest beers featured frequently (Stone Double Bastard for $11 in a bar!? That's only $2 more than the liquor store!), their mixed drinks are made well and not stingy with the good stuff, their staff is consistently friendly and prompt--I've never had a bad experience with the waitstaff at Grendel's, even when they're mobbed, which is saying something. The atmosphere is also great, with an appropriate subterranean den vibe. Another thing that makes me smile: gender neutral bathrooms! The only detractors: seating and some food. Now don't get me wrong, some of Grendel's food is fantastic, with their specials consistently a cut above much of the other fare. Some, however, is pretty subpar (I'd steer clear of the nachos, IE chips with canned beans and preshredded cheese thrown into the microwave). If you go during the half off food hours (why would you go any other time?), it can also be tough to get a table. Still, great staff, good and fairly priced drinks, nice atmosphere, and half off food that renders most everything on the menu less than $7 give this place high marks for me.
(4)Charoline D.
Ah Grendel's the start of our Saturday night bar crawl to try some new places out in Harvard Square and move away from our almost too often sojourns to River Gods. Bouncer was friendly, the patrons we're mostly "Bro"s, and the bartender was a bit anal retentive. He was fairly quick with getting our order while we sat atop stools at the bar and kept being insistant about using coasters. I had an Original Sin cider and we played the "what do you think their name is?" game. This basically consists of us pointing out people, guessing what their name is, and various other things such as occupation, where they met their boyfriend, hobbies may include, etc. Didn't get a chance to try out the food, but I think from previous reviews that it may not have been all that necessary. All and all, a pretty relaxed atmosphere.
(3)Michele G.
Half price menu! Plus, get yourself incredibly happy with the awesome Dark n' Stormies. :)
(3)Yana Y.
Grendel's, Grendel's, oh how I love thee. Half price food menu from 5-7:30pm/9-11:30pm (Delicious food!) Delicious white + red sangria Sorry kids, you lose a half a star for not having 1/2 price menu be applicable outside, and another half for having the worlds slowest wait-staff.
(4)Joel G.
They say you get what you pay for...and I had heard Grendel's Den bucked that trend...but I didn't find that to be the case when I came here last month. My table orderdued the fondue. The cheese was not very tasty, and the bread was stale. I ordered the Beggars Banquet for my entree. The chicken was dry, and the spinach pie was less than impressive. One final note. I went to dinner with 5 people...two of us felt like the food made us sick later that night. I won't be returning.
(2)Mike L.
Loved it! Small, quaint bar that had good food and better beer. Orginial Sin Cider on tap and Grendel's Ale are both beers I would recommend consuming while in town.
(4)Alexandra K.
I had some drinks at Grendel's last evening with some friends. I had already eaten dinner but others in my party ordered food. I had a cider that was pretty good. Tasted a little like Woodchuck, nothing special. They seemed to have a pretty good wine and beer selection however, my colleagues liked their selections as well. Our waiter was funny and entertaining. He made the table laugh on several occasions. We joked about how he looked like Colin Ferrel at one point. We were sitting at a round table for 5 or more in the back corner. I was in the corner near the wall and because it was a round table with a bench against the wall, I couldn't really sit comfortably at the table, I had to lean forward a lot to be in the conversations. The music was also a little too loud. However, not as loud as most bars can be. They have a special half priced happy hour listed on the menu where, if I'm not mistaken, most things on the menu are half priced. It was evenings on weekdays and later on weekends I think... Two of the people I was with ordered the cheese fondue. I could smell it the second it hit the table! I love cheese fondue and this one smelled a little 'funky'. However, it seems that it was just a really strong cheese which means it might have tasted great. I agree with Ligaya that the texture of the cheese looks a little funny and lumpy. I think this can be attributed to the kerosene flame thingy they put under it. I don't think it heats evenly. I had a good time at Grendel's, but I wouldn't necessarily go back.
(3)Eric S.
Just OK overall. The location is good overall. The outdoor seating is great for people watching. The food is so-so. I got the veggie burger with guacamole, mashed potatoes, and falafel plate. The guacamole was dull green, like it was old. They have a good beer selection. The friend I was eating with was not at all impressed with his chicken dish.
(3)Katherine J.
This place was OK. Just came here for a couple of glasses of guinness and a bite to eat. I was craving french fries but they didn't have any! Instead I had the spinach pie. It filled me up but this isn't gourmet food. While we were eating, the power went off but it was quickly restored and everyone clapped. It's a cute, cozy neighborhood feel type of place.
(4)Jenny F.
Bar area is a little tight, but grab a table and you'll be set. Decent spot to hang out on a quieter week night.
(3)Sari G.
I was visiting Boston and came here with some friends on a Saturday night for drinks. Was seated promptly, our server was really great. Its all about their ginger ale and rum! I have tasted every ginger ale known to woman and this drink is amazing! The crowd each had their little nooks and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Great fun - amazing ginger ale.
(5)Anna S.
This place has a fantastic atmosphere - it's warm and cozy, with low ceilings, exposed brick, and dim lighting. I've found that the service is sometimes a touch slow, but the food is good, and their happy-hour is very budget-friendly.
(4)fraulein v.
The Beer selection is great. Great German beers poured correctly. The outside seating in the summer is also grand. The food isnt great, the only pro is that it is cheap. Someone said they had a decent vegetarian selection that i found laughable. All in all i would like this spot a bit better if not seated in the jock - douchebag section every time. still, i might rather go to charlies for beers.
(3)Khalid S.
I came here accidentally, cause there were no tables available at Charlie's Kitchen walking distance from here. But that was a blessing in disguise. I'm not totally impressed by Grendel's, cause the service was average, and I got the feeling that the staff didn't care much cause every single table on this Saturday night was occupied. I was just by myself so I looked around and waited for my food, though I can see this place being fun going in a big group. Moving on to why I was here, the food. I had the shrimp Sambal which the menu warned that it was hot as hell. I said to myself maybe it's like the Fire sauce at Taco Bell which is barely close to what hot really is. But let me tell you, the Sambal was really absolutely positively hot. I had to stop eating until my server replenished my water supply because I couldn't take it anymore. They served it with rice and green peas. I'm a big fan of spicy food, so I adored it. The portions were just right as well.
(4)Josh O.
Today either I got on the wrong bus or the MBTA website lied to me because I ended up in Harvard Sq. instead of Davis Sq. I had been planning on using one of my $1 burrito coupons at Boloco, so at first I figured I'd just hop on the T and get to Davis Sq. that way, but as I was walking to the T I saw a guy handing out leaflets that had in big letters 'LUNCH SPECIAL $3.95'. So I grabbed it. Turns out that Grendel's Den has a $3.95 lunch special where you can choose from a burger, soup and salad, a french dip sandwich, a salad, a half sandwich and soup, or a half sandwich and salad. 'Hot damn', I thought to myself. So I headed over to Grendel's which I'd walked by before but never been in. First off, I _love_ basement bars. I don't know why, but I do. Secondly, I got a pretty decent lunch for $3.95. It wasn't amazing, but it was good, it was filling, and it was cheap. Third, Guinness for only $4.25. Not bad at all.
(4)Tasha L.
The cheap happy hour is delightful after work. Original Sin cider is on tap. The cocktails are adequate-- I recommend the mojito when it is in season. I always stick to sandwiches, the falafel wrap is a favorite. The potato chips have their charm. The entrees come in very small portions...but I wouldn't get too fancy here. It can get very noisy...but the ambiance is very cozy and comforting, especially in the winter. The staff do their jobs well...sometimes you have to be patient because it's so mobbed, but they are all very nice. I was there for a big Red Sox game and no one was paying attention. That was nice.
(5)Mallory R.
One of the coziest spots in Harvard Square on a winter evening. Love the brick walls and the cheap menu. The half price menu is a real steal and worth the trek out to Cambridge. Usually just go for appetizers when with friends and we often get the hot spinach and artichoke dip. My best friend and I were fans of an appetizer that is no longer featured (bread with tomato sauce) but regardless of the menu changes I still enjoy myself when I go to Grendel's. Whether it's a humid summer night and you are sitting outside or cozying up inside on a winter night, Gendel's is a spot where you will find yourself comfortable and at home, among strangers.
(5)Tristan S.
Every non-appetizer I've eaten here has been pretty subpar. Service is often slow. However, the atmosphere is great - walking down into a hole-in-a-wall basement/bar is a good feeling. Portions arent huge, and could be cheaper. The time to go is half-price hours: 5-7 every night (with a beverage purchase). The nachos are quite good, and the other apps I've had were good, but avoid the entrees.
(2)Adrienne W.
OK, I admit it. I should probably be giving Grendel's Den four stars, but my own hangups require three stars. I'm in my mid-twenties and stopped by with a girlfriend to take advantage of the half priced food with drink. To my consternation, I looked around on the Wednesday night and felt like ancient. My half priced polenta with cheesy goodness and mushrooms was yummy - significantly smaller than my friend's nachos but nicely sized so I felt perfectly satisfied instead of sick when I finished it. (And this coming from someone who is just learning to tolerate most mushrooms!) We sat at the bar and conferred with the bartender over our drink choice. Being unemployed, I like to make every drink count these days. The dark and stormy was lovely and the bartender was able to make a small bit of the hot cider for my friend to sample. I'll be back - a non-fast food meal and a good drink for $10 is a nice deal for me!
(3)Ali I.
This is an awesome little hole in the wall underground drinking lair. It has a cool vibe and Its pretty affordable. The food is decent too, vegetarian friendly.
(4)Ben K.
Whoa, watch out, though. Outside is full price food all the time. You're maybe making up the balance in people-watching and warm weather, but it definitely bumps the food out of the "well, I guess this is an okay sandwich for $3" range.
(3)Diana G.
I stopped in here yesterday for a couple pints of Guinness, and then learned about the half-price food from 5-7:30. So, I decided to order a burger. It wasn't the greatest burger I have ever had, but it did the trick. I have had the seafood combo dinner here before, and I remember that was great! I'm sure I'll stop in here on a regular basis. I like the atmosphere, the service is pretty good, and they serve great beers. What more can you ask for? :D
(4)Erin M.
I was pleasantly surprised! Fun atmosphere in a crowded basement, which is one of my favorite bar settings. The waitress was very nice when we moved the tables around and then moved to a DIFFERENT table... a lot of places would give you crap for that, because it's annoying. My recent years living in the Midwest make me long for happy hours - and this is the closest I've found to a real happy hour deal since moving back to Boston: 1/2 off your food if you buy $3 worth of drinks (which averages for the whole table! So if one person has two drinks, the person who got none also gets half-off food). My burger was... OK. I was looking for a greasy bar burger, and I got it. The bun was gross and soggy. The burger itself was tasty. Just chips, no fries. My friend got one of the vegetarian specials and it looked way more delicious. I would like to go back and try this. I'm going with three stars for now. May be bumped if I return and like the other food more.
(3)Andrea P.
I love this little cave. It's cheap and offers tons of vegetarian options! Daily specials, Mediterranean/Californian-themed bar food with an occasional Latin or Asian twist....I like! It is absolutely MANDITORY to go during the 1/2 price happy hours (Daily 5-7:30 pm and Sun-Thurs 9-11:30 pm) or for lunch specials (11:30 am-3 pm). Otherwise the food is not even close to being worth it, because it's not THAT good; it's on the better side of average. They have a Portabello Reuben, a Mediterranean combo plate, that delicious fondue everyone talks about, and pretty decent red Sangria, sold by the half and whole pitchers. My favorite tables are the two half-circles that face the brick wall by the bathrooms. Much more private, way less noisy. The service is eh, but whatever, I'd be pissed too if people were constantly shorting me tips because they don't realize they're supposed to tip on the original amount of the bill and not the discounted happy hour amount! Growl!
(4)Lisa R.
Want to grab a quick lunch in the square? Grendel's is awesome! Can't finish a whole sandwhich? Get a half sandwhich with a half salad or soup! I love their weekday lunch specials: who else lets you exchange half your sandwhich for something else yummy on the side for the same price? The service is always lightning speed and you can't beat a $5 lunch in Harvard Square. No, the food is not gourment, but you should take Grendels for what it is and enjoy the greasy bar food and cave-like decor. If it's nice out, grab a table outside! I would love to give this place a 3.5, but alas Yelp makes you choose.
(3)William M.
I madly appreciate Grendel's, if only for the fact that they fought a Supreme Court case to keep their doors open. (gotta fight...for your right... to party, etc etc.) Anyways, their food is a complaint I hear alot, but it's wicked cheap and usually not the reason I come here. The waitresses are unbelievably patient given how disorganized my groups have been. Probably my favorite bar in Boston.
(5)Nora T.
I heard about Grendel's half price specials, and thought it was too good to be true. I decided to trek down there one night to see how this worked, and was pleasantly surprised. The tables are seat-yourself, which meant that we had to wait a bit to get the attention of the waitress, but once we did I was not disappointed. I was able to devouer a delicious spinach and artichoke dip with crab and a sumptious turkey burger, wash it all down with an italian soda, and it all cost about $10. I plan on going back to see what else their manu has to offer, but my first trip left me very satisfied and didn't break the bank. (Technically my boyfriend's bank.. but still..)
(4)CR S.
Yech. Hamburgers looked like they were boiled. Salads were basic, with iceberg lettuce, like mom made back in the fifties. Find somewhere else to eat.
(1)Julie M.
Grendel's Den does little to stand out among its peers... This bar is easy to miss and I assume is overshadowed by Tommy O'Doyle's across the street. I went to Grendel's Den the night before Thanksgiving with a group of about 7 people. We sat at a "5 or more" table. Our waitress was friendly - she was willing to deal with someone "returning a drink" - and we did end up getting a free round of shots (it had turned out that the waitress and I had a friend in common). The drinks were moderately priced... and the bar let us hang out even after they had officially closed. Again, Grendel's Den is getting three stars because it was an okay bar, but nothing spectacular.
(3)Pablo S.
This gotta be one of the worse and unhealthy places in the whole world !!! Our server was smoking right in front of our table with the entire staff and completely ignored us every time we need it something... How's the 0.20 tip now??? We will never go back + stay away !!!!!
(1)Nandanie S.
Beer on tap is good. Food is simple and tasty. It's your typical bar/pub in Harvard Square that's always welcoming to peeps who wanna kick back with a drink and a quick bite to eat. Prices are worth it. Check out their specials because they change from time to time...making things interesting.
(4)Sonia Q.
Horrible service. Food is mediocre, not worth it. And oh yea, they charge for refills. Never going back.
(1)Ellie W.
Half price meals from 5-7? This is the perfect spot for the beginnings of a pub crawl, and I'm surprised it isn't overflowing with poor college students looking for cheap eats. If you're looking for fancy cuisine, this isn't it. If you're looking for better-than-your-average-bar-food, your search has ended. My friend and I shared the artichoke dip and I had the Peruvian Quinoa, both hearty and delicious. It's a small space, so you're almost sitting on top of people at your neighboring tables, but hey, it's a breeding ground for conversation. Maybe awkwardness. But mostly conversation. Just imagine: "Hi, you're sitting on my lap. I need to get to my food. Don't mind me as I reach around your waist to get to my beer and pasta. Kthanks." Grab a $2.50 beer and enjoy.
(4)Sarah P.
You can almost miss this place, which may be what the locals want. Place isn't huge and may be hard to get a table..Vibe was pretty chill, dim lighting and low key. Looked a good place to chat and get a bite. Happy hour meal specials from 5:30-7pm on Weekdays- half price food with a $3 minimum drink purchase per person. Cream of spinach soup was good. Cheap food, college pub but not in an obnoxious way. There were some older people there as well. Stick to typical pub fare and get some drinks (and extra food..portions arent huge) and you'll enjoy it.
(3)Roxie D.
Sigh. It is with a heavy heart that I revise my formerly glowing review of Grendel's Den. Years ago, when a friend first asked me if I wanted to go to Grendel's, I thought she said "grundel's." (For those of you not in the know, urban dictionary has a concise definition that is a mere google search away). However, "grundel" is a rather suitable way to describe this place, or at least, the service we received there yesterday. A group of friends and I met in Harvard Square. We couldn't decide where to go, but I convinced them to head to here. Cheap food! The siren song of cheap drinks! Outdoor seating! What's not to love? I'll tell ya what's not to love: Hidden fees, nasty servers who dress like they invaded Mayim Bialik's closet in 1995, and public shaming if you failed to read the fine print on a box two tables over. Our dinner was filled wit more unprovoked crazy than a Bravo reality show. Anything we asked for- a refill, a recommendation on what she thought was good, a bit of dressing for a salad since they'd obviously forgotten to mix it in-was met with terrifyingly passive agressive white knuckle rage. She was such a bitch during our meal that we decided to skip the dessert and drinks we were planning on having there. When our bill came, we paid with 2 credit cards and some cash, writing out the amounts for each card after we were met with a full on verbal assault when we just asked to pay separately. She took it and went inside. We breathed a collective sigh of relief, planning where we'd go next. We thought that our hell was over, but it was just beginning. She came back to our table, slammed our money/card down, and informed us that any bills paid with a combination of cash and credit were subject to a 20% fee. "Um, where does it say that? I'm looking at the menu and it says that policy only applies to parties splitting the bill on 4 credit cards." Our server, clearly irritated and annoyed by our ignorance, said "It's clearly stated on the box." The box? She picks up the box that holds the salt and pepper from the table next to ours and points to the policy, her voice dripping with exasperation. She even did a Vanna White style "hold it near my face, plaster on a fake smile, and point" move before swooping in front of all of us to drive her point home. I picked up the box at our table, rotated it so that she could see all sides, and pointed out that there was NOTHING on our box and we hadn't known about this policy. Were we supposed to ask our surrounding tables to review their boxes? If it was such a problem, why didn't she say anything when she picked up the pile of cash and the credit cards? She didn't apologize, or acknowledge that it was her mistake to assume that we had known about this hidden fee- instead, she snatched up our bill, and loudly declared while stomping down the stairs, "Oh, ok- you don't want to leave a 20% gratuity? That's FINE." First of all, we were planning on leaving 20%, even though our server had acted like a rotting butthole. We're classy like that. We had factored that into the amounts we asked her to run on our cards though she obviously didn't deserve even the standard 10% you leave for appallingly bad service. When she came back, I asked to speak to her manager. "The bartender is sort of the manager, you can go talk to him if you have a problem." She smirked, and walked off. In ANY restaurant, if you ask to speak to a manager, it is customary that they come to your table to see what the problem is. We were so disgusted by the service, and thoroughly convinced that the real manager wasn't even on the premises, hence the grundel-esque behavior, that we left. My friend called later, asked to speak to the manager, explained the situation, and got attitude about how busy they were before being hung up on. No apologies, nothing. FYI, they were not busy. We were surrounded by empty tables when we asked to speak to her boss. That is not how you run a business. That is not how you treat paying customers, especially ones who are polite and thank you even though you're acting like a hatchet wound. It felt like we had wandered into some over-privileged 13 year old's house and demanded that she fan us with giant peacock feathers and hand feed us peeled grapes. I didn't interrupt her at home and ask her for a personal favor- I was asking her to do her job while she was at work. No attitude necessary. Either come to work and do your job or don't come to work at all. It's that simple. I am thoroughly horrified by the unparalleled nastiness and immature behavior we witnessed at this restaurant. Their food may be cheap, but so are their servers.
(1)David R.
Another Harvard Square classic. Great beer selection, pretty spartan burger and potato chips, popular with students. Good place to go with a group of friends and take over a big table, but note it can be tough to get a seat. You probably won't spend a lot of money here either. Remember, though, that this is ultimately a college bar. Go in with the appropriate expectations and you should have a pretty good experience.
(4)Erin C.
Grendel's is one of my go to bars in Harvard Sq. Cozy up to the bar for a mulled wine or Sailor Jerry's Mulled Cider. If you manage to make it for their Happy Hour you can also enjoy 1/2 priced food with a $3 drink purchase. Perfect. You might see me there ordering my regular...Mulled wine with a portabello reubuen. Tasty AND cheap!
(4)Chantal G.
They have a great area to sit outside on a warm day, I'm not sure I would sit inside however. It's the usual type of dive bar food, but I loved the hamburgers! They serve you chips instead of french fries with your burger... I was a little sad about that. If I'm eating burgers, I'm going all out.
(3)Samia O.
Half-price happy hour, that's the only reason we went there. If you don't drink, or if you only drink water while dining then this might be a little tricky for you. In order to get the half-off deal, you must get a $3 drink. But since my boo wanted to give it a try, I got a bottle of "botanically brewed" lemonade ($4) as recommended by the server. It was nothing more than a bottle of convoluted, alcohol-tasting lemon "juice". Spinach Pie: due to the lack of description on the menu, the three of us debated for a while whether it would be a spinach pizza, a spinach quiche, or a spinach sphere. And when the waitress was ready to take our order 15 minutes later, the mystery was solved: Spinach pie = Spanakopita. To be exact it was a square of spanakopita slightly larger than my palm and thicker than the length of my pinky. The filling was really pasty, as the spinach was inseparable from the cheese (feta and ricotta?). The phyllo dough... so hard to cut since it was quite stale. The rice pilaf was flavorless, if it were seasoned at all. Ultimately, this dish brought me back to elementary school days, as it tasted like some reheated cafeteria food. California burger: the only ingredient that was good on that burger was the guacamole. Enough said. If the food is not good, it is not good no matter how cheap it is. What matters is whether you get this blissful feeling after eating a meal. And I certainly didn't get that from eating their food.
(2)Annabel J.
I love Grendel's for a number of reasons. -Relaxed, chill, divey atmosphere -good crowd, not packed with yuppies -bar food that is a step above just the typical sports bar nachos and wings, while also still having the typical nachos and wings (they also have things like a hummus plate and mediterranean salad) -half priced menu weekdays during happy hour inside -indoor and outdoor seating -awesome bartenders and servers!!!
(5)Elizabeth R.
The atmosphere was nice. However, our server was very impatient and rude. After waiting a long time for our food after our appetizer (chips/salsa), the server then came over and asked us if we were ready for our check. As it turns out, she had forgotten to put our dinner order in. She then acknowledged that she knew we already didn't like her (presumably because she realized how rude she was?). Forgetting to put our order in would have been no big deal at all if she hadn't been so rude and condescending with us before. Then she took our order again and got our food to us within a reasonable amount of time. We got one single free beer out of the ordeal, and she was much nicer for the rest of our time. It was kind of nice to see her affect change from impatient to accommodating, but that was of course because she had made a mistake. None of us were too impressed with the food once we got it, which says something because we were starving by that point. I really wanted to like this place, but it was a poor experience due to horrible service and mediocre food.
(1)Priyanka R.
I'm gonna keep this short and sweet. I love Grendel's Den, its a basement bar with a cozy college student feel. The happy hour is amazing, great meal and ambiance for around $10. Location is right in Harvard Square and the waitress was extremely friendly and candid. Even after finishing our meal we stayed for another hour just enjoying witty banter between friends and no one even bothered us! I would recommend the Burger with cheese, jalapeños and sauteed onions, they put so many jalapeños on it. Yummy and left me extremely satisfied. They make a mean burger. Just say yes. Only drawback were the tables were EXTREMELY close together, and therefore restricted movement, the draft from the door was not so fun either - hence the four stars instead of five. Definitely coming back again soon, I'm just not sitting so close to the door!
(4)Eric F.
Talk about one sweet happy hour! Decent draft list and ordering just one drink lets you go to town on ANYTHING on the food menu for half price. The family and I had a chance to try the spinach, artichoke & crab dip, grass fed burger, grilled trout, lobster roll and Peruvian quinoa stew. Now unfortunately, the quality of the dishes more or less reflected the discounted price...bland fish and burger, greasy roll with not so fresh lobster, etc. BUT! The portions were solid and the spinach dip and cole slaw weren't too shabby. All in all, a fantastic spot for students to kick back with some grub and beer without at all breaking the bank.
(3)Sarah C.
Great drinks but rudest wait staff I have ever encountered. The bar tender was so unfriendly, unwilling to accommodate us, and slow. The bartender actively ignored certain people at our table. Several wait staff yelled at people in our party for standing in a certain area (where there were stools). Totally underwhelmed and really turned off. Worst service I've ever experienced in Harvard square. WILL NOT RETURN HERE.
(1)Alexis C.
I never even noticed this place because I'd see Upstairs on the Square above it and think, "Maybe one day I'll be able to splash that much dough on a meal." Finally a friend pointed out its existence to me, and we went. Lots of college students, and a very eclectic menu of diverse items. The food was okay, but quite decent if you factored in the low price, and the portions aren't stingy. I see why it appeals to students. We amused ourselves by reading the history of Grendel's Den, which is printed on the menu. I had not known it had such a storied legal past. We also talked about Beowulf and tried to find a reference to it on the menu but failed. Come here if you're hungry but poor.
(3)Alison F.
Why is the veggie burger deep fried? I'm always happy to find bars that have hand-made veggie burgers instead of frozen so I ordered it without anything else. I don't like coleslaw or potato chips. It came with tomato and lettuce, should have had goat cheese on top because the burger was very bland and chewy. The bun covers up the lack of taste and the fried grease. My beer helped.
(2)Stephanie M.
What can I really say about this place? My girl friend and I had our first date here. So, that's at least two stars. The food? I like to say its mostly "shit you can make at home but don't feel like it." Its pretty solid, but not mind blowing by any means. I often crave the nachos. I was hesitant for the longest time to try the dark and stormy. I had tried that particular drink at other bars and really quite hated it. But I absolutely love the ones they make here. It's probably one of the only things I order. Besides a gin and tonic. The waitstaff? Usually depends on the night, or who you get. It gets really crowded here at random times. The happy hour special can't really be beat. Its good for groups or even for as little as 2 people. It can get a little noisy, but its a bar, in the basement. What do you expect?
(5)Anna K.
I love Grendel's! Really nice bartenders, strong cheap drinks. Their half off food deals from 5-7:30 can't be beat. I love their chicken wraps and salads. Also the spinach artichoke crab dip is delicious and the mussels are yummy too. Burgers are just ok, I wish they offered fries. Chicken wings are good, nice spice and meaty. I also enjoy their fish dinner that comes with a couple sides. Bring cash or expect an automatic gratuity to be added if you split cards with your party. I usually don't mind though because the servers are usually good and deserve it.
(4)David F.
We had heard a lot about this place so had high expectations. We rocked up in the late afternoon for very late lunch. The place was pleasant enough and with few punters in attendance, we had our choice of seats so we chose a table beside the faux fireplace which lacked any warmth and, as it turned out, just like our waitress. The very definition of surliness, she tossed menus at us and continued in that vein throughout the meal. That, frankly, wouldn't have bothered me if the food was any good. We both ordered burgers - they don't do fries so we had chips/crisps on the side instead which is a very poor carb substitute in my view. The burgers were grey, limp, thin patties of poor quality beef on a rubbish supermarket bun. Cheap and nasty. Best part of the meal was the price. Two burgers and two beers each came to $40 for the lot with a grudgingly given tip. Dreadful and very disappointing given the expectations we had going in. Never again,
(1)Megan B.
Great spot if you are visiting but don't want to feel like a tourist. Beer selection was good, speedy service didn't let your drink stay low too long. Has TVs if you want to watch sports. Quiet for a packed sports bar. Lots of students and good food
(5)Ziyan C.
Good location, right in the heart of Harvard Square. Nice that you can sit at the tables and just get drinks - good for some post-dinner chatting with a big group of friends. Service was a little slow - I noticed our server was covering a huge section though, and she seemed to check on us whenever she could (occasionally at best). Drinks are fine.. fairly good beer selection. Got a dark & stormy but I feel like I've had better. Fairly lively, even late on a Tuesday night. Pretty good crowd. Low key, fun vibe.
(2)Izza F.
You know those bars you go to and get real drunk at and somehow you walk out with a huge bill and you feel positive you only got 5 drinks but somehow you were charged for 10? Well not here. It's quite the opposite. I'll buy like 5 cocktails and somehow my bill always seems like they've knocked off a drink or two. You can feel confident that you will get a fair bill for exactly what you bought and not a cent more. I love their food. It is eclectic and somewhat exotic comfort food. Their menu is made up of a variety of comfort food, typical bar food, mediterranean and vegetarian fare. Try their Salvadoran veggies and tofu over rice. It is so good. I get it every time. Either that or their noodles. Who doesn't love noodles and butter? It is one of their side dishes. Yeah I know it is pretty simple but sometimes you want to keep it simple. Can't say I am a fan of their gorgonzola sauce though. Try their chicken wings too. They are like smoked, they taste like they are straight off a bbq. Great portions and great prices. The staff is great. The bartenders are so friendly, always seem so happy to see you. The owner is really sweet too. This place is charming and fun.
(4)Jack O.
Service is good, crowd is studenty but not too much. Good food, gotta love the half price policy during happy hour!
(5)Liz P.
The dark and stormies are to die for. A good place for not-overpriced food all day and a fun place to get a drink at night.
(5)Angeline P.
So the food here is a pretty solid three stars. I came on a Sunday evening, and they had the half price food promotion with a drink purchase. I ordered the most expensive thing on the menu, which was a fish dish. The fish looked filleted except for the part where I was pulling bones out. This is kind of expected whenever I order fish that isn't paired with chips somewhere. I'm not docking stars for that, but I will dock stars for pretty flavorless fish. The reason for the two-star review is for bad service. There were three of us, but my friend left her ID at home, so she couldn't order the beer (which was the only thing she wanted to drink). Well, rather than have her pay full price on an entree because she didn't have her ID, her boyfriend suggested getting another beer when he was finished. Since it would still be a grand total of three beers for a party of three, it made sense that we would all be able to get half price on food. That's apparently not how it works. My friend had to order another drink (non-alcoholic) in order to get her food half off. The waitress didn't bother to explain why this was their policy, and seemed less interested in us as a table after we made the suggestion. The only follow ups we got involved glowering looks when I told her no, I didn't want to order another beer. I'm not so interested in this place.
(2)Christian H.
Harvard Square is never short of great places to eat and hang out. One in particular that deserves high marks is Grendel's. The bar and restaurant is tucked away underground, so it is fairly hard to miss. When you do find it, you will not be disappointed. A large draft selection, plenty of different food options and a fun atmosphere are in store for you Grendel's experience. With local and microbrews, it is a haven for beer enthusiasts and anyone who wants to branch out and try something new. The food selection is pretty great as well. Plenty of options for carnivores, vegetarians and omnivores. The plates are a bit on the small side as are the portions, but it's definitely quality over quantity. A winning app? The crab and artichoke dip. Go for it. You know you want to try it! The staff is friendly and the place is laid back, a bit on the divey side, but it a good way. This place is a winner for your outings in Harvard Square, whether you are just coming off work, or just want to hang out with friends on the weekend. Check it out!
(4)Anya L.
What a fun find! While visiting Cambridge, we needed to grab a quick bite to eat before getting back on the road. A Yelp search brought up Grendel's, and with the appeal of 1/2 priced food items during Happy Hour, we decided to duck inside. I appreciate that this place doesn't take itself too seriously, especially given its location. We grabbed two spots at the bar and scanned an impressive list of beers and drinks. I was tempted to get a spiked apple cider when I got a whiff of the simmering brew, but I opted for the CBC Pumpkin ale (awesome, btw). The bf and I ordered mussels, wings and a salad to share. The price of each dish already made the meal worthwhile, but when the food actually showed up, I was even more impressed. The wings were tasty and sizable (I hate tiny, meatless wings), the bowl of mussels was piled high, and the salad had generous amounts of avocado, chicken and cheese. If we didn't have to drive, I know we would have stayed longer - certainly for more beer but also to perhaps order more food once appetites reappeared. I hope to return to Grendel's to sample some of their entrees. In the meantime, give this place a try - it offers a great atmosphere after a long day at work.
(4)Jeff F.
- 1-2 stars if you come here for food - 3-4 stars if you come here for a drink (probably some of the best cider options in the city.)
(2)Michelle M.
I actually really liked everything they had here. The cuisine was cheap and delicious.
(5)Jen D.
Two words for the chilly days: MULLED WINE. When I think of my brief time in Cambridge, Grendel's is probably going to be one of two pubs that I think of. It's cozy, the staff are nice, the prices are reasonable, and the 1/2 price appetizers at Happy Hour make for an awesome after-class discussion venue. It is small--if you're in a group larger than three and arriving after 6pm or so, it might be hard to get a seat. Still, it's a spot with zero attitude and good beer and ale on tap. Grendel's slays!
(5)Chris M.
I used to enjoy coming here for a quick bite before seeing a film (alas, we've lost that pleasure, too, in Harvard Sq.) or for the half price appetizers at Happy Hour, but never again. On a sunny day last summer, I opted to take advantage of the outdoor dining area and was appalled at both the food and the service. First of all, the waiter cavalierly cleaned the table with a spray bottle (not water) and the spray hit my face and clothes. I decided to let it go and not say anything. I ordered a spinach salad with nuts and feta, and was assured this would be a decent size for an entree with plenty of spinach. At $9 or $10 for a lunchtime salad special, I expected a reasonably sized salad. What I got was a few leaves of spinach laden with feta and nuts and dressing. Before I could say anything, the waiter disappeared. I had to get my check from someone else. Although I've never had high expectations of the food at Grendals, it was decent and friendly, what I expected of a longstanding neighborhood anchor. What Grendels has become, unfortunately, is a Harvard Sq. tourist trap. RIP, Grendels as you used to be.
(1)John-Michael E.
Pay good money for good drinks and they'll basically be giving the food away on special. Definitely going back the next time I'm in town.
(4)Juliet A.
Cozy, intimate spot for a casual dinner with some friends. Because Grendel's is such a neighborhood fave, make sure you come on the off-hours if you want to be able to hear conversation. This is my bro-in-law's favorite spot in Harvard Square, so whenever my hubs and I are in town visiting, this is a go-to place. The food is pretty good - no huge wow factor - but the prices are beyond fair considering the location (and astronomical rent prices they must be paying!). Entrees/salads/sandwiches all around $7-11. Very nice. My recommendations: -French Dip sandwich. Roast beef is served cold (some places do it warm, which I prefer), but the dipping juice is superb. -Southwestern salad. A favorite for good reason. -Crab and spinach dip.
(3)Felecia C.
I have been to Grendel's a few times for drinks and always enjoyed the divey basement atmosphere. So I was excited to hear per other Yelp reviews that Grendel's offers a gluten-free menu. I should have known something was up when I realized that the link grendelsden.com/menu/GLU… no longer works. But I thought I might be able to chat with the staff to see if they could still accommodate. To sum it up, the server told me they didn't have a gluten-free menu. When I inquired as to what I might be able to eat and if there was someone else I could speak to, she said she had no idea and wasn't familiar with gluten. Hardly apologetic. Ok then. Thanks. Maybe the food's good otherwise, and yeah I should have called ahead. But the positive gluten-free reviews are pretty recent, so I'm wondering what happened and why the current staff has no clue. No matter, there are several other gluten-free friendly options right around the corner that will get my business.
(2)Inez M.
