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Name: Lord Hobo
Address: 92 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA, 02139
Telephone: (617) 250-8454
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.51

Lord Hobo

92 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA, 02139

(617) 250-8454
Store is closed

Lord Hobo Menu

Small Plates & Sides

Manigodine

Meatballs

Fingerlings

Zoe's Antipasto

Polenta Fries

Truffle Fries

Boquerones

Lamb Belly

Brussels
Bigger Plates

Cheese Board

Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Hobo Chili

Poutine

Country Terrine

Chicken Lollipops
Salads

Roots

Cauliflower

Pear & Berry

Steak Salad
Sangos

Veggie Burger

Chicken

Hobo Burger

Short Rib
Entrees

Lamb Rack

Fish ‘n’ Chips

Jambalaya

Hanger Steak

Duck Breast

Arctic Char
Snacks & Share

Honey Muffins

Mini Waffles

Fruit & Yogurt

Cheddar Grits

Orange Cake
Entrees

The Breakfast Sam-wich

J.f.k.

Biscuits ‘n’ Gravy

Ron Swanson

2-eggs Any Style

Veggie Breakfast Enchiladas

Eggs Benedict
Brunch Cocktails

Bloody Mary

Desert Campfire

Electric Mayhem

Sunny D

Grapefruit Mimosa

Downtown Abbey

Mr. Peabody

Pinky And The Brain

Healthy Meal suggestions for Lord Hobo

Small Plates & Sides

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

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

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

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

Polenta Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Truffle Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

Brussels [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Bigger Plates

Cheese Board [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mac ‘n’ Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hobo Chili [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Country Terrine [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Lollipops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

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

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

Pear & Berry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

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

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

Short Rib [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrees

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

Fish ‘n’ Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Hanger Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Duck Breast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arctic Char [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Snacks & Share

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

Mini Waffles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

Orange Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrees

The Breakfast Sam-wich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

J.f.k. [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Biscuits ‘n’ Gravy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ron Swanson [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2-eggs Any Style [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Veggie Breakfast Enchiladas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Eggs Benedict [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Brunch Cocktails

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

Desert Campfire [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Electric Mayhem [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sunny D [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grapefruit Mimosa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Downtown Abbey [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

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Write An Anonymous Review

Cyndie B.

I guess this was the week of eh kind of places. I had been wanting to go Lord Hobo for months now and finally managed a visit. Be warned that parking is VERY difficult. #1 - The beer list is extensive and interesting. Lots to choose from and they were great about letting you take a taste before committing to a pint! I love Dunkel Weizen's and they had one that was exceptional! The menu had something for everyone: meat. fish and veggie options. I highly recommend the cauliflower salad, It was well prepared, a decent size portion and perfectly dressed (not too much - not too little). I also had the white bean veggie burger. I liked the food well enough, was impressed with the beer menu (it is huge) but felt that $50 for two beers and a veggie burger & salad was a little over the top price wise. I will keep looking until I find the perfect mix of excellent beer choices, great food and reasonable prices.
(3)
Manfred S.

Great watering hole! Kulmbacher = nice German beer. Tokyo wings = phenomenal. Lollipop chicken = sweet delight. Truffle fries = just right. Service unpretentious great!
(4)
John C.

The micro-beer and menu combination, along with the dark, yet spacey ambiance make Lord Hobo the best gastropub in Cambridge. Hands down. Known to the locals as "Hobos", the personable staff and global draft list (selected daily) allow for a home away from home. After 6:30 on weekends, forget about trying to find a seat. But any other time, and for delish Sunday brunch, pull up a bar stool and start sampling! True story, I didn't have a phone for a few months and the bartenders let me receive calls while 'working' at da bar. Cheers, eat your heart out Bukowski's. But Bukowski's is great too. Another Stone 'Enjoy By...' and a side of polenta fries please!!!!
(5)
jim b.

Gave it another shot as a friend wanted to go. Some good taps, especially appreciated some of the Trillium brews. Food was just ok. Still has a vibe about it I'm not into, but yeah, some good beers.
(3)
kimberly l.

In a word--beer. Food was decent, but if you are a beer nerd----uuummm, yuup, this is for you. Good selection of IPAs, which are a personal favorite. Staff seemed to know a reasonable amount about the beer on the menu. Sometimes they had to go find out, but I've been on the other end of that question and well, if you don't know that's okay by me in the end. Eaten here a few times and found the food to be good, but as I said, not the main attraction for sure.
(4)
Kelly O.

Solid beer bar. The giant tome of a menu has some great brews, and the atmosphere is dark, cool, and casual. Worth a trip if you're in the area.
(4)
Lucy B.

I went here for brunch with some friends last month and got the feeling that this place would have been better to go to the night before. The first things I noticed were the smell of stale beer and the heavy, drawn curtains. The restaurant was also empty when we got in at about 11, although it eventually started filling up. Unfortunately for us, their coffee machine was broken when we got there. Very sad for us coffee addicts! The waitress wasn't sure when it would be fixed, so my friends ended up going down the road to get coffee for the table. Eventually the coffee machine was fixed, but by then it was too late! The waitress was nice and apologetic about it and provided good service overall, but I was a little surprised she didn't give us a small discount or freebie, since we did have to go get our own coffee!! The food was average to good. I didn't think my poached egg/english muffin and hash browns were anything special, but my boyfriend and friends liked what they got. Would probably come back here for a beer, but not for brunch.
(3)
Liliana C.

Oh my god the truffle fries. While these are not unique to Lord Hobo, we highly recommend them. The truffle oil makes them melt in your mouth, and the fries are perfectly crispy while still nice and potato-y. Covered in some delicious grated cheese, they are a perfect accompaniment to the great and interesting selection of local beers on tap. Lord Hobo is a great bar space to hang out in (and tbh we do not really take to bars)-- definitely looking to come back for the next beer release. Also, the bartenders were extra-attentive and always ready to help/serve you.
(5)
Dan P.

Stopped in last night to finally check it out and had a great time. As everyone else has already said, they have a fantastic beer menu. Great draughts and a very good, although smaller, bottle list. Also tried the burger, obviously. Added the bacon, and the egg and it was delicious, maybe a tad overcooked, from med rare, but still nice and juicy. Fries were good, wished I had tried the truffle fries, or poutine... next time.
(4)
David Y.

Limited selection of food after a certain period of time, aNd at times it was limited to just fries, ham sandwich, turkey sandwich and salami sandwich. Decent selection of beers, and drinks. Atmosphere was okay wasn't too packed, seemed very chill.
(2)
Eric F.

Half Acre brews on tap? Check. DELICIOUS Truffle Fries reminiscent of Duckfat's sticks of joy? Double check. Walking in, the red velvet curtain opens up to a spacious dining area to the right with a nicely tapped up bar to the left. Being a bit more off the beaten path, brunch time was very pleasantly laid back. My friend's Duck Twice wasn't bad - skilleted duck eggs and a small side of sweet potato duck hash. Totally overshadowed though by the Big Hugs RIS we each nabbed a goblet of after tasting just one sip. More details on the food will have to wait until another visit, but Lord Hobo rocks one of the best draft lists in Boston & Cambridge that deserves mad props for pouring up Half Acre's brews without having to be in Chi-town.
(4)
Stefanie C.

You get what you pay for. High quality cocktails made by bartenders who know what they're doing and enjoy it. Some seriously amazing burgers (one of the best I've had anywhere) cooked exactly right and in general some kick ass food. Go here. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Juicy M.

How is this not a thing? Craft cocktails and truffle fries? Book-sized beer & cocktail menu? The drinks I had tonight were better than at the Gibson in DC and it was just some random place in a random corner of Cambridge that didn't have a cover charge (looking at you, Atwood's). I will be back whenever I am in town, for sure.
(5)
Patrick L.

Very cool bar and lounge. Loved the atmosphere. They have an extensive beer list. Did not eat but the menu looked great. The location is terrific. He'll they even have cool lightbulbs at the bar. Can't wait to go back
(5)
Paige L.

Spent the evening here with some friends, but wasn't all that impressed. I know it's Inman so a lot of people walk, but I drive and finding parking was a bitch! Just about the entire surrounding area is permit parking only. After driving around the neighborhood, I found a small spot right in front, but that was just luck. Sat next to the door where the large door liner only holds in some cold sir- that is unless you are seated to the side that let's in all of the air! Drinks were good, but $11 for a small cocktail- am I in NYC? I ended up with a $5 cider because I wasn't about to pay those prices. Call me frugal, but nothing's $11 worth unless it's straight alcohol, poured directly into my mouth. Went to take a look at the menu, and saw 10 entrees? So small. We ordered fries which were delish. I'm a veg so I wasn't feeling the veggie burger that you can pretty much get anywhere. No other options for vegs though and judging by the clientele, I'd say a lot of them are vegs too. Bathroom, clean. Server, attentive. If prices were lower, there were more food options, and it was closer to parking or even Harvard Square, I'd think about going again. But for now, I'll pass.
(3)
Amanda S.

We came here for brunch on Sunday after hearing rave reviews from friends, but I was less than impressed. The food and drinks were tasty and the prices are reasonable, but the service was less than impressive. It appeared they were short staffed, because one waitress was waiting on all the tables with scattered help from the hostess. We had to ask multiple times for drinks, and the waitress never apologized for forgetting things or that the wait was so long. In fact, she barely spoke. We were there for over two hours from beginning to end because it look so long for the food to come out, and then she billed our table of 5 as a table of 6 guests so she could include an automatic TWENTY percent tip. I just left with a bad taste in my mouth (pun not intended, the food was still pretty good).
(2)
Emily S.

Lord Hobo is almost always going to have new beers that I want to drink, and have a hard time finding. They seem to have great connections with breweries because they have drafts I have not seen anywhere else. The atmosphere in LH is cozy, but gets crowded. It can be hard to have a decent conversation depending on the time. There is also commonly a wait for a table - which may be frustrating. To be honest, I frequent LH to grab delicious drafts - and not necessarily for anything else. I was surprised to see so many low-ratings - because I've always had positive experiences. Any beer enthusiast should stop by for a drink if in the local area.
(4)
Rachel M.

I live very near Lord Hobo and have been many many times. The food is a bit over priced and probably won't fill you up, but it is artful and usually delicious. For the first year I lived here, the service was always impeccable, lately though, not so much. One server (Kenan, there's actually a sandwich named after him which is delish) has always been there and is great, one days when he's not the service seems to struggle. The cocktails are out of this world, and the beer selection is incredible. I also love the art they always have and the cozy atmosphere. I am always down for a stop into Lord Hobo.
(4)
Jeff D.

Lord Hobo is probably more famous for the beer than their food, but the food is nothing to sneeze at. The polenta fries had come highly recommended and did not disappoint. The garlic mayonnaise was the perfect compliment to the crispy, cornlike flavor. Our Hobo Burgers were also very tasty served on fresh buns and cooked medium rare like we asked (something you cannot always count on.) I was also able to try a few beers that I'd never tasted and stumbled upon the Ballast Point Brewing Sculpin IPA, which I'm going to have to compare taste-test style to the Lagunitas IPA to decide which one I like better.
(4)
Sally B.

I almost don't want to tell you how good the brunch is here so I can keep the place to myself, but it was WAY too delicious not to share. + good service and no wait - a MAJOR novelty on a Saturday morning in this part of town + good coffee and beer, if you're ready for it this early + super lemony and delicious hollandaise sauce on the eggs benny + a wide range of super heavy dishes (the waiter said he'd only seen one person finish the "Ron Swanson") and lighter ones, like the mini-waffles my friend and I shared, all delicious + Best. Hash. Ever. It featured turnips and other root veggies that made it sweet and hearty without overwhelming everything else on the plate. You might come for the bar scene, but stay for the brunch. Your stomach will thank you.
(5)
Daniel H.

Great decent priced craft beers very unique cocktails even though 11 apiece were good wait staff was very attentive in a great enviroment
(5)
Dan H.

Stopped back in for a visit this month while in Boston. Was again impressed by their fantastic beer list. Upgrading this from four to five stars.
(5)
Danie R.

I am always happy here. I will die like a pig in slop, happy, in the Mac'n'cheese... There's an AMAZINGGGG beer selection, and the truffle fries, and polenta fries (mmm fried things) are awesome.. I also like their signature cocktails. PLEASE! Bring back the mushroom pizza with a fried egg on it. I die now that it's gone. I finally had brunch there a few weekends ago and it was also dreamy. I didn't like the grits, but the yogurt thang is banging.. So is the Norwegian pancake! I got an enchilada special of some sort, vegetarian, and it was PERFECT. They also have a mug club!
(5)
Karen S.

My boyfriend and I have been going to Lord Hobo fairly regularly for a couple of years. Though it had been several months since our last visit, it was at the top of our list for taking friends and family this past weekend. Unfortunately, the pork belly both my aunt and boyfriend ordered was nothing like the pork belly seen at our table in the past. Though the same price, it was not only smaller, but nearly inedible. Wrapping some cucumber around a tiny piece of charred meat doesn't fool anyone, even if that person is two Mongos deep. I was bummed to discover that moules frites (which I once raved about as the best in Boston) were no longer on the menu, so I settled on the asparagus soup. The grilled cheese with cream of mushroom (another past menu item) was the first thing I ever ordered at Hobo and I trusted the soup would be satisfying. Unfortunately, though, I received a tiny bowl of thin soup for $14 and had to ask for bread on the side to feel even remotely satiated (I should note that I'm a fairly small person and it doesn't take much to fill me up). If the soup had been amazing, I probably wouldn't have cared so much about the portion, but it was mediocre at best. The citrus was so cloying, the taste of asparagus was not even present. A few slivers of almond did little to add texture. Despite incredible service (our waiter honestly saved the experience), we were a little embarrassed that we'd raved about this place to our guests and had to actually apologize with a feed of homemade french fries upon our return home. If I could give stars strictly for beer selection, I'd give 5 without hesitation, but my latest trip to Lord Hobo left us completely underwhelmed. Abandon the pretense and return to the solid gastropub fare or yore.
(2)
Laura S.

We came on a Sunday night. The place was somewhat busy but not packed - there were empty tables the entire time we were there. After being there for 45 minutes, we still had not even received our beers. I went to find the waiter, told him how long we'd been waiting, and asked if we could get our beers soon - he barely glanced at me and just said "yes." Even a half-hearted apology or acknowledgement of how long we'd waited would have gone a long way at that point. I'm pretty easy to please at restaurants, but perhaps the staff of Lord Hobo and I disagree about whether it's reasonable to wait 45+ minutes... at a bar... for your beer.
(1)
Mike G.

Very clean menu. Adequate selection, high-quality ingredients. A fresh look at traditional bar food. The chef obviously has contemporary experience and understands modern trends. I had the fish and chips. A nice light crispy batter that was cooked perfectly. The best part was that my plate had not 1 ounce of grease from the fish on it. Very well prepared. Service was okay. Overall, the servers could be a little bit more attentive. Understandably though, we did go during the busiest restaurant hours.
(4)
Melissa S.

Being only a ten minute walk away, this is my favorite restaurant to hit up after seeing a movie at the Kendall Square theater. It has a reputation of being a hipster hangout, but I assure you, the food is delicious. The crowd is young, but more young-professional than hipster. Lord Hobo's cocktail menu is my favorite in the city. Drink of choice? The Interloper. A perfect blend of gin, honey, lemon and scotch. I'm addicted. I'm not a beer drinker, but my boyfriend is and is a big fan of their draft offerings. As for the food, the truffle fries are always a mainstay on the small plates menu. The chicken lollipops are my favorite. An artful take on a standard chicken wing that always leaves me wanting more. One thing you can pass on is their mushroom small plate. It's just a bowl of sauteed mushrooms and a complete waste of money. If you're looking for a fun place to grab dinner before or after a movie, Lord Hobo is definitely the place to go!
(4)
Alex A.

My dinner at "Lord Hobo" began with promise as I went with some family and friends having heard this place has a cool atmosphere and above average food and drinks. Little did I know I was about to have the worst dining experience of my life. At the door, we were greeted by a surly mid 20s Nick Kroll lookalike who quickly prompted our party of seven to the table directly next to the door in 10 degree weather. It was four in the afternoon and the place was far from packed so I wasn't sure as to why we were sitting there, but it was all downhill from there. Apparently, this place does not serve the full menu at 4PM on a Saturday as everyone at our tables received an "off hours menu" a little bit bigger than the size of an index card. The menu contained a few appetizers that sounded somewhat appealing, but not for the price ($7 fries, uh what) and in total had under 10 options for dishes we could order. The menu contained a selection of pub food exclusively and we were unable to order off of or view the full menu until 5PM. We ordered our drinks and decided to suck it up and wait. While I can't assess the alcohol selection (underage), I can tell you that the service was incredibly frustrating and our drinks were not refilled. We tried a few of the appetizers and they were mostly miss rather than hit. The signature truffle fries were average, but the hush puppies and "wings" (not even wings) were extremely bland and not worth the price. As the hour slowly passed, we were able to maybe eye contact with our waiter (at 5:15) and get full menus. To be honest, there wasn't much more to be offered as the entire menu contained around 20 options with the only thing exclusive to this menu being a larger choice of entrees and sandwiches. As way too much time passed again, our Dr. Armond character was replaced with another mid 20s surly employee. This time, a hipster looking waitress who probably has more tumblr followers than me. She wasn't very much more friendly or attentive and also didn't refill drinks or really check on the table very much. Both servers were pretty poor overall. When our food finally came out, it was very mediocre as portions were small and prices were high. About half of us ended up just ordering off of the original menu we were shown because of the lack of options. A dish that looked interesting was the duck wrapped in bacon, however most of the entrees looked unappetizing and everything was expensive. One of us ordered Mac & Cheese that was burnt. Not sure how that's possible but it happened. Our check ended up being something ridiculous. Nothing against this place but was an extremely poor experience and would not go again. Food was subpar at best, service was horrible, and it was very expensive. Would not recommend to anyone.
(1)
Tamarleigh G.

I almost don't want to review this place, because it's already getting crowded. But it really deserves the good review, so here it is: Drinks: excellent cocktails, excellent beer, sometimes has special events with limited beers. A++ Food: great. A Service: hit or miss. sometimes excellent, sometimes not so great. B Vegetarian options: the menu is pretty limited. i get them to make the mac & cheese vegetarian. it's wonderful. there's a great local burrata app. but they definitely need more for vegetarians. C Overall: A-
(4)
Jim K.

Stopped by expecting a good burger and tasty beverages. And guess what? That's exactly what I got! Overall very satisfying. My party also tried the truffle fries and meatballs as starters and those also surpassed my expectations in taste and presentation. Service and vibe were equally friendly, and there was cool local art on the walls to add ambiance and color. I would return here again and enjoy more good times with friends and family. If you enjoy good pub food with a bit more of a modern twist (but not too extreme for you O.G. pub grub afficionados), then make you way on over to Lord Hobo and get ready to be Hobotized!
(4)
Marilyn C.

I had been meaning to go to lord hobo for a while as I had heard good things. This bar did not disappoint. Came around 9 or so on a Tues. Great selection of beers, lively atmosphere, great burger... a baby in a stroller... I think the baby just speaks to the neighborhoody/relaxed atmosphere. I thought the prices were reasonable and there were def. some other menu items I'd try although I would be hard pressed to not order the burger every time. Will certainly stop by again.
(4)
Jessica L.

One of my new favorite brunch places (yes, they serve brunch on Sundays now!). You must try the fried cheesy grits and the mini waffles. Trust me. Do it. Also, delicious cocktails. Love the Bloody Mary. Sometimes service can be a little slow if the place is packed, but it's worth it to me!
(4)
Cassy H.

Came here with some friends after some late night partying... We were hungry and thank goodness for Lord Hobo's late night menu. We ordered the truffle fries, which were amazing! It's just the right amount of truffle and parmesan. Writing a Yelp review about those fries makes me smile. In addition to fries, my friends also ordered some drinks, which I tried and all were great. There's an extensive drink menu, so it's a good place to go for parties of people with different drink preferences. Anyway, I'd definitely recommend this place for some late night eats and drinks. I mean, after all, wouldn't you want to check out a place called "Lord Hobo" just for its namesake?
(4)
Sara M.

Dear Lord Hobo, If brunch is wrong, I don't ever want to be right. Your arepa with pulled pork and plantain was amazing, and I could barely finish it. The corned beef hash (with french fries) was delectable as well. And the drinks? The perfect Bloody Mary with just the right amount of spice, garnished with an olive and a house-made pickle. Wow. The Grapefruit mimosa and the sweet tea julep got rave reviews as well. If I lived in the neighborhood, I would be here every Sunday waiting for you to open. And the service? Ken was outstanding, friendly, funny, and made fantastic recommendations. Awesome place for brunch, hands down. Cannot wait to go back xoxo Sara
(5)
Sophie C.

Very solid gastropub. This is a venue to haunt if you want a treat, rather than a bargain. Solid drinks, impressive food. I would definitely take 20-something friends here, whether they are local or from out of town. Come here if you are A) a craft beer snob B) in desperate need of rich fare to absorb the alcohol in your system C) starving but insistent on eating real food. I recommend the Hobo Burger. Highly. BEERS - One word: impressive. My friends and I are huge fans of porters and stouts. We ordered: 1) The Stone W00t Stout. 5 STARS. 13% ABV, stronger than most wines. Super dark, silky-smooth with notes of pecan, and delicious. It seems to be a rarer craft beer and it was an absolute treat. Highly recommend! 2) Port Brewing Hot Rocks. 4 STARS. 6.5% lager brewed with hot rocks. Quite good; the lightest of the 3 dark beers we tried. Very malty with some fruit. 3) Trillium Pot & Kettle. 4 STARS. 7%, Dry Porter: This is what the waitress suggested after we confessed our infatuation with the Stone W00t Stout. Good, but W00t was better and more unique. COCKTAILS - meh, but I may not have picked the best ones. Will need to retry. 1) Hot 4 Teacher, "mojito's bubbly cousin": 3 STARS. Rum, st. germain, mint, lime, and prosecco. This was a lot sweeter than my personal taste runs, but my girl friend liked it. If you love super sweet b*tch drinks (read: sex on the beach), this would be more up your alley. 2) Interloper: 3.5 STARS. Smokey nose, honey finish, beefeater gin, lemon, honey, scotch. Much better balanced than the Hot 4 Teacher. Good, but the beers were the real star at this joint. FOOD - somewhat pricey, but intensely satisfying and very tasty. 1) Truffle fries ($7): 5 STARS. I ADORE truffle fries. These hit the spot and were a perfect compliment to the Stone W00t Stout. 2) Mac 'n' Cheese ($14, $2 with bacon): 4 STARS. Very rich and very decadent. Made with bechamel and parmesan, great for absorbing alcohol. *3) Hobo Burber ($12): BARGAIN. 5 STARS. If you come here hungry, this is the best deal. Came with a LARGE portion fries, served with delicious aioli (and, alternatively, ketchup). Brioche bun complemented the meat perfectly, and the beef wasn't some wimpy little 1/3 pound patty. 4) Woodbury ($24): 2 STARS. littleneck clams served with herbs and grilled bread. Tasty, but $24 is a LOT of money for ~10 clams. Even with bread. 5) Fish 'n' Chips ($17): 3 STARS. The breading on the fish was perfectly crispy, but I had burger envy for most of the meal. Bonus: we could actually hear each other as we attempted tipsy conversation. Charming!
(4)
Torrie D.

I'm not a bar person, but I really like this one. It's a little too loud for me, but they play great music and their drinks & bartenders are spot on. It's a really nice looking, casual spot.
(4)
M S.

I like any place where the drink menu is bigger than the dinner menu and Lord Hobos is almost twice the size. Oh yeah! The smallish dinner menu shouldn't scare you away if you're looking for good food because they offer some tasty options that pair well with their vast selection of libations. The mixed drinks are a bit expensive but I don't care because I go there for the beer. The atmosphere in LH is warm and inviting, the bar staff are friendly and knowledgeable and if you like people watching it's a good place because you can see everyone in the place from just about any seat. It's a tad on the hipster side (slightly beard heavy) but not too bad actually. There is a fair mix of locals, students, young (not children...that would be weird), old and whatever the opposite of a hipster is...people who shave regularly and who don't purchase all of their clothes at a thrift shop I assume.
(4)
Sandeep T.

Great collection of beers and cocktails. And their Veggie Burger was truly awesome!. I would have given it 5 star if their service was better.
(4)
Lionel L.

Truffle fries. And a great beer selection with great servers. I'm a fan. The food, while not bad, I don't find particularly memorable with the exception of their truffle fries because that stuff is really really good. But it doesn't really matter if you're typically there for drinks and snacks anyhow. And it has a great atmosphere.
(4)
Melissa J.

When it comes to Lord Hobo, I really love the space itself. It's warm and cozy and is perfect for a chilly fall day. Their beer list is amazing, and I love that they use the right-shaped glasses. I won't fault a taproom for using the wrong ones, but it's nice when a place takes that extra step. I could live on their truffle fries and they've really got "comfort food" down pat. The problem is that the service is inconsistent. When it gets really busy, it's painfully slow. And they blame it on the fact that it's really busy, but if you watch the servers, they're really not trying all that hard to move quickly. We actually tracked down the doorman on Saturday night just to pay our tab after waiting for 20-30 minutes. And this is after we left our bar tab at the bar when our table was ready because we had been trying to flag the bartender for 15-20 and ultimately decided that we'd just tell our server that we hadn't paid yet. My suggestion is to go on a Sunday afternoon/evening after the brunch crowd. Sit at the bar, have a few beers, eat some fries and relax. That's when Lord Hobo is at its best.
(3)
Susan R.

A good Gal Pal and I ventured in before a movie at Kendal to check the place out (I know... it's been open forever... but we live in JP- so whatever). It was about 6:15 and, as expected, it was really dead in there. Apparently that is a good thing since the place gets overrun typically, but since we were off peak, it was like a refrigerator in there. I kept my jacket ton the whole time... and i was still cold. We sat at the bar, beer selection is very good, bartender was VERY nice and offered to sample me a few tap beers before I made my mind up. the food was really my sticking point though. It just wasn't very good. I had a burger and my counterpart had a weird sandwich. Neither of us were over the moon about them... which I why I give the place 3 stars. Bartender was awesome, looks like a cool place, excellent beers to try.... but if you want good food to accompany it- maybe not. I will give it a second and third attempt for sure- and will dress in layers for them.
(3)
Steve B.