I decided to stop into this place between appointments today because I was handed a flyer in Harvard Square and they had a good luncheon deal. I walked in and I did not know if I had to be seated or seat Myself. Didn't know. First time there on a whim. The staff ignored Me although they saw Me looking around like a fish out of water. I finally got the attention of the waiter and asked him if I seat Myself. He said yes. Strange question perhaps but I am use to being seated in places I go to eat and am use the the staff being aware that I am in the room. I found a table and placed My order but I felt extremely uncomfortable there. There was a "vibe" that I was getting from the waiter that made Me uncomfortable. I have been to all kinds of drinking and dining places and I don't feel that "vibe" often. I ordered soup, salad, and pinot noir. The young lady who placed the meal on My table was very pleasant. Great energy and great "vibe" from her. Unfortunately I had to take My meal to go because I didn't have the time to relax and enjoy it due to the fact I had to make My other appointment. The soup was pretty good and the Mediterranean salad was ok minus the watery salad dressing. My waiter was "polite" but not "friendly". There is a difference. I watched him as he served the "guests" around Me and he was a lot more friendlier towards them than he was to Me. Needless to say, I will not be back there because I felt unwelcomed. The staff should be friendly with ALL of their customers for they never know when a food critic is coming in there and food critics come in all creeds. No, he did not get a good tip from Me. If I wanted to be a ass I would of left him a penny. Next time dude treat ALL of your customers with a friendly cheer and chatter as you do the others around them. The ONLY reason I give this place one star is because of the lovely young lady who brought My food to Me.
(1)Chris C.
I know people love this place and its a Harvard Square landmark, but I haven't been very impressed after a couple visits. They have an ok beer selection with food of average quality. Regular prices are sort of high for what you get although their happy hour and other specials are a pretty good deal. I think the thing that I really don't like about this place is how insanely crowded and busy it always is.
(3)Julia M.
Grendel's is my go-to bar when I'm in Harvard Square. It has a great atmosphere, friendly staff, & good, reasonably priced drinks. The only downside to Grendel's is that there is not a lot of seating inside, so the place quickly fills up on Friday & Saturday nights.
(4)Meka A.
Let me make it clear - I love Grendel's. Not because their drinks are the fanciest or the food the best in the Square, but because it's the perfect combination of inexpensive drinks, good hearty cheap food, and a laid-back bar atmosphere. Come here for lunch, dinner, or a drink to start your night out and you won't be disappointed. In the winter, my go-to drink is the spiked apple cider (oddly, it's hard to find warm alcoholic drinks in Harvard Square), but in the warmer months, I default to a drink I was introduced to by Grendel's - Kanye's Workout Plan - a crisp, refreshing blend of cucumber vodka, soda, and lime. I've had all types of food from Grendel's, but have been most pleased with their wraps.
(3)Kelly O.
I'm all about great deals, and had been meaning to come to Grendel's Den for their half price meal deals for some time. Last night was finally my chance, for a pre-Brattle dinner/drinks date with friends. It was raining and thus it wasn't too crowded, so we got a table right away around 5:45. The interior is really cozy and welcoming, and it's the kind of place I would easily have spent hours in back in my student days, tucked away at a corner table with a beer in one hand and a book in the other. I was pleasantly surprised to have a waitress that was not only friendly but attentive; usually in cheap food situations, you're faced with surly/MIA service (looking at you, Pour House), but our waitress was lovely and really added a positive note to our time here (thanks, waitress!). Also surprised to see a pretty decent beer menu (so awesome they eschew Bud and Miller and the rest of the lawnmower gang) and a cheap cocktail list (had me some nice Hot Rum Cider for only $5). The menu's not bad either... love the fact that it's the entire menu that's half priced 5-7:30, not just a small list, and the prices are cheap to begin with so you can really go to town for not a lot of cash. We got the potato skins and nachos to split, and then I got a turkey burger with cheddar and BBQ sauce as my main. Everything is obviously frozen/packaged/not homemade ("these chips taste like store brand"), but nothing was too terrible or unpalatable, and really for the price we're paying, I can't complain (plus what do you expect from a place like this, you can't think you're going in for the meal of your life). The potato skins could have been crispier on the outside but otherwise were pretty standard/unmemorable, the nachos had strange chunky guac but excellent vegan chilli, and the turkey burger was a preformed patty with some sort of strange added flavor to it that I couldn't put my finger on (not bad, just not the usual charbroiled turkey flavor). Portions are on the smaller size... we got 3 small half potatoes with our skins order, the nachos are on a regular sized plate and not piled too high, and the very thin burgers come with a handful of chips (or coleslaw, if you're so inclined). With 2 apps and a main, I left satisfied but not overly full. I wouldn't say I'm a fan of their food per say, but it wasn't terrible and I think it's decent for the price, and wouldn't hesitate to return during happy hour if I was looking for some cheap eats (and definitely would return just for drinks any time). Overall though, I'd say Grendel's has more pluses than minuses. I've been a Pour House fan for years for their special half price nights, but I have to say the only two things Pour House has on Grendel's are giant beers for $5.50 and better food (see: mac&cheese, chimichanga). Other than that, Grendel's wins the day (better beer selection, better cocktail selection, larger menu choice, better atmosphere, better service).
(3)Binh L.
Like the exposed brick, great space, cozy decor, but there is just something I can't quite point out that I don't like. Wouldn't go here if you intend on having real conversation though. It gets so loud during the normal rush. What I do like? The snow crab dip, the cute cheese fondue (wish they gave enough bread to finish the cheese) to share with some friends. Like a nice date without any chemistry.
(3)Cassandra B.
An underrated advantage of the sub-par food is that IF you need a snack, they have offerings like spinach pie and quinoa along with the standard bar food. While the food is not anything special at all, it is nice to get a bar snack that is not greasy or unhealthy. However, like other reviews have said, you don't come here for the food. It is a friendly, cozy, laid-back, casual place to grab some drinks and catch up with friends. I like coming here on weeknights for a fun but low-key night of conversation and drinks that will not break the bank. Good beer list and more reasonably priced than other bars/restaurants with the same variety. I'm no cocktail connoisseur (whiskey ginger is complicated enough for me) but my friends have enjoyed the low-prices of the small menu of 'fun' cocktails here.
(4)Neel P.
If you're coming from the West Coast and craving the New England cozy pub atmosphere with good drink and food, come here and you won't be disappointed. The apple cider with port was particularly delicious to sip on while I enjoyed my French Dip au Jus. I hear it gets crowded in the late evening, but it was pretty calm on a Sunday evening at 6pm.
(4)Wen-fai F.
Lunch specials for $4.95, half-price off the entire menu daily, inventive dishes, large amount of outdoor seating, need I say more? This place really is a godsend amidst the over-priced, crappy food brew-pubs in Harvard Square. The lunch is as cheap as cheap can get. For under 5 bucks, you can get a half-sandwich of the day (if it's a tuna melt, get it!) with your choice of soup or salad. The funny part is a half-sandwich is an open-faced sandwich with just as much filling as a normal sandwich, so you're really only missing the top piece of bread. They also offer burgers, a french dip sandwich, and some pasta dishes for the same low price. I've only ever been here for dinner during their happy hour half-priced times (I see no reason to go any other time!). The gorgonzola mac & cheese is a must-try. While the portions aren't huge, they'll fill you up and you'll be leftover free. This place is seat yourself. I'd recommend sitting outside, weather permitting. It's so relaxing although you're subject to hearing whatever street performer is sitting in the courtyard. The inside can get a bit noisy but if your party is small, the bar is a fun place to sit. The service is brisk but attentive. Grendel's seems to understand the demographic it's working with: non-paid college students or way-underpaid graduate students. Thank you, Grendel's for continuing to feed us inventive American food at low, low prices. OK the food is not gourmet but given that it's Harvard Square and things are generally over-priced and stuffy, Grendel's is a 'hidden gem' in that respect.
(4)Lisa I.
I'm indifferent towards Grendel's. If someone wanted to go, I'd go with them, but I probably wouldn't choose to come here on my own. The food is okay - slightly better than most pub food. And the menu has good variety, with lots of salads, sandwiches, and entrees beyond your standard wings & fried food. The restaurant is small and cramped, but it's a pub, so what do you expect? The food is cheap and everything is half price from 5-7:30PM weeknights!
(3)Evan H.
The proper review would say nothing, that's how depressing the food here was. I came with my family because we couldn't convince my dad to go elsewhere, but the warning signs were evident. First problem: the food took half an hour to come out. Second problem: the server's attitude. Third problem: the food. My trout was fine, but about a half portion. Our caesar salad didn't have dressing on the side as we requested. The twin hamburgers had the consistency and taste of something I would've eaten in my high school. In fact, the food was roughly equivalent to a cafeteria, from the packaged coleslaw to the felt-like-flash-frozen burgers. The slices of cheese on the twin hamburgers ($3 more than getting a double hamburger) weren't even fully melted. Add to all this a server who seemed annoyed that he had to be serving us and an abundance of good places eat nearby and there is no reason to go here.
(2)James H.
Let me say first: I love Grendel's, been coming here for years and will go again I'm sure. But last night was really ridiculous in terms of service. The waitstaff on the outside patio is completely overwhelmed. I don't know if they're short staffed or what but the initial wait--to even get the table cleaned from patrons before and be acknowledged-- was endless, the food arrived way late (appetizer and entree together), a request for another beer went totally ignored, took forever to get the check to mercifully leave. It was painful watching other customers have the same bewildered experience. It makes me wonder: isn't there some manager who could tell it was a you-know-what show out there and do something. As I said, I'll be back cause I have a lot of good experiences in the bank already. Just please, don't take customers like me for granted.
(2)Cecilia J.
I can see how Grendel's would be a beloved place for college students. Cheap food and hearty atmosphere. We were directed here by a random person on the street who thought we were completely lost when she saw me holding up my iPhone maps app. She claimed the food here was "very very good", but I disagree. It really is half-price food from 5-7:30 every night with a purchase of a $3 beverage. But, you get what you pay for. Portions were small and the food just didn't taste very good. The barbecue chicken pizza (regular price $10) is about 10 inches in diameter. Thin crust and not much else to it. The tomato basil bisque was way too salty. The spinach pie, or spanikopita, (regular price $8) tasted pretty good but came with a healthy heaping of rice pilaf that was bland. A good portion of their menu was vegetarian, unlike most pub menus, which are twenty kinds of burgers and fried foods. Grendel's is kind of hidden underground. So you walk down some stairs and open a large, heavy door. Inside is a warm, yellow atmosphere full of people laughing and talking. The bouncer checks your ID and then you seat yourself. But, it is terribly crowded. There is very little room to walk between the tables. t's great if you want to pre-game or something but not if you want to have an actual conversation with someone sitting across the table. You can sit at the wraparound bar, at 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-person tables, or at a couple of the high-top tables in the back. Maybe because I have been out of college for a few years so it was a bit of a shock, but the clientele was very... collegiate. I paid $22 for 2 entrees, 2 soups, and a beer at half-price. That's not bad, but I wouldn't come back at full-price.
(2)Anne W.
I really really try to love this place.. but I really never do. I came here after a long day with a large party. I guess it's a free for all.. we had over 10 people there so it was difficult to figure out seating.. we ended up forming a L-Shape series of tables. Nobody on their staff offered to help. Not only did they keep us about 15 minutes to order.. they told us they would only take drink orders first even though we were ready for both. I really think they are understaffed. I understand the appeal though.. they are a substainable restaurant/bar. They don't throw anything away.. but recycles everything. At first I thought they took leftovers and re-served it.. which would be rather disgusting. But my appeal would only be if they had a stupendous food menu.. which was less than inspiring from what I ate and what I saw my friends get... and the drink menu. Stuck with beer this time because I knew the drinks would dissapoint.
(1)Laurinda U.
Was here for brunch just this Sunday with a friend. We split a full sized plate of buffalo wings ($8), I ordered the Eggs Benedict ($7.50), and he ordered the breakfast burrito ($5.50) with bacon ($2). The wings were very very dry so I would not recommend them. The Hollandaise sauce on my Eggs Benedict broke so there was a small puddle of butter. But that made no difference because the EB were still delicious and really you can't go wrong with butter. The Eggs Benedict comes with a side of potatoes and a cup of fruit! Delicious, great portion size, and good service. We just sat and ate in the outdoor seating area and just enjoyed ourselves - in the sweet sweet Boston humidity.
(4)Maddie C.
This is my favorite bar in the area. Most people I know prefer Charlie's, but to be honest, I don't like the space inside Charlie's that much. The ambiance at Grendel's is just perfect-- casual but not divey. It's quieter than the other bars around, and not too dark. Plus, there are no TVs-- I love that. The half-off special is a major draw for me-- go with the appetizers, which are cheaper but pretty hefty and can count for whole meals (like the potato skins or my personal favorite, the nachos). And they have my favorite beer here, Rapscallion Honey Ale! In winter they have delicious mulled wine and hot cider (with and without alcohol).
(5)Audrey K.
Better lit than your standard dive, Grendel's benefits from its prime location, beer list, and the draw of half-priced food happy hour. That said, the food is truly awful. Small portions, not fresh, and worse than usual pub fare. You do not want to eat anything on their menu. Literally any restaurant in Harvard Square offers better food. Restaurant draws a casual, noisy crowd. Expect to have a hard time getting seated at peak hours.
(2)Christina T.
I love you Grendel's. You are nice, warm and toasty in the winter and cool and breezy in the summer. Your drinks are cheap and top notch and your food is simple and understated. Friendly and prompt service is the extra cherry on top. Harvard Square is one of my favorite spots in Cambridge and whenever I pass by, I look over to Grendel's with fondness.
(4)Dessa R.
Landmark stop for the Harvard crowd and Cambridge locals, which actually also makes it simultaneously touristy-- since visitors want to observe these folks in their natural habitat. This well-known little tavern is below ground level, and gleams multiple hues of hardwood throughout. The walls are stony, and the space is dark, giving it a little bit of a speakeasy/catacomb flavor. Good bar selection. Happy hour, which I believe goes on most days-- half price food if you order two drinks. Food is pretty satisfying, and certainly superior to typical bar grub. I had a gorgonzola tortellini with walnuts, which was really good (and half price)! As if that wasn't enough, one can be easily entertained for hours on end by eavesdropping on the pretentious graduate students dining nearby. Ah, the circle of life.
(3)Chris M.
I want to love Grendel's Den, I really do. You have amazing cider on tap, you are in a very cool location, you have an awesome drink selection, fairly priced... it's a winning formula... Really, this place is like a coffee haus, that serves alcohol instead of coffee. I love it, well, the concept. There's just something missing. Maybe it's me, or maybe it's you, i'm not really sure. It might have to do with the fact that both times I have been here, I was with a large group. Grendel's isn't made for that. I wouldn't go here with a party of more than 4 (so, Kat, me and Sally, and a +1 can go here for cider... that's it!). I also think the bar is kind of awkward, you can't really stand around the bar, without being in the way. The service is ok, I mean, I didn't like how with a large party, they threw everyone on one tab (flash to me thinking i'm going to get screwed over and have a $270 bill to cover, as people hop in and out of the party), Getting the staff to pay as you go, would keep people there drinking a lot longer, and we all know alcohol sales is where the cash money is at. Also, avoid the corner table that has like copper flashing over it... I think the wood underneath it is rotting or something and it was letting out a strange smell... kind of like someone was rubbing you with a bunch of pennies. There's a lot of potential in this place, and it's a good little neighborhood hangout. I think it kind of stops there though. I wish it was more bar and less restaurant. I'll still go, I'll still give it the chance to wow me, I think they just need to kick it up a notch and they'd have a 5 star establishment.
(3)Scott B.
Lousy. I really, really was hoping the experience would be as cool as their monkey man logo... but it turned out to be a no-go. First of all, this space is SMALL... and by small I mean disfunctionally small. Prepare to get very close and personal with your dining neighbors. Then there's the service. Just walking in the front door left me with a feeling of chaos. And our server should definitely win an award for her terrible service. She brought us beers, took our order, and we did not see her again. We did catch up with her briefly when she brought us the check. Absolute train wreck. And the food. Argh. Seriously? Bland... boring... blah. To Grendel's credit, it was a busy Saturday night. All in all, Grendel's gave me no reason to be impressed, and several reasons to stay away in the future.
(2)Mercedes V.
I give Grendel' Den 5 stars for what it is: a bar with bar food! The happy hour is good, the food is good (not great but good), and the service is good. It's a cool atmosphere. No frills but a fun place to go. Grendel's Den is small so depending on what time you go, you might have a hard time finding a seat (oh yeah, it's seat yourself so you can just wander around until you find a table). I've been a few times here (usually with friends late at night) but I also took my dad for dinner one time and he loved it too! Rachael Ray went there on one her show (I love watching those shows on the travel channel and food network) so that was a neat added touch. If you want something gourmet or with great service for a date or something, this isn't the place for you. Grendel's Den is a casual place with a cool atmosphere and location. I definitely recommend.
(5)Nadir V.
Pleasantly surprised by the price and quality of the restaurant. As a graduate student I try to maximize my dollar, and this surely felt like they were not overcharging for a yummy plate of nachos and a strong IPA. My friend ordered a second round of cole slaw because 'it was the best he ever had'. A must go in Harvard Square!
(4)Monique S.
This very spacious den is full of all types of people, from tourists to students and the after work crowd. There is a bad fruit fly problem in the back. There are a ton of fruit flies on the wall and swarming around. Once we saw the problem, we moved to another seat. The half off special is quite a good deal, the buffalo wings come with sauce on the side. The bleu cheese is a little watery. They do not have fries. The sandwiches and burgers come with chips or coleslaw. Our waitress was personable and was knowledgeable of the menu and beer selection.
(3)Andrew C.
Cool place to go. I had the lobster sandwich this time. Which I got as the afternoon special before the prices went up. Tables could have been cleaner, it was kinda sticky. But if you're here to just drink and chill it's a perfect place to go.
(3)Olga Q.
One of my favorite, unassuming places to go to. I always recommend this place for a low key hangout where you'll get good food and drinks. While so many places in Harvard sq try their absolute hardest to be incredibly pretentious with an expensive albeit mediocre food and drink selection, this place is just a breathe of fresh air despite being in a basement. With eclectic choices of beers and drinks and a great menu for even vegetarians, what more can you ask for. They even do a solid brunch!
(4)Jackie S.
Grendel's is such a gem. What a delciious and super cheap meal! I can't believe it's half off your meal with the pruchase of a drink for happy hour. Good food, good staff, classic Harvard Square feel. I definitely will come back!
(4)Dana S.
I went here after a Boston Cannons lax game a few weeks back. It was late for dinner (probably around 9:30) but they still had a full menu and the service was fast and friendly. We started w/ the hummus plate that was accompanied by olives and pita bread. I remember the hummus being slightly bland and needing some salt, but mixed w/ the olives it was a nice light starter. I ordered a portabello wrap that was filled to the max w/ fresh marinated portabellos. My boyfriend ordered a turkey burger w/ coleslaw and was pleased with the portion size and taste of his dish. My wrap was a little hard to eat without a fork and knife given the marinade on the mushrooms, making it a little soggy and hard to keep together, but the flavors were good. for a REALLY cheap meal (esp in boston/harvard sq) i would recommend Grendels. there's also outside seating available which is great for summer.
(3)Mike P.
* Drinks: Great "Dark and Stormy" and mulled wine * Food: Good quality (a surprise at a bar, esp with the 1/2 happy hour specials) * Crowd: Good mix of locals and college students
(5)Ashley A.
Went out on a Wednesday night. My two friends and I were kind of barhopping. Grendel's was our 3rd stop, and after downing a few, we were slightly buzzed and having a good time. However, Grendel's quickly put a damper on that with a rude welcome from the bartender. My friends and I took the first seats we saw at the bar, and I unknowingly sat too close to the screen that waiters and waitresses use to place orders and print receipts. Instead of kindly saying, "I'm sorry, but you can't sit there," the bartender quite sardonically states "That computer is there for a reason." Umm don't you work for tips, buddy?! I've worked several jobs in customer service, and I have never, even on my worst days, been that rude to a customer. My friends and I left (after one used the bathroom) and didn't spend a dime. I personally refuse to use my hard-earned dollars at a place where I don't feel welcomed.
(1)Jackie B.
I like the half-price food for happy hour. I like the drink selection. However, the last time I went we had a less than amicable server who left a pretty bad taste in my mouth. She was unfriendly, slow, and the cincher- after we ate, my party of 6 pooled together our cash and cards and made sure to include a good tip. She proceeded to stand at the table, said 'you know we can't include tips on cards' after we then assured her we had accounted for that, she looked at us like we were trying to cheat her and COUNTED the money to make sure we gave her a tip. When she realized we did, just gave a grunt and walked away. NEVER have I had that experience. We are all college/grad school graduates and were nothing but respectful. I don't like to be judged as a cheapskate when I am paying someone EXTRA for their services.
(3)Andi P.
During the (week)day, Grendel's is an ideal spot for reading/writing/grading--at least if one wants beer in lieu of lattes (and really, who doesn't?). At most other times, it's ideal for some casual after- school/work/whatever snacking and drinking, especially because they've got a gluten-free menu with a decent selection of items from the "normal" menu, meaning that I can do more than spectate while you eat your burger. Options include vegan chili, salads, wings, grilled chicken, and whatever the fish of the day happens to be, all of them reasonably priced: grendelsden.com/menu/GLU… Not only that, but they've also got gluten-free beer, and not one that I've seen anywhere else yet: "Saxon" ( saxonbeer.com/Saxon_beer… ), brewed by Sinebrychoff/Carlsberg Group. Like Estrella's Damm Daura ( glutenfreepdx.wordpress.… ), it's made from deglutenized barley, which I much prefer to the sorghum concoctions out there. Last night, I tested out the beer as well as the nachos from the gluten-free menu, and came away delightfully unglutenated. Additionally: our waitress was lovely, knowledgable, and attentive; Robin L. claims that her Reuben was "the closest thing to a 'perfect Reuben' [she has] had yet"; the busy-but-pleasant basement atmosphere is, despite its quirky college bar aura, TV-less (thankfully); the restrooms are ungendered; and, last but not least, the name makes me think happy thoughts of besieged mead halls, West Saxon, and creatures having their arms torn off.
(4)Eunice R.
Wow this place has cheap alcohol. An extra star for that. However, you get what you're paying for. The $5 house red wine that I had was probably the worst wine that I ever had. In addition, trying to get seats for a party of 6 was ridiculously hard. You have to be pretty aggressive. I would like to try their sangria the next time I'm here. They only sell it by half or whole pitcher.
(3)Ranjit V.
The weird thing about this place is you have to seat yourself. So if you go at a busy time, you basically chill at the bar and have to "vultlure" people. You want to be classy and not run to a table that's leaving, but you have to in order to get it before someone else. The beer selection is great and the food is good otherwise.
(4)Emily D.
Move over McCormicks, I just found my new Happy Hour Spot. 1/2 off food from 5:00-7pm. Who likes "cheap" food raise your hands! *raises hand* Unlike other happy hour spots, don't be worried about over priced drinks either. I ordered a svedka with ginger ale. $5!!!! Let me repeat.. cheap food, cheap ass drinks.... *raises both hands* We're not talking gourmet food here.. we're talking pretty decent bar food. Seat yourself. College kids. Busy, so get there early.
(4)Jerome T.
Their food was quite yummy, if nothing special. The burger appeared to be approximately 3oz per patty, but came with two patties. It tasted quite good, and I left satisfied. The drink that they celebrate here is the "Dark and Stormy," and it seems to be strong, but very well made. I have no complaints at all. That being said, I wouldn't come here again with the abundance of choices, but I wouldn't complain either. An average-Above average experience.
(4)Elizabeth G.
Dark n Stormy. That's all you need to know. Grendel's makes a MEAN Dark n Stormy. The food is pretty good. Not the best food ever, but it definitely hits the spot for reasonably priced pub food (especially in Harvard Square). Unfortunately it's quite a small space, so if you're coming in a large group (I'm talking 3+)... good luck. Although on nice days/nights its not bad to wait outside. I do like some of the smaller 2-seater tables that are positioned in tiny stone nooks in the back. It really does feel like a cave, er, a den...
(5)Dawn E.
Any bar that refuses to serve shit beer, has their own branded beer (which is yummy), and that has a 70's style crock pot behind the bar (like Mom used to have) for hot cider is my kind of bar. I am a fan. Oh, and the bartender was fun. I have never had food at Grendel's, so I'm reviewing the bar only. But the bar rocks in my book.
(4)Amanda G.
Grendel's Den feels like home/my early adulthood because it's my dinner tradition with a close friend and former co-worker. Grendel's Den is pretty much like what it sounds - something between a den and the bar on Cheers. It's great. The best things about Grendel's are: There's a varied, comfort-food filled menu that is consistently delish, and it's super cheap. In fact, come here on weekdays before 7, and everything you order to eat is 1/2 price with purchase of one drink. In the Winter months, I always get a turkey burger, hot cider with rum, and share a hummus appetizer. In the Summer months, I pretty much have the same thing, sub the hot cider for white wine. I love the food, I love the place and I love the fact that it can cost less than $20 for a starter, entree and drink. For newbies: You need to grab a seat, so don't wait for a waitress to greet you, and try to get a table in the back up the stairs, because it's farther from the door (I suppose that only matters in Winter). Come Summertime, the patio opens up, and that's fun, too.
(4)Mark C.
Decent selection of beers, but a little pricey. Service is slow, and the food is merely OK. A bit small, so you may be out of luck if you're trying to grab some food. There are tons of spots in Harvard Square you could get into quicker that have better food. Mainly a place to get a couple drinks.
(3)Brian F.
If only we had spent less time trying to figure out where to eat and more time getting our butts to Grendel's we could've taken advantage of the happy hour prices (half off food from 5-7:30pm with a $3+ purchase in beverages)! I went for a burger... delicious! I tried Raclette cheese on my burger - unique and tasty. As the waitress described, it's salty and French--you know, the way I like my men. I'll be craving that burger for a while now!
(4)Matt G.
I'm not a huge fan of this place at all. The only saving grace is the appetizer special from 5-7:30. Their beer list is pretty strong, with some good local microbrews. The food is mediocre and standard 'bar fare'... the thing that irritates me beyond belief is the staff that greets you when you come in. Coming in after work on a Thursday, you are often greeted with a rather surly College Senior who rather rudely demands your ID. (I'm nearly 30) [don't get me wrong, I understand the IDing thing... but at least be courteous about it!] Then, you get constant grief as you try to find a place to stand/sit since the place is always mobbed. god forbid you wait for a friend to arrive by the door... heavens no. I'm not a huge fan... I'd much rather take another T stop and head to Porter or walk down the street to Redline.
(2)Johnna M.
Grendel's holds a special place in my heart as it is where I met so many wonderful yelpers during yelp pub crawl. I have come here a few times after and certainly appreciate the bar. Sangria is great and major props for serving Guinness the way it should be served (with the cute little shamrock thingy) I also like that the inside decor makes me feel like I am dining in the Shire and that I am surrounded by drunken intellectuals. I just don't like the food. Sounds good on paper, does not taste so good in my mouth. I typically get a veggie sandwich type thing-maybe their pub grub is better. Outdoor seating is great for people watching!
(3)Cheryl H.
I have been to parts of the world where they don't have refrigerators and that night's dinner might be the lamb carcass you see in the market with the sun beating down upon it amidst a swarm of flies, yet I have never gotten as sick in any of those places as I did after eating at Grendel's. The highlight of the meal was the beer. If I hadn't gotten sick, I would probably give them an extra star just for their decent, reasonably priced beer list. The food though...omfg, the food. The spinach pie was okay, but the quinoa it came with had zero flavor. none. It was like they just threw some quinoa and water together and decided to serve it. And it was slightly dessicated like it had been sitting around for a while, which was the flashing red beacon that I somehow missed. My friend got some sort of combo thing that came with chicken and rice pilaf and it was the same deal - no flavor at all. Just plain boiled rice and a piece of dry, flavorless meat. The salad that came with it was a puddle of dressing with some onion slices and a few leaves. Even if it's half off, that still doesn't change the fact that the food is total crap. If you're going to go, stick to drinks.
(1)Lu B.
Grendel's is the soft, warm underbelly of Harvard square. When you're in this windowless den it's hard to tell how much time has passed. I wish the fireplace in the front by the door was real, although I suppose that might make the tables near it uninhabitable, even in these cold winter months... I'm pretty sure that portion sizes here are created with the half-priced food happy hour in mind. Which is fine for me, since I'm not a fan of restaurant leftovers. It doesn't bother me one bit that they serve chips instead of fries; and any place that offers me a sandwich featuring Boursin has clearly found a way to my heart. My non-hops allergic friends heart the beer selection and I heart the dark and stormies. The first come first serve seating has never proven an issue for me. If I'm solo or with one friend I almost always prefer to eat at the bar, and bar space can be hard to come by here, but a table will do just fine. The servers and bartenders are kept on their toes, this place is always busy, but I always find them to be friendly. I find the unisex bathrooms quirky, rather than creepy. In summer, the outdoor patio is the absolute best place in the square to sit and people watch on a warm day.
(4)Mindy L.
Grendel's Den is one of the few places that make me feel as though I'm not cool enough (cool being a relative term) to completely fit in with the crowd. It's an ecclectic bunch, to be sure, but I always go in and feel as though I just don't quite belong. This could totally be in my head, or it might just be the vibe of the place... ...HOWEVER I am willing to overlook a certain amount of discomfort when I am served an excellent drink. I have to give Grendel's props for mixing a very delicious Dark-n-Stormy. It's got a little spice, a little heat to it with the ginger beer...but not heavy-handed. I've had some Dark-n-Stormy's that require double-fisting with a glass of water, but not this one! It comes in a fun little mug, too so you can knock one back in style...
(3)Tommy V.
This is kind of a neat place, but the prices on the lunch menu are now higher and the food has always been just okay. Service is always very spotty too. For the price and pretentiousness, i'd say you can find better in the area. If you are into drinking, I'm sure this is a fine spot, but no "major" beers are served.
(2)Sarah A.
Oh, Grendel's. Knocking you down a star after some horrible service at the outdoor patio. I don't feel like going into all the errors of the server, but, seriously, when the water you requested with your drink order arrives at the END of the meal, just before the check, that is just BAD. I still have a special place in my heart for Grendel's, however, but I think I will stick with the half priced happy hour menu. It's easier to take bad service when you're not paying full price for you meal.
(3)Ann S.
Grendel's has always been a favorite place in Harvard Square. I've been going there for years and have introduced lots of friends who have also become fans. I'm sorry to say that after last night's experience, I'm packing it in. My friends and I planned to meet at Grendels for dinner and drinks last night. My friend got there first and after waiting patiently for a table, found one that would accommodate our party of 6. As she walked over to the table, a young woman dove in front of her and announced she was taking the table for her not-there-yet party of 5. My friend pushed back, but gave up b/c she didn't feel like dealing with Rude Girl. I arrived about a minute later, with the rest of our group. After discussing what had happened, we decided to go back in to Grendel's and see if there was another table available, since it started to snow and we weren't that psyched to walk around aimlessly ISO another place to go on a busy Friday night. Unfortunately, there were no tables free, except for the one that Rude Girl, had snatched from my friend. Rude Girl was sitting ALONE at the table my friend had waited for. When I approached Rude Girl to say that table snatching wasn't cool, the door check guy--who had not been there to see the situation--announced that tables were first come, first served. I explained to him that my friend WAS there first, but that Rude Girl literally pushed her out of the way and stole our table. Door Guy then said he didn't see it, so I asked him why he was weighing in on something he didn't see? We didn't want to mix things up so we left, but really Grendel's. Shame on you for not doing a better job on being fair AND for not making saying that the entire party needed to be present to secure a table as other places do. Grendel's, this bad experience has lost you many loyal customers. I sincerely hope you do something about the seating chaos you've created. Until then, we'll be taking our business elsewhere..
(1)Amber S.
Very friendly staff, love the comfy vibe and beer/drink choices but the food was ehhh not so great. Crab/artichoke dip was mediocre and chicken/steak from lala's grill was chicken and steak with lots of chewy/tendon-y bites. Big portions but id it doesnt take good ... why force it down your gob. I would rather me again for the drinks though... cambridge amber ale was yummy and the mixed drinks sounded incred!
(2)Stephanie H.
Don't expect Bud, Coors or bad macro beer here. Only craft brews available! Local hangout, vegan and veggie friendly. Thoroughly enjoyed their picture of "mordor" aka the places where LGBT marriage isn't legal. LGBT friendly as well.
(4)Johanna M.
Grendel's has been a staple eatery of ours for years. The secret underground restaurant and bar boasts an eclectic array of customers and regulars and has amazing happy hour prices with many healthy choices for both happy hour half-price appetizers and entrees. The best time to visit Grendel's is in the evening, as the atmosphere gets very different later on at night (unless you are into that kind of edgy thing). The crowd can get loud and the place fills up with local students quickly. But if you are looking for a mellow place to read and relax and have a tasty treat after work, Grendel's is a great well kept secret that fits the bill.
(4)Joshua W.
Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar is very Harvard Square. Anyone that hasn't been or doesn't know about Harvard Square, it's a place that's a urban sensation. Culture clash; vegans, vegetarians, music performers, bars, trendy hot spots. It's everything that you want in a hang out area that's open to all. When I got there it was down a set of stairs and you just walk in a sit down. We then we're given time to look over the menus. The waiter was more than happy to give us, not just one, but multiple suggestions to eat. As a vegetarian I decided to go with the vegetarian burger with their special topping that was made of avocado, chutney, and a couple other sauces. The combination with the handmade burger was glorious. By far the best veggie burger I've ever tasted and all the while it was an environment that my father and I felt comfortable enough to relax and enjoy conversation. Highly recommend.
(4)Ave H.
This review is based on bar only, not food. First off, I think this place is super cute. The entrance is easily missed if you don't know what you're looking for as it is an unmarked door next to the small sign. It is a basement entrance that you have to go down a few stairs to get to. Once you enter you can immediate feel the welcoming coziness. An intimate space that is laid out very well. The bar is shaped in a manner so that you can see all the other customers at it, rather than in a line. There also are no TVs - which I thought was great. Drink prices were more than reasonable and they had a decent selection of beers (and a cider) on draft for $5. Our bartender was very friendly and she gave a perfect pour, which unfortunately is less common than it should be. This is also a bar that recognizes that different types of beer call for different styles of glasses. There is nothing worse than getting a hefeweizen in a standard pint glass. /shudder The atmosphere is very much a mix of cozy lounge and comfy hangout. I look forward to returning and hopefully trying their food in the near future!
(4)Amanda C.
I ate at Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar last Saturday. For a meal in Cambridge this is such a great deal. From 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. they have half price all food with a $3 drink purchase, which, if you are on a crazy budget, a Narragansett is $3.25, so it is an easy bargain to swing. The service was really great and the food was filling and hot. The beer selection is really great here too. I am glad to find a place that does not serve Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Miller or any of those other beers that are bland and boring. I hope you all can give it a try!
(5)John L.
I appreciate Grendel's Den. I like the fact that they don't serve the regular gang of beers. I like the fact that they have absinthe (though I have not imbibed in this substance, I have seen others order it). I like their bar setup, and their extensive selection of brews. I kind of wish that it was easier to move around in there (it can get quite crowded really easily, leading to wacky situations involving avoiding waiters and other patrons while maneuvering around). But overall, I like Grendel's Den, its downstairs location, and it's overall vibe.
(4)Emilie P.
This food was great for the price during Happy hour. My friend and I had a glass of wine each, two fresh Mediterranean salads (which were fantastic), and shared a large pot of fondue. The bill? $24. Wow, can't beat that. The atmosphere is low-key and the hostesses weren't overly nice but did their job well. My main gripe were the restrooms, which are confusingly unisex (the sign on both bathrooms say "Either-or". I chose one and a minute later a man came in and attempted to force his way into the stall because I guess he couldn't hear me screaming or maybe he just wasn't expecting to hear a female voice. He told me this was the men's room and asked what I was doing there. Confused I said I was sorry but then he realized it was in fact unisex. He then apologized profusely and said he would wait outside to make sure no one else came in while I was there. This whole awkward situation would have been avoided if there were separate restrooms.
(3)Ethan T.
Staying with my love of basement bar themes I have to comment of this place. Starting with the obvious literary name, the stone walls, wood tables, and cave like feeling make this a unique place to stop for lunch. The food is decent, and the bar has Number 9 on tap, and the feel of an ancient European tavern is palpable. The place stands out on to me is that every time I stop in I imagine the scene from The Great Gatsby where Gatsby and Nick meet Wolfshine and is cuff links made of molars. The bar is just that kind of place. Yes, there are TV's but I am not sure if I have ever paid attention to one for more than a moment. Go, relax, and let your imagination run wild.
(5)Nik B.
Cocktail lessons for Grendel's den: 1. Please do not serve me a French75 with ice in it. Would you put ice in your champagne? I didn't think so. If you need the recipe, here it is: cocktailtimes.com/gin/fr… 2. Please don't throw a bit of wine into pineapple juice, add some maraschino cherries and call it White Sangria. What a poor excuse for a drink. When served in a pitcher full of ice, it basically tastes like pineapple juice. If that was the desired taste, pineapple juice would have been ordered. 3. Also, why is Lucid Absinthe served as the Absinthe Drip of choice? It's such a terrible brand of Absinthe. I appreciate the cheap prices, but minor adjustments can be made that will severely increase the quality of the cocktail program without having to increase the cost. I suggest that Grendel's Den consult with some mixologists and get things figured out.
(2)Vitaliy Z.
I had a hamburger there and it was the worst burger I ever had at a restaurant. It tasted like they threw a frozen patty on a lukewarm grill. It was very bland, tasteless and with absolutely no grill marks or caramelization. And strangely enough it was overcooked at the same time. I remember having a hamburger there few yers ago and it was equally as bad. Maybe I should start to learn from my mistakes.
(1)Danielle K.
I'm a fan of Grendel's 1/2 priced menu until 7:30 PM on weekdays. It's average bar food, but I enjoy meeting friends there anyway.
(4)Steph P.
I've been wanting to check out Grendel's for a long time and finally went with some out of town guests today. We wanted to sit outside and were a little confused on how we would go about doing that. I would have appreciated a sign saying "seat yourself" or something along those lines. Once we sat down inside the server came over promptly, but wasn't super friendly. I liked the menu, a lot of cool things like Spinach Pie, Crab and Artichoke Dip, a French Dip Sandwich and even Italian sodas. I of course had a diet coke since I am whore for them, along with a turkey burger with grilled onions and Russian dressing. The burger was good, juicy and on a yummy fluffy roll with a side of tangy coleslaw. My companions had the lobster roll and spinach pie, both of which were yummy. I guess I just expected it to be more...special. It was fun inside, old and brick-y. The food was good and varied. But I just expected a little more. I might come by again if I am in the area and want to sit outside, but probably won't go out of my way.
(3)Bronwen Y.
Would definitely go back to Grendel's Den after my awesome lunch there yesterday. Love the atmosphere - underground brick-walled-pubby feel. Fantastic people watching, too! Hipster Cambridge-ites, Harvard undergrads, and awkward little high school seniors on college visits with their parents. Great food selection. I had a solid French Dip Sandwich (B+, the Au Jus was a little weak) with coleslaw and a couple of Sam Lights. Love the disclaimer on the menu - No Coors, No Coors Light, No Bud, No Bud Light, No Miller, etc. etc. Great beer selection otherwise, with an impressive number available on tap. In all, A+. Wish it was closer so I could go more often!
(5)Matt L.
Went here again on Tuesday... really as good as it gets for me with Cambridge places. The food is always decent and cheap, even when the menu isn't half price -- which it usually is. I go here a lot, so I know what to get, and the staff know how I like my drinks. People are always friendly, and unless its a Friday or Saturday night, there's always a table for two.
(5)Jade Y.
When I first moved here, groups of us would be trying this place out since it's right in Harvard square. Their staff is friendly and grounded. The food is :/ not tasty, I'd rather go hungry then eat their food quite honestly. Not too impressed with this place, there are definitely better options in Harvard Square. Their food is just so bad I can't even write a decent review. Their beers are extremely well priced though and it's a good atmosphere to be around friends.
(2)Milena P.
So I found this place thanks to a former fling from Harvard who insisted on us meeting here for a beer. A couple of weeks later, I ditched the dude but kept this little gem of a place. Since my best friend/tutor lives in Porter, and I live in Kendall, this was a good meeting place for us to work on homework together. And working on homework over a nice (cheap) pint of beer can't get any better. The waiters/bartenders are friendly enough. The food is just pub food, but they have half-price food between 5:30 and 7:30 and then later at night again (I think). So that works pretty well.
(4)Jeremy K.
Having worked in Harvard square for almost six months now, it has been hard for me not to end up going to Grendel's Den. It's been around for a long time and therefore packs quite a history! People can recall having gone there twenty, thirty years ago and still come in masses... It's part of the square but can easily go unnoticed by tourists because of basement entrance... I've been there twice now, once for brunch on a Sunday morning and once a few weeks ago with my parents for a late night dinner. I like the fact that they have booze in their brunch menu; I love booze and it just makes waking up on a Sunday morning that much more pleasant. Yes, I want a mimose. Actually, make it two. Or three. I'm diverging. No but seriously, there menu isn't bad but there's nothing special or impressive about it. It's very American and most of the food is simple. The cooks don't go out of their way to create anything original. You have your typical nachos, quesadilla, pasta, sandwiches, burgers... Same, good old stuff you can find anywhere else. The atmosphere is very weird inside of this place. Despite the creepy name of the establishment it is not bad inside; they even have some tables with cute little nightstand-like lamps on them. A cool twist! It's not too spacious and is often packed. One of the dishes I had there which I trully enjoyed a lot and crave once in a while is the fettuccine with the Gorgonzola sauce they have. It's $6.50 and is both very tasty and satisfying. That's about the only thing that I've tasted there that's impressed me. The salads are bland. It's a decent place for a quick drink but not a weekly hangout-worthy place. Good for an occasional pit-stop, if that. Except if you want to eat outside. They do have a patio which caused me to add a star. My advice to them would be to tweak the menu a bit. A little less junk, a bit more taste and twists and a better use of the space... and music! Let's hear some good stuff. C'mon! Oh and watch out on some of the deals they have on the food... They have specials on certain days and times of the week!
(3)Chandra C.
Grendel's is hands down my favorite place to warm up if I'm in the square for more than 5 minutes during the seemingly 10 months of winter we have around here. I've been day drinking, getting lunch with professors (oh, back when I was a student) and also done dinner here after a disastrous attempt at Legal's with some family friends. The food is above average pub-style but also with a decent amount of healthy options as well (always love their hummus). The winter drinks make me, actually, wish it was a bit colder right now. During the summer months, I'm less inclined to spend time here since if its sunny being in a basement bar is less than ideal, but that is my only complaint. I've been here more times than I can count (over about 7 years) and its a great spot if you just have an hour to kill or a good spot to make a night of it. Oh and though I can't give you any names of the bartenders, they are almost always friendly and fabulous!
(4)Adam G.
Great atmosphere inside, very unique and warm but not farty or boring. The Bar is made from Salvaged Pews from a Church and they seem to have a great selection on tap. I ordered the Spinach and Artichoke dip with crab and it was delicious, very rich and the chips that came with it were some of the best I have had. My friend ordered the Beggar's Banquet which he let me try (Your choice of meat with Spinach pie, pita bread, hummus and pasta or salad.) It was excellent, especially the hummus. I ordered the Veggie burger which came with chips. Perhaps it was a dumb choice to get the Veggie Burger because it wasn't the best. It tasted okay but was not as substantial as a burger should be. Also, I did not care for the chips. We ordered the house brew (a flavorful dark kind of lager which is not really my style but was okay.) The best thing about this place was the service. Our waiter was super-nice and accommodating. Service was amazingly fast and because of the high marks with regards to service I will want to come back here next time I'm in Harvard Square. I just won't order the veggie burger again.
(4)Maya T.
Great happy hour! Friendly staff!
(4)Becki W.
I have been here twice, and while i have yet to have a bad experience, I can't get jiggy with this place. The food is okay, and the staff is nice enough, but that is about as much as I can "rave" about it. Basically, all I can say about it is that it doesn't suck.
(3)Vanessa V.
Ya know what? The food really isn't that good at all. I still love the bar and the ambiance, but every time I try to eat there I'm disappointed, unless I'm paying half price. I would particularly warn against getting the fondue (unless you like your cheese too thick to dip things in), but everything on the menu that I've tried is kindof meh.
(3)John L.
The reason I'm giving this two stars is mostly because the Guinness draft was flat. It simply did not pour to my expectations and was not served in a true Guinness Pint glass. Very disappointing. I may try this place again next time I'm in Harvard Sq. for food, but hard to, when there are so many other places to choose try as well. It is true, first impression could be your last impression.
(2)Gina F.
Beer on tap is good. Don't order any of the food specials because it's not worth it. I had their vegan chili and it's actually really good (needs some extra salt though). Atmosphere is cozy and typical of Harvard Square. Okay place to hang out with friends but the food, in general, isn't really worth it. I prefer Tommy Doyle's, which is right across the street.
(3)May N.
4 stars for the bar, atmosphere, and value, but 2 stars for the food. After moving here and settling in, I'm getting a chance to explore the culinary side of Boston/Cambridge and so far, am not impressed. First, to save money as my first paychecks are rolling in, I'm looking for good happy hours (cheap food, not booze, this being MA) and this seemed like a good bet. Happy hour here is 5:30-7 every night and again 9-11:30 Sun-Thurs, deal being buy at least a $3 drink, get all food 1/2 off as long as you don't eat on the patio. So, technically, I guess you could eat in the "den" during HH, hang out on the patio or the in the adjacent park as the summer heat subsides, and then go back in the den when HH starts up again Sun-Thurs! It's already an inexpensive place to eat so the HH makes it that much sweeter. Good beer, wine, and cocktail selection with very un-Boston prices. So referring to the food, I feel like I could make a lot of this at home. I'm glad I went during HH because I would have been annoyed paying full price for the Beggars Plate. My partner got the Vegetarian Plate. The hummus was rich and plain. Maybe I've been spoiled by Trader Joe's flavored hummus selection. Light, not greasy, average portions. Our waitress was prompt and cleared off our small table for two as we finished plates. Liked how the bigger tables were marked "5 or more please" because we get annoyed when we play nice by sitting at a small table and then see another couple sitting at a very large table alone. Would return for the booze, the food only during HH, but only after I've exhausted the many, many other restaurant choices nearby.
(3)Bob H.
long wait for a good beer and a good sandwich. Next time I will go somewhere else
(2)Lindsey M.
The drinks here are okay but the food leaves a lot to be desired. I'm certain that if they stopped doing the happy hour specials it'd likely go out of business for lack of interest. I ordered one of the salads which had an off putting cheese/lettuce ratio. If I order a salad, a sprinkle of cheese is okay; but I would have ordered nachos or lasagna if I wanted a half-a-pound of cheese. Okay, so my biggest gripe is that they have poor documentation and service around food allergies, I had to take Benadryl because they didn't disclose that their dressing was a "spicy ranch" and the lighting was so poor it was hard to tell it was tinged red. I even mentioned my food allergies to make sure the chicken wasn't blackened or seasoned in any way, and they serve me spicy ranch when it reads simply "ranch" on the menu. When I asked what was in it (the itchiness had started) the waitress said, "Ummmm, I don't know, the guy that makes it isn't here." Overall this place was disappointing and I will likely not return. I call for a rename - Grendel's Dump.
(2)Leila T.
Really friendly, low key basement bar. Certainly not the rowdy crowd- but it can get crowded, even still, we didn't have a problem getting a table. No obnoxious douchebags, just preppy intellectuals. Service was friendly but slow. I like that they don't serve Bud, Coors or Miller.
(4)Brian D.
Honestly, I went to the Grendel with friends several time in the late 90s, and never liked it. The staff was kind of snobby, the food was strange and the atmosphere was just...unpleasant. I understand the vagueness of that comment, but that's exactly how the Grendel always left me. Feeling vaguely disgusted. I finally went back with friends the other night to try it again. We were going to a show at the ART and they had a special deal, a select number of entrees for $8, tax and tip included and you'd be in and out in time to make your show. A great concept. Well we got there early and had a special German appetizer (appropriate, I suppose, since we were seeing "Cabaret"), made with Camembert and Caraway seeds and hot pretzels to dip. The pretzels were very hot, the dip was...meh. I liked the place a little better this time around, the waitstaff was friendly and the Bratwurst sandwich I had was tasty. My friends loved the pesto pasta, but everything else was also deemed "meh." I guess this is the sort of place that you get, or you don't. It's still got sort of a 70s-80s hippy vibe, like Birkenstocks, the Dead and backpacking in Europe. Which is fine, but not for me. I'd say there are plenty of better places in the area for food, but I will give them 2 stars for caring about good beer and at least trying to do some interesting food. If I could, I'd give them 2 1/2 stars for saying on the front of their drinks menu in bold letters "No Bud, No Bud Light, No Miller Light," etc.
(2)Sean J.
I don;t get all the poor reviews. The staff was very friendly, even when I knocked over a glass and broke it by the bar. The drinks were stiff and cheap and the house booze wasn't bad (Bombay G&T for 5$?). I guess the only bad thing is how packed this place gets. It's really small and tends to get some overflow from the surrounding bars on a weekend night so be prepared to stand.
(4)Dean S.
This place was stop #1 on my tour de force visit to Cambridge/Boston. Starving after a 5 hour greyhound trip from NYC to Boston, my friend picked me up from the Harvard station and took me directly here. First, and best of all, was the price of food with a drink purchase (5-7pm or 9-11:30pm, and I think we got in just at 11:30). Everything on the menu was half-off with the deal, so to go along with my Yeungling, I got the most expensive and appetizing-sounding thing on the menu -- the 10 oz Sirloin Steak banquet. And a very good banquet it was. It came with pasta, spinach pie, hummus, and pita bread. Everything was cooked well and was plenty for me and my starved appetite. I honestly don't remember too much about the taste, texture, etc of everything that I ate because I was extreeeemely hungry. But it sure hit the spot. The ambiance is dark and pubby, which I enjoyed. There were lots of Harvard students hanging out and drinking, but the noise level in the room wasn't too loud. Seems like it'd be a fun place to go to happy hour after class or after a rough midterm. I've got a place like that back at my alma mater, but I don't think the food there was quite as good. Also, Service was extremely nice and attentive. I was extremely happy to receive our bill and not feel my wallet hurting after the very first stop of my trip. I would love to come by here again on my next visit for a drink or two and some good food.
(4)Hawker C.
Had a really disappointing casual brunch here while visiting Harvard Square. Overall, food was average, to a bit worse, with a couple of notable problems: - They serviced undrinkable, lukewarm coffee - Two of us ordered eggs Benedict. One was OK; the other was raw, almost uncooked. We asked the server to take it back, and got a bit of an argument about how we didn't understand how eggs Benedict are cooked. We then got a replacement serving that was dramatically *over* cooked. I guess the chef was trying to teach us a lesson. Service in general was slow and spacey; our server spent a lot of time chatting with folks at other tables (I guess they were friends?) and at one point even sat down to chat.
(2)Mike N.
Certainly one doesn't come here for the ambience, because it is thoroughly unremarkable in its mediocrity. Similarly, the burgers are so middle of the road that it begs the question "why even bother?" In fact, the only thing that does stand out about this place are the waiters. If slow, pretentious, self important servers are your thing, then you've come to the right place.
(2)Jessica J.
Great for their happy hour: 1/2 off on all food I had their Warm Spiced Rum and chicken pot pie, which was perfect after walking around in the cold. The vibe is warm and tavern-y. Wish this place was closer to me!
(4)Kerry M.
Best joint in Harvard Square. Really relaxed, good soul food, good drinks.
(4)Deanna D.
The service was great and the beer is cheap! We went there during happy hour so the food was half off and for those prices the food was good. I would not eat there if it wasn't happy hour as the food is not that great but its a cool joint for drinks. The menu has lots of choices and is inexpensive-- so something for everyone! We will back again!
(4)Tanya V.
This is a true college basement bar with a Harvard spin. Warm and cozy, edgy but nice bartenders/servers, and not expensive. A good place to feel like you're 23 again, and enjoy some relaxed sandwiches and beers.
(3)Julia M.
One of the few unpretentious bars in Harvard Square. Great happy hour if you want very cheap food in Cambridge. I won't call the food good, but it is edible. Barely. And do you like basements? I know I do. Grendel's is a dive, but it has a certain charm. This bar has actually been here since John Harvard founded Harvard University in 1492. True story, I read it on the internet.
(4)Dallas S.
So, my parents came in from Minnesota for my graduation and I took them to Grendel's Den, our experience was as such: It was a great day to be in Cambridge; typical hustle and bustle of Harvard Square, street performers and musicians made sitting outdoors enjoyable... Our waiter was pleasant when he visited our table; he made sure we had warm and fresh coffee, but it was obvious that the restaurant had been understaffed that day....The coffee was, however, good. I had the veggie burger made California style (with avocados and tomatoes, etc.) and it tasted fine enough. I'm bummed I wasn't informed that I had the option of a multi-grain roll instead of white bread. Additionally, my father had a burger and we both had the same complaint of the lack of french fries being on the menu! We ordered salsa and tortilla chips for starters and they were stale, icky! They were broken up and must have been what remained from the previous batch. The lobster roll my mother ordered was dry and scant--she also thought it was "fishy" tasting, however, she did enjoy the roll in was on! (lol)... I tried a bite of the Moroccan Stew, with shrimp and feta cheese, which was on the daily specials menu, and it was the best at the table. Therefore, I'm going to give Grendel's Den a total of 3 stars. Part of the 3 star makeup was based solely on the Grendel himself; in fact he was so great my dad had to buy a t-shirt to remember him. And there you have it.
(3)Damien S.
One hundred forty reviews and not a single one refers to Grendel's as what it is: the womb of Harvard Square. The subterranean hug with cold beer, step-up pub grub and conversational bartenders. A truly great spot to tip a pint with friends.
(4)Jen L.
Delicious, affordable, great drink selection. Half price happy hour is a must. This place is a go-to whenever I'm meeting up with friends. It's been a little loud sometimes, but come on. You're at a bar. Definitely recommended!
(4)Caro M.
Mulled wine? Yes, please! I LOVE Grendel's Den! Located really close to Harvard Square- there seems to be a good crowd on any given day of the week. Cheap, easy, fun, shiiiiiiiiit! I only wish I lived closer. Every time I've been here, it's always been a great time. Could be the company I'm with. Could be the cheap boozage and bites... or it could just be this place itself. I usually sit in the lounge just to chill out over a beer or cocktail and endless witty banter and chit chat. Grendel's Den is definitely one of my favorite watering holes in Cambridge!
(5)Matt K.
Who would have guessed a bar would make my freshman english class cool? If anyone doesn't know what I'm talking about then shame on you. It's straight up pub grub but they often have really great specials and happy hours. I had lunch here about a month ago for 5 bucks. Very hard to beat in the square. My only complaint, what cost them two stars was that they actually charge full price for soda refills. Not beer mind you, but soda. Not cool.
(3)Abby J.
Main reasons why I heart Grendel's: 1. Half-price food (I'm talkin', the ENTIRE menu) Sun-Thur 5-7:30pm & 9-11:30pm 2. Awesome drinks! I'm a cocktail gal... takes a lot to get a buzz outta me. Hint: get a Dark & Stormy or Elaine's Ricky (a.k.a. the Pink Drink, $1 goes to Komen For The Cure). Also has a great beer selection. 3. Black bean quesadilla..... yummmmmmm (I know I know, it's hard to screw up a quesadilla... but the pico, green tomatillo salsa, and sour cream along with it are seriously the tits). That's the short of it. I've never tried their burgers, but I have had the Beggar's Banquet (I think that's what it's called). I've had it with the grilled chicken as well as the veggie version... both (I think, but don't quote me) include spinach & feta pie and pasta w/ gorgonzola sauce... all of which are completely delish. Yes, it's a basement... which can bum me out a bit on a nice day. But that's what the patio's for! yay! But even if the patio is full and/or crowded (which does occasionally happen)... I will still settle for the "den"... I love it that much. As far as service goes, I've never had a reason to complain. I can't remember encountering a server or bartender who was not completely attentive and friendly.
(5)Bridget H.
Grendels has a few things going for it. The drinks are cheap and decent. I recently went there on a cold December night and was delighted to find a variety of hot and mulled alcoholic drinks on the menu. I particularly enjoyed the mulled port. The location is good and the bar is cozy (though not warm -- what's up with the fake digital fireplace?). However, the food is mediocre, if reasonably homey. I think of it as the kind of food I might prepare for myself in a hurry from someone else's kitchen. It's basic and fairly healthy, but nothing remarkable. I think it is kind of a shame given the location that they can't put someone in the kitchen who has more passion. If they food was better, I'd hang out there.
(3)Han S.
A great place to go and grab a few drinks with some friends while solving the world's problems! Great selection of ciders and beers on tap and plus they make excellent Dark and Stormy's and have great happy hour food prices!!
(4)Meredith V.
Pretty good food, reasonably priced drinks, great people watching, and hot waiters. What more is there?
(4)Traci H.
It's good, it's not great. It's not too cheap, not too expensive. It's not too nice, but not too shabby. It's chill, which makes it a good place to hang out, but don't expect too much. I do give it extra star power because of the outdoor seating. On a nice day, it's great to sit outside on the tables and enjoy a cool drink, but be warned, you MUST order food if you're going to drink on an outdoor table - something about a city law that you can't serve alcohol on the outdoor table unless there's a food order. However, they're pretty cool about it and we just ordered a plate of peas to go along with our drinks. Yes, I said that right..."I'll have the peas and a coco mojito." Nothing wrong with that! The food is ok. The service is ok. It's a nice place to just hang - low stress environment bar to just hang with your friends.
(4)Dennis K.
Being a commuter from outside Boston i find it very hard to be able to enjoy Harvard Square. When i drive through i feel like i'm in China or Vietnam....with ivy. Pedestrians and bicyles rule the road and anyone in a car is merely in the way. The trek through this flood of people to Grendel's Den on this thursday night made me feel like Beowolf...only i wanted to tear my own arm off and swat people out of the way with it. Nevertheless, Grendel's is a cozy, laid back place with a pseudo bohemian vibe. An ok place for small gatherings or flying solo and running in to an eclectic variety of people. However we were a part of a group of 25 and those among us who were forced to stand due to lack of seating were made to feel like they were in the way. We kept getting told to clear a path near the doorway. Understandable but its the only place they COULD stand. The waitress was freindly, patient and professional. She accomodated our group of 25 well. I dont think any of us waited longer than 3 minutes for a drink. This was also my first uni-sex bathroom experience. I am a little perplexed as to the protocol of such an arrangment. The doors are marked "either" and "or". When i entered one and saw a girl coming out of a stall i wondered if "either" i should stay "or" go. If its not locked is it ok to stay and..er...go, or walk back out? Not sure. This was later made somewhat less vague when two girls entered as a dried my hands and proceeded immeditaly to their respective stalls without dely. Certainly a thought provoking arrangment that breaks down traditonal boundries between the sexes. The biggest problem i have with Grendel's is that they promote Paulaner's Oktoberfest quite prominately on their website. That that tall frothy-topped glass of golden brew displayed so enticingly on thier site was the only beverage that i looked forward to experiencing that night. When i asked the waitress for one she looked at me as though she had no idea what i was talking about. She directed me to a beverage menu with no Paulaner Oktoberfest even displayed on it! I asked if they even serve it and just got a sort of shrug. I have since learned that the Paulener Oktoberfest is no longer displayed on the website and there is a fine Franziskaner now being served. Our waitress was hired before the switch from the Paulaner to Franziskaner. I should also mention the other fine selections such as Dead Man Rogue and a rare personal favorite, Honey Brown at a very reasonable $3 a bottle. The owner, Kari, was kind enough to provide some feedback on my review. She seems to care very much about the reputation of her business and the experience of her customers which has had a positive impact on me. It gets a well deserved three stars from me. I'm sure my next visit will be even better when all the Harvard freshmen parents have split!
(3)Ken M.
Wow! That was awful! I know I am starting out with a lot of exclamation points but the lunch disaster deserves it. My wife and I decided to spend a Saturday in Cambridge. We had a lazy morning and wanted to grab lunch before heading over to the Brattle Theater for a matinee. We walked by Grendel's Den, the menu seemed interesting, they had available outdoor seating and it seemed like just the ticket. We found a table, my wife went to powder her nose, I looked through the menu, the waitress comes over to get my drink order. So far, so good. My wife comes back and it is my turn to use the facilities. I get back and the waitress has still not returned with my iced tea or taken my wife's drink order. I'm a bit surprised, especially since the lunch rush hasn't started yet, but I don't think much about it. Little did I know that this was my queue to run far, far away. She finally makes it back to the table with my iced tea and takes my wife's drink order and our lunch orders. We chit chat as we wait and watch the people walking around Harvard Square. When a waiter stops at our table with someone else's order we both wonder aloud at the length of time it is taking to get our salads. It is not crowded yet. People are starting to come in and get tables but by no means is it a lunch rush yet. (for clarification, my wife and I have both worked in restaurants and we know what a lunch rush means and how to handle it) We finally get our salads and the waitress says she will be right back with my wife's dressing (why she didn't bring the dressing with the salads is a bit of a mystery). Lisa had ordered the Mediterranean Salad with grilled chicken and I ordered the broiled Calamari Salad special of the day. This is when the wait begins. The waitress tells my wife she will be right back with her dressing and then walks to the table of 5 next to us and takes their drink orders and then she walks to the only other table in the place that has patrons and checks on them and gets into a conversation with them. She finally goes in to the restaurant. My wife is waiting for her dressing so she can eat lunch. I'm waiting for my wife's dressing so she can eat lunch and therefore I can eat lunch. We wait and we wait and we wait. Finally my wife goes inside to check on the status of her dressing. The waitress is eating her lunch, chatting with co-workers and waiting for the other table's drink orders to be filled. She tells my wife she will be right up. My wife is more polite than I am and says ok and comes back. The waitress does follow shortly with the dressing so we can finally begin to eat. It was not worth the wait. The lettuce was old and bitter (much like this meal was making me), the grilled chicken was cold, dry and tasteless, the tahini dressing that we waited so long for was tasteless, the calamari was rubbery and cold. The waitress eventually checks back with us as both of us have taken a bite. When she asks how everything is we can only half-heartedly nod. She sneers (yes I said sneers) and sarcastically says "Glad to hear it". Not only is she slow and the food bad but she is a smart-aleck as well (yes I edited what I really wanted to call her). A few minutes later she walks by and my wife flags her down to ask for the check. She says she will be right back with it. She goes to check on the other table that she was headed to when we flagged her down and then stops back and tells us again she will be right back with the check. Ah, we think to ourselves, the point was made and it was just a one off misunderstanding. We wait, wait, wait and wait some more. At this point I decide to go inside to get the check. At least this time I don't actually see her eating but she is waiting for a large drink order to be filled. She doesn't see me so the bartender comes over to ask what he can do for me. I tell him that we asked for our check and that "she" (as I point to her) told us she would be right back. That was a long time ago and we just want to pay and leave. He goes over to tell her and he tells me she will bring it right over. I stay at the bar and wait for her to finish grabbing the tray of drinks, another patron's check with credit card and finally our check. She walks over to me and instead of saying "I'm sorry for the wait" or anything that indicates an attempt at understanding that she is a bad waitress she tells me "I was bringing it right up" in a petulant 12 year old tone of voice. She got no tip and we will not be going back to Grendel's Den.
(1)Julie S.
One of my favorite places in Harvard Square. Brought two out of town friends here last Saturday. We were lucky enough to get a table, and ended up staying about two hours longer than we wanted to. It was perfect as a place to catch up and actually hear yourselves talk, while still feeling like you are at a busy bar on a Saturday night. The server came over plenty, so we never even had to get up to refill drinks. Good beer selection with a pretty good amount of craft and local beers, plus old favorites for the less adventurous.
(4)Dave R.
It's in a basement. It's got really low ceilings that almost broke my head. It's got a map of the US next to the bathroom that points out the states that allow gay marriage, and labels the rest of the country "Mordor." Basically, how could it get more awesome? I had some kind of coffee beer here, and it was huge and awesome. I also had a pretty solid chicken sandwich. To be fair, I was also on a really good date so I wasn't paying as much attention to the food as I could have, but it's a cool place for a low-key first date! Our waitress was really patient with us, especially considering that we hung around for like 3 hours. If you like places that FEEL like they are holes in the wall, even though they aren't, check it out!
(4)Kimble M.
If you're in the Harvard Squarea, looking for a place to grab a casual drink and catch up with an old friend, you could certainly do worse than Grendel's. It's the kind of bar that's ideal for that - small tables, not too loud, not too crowded (they will make you wait outside if it is), a not-overwhelming drink menu, and food to fuss around with while you share your life story. The wait staff is often a bit slow in getting to you, but with good conversation, you hardly care. You will have to vacate at 1AM, though, at that point you're either drunk enough to think the Kong sounds fun, classy enough to think Noir sounds fun, or smart enough to go finish your conversation at home.
(3)Bill H.
I've been to Grendel's a number of times in the last year. It's a good place to stop for a quick bite or a drink with (one) friend. Past that you're not likely to find a place to sit at peak hours. They've got a good tap -- few regulars, few local brews, and an import or two. Food is so-so, there really isn't a single dish that I've had there that I've loved. Several solid sandwiches and salads, but nothing that I'm dying to get when I drop by.
(4)Camille R.
Vegan options and food quality turn me on. The folks are always fun, too.
(4)Mimi X.
Grendel's is like a back-up friend- i.e., it's like someone who annoys you most of the time, but one that you can't help but go to when all your other friends are out of town and you're bored. My feelings on Grendel's are mixed. The atmosphere is nice, but the service is really slow and sometimes rude. The food is average at best, but the happy hour almost makes it worth it. If you're looking for a hot-totty on a cold, wet day go to Grendels. Otherwise, go see your more interesting, nicer friends.
(3)Grace S.
Pros: Half off your meal from 5-7:30pm with the purchase of a drink. Are you kiddin me?! Good, decent vibe -- somewhere in between a neighborhood bar and the pub at Harvard. Cons: That said, the drinks and the food are nothing to rave about. Balance: PROS BOTTOM LINE: Grendel's, all in all, you're A-okay. And nightlife in Harvard Square would lose its cham without you.
(3)Greg C.
This place is just too gross and small to be comfortable. I haven't had a lot of the food there, but I have had the garden salad. The garden salad holds true to it's name. Radishes... There were actually radishes in this salad. Who eats radishes? And it wasn't just one or two slices... I'm talking a WHOLE radish. And those little, pickled, min-corn-on-the-cob things. And cauliflower. It was gross, and impossible to eat because the salad plates were perfectly flat. It was basically like eating a scoop of a compost pile on a school desk. And the waitresses are those "relaxed" waitresses. The kind that aren't snobby... but aren't good at their job either. You know the kind. Come on now.
(2)Renee M.
Grendel's Den is CHEAP. Every night during certain hours you can get half price meals, and they always have a sandwich special that's around $5 I believe. Their beer menu is pretty darn good, the food is pretty good, but nothing really to write home about. I do like the vibe of this place though... it's in the basement of a building and it does really feel like a den. Fun place to come with a couple friends to grab a cheap lunch or dinner. There is seating outside as well, but I have not had the opportunity to take advantage of it, as the times I've come to Grendel's it's either been too crowded outside or rainy.
(3)Janee L.
The half price menu from 5-7:30 makes this place a great dinner location. The den is a bit dark for my taste but it's got a great atmosphere and the food is excellent. I had the turkey and Havarti sandwich. It reminded me of a sandwich I really like at Disney's California Adventure only I think Grendel's may actually be better.
(4)Rachael L.
First thing's first, you shouldn't be here for the food. The cheap happy hour is great, but don't expect you'll be putting gourmet food down your gullet. I've gone to Grendel's a few times, and enjoyed their tuna melt, burgers and chili, wings etc. I recently ordered the breaded fish and mixed vegetables, I don't know what I was thinking. Why didn't anyone stop me?! The fish was covered in saw dust and the veggies were from a soggy bag in the freezer. My boyfriend ordered the chicken curry, which was flavorless, runny chicken slopped on rice. He had to send it back and opted for the mac and cheese, which seemed to come from an elementary school cafeteria. This meal definitely left me feeling like a Grendel. The drinks are delightful, and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. It's usually busy because of their great deals. Remember to seat yourself! The waitstaff has always been accommodating and pleasant. The music, eclectic. Go have yourself a few drinks with friends and have a toe tapping good time, but it might be worth is venturing somewhere else for food, or keep your order simple.
(2)Eric A.
Half of the restaurant (where you enter) stinks The other Half of the restaurant where the A/C is fine so make sure to sit on that side. Drinks were good, German Food was decent. I'm quite picky with my German Sausage and was decently happy with the entree. Great place to drinks and hang out though so I would come back with no hesitation
(3)Rey P.
Not too bad. Service was weirdly... weird. I don't know. I couldn't tell if the guy was hostile or cranky or just generally curmudgeonly, but he didn't seem all that into waiting tables. My friend and I ordered the cheese fondue for two -- pretty much the entire reason we came to the place -- Swiss, Gruyere, and Raclette with white wine and kirsch. It definitely hit the spot! I mean, when will a big pot of cheese NOT hit the spot? The fondue was served with a garden salad, which was okay, but not well thought out. It was strange to me to have baby corn, kalamata olives, and chopped fennel in the same salad, and there were even other chopped veggies in it. My mouth didn't know if we were in China, Greece, Norway, or who knows where else with all the non-complimentary flavors going on. Still, BIG POT OF CHEESE. Weird waiters and melting pot salads just aren't that bad when serving up and being served up with a big pot of ooey, gooey cheese. Mmmmm...
(3)Tiffany Z.
Very crowded and extremely noisy (on weekends at least) -- difficult to get a table. So, the atmosphere was simply not my cup of tea (but if that's the type of crowd you're looking for, it might be a good choice). The food was awful -- I think I ordered a steak of some sort and sampled my companions' food as well; in short, I wouldn't recommend ordering the food here if you can avoid it. On the other hand, I do really enjoy the warm mulled cider they do during winter. So, I could be tempted to return earlier in the evening or in the mid-afternoon (or maybe a weekday evening would be less crowded?) for a drink during the winter months.
(2)Irene R.
worst hamburger ever. When the waitress told me (with a snarky attitude) that they only cooked the burgers one way I should have known they weren't fresh. What I got was some defrosted then cooked up patty. A waitress who didn't really want to help us out. It wasn't all that crowded and she couldn't even refill our water or get us our check. I think I'm going to throw the burger up. It really made me sick and it was just gross.