Cool local craft beer bar with great selection on draft & good prices. Came here on a weekday with some Bostonian friends, and was blown away a bit by the draft offerings. 20 or so items on draft, of which 10 or so I would have been happy to drink - for a true craft beer head, that is no faint praise. Good atmosphere here too - nice layout, good table spacing, solid lighting, and a few televisions without being imposing. Solid service as well - never spent more than 2-3 minutes waiting to order a beer before having the opportunity to do so. Net net, very solid craft beer bar with a bit of a local crowd.
(4)
Katie D.

I lived across the street from this place in Cambridge for about a year. Literally... across the street. So, I was pretty regular (well, at least once a week). There's already been enough said about how amazing the beer list is, and it is. I love the food as well; great veggie burger (this, coming from a meat addict) and the truffle fries are divine. Brunch is great as well. Basically, this was one of my favorite Massachusetts spots-but the service was always meh. Even sitting at the bar, it was hard to get anyone's attention. I also figured since I went there so much I'd actually be recognized at some point... like, I went there 3 times in a 36 hour period once... but no one ever did. Obviously not a big deal, but kind of a bummer. I was recognized at a bar in Astoria before I even moved here, and I had only gone like 3 times for brunch over the course of months. So, y'know. That's cool. But still. The beer! And the fries! Reason enough to miss this place.
(4)
Madeline T.

Went for brunch-- good food and drinks. Good ambiance. Pretty terrible service. There was only one overloaded waitress serving all of the tables. It took over 20 mins for them to even take our drink order. then they added the tip to the bill because apparently 5 ppl counts as a "large party"...my guess is they knew the service sucked and were worried they wouldn't get a tip
(2)
will l.

A small bar with a gigantic beer selection. Food was good too. Its a bit of a walk from the nearest subway station. A cab is highly recommended for when you leave inebriated.
(4)
Amy S.

Are you a GenX type (preferably male) who wants to party like its 1995? Look no further. Massive microbrew selection on tap, saucy vittles, square plates, and some creative mixology. Service is hit or miss and the menu too. Probably take more than 4 visits to figure out when to go and what to order. Noise level can be totally overwhelming in the eve. Honestly, I've got my own plaid-shirted, stuck in the grunge-era bf at home, so I don't feel the need to visit the Hobo very often. But if I lived in that 'hood and I wanted to pick up a dude with a large vinyl collection, well, I'd know where to go.
(3)
M S.

Hands down my favorite craft beer place in the Boston Area! Friendly staff, great rotating craft beer selection and a nice crowd. I also want to put a special thank you out to whomever chooses the music because last time I was there they were playing King Khan and the BBQ show which was unreal! My only advice is to stay away from any beers offered by Surly Bird brewery, it smells/tastes like I imagine the inside of a toilet would.
(5)
Patrick E.

Great service, the food was excellent and the beer selection was top notch. What would it take to make it 5 stars? Outdoor seating. This is very cave-like, and while that's fun for a while, it makes you very sleepy after awhile. Enjoy!
(4)
Lucas S.

The beer selection is fantastic, if a little expensive. The food is great, creative takes on classic bar food. The service was very good, our server was knowledgeable and quick to recommend things at our request. We will return, although probably shortly after I get paid, rather than later in the month.
(4)
Dave F.

Lord Hobo boasts one of the best draft lists in Boston, and service that's refreshingly polite and unpretentious. I can't speak to the cocktails, but my fiancee had 92 Siestas--a ginger margarita--and loved it. I had the hamburger for lunch, which was pretty tasty. The bartender we had was great, and showed a lot of genuine excitement about the beer he was serving. All in all, a great experience. We'll be back.
(5)
Bill M.

This was a great little find. I read about this place in a newspaper while looking for great beer spots in Boston/Cambridge. Beer selection is top-notch. Service is excellent. Fish and chips were as good as the best I had in London. Couldn't ask for a better place to spend an evening of my vacation.
(4)
Jeannie C.

Seeing as I've been on Yelp for quite some time & have never written a review I figured why not start with my all-time, hands doooooown, favorite favorite place to go..EVER. I cannot say enough good things about this establishment! Let's start with the beers. Mmmmm..my boyfriend is HUGE on beer. He is the one that introduced me to Lord Hobo. (He actually loves this place so much he has a crown tattoo on his shoulder!) The selection is always fresh and rotating. There's been so many visits where he would freak out saying, "I NEVER SEE THIS!!" We just went last night & experienced the w00tstout by Stone Brewing on draught. The 13% abv gave me a nice buzz and the wheat, rye pecans & vanilla made it a nice after dinner treat. Bottom line, if you are a beer geek/ beer enthusiast you HAVE to visit Lord Hobo. Not only are the beers amazing but the mixed drinks are too something to rave about. I bartend at a martini bar in Downtown Lowell & have pretty high standards when it comes to a mixed drink. The bartenders here know the perfect equation needed for a good one! All of the cocktails are strong, well balanced between booze & flavor, and there's a beautiful variety of types of alcohol concoctions so everyone's happy :] The food!!!! Oh my. I WOULD KILL FOR THEIR TRUFFLE FRIES! No, but seriously. The chef, Nick Gardner, is one extremely talented man. The menu has appetizers that are all drool worthy. We tried the BBQ Shrimp last night with olive oil bread and tabasco cherries..I was so blown away. I mean, shrimp & cherries?! I never would have thought. Also, two words- PORK. BELLY. Main courses are generally crafted and perfected. We threw a birthday dinner here and I remember every single person out of our party of 10+ was more than happy with their dishes. I don't know how they cook their steak but it is like no other. I highly recommend the steak! Service has always been on point. Servers look like they're actually having fun and enjoying 'work'! That's a major thing- happy servers mean happy customers. Everyone is very knowledgeable of the entire menu and there's never a long wait to get help. I need to do brunch here. That's our next to-do! I really hope this review reaches all potential 'foodies' & 'beer snobs' that are looking for their next jewel. Lord Hobo is everything you've always hoped for. Thanks for reading my review!
(5)
Adam P.

Can't ask for much more from a craft beer bar. Beer selection is quite varied and includes a number of MA breweries. Prices are on par with most Boston establishments ($6-$7 pints). Food selection is actually pretty impressive and we were happy with the execution on everything we ordered. Burrata was creamy and delicious, the lamb breast was a little fatty but cooked to perfection, and the beef heart gnocchi was very flavorful. My hands down favorite was the duck confit fritters, of which I could have eaten many, many more. Finally, we also enjoyed an order of the truffle fries while watching the Bruins game on one of their big screen TVs. I'd like to try their actual entrees (especially the duck and sirloin) to see how those compare to the smaller plates we ordered. I'm glad we had a gift card though, because I did think the portions were a little on the small side for some of the dishes (i.e. only two fritters for $8). All in all, I would definitely go back for a nice dinner and a few quality beers.
(4)
Radish E.

I love how they play shitty music to try to kick you out early. That aside, awesome beer selection and overpriced, middling attempts at upscale pub food.
(5)
Reptile A.

This place is OK. It can get pretty packed and extremely loud so the annoyance factor is there. They have tons of different beers which is awesome while the food is pretty decent. Even though this is a cool area in Cambridge, it tends to attract the worst type of hipster-snobs so prepared to have some skinny tool in girl jeans judge you and your friends the entire night.
(3)
Kiley S.

A diamond in the rough! From the outside Lord Hobo doesn't look like much but it has a great cozy atmosphere. Great selection of craft beers and unique cocktails. After reading previous reviews I have to agree that there isn't much parking around at all, but living in walking distance that hadn't crossed my mind. A 15 minute walk from the Kendall/MIT redline stop. I have yet to try the food but the menu looks/everything I have seen has looked great! Definitely NOT a place for a cheap night of drinking but that's to be expected in Cambridge.
(4)
Adam K.

Service was HORRIBLE. We went on a Sunday night, 9/1/13, and saw a fair amount of empty tables around 8:30pm. It took 25 minutes for a server to even stop by the table, and going on 50 minutes we still had not received our beers. We ended up getting up and leaving. Not only were we completely ignored, when we asked politely to be served, were barely even looked at. I can't comment on beers and food b/c we did not get there. I know they weren't busy, so not sure why we weren't served... didn't care about business? Racist? Understaffed?
(1)
Nina W.

This place is fun, dark and trendy inside without going over the top. Our bartender was awesome, and the place was a good stop on a date night. The beer selection was pretty good, but a bit more expensive than I would have liked. That being said, it was a fun place, and we will definitely be back.
(4)
Brittany T.

Great food great people and good drinks. It gets really crowded but is a fun place to grab food or drinks.
(5)
Jocelyn W.

First time here. Great staff - really knew their drinks. I got, for the first time, a gin based drink (London 77) and I loved it - ended up having two! Also got the truffled fries - yummy! My wife got a glass of wine - pretty small pour to us. Next glass (after we commented and they said it was a measured poor) was a bit bigger. Casual, fun and again, great drinks!
(4)
Hilary G.

been here a lot. always have loved it. good go-to neighborhood spot. great beer selection. great cocktails. great food. great staff. crowded as of late, but couldn't keep it a secret forever i guess.
(4)
Michael S.

This place is bomb, and anyone who says otherwise is nuts. Best bar food I have had since moving from Chicago. Amazing beer and whiskey selection. Staff is knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. Only downside is trying to get a seat on Friday our Saturday night. Love this place, and you will too
(5)
Dawn E.

I have not had an ounce of food or drink at Lord Hobo, but I did have a wonderful experience. So Mr. Champion and I went to Hell Night (a spicy food-a-thon at a nearby place) but we were parked practically outside of Lord Hobo. The plan was to swing by there for cocktails, maybe even dessert, but Mr. C got a little stupid in his ordering of the spicy foods and was, well, feeling the heat. Still, we needed a rest stop and I could use a pint of something delicious so we popped in. 'Twas clear Mr. C was having a tough time and he disappeared into the bathroom. This is when the bartender started chatting me up. I explained the situation and that we may or may not be hanging out for a while and without my asking she put up two large glasses of water on the bar (which turned out to be useful). I found the bartender to be friendly and delightful and am ridiculously impressed by the level of service I received as an announced probably-not-paying customer. The space itself is very warm and inviting and I thoroughly intend to return, this time as a starter for an evening. I did review the beer (and wine etc) list extensively while I waited and... yeah.. wow.
(4)
Natsuki K.

Came here for my 21st birthday with my boyfriend. The interior is very cozy with dim red lights to create an elegant yet fun mood. The beer collection on tap is incredible. I had the Avery Salvation which was one of the most delicious beers I've ever had. The food was amazing, especially the truffle fries. Very friendly people working there, would definitely come back here anytime.
(5)
Jason A.

Easily the best bar in Boston. Great food, always good rotating beers and super friendly people. The chef is also a great guy and is willing to bend on the menu if there is nothing that you can eat (food allergies). They also have a vegetarian / vegan menu for the non dairy / non meat eating folks. Highly recommended if you're in the inman / central square area.
(5)
Eric R.

You know a place is good, when you see the bartenders from other restaurants as customers. The Hobo is good, very good actually, with occasional forays into spectacular, but it has some rough edges. Some people will care, I personally do not, so I love it. I typically go during the appetizer specials. 5-7 there are 1$ oysters and 5$ apps. The oysters are always freshly shucked, and most likely started the day with a few feet of water between them and the air. The condiments served with the oysters are what you would expect. Tabasco, clam sauce, and garlic onion oil. The oil is my personal favorite. As for the appetizers, the calamari is spectacular, but if you're expecting marinara sauce, look elsewhere. I honestly don't even use anything, the breading is that good, and the calamari is always fresh. Some of my henchmen have tried the other offerings, and have loved them as well. The decor is dark, with all the windows having blackout curtains, but it's not loud, and there is usually plenty of seating. The bottled beer selection is ridiculous, with many, many older or rare bottles. The draft beer selection is smaller, but they are all fresh, and they usually run a 4$ pint special from one of the local brewerys. Go here. It's a good place to sate your hunger, and slake your thirst.
(4)
Greta A.

Lord Hobo occasionally has some really nice beers on their list, and that's when I go in. (They're good enough to advertise new beers on their sandwich board outside the door.) But after I've tried that one beer, I get kind of lost looking for a second, and remember why I don't come here often. The food is also overly trendy, unimpressive, and expensive.
(2)
Liliya M.

Why is it so ridiculously overpriced?!
(2)
Marshall R.

Discovered Lord Hobo on a recent trip through Boston. Impressive tap and bottle offerings, along with a knowledgeable crew behind the bar (lineup was heavy on hops and saisons, lighter on sours and darker malts). White bean veggie burger and truffle fries were delicious though not life changing. Crowd and atmosphere were near perfect, aside from two unnecessary TVs around the bar which were largely being ignored.
(4)
Emily G.

Lovely beer list, however our waitress, Jill, provided horrible service at best. We were a party of 8, where gratuity is an automatic 20%, and the guarantee of a 20% tip was clearly enough for our waitress to forget about us for the first 20 minutes of our visit. When the food and drinks did come, they were satisfactory, but did little to satiate the sour taste in our mouth from the poor service. The group concurs that given a smaller crowd, we would all return for drinks alone.
(2)
Kelsey F.

Not sure how my friends and I ended up at Lord Hobo for dinner and drinks. It was recommended by someone and so we thought when we ventured over the river we'd give it a shot. I am sure people may have been able to tell we weren't in our normal neck of the woods, but I love hipsters and secretly want to be one sometimes. Anyways, Lord Hobo was great for some good beers and fantastic comfort food. The list of beers goes on and on. For food we split some appetizers that were all a really generous size. We ordered truffle fries, chicken lolipops, pork belly, calamari, and corn and lobster fritters....all were delicious.
(4)
Megan C.

Lord Hobo is one of my favorite places in Cambridge. Food's pretty great (slightly pricey in that gastropubby way), mac and cheese is one of my favorite things to order anywhere and Lord Hobo's is my favorite. Truffle fries are also amazing. I don't think I've had anything bad here, though I've had some dishes that were disappointing (hard to experiment at these prices.) I always try stupid beers like I'm someone who likes beers. Who am I fooling? The cocktails are always pretty fantastic as well, and I do like cocktails. There are also specials sometimes (including special burgers!) but the boards can be hard to read. Service is usually great at the bar, friendly but not too responsive at tables depending on how crowded it is, and...okay, if I didn't love Lord Hobo, the process of actually getting a table would put me off. I don't know whether it was because I look young for my age or because I look queer, but either way, this one time one of the bouncer/ID people almost wouldn't take my MA liquor ID. I don't know what his deal was but it was Some Bullshit and that shit makes it way more awkward to wander in and look around futilely, waiting for someone to acknowledge you, wondering if a) if there's a bouncer this time, b) if I am a ghost, c) if there are tables and can I have one please?
(5)
Dave S.

I've been here around 50 times in the past two years and really like place a lot. The food is very good with some things being outstanding. Their burger is fabulous, (especially if you like brioche rolls) and charcuterie and cheeses are a stand out. The beers are the best selection in Boston. I almost always have from the 40 or 50 constantly rotating taps which have a heavy emphasis on local and US beers of all sorts. Some great foreign beers too like the unfiltered German lager I enjoyed a while back. It's quiet in the afternoons, pretty calm until later in the evenings, and Thurs - Sunday from 8 or 9 pm on it is usually pretty loud with music and people. Great staff who know and enjoy their beers and take fabulous care of the patrons.
(5)
Andria L.

ZWANZE day this past weekend was beyond amazing! Besides the special events this bar is just hands down the best bar in Boston and beyond! Dynamite staff, the best beers a bar could ever compile within 40 drafts, constant rotation for the freshest hops, newest released beers, quality brewing companies. The food never dissapoints, if anything impresses more so with each visit. Though I come back here weekly for the Beer...I do return for the best owner Daniel, and the best staff! Sam, Jackie, Kenan, Erin, John and Co!! Love you guys!
(5)
Adam B.

Great beer selection, great waitstaff, quiet and relaxed atmosphere, but the thing that keeps this from being 5 stars is the price of the food. It's way too expensive for what you get. When the food comes, it tastes really great, but you'll never eat here and be filled up without ordering another overpriced starter/entree. The "Ron Swanson" is "a lot of eggs and bacon". It's a plate of eggs, not too big, and some bacon and it is $17! Crazy. It's kind of a bummer because I really like the food and I wanna drink all their beer. As much as I piss and moan here, I'm still going to come back.
(4)
Bill C.

When I first moved to Boston, I lived in Brighton and thought that Sunset was amazing. They have 130 some-odd beers on tap, plus hundreds of bottles (including a 40 oz. bottle of Schlitz). It was perfect, until I actually went there. It felt like a Ground Round. Not Beer Mecca. And I was unhappy. Fast forward to now and there's the Hobo. I haven't found a place in Cambridge that rivals their beer selection. This place doesn't have bang-up food, but it's not terrible. I'd put it just above Tavern in the Square but well below Garden at the Cellar or Green Street. Last time I was there with friends, we ordered two BBQ sandwiches, a roasted red pepper soup with grilled cheese, and fried calamari. The soup was the winner, though the grilled cheese was pretty much a grilled cheese you could get anywhere, including your own kitchen. I tend to shy away from pulled pork at non-cue joints because I usually end up disappointed. This one wasn't bad, but I remember not being a giant fan of the sauce (full disclosure: memory a bit fuzzy due to too many beers). The calamari was good drunk food, not too greasy, and had a couple of deep fried peppers tossed in that I wasn't really expecting. Need to go back to sample more beers, but also to try out their pretty extensive cocktail list. They've got some of the favorites (Dogfishhead, Stone Brewery, Bear Republic), plus a bunch that I've never heard of, along with a bunch of seasonals that you won't find in most package stores. Pro-tip: if you're sitting in the back corner near the waiter's computer, take a look at what's on the screen. The first time I went, the buttons said "Joey has" "irregular holes" "bearshark keeps" "raping harry." The last time it said "more passionate" "bang-bang" "sweeter" "finger-bang." I think that was from Valentine's day. Anyways, good conversation starter. This is a Sunset for grown-ups. More of a bar/pub feel than crappy restaurant with a gimmick.
(4)
John S.

Ugh, you're crap now. Horrendous service, middling food. Geez, Lord Hobo. You used to be cool.
(2)
Lauren K.

I'm surprised this place doesn't have a higher rating. I thought it was one of the coolest bars I've been to in Boston. It has a great craft beer selection on draft at reasonable prices. I originally came here during the wait for a coveted table at Oleana (sidenote: YUM!) a few blocks away. To mitigate our hunger, we ordered some truffle fries and they were delicious. We also split a bottle of wine for the reasonable price of 25 bucks. Definitely worth a visit, especially for a pre or post dinner drink!
(5)
Hilary S.

Great bar for after work drinks and/or dinner. Their menu is fantastic with a lot of comfort food. Chef cooks in season ingredients and they always have interesting specials. Fantastic truffle fries, steak sandwich and veggie burger (the veggie burger has turned me into a repeat customer). Great beer selection, decent wine options and knowledgable bartenders. Also have a great brunch menu on the weekends. Only downside is that they get busy on weekend nights and service can slow down a bit.
(4)
Ryan R.

Pros: Friendly, attentive bartenders and an excellent selection of beer. The chicken lollipops my girlfriend ordered were delicious if a little overpriced. Cons: The rest of the food was extremely overpriced. I ordered the fish and chips which was one rectangular piece of fish plated on top of maybe 4 or 5 smallish potato wedges. It tasted ok even though it was a small portion and would've been fine at a divey fish n chips restaurant for maybe $8, but it was $17. The only thing that was fancy about it was how it was plated and the price. The taste and portion were not up to par. I also ordered the cheese plate which was 3 very small wedges of cheese, a few jams, walnuts, and some sort of pickled fruit/veggie, also not worth the high price tag. I'd come back to sample the wide selection of beers, but I wouldn't order any food besides maybe fries, the chicken I mentioned above, or other simple appetizers.
(2)
Kim K.

The only thing that has been upgraded since the B-Side became Lord Hobo is the bathrooms. Seriously. This place is ridiculously loud, service is awful, food is completely overpriced and underwhelming, and the fend-for-yourself table situation is inconvenient and ridiculous. Not to mention traversing the midpoint between Kendall and Inman is a nightmare whether you're hauling from the T or trying to find parking. I won't be returning here.
(1)
Frank W.

Bottom line: Excellent beer menu chock full of craft brews from around the country lends itself to fairly good bar bites and a hipster craft brew vibe that, if your thing, is sure to please. This place is super busy. I will admit that I was joining the thirsty thursday crowd here, so this should not have been a surprise. But all in all it was still a good experience. After waiting for a table for about 30 minutes we finally made our way over to a corner table to grab some food (of course we were a few beers deep by then, thank you friendly bartender!) I was in a Saison mood, of which they had plenty on the menu, so it made for a lighter evening. Once seated we got a couple (quite good) recommendations on food and additional beers, and set about our idle chit chat. Food came out fairly quickly, warm, so that's always nice, and our beers were much faster then that. Since beer is their hallmark they make sure to get it to you. My simple chicken sandwich was exactly what i wanted (not too heavy, but substantial) and the burger my mate had was also delicious (according to him). Thumbs up. Great service here, so that's always a plus. I wouldn't give critical acclaim to the food, but it's certainly not bad. And beers? Oh give me some more. You'll see me checking in here more from now on.
(4)
Laura W.

I love you Lord Hobo. You are so accommodating to other people in the industry. You serve food late (really, outstanding, mouth watering, leaves my belly so so happy food) , you make an amazing cocktail (ahem, London 77) and your service is oh so friendly! Pork belly! Mussels! perfectly fried french fries... oh and the garlic aioli! The cob salad is one BIG SALAD! You have quality, high abv beers for days and an inventive cocktail menu that makes me love liquors I never thought I could love. Oh and the art on your sign outside is always incredible! Don't ever go away! I'll give you all my money in tips any day!
(5)
Hunter T.

One of the best selections of craft beer in Cambridge. Pros: Extensive, high quality craft beer selection on tap and in bottles. Very good service and bartending. Cons: Food quality recovering. Lord Hobo is a fantastic craft beer restaurant nestled half way between Inman and Kendall Squares. Their craft beer selection rivals that of Mead Hall in Kendall Square and while not as extensive in quantity, their selections are diverse and carefully chosen to represent the best beers from around the world for even the pickiest craft beer fans. Getting there can be a bit tricky, but it is a short 15 minute walk from Kendall Square or Central Square T stations. The service at Lord Hobo is among the most friendly in Cambridge and the staff take care to know their products and offer intelligent recommendations. They don;t take reservations, but groups of 6 or more getting there before 6-7pm shouldn't have much of a problem being seated. There are many tables for 2-4 each, and two booth table areas that can fit larger groups. Waiting time after ordering is usually reasonable, and they are very responsive with drink orders. The food menu is relatively small, but the quality in the past has been very good. Some of the entree standouts are their Grilled Kobe Steak Tips, Shaved Prime Rib Sandwich, and their Mac and Cheese. Notable appetizers are their Corn and Lobster Fritters and Calamari. After a several month decline in food quality, Lord Hobo is on the mend and they may have resolved their instability in the kitchen. Lord Hobo is a contender for the best craft beer restaurant in Cambridge. Lord Hobo's craft beer selection is as strong as ever and every serious craft beer lover and their friends should check it out at least once.
(4)
Juliana C.

Holy expense account, Batman! So, I went here and I didn't pay for anything. Thank god, because the cheapest beer bottle seemed to be $9. Then again, the beer was potent and delicious (I'm looking at you, Saison de Buff). LH's list of drafts was also droolworthy. We got a little snoot from the waitress when we inquired after shots; seems they don't really carry a "normal" liquor assortment. Our tequila didn't come with any accessories, but it fortunately went down like water. Speaking of which, they serve theirs in mason jars. Delightful! On to the food: Armed with the knowledge of what I was eating, the sweetbreads were still tasty -- all about the tangy sauce on this one. My lobstah mac and cheese was sizeable, though regrettably light on the lob. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their entrees, and I heard the beef wellington app was to die for. Misc: Ambiance was pretty chill, and the volume was loud (but our table was loud, so fair play). Our server was prompt and vigilant. I'll be back if I can stay out of my piggy bank for a few weeks...
(3)
Misty S.

I'm confused by so many 1 and 2 star reviews of Lord Hobo! I have been meaning to try it for a while now since I work in Kendall, and finally made it here last week (and then came by a second time last night). The good: Awesome, awesome beer selection (bottles and taps) Creative cocktails $5 happy hour apps during the week $1 oysters during happy hour Yummy food Knowledgable wait staff The bad: Drove around for 20 mins and finally parked 5 blocks away We had a party of 9. We got there before 8 and we were told it would be an hour wait. At 10 we finally left without eating because one group was sitting at a table with 1 bottle of wine between 6 of them for 2 hours. They don't take reservations Your best bet is to get there a little early and grab a table, especially if it's a bigger party
(4)
Ryan W.

The way you can distinguish a decent beer bar from a great beer bar is not actually the beer. It's the people you meet there. There are plenty of watering holes around town now that offer cool craft brews to any Sox-capped bro-dude who comes wandering through. But Lord Hobo's got some of the weirdest beers (and patrons) around, and they've fueled some wonderful stories. The first time I went to Lord Hobo, when it first opened, my friend and I ended up getting into an hour-long argument with a guy at the bar about the proper way to backpack through Germany. He accused us of being "boring," we made fun of his hair, and we all ended the night totally furious. Yet somehow, he ended up getting my friend's number and convincing her to go on a date. I blame the fact that we were drinking a lot of Pretty Things' Baby Tree beers that year. Another time, I ended up at Lord Hobo around 1am on a Tuesday with a writer friend, a guy who's built his career on looking like Russell Brand and traveling the world, writing about music. Here again, a ridiculous argument erupted, fueled by delicious Left Hand Milk Stout: WAS Karen O's soundtrack for "Where the Wild Things Are" good, or not? No one won this argument, which went on for about an hour, and again, everyone went to sleep angry. But a year later, this writer friend showed up on my doorstep in Asia, telling me how much he'd missed our great conversations. The last time I visited, we'd just polished off some 21st Amendment and paid the bill when we looked up to see a giant tattooed man arranging himself and his bulldog at the bar. While he tucked into a rare steak salad, his dog curled up on his coat beneath, waiting for the scraps. Of course, we had to make our way over and say hello to the pup. According to his owner, he'd registered his dog as a service animal in order to bring him into bars. The dog's alleged service function? Early seizure detection. Could the dog truly detect seizures? The guy just shrugged and smiled. As I said: weird and wonderful beers attract weird and wonderful people. And though it has its flaws, Lord Hobo has won me over this way, ale by ale, over the years.
(4)
Summer K.