(1)Charlotte M.
I like this nearby bar within the heart of Harvard Square. The food is wonderful, and really reasonably priced often half price if you buy a drink. Nice atmosphere downstairs inside the primary bar, and also terrific out door seating inside the summer. I've had some not so good experiences with a number of the staff working there, but in case you can get past a couple of rude encounters, it is a great place to hang out and grab a drink as well as a bite to eat.
(4)L J.
I've been here twice. The first time was a weekend night sometime in the winter. The winter in New England lasts so long I have no way of remembering what month it was, but it was packed with good looking people drinking heavily. Today I went and ate lunch outside. It's early August, and it was extremely comfortable compared to the heat wave condition that I've grown accustomed to. The lunch specials are about $5 and I have to recommend the Spinach Pie & Rice Pilaf (Thursday Only). My date wrapped it up with a cappuccino, which I thought was very classy, then on the way out I gave a couple bucks to the busking musician out in the park. It was a great day, and whether it's winter or summer, Grendel's good.
(5)Kat V.
I hold this place pretty close to my heart - so why, WHY does it insist on hurting me?! My very first experience at Grendel's was shortly after landing in Boston and it was pretty good. It changed my life the day I walked through that door. So, at that point I had nothing but good things to say. Naturally, when it was time for the Harvard stop October Edition of Thirsty Thursday - I gravitated to Grendel's. I had nothing but positive vibes and good things to say - why did Grendel's change that?! I called every day for 3 days leading up, letting them know that a group of roughly 20 of us were going to be coming in. I called 3 times because each time, the person I talked to seemed to have no concept of who to relay the message to or where to write it down - and each time, it was news to the person I was telling..GREATTTTT. Thursday comes, we descend on the place - high hopes in hand. Damn...let down. Our server seemed annoyed with us and not willing to work with us at all. Some of us arrived early to grab food, we arrived in time for their 1/2 price special. We asked her if we made it in time, she said yes, then delivered a check with full price. Then, she rolled her eyes when we asked to correct the check. When the rest of the group started arriving, she was taking forever to get our drinks and then scolding us as members went to the bar to get drinks. I understand that takes away from her tickets, but then she needs to actually get us the drinks...we waited as long as we could, and we waited a reasonable amount of time. And ask me to wait for you, don't scold me for going to the bar...you are not my parent, I can take my business elsewhere. Then, it came down to the checks. Several times we asked her if we could do cash and pay as we go for each person. She said yes. With groups so large, her putting us all on one ticket is unacceptable (we were spread between 4-5 separate tables) - especially since we approached her when we got there to talk about it. She just ignored us (after telling us she would)! If anything, we were trying to help her - with a group that large, it is hard to not get screwed on the ticket. Moral of the story - we got sick of the slow crappy service and went somewhere that welcomed us with open arms, single cash only tickets and all...
(2)Michael B.
No joking, this is the best bar in Harvard Square! This is my number 1 place that I recommend my guests on my tours. Hell, I go here all the time. I just can't get enough of this place! A must in Harvard Square :)
(5)Angie G.
Have you had the Sangria here? Have you had any of the food? Have you had anything from their menu? Are you a moron? I love this place. I've come here with a group of friends, solo. You name it. Their food is yummy. It's crazy cheap. Their Sangria is amazing. The staff rocks and.. well, you'd be an idiot not to come here to chill. It's that easy. Their "Happy Hour" or whatever the hell it's called time is awesome. Who doesn't want even cheaper yummy food?
(4)Flora R.
Obviously - cheap happy hour food is a great find, especially in Cambridge. And it's not just cheap - the food is pretty tasty too! Be warned that it gets busy but the waitstaff is efficient and usually helpful. They have a small but well curated drink menu (those French 75s are addictive) and a handful of good beers on tap. A great option if you're hungry in the Harvard area on a small budget.
(4)Eric R.
I took my second trip to Grendel's this past saturday night with a small group of friends and it was exactly what we were looking for. We tried to meet at Grafton Street but per usual it was jam packed and there was no way to get to the bar so we headed out quickly. After being told Tommy Doyle's had a $5 cover we headed down to Grendel's since all we wanted to do was hang out and have a few beers - anywhere that required a cover or for anyone to remove a baseball hat wasn't going to fly... Some seats at the bar opened up pretty quickly and we were able to each grab a seat and belly up to the bar. I had the Grendel's Ale which was surprisingly good. Bar tenders were friendly and attentive and it wasn't too loud so we were able to have the night out we wanted.
(4)David L.
Grendel's is an incredibly cheap, hole-in-the-wall type place that is a hangout for mostly graduate students. Food is half-priced from 5-7:30 everyday, and they also have lunch specials for $4.95, but overall the food is not that great. Soup and sandwiches are ok, basically what you would expect, but everything else is definitely subpar. However, they do have a fair amount of good beers on taps and other drinks for reasonable prices. The restaurant is really small and the cluttered layout of the tables probably violates about 75 fire codes, which makes the place seem fairly crowded during all hours of the day. The service is about average to below average, but you could figure that out as soon as you stepped into the door and looked inside for 2 seconds. Overall, Grendel's is not a bad place for a few drinks and a quick bite, but you get what you pay for.
(3)Kar M.
Very Very nice find. Veggie Friendly Comfy What more can you ask for when it comes to pub food? A+
(5)Misty C.
The bar tender flipped me off, literally. He gave me double middle fingers for asking where my card was (he had been ringing me up for about 20 minutes and I was anxious to get my card back). Do NOT go to this bar if you expect decent customer service and a friendly smile. I have never been FLIPPED OFF by an employee of any business until tonight. Perhaps he thought we had some kind of banter going on, but we certainly didn't, and I was wildly offended. Don't waste your tip money on this bar.
(1)Boogie S.
1st to review!!11 I brought a friend from outta town here for some cheap food and beverage on a Monday night. The crowd was thin, but I wasn't expecting it to be slammin' with mad phat hunnies. I just wanted a pint of something tasty and some form of cooked animal flesh, and with that I had great success. I ordered a Paulaner Hefeweizen and a bubba burger? I'm not sure about the name, but it was two slabs of perfectly cooked beef with cheddar, bacon, and BBQ sauce. Served with potato chips, not fries, but I can't complain for $8 cut in half to $4 during "MA happy hour". Thanks a lot, Puritans. My Russian friend noobed out and ordered a lobster sandwich, which was pitifully small as I had predicted, but at half price was still an okay deal. I laughed at his poor decision while BBQ sauce dripped down my face in triumph. Bartender was cool as hell, the place had a relaxed vibe, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
(4)Katherine E.
Good food at good prices. It can get crowded which makes the service a bit slower. But well worth the wait.
(4)J A.
Grendel's is my go-to place for a REALLY affordable dinner/drinks in a true pub-style atmosphere. You've got to hit this place during their happy hour, which can't be beat. Where else can you get 1/2 price off of the entire menu with the purchase of at least one drink?! I have brought my friends here over and over and they always say, "wow, how come I didn't know about this place?" Some of my faves: their sangia (carafes/pitchers only), their yummy BBQ salad with shrimp, and their hummus plate. Oh, and if you're a sweet cider fan they have "Sin Cider" on tap. The food is yummy, the prices are great, and the only drawback is if you get there right in the middle of their happy hour time. You could end up waiting for a while, especially if you're with a group. It can be hard to find enough room for everyone in the midst of that deal. I suggest getting there just before happy hour starts, or towards the end right before it's finished to get your meal and the deal.
(4)Lauren R.
I still stand by my previous review - but having had a Magic Hat #9, the Popeye salad, and a quesadilla for around $10 last night, I am forced to re-evaluate the situation. Perhaps I'm growing more frugal, but the whole "half price ALL food" (provided you buy a drink) thing is really appealing. The spinach in my salad (the Popeye boasts green apple slices, walnuts, mushrooms, blue cheese, and a sh*t-ton of spinach, natch) was a little limp due to the dressing, but it was otherwise delicious. If I had paid full price for that salad, I might have been peeved. My cheese quesadilla, which was pretty good, albeit it is fairly difficult to mess them up, came with a chunky dry salsa, sour cream, and what I at first thought was runny guacamole. This last item appeared to be a spicy green pepper....thing. It was too runny and not chunky enough to be salsa, so I don't really know what to call it. The food's not perfect, but you can't beat the price. I think I finally understand what all the fuss is about.
(4)David D.
A great pub atmosphere, especially when you come for the happy hour. All their food being half price (with a $3 drink order) is ridiculously awesome. Go between 5 and 7:30pm Sunday through Thursday to take advantage of that. Just because I discovered the food was half-price, I figured, what the heck, I'll get the lobster roll. WIth the instant 50% discount, it was only $6.50. Having just moved to Boston from DC, I was expecting something great up here in the Northeast. No such luck, their lobster roll is only decent. But for $6.50? Um, sure. I promptly finished it, and ordered another entree. Because, well, I can. The second entree (portobello and goat cheese wrap) was much better. Also, their Dark and Stormy is one of the best I've had. Try it if you're there.
(4)Nicolas C.
Grundal's den is in the pit of Winthrop street. The squeamish feelings imagining a dirty grundal is comparable to that of my experience at Grendel's, here is what I mean: Upon entering the establishment I saw it was charming, warm and laid back. I had just came from Border Cafe and had been carrying some leftovers. Me and my buddies were cruising Harvard sq in celebration of a friend's 21st birthday and decided to pop in for a drink. I took out a quesadilla and started to eat it knowing very well that I would surely be asked to put it away or I would "beat the system" and finish it before anyone was aware. What I didn't expect were the tone and manner in which the patrolling server handled the situation. "It's actually illegal to eat that here" he (mis)-informed me with a tone that suggested I had just murdered a puppy. Clearly the legislature has something on the books for Grendel's den. "Illegal?", I asked curiously. I don't know the law so well. "What I mean..." He said something that clarified. In my mind he stumbled on his words and wet himself since he had just realized he was using the law to deter me from eating a quesadilla, tool. To be fair our actual waitor was attentive and the prices are fine. I just happen to have experience something that upset my delicate sensabilities and soured my perspective. The moral of the story is that customer service is key and tone conveys a whole lot more than words. Don't be an authoritative douche bag to a customer through your "big boy voice", your not a drill sergeant.
(2)Anthony R.
Grendel's has: - Well-priced and well-made cocktails - A good set of beers (the 500 mL Paulaner Hefewiezen sticks out as a particularly good value) - Giant happy hour deals - A great patio area - A pretty cool basement space - not so great when it's nice and sunny out but the perfect place to weather a storm or spend an evening With a few important caveats: - Mediocre food, for the most part. The burgers are pretty bad -- my suggestion is sandwiches and buffalo wings, which are both at least okay. - No deep fryer, is my suspicion - explains the lack of fries and other fried appetizers - No happy hour deals on the patio (don't get burned!), and hard to get seating when it's nice out - Often rather slow service In the end, not a stellar place, but a good bet for quick, inexpensive eats during happy hour or a couple drinks with friends.
(3)Megan L.
Came here with a friend after we discovered a horrendous live band at Tommy Doyle's, and decided to get our drink on elsewhere. Grendel's was super crowded, but we threw some elbows and scored seats at the bar. Bartenders are AWESOME...my Lambic was never empty and each bottle came with a nice mix of friendliness and snark. Made friends with a girl on the next stool who was having man problems and got to tell her "he's just not that into you." Super interesting crowd...all ages. I expected a ton of students but it definitely skewed older than I had anticipated. Also, lots of black turtlenecks. All in all, a good night!
(3)K P.
I go there whenever I can. No crap beers on tap or in bottle, so that generally keeps a certain amount of frat bros out even at night, something rare in Harvard Square. Awesome quick lunch menu, the bartenders and servers are great but won't bend over backwards to kiss your ass, which I appreciate. Food is simple and delish, rotating soup and sandwich specials keep it interesting. Never had a bad experience.
(5)Joanna F.
My friend and I went here last night for dinner. I wasn't sure if she would like it since she's generally not into "bar food" and she tends to like classier joints. But she seemed to really like this place, and so did I. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, especially on a cold winter's night. The service was awesome and the menu is fairly healthy for bar food. I got the mediterranean platter which was supposed to be steak tips, hummus, pita and salad. I somehow ended up with steak tips, mashed potatoes, a piece of grilled chicken and salad. I don't know what happened. The steak tips were tougher than I would have liked. So the food was so-so in my opinion. I would definitely come back for some drinks and probably dinner again. I may not come back solely based on the food though.
(3)Dara C.
Grendel's serves a perfectly serviceable burger: two flat patties, a little overdone/gray for my taste but still juicy, smushed in a soft deli roll, dripping with cheddar and bacon grease. Anemic tomato notwithstanding, it was cheap and satisfying. (No fries, though. Only bagged chips. In the words of Snookie ... wahhh!) Michael Schlow's burger this ain't; still, it's kind of exactly what you want with a beer. Crab-artichoke dip left a little to be desired. It was mostly warm-ish cream cheese with large chunks of (imitation?) crab and some stale corn chips. Not the most flavorful crab-artichoke dip I've had; it was screaming out for the addition of salt or spice. Good, short beer list with cheap, cheap bottles of beer, the only way to a woman's heart. And the patio is the best location in Harvard Square for people-gawking. Service was fine, as long as you're not expecting white gloves and a palate-cleansing sorbet. (Narragansett is, of course, the best palate cleanser ...) A solid three stars. I'd happily return for some apps and drinks.
(3)Paul S.
As a college student, this is a great venue. Food is good, prices are very cheap, and the vibe is always nice, whether it's brunch, lunch, dinner time, or late night drinks. Love the patio seating outside during nice weather as well. The service is not the greatest, but I think this is a great place to bring your friends!
(4)Gracie B.
The service is soo bad! Why do I keep going here? Okay, let me think. It's very inexpensive, conveniently located, and the food is not as bad as most of the local fast food joints. It's just getting harder and harder to use those reasons to justify my venturing down those dark little steps and putting up with that holier than thou attitude.
(1)Barry B.
I love Grendel's Den. They have a great beer selection and some of the best bartenders around. I am, however, kind of tired of hearing people whine about the food. IT'S A BAR. If you want to go out and get a good meal, got to a RESTAURANT. I just don't get it... you're the one choosing to eat at a bar, and then you complain when you get bar food? Anyway, food is great (for bar food), but that's not why I'm giving them five stars. Bartenders are just unreal, but that's not why I'm giving them five stars. Drink selection, music, overall environment... everything's great, but that's not why I'm giving them five stars. I'm giving them fivs stars because of Diane and Allen S. I don't know this couple, who I assume to be a pair of entitled yuppies with an overblown sense of self-importance. But back in September they wrote a review for Grendel's that caught my eye: "A friend of ours was saying good things about this place, so one night we decided to try it out. Of course, it was the one night I forgot my ID and they wouldn't let me in. I really don't look that young and I was with a group of people that definitely looked between the ages of 23-27 at the youngest" Did you seriously just really give a restaurant a two star review as a result of your own incompetence? Did you honestly just expect them to arbitrarily break the law for you? "Well, I know you have no ID, but you say you're 23 and that's good enough for me. Go right on in Mr. S." Get real. Let me explain this as simply as possible: No ID = No admittance into a bar. Period. It doesn't matter how young you look or how important you think you are. I would have thought this was self-evident. So I'm giving a five star review to this restaurant for having an excellent bouncer and for not ruining my night out drinking by letting in someone like Diane and Allen S.
(5)Daniel M.
Grendel's has been a standard go-to since moving to Cambridge. The 50% off food deal is just too good to pass up. I mean really since happy hour is not legal here (effing Puritans) this more than makes up for it. Note: since I'm feeling a little under the weather I opted for the root beer which still met the $3 beverage price and was SO GOOD. It's one of those sweetened with sugar deals (how novel) and I repeat SO GOOD. I like that as a pescatarian my options are pretty open here. They have plenty of veggie fare and none of it contains chicken! My favorite tuna steak sandwich unfortunately seems to have been removed from the menu but the other options certainly make up for it. Their burger options are tasty and all can be made with Gardenburgers without an additional cost. Thanks! The nachos are yummy, piled high with vegetarian chili, sour cream, salsa, and of course cheese. They do a good job of making sure that no chip is left uncovered. The quesadilla with black beans is very good as well but you need to eat fast as it gets a bit mushy. The 50% off deal makes for a great value and with their myriad beer and booze (dark & stormy!) it's quite easy to hit the $3 mark. Just remember to tip on what your bill should have been. These people aren't working for free.
(4)Jennifer R.
A friend and I went in for a nice lunch after walking around and not finding anything much better. We immediately liked the ambiance, as it had a Scottish-pub like feel to it, almost. We sat down, excited to see what the food would be like. I ordered a chicken sandwich, and my friend got a roast beef sandwich. My sandwich was literally two pieces of slightly buttered bread with some slightly undercooked pieces of grilled chicken breast stuck in between it. I ordered lettuce and tomatoes with it, and it came on the side with only enough for one pieces of the sandwich. I shrugged that off and ate it, just because it was pretty cheap and I didn't want to be too picky. Then we saw our waitress drinking a glass of wine at the register. We didn't say anything at the time, so as not to be troublesome and whiny, but I did call them a few minutes later and asked to speak with the manager. I told him about the situation (I tried to be very nice!) and his response was, "Yup. We were just tasting a house wine. K?" ..like it was my fault one of his staff members were drinking -- and it was NOT just a "sample". I don't have a problem with drinking obviously, but doing it on premises, and right in front of the customers...I mean, sheesh...she could've at least made it into the kitchen! Needless to say, I'm def not going back there.
(1)Danan R.
Go during happy hour (sun-thurs 5-7:30 and 9-11:30)and get the spinach pie washed down with a Dark & Stormy. All the food is 50% off. I just wish that they offered Yuengling...Sam Adams just doesn't hold a light to it. It can get very crowded on weekends and they have turned people away when they reached their capacity. This is definitely one of the tourist/college students attractions in Harvard Square, but they do have a pretty good beer selection.
(3)Sara P.
I really liked this bar! My friend came here 15 years ago when looking at colleges, and since we found ourselves back in Cambridge, we decided to check it out. We grabbed a seat at the bar downstairs. I liked that they had Franziskaner Weissbier on draft. I also got the pasta with gorgonzola sauce, which was delicious. I also had the bread, whcih was fresh and tasty. The service was great, and I had an excellent time! I have no beef with Grendel's, so it gets a 5. I'd definitely go back.
(5)Won Ho K.
The spinach lasagna was pretty good for bar food. Lots of olives, and the tomato sauce was decent. The wings were dry and small. Not that great. The prices were decent. It was VERY loud and crowded inside. I might go back every once in a while, but definitely not regularly.
(3)a g.
Worst food I have ever had. Started with the calimari salad. Things got worse from there on. Ordered a burger with avocado and bacon. Bacon tasted old and stale.The avocado was too little. Bun bigger than beef pattie. There was no seasoning at all. If u can afford to eat elsewhere, please do go go elsewhere. The waiter never bothered to ask how the food was...
(1)Suki S.
I like Grendels. They have great beer and unlike some of the other reviewers, I actually think they have pretty good food. I'm vegetarian and they have some really great options: Veggie chili and the quinoa stew are highly recommended. I've been to a lot of bars and restaurants in Cambridge and this is one I kept walking by, but never thought to go in. I think it's worth trying though. The bartenders/waitstaff are really friendly. They're all pierced and tattooed but aren't pretentious about it (see my review of The Other Side Cafe to better understand what I mean by that.) It's hard to categorize this place. It's definitely not a sports bar and it's not very swanky either. It is what it is. There is decent food and really good beer which is nice when that's all you're looking for. It does get a bit crowded at night especially during tourist season and when wannabe Harvard students are taking tours around the area. For the most part though, you'll have no trouble finding a spot at the bar or seat at a table. It's not necessarily the first choice of mine when having drinks or dinner in Cambridge but it's the perfect place for a quick drink and a bite to eat on your way to the movie theater in Harvard sq. or if you're just looking for a low-key place to go. I like it, I've been several times and will be back, give it a shot.
(3)Alicia B.
I wouldn't call this a beer bar. Sorry. For the true beer lover, their selection is limited. But, to give them credit, they do offer a FEW crafts. But not many. When we went in early November, they had a couple pumpkins on the menu. The food is good. The happy hour deal is better. You can get 50% off your order until 7 p.m. and 1/2 off the price of your first draft. It's a good location, though a tad hard to find. And the space inside is tiny. It gets packed fast; no surprise because of the happy hour prices. I ordered the salmon. It was a perfect portion - though I wouldn't ever consider it "canjun style." Service is very subpar. We had to chase down our waitress more than once to order another round and get our check. All in all, a decent place to go. But, I certainly would NOT put this on your Harvard Square pub crawl list. Not worth it if you're looking for an array of crafts.
(3)Brian B.
To be fair, we didn't order any food and only had drinks at the bar so I have no idea how good their menu is at Grendel's. I love this place. My party of four sat at the bar and ordered drinks and my Dark & Stormy was exquisite and my wife was overjoyed that they had her raspberry beer on the menu. To make things even better, the female bartender had made a custom playlist of 90s New Jack Swing and everyone was dancing and having a good time behind the bar as people were singing along. Sadly, we had to leave early but we'll be back.
(4)Justin T.
Went with friends for happy hour (half off menu minus booze) on a weekday. We were there right as it started and the crowd was decent, and the service was also great. My Greek Salad was a little smaller than I had expected but for the price, who would complain? The major problem was the gnat/fly issue. Bugs were all over our corner of the restaurant! The waitress simply offered the advice that the bugs are attracted the flora along the window.
(3)Tony W.
I finally went here the other night - every time I attempt to go to this place I am saddled down by some friend or another that can't stand up waiting for a seat for more than 3 minutes. Their loss. Despite the fact that the place smells like a bathroom stall, it's a great place to chill and have drinks. I actually like the fact that it smells terrible; that in my book means character. I can't testify to the state of the bathrooms, but everyone else in my party (mostly female) came back pale-faced, indicating that they had had to share the bathroom with a member of the opposite sex - that seems like a good time to me! The sevice is the one detractor from the experience. We only had drinks, but the waitress, who I'm pretty sure was over 100 years old, kept confusing my drink with everyone else's at the table - nothing irritates me more than when a waitress repeatedly forgets what I order. They had cider with rum and mulled wine on the drink menu - are there really better winter beverages than that? They were both very tasty. Anyway, the atmosphere is great - not a ton of suits throwing back Bud Lite and talking about life in their cubicles and TPS report processing times - rather, it's the common man just looking for a ambient place to put back a pint or two with some good friends.
(4)Sameer N.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? What's with all these awesome reviews? I have a story to tell, it's 100% true and there's no masala added to it. I went here in the summer time with my homies. It was briefly after I wandered around Harvard Sq. trying to find a new t-shirt. I went for the "cheap appetizers" and I got served accordingly. We ordered the spinach artichoke dip and it tasted like someone dipped their sweaty ballsack in my mouth. It was such a bum out. The other "snacks" tasted like straight trash too. The only entertaining part about the whole experience was that they brought each wackass appetizer out one after the other. I was trying to see how awful each successive one got. I was psyched on burning my money with no clue that the recession was on it's way with nothing to stop it. The view was good in the summer time. There were a bunch of hot white girls who were like, loving buying Juno on DVD from Starbucks and otherwise being clueless (making them prime targets for cheeseball banter at the bar inside and a potential summertime tryst with no guilt.. it's not evil if they're robots) Also, there was some mentally insane homeless guy crushing some ladies bike in front of her while she tried to stop him. I took a picture with my phone but I'm too lazy to upload it. Bottom line. Stop praising bogus food on this thing. For the same aggregate amount of money that you spent on 3 appetizers that taste like ball lint in an old pair of skivs, you could be eating one delicious meal elsewhere. Welcome to the New America where you turn down garbage food and splurge on sinful delicacies.
(1)Julia Z.
Great outdoor seating, nice live performance in the square (the singer would take donations), cheap but tasty food. A perfect place for hanging out and/or casual dates!
(4)Calli C.
This place would have ordinarily gotten four stars. It's got great potential, with the underground atmosphere, the seat-youself attitude, the unisex bathrooms, half-price food... Our party of five was short two people but we were still allowed to occupy a big round wooden table in the back corner that is clearly labeled "ONLY FOR PARTIES OF 5+." The drinks were decent, the food was tasty but nothing special. The service was horrible. There was only one waitress for our entire five-table section which was completely full. She kept forgetting our drink orders even though she seemed to write them down; we had to ask for plates and napkins with our nachos, and then for cutlery with our entrees. And for what seemed like a busy evening, she moseyed around the section seemingly avoiding eye contact with every customer who was trying to flag her down to ask for something, or order.
(3)Niki M.
Love the half-off menu, though many of the items are hit or miss; the hummus is to be avoided, but the fondue is pretty great. No bother, who goes to a bar for the food? The drinks are good: solid selection of beer, wines, etc. The sangria is alright. This is a great place to meet up and hang out. The staff has been wonderful each time I've visited. Not a must-see destination, but a fine place to make a pitstop.
(3)Jen G.
I like Grendel's Den because it just feels like a fun place to be- basement, fireplace, relaxed crowd, neat tables and seat arrangements... I don't even mind it when it's crowded. It can get cramped so I wouldn't plan a party here or anything but it is a great hole in the wall kind of place to hang out with one or two close buddies on a chilly evening. The beer menu is great, a lot of local, a lot of variety, darn cheap! The food is decent for the prices. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options. The portabella mushroom rueben is my go to sandwich. One complaint: Sandwiches come with your choice of chips or slaw. 3 times I have ordered coleslaw and 3 times I have received chips so that's kind of annoying... but over all its one of my favorite stops in harvard sq. for casual meal and drink!
(4)Blake J.
Over time, Grendel's has upset me. The first time I went, it happened to not be half price, a grave mistake. If you count the pepto-bismol I had to pick up later, I paid around $15 for lackluster shrimp pasta. The second time and most other times, it was half price meaning the food is priced somewhere near what it's actually worth. Also, I came to drink in a serious way and I was not disappointed by the notoriously slow and negligent service. I guess I needed to be reminded that Grendel's is a bar first and foremost in order to enjoy it properly. The last time, a couple weeks ago, I showed up with a group of co-workers for express lunch. The sandwich of the day was unfortunately eclipsed by the gazpacho that I ordered. I've had white gazpacho, but it's frankly dishonest to serve tomato-less gazpacho and not mention that anywhere on the menu. Why the hell is it green and tastes strongly of cilantro???? The chef owes the Spanish people a hefty apology for massacring a national dish. Fortunately, the server was nice enough to replace the gazpacho with a chicken noodle soup free of charge. I'm not sure how this place stays open when absolutely all of the other establishments within fifty paces are markedly better.
(2)Ben A.
Came here for Brunch on a Sunday after finding Bartley's to be closed. Maybe it was because I had my heart set on a topping-laden tasty burger and fries but I was not impressed by Grendels. It wasn't bad.. it just wasn't that good. Their brunch menu had one burger on it and no explanation of what sort of toppings came with the variations... disappointing but I figured it was a sign to try something else. I ended up settling on some sort of turkey wrap with tomato goat cheese and guacamole. It was decent but nothing special; I could hardly taste the goat cheese or the guac. To add insult to injury they don't even serve fries! I was relegated to a plate of Lays' potato chips, half of which were crushed! I heard that they brew their own beer so perhaps I will give it another shot for a drink some time but I don't think I'll be coming back here for food anytime soon.
(2)Ryan M.
It is what it is. Half price food every night when you buy a drink. Drinks aren't expensive. Food isn't totally gross. People aren't terrible. It's a little annoying that you have to drink and you aren't allowed the half-price food deal if you want to sit outside. Eh.
(3)Jeffrey H.
First of all, I can't help but think of "grundle" whenever I say or hear this bar's name. Visit urban dictionary should you require more information. Annnnyyyywayyyyyy - Grendel's is a great spot to grab drinks with friends and spend a few hours in a low key atmosphere away from the troubles outside. The space is small and tucked underneath Harvard Square (the "grundle" of Cambridge perhaps?) combining both a bar and restaurant. You should expect to wait in line if you're visiting during a peak time or on the day of an event as their capacity is small. If I were to rate just the bar I would give a solid four stars - you can't go wrong with some good beer specials and friendly service at fair prices. But once you factor in the food, I am forced to knock it down to three stars. The food is less than average - I ordered a hamburger and it was no better (if not worse) than something I'd pick up pre-made in a 7-Eleven fridge. I've been here a few times and definitely plan future visits - but I'll probably skip the food and just double the beer. Hi mom.
(3)Liz H.
I really like Grendel's and it's reliably decent, but I don't know if it's quite 4-star caliber. Go during the half price hours in the evening when everything on the menu is half off with a beverage purchase -- awesome. I seem to remember they used to do this for lunch too, but apparently not anymore. They raised the prices a few months back and seem to have taken the falafel sandwich off the menu, both of which are very disappointing. Overall though, its a solid spot. The service is generally crap but they have interesting beers and decent food. Its great for low-key dinner/drinks, especially outside when the weather is nice.
(3)Lily K.
I went here for Sunday brunch with my father who was in town. HUGE mistake. Basically, everything that they could possibly do wrong they did wrong: -Drinks came out about 20 minutes after our food did. Given that I was absolutely parched, I got really impatient and asked at least 3 different waiters passing by if we could please have our drinks, each of whom said "Sure, right away" and proceeded to forget about us. Not okay. -The french toast was absolutely drenched in butter and dripping with oil. Disgusting. Someone needs to tell them that French toast is supposed to be made by dipping bread in eggs, not melted butter. And, it was topped with sour cream, which is just an odd flavor combo. -Food was bought to the table without knives/forks. Seriously, can the service be any worse? For their atrocious timing, incompetent staff, and food, I'd give them one star. The outdoor seating is nice, though.
(1)Scott S.
Interesting crowd Half price food at times, with booze Good beer, fun seating
(4)Daniel D.
I need to come here more often. Their food was alright the one time that I came here for dinner. It's often too crowded to find a place to sit, and most of the seating is just for table service. Overall, it's a fine drinking hole but nothing extraordinary.
(3)Derek B.
This bar in a basement has been a different experience every time I've gone. The place can range from really quiet on weekdays to incredibly crowded and packed late night and on weekends. Experience on the menu has been average and service has never kept me waiting for too long. If you do find yourself in Grendel's Den on a cold night, they have some of the best Hot Cider in town. Start there and then work your way to a Hot Toddy.
(3)Steven F.
I have a major affinity for Grendel's. Situated as it is, in the heart of Harvard Square, this place can be a real steal. If you go during the week from 5-7, your meal is half off as long as you get drinks-which really shouldn't be a problem. The food that comes out of the kitchen is not only reasonably priced, it's absolutely delicious. I know I've heard some people complain about the portion sizes, but I've never left hungry. Also, they have fondue. Enough said? There's always a good crowd and the bartenders are wonderfully showy and verbose, yet down to earth-and they make a mean cosmo. It's kind of a perfect spot for those who want to be out, but aren't looking for an over crowded, stuffy/pretentious bar.
(4)Angela M.
Ok, so in all fairness, it's been about a year since I've been here (so I hope a few things have changed). Location is convenient and the space itself was nice. The staff was fairly rude, but perhaps we caught them on a bad day. We went for brunch and the food was nothing to write home about. Overall, I was not impressed enough to ever go back. Having said that, the iced tea was pretty delicious...so it wasn't a total loss.
(2)Maria B.
One of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area. This was a major summer hang out for me and friends after work and on the weekends. You can't go wrong with their half off menu in the evenings! I always order the Lala's Grill (the steak- but I've heard the chicken is great as well). The Argentinian chimichurri sauce that it comes with is amazing. Now I'm craving it, great. The artichoke, spinach and crab meat dip is amazing as well and I will be the first to admit I scarfed it down in record time :-/ Plus, they always have the most amazing specials... I can't think of the names but I had a Moroccan pasta dish once that I wish they would keep on their regular menu. Their drink options are extensive and the wines are beyond delicious (trust me I've had quite a few glasses there!) Oh right, and the sangria! Plus the vibe in general is great, it's usually super crowded so the only downside is finding a seat but it's worth the wait (and usually you don't have to wait too long to get one). Waiters are also very friendly and attentive. My only gripe about the place is their hummus appetizer- it was pretty bland- but all of the other great things about Grendel's more than make up for it!
(5)jonathan u.
Don't judge the exterior of the place, it really isn't just a basement....they have food too. So we stumbled on this place while checking the prices on the surrounding menus and seeing as we just weren't in a spend $150 type of mood, Grendels fit right in. The staff is warm and friendly, you seat yourself but everyone is really pleasant. We head some Humus and it was great. I also gave the old Absinthe another shot, but just as the first time it tasted like a stale gingerbread house gumdrop. For my meal I had the chicken grill with mashed potatoes. Everything was great but the mashed potatoes were a little lumpy, but that didn't bother me too much cause at least you know someone made them from potatoes not from powdered flakes. Overall nothing was absolutely amazing but everything was solid and the staff more then made up for any minor details. Definitely check this place out.
(4)Joseph D.
What's in a name? Well in this case the ancient monster seems to rear her head in the form of an original, warm, and inviting place where everyone can rid themselves of the fear of Grendel and become Beowulf. Alright enough with the play on the name, this is certainly one of my favorite spots near Harvard Square. Original menu with the homemade look and feel also makes a bunch when it comes to their beer and liquor collection. For the food my personal favorites include the vegan chili, hummus bi Tahini, and the Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip. These are all fantastic but to top it all off their specials menu is always full and always evolving. After you order your food, which can be had for half price at various happy hours throughout the week, make sure to take a keen look at their drink menu and specials. The classic Grendel's Ale is a staple of the den but if it is a special event or hell you just are enjoying your time in the square check out the Pisco Sour that features BarSol. Staff and Bartenders do well for their customers and in particular can be very helpful with the menu and knowledge of their surroundings. So swing on by, swoop down the small set of steps and enjoy!
(4)Lauren G.
I avoided this place for over a year. It just looked kind of stuffy. Not in the fancy sense of the word (you literally can't get more casual than Grendel's), but in the "claustrophic in a basement" sense of the word. Looks like I was the one missing out. When a friend finally got me to try this place, I realized that Grendel's was a quick, easy, and Cheap (with a capital C) place to get dinner and a drink in Harvard Square. The menu is huge, and I don't know who would be ordering some of the fancier items from a place like Grendel's. But I have been so happy with my turkey burger (with goat cheese and avocado), that I haven't wanted to venture out of my comfort zone to try anything else. So - the turkey burger, get it. It's delicious. The only problem with this place is that tables go to the most aggressive patrons, so if you're not comfortable with that, you'll probably have a stressful meal. It also leads to a lot of hovering, which isn't exactly ideal when you're trying to enjoy a drink and a conversation (and a turkey burger).
(4)Alvin C.
I've been maybe 5 times and I live less than 5 blocks away. I guess it has that "vibe" people want in a not so dive bar (based on pricing). It is not the best place to sit inside. Outdoor seating is another story. You can't beat the view, but don't order more than a beer.
(2)Graham C.