Lord Hobo and Meadhall are our Cambridge craft beer must stops when we are in the Boston area. I dig the decor and I like that there are a plethora of available bar seats (note, we are old and married and now day time drinkers and have never been here after dark). The beer list always makes me take awhile to order because I just can't decide. Thankfully, this isn't a douchy place that doesn't let you taste. Everything we've ever eaten here has been amazing, too. I'm not a brunch food fan and was disappointed to realize it was brunch time our latest visit (I'd been looking forward to Mac and cheese). However, the grits and sweet potato donuts were effing awesome. Pork belly wasn't too shabby, either. Random notes: I can't decide how I feel about the Hill Farmstead growlers in the coolers. Part of me feels like it ups your street cred a bit, but part of me kind of feels like it is cruel to rub this deliciousness we can see, but not taste, in other craft beer lovers faces. I was also surprised to see Maine Beer Co erroneously listed as "Maine Brewing Co" on the current beer list (mmmmmm, Mo!).
(5)
Eric S.

Lord Hobo is my litmus test for people. If you have been there, and don't like it - then you are dead to me and I hate you. It gets busy and loud, and I don't always like the crowd (pretentious hipsters) - but I love the beer and the food, and I go often enough the staff know me.
(5)
Kevin B.

The beer list at Lord Hobo was basically like entering a beer Nirvana. Both a wide range of draft and bottle offerings ranging from low ABV session beers to some pretty intense imperials and barleywines. If you like beer then this is a place you must check out. The veggie burger was pretty lackluster and was dry beyond belief. A little hot sauce kicked it up some but the roll the burger came on was the real winner. I asked for the truffle fries to mix it up a bit with the side and they were warm and flavorful and were quite dynamic. My better half had the chicken sandwich which she absolutely raved about and was a rather impressive portion. The atmosphere is definitely a relaxing sort of setting where friends can kick back, have a couple of really good drinks and enjoy some time.
(4)
Adam M.

After being suggested by one of the employees at meadhall, we checked this place out as it was pointed out to be one of the older beer bars in the area. After reading many reviews, I can see that this place is a bit of a controversy being the business that was there before (with just as much hostility as we have about the Limelite NYC now being a market for hipsters and tourists.) Either way we liked it. It didnt have the huge beer selection as some of the other places we went to, but the selections they did have were pretty good, and so was the ppl watching. lol We tried an app of the chicken lollipops (something we get at gastro-joints down here at home) they were good, nothing outrageously trendy or special. Staff was a little slow and it wasnt that busy. Crowd during the middle of the day was mixed ppl in business clothes, hipster gear and sports jerseys. Prolly be back on our next trip, more for drinking then eating tho.
(3)
JZ M.

Our favorite pub in all of Boston! If you're a serious (or not so serious) craft beer lover, Lord Hobo's rotating selection is UNSURPASSED in the Boston area. Friendly service, excellent gastro pub fair, great neighborhood feeling craft beer bar/restaurant (casual, not pretentious in any way). Can't speak to any of their other drinks, because the amazing beer list is what you'd come here for. Check out their Sunday brunch, too! If you're taking public transportation, you will have to walk a little bit from Kendall or Central Square t-stops. But the beer is worth it. Trust me.
(5)
Santiago A.

I love this place for the drinks Whether a good beer or an original cocktail. The music is a little loud for my taste but at the same time it has a great ambiance.
(4)
Zulu Q.

I don't know which part of Lord Hobo to like best: the sexy ambiance, the decadent mac-n-cheese, the abundant taps (especially several offerings from Bear Republic--only a NorCal brewhouse could match that), the extensive spirits list (though they have Bulleit Rye instead of the bourbon...they have Buffalo Trace though), the creative mixed drink menu, and the British-heavy playlist with David Bowie and Joy Division. OK, maybe it's the macaroni and cheese. I'm not sure if it's worth the $12 ($14 w bacon) since it's a small serving, but it's pretty amazing. Some kinda steep prices, so this will only be a special treat place.
(4)
Leonard L.

This is based almost entirely on my dealings with the poser who acts as the "gate keeper" on Friday night. Is this guy for real? He behaves as though he holds the key to the "hottest night club" in town. He also seems not to be able to answer simple questions or address anybody in a manner other than an 18 year old who has discovered irony and dark clothing. Get over yourself: You're a doorman. Where does that condescension come from? It seems that he confuses his wretched disposition and dearth of self-actualization with what he perceives as erudite edginess. What makes it worse, is that apparently management encourages this behavior. My 2 friends were already had 4-top table and ordered a drink for me. As I approached the door from down Windsor Street --I parked the car several blocks away-- I didn't see a short cue that went around the opposite side of the building, down Cambridge. The doorman chastised me for trying to enter. It wasn't enough just point out that there was a line, it had to be embellished by his snide tone and "what do you think all these people are doing": the people whom I could not see because a little thing like a building blocked them from my sight. The other problem is that I couldn't just leave because my friends were inside at a table with two empty seats and a drink that had been ordered for me. I explained this to the doorman and he sarcastically congratulated me for having friends and that the others in line had friends too. Every response had this embellished patronizing tone. All the while he's talking-himself-up in a bloviating tirade to another patron. What an interesting doorman... we are blessed to be in such company. If we'd known that the seats at our table weren't actually our seats, then we wouldn't have even entered in the first place. Pretty simple and straight forward, but not at Lord Hobo. It's not like we've never gone to a crowded restaurant/bar before, but they've established their own uniquely ridiculous protocol which is infuriatingly unclear and stupid and approaches the insulting when enforced the moody man child. I don't really care about entry itself. Only, I wanted to collect my friends who were inside. That's why I found this guy so pathetic in his demeanor. Like I'm making some "excuse" up to sneak inside his hot little club into which he alone controls entry. As though I'd go to any length and lie to get inside. All I wanted to do was either retrieve my friends and leave or sit in one of the two empty seats at the table... but I couldn't even be trusted to do that nor have a straight adult-like answer or explanation. There are many places in Cambridge without door attendants who take out their real-life inadequacies on patrons waiting to enter. I'll go to those places. We just need a few seats (spots to stand), decent drinks and professionally courteous and competent service. Pretty simple actually. I reluctantly went to Lord Hobo to see what the B-Side had become on an invitation from my friends: not a good transformation. Why patronize a place that propagates this type of behavior.
(1)
Elizabeth G.

I feel like Lord Hobo doesn't get props for its beer list the way CBC and Meadhall do. OK, yeah, CBC is a brewpub, fine. And Meadhall has 100+ beers on tap. But Lord Hobo has 40 (that's right, 40!) beers on tap and about 30 in bottles. Let me just say, St. Bernardus ABT on draft... I'm in love. The Ballast Point Black Marlin Porter was also a hit on a recent visit. The food is good too. Went for dinner recently and had the turkey chili with plantain chips. Not haute cuisine, but very satisfying, with good flavors. My man had the mac & cheese with bacon and was quite pleased. Beer lovers should try this place.
(4)
Jennifer N.

I don't drink coffee, but I do know that one of life's basic principles is that coffee is a big part of Sunday brunch. When we arrived at Lord Hobo (with my parents in tow) for Sunday brunch, you can imagine our surprise when our server said "uh, there's no coffee. Just iced coffee." (My parents were mystified -- so there's cold coffee but no hot coffee? Interesting...). But we figured we'd stick with Lord Hobo despite the lack of caffeination. First, I can imagine Lord Hobo is the kind of place that's meant to be seen at night (much as B Side was). With the day light streaming in, this is a space with as little ambience as humanly possible - a few awful paintings on the wall, and some very, very hard seating arrangements. Bad, slightly-too-loud music was also off-putting. Nothing here was signaling comfy Sunday brunch. (Here's where I think Hobo could learn from BSide -- while BSide was equally ugly, they had cozy comfy booths that encouraged people to linger over eggs, hash browns, and, yes, coffee). Second, we ordered simple things-- and they came out, well, simple. I had a veggie frittata and it was fine (a bit dry, served for some reason without toast, but points for the assorted fruit cup that came with it). In my mind, this should have come with toast, and preferably something either sweet (like challah) or with a flavor to it (like sourdough) to break up the monotony of the frittata. My parents had omelettes, again absolutely fine, but slightly undersalted, underflavored, and unloved (the omelette comes with whatever veggies the chef feels like throwing in, so it's good to specify if there's something you're craving, or something you detest). Everything tasted fine, but it was all a bit too blah for the price tag. About halfway through our mediocre brunch, we noticed coffee (hot!) being served to the customers next to us. I asked our waiter if coffee had, indeed, arrived and he said "Well, we got some coffee grounds, but it's not very good so I wouldn't serve it to you." That sort of summed up our brunch experience at Hobo -- confusing and slightly unfriendly.
(2)
Tracee D.

I really really really adore lord hobo. It is disheartening to read a one review orange head lament about one isolated (amazingly comedic) incident with a server who appears to have been having a 'night'- because it is clearly not a true reflection of the caliber of service & general lord hobo experience. I was there that night- assuming it was saturday and our service was great. It was cuckoo bananas busy so, things weren't the well oiled machine that they are usually- but if you looked around, you understood why. We had 2 bottles of wine-(we were there for a while!) a heap of food, mussels, polenta fries, pork sandwich, beet salad & the endive salad and really made a night of it. It was busy busy busy from the minute we landed our table to the moment we paid our check. I think that yelp is a great forum for 'real reviews by real people' etc...but when some go on these one incident tirades and act like that is a real reflection on the level of service & professionalism of any restaurant or business. It's a one time- crazy- on your face coco loco (in my opinion) treat of comedic relief. M.M. has only written one review & doesn't even have a picture. If you are going to defame a server at least have the integrity to post a pic & attach a name to the face. Part of me wishes it would be taken down... Lord Hobo- is awesome. And some nights are in the restaurant are cray- reading that review just makes me want to go there more. It's the best beer selection in cambridge with superb service & super AMAZING food.
(4)
Jason B.

Lord Hobo turned out to be one of the most hot/cold, thumbs up/thumbs down mixed-review place I've ever eaten. Four of us came here on a Saturday night, obviously at peak time. We found a spot at the bar to wait for a table and ordered a round of drinks. Chris B., who is one of the most knowledgeable beer gurus I know, ordered the cask-conditioned American Pale Ale, and I followed suit. The odd taste which I found a little off-putting was immediately identified by Chris B. as soured lines. The bar manager tasted the beer and he agreed that there was something wrong with it, but stopped short of admitting that they needed to run some BTF through the system. We changed our beer orders up and the rest were very good. The Imperial Pils in particular was remarkably good. We were seated soon after that and looked over the menu. Note: I love 90s rock as much as the next guy. I went to high school AND college in the 1990s. Good times all around. That said, I found the volume at which they keep the music to be a bit loud. It was hard for all of us to hear each other, and our server didn't even bother speaking to us. Appetizers were the mussel plate, the charcuterie meats platter, the charcuterie cheese platter, and a green salad. The mussels were wonderful - plump, flavorful, large mussels, steamed open with a white wine broth and served in a bowl with the fantastic liquor intact. The charcuterie platters were a fun little adventure of cured meats and pates, and some really delightful artisanal cheeses. We had a great time eating our way through them and talking about the different tastes and textures. The salad was a standard green salad, light on the dressing. Entrees, however, fell a little short. The hanger steak was masterfully cooked, and tender, and the first few bites wrought promise, but sharing a plate with mixed greens, completely awash in balsamic vinaigrette dressing quickly ruined the steak. Everything on the plate soon tasted of the balsamic dressing. Restaurant fundamentals 101 - Plating. Don't screw up your dish's focus (the protein) with a sauce meant for something else. The mac and cheese with bacon was almost inedible. The obviously high-quality but uber-potent smoky bacon totally overwhelmed everything in the dish. The warm Smithfield ham sandwich with raclette, granny apples, and baby arugula was bland and unremarkable. The veggie burger was a pretty standard affair. No standouts, but no letdowns either. The house-made fries served with the sandwiches were delicious, though a bit limp & over-moist. If they soaked the potatoes overnight before deep frying, this would clear right up. Lord Hobo is a fun place, though a bit dodgy in spots. A little TLC/attention to detail would whip everything right into shape. A couple of other random criticisms: - There are several misspelled items on the menu. Doesn't necessarily affect things one way or the other, but shows carelessness in management. - The menu available online is not the same menu they hand you in the restaurant. There are some price differences and some missing items. Not a big deal, but a "daily menu subject to change" heads up would be nice. - Our server, when asked to split the bill right down the middle between two cards, charged twelve dollars more to one card over the other. Never had a server screw that up before.
(3)
Timothy H.

My wife and I have the Boston dining cards we purchased from the Coolidge Corner book store, so we decided to give this place a shot even though it was a bit out of the way for us. The experience started off great. Great atmosphere, seemingly good drinks, sort of a hipster vibe. I ordered a burger well done and when it came, I cut it in half and it was very rare. I understand that mistakes happen, I wasn't going to fault them for that. When I told the server I wanted it well done, she said "okay". She later apologized but it was a bit abrasive. My burger returned and it was the same burger I sent back, still cut in half just on a new bun. I used to work in the service industry and know that that violates many cross contamination laws. They just threw my burger back on the grill possibly contaminating others food after I had already touched it with my hands and dirty silverware. Also, is that really good business practice? In my opinion, the burger should have been tossed and a fresh one should have been made. They must have scraped the cheese off to cook it again too... gross. Too bad, it seemed like such a cool place, too...
(1)
John B.

After going to Lord Hobo a couple of times, I can say a few things. The beer selection is incredible and the special events there are a great opportunity to try some really good local craft beers. The food choice may be small but so far they have delivered on everything I have ordered especially the shaved prime rib sandwich. What surprised me was how awesome the hummus was. It seems like something that is really easy and basic but it was some of the best I have had. The wait staff is hit or miss, but I would say more often a hit than a miss. Everyone that works there is very knowledgeable about their beers which is great because they mix them up so frequently. Sometimes it can be tough getting service on a Friday night right after work but the crowd is pretty cool. If you are looking for a great beer and some good eats, swing in there on a weekend afternoon. There will be nobody there and you can enjoy what you came in for.
(4)
Josh S.

I'd rate the place better if it was a little bigger. Not having enough room for everyone usually speaks volume about the restaurant, but it is annoying. Waiters stay on top of everything with a pleasant attitude but it can be hard to find seating if you show up with a group of three or more. Noise level is a little to high for a social setting. Food is great, large selection of great drinks.
(3)
Irene B.

I stopped here last night with some friends, drawn by the funny name and the fact that it was on our way home. I ordered a round of Naragansetts and Jamisons. As I handed my card over, someone from the bar came over and said that my friend's bf could have the beer but not the whiskey. I get that bars want to avoid trouble, probably don't want huge drunk men to get more drunk, have the right to refuse service, etc, but this was the strangest treatment I've ever gotten in a bar. Usually you're cut off or your not.
(1)
Jeff M.

Lord Hobo has long been a watering hole for me when I desire a beer I've never heard of before. The selection is extensive and changes frequently. I will almost always order whatever ale is in a cask. I recently ventured into Lord Hobo for a meal at the bar and based off the atmosphere and what the establishment presents itself as I was surprised with the food. There is a real chef in the kitchen. Foie gras was cooked perfectly with a nice cranberry sauce. The red snapper was under seasoned but seared properly. I originally wanted to give four stars here but the more I thought about the food the more I realized anyone who went to cooking school could properly sear a piece of fish. I want to go back and try more and hopefully give Lord Hobo four stars. The vibe is pretty weird here. Part Cambridge and part I don't know where these people come from; maybe people who think they are hip for going to Lord Hobo. I've yet to figure it out
(3)
Jim M.

I had first visit to Lord Hobo recently and thought it was a mixed bag. Our appetizers were ok but rather small. 3 Tiny slices french bread is not enough to try to scoop up the humus starter. Our short rib entrees were also small and overcooked to dry. They served the short ribs over deep fried polenta that was also overcooked. The small entrees looked even smaller on the huge dinner plates. We tried 3 or 4 of the beers but the descriptions on the menu were not very helpful as what you could expect. .
(3)
Brendan T.

Another real good Cambridge bar in a mostly residential stretch without another bar for a number of blocks radius. The somewhat aggressive graffiti type sign is maybe slightly unfortunate but the place has a number of key things going for it. Service is friendly and helpful and the frequently changing beer selection is excellent well chosen and the descriptions on the menu extremely helpful. Food is solidly decent and considerably better than the average beer bar food, which we all know is generally lousy. That being said Im drawing a blank to think of anything that I ever ate here that was in any way really memorable or exceptional. The thing that put this place over the top for me, and this is surely a oddball perk to value so high when rating a bar but for me it was staggeringly important during my time working up here; the house wifi was staggeringly fast. As I often had to upload large photos and video files for work and both my office and hotel I was staying at had painfully slow wifi, this became my go to spot to get said work done and more often than not get drunk in the process. Caveats; as others have noticed the acoustics as the place seemingly cause a very loud sound level, making quiet conversation pretty much impossible, which can just as often be a good thing as bad one. What is pretty much always a bad thing however is the parking situation around the bar, as you are basically completely out of luck without one of those 'resident parking" permits, one of the many scourges of Greater Boston.
(4)
Chris S.

This place sucks. I am sitting at the bar right now for the third or forth time. I have never once had a remotely nice bartender and more often than not they have been straight beastly. Listen... A large beer selection doesn't mean a good beer selection. If you want to go to a bar with good beer go a half mile down the street to bukowskis. Place is very dark and packed with hipsters. With that said, the prime rib sandwich is really good but they took it off the menu. Figures
(1)
Monica R.

Came here for the game last night. Great beer selection, lots of big tables - great for groups! We tried some comfort food & were happy with what we ordered - the burger, mac and cheese & truffle fries.
(4)
Allison S.

Lord Hobo has a solid beer list and delicious food. It's worth the hassle to park and the journey all the way to Cambridge. Hobo has a pretty big bar, but there are also quite a few tables. It's a great place to get dinner or just a few beers. Everything on their food menu looks awesome, so it was really hard to decide on one thing for dinner. I settled on the Mac and cheese, which was served in a flaming hot skillet and was tasty. I'm glad that's the entree that I selected. I shared the polenta fries as an appetizers, and I actually wish that I had gotten one for myself. For dinner. They were UNREAL, and I will proceed to order me every time I go back. The lights are usually fairly dimmed, so it has a great ambiance. However, it can be a little hard to read the menus, especially when there are so many beers to choose from (at least 2 pages). The bartenders know all abut the beers on tap, which is refreshing.
(4)
Christopher C.

I've been here a couple of times and I thought it was excellent for what it was. First of all, the beer list is excellent and curated by passionate, knowledgeable beer drinkers. The beer list is also very interesting, and often they will have things on draft that you can't have anywhere else in the city, or you can't buy in a bottle/can. The prices are not expensive given what they are selling. To make things better, the times I've been here, it hasn't been very loud. I don't like loud bars. I want to have a conversation, not shout over obnoxious music. Not an issue when I've been here. Thumbs up, and I don't usually like bars.
(5)
H. G.

The manager messaged me and apologized and even offered me a gift card. We're all good, Lord Hobo. I will even come by and try the food again, because apparently they have a new chef!
(3)
Karin C.

Grabbed a light bite to eat early one evening. Fantastic beet salad. Very rarely do I ever find a beet salad that is comprised primarily of beets. (Generally it is a green salad with a few beets sprinkled. There were several varieties of beets prepared in a few different ways including a silky puree that was divine. Micro greens on the top added a nice crunch and balance to the plate. My friend had the pulled pork sandwich and said it was excellent. Only one waiter at the time but he was attentive and engaging. After our meal he asked us if we wanted to try their beer special from the weekend as they needed to kick the keg. Although the beer was not to my liking, it was a nice gesture. I plan on going back and trying more of the menu.
(4)
Xavier M.

Went there for dinner and a drink. People love this place for the amazing beer selection. I am not a beer fan so no extra points from me there. I had the beef salad. It was OK
(3)
Jason J.

Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA? Founders Breakfast Stout? Founders Backwoods Bastard? All on tap you say? Hot damn. Beer geek beergasm. My DFH 120 was served in a 5 oz tasting glass. Although it listed the beer as a 5 oz pour on the menu, I at least expected it to come in a more respectable glass. Come on, this is the ultimate end-all of beers (says this guy). They might as well have put it in a sippy cup (although, that would admittedly be awesome). Listen, Mr. L. Hobo. Repeat after me: fluted tulip glass. Say it with with me. Fluted tulip glass. I want to be punched in the face by hop aroma. Dazzle me with an olfactory assault. DAZZLE ME. The polenta fries were excellent and my flatbread pizza was pretty, pretty good. But really, you want to go here for the tap list, and to say you were a patron of a fine establishment with the words "Lord" and "Hobo" both in the name.
(4)
Kristen F.

I've been here many times. You can pretty much never go wrong with something on tap. Lord Hobo has my favorite brewery (Stone Brewing) on tap, so I am always a happy girl. ;) I tend to always get the same thing. We start out with the chicken lollipops. It's flash fried (like a fried turkey) and served over a glaze of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame seeds. It's like crack...so good. Dinner is always either the pulled pork or the burger. The pulled pork comes with this sauerkraut that is sooo amazing. It's not your Polish Grandma's sauerkraut. It's tangy, but in a crisp fresh way, which goes perfect with the salty, sweet, smokey pulled pork. The burger is best served medium....not well done. I always, ALWAYS ask for the parmesean truffle aioli fries instead of the plain fries. Do this! Trust me! Truffle aioli fries is the best thing ever invented. I've also had calamari here on occasion that I enjoy. The vibe is bike riding hipster meets beer geek Computer Science/Biotech professionals. It's pretty laid back. So, as long as you're not a douche, you'll enjoy it.
(5)
Justin M.

I had high hopes for this place but was seriously let down. I ordered some quite expensive chicken wings and found them to be of a poor quality of meat with a disappointing flavor. The portion was also a joke. I mentioned this in a non-confrontational way to the server and was then treated incredibly rudely. Will not be returning here. Check out Atwood's Tavern as a much better alternative nearby.
(2)
john e.

2 stars is just for mostly friendly staff, great beer choice and warm atmosphere. Beers are kept well. No stars for the very slow service at the table (maybe should look for a different line of work, e.g. a sit down job) and not the best value for money. Their prices are too high for a place that feels like another quintessential Cambridge dive bar. The place was really not busy at all on Saturday night and our waiter kept disappearing. Once the students get their loans, I expect this place will fill up.
(2)
Shaina P.

What is probably one of the best accompaniments to fat and salt? ... Truffles! (I bet you thought I would say, beer.) And I swear, they put that stuff n EVERYTHING at Lord Hobo, but really, who can complain? I think there were a LOT of German beer flavors here, even the Belgian choice I had had the subtle gag German beer flavor that I can still remember from my trip to Munich. We're not talkin Heffeweisen here, we're talkin [Complicated German Word] Brau beer. Not that this is a bad thing, it's nice to be reminded of such an amazing trip, but after tasting several choices, I'm guessing any future selections I make will have a hint of this flavor... On a good note, I love love LOVED these beers pretty things baby tree (MA) nogne porter (oh! would have loved the helles but didn't see it on the menu this time...helles is one actually fantastic german brew). (fave 2of6 tasted) And this food (oh, back to the truffle point) - must try ($5) - tasting of deviled eggs - the truffle oil deviled egg could move walls! (and inspire devilish thoughts). I can't even begin to imagine what the truffle chips, fries, with truffled sauces might taste like... I won't harp too heavily about German beers, coz what does a korean like me know ...
(4)
Chris M.

What kind of experience do you expect when you roll up to a place, called Lord Hobo, is it like, empowered poor people? or poor royal people? Who knows, but strange name aside, this place offered up a good venue to enjoy some drinks with friends. This really is a neighborhood joint, It's almost set up to challenge you to get there. Kind of like the owners want to keep it local only. The first thing is it's kind of off the radar. Meaning far enough from the T that you aren't gonna want to walk there in the winter. The second, no signage on the outside that says 'Lord Hobo' if you don't know its address you aren't going to find it by walking around. The third, two sets of doors, both look like fire exits, where do you enter? (hint its the door on the corner). The fouth, black out drapes that make an entry way and help block out the New England winter. You just opened that door (which you may or may not know is right) to a dark room. A sigh of relief kind of comes over you as the host/doormar/hostess opens up the curtain and you can see the bar and crowds of people all enjoying Lord Hobo. For a Thursday night, this place was pretty packed at 8.30pm. not a seat at the bar, a lot of groups taking up the tables. A real chill hangout vibe. The thing that I loved about Lord Hobo, was, even though it was packed it seemed to be appropriately staffed, and I had no trouble getting friendly service from the bartenders (and manager, Kevin). Its one of those things that really stuck out and made the night for me. The drinks were good, I tried their mickey finn, which tasted like bourbon and citrus, The burgers looked really good, and the fries might also be to die for. I need to go back and try this place for food. i'm pretty sure I'll love it. I don't know what more you can ask for in a bar / pub / restaurant. It's crowded, and you still get good service, they have lots of beers, and the staff is friendly. It's a chill place, and I like that. Who want to go there and get some grub with me?
(4)
John B.

We went here for a little Sunday morning Brunch\drinks. Hangover fries were a mess but quite outstanding, however the Garden tonic was an outstanding drink especially that early in the day, it was like a celery-light-vegtably-awesome.... It's still not the B-side but its cool...
(5)
Lisa R.

My husband and I live within walking distance of Lord Hobo, but we decided to wait until all the hype died down before trying it. A good time was had for sure . . . we got there early-ish on a Friday night, and got a sweet spot near the bar, where we could ogle the tap handles. I got an Allagash Black, which was JUST what I was in the mood for, which ended up being the beer of the night. The fries are super tasty. I got the arugula salad, which was full of goat cheese goodness, and warm bacon. My husband had the warm sandwich, which he was still talking about the next day. My only 3 gripes: * There was no place to put coats, other than over the stool. * The waitress spilled my husband's first beer, which was awkward. Beer is sacred, people! * The door to the bathroom stall couldn't lock. Other than that, I really liked the vibe of this place. I had never been to the B-Side, so I couldn't compare. I liked the crowd, the waiter, the music, and the whole atmosphere in general. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Lina R.