Grendel's was the spot for a late brunch with a friend who was up for his Harvard reunion. (Did you say Harvard with that Thurston Howell lockjaw accent? Because that's how I wrote it.) I had the Eggs Benny and a Gansett. I believe that absent having found true love, that Naragansett Beer is about as close as I've come. I'm also uniquely aware that when life is not going well, then that's a sure sign that its 'Gansett Time." The Eggs Benny didn't have a normal holandaise sauce. It was lighter and a little sweeter. Meh. The potatoes that came with it were sliced thinly and apparently roasted, and they were okay with some salt. It is in a basement, so there's no light. You might want to save your visit for a rainy day. But it did offer a respite from the stroller pushing Cambridge MILFs, and for that I thank thee. The best was the letter framed next to the bathroom. It was a Bush Cheney fundraiser invite sent to the Pine Street Inn. (That's a homeless shelter around here.) Awesome.
(3)Racheal M.
I am giving three stars based on the great atmosphere. The food is probably more like two stars, a good deal during their half price special time. For the area, the food is cheap and the atmosphere is great.
(3)Chris B.
I like this kind of bar a lot; the kind where you can sit down and talk with your friends- you can't do this at every bar! There is nothing exceptional about this place but somehow I find myself here more and more often. guess its the least bad when it comes to Harvard Sq. bars- Don't eat the food- yuck...
(3)Albert Q.
I went here back in September with my sister and her group of MIT buddies. Essentially, this place is located in a basement. To get in, you walk down a set of stairs, show the bouncer your ID, and enter into an entirely new world. On one side, there is a bar, and on the other is a bunch of tables. As it was a busy night, we had to wait awhile to be seated. And then comes the good part. My order for the evening was on recommendation. One of my co-workers recommended that in Boston, I get a lobster roll, and this is exactly what I did. With the dish, I paired it up with Wachusetts Blueberry Beer. In short, the absolute best decision I ever made. The lobster roll was just phenomenal, and the beer had the fruitiest taste, and instantly made me a fruit beer fan. For me, the experience was absolutely savory and beautiful. I'm definitely coming here the next time I am in Boston. As for Wachusetts, I emailed them and asked if they could distribute their beer to California. Still waiting!
(5)Christina G.
This place is so awesome! I have never in my life been to a place with a half off menu, and all you need to do is purchase $3 worth of beverage to be eligible, that is incredible!!!! Now that I got that out of the way, the atmosphere is very cool and laid back. We sat inside, but they have a great patio out front as well. Our server was kickass, and the food was borderline, but some things were delicious. I got the "beggar's banquet" which equalled enough food to feed an army, and basically a taste of everything on the menu! Definitely come during half price hours for a great selection of beers and some apps.
(4)Bryan R.
I like the space inside. Bombers of BBC Steel Rail made the night.
(4)Jonathan S.
Best place for cheap food from 5:00 - 7:30PM daily, and from 9:00 - 11:30PM Sunday. Spend $3 for drinks and all food is half price. My wife and I split a plate of ribs, two appetizers and beers for under $20. I checked the receipt twice, and it was that cheap! The portions are normal sized (rare in a restaurant these days) but the the food is remarkably good and the menu has a lot of variety. It is hard to find a better deal in Harvard Square for that price. The crowd is young, but well behaved even on a Saturday night. This is not a dance club or a single's bar. The menu said that they don't serve Bud, Miller, Coors or other cheap beers, and this keeps the frat boys away. But if you want cheap beer, you can always get a Michelob or a Narragansett. Coors is forbidden but Narragansett is ok? Go figure. For drinks, try their rotating beers on tap, or get yourself a Dark and Stormy during the winter. Oh, and if you like yuppie food, I highly recommend the Natural Disaster.
(5)Barney B.
The menu is half price certain times as long as you spend at least $3 in booze. Excuse me? Can you spend less than $3 in booze? EVER?? the food is ok, it's always packed, and it's the kind of place you walk into and say "this is a local institution" even if you never have heard of it. A great place, even if Jeffrey H taint liking its name.
(4)Lisa R.
I was out with a bunch of people from flickr (yes, I know, I'm a cheater) . . . and we were really hungry after a long day of shooting photos in the cold. Someone suggested Grendel's, and I thought "YES"! I remembered reading all about it here on Yelp. I absolutely love the cozy atmosphere at Grendel's. There were several happy looking couples all sitting around the bar. We sat at the big round corner table as you walk right in. The table was an old wagon wheel. They have a fantastic beer selection and a lot of great food. We got a few appetizers, and I had one of the specials, which was some type of Indian stew with chick peas and tofu. It came with warm pita triangles. I would definitely come to this place again. It's perfect for a large-ish group.
(5)Cate K.
This is a fun place to go for a beer or six... and if I were rating this place after a few beers then I'd definitely give them an extra star. The weekday happy hour is their best feature - half price apps. The food isn't that tasty unless you're paying 1/2 price, though.
(3)Jenna K.
I give this place 3 stars because I usually go here when I don't want anything else in Harvard Square. However, I LOVE the veggie burger (it's all I've ordered there.) While the inside "den" can be fun on a cold night for drinks, I encourage you to sit in the patio area. TONS of people watching to be had, always live music playing from a local musician, and umbrellas shield you from the dozens of pigeons. The wait staff has been consistently friendly and helpful.
(3)Ben C.
It's midnight on Harvard/Yale weekend. It's about 5 degrees outside. There's a line. I'm spewing a string of curse words and jumping up and down, but a.) I'm meeting people who are inside, and b.) every other place has a line, and a cover, so it's not like I could do better somewhere else. When I finally got inside, it was not crowded at all. This could have made me angry, but in fact it was really nice on such a busy weekend to not be elbow to elbow with crowds of people while I was trying to enjoy a drink and catch up with old friends. The beer selection was good and moderately priced, they had a selection of hot drinks to revive those of us who were frozen stiff from the line, and the atmosphere was nice and comfortable. Of the bars I visited over the weekend it was by far my favorite, and any time I'm back in Cambridge it will be my standby. One complaint: they don't make Irish car bombs. This was a critical setback in my quest to get too drunk to feel the cold. Do me a favor and anytime you go, ask for an Irish car bomb. If enough people ask, maybe they'll start doing it.
(4)Pete C.
Sit at the bar. (The table service isn't the best.) Eat here, don't just drink. (It's a good bar but there are better places to drink in the area.) Go when the food is half-price. (You can get a solid meal for cheap cheap cheap.) Talk to the people who work there. (Everyone is really friendly.) Come with friends. (But not too many or you won't find room.) Get the hot cider and port wine special. (Get it.)
(4)Sogol G.
Oh My God!!! This place serves awfully bad food and provide equally awful service. The "Sirloin Steak"had lots of fat attached to it and it was dry. The plate was so small that the food was falling out of it (not because there was too much food, but because there was a ridiculously small plate). The outdoor seating was the only nice thing about it. even their warm drink by the time they get to you is very cold. I will never go there again. And they have two bathrooms but they are "either", "Or" and both are extremely gross. Why the hell would they do that? I don't get it!
(1)Simona S.
It seems that I came here on a good night. Or maybe at a good time. Though the guy checking IDs was KIND of Dbag, our waiter was awesome. First off, he gave us half off on our food even though we ate outside on the patio, was really friendly, didn't judge me when I asked for a vat of lemons in my water, and asked us if it was okay if he went to go get a pack of smokes. It's so okay, that it's insane. Jason was great. I liked him. A lot. And we tipped him a lot. 3 people, one huge vat of cheese (granted, I've had MUCH better fondue a la Melting Pot), the Cataplana, and a couple of sodas cost us a beatiful $20. Will definitely come back here again, hopefully with Jason in tow, and hopefully with edible food at 50% off. Better than half off apps from Applebees, methinks. The Shakespeare in the Park was kind of creepy in the background though.
(4)Ali G.
Great cozy lunch spot! I got a greek chicken salad, and my friend got a turkey havarti pesto sandwich. Pretty impressed with the quality of food for a bar! Salad was fresh, and grilled chicken was super juicy! Tomatoes had no taste, but everything else in the salad was fresh. Wow I had a bite of the turkey havarti sandwich and all i have to say is yum! Kind of heavy for a sandwich, but so so good.
(4)Leah I.
It's been called to my attention that I did not write in my review that we tried to get anyone's attention, but I will mention that we did indeed try to flag someone down. We attempted many times to verbally get someone's attention as well as physically (hand waving, etc). So, having been ignored, we left. It has also been mentioned to me that it is a seat yourself place - a sign might be nice to place, you know, somewhere. Since there is no sign, it would have been helpful for someone, anyone, to have said, "Hey, it's seat yourself, so wherever you can find a place." It literally would have taken 5 seconds to do so. Since it was incredibly busy and we were a relatively large group (it's a small bar, the tables aren't huge), we would have left but definitely would have come back to try again on another day.
(1)Denise W.
This place is kinda bangin, and I know a lot of people who feel similarly. God, it's like sometimes I think about moving away from the Medford/Cambridge/Somerville area then remember places like this where a cast of characters who are sincerely brilliant and drunk can make your day. There are a lot of things sort of working in the favor of this establishment, including the crazy bar and the controlled-chaos atmosphere. This is definitely less of a structured, professional environment and something more like that one bar out of Good Will Hunting (wait a minute ....) which obviously is some people's cup of tea and notsomuch for others.
(5)Sue M.
SOOOOOOO CHEAP and good!!!! 2 things that often do not come together in this city. The service is also great and in the summer it is great to sit outside and people watch! Get the tips and the hummus plate
(4)Wendy L.
Food and drinks are both just okay but they are both so cheap! The reduced price meals before 7:30 p.m. (I think) are a great deal. The meals are actually quite small - if you're hungry, I'd definitely with the mediterranean steak plate thing. Otherwise, I typically think of Grendel's food as being my "starter" for the night. It's a great place in the winter in particular - dark wood, warm and cozy...though I think that sometimes causes a bit of a smell downstairs. Another subterranean eating/drinking environment, but somehow, it seems more fitting for a place like Grendel's.
(3)Candice R.
Stopped in for lunch while walking around the Harvard campus. No kiddies, I'm not Ivy League material, I was just being a tourist. I found it odd that it was 11:30 and this place wasn't even open yet, but we were told to take a seat and someone would get to us in 5 minutes. We've been sitting for 5 minutes at a table in the middle of the patio, which had since filled to the brim with other hungry folks like ourselves, and the waitress went down the line of tables, getting to us after about 10 minutes. I'm starving, but my french dip and onion soup comes fast, and it's only $6.50 for my yummy sandwich, chips and onion soup. My boy gets his Cesar salad, only $5 bucks, and we are now happy campers. Too bad they don't have fries.
(3)Cy K.
Drinks are pretty standard here, but the food is slightly below. The sandwiches all resemble what I'd put together at home (none of the restaurant quality). Service is friendly, but a little slow - I always have to be pretty active in flagging folks down - especially for your bill.
(2)Anna F.
You can beat half off the entire food menu for about 4 hours every day. the food is not stellar, the service can be slow but it's a solid value in an expensive neighborhood. I also love their "no Coors, no Bud, no Miller" policy. They have a decent draft selection and a well stocked bar. Great after work or after movie hangout. Happy Hour deal: All food is half price with $3 beverage purchase per person 5- 7:30 pm every night 9- 11:30 pm Sunday - Thursday offer not available on patio
(4)Natasha A.
Grendel's Den has a happy hour special every day where their entire already dirt cheap menu is half price with the purchase of any drink. The food is far from gourmetbut has good standard pub grub such as apps and sandwiches as well as a few more original items. I love their crab and artichoke dip. This place if lots of fun to go with a group of friends but can be difficult to get a table. They have a few outdoor tables but can not serve alcohol to them.
(5)Jillian Y.
Awesome. Came here with some coworkers and what was totally awesome is that the food is half price most of the time (not sure why, kind of strange, but I accept it as a gift). We got a bunch of apps - and the spinach/artichoke/seafood dip was scrumdiddlyumptious. Arriving at 7 pm or earlier's a good idea though...it fills up really quickly afterward. If you have a group of 5, there are four or five great 5+ tables in the corners.
(4)Gina R.
The atmosphere is great & the music is amusing. The servers there were pretty friendly too. But the food was not too impressive, which is fine considering the price. I got the Mac n' cheese & the crab dip as an appetizer. The Mac was a bit dry & the chips were slightly stale. But the dip itself was phenomenal!!! And the Cajun shrimp I added to my Mac was amazing. So maybe I just got the wrong dish? Also the cider was quite delicious.
(4)Emily G.
I have to be honest here and say- I'm not giving this place four stars because of excellent service, amazing food, or ambiance. No - I'm giving this place 4 stars because of value for price point. Last night I went with a girlfriend and we got there at 7oclock. This is when she re-explained to me that everything as half off when you ordered one drink (not a very hard thing to do!). My friend got the seafood platter which normally is a very cheap $12 but since it was half price - she got to eat a very nice looking seafood meal for $6! I got the portobello wrap which is normally $6.50 -but was now $3.25. Value is soooo important these days - and where else on a friday night can you enjoy good food and company for that kind of price? That's almost absurd. That said - I don't give this five stars because the place was kind of uncomfortably packed. People were practically spilling over onto our table (who can blame them - the food is good and cheap!!) I'll definitly be back from 530 - 730!
(4)Ricky R.
Just had some beer here with a friend and it was cool enough, great location, good beer selection and friendly staff, oh and they have Fernet Branca.
(4)Corey H.
Went here on a Tuesday night. Not that busy inside. Service wasn't too great but not horible. The beers were chilled but not cold, which is what I wanted when it was 90 degrees outside. The food was actually really good. I had the reuben sandwich and the bread was soft and the sandwich as a whole was a good portion size.
(3)eliza w.
We went to Grendel's on our visit to the historic Weetheim cobblestoney home in ye olde beantown. And to be honest, any place that has a decent beer list, and rewards drinking is good in my book (half off food for having a beer?!? thanks!). It was a bit crowded, but we managed to score a table right by the fireplace fairly easily. I had a coupla the local brews, and they were tasty and perfect for a crisp New England evening. The food was a step above regular pub fare, and we demolished it happily. The service was friendly, if a little disorganized (they forgot one of our dishes, but they removed it from our bill). And if we didn't have to head out for dinner (dinner after snackins...yesh!) I could've just hung out there all night, drinking beers and talking story with cwee and sy. I don't remember much else from Cambridge-Havaaahad Square, but I do remember Grendel's fondly, and would be happy to go back anytime I'm back.
(4)Colleen S.
I can't get really enthused about the food here, it's all OK at least, and some of it even good (try the Salvadoran veggies & tofu, that is on my good list) but nothing really stands out. some of it is downright bad(ish) but you won't die from food poisoning. That said, the ambiance & people watching opportunities rule! The drinks are good, the selection amazing, the service decent (sometimes amazing, I've never had a bad experience here, it's always been solid) and you can sit outside and watch Harvard Square unfold before you.
(3)John A.
Ok I'm aware that it's haughty intellectual Cambridge and they do things a little different on that side of the river. But it would be helpful if Grendel's Den resolved their seating situation. This would be especially important between 5:00 and 7:30 every night when meals are half priced. There's nothing wrong with a traditional hostess and a wait list. Just a thought from a patron that loves Grendel's Den but is getting tired of literal fist fights for tables.
(3)Ellen C.
So this is definitely just a review for the bar- i didn't eat anything (well, some chips and salsa, but nothing prepared). The bar- though- was great. - I really enjoyed the Cider - I had a great Gin and Tonic - I had a wonderful time sitting there and talking with a friend. Just loud enough to hide the conversation from everyone else in the bar. Just quiet enough to be able to hear each other well. So- I haven't been for food, and cannot contest the other reviews, but I do really suggest trying out the bar!
(4)Nina Y.
It's quirky and there's good, half priced food and cheap drinks around dinnertime. Prices are even decent when it's not happy hour. It keeps me coming back again and again...
(4)Lauren K.
A friend and I went to Grendel's the other night for dinner. We were excited that we got our order in before 7:30 so that it was 1/2 off. I would have been angry if I had to pay full price for the meal. First: I got a summer ale that was warm and pretty flat- Not what you want on a hot summer night! Second: Crab, Spinach and Artichoke dip: very fishy and bland. Not wanting to be rude, I stopped myself from spitting it out. The menu selections were unimpressive- I didn't know what they were going for. My meal was a bunch of little things, like hummus, spinach pie and plain unflavored grilled chicken, that were bland and boring. My friends steak was very tough and 80% gristle, and the only ingredient used to "flavor" her rice was butter/oil. When we left I wanted to go get a slice of pizza and a Bud Light. Perhaps the sandwiches are better? The fondue seemed to be a big seller as well.
(2)Kristen F.
Living in Brighton... I never think to come to Harvard Sq. yet it's practically in my back pocket. I'm glad I crossed the river the other weekend. The area is a cheap cab ride away, and it's a mecca for thirsty bar hoppers. Started off with Grendel's Den. Chill place, very relaxed. Great for a starting off point. Great selection of beers that don't include the regulars. I ordered a Dark and Stormy, which totally did the trick. A round of drinks for 4 was incredibly reasonable, too. Toto, we're not in Boston anymore. Overall, a great place to hit up for a beverage or two before moving on, or to camp out at with a few friends.
(4)Amanda B.
Of course, who doesn't love the Den's fabulous 1/2 price happy hour?? This is mostly when I visit Grendel's Den. I believe it's Sunday through Friday 4-7pm and all the food on the menu is half off. You can't beat that deal with a stick. Last time I was there I had the seafood plate (a piece of fish, a couple small scallops and shrimp) and it came with two sides. It was just enough and it was yummy. There's a delish hummus plate and an array of sandwiches. The food's not spectacular, but it's good. I can't remember ever ordering something I didn't like. The atmosphere is a good mix of Cambridge-area students and professor-types. It's cozy and casual.
(4)jen f.
$4 for a dark and stormy $12 for 3 dark and 'stormies' + free to sit outside ______________________ $12 for the only way to sit in the middle of harvard square and be more amused and loving than angry and not amused
(4)Colleen Y.
Eating here is kind of like shopping off the clearance rack...you think things are better just because they are cheaper. I was psyched that my ten dollar squash and chicken stew was only going to be 5 dollars. Until, I left and realized that I wouldn't have paid 5 dollars for that meal again. Maybe I should have just stuck to a classic burger, but ew. I won't be back at Grendel's unless I'm on some awkward first date when I know the guy is a cheapo. Sorry...and why do they call Sam Ale, Grendel's Ale? Not clever enough to be funny. But, waitress was sweet, it was super warm, and I like that you get to seat yourself.
(2)barbaric y.
Grendel's is one of those bars that's not quite for the proletariat, not quite for the foodie, and not quite for the intellectual. Nor is it for the Harvard date night- I've seen this one a few times in all of its awkward glory, with couples attempting to make loud conversation over their lagers and Lala's grill plates. Grendel's is more like a mutant- and hence appropriate in regards to its Old English namesake. Shay's across the street is good but let's face it- the majority of people go to be seen lounging about out front, where space is at a premium and exclusive without needing a cover charge. Park it outside of Grendel's on a nice evening and the only ones watching you will be the pigeons, bums, and disgruntled Peets patrons who failed to find a seat next door. The food is alright here. Yes, I said it, despite the numerous complaints I've heard both in and out of the bar. The worst I've had here was a pasta with gorgonzola sauce whose main crime was being saucy without having too much pizzazz (many people you will meet in this bar have similar qualities). One of the best things I've had here was, oddly enough, the nachos. Being from California, I take my nachos seriously and as many know, one of the first heartbreaks a West Coast kid usually experiences when shipping out to Boston is the sudden realization that a good plate of nachos is hard to find. Without laboring under any pretense of authenticity, Grendel's simply serves up a decent dish of chips, salsa and guac. Sure, those avocados probably cost them $3 a pop, but it makes the tear brought to my eye when I eat them all the more dear. The avocados also come loaded up on the Santa Fe salad, which is my favorite thing to munch on when I'm pretending to compensate for the beer. Occasionally the menu will change up and again, I have to give Grendel's credit for attempting to serve up the most un-pubby pub food around. Salvadoran vegetables and tofu? Quinoa? Hummus? And all for low-low prices, especially if you're willing to pop in during happy hour and buy yourself a well-deserved drink. Their beer list, too, has some surprisingly good little microbrews which are changed up from time to time. The service is good but no-nonsense; I once tipsily tried to snag an extra cinnamon stick from the bar and was rewarded with the bartender turning around, grabbing a whole handful and slamming them down in front of my shamed face. Treat them well, and they will do the same for you.
(4)G S.
Paulaner and seat yourself? I'm a fan! This is a great little cozy spot to gather friends together for some drinks or light dinner. It can get crowded but there is usually a spot around the bar to stand and wait until a table opens. The staff is great and offers to keep an eye out for open tables as well. The food is good pub food, and they offer a lot of vegetarian options. So thankful not to resort to eating a dinner of sides when we go here! They also have Swiss fondue on the menu which I'm curious to try, but Swiss fondue from a bar and grill? Not quite that brave yet...
(4)Victoria A.
I stopped by for a quick lunch while in Boston. First of all, this is one of the few places where my water has been salty. Really frickin weird, but then again I'm a New Yorker and I've never tasted Boston tap water. Is it supposed to be this way? The salad I had was okay. Worth the 5 bucks I guess. Service was pretty bad and my friend and I amused ourselves with the little mouse running around in the corner. Uncleanly, but cute. Props to the name. Love it. It has so much potential. Unfortunately, that is not met.
(2)Jesse C.
I remember the first time I was in Grendels, I was with my good friend and some of his family. My friend got a call from someone who was meeting up with us and he was trying to give him directions over the phone. My bud misread the name of the bar and thought it was 'Grundels' and he was standing in the bar near the entrance yelling loudly into his cell 'yeah man we're at Grundels we're at Grundels!' I loved seeing one of the waiters try to tell him the right name, almost worried that word would get around that this bar had 'grundle' in it's name...hilarious. Since then I've gone here tons of times, the food is simple but good, and when you go from 5-7:30 the food is half price with a drink so it's really cheap. This is one of those examples of a bar trying to have the feeling of happy hour without lower drink prices (Massachusetts is so lame with the 'no happy hour'). As far as atmosphere, I love subterranean bars, especially in the winter. It just has a nicely lit cozy/tavern feel, and if you like to have hot drinks like mulled wine, rum cider and irish coffee this place is for you. The whole 'seat yourself' thing can become a little chaotic when you have 2 or 3 groups of people waiting for one table to get finished. All in all though, if you are looking for a extra cheap dinner and a drink in harvard square, it's the place to go. It's just a great feeling to order a $9 meal and see $4.50 on the check, It keeps me coming back.
(4)Jane D.
I go here every Friday around 6 and it never fails. the spinach and crab dip is delicious. the hot chocolate and peppermint schnappes drink is awesome - especially for the winter months! staff is super friendly, place is laid back. prices are amazing - and the food is fresh and yummy!
(5)Nancy L.
What I love about Grendel's Den is that it typifies the quintessential college hang out place: good atmosphere, cheap food and drinks, and a young crowd. While the food is not amazing, it's decent. Stick to the basics such as sandwiches or American fare and you will fare better. Their more complex foods tend to fall a bit short of menu description. BUT!!!! the best thing about Grendel's is absolutely the HALF-PRICE HOURS: 5-7:30 every night and 9-11:30 pm from Sunday till Thursday! Buying a measly $3 drink (alcoholic or not) reduces your food cost by half, so you get a decent meal with drink for less than $10 in a great atmosphere. (A great dinner before heading over to the Brattle for a double-feature!!) That is what I call cheap eats (+ cheap entertainment)
(4)Sarah S.
No fries?! Lame-o salad? Quesadilla that lacked the proper amount of deliciously melted cheese? Boo, Grendel's, boo. I should go back and try something else, but first I have to allow myself time to forget that horrible, dry, thing that was masquerading as a quesadilla.
(2)Q S.
Your average bar & bar food. I had a portabella mushroom wrap. It was soggy. And tasted like vinegar - no other flavors were present except for balsamic vinegar.
(3)Benito L.
Ehhh, not that impressed by the food, but loved the patio area. For the life of me though, I could not understand our waiter (thick English accent).
(2)Jen S.
Don't know why I haven't reviewed this place before. Have been here a few times- never disappointed but nothing to rave about. Friendly service. One of the few places that actually have decent service when you sit outside. I prefer coming here in the summer so I CAN be seated outside. I've never actually eaten INSIDE before. Food is decently priced. Definitely a place that can be revisited!
(4)Mark T.
bobby s. Said: "The door man drinks Guiness while not allowing you in with proper ID!?!?!?! The floor is filty and so are the waters/waitresses as they sneeze on you (why me!!!!!) I walked back outside to talk to my freind and the dor man was sos drunk from Guiness tha he keeps on the cornerstone that he forgot who I was and would not allow me in until my girlfriend showed her breasts. He has glasses and a dark brown beard and is fat (BEWARE THE GRENDEL STAAAACKER!!!!!!!!!)" LMFAO!! If this is the guy I think it was given from what he's bitching about and the date of teh review, I was sitting at a table in the back room kind of diagonally near this guy, and went out for a smoke as he got KICKED OUT!! He pulled a KNIFE OUT on his friend and then threatened to call the cops on the DOOR GUY (who wasn't exactly walmart greeter friendly but about as good as you get for a random door guy in Harvard Square, which isn't bad)! I didn't exactly sit down and have a drink with a guy but he seemed like a totally coked up useless douche. Anywhoo, the seafood combo was totally fine (if a touch overcooked), especially for the money during happy hour. The burger was honestly kind of crap. I've been in here before and had the hummus plates which are genuinely tasty, as well as a decent veg tofu plate... DEFINTELY not 5 star but at half price it's good stuff. They've got pretty cheap Gansettes and a few Octoberfests which are normally priced. Extra star for the value and the BS that the staff deals with. Hillarious.
(4)Michael K.
Everytime I walk by this place and it always smells really good. So I thought I'd give it a try last night. They had 1/2 off food from 5:30pm -7pm, and from 9pm-11pm thats if you buy a $3 drink which is really cool. We ordered the spinach, artichoke and crab dip. There was barely any spinach, and I could see the chunks of crab, but I had to add a lot of salt to taste anything. I had the portobello wrap, which was really wet and tasted like styrofoam. The potato chips it came with were better than the wrap. My wife had the Spinach Pie which was decent but it was a very small portion. I can see why they charge 1/2 price on food. I don't think I'd go back here for meals again. We found out that the good smell was coming from "Upstairs on the Square"
(2)Jess L.
I might have a bias because I went in knowing I'd like this place just because of all the great things I had heard. I went around midnight with a few friends. It has a really welcoming atmosphere. The wait staff was really friendly - we chatted about Obama - and I had the best peppermint schnapps hot chocolate. In fact, everyone who ordered a spiked coffee-like drink was pleased. The atmosphere was fun, and it wasn't too loud (i.e., you could hear people). My roommate had been there before, and she said the food was great, too. I'll definitely go back to explore some more.
(5)Jenna P.
Came here earlier around dinner time on a Friday night and sat at the bar with a girlfriend of mine. We split a chicken sandwich and a bottle of white wine. Everything was delicious and the prices were great! Seating is limited but I thought it was worth the wait!
(4)Hiep V.
Myself and a couple others decided to give Grendel's a try only because they offered fondue on the menu. It was either here, the Wine Cellar, or the Melting Pot. After an hour of sifting through reviews of the fondue from the three choices, we chose to go with Grendel based on cost and overall satisfaction from other Yelpers. Harvard Sq. has always been a headache for me to park. On a Thursday night, we gave up looking for street parking and parked in the garage. Yay for $2 validation, nay for the $14 I had to pay after an hour and half. Upon arrival, there weren't any available seats for us as we arrived right at the end of 1/2 price hours. We ended up seating ourself temporarily in a back area by the rear emergency exit. Our surface was merely a half table with 3 bar stools so eating on it was certainly out of the question. The waitress arrived and we opted to just order drinks until a bigger table opened up. The way we were situated, it was not possible to see if people left or not, so we asked if the waitress could let us know when something else opened up. Five minutes later, she informed us that a table had opened up on the other side of the wall, and we quickly made our way over. We had noticed that the bar was serving warm cider and it was something that my friend and I wanted to try. I noticed on the main page of the menu a "Sin Cider" and assumed that it would be the same. When it came out, we knew that we had clearly ordered the wrong thing, but decided not to make a hassle out of it and it was only our fault out of ignorance. To describe the cider, it was white wine served in a pint glass. I actually enjoyed it and it went very well with the fondue. For food, we had the crab dip, fondue for 2, and a tuna melt. The crab dip was okay. Our 3rd person said the tuna melt was good. I felt the fondue was good. I have an infatuation with cheeses and loved the fondue. My two friends felt that the wine in the fondue was a bit heavy, but I thought it was just fine. I've had fondue in Switzerland a couple years back and as I recalled, it tasted quite similar. The two of us were unable to finish the fondue. We only made it through half the basket of bread. I would have loved to finish everything, but didn't feel too comfortable thinking of how many calories I had just consumed. Our waitress seemed tired but yet she was patient and helpful with everything. I'll definitely go back again, but will definitely try to arrive during the half price hours.
(4)Kevin L.
Our really cool waiter brought us some extra potato chips, because the ones that came with our food were good. We asked him for seconds (thirds?) on chips, and he brings out this GIGANTIC, UNMARKED white bag full of chips. And he was wearing a hilariously racist shirt! Loved it.
(4)Deepa C.
This is the perfect place for a group after work. Or for a couple of people grabbing a drink after dinner. Or for a Sunday afternoon pint. We used to come here after salsa class for pitchers of sangria, and it was always hopping on a random Tuesday at 10. Not many places in Boston can say that. The food is nothing spectacular, but the atmosphere is welcoming and the vibe is inviting.
(3)Annie L.
I hear "cute" is not the word to describe this trendy scientists' bar. But it's damn cute. To me, it's less like Grendel's Den and much more like a Hobbit's Hole. But nobody really asked me. Beer is priced fairly. I think maybe it was cheap-ish or half-off one night, and it was definitely moderate during Oktoberfest.
(4)Darren G.
Why do I keep ending up here? The location is great, the atmosphere is pretty good, the restaurant set up and structue is cool. The food...dismal and the service...horrible. There is one member of their staff who I had the displeasure of having twice who is just not friendly. I've gone for drinks a couple times as well and as long as you're sticking to beer you'll be okay; don't order a mixed drink.
(2)Chris C.
great spot!!! good food!! relaxing and special kurdos to NICK for being such a FABULOUS bartender and host. great saturday handout
(5)Erica S.
Half priced food from 5-7:30 every night, and 9-11:30 Sunday through Thursday. Yaaaaayyyyy!!! I get a couple "dark n' stormies" (they have the BEST ones) and a plate of Salvadoran vegetables with tofu and rice, and always leave stuffed, happy, and kinda drunk. Sure, the food isn't amazing, but it's decent, filling, and when it's half price, my dinner always costs less than a drink... I speak for the broke asses of Boston when I say, that's a freakin' sweet deal man! People have pretty much covered the ambiance and the bathrooms, so I'll keep it short: Ambiance= chill and cozy, like there should be a fireplace in the corner and a moose head on the wall or something. Hot tip= no half priced food outside, sorry, but the patio IS nice! Bathrooms= coed, and confusing for drunk people. Yay Grendel's.
(4)Tim F.
Not going to say I'm wild about this place. For a basement, they do alright, but even the fireplace can't save it. There are places better for ambiance, and better for pub grub.
(2)Danie R.
In Massachusetts, it's illegal to have booze to be on "happy hour" so most establishments go with a food happy hour, like Grendel's! Grendel's happy hour is INSANE though! It's my absolute favorite. Their food is half-priced for about 5 hours a day and the food is goooood too. I like the natural disaster on a veggie burger, nachos, and their portobello reuben. The bar tenders are always lovely, as I only sit at the bar, and their French 75 is fantastic. Peter enjoys their beers too.
(4)Denise M.
In terms of value for both food and drink, this is a great place. With it's location, the Den could definitely charge 2 or 3x the price, but has elected instead to serve standard pub food with a wide selection of drinks to create a fun atmosphere.
(4)Jen H.
I've been here a handful of times now, and really... Meh. I've experienced better. I'm actually upset by this because it's in a fun location, seems to have decent patrons, and could be a really fun hangout spot. But sadly, those have not been my experiences. First time I set foot in here, you smelled like fish. Strong odor of fish. I walked in, I walked out. I can't take a fishy smelling place, makes me ill. Second time I tried you, I was very nervous. Lucky for me, the fish smell was gone. *phew* Had a drink, really busy, kinda crappy service, but everyone has off nights now and then, and you were busy so... I can't complain too much about that. Third time, came and this was the first stop on a pub crawl. It was the meeting place. No matter where I stood (by the bar) I seemed to be in some server's way. Rather than say "excuse me" or tell me a better place to stand so that I wasn't in their way, I got bumped around/into 80% of the time. :-( Fourth time, my first time getting food. I ordered the quesadilla appetizer because I was there in time for the apps special. Very disappointing and unflavorful. Glad I got it on the apps special! Which, the waitress forgot to do initially... no biggie, we'll just ask her to fix it. Oooh, a mean mug! What was that for?! :-( Then, the rest of the group started to arrive, we started to take over the tables, and everything went to hell in a hand basket. I was not drinking, so the wait time wasn't bothersome for me, but GOOD-NESS. It shouldn't take that long to get service. People had to start going to the bar to get drinks in a 20minute timeframe. But, then we got scolded for going to the bar. Okay, I get it, that is $ you're not getting, as a former server, I understand how that would be disappointing and/or annoying. However, I would have busted my butt to get everyone drinks so that DIDN'T happen, and our server did not. Oh, I do NOT like the co-ed bathrooms with multiple stalls. That's just weird to me. If it's unisex then it should be single stall. Just something that makes me uncomfortable. Maybe it's my own hang up, or maybe others feel the same way... I'm not sure. I think I'm willing to give Grendals one final try, and if it's still lackluster, then I think that's gotta be my final attempt. Normally, I wouldn't have even given it this many tries... but there's something about the place that keeps me coming back and hoping that it will be better. I almost feel like I'm in denial of an abusive relationship or something. One more time... then I will have to move on. Here's hoping!
(2)Emily C.
This place has a great vibe! Obviously being in Harvard square helps-but I think the ambiance of being called a den and having the setting be in a basement helps! The beer is great-the bartenders are friendly but not great on their tentativeness. The food is just ok-nothing spectacular. Mostly I like their salsa...my gf tried their Gorgonzola pasta with Cajun chicken and it literally looked like something that came out of a box but it tasted great. I think without the Gorgonzola it was legit pasta roni! Grendel's Ale is superb though!
(3)Rupert H.
I used to really like Grendel's...I went there for lunch yesterday and it was just awful. Service was REALLY slow. The $4.95 lunch specials are supposedly served quickly--it took about 30 minutes for our food to be served. I ordered the veggie burger and it was just awful. A tasteless burger with no visible vegetables, and served with nothing--no lettuce, no tomato. It was just awful. I definitely won't be going back there.
(1)Cloie H.
*I have been meaning to write this review for two weeks; I finally have gotten my butt in gear because upon checking my profile, the last review I wrote was for a Taco Bell. That is being fixed right now.* I really have a soft spot for this place. It is tucked away behind a nondescript door and is rather cramped (at least on the nights that I have been there) but it has character and that is something that you just can't buy. I am going to admit something right now which is not the norm for me. I order the same exact thing every time I go here. This may hamper my review in your eyes but I honestly don't care too much. I order the fondue, a French 75, and a Mediterranean salad. Every time. judge me, that's fine, whatever. It's good! If you have been to Grendel's you might be thinking that getting the fondue for just yourself is suicide by cheese (what a way to go) but I always go here with my BFF who lives near by. The "fondue for two" is normally $25; steep true, but it can easily feed four people and during a certain time in the early evening all their entrees are half price. I don't know what the exact time is or I would write it here, but it is similar to happy hours time. The last time I was there was about two weeks ago and I was with a relatively large group of people (9) so we were seated right by the door at a large round table that in its former life was a wagon wheel. Now, growing up on a farm I know a small fact that not all people know; when laid on their sides wagon wheels are not flat. They are slightly convex; this is in order to absorb shock when actively participating in wheel-like activities. Thus, when wagon wheel tables were all the rage in the 80's, they had glass tops to them. The wagon wheel table at Grendel's does not have a glass top. Another interesting fact: they have filled he space between the spokes with cement and then pushed pieces of broken china into it. So, to sum up, this table is convex with a horrible uneven surface due to a slightly dated craft technique. Clearly the best surface to serve any type of food or drink. I think you know where that story went. Luckily it was my drink and not the flaming pot of bubbling cheese. The point of this long ramble is this; the waitress we had was awesome. She was right there when it happened and she asked what I would like to do (new drink or water?). I told her honestly that I didn't want an entire new drink but I would have liked to finish the one that was spilled upon me. She told me that unfortunately she doesn't think that they make half drinks and upon that information I decided to have a water. When she came back with the water she had a half a drink for me too, surprise! She also handled the ordering of nine people at various different times just fine and had most, if not all, of the orders come out at the same time. She wasn't snippy or saccharine, just a normal girl doing a great job. She gets a whole star. The other two stars go toward the food and the location, and (as of right now anyway) with their rating being three and a half stars I would like to dedicate the half a star to the atmosphere. This place is in an urban collegiate neighbor hood and it is not at all douchey or grungy; it isn't trying to hard but clearly still cares about its patrons. Yes it is small, but hey, so is practically any restaurant in Cambridge. If you want to have good drinks and yummy with people you like in an atmosphere that is not any where near intimidating, you should go here.
(3)Tamar A.
Great ambiance, pretty good beer list, nice outdoor seating. And yet... AWFUL CRAB DIP. Like, stupendously bad.
(2)Mittal S.
I did not eat here because they did not have seating for couples even though there were 3 tables available, but they were reserved for groups of 5 or more. It was super loud. This is a perfect college hang out. After waiting for 25 minutes, I walked out. Will not go back here again.
(1)Irene B.
I like Grendel's Den on their off-peak hours. Saturday at 4:30 or Sunday brunch is a good time, you can always get a seat and its a pretty cozy place to hang out at. Friday - Saturday nights its packed and I usually stay away. You cannot buy Miller, Coors or Budweiser here - their house brew is pretty unremarkable and their beer list isn't terribly extensive, but happy hour is 5-7, which is pretty sweet. Food is okay - the hummus is tasty, the salsa is from a jar - I still like Grendel's, though.
(4)Leighann F.
Disclaimer: this is a strictly atmosphere/bar/drink-related review. This has nothing to do with food....yet. Charming wood tables, lots of exposed brick and an eclectic mix of people: students, professors young and old. A bustling but not too noisy atmosphere, this place seems perfect for anyone looking for a few low-key drinks. There were tables for couples tucked away in the corner, big tables for groups and plenty of spaces at the bar. Great beer selection and a short walk from my new pad, I will definitely be back here. Maybe soon I will talk about the food. OH - one odd thing...I THINK the restrooms are co-ed? The signs on the doors say "either or" with pictures that made no indication as to whether they meant "male" or "female."
(4)Marti S.
A friend and I had heard about these half price entrees, so we figured we'd check it out, being poor grad students and whatnot. We figured the food would be overpriced, like everything in Boston, and that we'd end up paying more than we'd like. However, we were pleasantly surprised! The food is fairly inexpensive to start with, and then after the half-off, it was so cheap! For the two of us, after tip, it was only about $20, and that was with drinks (which are not half off). The food isn't amazing, but it's better than you'd expect for the price. I had a roast beef sandwich with herb cheese, and she had a Mediterranean wrap, both of which we enjoyed. Apparently, the peppermint schnapps hot chocolate is also yumtastic. I wasn't super impressed with the beer selection, though. It's super busy during happy hour when everything is half off (5 - 7:30), but we noticed that business kind of tapered off around 6:30, so it might not be a bad idea to head in a little later, rather than earlier.
(4)rewan a.
Great place to drink. I love the atmosphere. You can tell it's a very relaxed, chill bar. Unfortunately the food is not very good. I have tried to eat there on so many different occasions (half price at night during the week) but it's just not good. I would much rather spend more money on a better meal. But I still really like going there. I recommend going to have a few drinks but not eat.
(4)Jeff G.
A great pub with a warm local vibe. My new local when I'm in Cambridge MA
(4)Anna W.
My co-workers and I go here for Happy Hour at least once a month. Note to beer drinkers -- this bar is anti-Anheuser-Busch, so they don't carry any of their beers (Bud, Michelob, etc.). So, don't ask for them because then they know that you're not a regular and you will get some long speech about why Budweiser is the devil incarnate. Anyway... I love the 1/2 price food deal they have going on during happy hour. Granted, the food isn't that great, but then again, you get what you pay for! My two favorite things on the menu are the garlic bread (decent) and the stuffed portabello mushroom (actually pretty good). Stay away from anything that requires actual preparation and cooking. You will be sorely disappointed. Also, they don't have fries here, which is a bummer. They give you potato chips instead. Blah! The wait and bartending staff is nice and down-to-earth. They are quick to see if you need a drink refill or anything else. Given that this place is in a basement, ambiance is not that bad. It could use a few TVs, and the tables are all rickety because the floor is incredibly uneven, but even with all those bad points, there is no other place I'd rather spend happy hour in Harvard Square. We've tried other places, but we always go back to Grendel's. We can be as loud and obnoxious and we want to be and no one else cares because they are just as loud! Gotta love that.
(3)Haley T.
Best place to sing along to "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch" after consuming (one too many) fine and tasty beverages.
(5)Dee P.
The food is so cheap! Never mind the half-price after-work dinner special, just the regular menu is a deal. And right now they're running a "throwback" specials menu to their original (1970s) offerings-- I don't think anything was over $8. Tasty, tasty. Almost-always-great service, good beer selections and talented bartenders. A really mixed crowd, co-ed bathrooms, and a super-friendly atmosphere. Definitely one of my favorite places to grab a beer. Patio seating relatively recently opened up for alcohol service (but you do have to eat something. Or order something, in any case)- as it gets warmer it'll be harder to come by (long waits) so check it out if you haven't!
(5)Nick C.
Grendel's Den is my favorite bar in Harvard Square. Low key, good beer, good service, and $5 dollar nachos. I go here for a quick beer and snack whenever I miss dinner. Unconditional recommendation.
(5)Alicia N.
Honestly when someone said we were going to Grundels, I thought it was a sexual innuendo and didn't have any idea what was going on. A stumble down the street and a pair of stairs later I lost my grundle virginity. So the table wasn't stable and I had to hold it up with my knee....and yes the food probably wasn't anything to write home about BUT with half off appetizers(litz about $2 each), cheap drinks, and a non-annoying attentive waiter I will definitely frequent this place. Our fire locked bearded waiter was at our beck and call all night, refilling drinks without being annoying. He didn't mind that we lingered for an awkwardly long time glassy eyed and gossiping. I would never suggest this place as a first date, or for a good meal but if you and a bunch of friends want to get loose and relax this is the place to go without ending up broke.
(4)Tristan B.
Did you get rejected from Harvard University and could only get into Northeastern? Did you really want to hang out with Harvard undergrads, watch them play cards, and be part of the crowd, because that's really all that matters when it comes to horseshoes, hand grenades, and making sweet contacts? I know I always wanted a Harvard girl to show mommy and daddy that even though I slacked off in high school, I could at least hang out with smart people and be their peer. If so, Grendle's Den is your answer and salvation. Thrill to the fact that you're in the actual room with possibly the brightest (or perhaps the most legacied) young men and women in the country. Never mind that they're getting shitfaced on crap beer, or just being abject assholes in general in their own parties, you want Harvard, you got it here. There's a reason why they call it Grendle's Den, and I stress the word "den". Outside of the token few tables set up outside during the fall, you're going to stumble down the few brick steps into a traditional locale that's more or less the bowels of the school. It's sort of dark, it's not pretty, and you probably shouldn't wear that school blazer down here. In fact, it seems the general fashion code is "Whatever I could scrape up off the floor.", which is pretty much fine for this place. I don't suggest going here though if you're rearin' for some after a social party drink. Food is cheap during "happy hour", but with the cheapness comes the price (hur hur) of it not being that great. It's completely functional, yes, but Miracle of Science grub this ain't. But jeeze, half price food? I can't cry about it too much. Just keep it in mind that heartburn is a possibility. Carry your tums. Drinks are standard fare, you can actually get a Dark & Stormy or a Black Russian without getting funny looks, which is definitely a plus in my book, as I am a stickler for my dark alcohols. Martini's are serviceable, but it's pretty hard to screw up a glass full of gin with an olive in it. Service is decent, even when packed, which is always a good sign that they're properly staffed. No qualms there. So yeah, I don't really hang out there that much, being post college and all, but that's not to say if happy hour calls and I need a dark & stormy that I'm not going to trip down the stairs to get one and some nachos.
(4)Andrew M.
You can have a beer outside in the vicinity of grass and other people. Name me another place in Cambridge where you can do this. (I didn't say there wasn't one, I just said name me one.) They have a passable beer selection and harpy hour specials add a layer of icing to your beer. The inside space feels a bit unhappenin and has unpredictable temperature.
(4)Amy N.
Definitely worth going to, especially during the half off hours. The spinach and artichoke dip has an extra friend:snow crab, and he's delicious. The portabello reuben was excellent. I'm not a fan of loud places and this place had the potential to be loud but we sat up in back where the music was less and it only took a slight elevation in volume to be heard across the table. There was a good selection of beer and cocktails, I had the B's cream soda and there was plenty of rum in the ginger ale. (many places are super stingy). All around a good pub type place with better food than you would expect (fondue?!) at a great value.
(4)Kate M.
This place would have four stars if it weren't for an experience I had with a bartender there. To start: This is a great place. It's located underground and it has a very warm air to it. I love that they outright announce that they do NOT have Bud, Bud Light, Miller, Miller Lite and Michelob. Nice job. The crowd is a mix of older locals (lifers, I guess you can say) and students. Surprisingly, it mixes well. Now, for my experience with the bartender: It was a Sunday night around 10:00 PM. Our bartender was female with a long brown ponytail, heavyset, unattractive and about 5'9" or so. I was with a friend who paid for the next round while I was in the bathroom. When I got back to the table, he paused and realized that he couldn't remember if the bartender had given him change. He looked through his wallet and was pretty sure that she hadn't. (He was just starting on drink #2 of the night -- there was no way he was drunk.) "Excuse me," he said. "I hate to ask you this...but did you give me change? I don't really remember." "Then you're getting too drunk to be here," she replied. WHAT?! He had consumed ONE beer!! "So...you did give it back to me?" he asked. Dude is polite. "I gave you a five and four ones," she told him. "Okay, then." "You know, you should try keeping an eye on your money sometime," she said before walking away. Looking over this, I realize that it doesn't sound bad, but she responded with such sarcasm, rudeness, superiority and attitude that I have difficulty conveying in writing. It wasn't an adorable ploy to be brash and "authentic" -- she was being, well, a d*ck. Honestly, I'm slow to aggravate when it comes to service. I used to waitress and I know that it gets bad. But this bartender made me, literally, want to throw things at her. I will be back. It's a great bar. But I will do anything in my power to avoid that bartender.
(3)Lindsay W.
Every time I go to Grendel's Den I have a great time. The most recent time I went with my mother and my girlfriends, Nina and Arielle. We were really excited for our hot port cider, but they were out of port (one reason for only four stars) so we ordered a pitcher of sangria instead. I was surprised at how good it was! The food is also great too. My mother and I shared the veggie banquet which included hummus, pita, spinach pie, broccoli and tofu with rice. It also came with a salad. I don't recommend the Mediterranean salad because the tahini dressing is a little blah. But the spinach pie is great! And the dish was only ~$12. The previous time I was here I had the vegan chili and that was fabulous too! The best thing about Grendel's Den is that you kind of feel like you are in a cozy, little den. I love it!
(4)ExtrafirmTofu ..
Tasty comfort food at a price that can't be beat...I love the spinach pie! But how awesome would it be if they had air conditioning too? TOTALLY awesome, my friend. Like, 100% awesome. For reals.
(3)Leo L.
Today was my first time here and I have to say... it was great to finally find a decent priced place in Harvard Square with decent food and service! Definitely recommend anyone to try it you just may have to wait a while if you want to seat at the patio.
(3)Cara P.
As my SO and I were walking along the crowded Harvard Square streets tonight, we realized we were extremely hungry and needed to park our asses for some food and drink stat. We had 45 minutes until Gone Baby Gone started at the cinema. Maybe I was high from my Lush excursion........maybe it was because from where we were standing, we detected a waft emanating from Grendel's. It lured us in. We walked down a few steps into a small dark bar that has two areas with tables to eat at.- it was packed. This place is extremely small and does not have enough two tops. We were immediately confronted by a dumb as nails, guy sitting on a stool by the door.......I can only assume he was the bouncer.........you know, since it must get so out of hand there ???? He asked for our ID's before we were allowed to even sit down. I scrambled to find it as we were standing smack in front of all these people eating at their tables.Than we ....just stood there. finally we got the hint we should seat ourselves. We walked through the area looking for a place to sit.....We were forced to sit behind a brick beam that separated us from the main area.....we were at a tiny table with two stools. There were two men seated at the table behind us...no really two inches away......that were 50 something typical cambridge-onian Kingdom Heart Champs and were literally playing the game while bitching about the disgusting food. _Shudder_ Our food came out quickly. As a mater of fact, it came with the appetizer and drinks. I ordered the Veggie Combo.....The spinach pie was alright........the salad was DRENCHED in dressing and my falafel looked like a small round jaw breaker. Oh and it was as hard as one too. I am now thanking my lucky stars I chose Umass Boston over Harvard . I would have spent many a nights in the 10,000 degrees crap of a den ........eating falafel jaw breakers and enduring bitchy wait staff and the moronic guys on a stool by the door that think they are bouncers. OK so I didn't even apply to Ha-vad... even if I wanted to, I would never come close to being accepted......still, there is only ONE way I would ever come back to Grendels and that would be to have drinks at their outside table area...........two pumps down for Grendels
(2)Alyssa S.
Great spot for the early-20s crowd. Low-key, cheap beverages, and friendly service! Definitely a spot to hit up with your friends for a casual night out or post-dinner hang out.
(3)Bethany W.
service and ambiance are what stick out in my mind. the last time i was in grendel's was nov. 2009, but the fact that it's one of the places in boston that i remember from my short visit, i thought it merited a review. to be honest, i don't even remember what i ordered. i'm sure one of the big reasons it was such a fabulous time was the company i was in. that said, the ambiance at grendel's is great. in general, just being in harvard square has a great mix of people. that i recall, everyone was happy with what they ordered, which is a testament in itself. by the end of the night there were over 10 people in our group, all arriving at different times, and our server handled it efficiently and graciously. i tried to go back once more before leaving boston, but, unfortunately, they were filled to the brim that night. if i wasn't in seattle i'd give it a second chance. why not. i'll leave it to those of you visiting/living on the east coast.
(3)Rob C.
Plenty of others have mentioned friendly waiters, a warm, funky atmosphere, and good food, all of which are true. One thing that i noticed the other night is that they have Harpoon Munich Dark on tap, which is kind of like the red-headed stepchild of the Harpoon brewery (if you go to their beer festivals, the Munich will always be the shortest line). This is unjust because it is ever so tasty on draught, and ever so hard to find, too. As another point in Grendel's favor, the other night, they were playing that CD by Sublime, and it was skipping and scratched, so there's a good chance that it may have gotten thrown out and you'll never have to hear 'Santeria' if you go there. It's a bonus from where i stand, but your mileage may vary.
(4)Ben H.
I love the atmosphere and the spinach pie. The margarita I got came with chili salt, which I believe is salt with chili powder. Luckily, it also came with a straw. The chili salt was gross, but the margarita, consumed through the straw, was quite good. It was definitely worth coming here once. I'd probably come again during the day or on a weeknight, but on the weekend it's crazy. The place is packed, and their seating policy is to wish you luck in grabbing a table before somebody else takes it.
(3)Melissa M.
come for the cheap cheap cheap bar food (it's half price 5-7:30pm) after work. Stay for the lovely drinks. They even donate some of the money from certain drinks to charity. The bathroom is unisex, but on the several times I tinkled it was clean. The staff can be slow, but it don't matter because they also sell champagne. If if I'm 'pagnin I'm happy.
(4)Shelly A.
Cheap drinks, better than average bar food including a very yummy turkey burger and special hours where food is all but free. This is a college kid's dream but thank god, not a college kid's haven. The unisex bathrooms still throw me every time considering that one of them has multiple stalls. Keep that in mind when you teeter yonder after tossing a few back.
(4)Renee H.
Oh Grendel's, how I love you. I duck in here pretty often when I'm wandering around Harvard Square. First off, I love that fact that there is no TV here. It's a good place to come in, relax, and not be surrounded by people yelling at a game. (It means you can actually sit down in the bar on a game night, too.) The food isn't the best I've ever had, but I think it's pretty good for bar food. I'm veg, so I can't speak for their whole menu, but I find it generally pretty tasty. For the price, I think the quality is good, and the portions are generous. Also, not a bad beer selection (depending on your taste), and good hard liquor as well. They make a fine Dark 'n Stormy. Their port and cider is great on a cold afternoon or evening--they keep a crock pot going at the bar heating the cider up. Their Chocolate Cake Shot is delicious; nice and sweet, for those of us who like dessert-y booze. They also make passable mimosas and sangria--far from the best I've ever had, but still pretty good. I've almost always had fantastic service. It's always been pretty attentive, especially if I'm sitting at the bar. They keep my glass filled and my belly full, and don't dilly-dally with the check, either. And the waitstaff/bartenders have always, always been friendly.
(5)Michael L.
I went here for lunch yesterday, by myself, and really had an enjoyable time. I would have liked to sit outside on their patio, but it was full, and I needed to be in and out of there in 40 minutes. I think that "Den" is a great way to describe this place. It's decorated in a sort of haphazard way, combining lots of wood, lots of mirrors and normal pub-crap on the walls. The staff were furiously busy, especially the waitress who had ALL the outside tables. She was running in and out, and banging the door hard every time. Didn't bother me. So I sat myself (as the sign said I should) and my waiter came up within 3-4 minutes. I had scoped out the menu beforehand, and they have an entire section of "quick lunch" items. I chose to get a tuna melt with a salad (Caesar) and a beer (Cambridge Amber). The entire quick lunch menu is $3.95 per item, and had a few different interesting choices for a filling lunch. I have never had tuna melt before, but I understand the concept. I really like tuna, but I despise mayo. I thought mayo would be involved, but it wasn't, or was so subtle it didn't matter. The sandwich came on an english muffin, and was topped with provolone and very fresh tomato. It was extremely tasty, but not really something I'd go out of my way for. The salad was iceberg lettuce with a tasteless dressing, 7.4 croutons and a handful of crappy Parmesan tossed on. Next time I will get the Greek salad, which is another option and might have an olive in it. For $4 I'm not going to bitch about salad too much. I finished my meal and wanted to leave, but a hag in a powersuit sitting with her kids was complaining to my waiter about something. Lame. I have to go back to work. I looked at another waitress like "can you come here I need something" and she did. She was really nice when I asked her to tell my waiter that he was great but that I couldn't wait while the woman made everyone else's service slower because she got bad service. She got my check and I was back to work on time. From 5:30 - 7:00 everything on the food menu is half-price if you buy a drink.
(4)Jenna H.
I'm a huge fan of Grendel's den, I love this cozy little underground pub. The half-priced food happy hour is a great deal, I can almost always escape with a bill thats $10 or under. The vegeterian chili is delicious, especially with cheese and onions on top, and the vegetarian nachos were quite good as well. I've also tried their fondue meal for two; its around 20 dollars and includes 2 salads to start with and a big pot of delicious white whine and cheese fondue. Really good food at a great value. The only problem is its almost always completely packed around dinner time; the only way to be sure you can get a table is to come relatively early, like around 5:00.
(4)Kerri O.
I will never, ever, be able to diss Grendel's. I have so many happy memories there. My one complaint is with the either/or bathrooms. Boys, and I mean the Mens, your aim is bad. No Gal wants to go in a bathroom where a drunk boy has whizzed. For all the obvious reasons. *Hint*- we don't pee standing up, and you don't lift the lid. Fill in the blanks, and lift the lid next time- lunkyhead. Aside from the Bathrooms, Grendel's Den is one of the last holdouts that's preventing Harvard Square into turning into a Mall. For that reason alone; go there, and enjoy them. God forbid, they turn into an Applebee's. They have great Pub Food, great bartender's, and are funky Cambridge. We all don't want funky Cambridge to die, so drink heartily, and for Goddsakes, lift the lid!
(4)Jenn H.
I like the ambiance of Grendel's and some of their sandwiches are okay. The drink selection is good and when the food is half-off, it's worth it. The service is less than stellar- slow about things like water, and when we finally got water there was hair in it. Ew. It's good food for the morning after you've been drinking and good for drinks, but other than that I'd skip it.
(2)Brandon V.
Grendel's - good, central place to meet up with friends for a night out in Harvard Square or a couple of drinks before heading out or for food on the CHEAP. Other than that, it's crowded, noisy, and the food isn't of the best quality. I remember getting a horrible headache in there once after staying for an hour for dinner. If you're okay with that stuff, then you'll probably be fine there. That said, last time I was there was a couple of years ago, and I sat outside and ate and it was perfectly fine.
(3)Josephine P.
I can't imagine this place on a hoppin' crowded night, but I was there on a slowish Sunday night and it was super chill, service was great, loved the food. No complaints here. Particularly, I loved my portobello reuben on rye. As a vegetarian going on 12 years now, I never thought I would ever experience what a reuben was (due to the fact that the main component of that sandwich is beef)...until now...and.it.was.glorious. Why did it never occur to me to just omit the meat? Replace it with mushrooms? No clue. But the good people of Grendels did it for me. The Gorgonzola pasta was divine and the vegetarian banquet was alright. I must say, I especially recommend their sandwiches. They're cheap and filling and come with a side of chips or cole slaw. In Harvard Sq. this place and Pinocchio's are my cheap go-to places to eat. Also, side note: this might just be me, but I was impressed that they carried Lavazza coffee.
(4)Peter R.
Rachel Ray are you on Crack? well i swear i saw Rachel Ray from the show "40$ a day" go to this place and rave how the food was "delicious" and great price. First off i find her show to be really annoying and the only reason i was watching was because she was doing boston.. So on a nice day a friend and i decided to grab lunch on the outside area... located with a view of that lil park area. Well we decided on burgers and gooosh were they pitiful... The meat was very low quality over cooked and down right nasty.. the only way we could force down some of it was by literally covering it in ketchup. Also no french fries just some plain chips.. despite being the best thing on my plate i assumed for the price they could hit me up with some fries.. My suggestions are go to basically any other place in the area and you will be happier..On our way out i did see one guy who seemed to know how to order in this place and that was just a beer and a plate of chips.. Man this place is such a waste of space... and Rachel Ray needs to lay off the crack
(1)vanessa a.
Located on the cobbled walkways of Winthrop Street, Grendel's has great outdoor dining and the basement sec makes for a nice and cozy dining experience. I enjoyed a beautiful and tasty Sonoma wrap w/a side of cole slaw. Don't expect anything fancy, this is a typical pub and the atmosphere is very comfortable. Oh, and if you're driving, park at the Charles Hotel parking garage, the restaurant will comp $2 off your ticket. great location in Harvard sq.
(4)Joseph G.
I like the Grendel's Den philosophy of not bothering to have cheap beer. They always make me happy with their selection of beers usually featuring Paulaner Hefeweizen on tap. Probably the best thing about this place though is how the food is half price seemingly all the time. I love walking out of there having paid $15 for two beers and a full meal. I also love the old time pub feel of the place. Not into sports bars and high end looking bars. This is place has stone walls and all. Tis great.
(4)John W.
This aint no gastropub, but the grub is tasty. I'm a fan of the Falafal Wrap and the California Gardenburger (with jack cheese and guacamole). During their happy hour (5- 7:30pm every night & 9- 11:30pm Sunday - Thursday), all food is half off with the purchase of an adult beverage. They offer a decent selection beer and wine. And during the warm weather, they have outdoor tables in the park, however, the half-price deal doesnt apply outside. Their "happy hour" makes this the perfect place in Harvard Square to hang out with friends after work before a trip across the street to Shay's.
(4)Bernadette S.
Just went for brunch yesterday - my first time at this legendary establishment. It was affordable and my meal was delicious - the ham, gruyere and veggie frittata - though I didn't notice the gruyere. For $7.50 I received this, a small bowl of fruit and potatoes o'brien. Yummy but I was still hungry. Jen's meal was pathetic - a turkey burger that was about 2mm thin, really poorly presented and unappetizing. I felt badly for her. 3 stars for potential and imagination - it was nice to see a veggie frittata with peas and a bellini with absinthe. Make the frittata and especially the turkey burger a little heartier, though.
(3)Caitlin C.
bad food. long wait. above all---BAD SERVICE. No thank you.
(1)C.Michele S.
The Tuna melt is amazing! This place is small and does get a little crowded after 8pm. Since it's really only a sitting type of bar you have to plan accordingly. The drinks are decent priced though I wish they were a little bigger. The food though is really cheap so def check this place out if you need a pre-drinks place.
(3)Sophia L.
Not gourmet by any standards but fun for a drink or two and pleanty of options for food! I definitely think the service left something to be desired but I can see this being a fun place just to grab a casual drink with friends. Great for cheap happy hour half price food.
(3)Jacqueline M.
An 'everyone is welcome' spirit is what you'll find at Grendel's Den, along with inexpensive food and drink. In the summer time, they have patio seating, which is worth the wait. I've pretty much found most of their food tasty and filling. This place is great if you are on a student budget.
(4)Ashlee C.
Good place to hang out and sip a drink if you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere. I have had no trouble getting a table on weekends - the turnover seems pretty high at this place. I cannot attest to the food; so far I have only had drinks here. I can't really say that I recommend the mixed drinks. I got a martini there that was an absolute disaster, so stick to the beer. A Cambridge classic that is worth seeing if you are in the area.
(3)Harsh V.
Half priced dinners: this is how it'll go down. Order a $5 beer which while entirely decent isn't the best in show. Pair it with a fully loaded burger (veggie or meaty) - many toppings to choose from - for less than $3.50. Entirely wholesome after-work dining experience. I'm throwing in an extra star for the ridiculously inexpensive food deal.
(4)Sara B.
Love the atmosphere, and the outdoor seating is great in the warm weather, but the patrons can be a bit...hmmm...overtly intellectual, if you will...and self-involved...in a way that becomes difficult to listen to after an hour or so if you wind up next to a particularly talkative bunch. The tables are small and the quarters close. Best thing about Grendel's is the half-price deal. It's amazing. Half off everything on the menu with the purchase of one drink. The hours for the deal are - I believe - 5-7:30pm every day, and 9-11:30pm Sunday - Thursday. The spinach/artichoke/snow crab dip sounds amazing, but tastes like it's out of a can. Disappointing. Burgers are great, including the veggie burgers, but they don't come with fries. Thought the cole slaw is tasty and light. The Guinness stew and the cheese fondue are unique and hearty, especially good on a cold night. Nachos are awesome for the price. Lots of great vegetarian options. This is Harvard Square, after all.
(3)Maria V.
It's the night of a Sox game. We're walking around Harvard Square and want to 1) catch the game 2) get some food and drink without going broke. This being Harvard Square, of course, those two otherwise basic needs are rather difficult to fulfill. Grendel's delivers. We left after three innings and did barely $10 in damage each. Not bad, not bad.
(4)Erik H.
This place is literally my home away from home. I realize that I am very biased but this is hands down the best bar in Harvard Square. You can complain about the service but a lot of the customers bring a inflated sense of entitlement into the bar and simply don't like being put in their place. The food is decent and if you ask for recommendation you will often be pleasantly surprised. If you are out looking for a good time you'll find it here. If you go out and think you're in Faneuil Hall you will probably not.
(5)Alice K.
This little restaurant could be easily overlooked, but really shouldn't be. The beer is good and the food is better. The menu is tasty, unique and affordable; portions are just right for a satisfying meal without leftovers. (Highly recommended, though it's a special and won't be around long: the bacon and onion Alsatian tart) Food is half-priced from 5:30-7:00 every night and 9-11 on weeknights with more than $3 of beverages. Seating yourself can be confusing the first time out, and the only thing to be wary of is the occasional Harvard Square weirdo at the bar. ;)
(4)John D.
I've been to this restaurant once and will not return again. I went for a late lunch on a Sunday recently. There were not many other patrons at the time, and despite this and the fact that there were a number of wait staff, the service was disappointing. They managed to forget to set the table until asked and made a mistake with our order (the kitchen must have misread the ticket, which was correct). The prices seemed reasonable until we got our food. The portions were small and the food bland. I was hoping for a filling meal, but after an appetizer, soup, and a wrap, was still hungry.
(2)Lou L.
This place is nothing to rave about, but you can't beat there happy hour prices. 1/2 all food 4 -7 p.m. everyday. Loved the cheese fondue for two, but it is really meant for about six people!
(4)Aaron S.
This used to be one of the nicest places in the Boston area to grab a drink, but these days it has a little too much of a frat part feel to it. Still though, I feel the need to give it four stars, so how bad could it be.
(4)Akilesh A.
Crappy food, but a mildly fun atmosphere. And, if you go during certain times in the evenings, you can get their crappy food half-price. I'd avoid.
(1)John M.
Good beer, inedible (not incredible, INEDIBLE) food. By "intimate and cozy" I think a previous reviewer meant "stifling heat, infernal din, cramped, and overcrowded." Service is ridiculously slow.
(2)Andy M.
Grendel's Den is a restaurant disguised as a bar. Sure, the drinks and affordable prices are what bring students and hipsters in. But the meals are good, and who doesn't like a good price for a meal. Check out the seasonal outdoor seating, or the cave like interior, and you'll have a good time.
(5)Ken P.
I'm a huge fan of this place. The food is really good, and during the half-priced time period, really cheap. The beer selection is great. The ambiance is what you'd sort of expect from an old-fashioned basement bar. The only issue I typically have is a lack of seating. There really aren't that many tables for the amount of people that trickle in during peak hours... But, for a place with cheap food and good beer, that's to be expected.
(4)Sally F.
Grendels has now updated their website and their staff on which items on the menu are "safe" for glutards like me. So, if you're gluten-free, head over to their website for a GF menu...they have them in the bar, too, so you'll be all set. Enjoy your quinoa, everyone!
(5)Warren H.
Went here with my wife and daughter for a late dinner when visiting Cambridge. Overall, we had a fine experience. It was pleasant, a bit noisy but not unbearable. We were surprised and delighted by the half price food offer and took full advantage. My daughter ordered a burger along with me. My wife ordered a seafood platter with salmon, shrimp and scallops. Everything was good save the veggies which were canned. Fresh veggies would make the experience perfect. We were looking for simple pub grub and we found it! We'll be back again.
(4)Melissa W.
Stopped in here for a drink on a very cold winter's night for a glass of bourbon... the bartender was very attentive and personable. This is definitely a dive bar filled with hipsters and Harvard types, but not obnoxiously so. I did not try the food.
(4)Tiffany M.
--Edit to add, regarding owner's comment-- Bringing out apps and entrees at the same time is a huge no-no. No guest should have to COMPLAIN about it for you to know that it SUCKS. Neither of you were very pleasant. I remember your comment exactly. It was
(3)Gabby N.
I would actually like to give this place a 3 1/2. I'm visiting Boston this week to visit some high school friends and our itinerary has pretty much been: walk, eat, walk, drink, walk, eat, drink, drink, drink...etc. We came in here last night for "dinner" and of course drinking. The food was awesome considering it was 50% off when you buy a drink for a minimum of $3. You could eat a burger for a mere 3.25. We ended up ordering 3 full orders of wings (so yummy), a salad (not bad...), nachos (I wish there was more cheese), and some dip with imitation crab and other stuff (pretty damn good). I ordered a baileys and iced cappuccino for my drink and my friends ordered a couple rounds of sangria and Arnie's Army. The sangria wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great. Arnie's Army however was surprisingly good. I don't typically drink hard alcohol and it was pretty much vodka. For all you ladies, it is a tasty drink well worth the money and alcohol percentage. Only down side to this place? Bad service. We went up to the bar to order my drink because it wasn't on the menu and she told us just to sit down and ask our waiter. When our waiter came around to get our order she left half way through before we even got to finish telling her what we wanted. Our table was never cleared until we asked. Well worth it to come for happy hour, don't know otherwise.
(4)Matthew M.
Grendel's Den is a nice little bar. The beer selection is small but good, having a number of high-quality brews available, including several locals like Cambridge Brewing Co. and Berkshire Brewing Co. It's not my thing, but several of my friends like to go there because they have absinthe. The food is thoroughly solid. It wasn't magical, but I was far from disappointed. I've had the nachos, a rueben, and a broiled trout (catch of the day that day), and all were fully satisfying. Take that, and consider that on weeknights food is HALF PRICE as long as you buy a beverage, and you can score some seriously nice eats for small cash. The atmosphere is pretty nice. Not very huge, a little cozy, but it feels a little bit like hanging out in a friend's furnished basement to me.
(4)Jolene S.
I made the mistake of eating here late on Wednesday night. My friend is moving to NYC and we were out late. Given the fact that almost everything else was closed, I decided to give this place a try. I suppose that the prices during half-price hours are unbeatable but the burger I ordered was just not palatable (it's hard to go wrong with beef, barbecue sauce, cheese and bacon). The meat was dry and the cheese rubbery. Even the roll sucked. The best thing I had was the mocha latte drink. I was not impressed and won't be going back. There are so many better options in the area.
(2)Jason W.
Grendel's Den is the quintessential "grad student bar" - cheap food, casual atmosphere, and an atomsphere conducive to enjoying your drink instead of getting blitzed like an undergrad. Every night from 5-7:30, the restaurant offers 1/2 price on all food with a $3 drink minimum. This is easy to hit - one beer (or even a fancy root beer) gets you half off apps, entrees - everything. The food is pretty good. It's upscale bar food. Nothing special at full price, but it is a definite deal during happy hour. Three stars for the food and full price, but happy hour bumps this up to four stars. It's right in the middle of the Cambridge area. Parking in garages is plentiful (if not expensive), but Grendel's Den will validate. From here, it's an easy walk to the other shops and restaurants near Harvard, making this restaurant a great place to start the night. One tip: GET HERE EARLY. This place gets packed by 6:30 PM. You will definitely have trouble finding a table as the evening goes on, and they are very specific in saying that the half price meals only happen until 7:30 - if your order is entered in the computer at 7:31, you are out of luck.