Disguised as a dive bar, you walk in through thick red curtains and the bar is super cool and trendy. Incredible beer selection, very different, strong, delicious brews. The cocktails are unique and delicious as well. Fairly priced for the quality! The food was delicious. Small but specialized menu. Very well done, great attention to detail. Highly recommend the truffle fries and the mozzarella sand which! The service was very good. Cool, trendy hipster types. A hidden gem!
(5)
Sanden T.

Come for the beer. Stay for the beer. The pizza was good and the fritter rocked. But that beer selection, whoa. I'll compare this place to the band the Clash. Sophisticated beer drinking music for a sophisticated beer drinking bar.
(4)
Brian M.

Hadn't been in here in a long while til last week. Liked more this time than last. V full for a weeknight (Wed) - waited about 15 mins for a table. The menu is less wanky than before, but with a decent selection in terms of variety and price. I also think the beer menu has improved, specifically more variety in terms of craft beers that have an ABV of 6% or lower - I like being able to have that third beer without feeling shitfaced. The food was good, rib sandwich with blue cheese - v tasty. The fries were a bit overdone, but palatable enough. The staff were great, friendly, welcoming and patient. The crowd was a mixed bag - the B-Side era hipsters seemed to have moved on, as have the rich kids from my last visit. This lot I suspect were mostly locals and Kendall Sq-area workers, with a definite geek presence.
(4)
Cambridge chris B.

Great beer and liquor selection. The food, ehhh. My fish & chips was gamey and undercooked. The shaved prime rib sandwich was overcooked & dry. The entrees seem to be an afterthought here, so stick to the appetizers, beer & liquor.
(2)
Sarah G.

Lord Hobo---you sure do have some fancy bathrooms for being named after a hobo!! At least I thought they were pretty swanky for a bar I heard wanted to be just for locals and all that fun stuff. Plus you serve $1 oysters on the half shell. If I could eat that every day as a hobo I would be one happy hobo, maybe even a lord hobo! They were not the biggest oysters in the world, but they were pretty tasty. We also got a $5 happy hour order of their goat cheese stuffed peppadews which were good, but not sure if was really worth $5 since it was kind of small. And then the main course....dun dun dun. That is what messed this place up for me. Their pulled pork sandwich didn't really have any sauce or flavor at all. The whole point of pulled pork is to have the pork be moist and juicy and dripping sauce all over the place, but not this pulled pork. Nope. There was a whole lot of nothing going on there. Good thing their fries were pretty darn tasty though. Especially after all of that deliciously tasty beer from that awesomely long list, some tasty carbs fresh out pretty much become your best friend. All the more reason why our server shouldn't have taken our plate early because there were still 3-5 fries on there! I know it was just a few fries, but that was the best part of the dish and she took it early....*insert sad face here* Then I just became jealous of Daniel S's grilled rye sandwich and roasted red pepper bisque....that was definitely better than my sandwich...*insert sad face again here out of jealously for his food* So Lord Hobo, you are the lord of beer of lists, and you do have a fancy bathroom, but I think for now on it will be a $1 oyster and beer place for me.
(3)
Catherine S.

I was in Boston for the weekend with some friends, staying at the Marriott in Cambridge. We were in search of some laid back dining on a Sunday night and did a little research to find Lord Hobo. It was fairly empty when we got there so finding a table was easy, and we were given menus and water quickly. As a party of four, we sat in a booth, but there were some longer tables there that could accomodate groups or serve communal purposes. The longest part of our ordering process was perusing the beer list. All of us are beer fans so we had a good time looking at all the options- very interestng but not intimidating. The cocktails were really fun, too! I chose the Lolita, which had jalapeno vodka, lime juice and elderflower. Definitely packed a punch, but it mellowed out as the ice melted. I'd order it again for sure! We started with the polenta fries and roasted squash, and both were great. The fries were crispy outside but creamy inside, and the polenta was well seasoned. Even the microgreen garnishes were good! The squash had good color on it without being mushy, and it was fresh. The chicken sandwich had nice fresh pesto, and the fries that came along side were crispy. Some of my group found them salty, which they were, but that's right up my alley. The other dishes we got highlighted fresh vegetables including corn (scallop entree) and heirloom tomatoes (tomato salad). Everyone was very happy with the food, as well as the ambience- laid back and casual. Service was solid. I asked if they had any merchandise, and unfortunately they were out of tees and hoodies, but our server was kind enough to at least snag me some matchbooks! It's worth the walk from either the Marriott Cambridge or the Residence Inn. I would happily return!
(5)
Terra N.

Came here on a Saturday and got lucky enough to snag a high top. I believe I ordered the London 77, which was pretty good. I am a huge sucker for anything with St. Germain in it. The added prosecco was an unnecessary, yucky touch. I like sweet but not that much. I also like complex characteristics and trying new things. I would have liked a well aged brandy in there instead. But for $10 a drink, that's not bad at all. My friend got the Angelina which had a spicy, gingery quality but I realized that it might have been the chartreuse that was in here giving it that star anise or licorice flavor. It was an interesting cocktail though. We got the cheese plate and it made it to one of the better cheese plates I've had. Sadly, we ordered cocktails that were sweet and it was an odd combination with the board. The honeycomb sauce was yummy and I can't remember exactly what cheeses it came with but they were all unique and the sharp cheddar was my favorite. I surprisingly enjoyed the blue cheese because it was on the milder side. For $40 bucks on two people, I could imagine myself racking up a much bigger bill but sadly we were bar hopping. It was loud, but quite cozy and I really liked walking through the curtains to get into the place and it was totally my type of gig.
(5)
Corey L.

Saw this place on some food show and ventured out. I really liked it. They didn't have the dessert I wanted, but I was there at like 20 minutes till close. Food was solid, pretty cool decor, and I liked the waitress. Overall, I'd definitely go back.
(4)
M L.

Received an insultingly small portion of (rather expensive) mushroom gnocchi, and the Sriracha soup was an absolute joke of a dish. The service is alright, but a bit on the surly side. Overall not a particularly pleasant place to dine.
(2)
Sam F.

Asked for Jack Daniel's on the rocks they gave me Evan Williams instead. Guess they don't carry Jack and thought I wouldn't recognize the difference. That kinda sucked. I guess I expect more from a place like this and their bartenders.
(1)
Hannah M.

Went back, with a gift card. Service was substantially better! We shared the asparagus small plate - delicious, perfectly cooked with crispy cippolini onions and parmesaen cheese, calamari, and the special - sweet potato hash with a fried egg and spinach salad with pickled onions. Yum! Still pretty chilly in there and so loud, but I think it's the acoustics of the place (high ceilings with copper tiles). And also, the lack of raw oysters (I was craving them and we figured we'd use our GC and get oysters in 1 fell swoop) :-(
(4)
Colleen M.

I keep wanting to love this place. Their beer list deserves 5 stars. Their food - maybe 3 stars (hit or miss). Unfortunately, their service prevents me from coming here anymore. I like my beer without angry hipster attitude. I've been here on several occasions: sometimes when the bar is packed so I actually expect to have to wait a little bit for service, but sometimes when the bar is completely empty. Then, it's almost like they try to ignore you. What's the deal Lord Hobo???
(2)
Zach W.

This place should be called Lord Hipster.....If there was an app for Lord Hobo is would be called Hipsterific, or Hipsterama, or Hip to be Square, or So-Hip-It-Makes-Me-Sick. I'm going to take a three pronged attack on this one. 1) Booze! 2) Food! 3) Atmosphere/Service 1) The booze: Being a total cocktail snob and huge beer lover I had a feeling I would enjoy Lord Hobo. My assumptions were confirmed. They know their booze, and they know their beer. Their cocktails are excellent, well made, with a classic craft flair....although I was a little disappointed with their rendition of the Whiskey Mule (one of my favs). Their beer selection is awesome, extensive and varied. Overall booze experience was pretty great, would be interested to see what it's like when it's a little more busy. 4/5 stars. 2) The food: Their food was okay. Not really amazing but definitely tasty. We had the truffle fries, the pork belly, and something else that I'm forgetting......The fries were shoestring cut (one of my personal favs), but could have been tossed and mixed a little more. All the truffle stuff was up top. The pork belly was delicious and interesting. Literally a rectangular piece of pork belly, skin to fat, layered and cooked like they just chopped it out of the pig. Tasty.... The food I can't remember.....obviously not worth remembering. Overall food was just okay. It seemed like they were trying really hard to fit that craft beer, meat house type place and didn't really have any veggie options (even though I'm not a vegetarian...still like to eat 'em sometimes). 2/5 stars. 3) The atmosphere/service: Our server was very, very nice, attentive, and knowledgeable. And very, very, very hipster. Big, black brimmed glasses, dirty beard with unkempt hair, tight plaid shirt, and tight jeans. And, like most hipsters, he knew his stuff....he was knowledgeable on booze (we chatted it up about whiskey's and a few liqueurs that they had and did not have, he even gave us a taste of one interesting booze called Root), he was also very nice and personable. Overall solid experience with serving except the design/atmosphere is weird, cold, and feels very sterile. 3/5 stars. I'll be back Lord Hipster....er... Hobo. I'm interested to see what it's like on a crowded weekend night.....sort of.....but not really......yeah, okay....I'll probably just go back on a quiet afternoon.
(3)
Adam C.

How LH has the same Yelp rating as Meadhall is baffling to me. The service here is unquestionably superior and the ambiance is better too. While the food at Lord Hobo is certainly not out of this world, it's not insultingly overpriced either. I'd recommend sticking to the apps as those are their aces in the deck, particularly the deviled eggs and fries (wait a second I just looked at the menu online and they might not be offering these anymore? This is tragic...bring 'em back!). The draft list is consistently solid and occasionally fantastic. Huge kudos to them for posting daily pictures of the draft menu on the website so you know if anything amazing is on (why all dedicated beer bars don't do this is a total mystery to me). Their bottle list is usually even more impressive, and sometimes the owner will break out some awesome vintage stuff. As for cocktails, I think the menu has a few throwaways that aren't for me and a couple really solid ones. I love the trinidad sour, the 92 siestas, and I wholeheartedly recommend the soylent green as a refreshing summer quencher. The bottom line is that Lord Hobo is one of the top 3 beer destinations in Boston and there shouldn't be much debate about that. The owner shows a commitment that is lacking in many other places. Yes, it's not the easiest place to get to even if you have a car, but it's worth the effort if you give a damn about beer.
(4)
Vanessa P.

I had been to Lord Hobo only once, for drinks, since they took over the B Side's space a couple of years ago. The B Side, on the other hand, was one of my go to places for drinks and dinner. I went for the London 77 half based on the list of ingredients, half on the description: "Punks like pink". The London 77 is made with Hendrick's gin, grapefruit, St. Germain, and Prosecco. Delicious. While we sipped on our drinks we started with an order of the daily Hand-cut Chips and Dip which today's special was served with a caramelized onion and goat cheese dip. The dip was really good, like a fancied up version of the Heluva Good French Onion Dip we all hate to love. The chips were also very good - made to order, crispy and not too greasy. You truly can't just eat one. I had planned to get the burger but then saw that it was taco night and they had Fish Tacos, which totally swayed me. I wanted to love the tacos but I was a little disappointed with the them. The flavors were all great with the zesty creamy guacamole and the rich black beans balancing it out but the fish wasn't crispy at all. The batter thick, soft and a dull. I couldn't even tell you what kind of fish it was as the flavored were so muted by the batter. It really needed that crunch as all the other ingredients were very soft. Overall, I still love the feel of Lord Hobo as its a lot like the B Side was - dark but cozy. Service was really great; our waitress was super friendly and attentive. Drinks were definitely awesome. Food... I need to give it another go as those fish tacos didn't impress me at all but I think the food at Lord Hobo has the potential to based on the chips, dip, and fries that I did have. Great place to go to with colleagues or a group of friends after work, which I am sure I will be doing often.
(3)
megan l.

I really really want to like Lord Hobo. It's a block from my house and has the potential to be my "go to spot." But every time I've been, I was thoroughly disappointed. Visit #1: Took forrreeever to get drinks. Like literally 25-30 minutes. Decided to drink the beers (which were actually pretty delish) and get dinner somewhere else. Visit #2: Ordered a salad & asked them to hold the bacon. Got the salad with bacon. Asked for a new salad. The bartender said he didn't think that the bacon on my salad was actually bacon then proceeded to reach into my salad WITH HIS FINGERS and taste the supposedly fake bacon. After his taste, he agreed that it was indeed bacon and exchanged it for a new salad. Gross and bizarre. Visit #3: I ordered a $14 "Summer Vegetable Pasta." An appetizer sized plate of veggies arrived sans pasta. I waited a few minutes figuring they'd bring out a plate of pasta. When they didn't, I inquired. me: "does the veggie pasta come with pasta?" waiter: "no it's called vegetable pasta because the shape of the zucchini resembles pasta. i don't know why the chef calls it pasta." left still hungry and pretty POed. No dice Lord Hobo.
(1)
Ed M.

Great beer selection, good food and very nice staff in here. Like most places people call bars, it's going to be crowded on a weekend. We came in earlier than usual for a Friday night dinner, somewhere around 6pm, and we were seated right away. Nothing took too long despite quite a few friends saying the wait was ridiculous. As we left there still was not too bad of a crowd but I am sure it can be worse. We like beer. We love that we were able to get beers we had never tried before and we had nothing bad to say about any of them. The food was nice as well. Yes it's a bit expensive, but seriously, you get what you pay for. It's totally worth it here.
(4)
Caitlin G.

This was a pretty good place to go, we had a nice meal here tonight. There were a few off notes throughout the experience but it was overall a positive one. The beer selection there is quite amazing, I must say, even though they gave me the wrong one twice. I ordered the flank steak special, which was cooked a perfect rare. It came dressed with a yummy marinade and was served with asparagus and parmesan potato hash, both sides were tasty and the only real drawback to the meal was that I wish there had been more of everything except for the steak -- it was a very generous portion -- there were only four stalks of asparagus and about a quarter cup of the hash, and the steak could have used more sauce. The fried egg on top was a nice touch, albeit a little too well-done for my taste. I like a runny yolk. Also, the food was served lukewarm, which I was not a fan of. Overall, the food was good, decently flavored, but nothing that was over the top. Our waiter was adorable and very attentive; and again, the beer list is dauntingly impressive. There was good music playing, lots of early '90s jams. The atmosphere is nice as well, and what I liked was that there was a wide variety of ages and types of people in there too. I'd go back for a return visit.
(3)
Lisa O.

More like 3.5 stars Took my family here for brunch for my daughters 25th birthday. We arrived right after they opened and were the third medium sized party there. (6 people) They had only one server and he was a bit overwhelmed. Took a long time to have our drink order taken. Not his fault, not enough help. We got our brunch appetizers after a little wait, but I didnt like having the brunch dishes served right on top of them. Glad we got there early, because it filled up quick. Once the service got going, it was great. Had a grapefruit mimosa, delish! We got all the brunch apps. The pork belly was melt in your mouth, the sweet potato donuts were yummy, maybe a little greasy, the cornbread was very very dry. Everyone got a different plate, so it was well represented. Everyone liked their food, it was very good, but the price is killer. On the high side, but it was brunch and not just breakfast. So all in all, the food is good, but expensive, the service was inconsistent, but very nice and friendly.
(3)
D T.

Great beer selection and the polenta fries were good. Cheese plate was much smaller than I expected $80+ tip for 4 beers, polenta fries and the cheese plate isn't going to have me running back there anytime soon.
(3)
Amanda B.

This place doesn't look like much from the outside and upon walking in its pretty chill and has some really odd art up on the walls. And the beer selection, an extensive listing of micro brews. They have a competition you can enter where you have one year to finish a whole page worth of beers. I think there's 150 on there. If you do you get your name on a mug. As for the food, I got their veggie burger and its literally one of the best ones I've ever had. They make them in house and they have something in there with this amazing crunch that totally breaks up the softness of the burger. Slightly flavored with curry and made with rice. Wicked yum. I have to add that the ladies room was super clean and stocked with lots of t.p. Always a nice surprise at a bar. I'll definately visit this place again.
(4)
Jason A.

Dark ambiance and semi-loud music ... I feel like I am at a neighborhood bar. Well, it pretty much is still with a share of gastro-pub and a heavy side of beer bar. Good glassware selection meets an epic line-up of beers ... Not once have I looked at the list and asked myself "where else can we go tonight?" I find stool or table and hunker down at this place for the night. Service is excellent and the place is clean throughout. The food had a few hiccups in the beginning but that is expected from every place when they open ... they have really worked over the menu with tweaks here and there and seemed to have listened to the regulars. UPDATE: They got rid of the deviled eggs ... very sad. I am getting fed up with the four crustinis on the cheese plate, cheese portions have been very small as well for the price. My suggestion for out-of-towners ... hit Cambridge Brewing Co. 1st for a pint or two then head over here for the rest of the night. Edit: Prices are high ... perhaps not the highest in the Boston area but expect to pay a premium.
(4)
Shawn L.

We walked in an wandered around confused for a while trying to find someone to seat us. Service was pretty slow, but I think that's part of their charm. They have a great beer selection, but I was kind of disappointed with the food. I had the pulled pork. It was fine, but nothing to write home about.
(3)
Nicole S.

My friend went here before for the mac and cheese, while enjoying that she fell in love with the massive beer selection. So we, plus Boyfriends, went there over the weekend. We arrived just as it opened so we had attentive wait staff serving us. The food and beer selection is top notch. There is plenty of imported and domestic beers at the ready. Whatever beer we had was good. I'm not a big beer person so Boyfriend was a good sport a split 32 oz cream soda colored beer. Perfectly weak, I mean light, for me. My friend raved about the mac and cheese so I had to get it. She got the bacon mac again and I got the lobster mac. Mine was pretty good with it's cheesy, creamy sauce and chunks of lobster on top. I tried my friends and was then disappointed with mine. The bacon added so much smokey, salty flavor that it really took it to another level. I suggest getting the bacon mac if you are going that route. The true winner were their Parmesan french fries with the truffle aioli sauce. Think cut fries at were fried perfectly and covered with shredded Parmesan cheese served with a smooth tasting aioli. There was a point in the evening when my friend was demonstrating a part of a horror film's commerical that creeped me out and proceeded to punch her beer spilling its hoppy goodness into the crotch of my cream colored pants. Sure an embarrassing, and yet funny, moment for us both but the wait staff handled it well with clearing the table, wiping it down, and supplying me with plenty of napkins to soak the beer out of my pants. I'll be back for the great service and to try some more bacony things.
(4)
Ryan L.

Lord Hobo, I love you. When I step out of my front door, I can see you. This was no accident. It was definitely a factor in choosing our apartment. Beer Selection: Great selection of local and imports, and the bartenders know their stuff. Food: I love the chicken lollipops and polenta fries. Both very well executed and creative. I've had the scallop and quinoa a couple of times- also very good. The food can skew a bit on the heavy side.. but its a gastro-pub, so I suppose thats to be expected. Decor: They have revolving displays of local artists- with many of the pieces for sale. The overall decor of the place is nice, and it accommodates large groups well. It gets busy and loud on the weekends (its a bar) so if thats not your thing, keep that in mind. The staff is cool, knowledgeable and helpful. ... now if we could just get the bill that legalizes happy hour passed...
(5)
Francisco A.

Great selection of beer and the food is quite original and tasty. The service tough was kinda awful.
(3)
Maggie P.

Yes, yes, this is a hipster bar. Hipsters gravitate toward good food, so what are you gonna do? I could almost call this a gastropub, though it is so divey on the outside. Dark and moody with sweet art on the wall on the inside. Did I say gastro pub? yeah, that means the pork and the mac and cheese and other niblets I ate were freakin' delicious. Service. Well, it was so-so. We got attention, then we were ignored. Then we got love again. Good beer list. I had such a hard time choosing because I'm a light weight and can only drink so much.
(4)
Brant N.

Food was good, drinks were better, but the atmosphere is amazing. One of a kind place that should not be missed when in Boston.
(4)
Rakiesha C.

Lord Hobo wants to be a good idea. High end bar food coupled with an amazing beer list. Sadly, this place misses the mark in some important areas, making it a definite one star experience. The menu comes off as pretentious. Braised pig cheeks? Duck confit? Why? A beer list as awesome as theirs deserves real five star bar food, not this expensive fru fru stuff. The layout is the worst. We were seated at a table with another group way too close to the bar and the door, so people kept pushing past us as we tried to eat. One group of guys actually leaned on our table while they watched the game. It was awful and staff never made them move! One star, and I don't think this place deserves a second chance. Sucks too, because the staff there, for the most part, weren't that bad.
(1)
Rachel K.

I love the drink menu here; a wide variety of beers and trendy creative cocktails. I love, love, love The Paloma...a grapefruit margarita with a kick! The pizza special this past weekend was *sooo* good; a mix of cheeses, including goat, and broccoli. It was extra crispy, and worth every penny of the $11. Only complaint was I wish it were bigger, my boyfriend and I ordered a second! (we're not pigs, I swear- haha). Service was good, a little confusing that we had three, YES THREE, servers all night. Service at the bar has been great here too, and I love the ambiance. Great hangout spot in Cambridge.
(4)
Ian B.

Excellent brunch and probably the best Bloody Mary I have had in a long time. Will return.
(5)
Orian I.

shrug, I didn't quite get it. It was like it was trying to be one thing but presenting you with a totally different thing. are you a hipster bar? what's with the metal blaring..and yet the very middle aged milfs hanging out and sipping white wine? it's so confusing. I don't care either way.are you a neighborhood place? a destination bar for the burbs broads? what? make up your mind! We could never call this place hipster in Portland. this is like old people hipster, like 40 somethings trying to feel hip and cool by over paying for beer, hanging out in leather jackets, and listening to metal. My boy big fan of b-side, was pretty disappointed as well. The decore/wait staff/ and clientele are like complete opposites of each other. I would get it more if it was maybe dirtier? clubier? something. there was a definite feel of poser heavy in the air. also the bartender was weird, and slow...really slow. Their beer selection and tap list was big and nice variety. I wasn't feelin beer, so i asked about a vodka I hadn't hear of, mind you by pointing to it in the menu. The bartender says it's vodka, and walked away. wow..really? how did i miss the big bold lettering above it that said vodka..she came back and i made my "really?" face and she added, oh it's from vermont. there..that wasn't so hard right? anyways,the prices were steep and the place was weird and the service was slow. I'd skip it, unless you want to go in there and try and figure out the questions i posed above.
(2)
Eric P.

I've been dreaming about this place for the last week so I figured I'd write a review about my last trip a month ago. I hate the term gastropub because it's usually code for over-priced menu with fancy decorations and sub-par food, so I refuse to group this place into that category. This place rocks from the dive bar look to the beer selection to the Mac-n-cheese. If you love beer , this place will easily become one of your favorites in the Boston area. Food is interesting, fresh and always tasty. Service has always been attentive and helpful. We're familiar with most of the beers on draft but they've been helpful with some friends who know nothing about beer. If your thinking about popping your Hobo cherry, don't be scared by the rather plain exterior. Inside the large red curtain this place is clean and neat. Just be warned it can get a little crowded standing around the bar. After our first trip we decided to try the food because it looked so good and the whole experience was better sitting at a table. The only Bad thing I can think of here is the parking situation. It's a little bit of a hike from the T and most of the parking is permit only. Since I don't live in Cambridge this has been a little frustrating but I don't see anything the Hobo crew can do about that.
(5)
Mariko W.

Lord Hobo is my favorite gastropub in the Boston area. The beer selection is AMAZING and I find myself craving their food constantly. Came here last night. It was packed but our drinks and food came out in a reasonable time. Our server, Kate, was so helpful in making beer selections... she really knew what she was talking about and was so sweet. I don't know why i have waited until now to write this review. I come here all the time, was here on New Years eve (very fun) and I'll probably be back next week. Love the fried oysters, mac and cheese, polenta fries and the pork schnitzel. LOVE THE BEER!
(5)
Josh E.

Best beer selection in Boston. Lord Hobo's 43 taps and large bottle selection always hit the spot when Im in need of good brews. On draft the focus is American beer, but you'll also find some good European stuff like Rochefort and Nogne(which is quite rare around here). Their prices are very fair and they are generous with samples. My only complaint about their beer selection is that it gets a little heavy with the IPAs sometimes. What little I've had of their food has been solid. Their liquor selection and cocktail list is suprisingly good for a beer bar.
(5)
Summer L.

Friendly server, delicious chicken lollipops, great drink menu!
(4)
Kristina D.

5 stars for the beer and wine, 4 stars for the cocktails, 4 stars for the food, 1-2 for the service. The breakdown: 1) Mac and cheese ain't what it used to be. Curly noodles and smooth cheese sauce have given way to rigatoni and lumpy sauce. 2) The fries used to come with curry, ketchup and truffle aioli, but now you have to order them separately. They are still rockstar delicious though. 3) The oysters are ok--decent, but the mignonette is solidly blah. Would have preferred more lemon and some horseradish. 4) The server took about an hour to bring my boyfriend and another friend their mac and cheese and burger, respectively. They didn't realized I'd ordered oysters and fries as an entree and were waiting for those to be done. He also never checked if we wanted to order more beverages--which we would have likely done since they were delicious. If each of our party of 9 had ordered just one more glass of wine or bottle of beer, that'd have been $72 extra. Do the math, Hobo. Executive Summary: Arrive early and come on off-hours to enjoy fries, lobster mac (demoted to 3.5 star from its former 5 star glory), beer, and wine.
(3)
Patrick F.

Although it is a bit hard to get to (esp if you are planning on sampling their extensive beer selection extensively and don't feel like tempting fate by driving home), Lord Hobo is a beer lover's dream, with a ton of taps and excellent food pairings. Found a sampling of Stone's Vertical Epic beers on tap last time I went that you probably can only find in a handful of bars in america. Amazing tastings resulted. If you are a fan of low-key ambiance, good food, and excellent beer, Lord Hobo is your spot.
(4)
April S.

Still no. Since my last review I've been a few times. My review has been deleted BTW, thanks Yelp. That's fair? I want to like it here. But I can't. Service is so bad!!! Food is bad. Beer is good. But not good enough to pay the prices and put up with the bull. Wish the B-side would come back and kick your A$%!!
(1)
Brita F.

Pretentious waitstaff. Mediocre food. But still, The beer is damn good. --Haiku Review
(3)
Deanna D.

I've been back to Lord Hobo a few times since my last review. The main attraction is definitely the great beer selection. We arrived early enough to grab seats at the bar without a wait. The place was not as packed or noisy as last time which was nice. The bartenders were very friendly and helpful. We tried a couple of apps and were still not impressed. However, I will keep coming back for their lovely beer selection.
(3)
Matt Q.

Quickly: 1) beer selection, while great, is certainly not the best in town. Too reliant on west coast. (I know, shut up nerd) 2) the food is not reasonably priced for what it actually is. everything is like 4 dollars more than it should be. 3) service is hit or miss. Most of the folks that work there are awesome, but one of the beardo mesh hat wearing bartenders needs to realize that working in a bar is still a job and that you're just there to party and try to make friends. I dunno, you guys. I love Ellum, PH, Bukowskis and even the Gaff SO much more than this place. The owners of Hobo own the Moan and Dove in Amherst which is sweet, but the sweetness didn't travel eastward on the Pike to their newest venture. Meh, even though it should be a slam dunk. OH MY GOD WHY AM I SO CONFLICTED.
(3)
Theodore D.

AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME. I'm not a hipster but I love this place!!! Great rotating beer selection of great beers. But this is the norm around Cambridge. The Food here kicks ass. A lot better then you think it will be. 1. French Fries with Truffle Oil. Get it. Drink beer and eat this comfort food. 2. Oysters are good and cheap during Happy Hour. Drink with a Martini though. Hard Liquor is better with raw seafood. Just saying. 3. Pulled Pork Sandwich with an IPA. Eat the above food with the above booze in that order and you'll thank me.
(5)
Amy M.

I really wanted to love Lord Hobo. Local hype had told me that this was the place du jour in the Inman/Kendall area. I eagerly headed over, expecting my greedy little hands to be filled with tasty morsels and imbibements. I had the steak tartare which, while cleverly presented inside hardboiled eggs, was pretty bland. There was also a real lack of actual tartare with the eggs being the bulk of the dish. It was okay, but nothing to write yelp about. Someone else at the table had the fried calamari and while they were well cooked (nice and crisp) they hardly tasted like anything at all. LH tried so hard with the addition of crisped orange zest but it still just tasted like chewy friedness, even the squid itself was bland. A shame, as things LOOKED so good. My companions had some excellent beers and seemed really pleased with their selection. It having been a rainy gross evening, I opted for some warming red wine. For $8 a glass, the wine was alright but again, pretty meh. I don't expect beer oriented bars to be a mecca for wine drinkers, but I felt kind of shafted in the shadow of the beer behemoth. Overall, the experience was alright but I wasn't blown away by much of anything. The music was loud veering on obnoxiously so and our waiter all but vanished when it came time for the check. If I'm in this area looking for late night eats and drinks, I'll walk another few blocks and hit Hungry Mother.
(3)
David R.

The beer selection is AWESOME, but the food was really lackluster - we got the pulled pork sandwich and the lobster pasta, and neither of them had any flavor at all. Quick disappointing. So Id give Lord Hobo a 4 or 5 if it was just based on the beer, but for food its a 2.
(2)
Sara T.

I can't believe I waited this long to try out Lord Hobo! I knew it would be good as soon as I stepped into the dimly lit room with several communal tables, as well as some 4-6 person tables, and a U-shaped bar (I think). It reminded me of a bigger version of The Druid or River Gods, with a larger craft beer selection. Our server made some great suggestions for beers based on other beers that we liked. We only had an appetizer (burrata with crostini and honey), but the rest of the menu looked really great, too. I'll definitely be back soon!
(5)
J M.

I like that it looks weirdly dark and intimidating from the outside, but then is really pretty on the inside with lots of wood. Huge beer list but also other good wine options, if you're not in the mood for that. The burger is one of the best I've had in Boston/Cambridge.
(4)
Julie A.

as a loyal customer of the beloved B-side, I had a hard time finally getting over the fact that it was gone and the new place has a retarded name. That being said..... My friend took me with a coupon on a blizzardy Sunday afternoon for beer and brunch. hands down, best afternoon I've had in a while. Good music, awesome beer, amazing steak and egg breakfast, all topped off with a super nice, knowledgeable and hot bartender! It is a bit $$$ for me, the cheapest bitch in town, but at least it is worth the splurge. yum yum yum.
(5)
Lauren R.

I really wanted to love Lord Hobo. I walk past it on Windsor Street approximately five mornings a week, and always think, hmm beer and fondly remember a beer and truffle fry-filled dinner I enjoyed here a year ago. I decided that it was time to return, and corralled some coworkers to join me for some Friday AWBs. The bar was pretty empty for a Friday afternoon, and we had no problem securing a table. Despite the impressive beer list, I actually wound up sipping on a Hot for Teacher (Don Q, St. Germain, lime, mint, prosecco), and slurping back some oysters ($1 each from 5 -7 pm!) - I was a happy girl. The euphoria did not last long, however. Despite the bar not being busy, our waitress was slow, indifferent, and just all-around sucky. Our table was soon cluttered from all of the glasses that weren't being cleared - even when we asked someone to do so. I had to leave before the rest of my party: getting her to bring me a bill for one cocktail and five oysters ("Sorry, I had to bill you for six") was like pulling teeth. The drinks (Lord Hpbo's beer list has got to be in Boston's top three) are too good to let poor service keep me away, but I've learned my lesson: next time, just grab a seat at the bar.
(3)
Bill R.

Awesome food. Interesting drinks. Attentive waitstaff.
(5)
Laarv F.

Laarv does not like to wait for service. In the two times that Laarv has gone to Lord Hobo (two times too many) she has had to wait to be seated, wait to be served and wait for the server to correct errors in what was ordered and then wait forever for the check. The second time Laarv went to Lord Hobo (couple of weeks ago) - she and her party waited to be seated for what was supposed to be 15 minutes - 45 minutes (and still no table) later Laarv left. On a side note - the fries were very good the first visit.
(1)
Dave G.

Yum. Great food experience, Great drinks. Eat here, Drink here.
(4)
Laura B.

lord hobo is a solid four star bar. delicious, inventive bar fare. creative cocktails. good service. unique ambiance. you must order the thick cut fries dusted with parmesan cheese. put down the ketchup and dunk them in truffle aioli. yes. thank me later. get the calamari too. it's perfectly salty and a little spicy. served with aioli. the chicken lollipops are coated with a sweet, sugary glaze. they're great, but they make a mess. i wouldnt order these on a first date here, unless you're going for a viking-like first impression. i ordered a whiskey based drink called the rambler. it was a little spicy with a dry finish. just the way i like my drinks. the service was decent. we were a large group of about 12 people. our food and drinks came out pretty fast. everyone was friendly and knowledgeable. and if i have not convinced you yet.... another reason to hit up lord hobo for drinks and dinner: they sponsor local artists. the interior of the bar is a bit of a gallery. their shows rotate every so often. sometimes the artwork is on sale. go check it out!
(4)
Margeaux A.

Let me start by saying that I really enjoyed this place! It's really cool, the music is fantastic (Beatles galore!), and the food is delicious! We went on a Saturday night and didn't have to wait for a table, which was great (I am not a fan of waiting). I think I went to the bathroom three times at this place, so I should comment on it. The bathroom is clean! The place isn't particularly large, but I didn't feel crowded at all. It's very loud, but you get used to it. And as i mentioned about the music, it's great because you can actually hear the songs and sing along if you want (I'm not saying I did that, but I'm not saying I didn't do that either). A bunch of us ordered food, and it came out in a timely manner, which I always like to see (again, I am not a fan of waiting). The service could have been better. We had a waiter and a waitress, so I wasn't sure why that was the case. The waiter wasn't the friendliest person, and this was reflected in his interactions with us. The waitress was a little better, pretty much kept our drinks filled, so that was a plus. This place is on the expensive side. The food is good, but I don't think it's worth such high prices. I would definitely go back, though, because I had a great time :)
(4)
Kate S.

So....I read my review three years later and have to say I've grown a bit. Their beer selection is great and I'm so glad they don't have blue moon and other shitty beers. Their food is also bomb for bar food. And now I've moved closer and that has solved the parking issue!
(5)
Lee H.

We went to the Lord Hobo on a coupon. My review may be higher than others since we were there on a slow Sunday afternoon, and there was no wait. Service was fine, and the server was very nice and attentive. The brunch food was quite good. I had steak and eggs, and my wife had an omelet. The fries were especially good. Portions were generous, and the food was tasty and fresh. Prices were reasonable, a bargain with the coupon. Parking sucks. We parked at the Kendall Square parking lot and cut through some side streets. Good atmosphere, good prices, and good food. Recommended.
(4)
Steven H.

This is a review I have been holding off for a bit to do. This is for a couple reasons. One of them being I am an acquaintance of the Chef here and I am hesitant to be critical of his cooking. On the same token I am sure he can take criticism for what it is; just an opinion. I wish I could review the beer selection separate from the food. To sum this up I will go back for a few beers and some fries but thats about it. We went on a Saturday night at about 6pm and two things were "barriers" right off the bat. THERE IS NO PARKING!!!!! and the place is tiny and it was PACKED. From a completely judgmental standpoint the crowd was average age of mid 30 somethings with a spattering of older folk. We were seated right away though thanks to my connection in the kitchen. Had it not been for that we would have waited 1 hour easily. I want to give the food as much respect as possible so this review will be long winded. To start we were served a rather thoughtfully built platter of cheeses, house pickled cucs, rabbit pate. It was certainly eccentric as far as flavors presented. I have uber respect for the thought process that goes into such a platter however in this case there was no flow and the flavors blunted each other rather than working with each other. We received many appetizers some we ordered and some sent on the house. The fries with truffle aioli were great and simple. The scallops were undercooked. I hate overcooked seafood but this was removed from the pan too early. The tuna sushimi app was great, excellent cut of tuna and what you would expect although not giving chop sticks with japanese fare is just wrong. Dinner was a mixed bag. My wife and friends' all ordered the hanger steak with chimichurri. I have experience with hanger steak and it is a great cut that needs to be cooked properly, marinating helps. This steak seemed like it was not cooked at high enough heat and was cooked through too much, leading to it being somewhat tougher than it needed to be. There was little sign of char on the outside of the steak which really tells you the heat it was first cooked on. Flavor was good, it was more of chopped garlic with vinegar as a marinade or sauce around the steak, not a a chimichurri, so there was a let down there. It did come with a wonderful and very unique as well as delicious creation; an over sized 'tater tot' This beast was about the size of a computer mouse and was a neat addition to the plate. The price of the entrees is pretty outrageous in terms of what you get. I am not afraid to pay either. The food is priced similar to Prezza in the north end and its not even within its stratosphere. I like the idea of a gastropub in Boston, I think the menu needs a little work. The creativity is there but some technique and some flavor is missing. As another Yelper stated @mark g the meals are overpriced and the service is lack luster. The beer however is EXCELLENT and you wont find most of the brews anywhere else nearby. I have a feeling if I return for beer and fries I will be waiting with the rest for a seat...but I hope not.
(3)
Bridget H.

So, in this update I'm giving Lord Hobo five stars for being awesome, minus one star for being so expensive. Why you ask? A review of our finances from this winter should answer both questions. The truth is that in February we spent more money at Lord Hobo than we did on groceries! Yowch! I think perhaps we like too much.
(4)
Rodeo B.

I'm assuming that a lot of the negative reviews about this place stem from the higher expectations that come with a longer wait to get in. Yes, it is more expensive than Peoples Republic but no more expensive than Public House. Plus they have liquor, which keeps the edge off for me when the rest of the table is milking their craft beers. Most of the beers they sell cost more than $5 a pint at a liquor store so I don't know why people should expect to pay that (or less) at a bar. If by waiting in line you think you are entering something other than a bar, well, you're not. Go to a liquor store, buy an ommegang, drink it at home at blog about how everything sucks. My girlfriend and I got there at about 6:30 on a friday and there was luckily one table open. Our two friends showed up about 20 minutes later and oddly enough, were not let in because of capacity reasons even though we had two empty seats at our table. We had to wait for 2 out for 2 in, and that was rightfully very annoying and unexpected. That aside, we had a good time. We ordered mostly appetizers and drank a few rounds, but most certainly did not run up the type of bill that one would hope for from a table on a busy friday night and yet they did not pressure us to turn the table over, remained attentive as beers were finished and were overall extremely friendly. The parmesan fries were especially good. If all the prices were lowered $2 I think the general rating for this place would be 0.5 star higher.
(4)
Bacon S.

Awesome beer selection, great food. The burger was perfect, the fish and chips were better than anything I've had closer to the coast. Love the prices as far as beer goes: 20 oz for $6.50? Can't beat it. I would have given it a five star, but each time I've been it has taken a little bit long for me to be noticed by bartenders. However, once they did see me, they were overly friendly, helpful, and polite. Awesome spot, definitely a place to hang out a lot more.
(4)
Gaius N.

I ordered an arugula salad with ... possibly goat cheese. It was quite tasty, though it didn't particularly surprise me. The beer selection is quite good. The major downside is that it's all pretty pricey. A secondary downside is that they're completely full of themselves. Our server was downright gleeful that the bar had been in a dispute with the City of Cambridge over whether they had to have a sign with their name on it. I don't really care so much whether they have a sign or not, but they seem to go against the grain just out of spite.
(3)
Simon L.

One of the better burgers out there. The buttery grilled brioche bun fits the hamburger well. A large hand formed patty is cooked perfectly medium rare. The meat is seasoned well and very juicy - fatty in the way a burger is supposed to be. Lettuce, tomato and red onion. Cheddar melts on the meat. The fries are hand cut and nicely fried a bit on the hard side. The atmosphere is booming - it is very loud in here. Sit at a high top, grab a delicious brew and enjoy the meaty sandwich in your palm.
(4)
Meghan B.

So good! The Mac and cheese with Brussels sprouts added was delicious! Large beer selection and amazing starter plates - try the bbq shrimp and the oxtail
(4)
Shay-lo L.

I have been to Lord Hobo twice. I hope to not return. I try and sample locations near my home and even if I have an unpleasant experience, I give them a second chance if I wasn't up all night ill. That's sort of how this went. The first time we went and I liked the atmosphere a bit. There was a mix of people there, not too busy with annoying hipsters, pretentious suits or academics....just an overall decent vibe. It seemed alright. Then came the menu. A bit schizophrenic at best...I get it...'Lord Hobo'...they want it to be dressed up peasant food or fancy bar food. Clever. Either way, it was not floating my boat on menu or on plate. I had some appetizer that was unrecognizable under the grease and my burger (ordered medium) was served medium rare at best. The server was uninterested when alerted to the fact of my bleeding, uneaten burger. No biggie, pay the check, tip 20% and leave. The did have a decent beer selection- hence the 2 stars. The second time, like the glutton for punishment I am, I ordered the burger again. This time it was during brunch. I ordered it medium again. Lo and behold, it was yet again undercooked even worse. I don't get it. Do they have their grills turned to low for energy efficiency...if so bravo for that, but please just cook my food how I ask. I ate the fries. Also, my dining companion ordered some pork belly item. He really LOVES pork belly but it was so completely swimming in grease that it was tough to eat. That afternoon he felt sick all day. Again, the drinks we had were decent. **EDIT: I just remembered, or was reminded of this madness!!! The second time during brunch, we ordered our drinks and then waited what seemed like forever. The waitress was very nice and came over a couple times to apologize that the bartender had disappeared to 'feed the meter'...um, it was Sunday so no. So, anyways. The drinks took forever and mine was okay when it arrived but my friend said that his Bloody Mary (a fairly standard drink for brunch and easy to make) was sweet and watery. No thanks. I just had to make this a one star review after all. My conclusion is that I cannot imagine I'd go back there for food. If someone made me meet up for drinks perhaps I'd agree. I don't think this place will make it. Restaurants and bars are a dime a dozen in this area. The way I see it with management's haphazard attitude and the inattention in the kitchen, this place just doesn't look like a keeper in Cambridge.
(1)
Cait A.

Came here with a large group of people. The bartenders were cool, we loved the fries, and they actually had the Left Hand Milk Stout I love.
(5)
Adam C.

SO MUCH BUZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!! Restaurant and bar make fun happy place drink and food eat yum so good!!!! Beer menu like tablet from Mt. Sinai but more long. Food give to face make smile! Enough of that smart talk. The beer selection really is tits. It's a beer snob's dream, and the prices are decent for the quality of beer they serve. There is a very intentional lack of PBR, Miller High Life, or even Bud Light etc. This is a beer snob's bar. But that's cool, whatever-the-fuck. The food is flat-out expensive. HOWERRR, what I had was really good. $13 burger??? Better be fucking good! And it was! So, I'm not complaining. There's really no "pub-grub" on the menu. It's real restaurant food and not Jack Fish's Shit House Tavern & Grill's cold ham and cheese sub with Utz potatoes chips and a yellow pickle thrown on wax paper sitting in one of those mesh plastic oval-bowls for $6.95. So, yeah.
(4)
Chris C.

So I had been hesitant to go here since I used to love the B side and was not sure I would like whatever replaced it. I was pleasantly surprised although I have to say I liked the B side better. The real downside to this place is location. Little to no non-resident parking and a decent hike from a T stop. That said it was very crowded when I was there, but it was a Pretty Things event so maybe that drew a bigger crowd than usual. The beer selection was very good and had pretty much anything you could want plus a few selections I hadn't heard of. They also had a wide range of cocktails although I didn't get the sense that the bartenders were particularly knowledgeable so I'd stick with the beer. I didn't try any of the food, but will probably hit it up again on a less busy night to do so.
(4)
Callahan B.

Lord Oh No Thanks! I went here with several work friends and I was not impressed. My boyfriend was to be joining us later and I told him not to waste his time and that I would rather leave the establishment and go elsewhere with him. They are way overpriced and their selection is really meh. Our waitress was ditzy and did not check on our table enough. I ordered the veggie burger and it was not delicious. It also came slobbered in hummus. I like hummus. I do not like ten pounds of hummus. I also felt that I could have easily created a better tasting burger at home and I do not cook. The music selection was trying far too hard to be hip and the locks on the bathroom stalls were overly difficult???? The biggest turn off? THE PRICE!
(2)
Lindley E.

40 taps and three casks? Oh yes. Pretty Things on tap? Oh yes. Nogne? On two taps? From Norway? Oh oh yes! I don't care about the overpriced charcuterie. Give me some fries and some beer and I'm happy. So the crowd is boring and the soundtrack is worse? So what again. And yes, I can't really read the beer menu because my eyes suck and the light is dim, but so what? If I sit close enough to the bar, I can decode the shapes of the tap and order by pointing. Is that really a flip flop? I'll pass on that one. And duh, kiddies, this place has beer a bar since...forever. Do you really need a sign on the door? You remember where the B-side was, don't you? Or did you just turn 'legal' last week? By the way, Rosebud was a sled. More beer, please.
(4)
Noa C.

What can I say about Lord Hobo that hasn't already been said? The beer list is absolutely amazing, constantly rotating beers from all over the world. The cocktail list is fun and interesting, I usually get "Hot 4 Teacher" a rum, St. Germain, mint and lime concoction that really hits the spot. I have eaten here a few times. The food is up-scale pub fare. The burger is amazing! Perfectly cooked on a lightly grilled brioche bun. The atmosphere can get loud at time, so it's not a great place for an intimate dinner or for small kids. It's a perfect place for a drink and good food any day of the week!
(4)
Danae K.

Loved coming here! Nice ambiance, with really high ceilings and excellent seating options. They have a large variety of beer selections, and nice appetizers to accompany it! Check out their cocktail menu as well as it has very unique flavors. This is a 10/15 min walk from Central/Kendall, but it's totally worth it :)
(4)
Brian D.

Do you miss the B-Side Lounge? Too bad. Get over it. Life moves on. Carry on. Stiff upper lip and all that. You know what you have now? Lord Hobo. Embrace the Hobo. Do you hear me? Embrace the Hobo. Hobo will become a neighborhood haunt in absolutely no time at all. I'm not going to ooze niceties, the place does not need it. The place is a sum of it's parts. And being a newly opened bar and restaurant, of course has a few bugs to work out. Hell, I was there the very first night they opened their doors - of course there were a few glitches but I really don't think they are even worth mentioning. What is worth mentioning: 1. The wait staff: Super friendly, knowledgeable and working at dizzying speed on a super busy night. Last night was sort of a soft opening for friends and family of the Hobo, and crap, hell, I feel like a second cousin but what the hell of course I went. 2. The crowd: Pretty much what you would expect. Cambridge folk, indie scenesters, hipsters, hippies, artists, business folk, restaurant snobs, beer nerds, liquor nerds, vegetarians, meat eaters, all of whom look strikingly familiar. 3. The seating: Individual tables, group tables, and plenty of room at the bar. Don't be shy, cozy up to a neighbor and drunkenly slur on about the old B-Side for a while. There are benches and bar stools, not messy upholstered chairs to be soiled with spilled drinks and fried tidbits. 4. The beer list: Yeah, it's pretty much all that. It doesn't go for the 'we have every beer in the world' thing. Rather it sort of achieves the 'whatever you like that is a quality beer, we either have it or have something similar to it that you will like'. No swill beer to be had here. Deal with it. No hot dogs either. 5. The food: Speaking of lack of hot dogs....get the french fries. Awesome fries w/ gravy or curry. That's like the cheap appetizer to share. Hell, it's probably enough to have if you just want a snack. The gravy, yeah, you'll want to drink it. But don't, that's just crass. Save room for the fried oysters, they are like Hershey Kisses from the sea. The cheese and meat plate is both mysterious and strangely addictive. I did not order the lobster mac and cheese but I stole some from my neighbor, she was not pleased about this but I was. 6. The other stuff: For an opening night, and I really do take this as a vision of things to come, they really did have their act together. My buddy the chef was grinning ear to ear, that is also a good thing. Guys were there from local glossy magazines, from Beer Advocate and from all makes and models of local favorite haunts. The decor is simple, the tone of the place warm. I'm quite sure this is all in process, and if you are one of those people that judges a book by it's cover then your impression of the place will be: warm red with simple lighting. I didn't even describe the drinks or wine, you will have to figure that out on your own. I'll just leave this as 'yes' 'please' 'more'.
(4)
Justin T.

Generally, I love this place, especially for brunch. I thought the prices were great and I thought the portions were excellent... until I met the macncheese. It was soupy. The shells were awful. It was also very small. The six dollar upgrade for bacon contained little actual bacon. The nine dollar lobster upgrade can only be described as imitation. Friends at the table got veggie burgers which were quite divine and came with amazing french fries. The music may be too loud for dinner time. They have an amazing selection of draught beer, including six or seven from Victory. So go, enjoy yourself, but watch out for the macncheese.
(4)
Laurinda U.

Went here for dinner and drinks at about 8PM on a Saturday night without reservations. For a group of three, we were told the wait would be an hour for a table. Deciding on the tried and true method of hovering near the bar behind people we suspected were leaving, we eventually got to sit down. The mixed drinks are all $10 and they do have an excellent beer selection. The appetizers and entrees are reasonably priced for a restaurant, but I'd say for essentially a neighborhood bar, a little pricey. But you do get good portions. I split a sirloin sandwich with fries ($12) with a friend and it was very tasty. My friend got the Mac & Cheese with lobster ($18) and it was also good but minimal on the lobster bits. Overall, this place loses a star for no parking and not enough tables. I really think whoever designed Lord Hobo take a step back and revise because two big tables in the middle is a waste of space when you can fit multiple circle tables where people can just stand.
(2)
Kelly A.

Admittedly, the mister and I were pretty psyched up about Lord Hobo. He's a big beer guy, so we had high hopes. We'd been patiently waiting for it to open, and yesterday was the day. So we trekked on over to Inman, got to the door around 5:30, and were actually able to get seats at a shared table. The menu was really limited with regard to vegetarian offerings and we were shocked at how high the prices were. We chose to share the deviled eggs, the truffle fries, and the wild mushroom polenta with grilled vegetables. He started with a De Ranke beer and I stuck with water. The beer arrived without a head, and he was annoyed that it was somewhat flat and lackluster, a big letdown considering it cost $10. Within 5 minutes of ordering our food, the dishes all arrived at our table. There were 6 deviled egg halves, and they were pretty good, worth the $5 that they cost. But then it all kind of went downhill from there. The fries tasted pretty good, but they were too small and difficult to dip into the sauces. And the sauces were served in these tiny little bowls that were really annoying for dipping. For $9, I expected better. And the polenta. It cost $18. I probably spend that much on an entree once or twice a year, and it's usually at a special dinner. This dish was not worth $18. It was a pile of polenta and it had some squash and carrots and other vegetables on top. It was nothing to write home about; maybe I would have been satisfied with it had it cost $12, but $18?! No way, Jose. He got one other beer, which he was happier with, both for the better quality and the better price, but it wasn't enough to make up for the overall mediocre experience. It seems that Lord Hobo suffers from a bit of an identity crisis. It's a bar. In the menu, there is one page of their food offerings, while all of the other pages showcase their various drinks. I have no problem with bars. But when I go to bars, I want to eat bar food, not yuppie interpretations of bar food that cost me a ton of money. We ended up dropping nearly $65 on two beers, deviled eggs, fries, and polenta. Two hours later, the mister was so hungry that he insisted we stop at Panera so he could get a sandwich. I think that is pretty unacceptable. So overall Lord Hobo was a bust for us. I hope that over time, they will work out the kinks and offer different types of food (and more vegetarian items) at a more reasonable price. But in the meantime, we'll stick with the Publick House, where we know we can always get good food and good beer and not drop a crazy amount of money.
(2)
Erin D.

The Moan and Dove and, to some extent, the Dirty Truth (before it was sold to the new owner), are two of my favorite Western MA establishments. Lord Hobo carries similar charms, but for its performance, is generally overpriced. I was sad mostly to spend $20 on a thoroughly underwhelming (and way too busy) meat&cheese plate, and $10 on *less than half a glass* of DeRanke XX Bitter. I'm always happy to pay a premium for artisan food, but $50 for two beers and a meager snack? It's neat that Lord Hobo is trying to haute-ify beer consumption, but I think they've forgotten that even some of the most discerning beer drinkers care more about quality than presentation. Charge me more and give me better, but do not cut a cornichon in half to make it look like two pickles, and do not give me a stingy pour of my $10 beer, please!
(2)
Jocelyn C.