(4)Lalin A.
Mediocre food but cheap! Usually very hard to find seating, especially for bigger groups. Smells bad: inadequate airconditioning. But, could be a fun place if you get a corner or wall-side table and just enjoy casual conversation with friends. Not a place to take your date! Make the most out of the happy hour and half-price deal.
(3)Happy Eater B.
The half-off deal is absolutely fantastic. The food is great, the beers are carefully chosen, the atmosphere is lively. Factors keeping it from five-stars: flies of some kind were at the table, one of our table's entrees was just average. Overall, a nice place to go and, for half-off, a terrific deal.
(4)S G.
What I love about Grendel's Den is that it reminds me of the way pubs used to be, back when going to a wine bar or being able to name more than three types of cheese made you a yuppie. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a drink at a repurposed warehouse with a lightly ironic menu, but sometimes it is nice to just go somewhere where they don't mess about. They have a good, surprisingly vegetarian friendly menu. Things are cheap, even without their special deal, and the food is tasty. The waiters are always around when you need them but they don't interrupt your conversation with the ubiquitous 'how is everything so far?'. If your purpose is to go out and have a relaxing, pleasant evening with some friends, you really can't go wrong here.
(4)Alexander H.
Great aspects about this place: Good beer and drink selection, great ambiance, nice location, good food, reasonable prices, a sandwich called "Grendel" Not so great aspects of Grendels: Server was kinda cranky, crowded, seating isn't exactly the most comfortable you'll find All in all, if you're looking for a good place in Harvard square for some filling, fatty food, look no further.
(4)Michael C.
Where else can you get a sit-down lunch for $3.95? Need I say more? Probably not, but I will anyway. You get about seven or eight choices for that delightfully low price. The food's decent--uninspiring and small sandwiches, but good soups and salads. Nice, cozy atmosphere if you sit by the fireplace. Service is okay but can be somewhat slow, especially if your waitress's friends are there and she spends her work time chatting with them and ignoring her other customers. But hey, for $3.95, I'm happy. In warm weather I enjoy taking lunch out from the various Harvard Square sandwich shops and eating it outside, but in wintertime it's nice to sit in a restaurant--and who really wants to eat inside Felipe's or Sabra Grill? So if winter ever comes this year, you'll find me by the warm Grendel's fire.
(4)Julia O.
I have been here many times over the past four years and each time I go there I've been pretty happy with the food and service, and would give a 3-4 star rating. I went there today and we waited almost 50 minutes for our food to arrive - and everyone else around us seemed to be experiencing the same delay too - and there weren't that many people there. Our waiter seemed to be high or something because we had to ask for our check twice and the second time we did then proceeded to go on and on about how today he was talking in a british accent but didn't know why. He also hovered right over us as we were taking our wallets out to pay which was very awkward and we weren't planning on leaving much of a tip. Sad to say I won't be going there again because I did like their nachos...
(1)E B.
Cheap food, tastes good. An interesting mix of menu. Good bar atmosphere and seating outside during the summer. Good options for vegetarians. The music played is sometimes interesting and people at the bar are friendly, sometimes the customers more than the bartenders.
(4)Maia C.
Not my type of place. Slow to getting to the table and the food was odd. My friend got pasta which looked good. Since we ordered a soda and water they seemed to not want to serve us. It would probably be ok if we liked the dungeon.
(2)_ _.
Scale of 1-10 (multiple visits): 7 Food 8 *Drinks* 7 Service 9 Atmosphere 7 Value
(3)Steve F.
A fun, cheap, lively place. The Dark n Stormy was indeed good, as was the mulled wine that my date had. The food (quesedilla) was just ok, but the atmosphere and drinks made up for it.
(4)Layla P.
went here for drinks on a cold Friday night. Got warmed up with a delicious peppermint schnapps hot chocolate which everyone at my table loved. Canadian hot cider was also toasty and delicious. But most of all I wish I knew how to make your Peachtree toddy at my own house, just curl up with that in a mug and you'd be fine even if the heat went out!
(4)Michael B.
Besides the great name, Grendel's is a chill place to grab drinks & late night snacks down in its basement grotto, and also a fun, tasty place to grab brunch on a Sunday. The outside tables are perfect for brunch in nice weather and give you the chance to take in some quality people watching in the nearby park. Also, the tables are mostly in the shade, so you don't have to worry about getting fried by the sun on a warm spring or summer day. My girlfriend and I ate brunch there this morning and would definitely go back. Our waiter this morning was especially fun and chill.
(4)John C.
Grendel's Den may be a little out of the way, but worth it. I've been coming here for more than a decade (yes, I remember when it was two levels) and the food has been consistently excellent. While my favorite might by their straw and hay pasta, there's plenty on the menu for everyone (including vegetarian entrees). The bar and restaurant are for good friends and good conversation... there isn't a TV in sight and the music is loud enough to hear but not drowning out conversation. Highly recommended.
(4)Stephanie T.
grendel's den is pretty great. though, i'm pretty sure i'd dish out 4 stars to ANY restaurant that offers half prices on their ENTIRE food menu every week night from 5-7:30 and weekends from 9-11:30. beer selection is small, food is creative, but not very bold. i've never had anything i absolutely HAD to have again, which can be problematic with a small menu. but i've never had complaints either. though, personal preference - chips or slaw with sandwiches is a pretty lame. i like fries. especially for an $8 burger, i want fries! not just a bag of lays dumped on my plate. that could be just me though. good atmosphere, friendly (albeit busy) wait staff. i will (and do) return - especially for half price food! 4 stars!
(4)Yi-Fen S.
non-stellar service, perhaps apropos given dark dive dingy atmosphere (a good thing, gotta be in the mood though). you come here to chill with a few brews and good company (obvi littered with hahvahd crowd) stick to the potables: dark n stormy, unique ales (like pumpkin in autumn). edibles offerings quite varied in terms of "globetrotting selections" and vegan options (peruvian quinoa, pesto pasta)... definitely not your run-of-the-mill bar foods, but lacking in general (aside from pretty impressive chimichurri): overcooked steak, creamy but chalky/cementy hummus, "mediterranean" cuisine, but sometimes that's just what you need on a cold winter's night after an exhausting day at the museum / midnight snack / any day trumps Qdoba and the like around the square. very affordable and great collegiate pub vibe
(3)Ryan C.
Bad burger served with worse cole slaw. Inexcusable for a pub to serve crappy food, esp when it's as simple as a burger.
(1)Lucy Z.
Boyfriend and I were walking around the square on what could've been the hottest day of the summer. The tables outside looked inviting, but I was amazed anyone could really put up w/ the heat. So, we sought refuge downstairs and inside (in the "Den" haha). The place is sort of dark and almost cavernous and a glance at the menu suggests it's a pub that screams of beer-centric happy hours and Barcardi specials (nothing wrong with that at all). I sprung for a veggie salad w/ tofu (yes, I managed to avoid the tempting sandwiches and burgers). It was alright . I was happy with the generous serving of veggies, as it did satisfy my veggie quota for a whole week, but I do have to throw a Are-You-Kidding-Me with the tofu (strangely flavored, kind of soggy, etc). My boyfriend however, really enjoyed his turkey & harvarti sandwich, on a baguette with pesto-mayo. Even though it came with potato chips and not fries.
(3)Ashley S.
Sometime good enough is, well, good enough. Grendel's is good enough. It's passable, eclectic bar food that's pretty cheap. It's even cheaper if you come before 7:30p on a weeknight, when it's half price. Yup. You can get dinner for like $4...and not because you got a fast food burrito. Footnotes: + They have a wide selection of veggie offerings + They have a few large tables that they save for groups
(3)Carissa H.
Every time I've been to Grendel's, the food has been great and the staff has had no problem when there were 7-12 people in our party wandering in and out all evening. Grendel's beats the hell out of Cambridge Common (and Charlie's since there's never anywhere to sit at Charlie's). Half price food for most of the evening sweetens the deal. And I don't drink so I can't speak about their alcohol selection, but my friends who do drink have never complained.
(5)Jasmine C.
Went there for the first time last night and this is going to my new fav place to hang out after work. Not saying that the food is GREAT, but hey, with $3 beer and $4 HUGE serving of Nachos, how bad can it get. It has a nice selection of beer, (although i wanted the Carlsberg and they didnt have it) and a good selection of food. Granted i only had nachos, but i saw plenty of items (tuna melt and chicken wings) that I def want to try when i get back the next time -- which wont be long. Atmosphere was really good -- no pretentious people and they even have outdoor sitting. Extra plus for summer.
(3)Mark G.
Great fresh salsa.
(5)Whitney K.
Scott is a great bar tender. Such a stand up dude. Will definitely be back.
(5)Shane F.
I went to Grendel's for the first time in 8 years last night. The last time I'd eaten anything there may have been 10 years before that. Since the upstairs closed I can't remember hearing anyone talk about Grendel's without mentioning the cheap food during happy hour. So, I expected the food to be crap and the beer to be ordinary. Well, the beer was better than ordinary and I was plum shocked by the food. The whole menu is half price before 7:30 Sunday through Thursday! Two of us sat down at 7:20 and had dinner with drinks for $16. I had a well above average bar burrito with a whole quarter of an avocado added for fifty cents. I think that's a pretty good price for avocado. My conclusion from last night is that Grendel's Den is surprisingly good, shockingly affordable and has simply gobs of vegetarian options.
(4)Z R.
I don't come here for the food. I come for the atmosphere. The old creaky wooden floors and equally old creaky big wooden tables are charming. It reminds me of Chumley's in NYC. For those of you who are looking to eat here, however, the food isn't terrible. It's decent and reasonably-priced. Someone mentioned food poisoning in their review. Just stick to the basics, and you'll be fine.
(4)Kirs P.
I was just at Grendel's last night and was reminded how much I love this place. Is the food great? Not really, but you can't beat the prices- especially during the happy hour half price everything on the menu. That's pretty sweet. Especially if you get the fondue for 2, which if you do as an app with your group, is a great way to pass the time. The service? Eh. But, again, you never really end up caring, because you are having a pretty great time drinking, talking, and watchin' everyone else in the restaurant. Weirdness- they have co-ed bathrooms, which if it were just one stall woudn't be weird, but one of the bathrooms has two stalls in it. All I've gotta say is that boys are not always the best bathroom partners.
(5)A M.
This place is worth avoiding at all costs. The only thing more repugnant than the bathrooms at Grendel's Den is the staff behind the bar. These miserable, slow-moving vehicles take every chance to be rude to customers. The one time they do speed up is at last call, which they ring a good 20 min before every other place in Cambridge, just to get all the paying customers out. Fat and greedy, they only care to serve their moronic minions, who hang around the bar enjoying free drinks well past closing. Shame on you!
(1)Steve D.
A bit of a cave but great people, great food, great value. Classic spot.
(4)Alice P.
I went today with my husband and friends of ours for lunch. Before that I had only been for drinks and snacks so I was eager to try out an actual meal. My husband got a cesear salad to start and I stole some of the crotons were which were divine. But crotons do not a meal make (unfortunately) so it was on to my burger and chips. I was quite surprised that they don't have fries (one of my guilty pleasures) so I got homefries in addition to the chips. The homefries were excellent - whole slices of potato satueed lightly. The chips were just generic chips - nothing to write home about. Unfortunately the hamburger was less than stellar. It was two patties that were quite greasy and had more of a light grey sheen than the dark brown/black that hamburgers usually are. It was kind of off-putting. The lettuce for a topping was shredded which meant almost none of it stayed on, and the slice of tomato was rather measly. All in all it didn't taste bad; I guess I was just expecting more. I do like the atmosphere and the drinks are great, but I was less impressed with the food. Also, it was still brunch time, but there were very few brunch items. It mainly consisted of egg-and-meat concoctions.
(3)Sutee D.
I go to Grendel's for the atmosphere. It's bar where you can actually have good conversations. Although it still retains it's laid-back vibe, on Friday and Saturday nights, you can feel the energy from all of the people around you. You get the buzz from a lot of different conversations happening around you (and the alcohol), but you can still hear your friends (not to be taken for granted in bars in Boston). Good selection of drinks-wine, beer, cider, etc. The food is super-cheap (1/2 off at times!) during happy hour, etc, but a bit disappointing. The quality and price cater towards the college crowd but doesn't quite fit with the overall ambiance. Grendel's is the kind of place where I wouldn't mind paying more for quality food. If you're going to put seafood on the menu, do it justice. Otherwise, just stick with basic bar food. I'll go either way, but please make up your mind.
(3)Eve C.
Relaxed a friendly, with really cheap food and a great bar. Thankfully they DO NOT serve Bud. =)
(5)Susan D.
I was split between giving this bar/restaurant one or two stars and rounded up because I am in a gracious mood. The food was not spectacular. I ordered the shrimp sauteed in sambal sauce, which was pure sambal (Chinese chilies) mixed with 7 shrimp on top of a bed of white rice. My husband ordered a forgettable Mediterranean wrap. Credos for serving up authentic spicy food, but nay for the lack of originality when it comes to how they mixed the flavors. Also, the service was crappy. I guess what would I expect from a college bar. We ordered two beers and our meals. Twenty minutes later, the waiter asks us to remind him what we ordered. Then it took another 30 minutes for the drinks to come out because my husband's special beer glass was going through the wash. Sadly, when his beer arrived, the glass was hot, which made the beer strangely warm. Overall, what do you expect? The food was half off and watching the future powers of the world hang out with their professors was fun.
(2)William H.
I want to like this place, I really do. It's a cool funky below ground spot, but that just isn't enough for me. The food at best is boring and at most times its just plain bad. I went back a couple of days ago, willing to give it another try. It was 3:00 in the afternoon, not rush hour and we waited 20 minutes for someone to come with menus, then another 15-20 before our order was taken. The service is complete crap not to mention the rude wait staff. Seriously if you don't like your job, quit! After another 30 minute wait for the food, the clam chowder was only luke warm and had grit in it. The bread on the sandwich was stale and the beef was cold. After all that we had to wait yet another 20 minutes just to get our check. If you don't mind mediocre food, fine but plan on long waits and rude staff.
(2)Marcus D.
I don't know why this place gets such rave reviews. As a bar, it's alright, they actually let the Guinness sit for like twenty minutes to get it right, so kudos on that one, otherwise it's just a run of the mill pub. The place was packed and the patrons were sucking up the air, making it almost a little gross, but the bartender was friendly.
(2)Kabir H.
This place has really cheap food. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for. If you're just drinking, they've got a number of cozy spots that can seat a decent sized party. The lighting is the highlight of this place; dimly lit and there are even a couple tables in the back, away from prying eyes... Show up with a friend or a large party if you can find seats, but stick to beer.
(3)Bill B.
Awesome if you show up after hours M-Th. Half off food and seating isn't as bad as you'd expect. Don't think I would want to bother with the prices on the weekend tho. Good place to meet up with buddies after work.
(5)Julia F.
I went here on a Friday or Saturday night, we were meeting a group of maybe 10 people, only the person who had invited us had never seen how small the place was - it was at capacity for about 30+ minutes, so we all had to take turns waiting to get in. It was a decent night, we all go in finally once a few people who had come to have dinner left. It was difficult to try to have the bill split up, but finally we got different tabs for at least the food we ended up eating half way through our drinking. First impression of the staff, not good. Though the door guy grew on me, as the night went on (our interactions were many, what with my constant-smoking-while-drinking-habits). In the end, it was alright. I would go, but only bring one person tops with me... and not drink enough to have to use the bathroom... cause it's gross and teeny. Thumbs up on the veggie burger, but does my memory serve rightly that they don't have fries? A place that doesn't serve fries freaks me out a little bit...
(3)Phil W.
My friends and I used to come here weekly for post-work drinks. We've since moved onto Gargoyle's in Davis Square, as it's more local for us, but we still hit Grendels once in a while. The half-price food in the evenings is a great deal, and I can't recommend the Natural Disaster sandwich enough - two turkey patties, cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato? Awesome. I order it every time. Though I don't understand for the life of me why they can't put some flippin' french fries on the menu. Everything else on the menu is bar food fare, so where are the fries? Seriously! Service varies on your server; sitting at the bar helps. One of the bartenders really likes Wilco and all other things Jeff Tweedy. We get along great.
(3)Purvi R.
Stop #2 on the bf's birthday bar crawl. We entered to find our friends already waiting for us, and got down to business. This is a great location to meet up with folks; pretty big inside, larger tables/booths, and yummy cocktails - I think I had a raspberry mojito or similar. It also had a down-to-earth feel about the place, which is just my speed. It is on the list of places to come back - I really like this little area of Winthrop, super cute and nice to walk around in with no cars!
(3)Michele L.
One of the few places in Boston that offers happy hour specials (half price food until 7), so worth it, but it does get really crowded. Beer selection is mediocre and so is the food - except the vegan chili which was really cheap and delicious. Come here for the prices and the atmosphere - its cosy and denlike as the name suggests. If you are ok with waiting outside for a spot to open up its definitely a good spot to hit up on a Saturday night.
(3)Jennafir E.
All this place has going for it was the decor. It was a chill bar with good outdoor seating. The rest, well isn't memorable in a good way. The hummus is horrific. Stay away for the love of god. The sangria wasn't made well and the beer choices could have been better.
(2)Rachel G.
Come to Grendel's Den for happy hour and, with any drink purchase (alcoholic or non-!), your food is half off. For this alone, I'd give this place a try, but since we got food that was a. tasty and b. very well-portioned (not skimped or modified to fit the prices) I feel as though true fandom is in order. They're also one of the few casual places that I've been to in Boston/Cambridge that serves fondue. When four of us went to Om this past summer, we all found ourselves wishing we were here instead.
(4)Mats K.
This is a nice after-work meetup restaurant. The food is always tasty (and their happy hour half off everything on the menu makes it easy on the wallet) though the portions are a bit on the small side. They have a good selection of beer. Nice place to come and hang out after work with friends.
(4)Laura M.
Really crowded with a mixed group (college kids, young professionals, older folks) on a Thursday evening during their "happy hour." Half-price food with the purchase of a drink before 7:00. My turkey sandwich was decent and my Dead Guy Ale was $3.80 -- not bad. Got out of there with a $7 dinner including the beer. Service was slow and somewhat surly, and I had to get up and ask a bartender for a glass to pour my beer into (am I a snob? I like to see the color and the head when I try a new beer...). Hard to get a table. I'd give it three stars if not for the cheap special, but the price is so right. And they have Dark and Stormies.
(4)Terra W.
I give Grendel's a 1 star, not that I have actually eaten there though. One Saturday night we stopped by not too long ago. It was crowded, and there were 3 of us. One server told us to sit wherever we wanted, so we sat at the only open table, still a mess from the previous patrons (which is OK), which was a table for 5. We say looking at the menu for 15 or so minutes when our server finally appeared. She informed us that since there was just three of us, we could not sit there, at that table for 5. We asked where we should sit since there were no other tables, and she rudely repeated herself, gave us a nasty look and walked away. We went to the thai place around the corner instead where we got service with a smile. I won't be heading back to Grendel's anytime soon.
(1)Noelle F.
A couple things I love about this place: they have original sin cider on tap, the half-price special they run, the atmosphere (very cozy and laid back). My one and only con is the food. I've tried a couple menu items and everything has just been so-so. Then again, it was half priced so I can't complain too much! Overall, great place to have a couple after work beers
(4)Michael D.
Initially I wasn't to impressed with Grendel's Den, but it quickly grew on me with it's really diverse beer and drink menu, cheap and simple pub grub, good/fast service, and a really social atmosphere. It's now one of my default dives when i'm anywhere near Harvard Square.
(4)jorbi p.
I'm giving Grendel's 5 because I can't give it 4.5, which is probably more what it deserves. The vibe in this place is great. No tv's, and half price food to be had with great frequency. And the food is usually quite awesome, especially for the price. The Seafood Dishes and the French Dip sandwich are awesome, as are their various specials (I'm praying they bring back their Chicken Pot Pie from last winter.) I dare you to order the Shrimp Sambal... easily the spiciest/hottest dish I've ever had. The waitresses are usually brimming with cuteness (can't complain about that) and are usually very friendly (though I have had the occasional rude one). The bartenders are usually very cool... the guy ones tend to be the friendlier ones I find. Who knows why. Now for the important part: drinks. Grendel's has the best Dark & Stormy I've ever had... i don't know if it's the special canned ginger beer they use or the fact that they get the goslings and the ginger beer to separate just right, but it's damn good. They also serve a warm port wine & cider that is really good during the winter months. For some reason they don't have any corporate beer (odd only because they do have have corporate booze) which might bother some, but is fine by me. There is also outside patio seating, which you can now drink at as long as you order food. There are no half price specials outside, however. The only reason I'd knock this place down 1/2 star is because every so often the food is not 100% and because when they get busy, it can take a while to get service sometimes. I've sat at the bar 5 or 10 minutes a couple times before getting served, and the bar isn't that big. Also, their bar stools are very uncomfortable, albeit only if you sit on them for a 1/2 hour or more. These negatives are infrequent though, and no reason not to check this place out.
(5)Dan M.
Grendel's is easily one of my favorite places to kick back and relax with a drink. It's got a laid-back atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and a real mix of patrons which makes for great people watching. It can get pretty packed on a Saturday night, but unlike a lot of places you never feel like you have to shout to have a conversation. My experiences with the food menu have been limited to the nachos, potato skins, and the French Dip, and I haven't been disappointed by them, plus the half-price hours make it hard to go wrong. One of the best things about the drink menu is the "No Bud, Coors, Miller" statement on it, so if you want cheap, bad beer go somewhere else. There are a handful of beers that are always on tap, my favorites being Guinness and Original Sin Cider, and a frequently changing selection of micro brews to choose from. They also have a great Dark and Stormy if that's more up your alley. A couple of people have commented on the unisex bathrooms. There are two bathrooms, one is a double stall (on opposite sides of the sink) and the other is a single. If you don't want to share a bathroom just wait for the single.
(5)Meghan D.
Extremely diverse menu - cannot beat their half off menu prices before 7:30! Great meet up for friends - as a starting point or even staying place for the night. I have done both - and had a good time either way. Just a short walk from the Harvard Square t-stop. Worth a quick stop or a whole meal.
(3)Alexandra C.
This place is awesome. I love the outdoor seating and of course the half-off menu every day! My roomie is a vegetarian and they also have some great vegetarian options. We had the portobello wrap and artichoke/crab/spinach dip the other night and they were both amazing! Definitely worth going to.
(4)Luke C.
The only thing grendel's has going for it is the appetizer special from 5 to 730. Other than that, nothing shines about this place. Grendels has mediocre food and black flies flying around. I've made the mistake of bringing a date here once, needless to say things didn't work out. There's so many better options nearby (John harvard's brew house, for example)
(2)Emily S.
Two gripes are that it is impossibly crowded and the service is ehhh...other than that: cheap Dark n Stormys...good beer on tap...and half priced food at certain hours. So there.
(4)Nicole M.
I'm almost positive I've tried their fries - c'mon let's face it, whose fries haven't I tried?!! - but haven't eaten anything else at Grendel's. Just booze! Yes, it gets loud and crowded and sometimes a bit dank, but it's always a good time.
(3)Beth G.
The food is blah, meh, feh, whatever- don't eat there. But if you're out w/a group of friends in Harvard Square and want to get your drink on, then Grendel's is the place.
(3)Francesca R.
See now, I almost gave Grendel's four stars because when I'm here, I usually have a nice, relaxed evening and I'm a big fan of a good atmosphere. But then I remembered why I'm never the one to suggest going here, and usually offer up alternatives before settling here - the service is sloooow and the food is meh. However, they really do have awesomely cheap grub, and when a group of us get together and camp out at one of the tables, it's a good time. I would spend more money on booze if only I could find our server...
(3)Seth O.
Having worked in Harvard square for several years, Grendel's has always been one of my favorite spots for lunch or for drinks after work. While it can get a bit crowded during the frugal period known as happy hour; I've found it a relatively quiet place to lunch, especially if you don't go out until 1:30 or 2:00. People have mentioned that the fondue's not spectacular; well, in the grand scheme of fondue, its not the best out there, but it is still tasty cheese with bread; but during happy hour it's $10 between 2 maybe more people and I can't think of many places you can a vat of molten cheesy goodness for anything approaching that price. I've always liked the Grendel Roast beef sandwich and the chicken breast sandwich with honey mustard as well as the shrimp caesar salad; all of which find their way onto the lunch menu. One further note; it seems you can now drink alcohol outside there (though sadly no happy hour on the coveted patio chairs) which is something I think everyone who frequents the place has been waiting for.
(5)Christopher R.
This almost reminds me of one of my favorite drinking spots in DC (The Brickskeller). I guess its just the brick. The food is decent, the drinks are average, the service is okay. I guess I just love it because of the atomosphere. Its a great place to chill.
(4)Byron M.
If you are running low on cash and you want to eat well and have a decent beer, find your way to Grendel's Den in Harvard Square. They are located in the basement (low rent) part of the building. They have happy hour half price food when you spend a minimum of $3 per person on drinks. The food is ok, but is not going to win any awards, but if you want a cheap night out, this is the place. I liked their burger on a baguette. It was good. It is busy during happy hour. They do happy hour every day.
(3)Jeff S.
This place is more about atmosphere and for the fact that you can get the happy hour special on the food if you take a drink. The food is less than mediocre-nothing to write home about except order a side salad. I swear it is the best salad I have ever had because of all the stuff they put in it!! Whatever you do, do not order the fondue. You think you are getting this amazing bubbling concoction of cheese but really it is a lump of unpleasantness that takes forever to get to the consistency of rubber cheese to tear and put it on the bread by hand. They really need to take it off the menu and consider putting fries on there instead of greasy, salty, poor man's potato chips.
(3)grey b.
True, I've only been here briefly twice, but i just don't feel the need to go back. Given the number of good to great bars withing a ten minute walk from here, G.D. is a wholly unremarkable establishment with mediocre service and mediocre food trapped in bland atmosphere.
(2)Julia W.
I really really love this place. It does get pretty crowded on weekends but I have never had to wait that long for a table even then. The staff are friendly, the service is fast, the drinks are yum and they have a Dark and Stormy for about $4.75 that is fantastic! The food is so great to. Just a good, honest, delicious menu which has never disappointed me. Totally reasonable prices and they have that half price thing on some weekdays! Whenever my friends or a date suggest Harvard Sq I always find myself saying "how about Grendel's Den". Thanks Grendels! You give me warm fuzzy feelings.
(5)Teju P.
This is a hidden jem for veggie lovers. Me and my friend split a quinoa dish and the special hummus melt. We left with full stomachs and no food coma. The lemonade is excellent and not to sweet. Definitely a veggie friend place!
(5)Lindsay L.
As a student, I go here every once in awhile for their lunch specials for $3.95 or for a drink and for their half price appetizers later at night. There aren't many great food deals in Harvard Square, so I will definitely give Grendel's points for making the effort to have lots of cheap food. It's also a nice, laidback bar scene. That being said, the food is always pretty average and I haven't been wowed by anything. The portions are pretty small as well. I would say it's good on a budget or if you're looking for a place where you can get a beer and want a quick snack but aren't too picky.
(3)Steve E.
Great bar with nice, cheap food.
(5)Jessica C.
Love the half-price before 7:30 special-- I came with my best friend and we shared the cheese fondue ($24 regularly, $12 with the deal) and had a few drinks. Not a huge fan of the fondue in terms of a meal (huge pot of stinky cheese off which I managed to get tipsy) but it was a fun experience. Otherwise good service, delicious drinks, and very down-to-earth for a delicious, affordable dinner. Lovely atmosphere. My only quip is that my mental image of Grendel was always a little grubbier than the Grendel on the restaurant T-shirts.. I guess I can live with that. :-)
(4)Joe R.
Nothing too flashy about ol' Grendel's (except maybe that it catches some of the uber-sheik glow from nearby OM's beacon-like opulence), but cool none-the-less. Great place for a meal at the counter. I didn't pick up on the "Harvard" bar aspect as much as other reviewers (other than the fact that it is practically on-campus and everyone in a 10-mile radius is affiliated with the school). If you're seeking to avoid the big "H," this may be a poor choice of geography...
(4)Nick B.
What can I say, the price is right. That said, the food is tasty, but the portions always leave me feeling somewhat unfulfilled, so I'm glad I've never tried to get food here during non-happy hour. The good news is that non-happy hour only lasts from 7-9pm, so chances are you'll get some cheap eats whenever you show up. This applies extra on Sunday when a variety of menu items can be had for a buck. A buck! As a footnote, there is a supreme court case entitled "Larkin v. Grendel's Den" [459 U.S. 116 (1982)]. A little slice of history for the other legally-minded nerds out there.
(3)Alexis J.
My mistake - the flowers are real! Obviously very good specimens when I saw them as I did think they were fake. Now, I can't argue with fresh cut flowers, can I?
(4)D. C.
Grendels' is usually packed. Especially at 1/2 price time. Half-Price hours are from 5:00 pm til 7:30 pm every evening and from 9:00 pm til 11:30 pm Sunday - Thursday. For me its hit or miss. Sometimes the food is really good but sometimes its just ok. My favorite is their turkey burger, its surprisingly good and not dry at all. You really can't beat that half price menu and the pub atmosphere. I'd give it a 3.5 if I could.
(4)Wyatt G.
I just tried out Grendel's Den for the first time and am very impressed: * vegan-friendly (they have their own veggie burger recipe that's great) * great service (my server was upbeat and helpful) * affordable * nice atmosphere I will definitely be coming back.
(5)Andrew W.
Love the half-price food happy hour and college town vibe. Where else can you get a steak for $7.50 in any major city? Was pretty good too! Grendel's = recession proof.
(4)Jeanne B.
Good place for a pint. The bar area is not very big so sitting is your best option. Wherever I stand I end up being in the way. Prices are decent and they have a nice selection of brews on tap.
(3)Lady Fang Y.
I keep hoping the food will be consistent. But it seems to get worse every time I go. The first time I went it was amazing, then every time after it went south. Today I tried the Grendel sandwich, deli style roast beef with herg garlic cream cheese and rye toast. That was it. It was SO dry, the bread hurt my mouth and there was the bare minimum of cheese. No joke, the 4 tables around us, every person , 7 people, ordered the Lala chicken...maybe we missed out! I look forward to the spinach dip, but the last time I was there it was scary, and I didn't want to risk it. No bud, coors, miller or lite versions were served there. Fine by me. Original Sin is on tap! Disappointed for lunch today...probably the last time I'll eat there.
(2)tommie r.
GD's is pretty "what you see is what you get"; the substance of the place rests more in its atmosphere, set up and patrons than in its food. if you're feeling relaxed, are mostly going out for drinks and are basically in the mood for anything that fits the technical definition of "food" GDs is a good place for you.
(4)Emily S.
Sin Cider on tap :) Great atmosphere in the middle of Harvard SQ.
(4)Sean E.
Hrmm... Their food is veeeeery hit or miss with me. But the price is right. You know, they kind of put you in the position where you can't really complaint about the food because you only paid a few bucks for it. They can do something awesome like a plate of mussels for 5 bucks or something and have it be really tasty -- and then you can get a sandwich or some chicken or soup or something and have it just be really blah. Point being -- they're food is as good as what you're paying. It's a nice atmosphere, good beers and single malts can be found here, good place to meet up before a movie or just to hang out. But if you're out on a date or looking to impress or just looking to have a good meal -- I'd head elsewhere my friend.
(3)Courtney H.
Been back to Grendel's a couple times lately with one visit lasting a good 8 hours. That should tell you how awesome this bar is! Go, and go now.
(4)Corydon S.
Grendel's Den is my favorite place to avoid the inflated prices and ego of Harvard Square. At lunch the food is so cheap, you may look at your bill twice. I like going earlier in the day when place is pretty dead and I can eat my roast beef sandwich in peace. When it's packed, it gets so loud that it's hard to hear what the person across from you is saying. Still it's worth being able to chow smugly on food that is decent and cheaper than any of the places around it.
(3)Tez C.
Grendel's gets five starts for me just because of their half-off food happy hours. 500-730 and after 900, as long as you get one drink $3+, all food is half off, and while the food isn't spectacular, it is pretty good and cheaper than most food you can find in Harvard Square. The place is pretty cozy, though it can get pretty crowded at times. Our waitress was awesome. All around good times. It's the closest thing to a happy hour I've found here.
(5)Dalet Z.
cool spot with cool waiters/waitresses & bartenders. cool drinks/beer (had a black & cider - guiness with apple sin cider. it was delicious!) great deals on food. 1/2 off their whole menu from 5:00 to 7:30pm. (i got the lala's dinner - i forget the name of it, but it comes with your choice of steak or chicken or both. i did both. and your choice of 2 sides. i thought it was pretty tasty! would only get the chicken next time though. the steak was a bit chewy. but maybe it's the way i ordered it - medium well. who knows. i got the salad & mashed potatoes. loved both of them. my fiance' likes their roast beef sandwich. and i've gotten their turkey burger before which was good. they have great beer selections. they have outdoor seating too, which is nice in the summer. and still open even though october is almost over.
(4)D P.
Seriously, I would give a zero star but 1 is as low as I can rate. I used to really like Grendel's and looks like they have gone down the hill. We went there after couple of years on Memorial day and with perfect temperature outside, we decided to sit outside. Besides service being really slow, I can not be more unhappy about each food items we ordered. I almost feel like calling the manager and having him fire the cook -- if there was a cook working on a holiday or was it a busboy putting food together. Let me start with app-- ordered hummus($5) which had 'no taste'. It was clearly prepared on the premise since there was no 'lemon', 'salt' or any hint of other spice. It was terrible. Second, for the lunch entree, there was a special of "Kerala Curry with Tofu/Chicken"($8) which came on a bed of rice and vegetables. Curry was nothing but someone dumped coconut milk and was so mildly spiced that I ate a little bit but I stopped eating because I don't like to eat if I don't enjoy food. Another entree was 'lella's chicken'($9) -- OMG, the chicken was so dry that even with a steak knife, it took forever to cut it. The only part was descent in 'Leila's chicken' was the sauce on the side which was parsley, cilantro, garlic based sauce .
(1)Abbey L.
Grendel's is a great spot for after work. All food is 50% off between 5 and 7 and frankly even without that discount, it's quite cheap. It's not the greatest food I've ever had, but it's totally fine and there are a lot of choices on the menu.
(3)kelly w.
I think this is my favorite place in Boston. I've only been twice so far, but both times I had some really well-mixed, affordable and unusual drinks. The food ranges from basic to somewhat imaginative, and I think it's good. And you can't beat the price.
(5)M. Deloris D.
What with all the Beowolf hullaballoo, there's no better time than the present to give props to this underground underground (not a typo) hangout. Grendel's Den serves up eats on the cheap 5- 7:30 pm every night and 9- 11:30 pm Sunday - Thursday long as you meet a drink minimum of $3/person. This place isn't the "meat market" it could be and I'm thankful for that. The food is not gourmet but it's cheap and good. I'm a HUGE fan of the shrimp sambal and the steak tips aren't bad either. Whatever you do, skip dessert. There's much better to be had in the vicinity. I challenge you to see how far a $10 bill will stretch at Grendel's.