I had been waiting for this place to open for what seemed like forever, and then they did... and it still took me a few weeks to get here. But now that I have been (twice!), I think the wait was worth it - though my bank account would probably disagree. This ain't a place to grab some cheap food and a few PBRs - this is a place you go to impress some company with fancy gastro-pub grub and an extensive beer list with nothing under $6/pint. On my first visit, I shared a bunch of apps with my boyfriend, just to try the place out. We shared the small lobster mac and cheese, mussels with truffle chips, and the charcuterie sampler plate. The charcuterie plate was lackluster, but I think that was mostly because we overlooked the "sampler" part. Mussels with the truffle chips were better, but the lobster mac and cheese was divine! The beers we tried were also really good, and they seem to rotate them often so there's always something new to try with each visit. Second trip back this weekend, with a friend in town visiting: went for the lobster mac and cheese again because I couldn't stop thinking about how good it was... but this time it was just okay. Kind of sad that the cheese was a bit watery and I crunched down into a piece of shell. The shepard's pie was delicious though, as were the gravy fries we all shared. Our friend ordered the fried oysters, and though I didn't try it, they looked really good. Overall, I really like this place. It has great service and laid back ambiance. I plan to come back in the future, just not as often as I was hoping - which probably makes my wallet happy.
(3)
Joel M.

I'm on the fence about this place... Love the beer and bourbon selection, and it's pricey but not totally unreasonable. The food on the other hand is way overpriced for the quality. It's decent enough food, but I've started just drinking here... It's almost always busy but not packed, which is good or bad depending on what you're trying to do...
(3)
Stacylynn M.

Fell upon this place after a yoga class one evening, and have been visiting ever since...From the friendly, knowledgeable staff (one of the waitresses recognizes my boyfriend and I EVERY time!!) to the awesome, frequently changing artwork on the walls...this place rocks. A cool, vibey, hip, casual crowd inhabits this within- walking distance-from-everywhere pub. Typical Cambridge peeps-artists, musicians, students, and folks of all ages seem to inhabit this place. According to said bf (a lifetime resident of Cambridge), this place was a real "bucket of blood" biker bar in the 70's and 80's. All that has changed. Great place for a casual dinner while still being able to have a conversation. Nice neighborhood-y feel but with gourmet, well made food. A must stop in place!! Thanks Lord Hobo!!
(4)
Ben G.

[100] Dear Lord Hobo You remind me so much of your siblings the Moan and Dove and the Dirty Truth out in the pioneer valley. Your amazing draft list, tasty food and the simple, yet stylish dÃ©cor will keep me coming back. On a recent visit, I sampled some Quintine blonde which I've never seen on tap before and that warmed my heart. It's far and away one of the best beers in the world. After a few blondes, I sampled the De Ranke Guldenberg. Aside from being super tasty, I share the same name as this beer, so that makes it taste better. Oh what, you don't have a beer named after you? Sucks to be you! As a previous patron of the B-side, I know how important it was for you to maintain some of the traditions that have instilled in this location for years. I'm talking about the classic cocktails but mostly the devil's eggs. My friends and I sampled the trio of deviled eggs and while I enjoyed them, I felt like they all lacked a little spice. After the eggs, we went on to try the sirloin, the cod and the burger. In terms of taste, all the food was flavorful, well seasoned (except those deviled eggs) and was enjoyable to eat. The fries were crisp and you have to love all those dipping sauces. The only negative is and this is minus one in the number of stars is PRICE. 10$ for a draft craft Belgian beer, I know this is Boston/ Cambridge whatever, but does everything have to be super spendy? Those very same beers and some of the same food is 3-7 dollars cheaper out in the valley. Where the love for the low income patrons? Give us some happy hour food specials. Designate one or two taps for some cheap, yet still flavorful craft beer. Despite the price, I will be coming back and embracing the HOBO. It makes me feel like I'm back in Amherst sitting at the Dove beginning my belgian beer education. And that's a feeling that you can't put a price on.
(4)
mark g.

Bartender had no clue how to make a simple cosmo and the pour for scotch was a joke. It was not only us, the patrons next to us watched the bartender reviewing notes to make a manhaten and still had to add liquor to the drink after it barely made the halfway point in the glass. Trying to be young and hip, with overpriced meals and poor service. I guess if you are young and hip and like to overpay to watch the service admire themselves, or read their crib notes on drinkology, this is your place. We ordered tuna sushimi with salad. No chop sticks and no salad. Not coming back
(1)
Neno S.

Great beer selection, ok food, looks like B-side but has a uniquely retarded name... I mean...seriously: "Lord Hobo"???? You really thought that was a good name for your bar? Do you realize that it almost sounds like it's frequented by the guys loitering in front of Libby's. the artwork: very strange...
(3)
Sarah D.

The tap list is great. They don't have as many taps as some other places but the selections are interesting, there are usually at least a few i haven't tried before. Foodwise, go with the cheese plate. Great cheeses with toasted french bread, a perfect snack if you're not too hungry. It gets crowded in here at peak times, so i've never bothered with dinner, just apps. The wait for a table seems to be pretty bad on weekends but the turnover at the bar is pretty quick; i've never waited very long for a barstool. I really like it here. I can't give it 5 stars though because the bottled beer list is insanely expensive. I've never seen anybody order off of it. Damn shame, there are some seemingly interesting offerings but I am not dropping $30 on a bottle of beer.
(4)
Amy B.

Lord Hobo's one of the reasons I trek to Inman-ish area. The food is a creative take on old faves (and their lobster roll special was fantastic). The drink list is also balanced - some hard to find Belgians, countered with some local favorites. The ambiance is fun, but without trying too hard. They always have some interesting art on the wall, and music playing that makes you wonder who picked it, because you want to become their friend. It does get crowded, and if you can't snag a seat at the bar while you wait, there's no good place to stand - you're either on top of another table, or in front of the bathroom door. And definitely, definitely, definitely get the C is for Cookie. And dip it into their Guinness with vanilla vodka cocktail. Life changing.
(4)
Joe R.

We need to take a second pass, beer and bartender were great, wait staff when we got a dinner table was great....the food was ok, we'll give it another pass (right up the street from us, a bazzillion beers, two good reasons to make this bar-mance work)
(3)
Kaitlyn H.

Our waiter sucked. Really slow with our drinks, and VERY touchy. Don't caress my back when you are trying to get my attention, weirdo. -minus one star Over 40 beers on tap including lots of Stone & Victory varieties, and Racer 5 IPA!! Also 2 cask ales including Left Hand milk stout, DELICIOUS 10% abv, hell yeah. +plus one star The bar is literally 6 doors down from my apartment. +plus one star The food menu is bogus. $18-$29 for an entree? In a bar called "Lord Hobo"? No, thank you. Apps aren't any better...lack of variety and way over-priced. I don't care how many hands cut your french fries before you dumped (canned) gravy over them...they should never cost $7. -minus one star The decor is confusing, but nice and new. Freshly painted interior decorated with big oil paintings, and a pretty bar set-up displaying all the taps. Three tvs for game-nights. +plus 1/2 a star Bathrooms are really awkward - stalls open directly to the bar almost - no #2 here...There is no outside sign indicating you are at the right bar. Whoa, soooo clever and trendy. Fail. -minus 1/2 a star
(2)
Charlotte T.

Lord Hobo is my go-to spot for any night of the week. They hit the basics of a 5 star rating: excellent food with an ever-changing and inventive menu; great beer selection; awesome cocktails; and fantastic service. Additionally, I also appreciate the following aspects of the Hobster: - Greater range of ages among patrons than most bars in Cambridge. Sure, the 20 and 30 something hipster dominate, but you're also likely to see baby boomers and families. -Album approach to music. Lord Hobo's music selection is all over the place, but I give them props for picking an album and playing it all the way through. -Rotating local art. I don't always love it, but I love the fact that their their art changes every few months and features multiples pieces from the same local artist.
(5)
Ladyjane S.

I've only been here early in the evening while it was practically empty, so I have no idea what the service is like then, but when I came here last weekend the service was awesome. The bartender was very friendly and knowledgeable about the beers and picked an awesome one for me (after offering a variety of samples). I do think the prices are a bit outrageous though. The truffle fries...wait, there was truffle oil in those?...were pretty good. Nothing special though. And the beer selection was mostly on the pale ale side, which I'm not really a fan of. But the beer prices were just ridiculous. If I had an exorbitant expendable income, I'd probably frequent this place often. But I don't...so unfortunately, I won't.
(3)
Chas B.

The inconsistency at Lord Hobo has lead me to this one star review. The food has bummed me out on 4 of 5 visits easily. Last night was a particularly ghastly attempt at cooking. Problem was it diddnt even seem that busy yet the easiest execution seemed to elude what the establishment considers to be their chef. This place could easliy go the way of the B-Side which was a decent bar with crap food. It eventually went belly up...
(1)
F. C.

Went with two friends and the three of us were seated at a table for two. One stool and two of us had to wedge ourselves onto the bench seat. Our 3 drinks and 3 dinners barely fit on the table. I understand that 3 is an odd number and that the place is to trying to cram in as many paying customers as possible, but the seating arrangement didn't really lend itself to a comfortable dining experience. We had a good meal despite the seating issues. Deviled eggs were decent, but the filling was a bit overly-blended for my taste. I had the veggie burger and it was outrageously enormous. I took off the top half of the bun and I still couldn't fit the whole thing in my mouth. I asked for curry with my fries and was charged an extra $3 for it. I thought that was a bit steep, but I got a soup bowl full of it, so I can't complain too much. Husband raved about his steak and friend loved his deconstructed shepard's pie. Everyone's portions were pretty darn big. Beer selection was fantastic. I love it when I can find several things on a beer menu that are new to me. The beer selection will keep us coming back, but next time I'll insist on a properly-sized table.
(3)
Vince T.

The food: pretty good. Some things are a solid deal (6 deviled eggs $5, under $10 burgers & veggie burgers with heaps of seasoned fries). Other menu items are a bit pricey for the small portion size, but nothing misses the mark taste-wise. The beer: Some great finds. A 750ml bottle of Jolly Pumpkin for $19. Lost Abbey 10 commandments on tap. Unfortunately their online beer list doesn't seem to be up to date - a few things we wanted weren't there. The noise: approaching sonic youth concert levels. You come out and your ears are ringing. The summary? A perfect alternative to Publik house for taking out of town beer snob friends for pub & grub on a Friday night, when you have no desire to wait 90 minutes for a table at the Publik.
(4)
Kristin G.

Great beer selection. Good food- but pricey. I went on a Sunday afternoon/early evening and the place was pretty quiet. I don't know if I would specifically seek this place out, but we were looking for something in the area and had heard great things. I'd go there again, for sure.
(3)
Ashley L.

I really wanted to like Lord Hobo. Like a lot. Reading over the menu beforehand, everything sounded great. I went on a Friday night with a group of four. We arrived at around 7 and the bar was full as well as all the tables. But no one was waiting. We found the hostess, put our name in, and was told there would be a 30 minute wait. 30 minutes turned in 75 minutes. Tables were opening up rapidly, but the hostess would just wander around the bar trying to find the party. This slowed down turning the tables over. Also, she cleaned all the tables. When asked if she had forgotten about us after we saw many similar sized parties sat in front of us, she promised us only two parties in front of us. Next table opens up and we were sat. I assume because she found us first in the crowd. I understand being busy is great. But between the hostess seeming clueless and the bartender being short while we waited, I was in a horrible mood and was absolutely starving. Everyone ordered their beers and seemed to be happy with their choices. Someone in our group also ordered a cocktail, but it was too strong for them but I'm sure made well. We were all happy with our food, but for that price and such a limited menu I expected much more. French fries weren't cooked enough, but my burger was juicy even if it lacked cheese and flavor. Mac & cheese smelled great, but was a little watery. Chicken breast & mashed potatoes won as best meal. With the steak sandwich being just okay as well. I will not go back to Lord Hobo even though I'm sure on a less busy night it is great to sit at the bar and chat with the bartender about their extensive beer and cocktail list. It just wasn't worth it to venture to the land of no parking when Deep Ellum does this kind of atmosphere and menu so much better.
(2)
Lucas S.

Great beer selection. 1st visit Had some yummy apps. everything was very good. We had some fries which are Belgian style I believe(twice fried) served in a paper cone with a couple of sauce options, we chose the truffle aioli. We also had many great beers and even had a cask option which was very nice(pub temp and a hint of grapefruit so not for all) We had some tasty chicken lolli-pops with a killer sauce like a spicey Hoisin sauce ...yum........we alss had beef cheeks and head cheese which were great as well. One of the group had a burger and fires which looked great and the fries went well with that killer sauce that goes on the chicken lolli pops :). Downs : tad noisy, and quite popular so you may have to wait for a seat.
(4)
Mick T.

I stopped by here for a drink the other night and my initial thoughts are that: * The interior is slick but a little too sterile looking but * The staff are great * The beer selection is huge. * The art on the wall is cool The bad is, there doesn't seem to be any beers under $5 which means I'll only be here for a few beers as too many of the beers available are mad expensive and is too much for my wallet (even tho' I love them thar wicked mad dear strong beers). But, they just opened so give the lads some time to fine-tune things. I mean they do have a great friggin' beer selection that you won't find anywhere inside 495! Gotta try the food next time. The B-Side is dead, God bless her and all who sailed in her. Long live the Hobo ...
(4)
Allison R.

the bathroom looks like oren's house from kill bill. just sayin' youtube.com/watch?v=sJluâ€¦ and i had dinner, it was stellar.
(4)
Kathleen M.

I loved the B. This is not the B, but it shouldn't be compared to the B just because it is in the same location. Lord Hobo is it's own entity with it's own reputation to build. They've upscaled the inside of this place and have set up the tables in a way that accommodates more customers. I'm not a fan of the high-top tables, but row of "twos" in the back were spaced at a reasonable distance to allow for dining conversation. Tables were small, however, which made it difficult for me to keep the drink menu while we were eating. The waiter kept trying to take it away anyway, so I guess it wasn't too much of a big deal. (Hint: I'll order more drinks if you leave it behind.) I'm mostly a cocktail girl and this is a beer place. They have appeased me with some tasty cocktails on the menu, but this is really a beer-lovers place. Lots of beer choices to keep most everyone happy--varied, and sometimes pricey options, many on tap. I am an equal opportunity drinker and enjoy a good beer, so I will need to try these out sometime. Food was pretty good, but a bit pricey as others have mentioned. We tried the eggs, the curry fries, the burger, and the cheese sandwich (with ham, of course). Of these, I think the cheese sandwich had the most flavor. The eggs were tasty and I liked the curry sauce for the fries. Next time I'm getting the truffle fries. Entrees looked interesting but I didn't need something that big after the apps. Definitely looking forward to checking out some other food items. Service was a bit awkward at the bar and at the table. The place was packed on a Tuesday night, though, so I'm hoping they just need to work the kinks out. The place was pretty loud which made me not want to hang out for too long for another beverage. All in all a reasonable place that I will come back to again. However, of the new places to grab a drink in town, I think that Trina's down the street is higher on the list than LH for the time being.
(3)
Samuel H.

One of the best beer rotations in the area and above average food. Wait staff is knowledgeable, professional and attentive in a non-doting way.
(5)
Sunny C.

Had a beer and a burger. Both lived up to expectations. on the pricier side of a joint like this. As advertised, great beer selection. Burger was cooked medium as requested. Side note: it was not indicated that the burger was going to be served with fries, so we got some of the truffle fries on the side.
(4)
diana s.

Beer here is great! Don't judge my "stars" by the beer. Food.... Not so much Ordered Bahn Mi-- was Bahn Meh. Truffle fries?? Dry and double fried. With a truffle dip to go with it and extra $2. Burger was mediocre. The appetizer never came, even after the mention. Bah. Cambridge has some awesome spots, this one just isn't one of them.
(1)
Ariel Z.

Nice spot for small plates and drinks in a pretty residential area of Cambridge (b/w Kendall Sq and Somerville). Ordered the pork cutlet (meh) as well as the mac & cheese with brussel sprouts (darn good). You can add any number of items into the mac & cheese like bacon, which is not a new but fairly neat concept. Overall, the items here are rather hit or miss.
(2)
Dessa R.

We shared a few dishes.The food was below average, eclipsed only by the notably bad service. We would have ordered more food and drinks if he didn't disappear for so long. A similar experience last time. Not recommended.
(2)
Beka O.

I will never understand the seating/hosting logic at Lord Hobo. My friends and I came here to celebrate my friend's birthday and we waited forever to get a table- probably upwards of an hour and a half. There was a huge booth that was going to be ours but the hosts insisted it could only hold 6 as opposed to our party of 9 so they turned the booth over to another party... who happened to have 8 in their party. Because we were waiting for our table, we were standing by the bar, where the servers kept having to thread their way through our party. The hosts kept asking us to stop blocking traffic but I don't get how that's possible and where we can stand when we can't get a table for 1.5 hours. Overall, good beer selection, 'meh' food, and terrible service.
(2)
Mary C.

I orignally came because of the Brussels sprouts craze I kept hearing about. My waitress was Jersey who was pretty sweet and started me off with a few sample of beers as I'm pretty clueless when it comes to beer. I happened to like the one she picked out best so I asked her opinion on appetizers and that's where our taste buds didn't agree. It was dry with barely any flavor. I wish they still had the Brussels I could try but other than the failed appetizer everything was good in my book.
(4)
Miles H.

To me, Lord Hobo exemplifies the best and worst of the craft beer comeback. The atmosphere, interior, and beer selection are top notch. This joint is the perfect little hole to burrow into on a cold night and this is reflected in how the bar always seems to be packed with craft beer fans. But the downside of Lord Hobo's reputation as a craft beer hotspot is reflected in the beer prices. The brews here are significantly marked up. You'll be hard-pressed to find anything for under $8/glass, not including tip. And even there, you're generally scratching the bottom of the barrel in terms of options. I feel like that's a bit steep for most (though certainly not all) beers. But evidently, there are plenty of folks who disagree. The trouble with these folks is that their willingness to pony up for a pint drives up the prices for the rest of us. And I feel like that's what Lord Hobo represents: the escalating commodification (read: yuppie-fication) of craft beer. There are plenty of places in Boston where you can find the same brews at $5-6 per glass, but only because these places aren't known as "craft beer destinations" and can fly under the radar. So in a way, I suppose the existence of Lord Hobo - as a hotspot for the people glad to pay hand-over-fist for a single serving of Lagunitas or Troegs - is a good thing for the rest of us. I respect what this place offers, but I rarely go there.
(3)
Joe C.

YES Oh Lord Hobo! Cool dark restaurant/bar with craft beers and awesome food. Tip: The Duck Confit Fries!!! Order Them!!! Another great dish I got was the short rib sandwich on a grilled English muffin. Unreal If your looking for some comfort food with a twist and some great craft beers, this is your place. * one issue is that there is no parking in the area, it's a challenge A must stop!!! Thanks
(4)
Andrew L.

I've only been here once, but I thought the food and drink was far above average. Great ambiance sets the tone for the awesome beer selections and inventive mixed drinks. The food is typical Cambridge/Somerville fare; new American, funky, fresh. I loved it and I'll be back!
(5)
William M.

Lord Hobo is an excellent late night destination for drinks with friends. I arrived in Cambridge from DC very late one evening, and my friend recommended Lord Hobo as a good spot to grab some late night food and have a drink. The atmosphere is cool. Located on a quiet street, you enter into the door and you find a bustling bar with a lot of life. The staff were super friendly, and the beer selection is perfect. Not too overwhelming, but still plenty of solid "craft" options. However, I ordered the veggie burger and it just didn't do it for me. It didn't have much flavor honestly. I felt like the only thing I could really taste were the green onions on top, which were good by the way! The fries were standard. I still love the vibe and the beer selection, so I will likely be back for a drink sometime!
(3)
Rohan D.

This place is a great bar, it's quietish so you can just grab a drink with a friend or in my case come alone and grab a drink. Get some decent bar food, little classy for bar food but not pretentious. The selection of beer is great, the bartenders are smart enough to recommend things that are not bad and the service is good. You also have a general group of locals coming in since it's not near anything large, so you can meet the people from the neighborhood.
(4)
Harvard A.

There was romp off. Bathroom dance party. Pinky and the brain. I don't always yelp, but when I do I prefer dos brunches
(5)
Sibel B. S.

The good is good but the portions are too small for dinner. I was still slightly hungry after appetizer and entree. Ordered brownie (dessert of the day) and it was way too dry! They have a good selection of beer and a nice atmosphere. I ordered the flight.
(4)
Joey M.

Lord Hobo, hipster central, beer nerds for days. Last time I was here I saw someone wearing google glass and a video game t-shirt. A mixture of the well to do and the MIT students. Nota bena: Place is loud. Every time I've been im pretty disappointed by the food (Mom and I decided its a burger place if you are eating). We had salads that were weird, a cheese plate that is atrociously overpriced (for $17 you'd expect to get a little more cheese, or at least have the person be able to EXPLAIN the cheese) and some polenta fires that were pretty dang tasty (garlic aioli, fried and cheese... can't go wrong there). But lets be real, if you're going to Lord Hobo its because of the beer. The selection is vast and interesting. The downside, its pricey. Like most beers were $10 it seemed like. The waitress, although super friendly, wasn't the best at making recommendation (though props for being able to talk knowledgeably about the beer). I told her I liked IPA's but wanted to branch out... she suggested an IPA. Hmm... my mom said she typically liked brown ales and she suggested the one beer on the menu. OK well that is super helpful. You might think I am nit-picking but Lord Hobo is a beer bar (and not a cheap one) and I tend to hold those sort of places to a higher standard. For the cost its not worth it. There are plenty of solid beer joints that are more reasonably priced with better food options.
(2)
Diana L.

Walked here with my boyfriend last night from Brighton...really loved the interior (though I see how it could get packed quickly). Walking through the curtains at the door, the bar opens up as a really warm, intimate little space. Not too dark either, which I liked. We came for the Idle Hands Hoffman - a new double IPA from Idle Hands in Everett. Their website said they had it on tap and We were excited to see a chalkboard for it outside when we got there. But it was not on the menu and the bartender informed us that the keg had kicked a while back. (Maybe bring in the sign?) I really don't care that much, beer is beer and I got another good one, I was just mildly disappointed. I asked the bartender about a trillium beer but they were out of that one too. They also were out of a Stone beer that they had had on their website. Anyway I ended up with a Trillium Mettle and it was really incredible. Trillium knocks it out of the park for me almost every time. While paying I asked the bartender if they were going to have/had already had Polotmavy on tap - a Czech lager from Notch. He said that they had been offered it but had to pass on it because they simply didn't have enough lines and had to be selective. Not enough lines for a local, incredible Czech session lager? But enough for 4 Port Brewing hoppy beers and Notch's session IPA, Left of the Dial? After going here I think the taplist they curate isn't quite as interesting to me as Deep Ellum or Publick House as I feel like they focus too heavily on super hoppy domestic beers. I'll drink trillium's hoppy beers any day but there should be more room for some well crafted pilsners and lagers on a well-rounded draft list. It's a good spot, just not really my style. Aside: I went to Deep Ellum and got Polotmavy afterwards and it was fantastic!
(3)
Hannah S.

Definitely check this out if you are in the area, or even if you're not! Great selection and make sure to try the flight of their own brews (it's the only flight you can get anyways!).
(5)
Mark D.

Took my family and friends for lunch at Lord Hobo yesterday afternoon. 6 people, 6 Lord Hobo burgers with fries. Definately one of my favorites burgers in Boston area. The place was packed at 1:00pm. Servers were very good and very busy. My friend, a beer guy, was wild about the selection of beers. Not sure how many taps, but there is a lot of them, guessing 45(?). I can not name all of the beers he wanted to try, but there we a lot of them. Green Flash from San Diego, I think, and Glorious from Lord Hobo were the ones we tried. Both very good. Will go back.
(5)
Roark D.

Id go back for the LOLs. Too bad its not a comedy club. The Nachos are HILARIOUS! Picture what you crave when you order Nachos....got it? ok now, heres what Lord Hobo gives you: a few spoon fulls of chilly on the bottom of the dish, lined above the chilli like a pretty little chorus line are about a dozen tortilla chips with a drizzle of something that looked like guac and sour cream? Artisan Nachos! Enough for .5 people. This will set you back $14. WOW! Whoever thought that was acceptable to be called Nachos should be strung up, their chef's hat should be retired, and they themselves should leave the city in shame. On another note the Wannabe non-cheese sticks (whatever cute euphemism they used to make it seem like it wasn't overpriced) were on a bed of arugula that looked like it had gone through a few rounds against the monster truck GraveDigger... HAHAHA! NACHOS THEY CALLED IT!! HAHAHA. were still laughing.
(2)
Amanda C.

I WANT to love Hobo. I do. I WANT it to be amazing, but it always, always falls short. The food is great, I die for the homemade veggie burgers and the charcueterie platter. The beer list is ok, but a little intimidating. Where Hobo falls short is with it's waitstaff. Sometimes they are cool and attentive, but mostly not. Nearly every time I go in (weekday, weekend, night, day, doesn't matter) my order is taken and I am then ignored for 30 minutes. My friends and I always do our best to flag down help, but the amount of effort that has to go into getting someone to take your order is a bit ridiculous, and more than once a waitress has completely forgotten to bring us our food after we ordered. I WANT this place to be as good as the hype, but it always falls short. Update - service still sucks. Understaffed, unhappy waitstaff. Also, why do they keep taking the veggie burger off the menu? Just leave the stupid veggie burger on the menu permanently, it's the best thing you guys serve. If anyone needs me, I'll be down the street at CBC.
(3)
Kyle N.

This bar has a ton of potential, but tends to leave you disappointed. The location is awkward being somewhere in the no man's land between Central, Kendall, and Inman. Virtually no street parking. This place is trying very hard to be cool. The food menu is trendy, but the chefs can't live up to the hype the name of their dishes demands. Best part of this bar is definitely the beer menu. Not sure why anyone would order anything other than beer when they have a seemingly endless list of beer options. Prices are steep, even by Cambridge standards, but if you are looking for a unique beer experience you will find it here. They are good about getting a lot of international craft beers along with the American stalwarts that can be found in most of the other beer menus in the area. Decor is slightly dark and has a pretentious curtain by the front entrance. The crowd is heavyily skewed towards hipsters so if that is your scene you will have a good time. Decent sized bar which allows for converstation and easy access to drinks. They have a good number of tables and booths that make this a good place for groups.
(3)
Matt K.

I visited Lord Hobo for the first time last weekend, and I have nothing but spectacular things to say about the establishment. The bouncer/doorman was friendly without being annoying, the beer selection was one to be admired, and both the hostesses and bartenders were professional, friendly and accommodating. My only disappointment stems from its location... unless you live in the neighborhood expect to take a cab as there is no MBTA stop nearby. Also be aware, this is not a bar you should plan on going to if you are looking to pick up a date, its just not that kind of place.
(5)
Liz K.

The atmosphere here is great. We went on a Sunday afternoon for brunch and it was not crowded at all. Everything looks really clean and taken care of. They have a decent selection of beer and bunch menu food too. Will definitely be back in the evening.
(4)
Meghan M.

We decided to try a new place for dinner, Lord Hobo, which took over the B Side Lounge in Cambridge. Sometimes when I am running, all I want is a beer, and Lord Hobo has an incredible selection of draught and bottled beers in addition to an impressive wine and cocktail list. I started with the St. Bernardus ABT (bel) 10% - dark creamy quad, a beer which, despite its dark color, offered a fruity finish that some great Belgian beers have. It also offered the richness of a dark beer; it was absolutely perfect. To start, we shared the fried sweet neck oysters with vinegar cabbage and remoulade. They were fried and placed back in their shells with remoulade and pickled cabbage. Nom nom nom. For dinner, I ordered the mussels and fries with pilsner cream and aioli and hubs got the lobster macaroni and cheese. With our close to zero temperatures, tonight was all about comfort food! We loved everything! The mussels were cooked perfectly. Sometimes I find them too chewy, but these melted in my mouth and the sauce, well I wanted to tip the bowl and drink it! The fries were in abundance, with a flavorful aioli, crispy and fried to perfection. And the mac and cheese was chock full of tender, sweet lobster, al dente noodles, and rich, creamy cheese. The atmosphere was comfortable and festive, and I could definitely try more of the food and beers on the menu. If you live in the area and are craving good pub food like I was, check it out!
(4)
K R.

I think this place is targeting the pretentious cambridge hipster. I think it would be good if you wanted dinner at a weird time... like 4:00 but it gets packed later. Regardless, they have amazing lobster mac and cheese. It is worth finding a nook at the bar though! I would need google to order a beer at this place... so if you are also into the fancy beer thing, this is your place!
(3)
Marietta A.

4 stars because I've only been here once so far, but plan on going back. Awesome beer selection and a small but fantastic menu. I had the oysters and burger, yuuuuummm. Oysters were super fresh, as they should be, and the burger was cooked perfectly. Maybe it could have used more cheese, but I'm a cheese fanatic. Tried my friends lobstah mac n' cheese and it was so GOOD! We were scrapping the cheese off the bottom of the pan :) And there were some LARGE pieces of lobster in there. The beer selection is amazing. I did enjoy that they are a beer bar, but not snobby about it. Saturday afternoon seemed like a great time to be there. They serve brunch until 3pm, then close the kitchen till 5pm when they open for dinner. Matt, one of the bartenders, is AWESOME. Super helpful with the beers, answering questions, etc.. and funny! You should know that parking is not that great in the area, so just leave some extra time for driving around. Or take the T.
(4)
Kevin G.

My wife and I had a great time (even though we missed out on the 2 person tables along the wall) at Lord Hobo on Valentines night. The service was excellent (male server), the Rose Champagne was tasty, the beers were great (as always), and the food was fantastic (only thing we didn't try on the prefix menu was the Skate). We really enjoyed the Valentines prefix and gave our compliments to the server to pass along to the chef. The only drawback is ease of parking. However, the food, the beer, the people, and the beer (yeah, it deserves 2 shout outs) is well worth it.
(4)
Erin M.

So I finally visited Lord Hobo, or as my friend calls it, New B-Side. Let me start by saying that I never made it to OLD B-Side, so the lackluster review has nothing to do with nostalgia. It has everything to do with service and a hamburger. When I walked in last night, the bar was far from crowded. Plenty of seats to be had at the bar, a few people at tables around the room, but nothing crazy. I decided to order the Allagash Black to start, which I will say is excellent, and which I hadn't yet seen at another bar. I was pretty hungry so we decided to order some curry fries to share while I pondered what to eat for my "real" dinner. Said curry fries took about 20-30 minutes to arrive. Why, if the bar wasn't even half full? They're FRIES, for heaven's sake. That said they were delicious, although the curry sauce could have been a bit more substantive. I finish my beer and order another, along with the burger, medium. We sit and pick at the fries and I wait and wait and wait for my beer while the bartenders appear to be chatting together, dancing to Michael Jackson, and generally taking very little interest in me. I finally catch one's attention and ask about my beer. She looks at me like a startled deer and apologizes, telling me, "Sometimes we get a little forgetful here!" Um, ok. Finally, my burger comes. And it is not medium. It is hardly even medium-rare. It is RARE. Like, only the outsides are cooked. But at that point I feel like it will be 20 years if I send it back, so I eat it. The shame is that it's otherwise a good burger. Good cheese, I like the mayo-sauce, and the marinated onions are a nice touch. I just hoped it would be faster and, you know, done more. Overall I think the place has potential. As other reviewers mentioned it's a little soulless but I don't mind about that terribly. They've got an impressive beer list and the food is decent - but overall what everything seems to lack is a bit of attention. It seems hard to justify the slog to get there without it.
(2)
Samantha B.

great beer selection, decent food. if you want rude, discriminating service, go here!!!
(2)
Christopher L.

Very nice beer selection with great gastropub style food, sometimes with interesting ingredients (gnocchi with beef heart was awesomely tasty!). Meats, fish, and apps are all solid and the atmosphere is great- not too loud, pleasant service and nice locals. Great for a first date or hanging out with friends!
(5)
Alexandra M.

Best brunch I've had in recent memory and the service was great. Everything we ordered was incredible. Couldn't believe the place was empty! The breakfast cocktails were fantastic (grapefruit mimosa and bloody mary) as well.
(5)
Jim S.

Back to 4 stars. The cask lines are in use regularly now and they linked a twitter feed to the website where they note when new beers come on tap! Now fix the curry & bring back the deviled eggs and we could be looking at 5 stars!
(4)
ed c.

OK, I walk into the bar to see what replaced the B-Side which I enjoyed for years. Sure looks similar. But the old bartenders are gone. I ask the new one for a porter suggestion, because the vast array of taps is giving me a head ache, and the list is too long to read. She makes a suggestion & gives me a taste. I order some and get a little 12 oz. glass. I hand her a $20 & she gives me $10 back. So I ask how much does this beer cost and she says $9.75. Then she hands me a quarter presumable because she thinks I'm worried about my change. I'm not. I'm just wondering why, when I ask for a porter, she suggests a strange one from Finland, and it happens to cost 10 bucks. What happened to the typical craft brewed beer like the kind you get at Cambridge Brewing Company? Then I sit down at one of these island tables they have. A waitress gives me a menu and I put it aside while I check my email. The Hostess comes up and asks me if I was ordering food. I said I might after I finish up with my email. She wants to give my island table to somebody else, but then changes her mind, and says its "its ok". I leave. The menu looked tasty enough, and the room was crowded. You can have fun there I suppose. But the bar is expensive, and has a corporate vision of what "hip" is supposed to be about. You can do better.
(2)
Dave B.

So hip they won't even put their name on the door. From the outside, It looks like a Polish-American club in Cinnci. The beer & drink menu is great. 4 brands of cachaca, which made me very happy, and a delicious cachaca/coconut/cherry drink that was a great surprise. Drinks are $10. There were enough beer choices to overwhelm, but tonight was a liquor night. The food is good, but not amazing. It's mostly just there so you have something to do with your hands between drinks.
(4)
Nicole M.

Normally I prefer to be one of the first people to check a place out but I'm glad I waited a while before heading to Lord Hobo. The hubby is a beer aficionado and could. not. wait. to get here. We went on a nice spring Friday evening just for drinks before dinner elsewhere. Man, parking around there is a BITCH! Once we finally succumbed to using a Kendall garage (argh- how I hate paying for parking apart from a meter) and got into the place, we both instantly loved it. Love the vibe - dark, nice big bar, high topped tables, funky art. Miraculously found 2 seats at the bar and settled in. I can't remember what we got, but whatever we ordered was delicious. I tend to go for Belgiums and he tends to go for IPAs. The bartender was very friendly and helpful with suggestions. We decided we needed a snack and got the parm fries. YUM. I have to agree with Kaitlyn about the bathroom locks - but I thought they were really freaking cool, as was the rest of the bathroom. I always tend to notice bathrooms and this one really stood out. If parking weren't such a pain in the ass, I think we'd be here every week. I'd love to become a regular at this place. It just rocks, period.
(5)
James C.

Wicked Good Food, ton of amazing beer...you can catch the details on other peoples reviews.. What I would like to address is the bizarre reputation this place has here as a "hipster" restaraunt. THe only reason this label would be appropriate would be if, by "hipster", you refer to any casually dressed 20 or 30 something without a spray tan. On any given night i would say 3%-5% of the clientele here would fit my idea of a hipster... tattoos, piercings, americn apparel/urban outfitters wardrobe. The majority of the people who hang out here are betweem the ages of 20-50 and are mostly either grad students or employees of the various tech firms in Kendall square. They are wearing business casual or jeans, which is entirely appropriate for the tavern style atmosphere. This place is hardly Williamsburg. Granted It isn't Clery's either, and if you are most comfortable in the exclusive company of Hearty besuited executives and girls with flippy blonde hair and stillettos then you should probably stay downtown. But please dont call this a hipster bar. Its unfair both to those of us who do enjoy it and to hipsters.
(5)
Steven S.

I don't like to chuck out 5 star reviews pell-mell, but Lord Hobo is easily one of the best beer bars in the country, and it's on the strength of that on which I'm basing my praise. Foodies can have their say if they like (my food was probably in the 2 1/2 - 3 star range), but the beer menu is second to none, including a number of rare and aged items. I got to try Stone Vertical Epic 5.5.5 this past January (1/2013), and that was a special treat. The draft selection is also exceptional, which is to be expected, I suppose, for such an exceptionally beery region of the world. Beer geek visitors to Boston need to seek out Lord Hobo. You may be annoyed by the rest of the douchey clientele, but it is Boston, after all, and you're going to have to put up with that wherever you go. Hold your nose and dive in. If you happen to be from New York, like me, you can just superciliously ignore everyone else there pretty easily.
(5)
Dan N.

After living next to the B-Side for a couple years, my former roommate and I decided to go check out Lord Hobo. To our shock, it was at capacity and we had to wait about 15 minutes to get in. (this never happened at the B-Side). Door dude was nice enough about it. Once we got in, I orded the Cat Wagon and whoa, it was great. Definitely delivered on the cocktails. I got the nameless vegetarian sandwich which wasnt bad but could have used something else on it; it was basically apples, greens and cheese on a semi-toasted roll. Take a hint from Diesel Cafe or Bloc 11 for this kind of sandwich if you're reading this, oh Lord of Hobos. Beer list was crazy long, could have used a bit more organization (see Bukowski's), but I got something and it was good. Atmosphere and clientele definitely has changed from a dark bar for aging hipsters to a more modern vibe for yuppies. Altogether I was satisfied and would go back, although I think the menu could use a little refinement.
(3)
Seth G.

Lord Hobo, I want to love you. You seem to be trying but can't seem to get it right. Your beer selection is stellar. You even have De Ranke Guldenberg, a wonderful Belgian beer bearing my last name (shout-out to Ben G). What could you do wrong? For one thing, that great beer was $10. Way to deflate my excitement. It's also one of the loudest bars I've been to. Aside from some curtains, every surface in the place is cold and hard (that's what she said) and bounces sound everywhere. My twentysomething ears felt much older as I had trouble hearing people right next me. The lighting is cool and dim, but I could not read the menu without holding it an inch from my face. I don't wear or need glasses, or so I thought before eating here. Easy to fix, guys. The food was decent. I didn't eat the first time I was there. On my second visit, I had the warm sandwich with ham, except there wasn't any ham when the server brought out what he called my "ham sandwich". The problem was quickly remedied. The bread was way too crunchy. Cut the roof of your mouth crunchy. It's healed quite nicely though. The gravy and truffle oils that came with the fries that my friends ordered were great. The fries themselves were only so-so. Lord Hobo, you get 2 stars. Aside from making my senses feel old and useless, your servers are clearly overworked despite being very friendly. It takes 20 minutes to a beverage from a waitress or at the bar. I see lots of potential and good intentions. You could easily squeak your way up to 4 stars when I give you a second chance a couple months from now.
(2)
Stephanie F.

When I drove past it (especially in the daytime), I thought - this might be an interesting dive bar to check out. I guess it would be if I was only there for drinks and appetizers, but I was there for dinner at about 9:45 p.m. on a Friday night, and the volume of the music was as loud as it would be at a club, so crowds of people at the table were seriously yelling at each other to talk. Does music have to be that loud if you're just listening to it? Moreover - if 90% of the people were sitting down to have dinner? The food was good - nothing that blew my mind or anything. I went for the french fries dusted with parmesan cheese with black truffle aioli. - SEVEN BUCKS. really? for FRIES? BF got a burger with fries that cost $13. I know, it's pretty ridiculous. If I come back here, it would be for the chipotle chocolate martini, just to try...
(3)
Diane I.

If this place hadn't replaced the B-Side, it would get 4 stars... I like the atmosphere, clientele of the B-Side more so than at Lord Hobo. The food is delicious though and it's a great spot in Cambridge. Awesome beer selection.
(3)
Bill A.

I had drinks here with a group of 15-20 for a friend's birthday on a Friday night. The beer selection was great and the servers were very attentive, both waiting on tables and at the bar. My personal favorite was the High and Mighty Two-Headed Beast. (a beer, not a server) The only downside was that the music was a bit too loud which made it extremely hard to converse. I haven't tried the food yet, but I'm sure I'll be back soon.
(4)
Jen L.

First and foremost, this place is not cheap. At all. It is also crowded and can get a little loud. That being said, there are lots of things I like about Lord Hobo. The gravy and chips were the star of the food show here as these were delicious and not over salted (yay!!!) fries (omg, this is why I am a fatty) served with a delicious red wine reduction. I am not sure I would get a whole meal here again (my salad (trying to be less of a fatty) was drenched in far too much salad dressing -- at least it was a vinaigrette) and my friend's entrees were sort of forgettable as well. The fries are definitely worthy of a return trip though. The other thing that made my experience at Lord Hobo better was the bartender. This is a place largely made for beer drinking. I am not much of a beer drinker, but their selection was impressive. The bartender was very helpful in navigating the wide, more unusual selections and though I stayed with hard liquor cocktails (more on that in a second), my friend was very happy with his two beer recommendations. I enjoyed their cocktails overall and was surprised at how some unexpected flavor combinations seemed to work well. I tried a cocktail they had with cucumbers sans cucumbers (I don't like them in drinks) and when I found it too sweet, the bartender gracefully added more lime juice (I had just asked for more lime wedges) and I ended up with a nice tart and bitter drink which I thoroughly enjoyed. So, Lord Hobo, you are neither Lord nor Hobo, but are indeed a nice bloke with a decent pint and some amazing fries. Also, given the shared picnic table set up, the possibility of Cambridge hipsters and their inane conversations, and the wait for the privilege, the best seats are at the bar :)
(3)
Jenny H.

How is possible for me to sit at a bar for 15 minutes with an empty glass while there are FOUR people "working" behind the bar. Also, what's with serving food on wet mouse pads? The food is over priced and not exactly what I want to eat with beer.
(1)
Pala D.

Hands down, the best veggie burger I've ever had. I recommend getting it with bacon, which is extra crispy and thick-cut. Everything else I've tried has been fantastic as well, and you can't beat the beer selection.
(5)
Melissa W.

this place used to be my food god. i didnt care that at 38 i was proably the oldest woman in the place. i gladly put up music that blew and enough flannel to outfit an entire a nirvana concert cira 1993. i would go there for 2 things, baked brie and the prime rib sandwhich. I almost cried two nights ago when after having a food fantasy i opened up the menu and both were gone. so got the polenta fries still yummy and the mac and cheese (runny) bartender made a hell of a drink and listened to me bitch about menu. I wish i got her name, she proably wanted to tell me to shut the hell up but she didnt, she made me a great drink and gave me a sticky bun which made me smile. i didnt go to lord hobo for the beer, i went for the food. sorry beer people i drink vodka. if i liked beer im sure i would be in heaven, but i proably wont be back.... ok i lied i really like the polenta frie
(3)
Jordan G.

Lord Hobo was good, but not worth traveling from Brighton to Cambridge for. Yes, the beer selection was good, particularly the draughts. The menu was kind of sparse (1 page), but seemed to cover a lot of palate pleasers from the more refined halibut and quinoa to the burgers and mac-n-cheese. I was quite disappointed in our cheese plate, however. For $10, we got three slices (literally, slices) of cheese with two sauces. The food runner brought it over, named the cheeses, and left us to figure out what the sauces were. One was a truffle honey which was divine, but again, sparse. Hardly enough for four people who had been waiting to get their order taken for at least 20 minutes. I think the experience wasn't helped by the waitress who forgot about us for long stretches of time. A member of my party ordered a beer and she hadn't put it in until she came back to take another member's beer order and suddenly remembered. All in all, it's a good place for decent food and beer, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it.
(3)
Barney B.

LORD if I lived any closer to this place I would be here every night, allowing their awesome beer and food selection to expedite my life journey of eventually becoming a HOBO ok, maybe that's not what it is short for, but I will tell you that's exactly what I thought. I wasn't even a huge B-Side fan (sacrilege, I know), and it's probably not even fair to compare the two, but it definitely has an aura of the old place. yet, somehow this place is a different soul entirely. the menu is more diverse, the bar is more comfortable, and the staff is just as cool, if not slightly more friendly. and then there's the beer. god bless these places that are trying to provide a decent variety of interesting beers on tap and in bottle , without doing the whole Cheesecake Factory version that places like Sunset Grill often do. so, this place may turn me into a Hobo, but the lengthy enough walk will at least ensure I am not an obese one - or at least that's the excuse I give myself when I order the large Lobster Mac n Cheese (even though the small is plenty for any mammal)
(4)
Alex S.

Lord Hobo at first impression is just the Publik House of Cambridge. However, in the most important ways it is way way better than Publik House. Specifically, it manages to be a trendy beer drinkers place with a ton of expensive micro brews with out being an arrogant bastard (one of my favorite brews) about it. Even if your driving this place is hard to get to as the non permit parking in the area is very limited. You walk in to the bar threw a draped entry way to find long four foot high tables whit bar stools. There is great art on the wall that has nice lighting. We sat at the bar because all the tables were full on a Tuesday night (good sign). The beer menu is extensive (especially the number of drafts). Beer is appropriately priced given the quality of beers. The thing I really really loved about this was that the menu said what size glass the beer would be served in. I always hated most about snobby beer joints is that I order a fancy $8 micro-brew and get it in an 8 o.z. glass. I had the Cuban pulled pork sandwich which was crispy and the meat in it was unexpectedly delicious. They had their own take on the sandwich with chunks of marinated pork instead of the stringy pulled pork I am used to. The bartender was extremely accommodating and attentive without being overbearing. Great experience overall.
(4)
Kimble M.

Lord Hobo was...ok. And although ok is usually fine, it was truly a let down in this case. It had been so built up. It was going to be the restaurant savior, keeping us from eating another mediocre meal at another mediocre restaurant. Restaurant Lord Savior it was not. We did the deviled egg tasting, like everyone recommended, and didn't really like them. Sure, the eggs were cooked perfectly and the yolks had been recombined into the smoothest filling I have ever laid tongue to, but the flavor was lacking. The fries were variable, some excellent and crisp, others over oily and limp, despite the most excellent aioli. The mussels were mostly good, with a few gritty ones thrown in for good measure. The charcuterie lacked the velvet and richness expected, instead consisting of a plain charcuterie a la campagne and an overly gamey rabbit terrine. The cheese selection was the standout food of the night, carefully balancing sweet and creamy, bite with honey, ripe with marmalade. Get the cheese plate, but try other foods if you're looking for more than ok. The beer selection and drink menu, as everyone says, are quite endearing. Perhaps this is just a better place to get classily drunk.
(3)
Andrew R.

I desperately wanted to like Lord Hobo more than I did. Somewhere between the rather bizarre service attention we received, the ridiculous prices, and the odd atmosphere, I realized that I was probably not coming back to Lord Hobo for a long time. 1st, I must admit that the food I had was incredible. The truffle fries (not actually truffle coated, as near as I can tell, just accompanied by three truffle sauces) were fantastic, just the kind of fresh, crispy fry I love. At this point, I'm fairly pro-Hobo, though at $8 this is a slightly pricey bar-food treat. Ordering was quick, and our waiter dealt with a slightly picky fellow diner (you know who you are) wonderfully and cheerfully. He couldn't answer our questions about substitutions, however I'll happily put that down to Lord Hobo's relative newness. Then some weird stuff happened. Someone set down their glass on the tabletop, as opposed to the coaster she had been provided. With absolutely no word as to why, another server swooped over, picked up the glass, and replaced it on the coaster. When our food arrived, each plate was placed on top of a folded napkin, again to protect the table. Why weren't there placemats? No idea. I can respect them wanting to keep their tables nice, but the place is a bar, things are going to get messy. And seriously, appearing out of nowhere just grabbing someone's full drink off the table and moving it is a serious no-no. We felt like we were being closely watched and silently reprimanded for our poor table manners. The beers were great, and the selection was fantastic, as was expected. Only one of us got a cocktail, which was rather a disappointment: not very flavorful and with so much ice that it tasted like water in a couple minutes. The burger was very tasty, but without anything to really draw me back for a second. The best thing going for it was honestly the fact it was $5 cheaper than the next cheapest entree. Basically, the food and beer and Hobo is good. Like, really good. However, everything costs a ton, and if I'm gonna grab a meal that nice, it's not going to be at a bar where I'm made to feel like I have bad table manners. I'm thinking Trina's next time?
(3)
Heather H.

It's really hard not to look around and say "This isn't the B-Side," which isn't really fair at all to Lord Hobo. I can mourn the loss of the B-Side, but I can't hate on Lord Hobo for it. I showed up on a rainy, cold Wednesday night and there was no line up at all. The staff was really friendly, and had no problem seating me before my friends arrived. The beer list is kind of really no actually amazing. They had beers on draught that I haven't seen on draught on the east coast. Prices may be high, but when is the last time you saw 6 different Stones on tap? The food was really tasty. I chose the cheeseburger to get a gauge of the food and wasn't disappointed. I killed that burger, even though I thought I couldn't eat any more. My friend's Cuban was really delicious, and I generally don't like Cubans. I do think the prices were a little high, though. All around a solid place, despite high prices and parking being a complete pain.
(4)
Lawrence F.

First cheer to the people who do the beer list. Cheers to our favorite beer-tenders. I am a regular here. The Negatives from others: Loud, Poor service, Doorman's attitude, Liquor drinks. My rebuttal: Yes lord hobo is loud especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights. It is extremely loud because it is packed and the background music is loud too. It can be so loud if you are at a long table you will not be able to talk to your friends across the table. To solve this go for brunch on Saturday or Sunday. I have experienced poor service only during peak hours for bars. The service was nothing worse than any other packed bars in the Boston area. Yes one can go to other bars that are less packed to have better service, but this is lord hobo (not the other bars). The staff is extremely knowledgable about beers, but if go there when it is busy they do not have the ability to be super happy and knowledgable because of time and some times being under staffed for how packed it is. The Doorman's attitude is a newer guy and yes he does have a personality that can completely turn people off at the wrong time. Lord Hobo is a beer bar not a liquor bar. Yes they serve liquor and wine, but they are known for their beers. Yes this is not the perfect establishment but it is pretty dam good. The Pros: Beer, Knowledge, The List, and The Food The food is a lot better than most bar food. It is even better at times than most restaurant food. Yes it is pricey but it is good. The beer list is a challenge that one must complete to get their own beer mug. It is not the first or only place that does this. It is mostly composed of hard to find beers from around the world that can for the most part be described only as craft or small brew beer. Their beer list that they have at any time changes everyday. They obtain some of the hardest beers to find in the world and bring them over to their bar just for the special few. The knowledge my taste buds have gained is immense. The bartenders' knowledge are immense. The beer is craft. It can be pricey. It is worth it. Cheers
(4)
Lauren T.

Oh Lord Hobo....you still have a few kinks to work out. The beer selection is pretty darn good. 30 quality beers on tap is fantastic. 1 cask selection though? Come on! The prices for the draught beers are a little excessive, especially since the bartenders weren't filling glasses all the way. If you're going to charge me $8 dollars for a Stone Ruination, I don't want 1 1/2 inches of foam. The food was super duper tasty! The curry fries are quite spicy and delicious, but the garlic mayo dip with my fries was by far my favorite. The homemade veggie burgers, mussels and mac and cheese were quite impressive. Yet, the prices! geesh. They are pretty ridiculous (and not in a good way). I'll definitely go back to Lord Hobo, since it's a good, convenient beer bar and I am hoping so much that they will improve. I want to like you so much Lord Hobo.
(3)
Margaret C.

Ah, the grand traditions of hobos and fine dining, recalling so many classics of yester--oh hey wait. There are no grand traditions of hobos and fine dining, and Lord Hobo isn't rocking the boat. Two stars for the, yes, very good beer selection. I'm not as thrilled as many reviewers seem to be with even this portion of the experience though--while there was a great range of beer on tap and in the bottle, it lacked spunk as an assortment, and the menu is impossible to navigate. Not subdivided by measly things like class of beer, weight, taste, or even country, you just have to stare at a 14" page of 8 point font and hope you can figure out what you want from 3-word summaries of each brew. And, because each beer may come in different oz. pourings, make sure you read the whole line of print, as a 7oz 9% brew might be listed just above a 16oz 6% offering. Confusing as all get-out. But yeah, loved my beer. An English winter ale, and a Young's double choc. stout (fun to see it on tap); our waitress helped some of my friends out with their choices and seemed pretty knowledgeable about the list, which was nice. So, 3 stars OFF for price and food. I love a good microbrew as much as (and probably more than) the next girl, and oh how I love my gastropubs. But truffled deviled egg so truffly I had to scoop out half the filling in order to choke it down? (Nice texture though.) A frisee salad with duck confit whose every mouthful was either oily, bitter, or boring? I tried my friend's mussels (yummy and not overcooked, nice surprise, but still prefer Central Kitchen's) and a bunch of fries. Mostly good, but a ton of burned ones in there. A friend's pressed raclette and green apple sandwich was underwhelming, too. Two mid-range beers; my share of 3 small apps; a salad that was hardly enough to whet my appetite, except thank goodness it killed it; and tip came to $40. Um--what? I will be going basically anywhere but here for high concept pub food from now on. Go for the beer and the fries (if you absolutely must eat something), and go give the $25 you just saved to a real hobo.
(2)
Kara E.