(4)Nicholas M.
Grendels has a nice patio which is perfect for those 80 degree days in April after suffering through a long winter. I enjoyed one of their wraps which had turkey, avocado & bacon and shared the "vegetable banquet". The portions were however...Anti American if you know what I mean. But nonetheless it was nice lunch in a great part of Cambridge I have never been to. I'll probably be back for a beer some night.
(3)Austin S.
Grendel's is all about price and atmosphere -- both are phenomenal. The entire menu is very reasonably priced, especially during their extensive happy hours. That isn't to say that the food's actually very good, but the fact that you can get a perfectly decent smoked turkey and bacon wrap or a bowl of quite filling pasta for $4 is pretty amazing. The beer and wine selection are quite good, especially given the prices. Their recently revamped wine list is much improved. Honestly, I'd prefer a little more rotation on the beer menu, but they usually have at least a couple good brews on tap. Mostly, though, the atmosphere is just damn good. It's perhaps the most chill, comfortable, homey place in Harvard Square. It's quite a testament to say this: it's actually comfortable to go in at 1:00 pm, sit at the bar with a bunch of reading you have to do for work/school, have some lunch and a beer (or three), and enjoy the occasional friendly distractions of the bar staff.
(4)Stephanie H.
My sister got me hooked on this place soon after I moved to Boston area in 2002. I have loved it ever since. When I moved to the north shore in 2005 I was going to miss being so close to Grendals. I have made it back a few times but not as much as I would want when I lived in Belmont. They have good food and beer at great prices and it such a cozy atmosphere. Sometimes finding a seat can be hard but be patient. in the warmer months they set up some seats outside. Good any season of the year to go to.
(4)Krista H.
This is totally a place that I bring people to that are from out of town. It is very reasonably priced, food is great, and the atmosphere is the best in Boston. Very laid back and a great place to meet up with friends. The menu isn't too exciting but the food is never bad. I'm always up for a trip to Grendel's, no matter what day of the week it is.
(4)jodi h.
Good atmosphere for a beer, but avoid the food. It isn't tasty at all. They can't even good basic bar food. Go to Charlie's down the street if you want to eat. Having said that, they have half price food before and after dinner time, so, at least the food is cheap.
(2)Jason C.
Best deal in the Boston area. Where else can you get a decent meal and a nice beer for under $10?
(5)Julie R.
While this place wasn't great, it wasn't bad either. The crowd looked like mostly Harvard grad students. It was in the basement it had that old speak easy type feeling. Drinks were ok but came very slow. The waitress we had passed by so many times then finally noticed the glasses where empty with us saying something. It's a cool place for a drink but if the server was on top of things I'd give it another star. Didn't try any food but noticed the menu had some low priced specials.
(3)Jeremy S.
Cool underground pub (literally not figuratively!). Good beer selection and a friendly casual place to drink with your buddies.
(4)michael m.
Came here for lunch the other day. The tables are packed in really tight together, so you're pretty much on top of one another. We were able to get a table quick though, and the service was passable. Ordered the steak tip sandwich, which was alright. However, it came with chips, as the place doesn't serve french fries. Such a disappointment when getting steak or a burger. The atmosphere is very basement like -- dark and dingy -- but not a real problem. There is a patio, and as of now, you cannot drink alcohol there, but Grendel's is getting a permit for that. There's a great selection of beer -- Magic Hat, Cambridge Hefeweizen, Harpoon -- no Bud Light or Miller Lite. These were at a decent price, too. The menu has a few perks, too. There's the $3.95 lunchtime special, half price menu from 5 to 7, and dollar meals Sunday night. You can see the menus here: grendelsden.com/menu.html
(3)Ben J.
Fantastic Clam Chowder. French dip was so so and service was a little slow. Great atmosphere in Havard Square.
(3)Daisy K.
food's super cheap at nine, their second happy hour, when the eats are half off, but that goes hand in hand with mediocre tastes. i did however drink some pungent dark and stormys and the beer selection was long enough to browse, wonder, and order again and again. i like the space- low dark and warm, and the bar's situated as a perfect u-turn. i love the fact that its wheelchair accessible, seeing eye dog friendly, and that they have bathrooms designed for all genders at the same time. they do have the sign "either/or" on the bathrooms, but whyyyy must we be punished with the binary gender norm? there is no either/or; it's "anything/everything"! (summary: food's eh but the drinks are set, and everything ends in a smile on the toilet). oh and they played prince for most of the night. use that fact with your own enlightening discretion (i liked it ;D)
(3)Adam B.
not much i can add to a place with 119 reviews. but, ill throw my 2 cents in... came here saturday night for dinner with a friend and sat out side. it was a really nice night so we weathered the breeze to enjoy a nice dinner under the moon (wow, that sounded ghey...haha). i really like this place because they really advertise the fact, that all those crappy light beers are just that....CRAP. you wont find any sort of brahweiser here...the assortment of beer is great as well as the drinks. my friend got a very tasty patron Margarita and i, an equally good martini. the food however, wasn't the greatest. i got the seafood combo and wasn't very happy wit the portions. the salmon was about the size of my thumb ( i have tiny hands) and the shrimp, about a third that. the "rice pilaf" was tasteless and the sauce that came with the fish tasted like salt water. my friend got the santa fe salad, and the chicken was cold and barbecue sauce, not very good... probably not a great place to eat, but not bad to hang out and drink a few cocktails and some beers from around the world.
(3)kyle c.
i still love this place! those of us that work down the street at charlie's make an effort to come here after our day shifts weekly. the staff is excellent, particularly bartender dave. while i like coming to this bar often, my favorite times are when dave is working.
(5)Terry S.
Once in that blue moon, I feel like visiting the den of the grendel. There are things about the place that I like and there are things that I like more. Let us discuss these for a moment. Outside seating is a serious thumbs up. Its nicely located in that little plaza area and its pretty awesome for people watching while you munch and sip. One small issue is that the food isn't all that outstanding. But, when you glance the prices... I mean, not so bad. So, you get what you pay for, and from what I gather there are ample times that they do half-pricing on food as long as you are having a drink. I like that more than full priced food. Anyway, the inside of the place has a nice feel and one might say its "grendel-esque", but with a great deal less dismembered human limbs. Perhaps, if it was named after his mother, things would be different. All around, this is a great little spot to sit back and relax, have a few drinks and talk about how complete badassed Beowulf was and how he must've been great in the sack. Er... or on a pile of hay and mud.
(4)Abbey B.
Four stars NOT for the food, but everything else. Eating here is never memorable. I can't remember one thing I've gotten that was better than something I could make at home. But they have a great half price deal on food at certain hours of the day, if you buy a drink. Sundays, a bunch of menu items are $1 with purchase of a drink. Not half bad. Let me just say here that I LOVE Grendel's. Probably my favorite bar. Great beer selection, always creative and delicious seasonal drinks that don't cost too much, great music. It's seat yourself, so if you're there on a busy night, you might find yourself checking out the other tables to see how close to done everyone is, then hover near that table so you can stake your claim as soon as the table's empty. I love that Grendel's is small but cozy, very laid back, and the servers are always really nice. Love this place. Oh, Rachael Ray went here on one of her shows. THAT pissed me off. She probably stayed for five minutes, then asked for a Wet-Nap.
(4)Tracee D.
yes to exposed brick yes to Beowolf yes to basements yes to beer yes to a too cute/gruffy server boy,. no to food no to Harv. Sq no to mean bartender old disheveled lady who had the audacity to tell me that the server boy needs to "make his livin' " when I tried to order a quick- social- lubricant shot at the bar....
(2)Julia Megan W.
Love to come here for the half-price specials. It is always a pleasant walk through the square and it all feels very low: low down, low key, low price. I like to get the fish with a baked potato and anytime they throw gorgonzola on anything it is a win. I think the nachos here are silly in a not good way.
(4)Heather L.
i went to grendel's den with a few friends and we had a really great time. the waitress we had was a sweatheart (wish i could remember her name) the sandwiches were really good and the atmosphere was fun! i've yet to have a good drink there but i'm pretty picky.
(4)Susan L.
Sitting outside in the sun chowing down and having a beer while listening to live music are some of the best things about summertime. Although the food isn't that great, the overall experience was.
(3)S S.
I agree with Trish's review on this one, Grendel is really like a fast food place with beer. It gets really loud and packed here on friday and the evening with students. During the day, its the tourist that wander in.There is one unisex bathroom, they have a decent selection on tap, the food is cheap and filling. Really, there is not much to say about this place.
(3)Jared G.
Solid beer bar, I agree, but definitely lacking in the food department. I caught a flimsy Caesar salad up at the bar; dry grilled chicken and lettuce so weak I almost pitied the fool who'd picked it. I must say, though, that the happy hour deals do seem pretty impressive. Come here for a couple cold ones and a relaxed atmosphere. But for goodness' sake - there are so many other places to get a good meal in the square- why come here for dinner?
(3)Kiki B.
underground location, underimpressive food. sure it's cheap, but i'm pretty sure they cook on a hot plate.
(1)Corry B.
I went here on a first date who was nice but was talking about porn by the time we got here. This is more the kind of place you talk about hobbits (okay, I guess porn and hobbits aren't mutually exclusive). Wonderful beer selection- I heart any place that won't sell Budwiser, and I was spared my evil judgment by not having to watch date order a Beer Lite (why? why do you drink those things?) while he got the yummiest mulled cider! Hot drinks! Yeah! Fireplace! I will devote myself to any bar that has those hooks on the underside of the bar for jacket hanging. I'd even forgive lite beer for those hooks. I think. Update: I went back here again with a much better companion and we got there early enough (before 7:30 on weekday, 9-11 on weekend-good deal! ) to order 1/2 price food- the WHOLE freaking menu! I was kind of overwhelmed and for some reason freaked out (oh! the choices! for price? what do i do? order something i usually can't afford? or?or?) and ordered spaghetti, a nice olive-y yet seemingly caper-less pasta puttanesca- but it was good. They put things on smallish looking plates, but it's the right amount and they are tricky, cuz you think you are getting such a deal you keep ordering drink after drink after... and the bathrooms can be co-ed so if you want some privacy and don't feel like running in on some stranger shakin' off the droplets go into the single cell on the right. Oh, and this night the music was amazingly bad. To the point of it being campy and spurring conversation about the Fat Boys and New Kids on the Block (you'd be surprised how much they have in common when you analyze...) which in my opinion is much safer than porn talk.
(3)Justine K.
Went to Grendel's Den for the first time this weekend and was pleasantly surprised! Have been to Harvard Square a million time s and some how never checked out Grendel's. All food was half price if you buy a drink. In season they offer warm cider drinks.. can't wait to go back and try em. Cute and cozy inside with a fireplace (wasn't lit while we were there). Staff was friendly but not over the top. I would reccomed this place after a day of shopping or for a snack and a drink if you are looking to relax.
(4)Brian D.
The only really cool thing about Grendel's is the name. This place should be really cool. It's underground, sort of dank but it just goes really blah, really fast. If you get a table you will probably get pretty meh service. If'n you are at the bar - ditto. The drinks aren't super cheap and they aren't super expensive. The food looked like it was pretty average. I think the coolest thing about Grendel's is just getting drunk and calling the place 'Grundel's' instead or even 'Grendel's Grundel'.
(2)Chris D.
Great little spot. Sometimes gets crowded on the weekends, but usually you can find a table. The drinks are good and reasonably priced. The kitchen closes a little earlier than you'd like, maybe around 11 (I forget). The staff is always friendly, and overall the atmosphere is very comfortable.
(4)David T.
awesome, fun place to grab a great draught or a stiff drink. the bartenders are awesome, and sit at the bar and chat you up once shift change comes around. everyone's pretty much awesome here. food is so-so, but i went for the drinks. service at the bar downstairs is super quick and easy on the wallet too. awesome place to just meet random, cool strangers and leave having made some crazy friends! the buffalo wings were rather plentiful, and the potato skins weren't so much skins, but like awesome baked potatoes! ate away to my heart's content!
(4)Kristine M.
Half price food during happy hour. Turkey, pesto, and havarti sandwich for only $3.25? I'm sold. The sandwich was pretty good and I like the coziness of it.
(4)Paolo D.
Jesus, I don;t know whay so many people bitch and moan about the food.....You are getting a real meal here for $5 if you go during Happy Hour.....I always order the mixed grill, which is great. Beers are reasonably priced, lots to choose from, there's always a good number of people hanging, unfortunately it is always 85 degrees in here, which is weird, since it is in the basement.
(4)Ger T.
The food here is cheap, filling, kind of like higher-class diner food without all the grease. It's a good place to meet friends for a quick bite if you're in Harvard Square and want an inexpensive place to eat. Their burgers are no-frills, but again, filled me up, and they have a pretty good drinks selection with a good Happy Hour special for half off your meal. The chill, college-town-y atmosphere is really what makes the experience here, not the food.
(3)S W.
If you enjoy the taste of your own projectile vomit, look no further than here! It may be a fun bar but beware of the food- I got awful food poisoning from this place. And when I mention this to people, more often than not, someone else can relay a story of an upset stomach after eating here.. So if you wish to drink, I am pretty sure they haven't poisoned the libations so you will be safe-- But stay far away from the food.
(1)David B.
Cheese fondue for 2 at happy hour = $12.50 and comes with 2 salads laden with veggies. Add a 1/2 carafe of tasty cheap white wine to meet the min drink requirement, and you have an outrageous meal for you and your honey for about 25 bucks after tip.
(4)Sofia H.
i might have always gone at the same time but the few times i've stopped by grendel's den (awesome name i have to say, why i tried it in the first place...) the service always seems to be so all over the place that it makes the good (but not fantastic) food taste a little worse... i suppose to get a beer and go this place might be a good call but in general grendel's den is alright but def doesn't really impress
(3)michael s.
Having only eaten here once, I suppose I could possibly hold off on reviewing Grendel's until I've eaten there again a few times but the problem is, my experience there pretty much makes me never want to come back. Oh yes, also the server told us to never come back. This was quite a while ago, so perhaps that particular server has moved on to bigger and better things, like being a jerk at a more upscale restaurant, but that singular bad experience was enough to ensure that I never bother to come back. Because it is mildly reknowned around Harvard square, a group of three of us went to Grendel's one night for a later dinner. It was pretty busy but there were a couple of free tables and we were seated at one of the tables outside. We waited for our waiter for about 15 minutes. He came, took our orders in a rather surly manner and left. Fine, maybe he had a bad day, I can understand that. When I start to take it personally is when the waiter is polite and courteous to his other tables, but not us. The food came, after an incredibly long time, and it was only partially warm. At this point we decided to cut our losses and not deal with having to send back the food, so we ate our lukewarm burgers and fries and tried to flag the waiter down to get our bill. This turned out to be quite the task since our waiter was quite adept at completely ignoring us. I want to highlight here that it wasn't that our waiter was just horrendously busy - he had time to make small talk with other tables and demonstrate very clearly that his surliness was reserved just for select patrons. We waited for about 30 minutes before finally giving up and going down to the manager to get our bill to pay it. We left a tip commensurate with the service we received (read: whatever change was left over) and as we were walking away from Grendels, suddenly our waiter was able to devote all his attention to us as he chased after us and bitched us out for leaving him such a small tip. His parting sally? "Don't ever come back here." Gladly.
(1)Doris K.
What a steal! I'll admit that the food isn't spectaular but when you pay half-price it makes it worth it. If you buy a $3 drink during certain times of the day you can get all of your food half-price. The portions aren't huge but they are enough to fill you up. I usually get the pork tenderloin with mashed and sauerkraut. The boyfriend gets the Grendal sandwich with roast beef? and a cream cheese sauce. It's actually pretty decent. I would stick to the familiar things when it comes to food. I tried a chili lime chicken once (it was on the specials) and it didn't turn out so well. Don't expect too much service but sometimes we get lucky.
(4)Devin S.
To say that Grendel's is special is a lie, but, it shouldn't stop you from going. The half price deal's they offer are fantastic as long as you stay within the realm of typical pub grub. Their burgers, appetizers and soup are well worth the money at full price, it's only when you start experimenting with 'abnormal' menu items that you'll be happy the price is discounted enough to that you can eat the check. Make sure that whatever you order fits the atmosphere and you won't be disappointed.
(3)Aretha B.
cheap bar menu excellent dark n stormys (cheap!) and original sin cider on tap, mmmmm
(4)Stephen K.
Four stars for drinks, 2-3 for food. But I'm usually coming here for the drinks and the people so I guess I'll put it at four. The people you bring will raise or lower that accordingly. Onward... They have a nice selection of beers and a tap that rotates monthly, as well as some interesting drinks that my friends like to try, like crazy blueberry things and dark and stormies. I really like the atmosphere, though when it gets too crowded it's not as fun, and seems like they might be understaffed. I try to avoid the weekends for that reason. But during the week (at least) the staff is friendly and attentive - also everything on their menu is half price after 9 on weeknights. As for the food, they do have some express lunch specials for about four bucks, and what you get is reasonable considering the price. The outside tables right next to the little park provide a nice atmosphere if the weather is good, but the service is a definitely slower as the staff (understandably) seems to try to cut down on the trips up and down the stairs. My advice: have dinner (if it's not too fancy) at one of the better places in Harvard Square and a couple drinks here afterward.
(4)Sarah L.
Grendel's is my go-to place for cheap food and drinks. Not as elegant as some places in Harvard Square, but cozy and warm and great in the winter. Great place for a light dinner or drinks with friends. There's not a ton of space but it's good for a table of two or a group on a weekday.
(4)Kai P.
Over fifteen years ago I went to Grendel for fondue. It was a good time A, because I had never had fondue B, because I was 17. Now that I am old and the wonder of trying hot stinky cheese on skewered bread has passed I realize it wasn't that cool being the food has gotten drastically weak. While the burgers are quite fine and actually my friend was given a double burger rather than a single, it still points out that the cooks are either not paying attention or don't care. My seafood platters haddock looked like a scaled guppy, the scallops and shrimps were fine tho. This now leaves my memories of the fondue which were shattered when I tried the abrasively over wined sharp flavor... It tasted less like fine cheese and more like cheese whiz dunked in boxed wine. The wait staff was cool a nice but seem way disinterested in keeping up appearances. About three were all sitting at the bar reading when i was there. I didn't even realize they were staff until later. At best Grendel is a decent place to get a beer these days and strait bar food but outside of that your taking you life and taste buds in your own hands.
(2)Jeff B.
You're more likely to hear people talking about Suetonius than the Superbowl here. If football does come up in conversation, it's likely being used as an example to explain a complicated physical phenomenon. Don't overthink the menu, concentrate on the conversation. Order some drinks and appetizers, sit, relax, discuss.
(3)Amanda L.
Went there for Oktoberfest in Harvard Square and this place definitely did not disappoint. My bf got the Oktoberfest Marzen ale and I got the Original Sin Cider. We shared some bratwurst and soft pretzels with Camembert cheese and onions. Delicious, especially when you combine the two. Place was ridiculously busy and the seats were something to be desired but I will definitely come back to try their brunch and mimosas =) Plus I saw something for like $3.95 lunch specials? Def need to check it out again
(4)Heather H.
Look, the beer list is so-so, the food is pretty bad, it gets really hot, the staff is bitchy about what table you sit at sometimes, you're surrounded by Harvard kids, but yeah, it's really cheap. But why would you go to Grendel's when Charlie's and Shay's are just a few steps away in either direction?
(2)luke s.
the place offers what sounds like a deal--half off food during happy hour--but do not be deceived. i understand that the seductive prices make it appealing, and the impecunious college students that populate harvard square have good reason to seek modestly priced fare, but the cost benefit analysis comes out decidedly against grendel's. the beer selection is slightly better than what is available in the vicinity, but the prices aren't. the sangria, while tasty, seems to lack any alcohol content whatsoever. and the food that seemed like such a deal moments before, is sub-par at best. a hangover toddler with a microwave and an active imagination can do better with less, and would probably offer quicker service.
(2)Adrienne B.
You can't beat their happy hour special: if you order booze (pitcher of sangria is CHeAP) your food is 1/2 off. Their prices are already low so this is amazing. Many a night after work I've met up with friends and had a great time here. During the school year its a pain to have to stand around and wait for a table so we've gone elsewhere but its worth the wait if your a first timer. Please if you're not a party of 5 abide by the rules of the big tables- I'm usally a party of 5 and its annoying to stand waiting for a party of 3 to leave the only table that will fit us!
(4)Geoff T.
Though the prices have gone up a bit in the last couple years, I still love this place. When it's warm, have a seat at one of the outdoor tables-- when it's cold go down to the cozy under ground room (Do they still light the fire place?). Food is half-priced during happy hour, a mixed drink-- say a Gin and Tonic-- is a lot cheaper here than other bars (I won't quote a price as I haven't been there for a few months). The food is an ecclectic collection that ranges from middle eastern to italian. It can get crowed after work, but it's a great place for lunch or a little later at night after a movie at the Brattle Theater for a drink and some potato skins. Lots of character, decent beer selection, great vibe.
(5)Arik C.
Nu Bud, no Miller, BASTA! How I admire a bar that won't serve crap beer! Great prices on beer and not a bad selection. Wish they had more English beers but still what they have is all good!
(5)Michael G.
We went on a Sunday for lunch and couldn't decide if it was good or not. My french dip was really good, and I enjoyed the coffee. However, their tiny bottomless cups of coffee are slow to be refilled. I constantly had to ask our waitress to pour more. Plus, my girlfriend's hot chocolate was watery and bland. I'll probably return again, especially for the happy hour food.
(3)Lauren T.
I came here on a Sunday for Brunch with my mom after an art exhibit. For a woman used to higher quality places than I can afford, she approved of this place. The Brunch menu was short, sweet, classy and cheap. They offered seven egg choices and seven sandwich plates, all priced under $10 and dabbled with some sort of exotic cheese. The drink menu was fun and included the brunch basics, as well, as some champagne-infused ones I had never heard of. All around a cozy, great place, to warm up in, munch and placate a pestering mother.
(3)Brandy S.
Love this place in the winter!!!! The small bar is home to some "wicked smaht kids", and yummy food. The best part is their happy hour - everything on the food menu is half off. If you have a group, the fonue is a good deal. There is no pretention and no expectations - just casual fun.
(5)Jen and Tim S.
The sangria is tasty and the food is cheap during their half price specials. Not huge portions, which I think is a plus. The portions are just enough to eat and they cost about $3, which can't be beat. They have an interesting selection and changing specials, which is nice. The service is friendly & great on 4 out of 5 trips, I'd say. Only downside is you can't drink at the outdoor tables. A perfect meet up if you're in Harvard Square.
(4)Trish F.
Oh Grendel's. A little like fast food but with beer. I dig this place.. the place itself does have a bit of a basement feel which is a sharp contrast from it's outdoor seating that overlooks the little common on JFK Street. I've never paid full price for food, so I've always been a happy camper. On Sundays after 8pm they have a dollar menu (that's how Trishie rolls).. and during the weekdays they have a half price menu ($3 beverage purchase required) after work (5-7:30) time and late night (9-11:30)... with a $3.95 express lunch from 11:30am-3pm. I don't know if I'd pay full price for the food, but it is good for how much I pay for it. Every time I've gone, I've had a different waitress.. which is weird to me. The drinks are a pretty decent price, I just had a Sam summer for under $4, but they don't care Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Coors Light, Michelob.. they have a lovely little note at the end of the drink list. I wouldn't go with more than 3 or 4 people, it can get cramped. Note: The full bathroom is unisex so use the bathroon next to it (single "stall") if bumping into the opposite sex before washing your hands makes you feel uncomfortable.
(3)H Y.
It's kind of like Grendel's Lair; dark and underground and littered with the ghosts of beer and random pub food. Good for a drink and a sandwich or salad in a pinch when everywhere else is crowded. Cheap enough so you don't feel ripped off. Vaguely mediocre enough so you regret not eating somewhere else.
(3)Stacey D.
The 4-7pm half price food deal makes this a great after work snack & drink spot! As others have said, the food is not fabulous, but good with plenty of options for vegetarians. Good beer selection too - Cambridge Amber's my fav :) The basement atmosphere gives this place a cool vibe as well.
(4)Jack N.
Decent sangria, and friendly bartenders make for an enjoyable night out, but not a big fan of the food. Great location, but nothing to go out of your way for.
(3)Rue B.
Very good and very cheap with the half-price food deals. Stick with the sandwiches and you won't be disappointed. Cozy basement location and an okay beer selection. Like a warm hug from a Danish ogre.
(4)buckminster f.
i like grendel's, well, when its happy hour. the food is bland and uninspired, but hey, who can complain when it's all half off? did you know that their fireplace is fake? its basically a picture of a fireplace with some plastic materials flailing in some manmade gust. pathetically enough, the bf and i arrived at grendel's one winter night, and strove to get seated next to the faux fireplace, to find out soon enough that the thing emitted no heat. when we looked closer, we discovered that it was not really a fireplace. i realize this review is not very helpful to you. let me try to fix that. if you are planning to go there, id recommend that you get the turkey burger with mango chutney and other goodies piled on. the wines are not so good, so stay away. the beers you can't mess up, so there you have it. if you want a real fireplace, go across the place to the little red house.
(3)Andres M.
I have been here many times. I like the fact that this place has character. It i probably one of the oldest places in Harvard Square. The prices are decent, plus they have happy hour in which the food are is half priced. But be warned that this discount only applies if you order a drink. The only thing that annoys me is that it's always crowded and it's hard to find a table. Sometimes you have to leave. There is no waiting list.
(4)Jamie W.
Big fan of Grendel's! It's small, but to me feels cozy. It's loud, but to me feels lively. Not many places can pull that off. Most small, loud, environments are annoying. Grendel's just feels so laid back and non-assuming. They have some good beers. The food is pretty good, and affordable. Not fine dining, but decent selection. I'm a fan of the hummus appetizer and the vegan chili (ask them to hold the pesto if you're vegan though). One of my favorite things to do on a Saturday is go for a run along the Charles, then saunder up to Grendel's for beer and chili. Running clothes are fine!
(5)erin e.
Delicious. Cheap. Cold Beers. I might try to eliminate half of that final star in my rating due only to the fact that occasionally it's often full of college kids.
(5)Jennifer S.
My favorite lunch spot in Harvard Sq. They have great lunchtime specials, $3.95 for a perfectly portioned sandwich or burger. Try the french dip, I promise it will be the best one you have ever had!! The food also arrives at your table very quickly so you have plenty of time for lunch and a few errands on your lunch break. This is also a great place to head to after work, all of their food is 1/2 off from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and on Sunday they have a variety of apps for $1. FYI: Rachel Ray recently visited this spot and featured it on her show $40 a Day.
(5)Irene F.
Amazing!! The half-price deal is wonderful, but the portions are kind of small. However, I hadthe seafood combo for my half-price and was happily sull. The snow crap dip is also yummy, and my friends had salads and quesadillas that they were very happy with. A great selection of brews and wines, as well as friendly service, made this an awesome pre-theater or just hanging around kind of place.
(5)dane j.
about a month ago my cousin, girlfriend, and i meet our flat M8s in harvard square, and we are hungry. we walk around, checking everything out like the newb's we are and find a non chain awesome looking restaurant under a big tree with hanging lights like moths we went right to it. confusion entailed as we try to figure out how to nab the great seats outside, until someone finally tells us to sit where we want. we grab 2 tables, to combine them for the 5 of us, and are stopped and told 5 of us have to find a way to squeeze onto a table designed for 2. remember we're hungry, so we ignore the weirdness of being told we can't combine tables and sit...it takes forever to get drinks, get our appetizer 2 mins before getting our check, and had to settle for way less than stellar food. Dry, lacking in flavor, and hard to eat on a small table, this food was definitely not the highlight of our visit. All 5 of us were less than impressed with our entrees. Awkwardly enough, the coolest part about our visit was our waiters 70's porn 'stache! He was totally rocking the hipster vibe. Looking to have drinks at a cool spot on a clear night? This place is definitely a good choice. Looking for impressive service and great food, find another spot nearby. Honestly, the food was THAT horrible.
(2)Jennifer B.
I haven't tried the food, but my beer was as expected, and I enjoy the cozy, cave-like vibe. Like drinking with hibernating intellectuals.
(3)Stan B.
got an email from the owner with an apology. hence an extra star.
(2)Georgia Y.
Grendel's is hardly high class, but it's a great place to hit up when you're low on cash and you want a casual meal with friends. I'm a fan of the beer selection, the cave-like quality of the room, and the spinach pie. You get what you pay for here - acceptable, cheap pub grub, beer, and average service. Some people mention a "frat feel" to this place, but I haven't really noticed it.
(3)John F.
Great place for dinner with friends. And, the dinner special (buy a drink over $3, get your food half off!) is amazing. Definitely the place to go in Harvard Sq. with people after work for drinks and dinner. The portions are kind of small, though, so be prepared, and don't hesitate when it comes to ordering that appetizer!
(4)Aly H.
Good place for drinks, but the food is less than average. Great location!
(2)Crystal K.
Good neighborhood bar. Food is okay--typical pub fare but a little bit of a notch up. Great beer selection and their $10 sangria pitchers are awesome!! We go here fairly often but we're less likely to when school is in--too many Harvard kids there who make me realize how old I am. ;-) Definitely a good place to meet up with friends.
(4)Flora B.
Tasty bar food, decent beer selection... good atmosphere. Pahk your car in the Hahvahd Yahd and make your way to this Hahvahd Bahr.
(4)Ellie L.
One winter night, the unbearable walk from the T stop to my friend's place in Harvard forced me to seek refuge in underground Grendel's. After a beseeching phone call, I persuaded my pal to meet me here for a warm wine punch before heading back out into Boston's beastly January. After that, the Den lost its magical appeal and became just another Harvard bar, but hey, if it's cold and it's a hot drink you're wanting...
(3)Stephen J.
Great price - if you go at the right time. Grendel's happy hour is really the only time I think I'd eat there, because the half-priced appetizers aren't quite full-size portions. Between 5:30 and 7:30 every day you can get this splendid deal, provided that you consume $3 worth of drinks. While they do have a decent beer selection, the food really can't quite make up for it because not only are the portions a little suspect, but the taste isn't spectacular either. If you're thinking of getting drunk in the afternoon, then hit up Grendel's at 5:30 and eat until you drop. Otherwise, you can do better.
(2)M S.
This is a great place to go for drinks and appetizers with friends. The happy hour is very easy on a student's budget. Grendel's offers very decent beer at reasonable prices, and has a good selection of vegetarian food. Avoid peak hours, however, as the place gets crowded and the waiters don't get around to all the tables very often. Also, during the early happy hour, make sure to order your food before 7:30, even if you arrive and get drinks before then; otherwise, you'll be stuck paying full price for the food.
(4)Michelle R.
Cheapest full meal in the square when you hit the lunch or happy hour. The food is a bit bland, but it serves its purpose. Outdoor seating is at your own risk, sometimes the servers forget about you. When you've got a good side crowd with various tastes, grendel's can usually provide something for everyone without wowing anyone. Serves only beer and wine.
(3)Alexandra L.
Nothing too crazy about Grendel's - good beer selection, lots of seating and cheap appetizers during happy hour. I don't think I have ever eaten anything here, but they keep things simple and get it done right - everyone can appreciate that.
(3)Anonymous P.
Disgusting. That a place serves alcohol does not in itself justify more than one star.
(1)Kristin G.
Went here this weekend for a few drinks and some food- everything was pretty good- nothing spectacular, though. Pretty typical place.
(3)Brian B.
While visiting Boston, we ate here a couple of times. Nice place to sit outside and people watch. The turkey & havarti sandwich was good. I liked the portions (small), and the price (cheap). If only that stupid ass hippy hadn't shown up each day we were there, making me listen to his awful Beatles covers.
(4)Roshni R.
great little spot in harvard sq...i can't believe i never wandered in while i actually lived in cambridge! while i'm generally not a fan of mexican food in bos, the nachos here were great! my entree was a bacon and green onion "tart"--it was kind of like a mexican pizza but with provencal flair. excellent! my companions had the reuben sandwich and the bsilla (moroccon jumbalaya type thing). we all enjoyed our meal as well as the selection of beers/ciders. i hope to stop by again next time i'm in the area (especially for the half-price with drink deal)!
(4)Rebecca Y.
Cozy, but not romantic. Great place to meet for beers and apps.
(3)Ruth P.
Grendel's den used to have an amazing salad bar, but this was at least 10-15 years ago. I used to come here with my parents for dinner, but the atmosphere has definetly changed over the last decade or so. Good beers, very college atmosphere now. Nothing to really write home about, but certainly no complaints either. Grendels also has good outdoor seating which is nice for the warmer weather
(4)Anna f.
Great Place for soup and salad and maybe a quiche at lunch. Service is great !
(5)J B.
pretty good vegetarian-friendly bar menu, good happy hour if you are looking for something cheap. good for a whatever night or a stop off before heading elsewhere.
(3)Erin G.
I came here with some friends for some food and happy hour, and it wasn't any place I would rush back to. The food is half price when you drink during happy hour, so that was nice, but the waitress wasn't friendly (yes, I went with Allison T) and the food was alright. I did think they had an interesting menu for a bar however, not ur usual burgers, but more veggie and little snadwiches type food.
(3)Josh F.
A must go for cheap eats; their happy hour is the best deal in town. Buy a glass of booze and anything on the menu is half priced, not just appetizers. Not worth it at full price, though. Good beer selection. I've only been here to meet friends after work so I've never really experienced the college crowd other reviewers have mentioned. It is a little cramped down there so not good for large groups of people.
(4)Scott B.
i could lose weight if i ate here every day - the food is gross - i did have a beer that wasnt bad there - hey they can even screw up eggs - i mean how do you do that?
(2)Peter P.
I'm not asking you to love it, but you MUST respect it. Grendels is a total Cambridge institution. Grendels Den has been there for ever and ever and ever. There used to be a law that a church or religious institution could deny a business a liquor license if they were within a certain proximity of the "place of warship." Well god bless the late Sue and Herby for taking this one all the way to the supreme court in a groundbreaking case "Establishment of Religion and Free Exercise ... Grendel's Den, 459 US 116 (1982)" in which they cited separation of church and state. Do you know how many churches are in Cambridge??? Lets just say, if this law still stood the churches could have made Cambridge a dry town! Good drinks, good priced, half priced food during "happy hour" this place is part of the definition of Cambridge! do not....I repeat, DO NOT call this a "Harvard bar" this is a CAMBRIDGE bar.
(5)Dorian G.
nice place for a cheap bite. i had the falafel plate, which was presented so that i could create my own wrap. they give you the pitas, the salad, the falafel, and the tahina. i could have used more falafel, but for $6, i was content.
(4)Melissa B.
College students keep this place open. There are way too many other places in Harvard Square for me to EVER step foot in this place. On my one and only visit here it was just way too dirty for me. If I end up in a college hangout, I'd rather go to Shay's. And for cheap food and strong drinks, Charlie's is way better.
(1)Jessica R.
The place has fairly nice atmosphere but as far as I could tell the food there sucks for vegans. They are famous for winning a supreme court case though because they wanted a liquor license and are next to a church who objected.
(2)Kirsten J.
I always have fantastic food here, espcially on Fondue Thursdays, when it's half-off. The service can sometimes be a bit lacking or not terribly polite. Also, if the weather permits, sit outside to eat, it's perfect for people watching.
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