Brunch here was fabulous! I mean it helped that we had a gift certificate, otherwise I would probably be complaining about high prices. Although, it's not bad if you go there for a treat every once and awhile. Food was fantastic and I love that they give fresh fruit on the side of larger breakfast entrees. Beer selection is great and their brunch cocktail list was fantastic. However, I wasn't a fan of the ridiculously loud music and I think that's my only real complaint. I mean I really had to yell across the table to be heard. As a quiet person by nature that was really uncomfortable to me.
(4)
Lady Fang Y.

I loved it! I didn't realize it was the old B-side. We showed up on a Friday night around 8:30. I called ahead for reservations, but they don't take them. Sad face. I understand, move'm in, move'm out. But I was planning a romantical lovey dovey fest with my beau. So, we were willing to wait....till we got there. A 45 minute wait for a table!?? . BUT luckily, we were able to grab two seats at the bar, and dined there. Which i sort of liked better! More attentive bartenders! The place was packed from the moment we got there, till the moment we left. We ordered the mac & cheese (YUM!) the cheese and meat plate (YUM!)to start. They had my favorite Weinstephanier beer on tap...not to mention a TON of delicious beers on tap. I had a few cocktails (although I was not happy with the chipotle white chocolate martini...everything else was tasty) We ordered again, I got the parmesan fries, he got the steak skirt. Both SUPER YUM! Service was great. We were there for a few hours, just enjoying each others company. The bill came...and it was PRICEY!!!!! We did order a lot of drinks and ordered food twice, so it adds up. You can definitely do it for under $40 per person.... but we didn't this time. It was all about splurging :) I highly recommend coming here, perhaps earlier than 8:30 on Fridays to get a good sense of the food and atmosphere. I recommend it to friends, and I will definitely be back!
(4)
Alice I.

Came here when it opened in order to get one of the few paid parking available outside. Place and seating were overall pretty comfortable and our waitress friendly and helpful with suggesting drinks. Maybe because it seemed like we were one of the first people to order food, it was great! The two of us could barely finish the lobster (many large chunks of it! ) mac & cheese and the clam (very juicy and flavorful) with egg noodles.
(4)
Doug W.

The great: The beer selection, which is fanfreakintastic (seemingly every flavor of Stone on draught, which made me grin like an idiot), and the staff, all of whom were extremely friendly, accomodating, and willing to either make recommendations or whip up a custom cocktail from scratch. The good: the parmesan herb fries with truffle aioli. delicious. The not quite as good: the lobster mac and cheese, which was a little on the bland side. After a few sub-par lobster mac experiences in a row at different places, i'm beginning to wonder if this combo just isn't as good as it inevitably sounds like it should be. The Lord Hobo is quite a bit out of my way and not in an area where I usually spend much time, which is really a damn shame since is exactly the type of place I wish was closer. I hope that I can get myself motivated to come back again soon, because there was a lot to love here.
(4)
Angelina C.

Lord Hobo's not my thing. Other than seeing some familiar faces, having a great server and actually getting a table in the packed bar, the 'Hobo made me wonder how a pseudo Gastropub could attract so much of the worst of two worlds -- bros and overpriced food. 1. I ordered the Angelina cocktail, which was stated by the Encyclopaedia Brittanica-sized menu to be "a hobo's companion. The drink was an okay mix of gin, citrus and bitters, but I couldn't help but think that Drink or Deep Ellum might make it better. 2.Our lobster mac was Annie's white cheddar bunnies. $18 worth. 3. Who charges $7+ for Weihstephaner?! Overall a mediocre experience. We probably won't return. (The extra star is for a clean and shiny ladies' room.)
(2)
Heather G.

The one real complaint I have is that this place is L-O-U-D. Painfully loud. Can't-hear-your-date-across-a-small-table loud. not only does the chosen decor not have any soft-surface to absorb the talking-noise, but they crank the music around...oh...8:00? Unnecessary. This is a bar, not a dance club. Aside from that, the rest of the experience was actually rather lovely. The food was pretty solid and priced a bit-more-than-it's-worth, though exactly how I expected, so expectations were met. What we had: hand cut fries with aioli - standard but still very delicious. The aioli was a bit less refined/well presented than I expected, but was a tastier alternative to ketchup anyhow. The appetizer special was some pork belly dish served over some sort of fall veggie risotto with squash. This was rich, a bit heavy, but extremely flavorful. The one complaint is that the risotto was undercooked and chewy. If you want to gamble on under-cooked rice, I would recommend giving this a shot if you ever see it on the menu. Lobster bacon mac and cheese - there was no layer of toasted bread crumbs, and the macaroni was a great deal larger than is customarily used, but the cheese was sharp and complex, and the dish was creamy, smoky, buttery, and meaty - great for a cold night. I would order this again. portabello goat cheese burger - I basically ordered this because I knew with all the rest of the food, I probably wouldn't get to eating it anyhow, and it looked like it'd reheat the best of all the menu items. I had a bite or two and it tasted like goat cheese and bread but little else. I have yet to test its reheat-ability, but I don't have high hopes. While the food was satisfying, we really came for the beer (OK, i came for the beer and because i had a Groupon). HOWEVER, the beer list is long, random, obscure, and pretty impressive. I tried a few of the waitress' recommendations, but the best pick came from my date, who found a Stone Brewing Co. selection and went for it. This was my first foray into Stone Brewing, and it was basically the best discovery of my week. The decor is industrial with an artistic flair. The room is large with shiny, chrome surfaces and dark red walls. There are paintings all over the empty wall-space, which i thought were fascinating in a twisted, Clockwork Orange sort of way (piranhas, bleeding buildings, etc). My date thought they were pretty disturbing, and left the restaurant that night thinking I'm pretty disturbed for liking the scary images. The clientele is a mixed bag. You have your beer snobs, your hipsters, your after-work crowd, your pretty ladies, and your MIT contingent. This place was not nearly as pretentious and hipster-y as I expected. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised with what I found behind the curtain (yes, there's a curtain) and I will most definitely be back again very soon. You've won a loyal patron, Hobo, just don't go closing on me.
(4)
Rod M.

This place rules, seriously. Anyone with a palate will agree. Yup.
(5)
Adam W.

I don't know. Grab a beer I guess, but leave after. This place is not what that building used to be. Staff is obnoxious to be honest. The patrons are not any better. Get over yourself? Go somewhere else gang.
(2)
Joe R.

Good beer, prolonged wait for mediocre food Beer: Fantastic selection of beer, though they were out of two of the ones I had wanted to order and hadn't indicated that they were out nor that there were other options available until I asked. A friend's pour of a $10 beer was also about 25% head which seemed crazy. Service/Wait: I went to Lord Hobo with 4 friends on Saturday night for dinner and drinks. The maitre de informed us that it would be a 30 minute wait which seemed reasonable. After over an hour and forty minutes, we were finally seated (and told that the wait was partially due to the owner having a private table for his friends). Food: Our table shared the charcuterie tasting as well as the artisanal cheese tasting. The cheeses were good, but the charcuterie was a bit disappointing. It had salmon that everyone agreed was quite off. For my meal, I wanted to try the day's special but sadly after the long wait it was no longer available, so I opted for the steak sandwich which had a nice amount of blue cheese on it, but itself was quite fatty. Three people at my table ordered the steak sandwich as well and each had stomach problems afterward.
(2)
Matt F.

Oh, how I love thee Lord Hobo. There are definitely some swings and misses when it comes to the food (I'm looking at you pulled pork sandwich). That being said, it's the best selection of beer in or around Boston. The bartenders are always incredibly nice and helpful. I get the hipster vibe people are talking about, but what do people expect at a place like this in Cambridge? I'm about as preppy as they come, and I feel right at home here.
(5)
Andy O.

If I lived in Cambridge I'd be here all the time. Went there with some co-workers last night for a few beers after work. The beer selection is amazing and I tried some beers I've never had or heard of. We also ordered some truffle fries that were outstanding. Started to fill up around 7 so I'd recommend getting there a little earlier if you want a table.
(4)
Stephen G.

Great beer selection, the food I had was good, and the service was attentive. Everything is overpriced by approximately $1.50-$3.00, possibly more as far as the food goes. Since I'm all about the value, I'd say it really deserves a 2.5. Again, one of the better beer selections around. Not quite in the league of Red Bones or the Publick House for variety on draft, but very close. However, given the amount I drink, the inflated price of the beer adds up, and, therefore, I probably won't be back. I can't let this earlier comment pass, it's hilarious: "Crowd is trendy-hipster types, not serious beer sophisticates." I should probably use that as my yelp motto.
(3)
Sara J.

I love this place! Original cocktail list (try the cat wagon!) and great mac & cheese. The atmosphere is nice; it's not a dirty bar like I'm used to. It can get crowded, though. Definitely a good place for a date.
(4)
Steve S.

This is the beer bar you want to be at in the Cambridge area. It was recommended to me by a waiter at an awesome brewery/restaurant in the area. Lots of craft brew brands. THE beer bar in the Boston area.
(5)
Lauren S.

So amazing. Great happy hour food. BEST beer selection. Excellent atmosphere. Fun and fancy! Nom!
(5)
Shirley Y.

friday night is definitely a preferable night to visit the former bside space than the saturday night i first came, when the music was roaring through some bad speakers. after entering through the thick velvet curtain that helped contain the heat inside from the frigid cold air outside, the after work crowd was just starting to fill up the space. there was no music playing, so people could chat with their friends easily. the menu was filled with warm comfort food, a page of wine, a page of draught beers including one cask conditioned ale, a page of cocktails and finally a page of spirits. The 1791 [their version of a negroni] was served in a martini glass. boo. i would much prefer a regular old fashioned. the bartender struggled with burning the orange peel, so i told her that she didn't really need to do that, for fear of lighting something else on fire! they did serve the dogfish pangaea in the appropriate glass, filled with citrusy spicy goodness. my friend ordered a glass of red zinfandel, and she received a glass on the house as the one she ordered was no longer in stock. after a long wait though. the crowd was starting to thicken, and the people standing behind us at the bar waiting patiently for their drinks were starting to feel antsy. finally two more bartenders appeared, but they should've started their shift a little earlier. even though the bartender we had was so friendly, sweet and nice, i miss the bside bartenders, who know your name and used to light their patrons' cigarettes during the days when smoking indoors at the bside regularly obscured the ceiling above. the food is outstanding though. my friend ordered the pork belly cassoulet, which melted in your mouth accompanied by the smokey, hearty beef taste. the lobster mac and cheese i ordered was very creamy, i suspect with ricotta. not so excited about the rigatoni pasta they used...i love regular macaroni due to the texture this dish could have benefited from. may come back again since it's a decent neighborhood bar with a great beer and cocktail list, and reliable food. not on a saturday night though.
(3)
Eric B.

I'm a BIG fan. Hit it up last night and had the Stone Cali-Belgique, Stone Ruination and Greenflash Hop Head Red. In addition to that I sampled several of the brews on tap. Aside from their extensive draught list they have a fairly impressive bottle selection. The staff seem well versed in all the beers they carry and Lord Hobo has done a lot to premiere the local craft talent. The food is great-although the schnitzel was not the best. Big fan of the fries and deviled eggs.
(5)
stacey l.

The menu here was good. Something for everyone and reasonably priced. We went on a quiet night and the service was sort of lacking. It could have been the guy thought we only wanted drinks and an appetizer, but we did want dinner and it took a long time to get him our order. We got there during the half priced starters promo, but he didn't put the discount on the bill. Again, annoying, but the food was excellent. It could have been a near perfect experience.
(3)
Nim H.

I went to Lord Hobo on a Tuesday night as a suggestion from a friend, and found it to be a pleasant experience overall. The bartender Heather was attentive, and seemed relatively knowledgeable about their extensive beer selection. For those who haven't been there, I would consider it to be an American style brew pub with New American fare, as their draughts were highlighted by top notch IPAs, and several delicious Belgians, and the food menu is a mix of classic american fare (burger/steak) with slight twists. I had the '92 Siestas' cocktail as well which was tasty and not too overpowering. My friends ordered a nontraditional cuban (which they both enjoyed) and I had the raclette sandwhich. Unfortunately mine looked like it had been put together by a disgruntled Subway employee, as one meager slice of ham was thrown onto a piece of cheese, melted quickly and thrown onto the plate (originally it was missing the arugula and apples). It wasn't too big of a deal, but I'd probably try something else on the menu. The fries were hand-cut and well seasoned. I'm not sure what it's like on busier nights, but for a Tuesday, it's definitely a good place to go to grab a good beer/cocktail with a bunch of friends.
(3)
M K.

Overly priced, food was average and beer cost more than I like to pay. Service could have been improved. We waited a long time to place our order. Unless a good friend I really trusted said it was their most favorite place, I won't be going back, which is a shame, since it is in my neighborhood
(1)
H and K.

Excellent beverage selection. The food was fresh and creative, but a couple of dishes were conceptually flawed. Good service. A bit too loud for comfortable conversation. Fried oysters: good Deviled eggs: Under-seasoned and a bit on the slimy side Curry and truffle fries: both good Seafood specials: Overwhelming ginger on the scallops, fish lacked a sauce or oil component Meat specials: Allegedly very good (but didn't try them myself)
(3)
Tony K.

Stamp of Approval. And you know coming from me that means a lot. (who does he think he is?? No - really - is this guy for real??). I take beer-geek-dom seriously and this is the first bar in all of boston-ish-lands that has thrown me be for a loop on more than on one odd ball beer. They have stuff you have never heard of - good and plenty. What you have here are classic powerhouse beers from california, the pacific norwest, and the north east and all over the country. On top of that - they have great beer from small breweries in europe.
(4)
David E.

What's not to like... Awesome beer selection and bartenders that are happy to talk you through your decision. I'd guess 40-ish micros on tap. Although a bit expensive, my burger was phenomenal, as was the garlic ketchup served with it. My friend's gnocci and oxtail was even better. The meat was perfectly braised and the sauce on the gnocci was top notch. Also, in terms of the decor, they managed to keep all of the cool parts of the B-Side but still give it its own identity. It's a bit weird that they keep the curtain closed so you can't see how hoppin' it is on the inside and that there's no sign, but maybe that's the point. I was there on a Tuesday so it wasn't hard to get a place at the bar but I imagine it fills up on the weekends. If I lived in Cambridge, I'd be there virtually every night to find out. Totally dig it.
(4)
Colby H.

My wife and I ate at Lord Hobo on a Wednesday night. Keeping in mind what it is, an upscale pub priding its beer list over all else, we were quite impressed. A cool, open, and cleaner than average atmosphere, a bit hipster (but only naturally so), Lord Hobo proved an enjoyable place both to drink and eat. We got in just before 7, able to take advantage of $1 Island Creek oysters. IC oysters are perfect this time of year, and the mignonette was fine, if a touch meek. Unfortunately, at 7:01 we were unable to further avail ourselves of the appetizer specials; not necessarily a criticism, but be aware of it. Our waiter suggested a vodka drink like the gin drink my wife wanted sans the gin, and an excellent double IPA that I thoroughly enjoyed. Direction is helpful with a list this immense. My wife ordered the sirloin sandwich, with Grafton chedder rather than blue cheese. "Steak sandwich" can be parlance for "tough burger"; not so with this above-average cut of meat on baguette. She loved her meal, eating more of the delicious fries than I had ever seen her devour, thanks largely to a brilliant side of curry dipping sauce not to be missed. I ordered the fish and chips. The cod, while sparing, was excellent, only slightly disppointing in losing its heat more quickly than normal. A heated plate might help, or a standard "wrapped in newspaper" kind of serving. I, too, mauled my fries. We were pleasantly surprised by a friendly if not overly attentive server, expecting a Bukowski's style, too-cool-for-school shunning described in past reviews. A touch on the pricy side of comparitive restaurants, Lord Hobo is still certainly not expensive and probably worth the cost. We will certainly be back.
(4)
Josh W.

This place might have great beer and food, but the service was so awful I never got a chance to find out. Everyone who worked here was incredibly rude. We walked in, and after 10 minutes of trying to get the hostess' attention, we were told there was at least a 45 minute wait for a table. While we were waiting, we stood at the bar for 20 minutes and not one bartender acknowledged our existence, despite making eye contact many times. I didn't get the impression any one in this place cared whether or not we spent a dime in there... so we didn't. Too bad, this place is supposed to be good.
(1)
Janet P.

This place had huge shoes to fill, as I used to live in the area and was a fan of the B-Side. We popped in on a Sunday afternoon, pleasantly surprised by the sensational cocktail list (I was with some "don't cross the river" south enders) and an enormous beer selection (for the token beer drinker in the group). Bartender was joking around and very pleasant and patient. Everyone was pleased which rarely happens. We had some snacks at the bar that were decent. Went back for dinner and it was ok. Basically I'll be going there for drinks and snack rather than meals, but I'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Marianne M.

The quality of the service you receive depends on the time of day that you're there. It's not what you think. When it's busy they're all about serving you and getting you off their backs. When it's basically empty it's hard to get quality service. There were three of us and it took 10 minutes to get a drink menu (even though no one was there). Then I ordered the Jack d'Or (great!), my friend ordered a beer, and my girlfriend ordered a gin and tonic. We got our beers "sort of" right away. It took about 10 minutes to get her attention about the G&T. The bartender's response: "It's mixing." WHAT!? Mix it yourself! It's gin. and. tonic.
(3)
Gracie B.

Went back to give it another try. This time a Sunday around 2:00. Brunch should be quieter; 2:00 should be less crowded. Well, yes, it was quieter (yes, I am of the over 30 age where I no longer need my ear drums pierced to convince me I am having a good time), and it was less crowded (1 other table was occupied, 1 more table got seated after I sat down.) I was a little surprised at the lack of a crowd. But then I ate the food! I then understood. This is NOT a place for brunch. I ordered this sautÃ©ed mushroom and poached egg and toast dish. The mushrooms were gray, salty, and just sad looking. The egg was. . an egg. You can't *really* mess up a poached egg, but I have to say, it was truly the most untasty egg I've ever eaten. But I actually think it just couldn't compete against the wayyyy over salted mushrooms. And the toast was like the heel of a bread, hard and dry, and you didn't know if you were supposed to cut it and eat with a knife and fork, or pick it up. It was buried under the egg and mushrooms. In theory, to soak up the moisture I guess. But, there really wasn't any, and when attempting to cut it I nearly sent the entire dish flying across the room. I just had to relay this story to others. I believe a restaurant should try harder (especially if they are going to charge these kinds of prices. It was sooo ridiculously over priced and under quality.) I will say - I have not had dinner there. Maybe this just isn't a brunch place. But I am not going to find out. I don't need three strikes to be "outta there!"
(1)
Beth M.

Something in me really wants to like this place, but I'm convinced Lord Hobo just doesn't want me to. A group of us came in for brunch early Sunday afternoon and the catchphrase of the day was "sorry we're out of that." They have a great selection of beer, but I heard the waiter explaining to multiple tables that they were out of the ones people were asking for. I suppose we were "lucky" because the beer and fruit they were out of when we ordered were suddenly available later on. I think we're all used to getting mixed messages from time to time, but not over brunch when I'd rather not be decoding the waiter. This wouldn't have been such an issue if it hadn't taken over an hour to get our food. The food was fine, but not worth it (even with a groupon). I'd say save Lord Hobo for late nights and spend your sunny Sundays somewhere else.
(1)
Ace Z.

Went there last night for a friend's birthday, and I was pleasantly surprised. Completely unpretentious, and it didn't get too loud until about 7:30 (on a Wednesday). They've done a nice job with the redesign too. We split some curry chips for an appetizer, and at first the curry seemed a bit bland, but the taste grew. Nice. My friend had the True Shepherd's Pie, and if you like lamb (he does) it was pretty amazing. My burger was pretty damn good - properly cooked, decently sized, tasty. The challah they serve it on was an iffy choice - it was tasty but awkward - and they put some sort of mayo or aioli on it that wasn't on the menu, which annoyed me. Also: $13 for a cheeseburger is stupid, but it was one of two entrees under $18, so I dealt with it. Excellent cocktails. My friend had a Mickey Finn and a Rambler and loved them both. I had two Angelinas, which were very smooth. Minor annoyance: the music was good (Social D, Cure, etc) but kind of predictable (I had the distinct feeling my childhood heroes were being co-opted as Muzak), and also completely unnecessary because of the crappy acoustics in the room. Overall I'd call this a great place to splurge, despite the asinine name. (Also, take note: precious little for vegetarians).
(3)
Richard C.

Despite having one of the worst names for a restaurant I've ever heard, Lord Hobo makes a pretty good burger. Dining with my now former Pastry Chef, Jenni, who was enjoying her last American burger before she heads to greater things in Paris, I'm glad it was worthwhile. I must be getting old though, because the noise level in there is just unpleasant, why go out if you can't even hear what your friends are saying to you? It's a mildly pretentious atmosphere, with the usual round-up of Cambridge hipsters and too-cool-for-school servers and hostesses. But the menu is pretty solid, if not overly priced in spots, and smaller than deserving portion sizes. The burger, ground from the traditional Chuck, arrives on a soft bun that's in the neighborhood of brioche, not quite as "bread-y" as a brioche, a little less buttery, but glistening and an overall good fit for the beef despite being a tad too large. It may be dark, but I can tell my burger is over-cooked, not enough pink in this burger, and unevenly cooked. But the flavor is good, if not a little lean, there is some beef flavor present, and seasoned quite nicely. But it's too dry because it's more of a medium than a medium-rare, but again, a higher fat content might make the juiciness more forgiving, instead there's barely a hint of moisture, despite the proper seasonings. The fries, on the other hand, are a delight, and very memorable. I promise, all it takes is some salt and most fries would rank much higher on my list, these are perfectly fried and seasoned to perfection.They literally only taste of salt and potato, and that's the way it should be. Look, I realize salt is a personal thing, but fries deserve to be salted liberally, something that must be done as soon as they come out of the fryer, not at the table. The fries at Lord Hobo aren't ambitious or unique, they're just good, I just wish there was more of them. While the burger is good enough, and perhaps on a different day it's even better when cooked the preferred medium-rare, the noise level is so bothersome to me I feel like a bitter old man even thinking about making that complaint. But to someone who is clearly less of a loser than I am, and someone who enjoys an extensive beer list and water served in a Mason Jar, this might be the place for you.
(3)
Deborah B.

We went to Lord Hobo last night for my boyfriend's birthday. I was a little apprehensive about going to a new joint that hasn't had the time to work out any kinks, but we had a great experience. Their beer list is pretty overwhelming, but our helpful server walked me through it, and she offered to bring me tastings of a couple of very different beers, which was awesome. Considering that a single beer costs up to $10, it was nice not to have to take a guess that I would like it. Their cocktail list calls to me as well. Next time. The food was pretty good too. For appetizers, we had deviled eggs three ways and fried oysters, both of which I'd easily order again. I ordered the lobster mac & cheese, which was a good-sized portion for an appetizer, and he had the gnocchi with oxtail, which I loved. Our server raved about the Shepherd's pie, and I'm definitely curious about the rest of their menu. We got there at 6, and it was already crowded. By the time we left, there was a line out the door. I guess we weren't the only ones wondering what would take the place of the former B-Side. Parking is somewhat of a pain now that we no longer have a Cambridge sticker, but we'll definitely be back.
(4)
Alexandra B.

It is truly a pleasure to find restaurants doing new American who are not afraid to liberally sprinkle their menus with vegetarian options! I'm used to the typical Boston new-American gastro pub having one or two veggie-friendly options, so Lord Hobo was a delightful surprise. Top it off with the fact that the food was great AND the vegetarian options did not solely consist of mushrooms and eggplant (such a cop out, when will they learn?!), and I'm sold. Be back SOON!
(5)
Nate S.

What stands out about this place is the beer selection. The entrees are decent for the most part, with the standout being the mac and cheese. Going here for a beer after seeing a movie down the street is what I go for.
(4)
Michael R.

I mostly only eat the mac'n'cheese. I've had this at like 30 different places and Lord Hobo blows them all out of the water. It's to die for! Get it with the bacon.
(5)
Ike S.

Firstly, need to say that I come here at about once every two weeks, and I'm always able to find a parking spot within ten minutes walk from the restaurant. It's never a problem once you know the area, for example, Broadway usually has open spots. Lord Hobo has one of the best beer selections in Cambridge/Boston, plus a great menu with delicious and constantly changing specials. The French fries made with freshly-cut potatoes are so good; those along with the homemade curry dip (plus a frosty microbrew) justify the drive into Cambridge. But there's more to the food than fries. I have also tried lots of things on the menu, and haven't had a bad thing yet; the scallops are particularly good, as well as their endlessly changing fritter specials. The brunch menu is solid as well; the breakfast grub beats most diner-level food I've had in the Boston area. Plus you can have beer for breakfast! The atmosphere is pleasant, and though it can get loud and crowded on weekends, the people hanging out seem cool, and always get along and have a great time. Lord Hobo is definitely not your ordinary bar! Some of these reviews remind me of an old joke: "So, last night we had some beer, and them some white wine, then we had a few shots of cognac, and a little vodka. Then we had a few oatmeal-raisin cookies and got really sick; THOSE were not cooked well at all!"
(5)
Emily C.

I love their beer selection and their Parmesan fries with truffle aoli but other then that this place is just ok. They do not have a huge selection and are primarily known for their beer.
(2)
Lena B.

please CHANGE: 1. TALL tables and chairs, Red Walls, and depressing lighting ( liked bside decor better or steal ideas from starlite ambience) 2. BAD LOUD MUSIC ( the brunch music was good can you play that at night and at the same volume?) seriously? whose taste is this? it makes me not want to come back ever again even for the beer (see below) 3. Current Art work 4. the high prices Please KEEP: 1. the beer list--loved my two belgium beers 2. the apps and lobster mac and cheese however add more lobster instead of two pieces thrown in there. add more seasonal items to the menu. 3. the cambridge crowd. i'm loyal.
(3)
Billy Su B.

i ordered a 9 dollar gÃ¶ller rauchbier from a waitress that had no beer knowledge [but was nevertheless super-nice and perfectly attentive], NINE DOLLAR truffle Mcfart fries that weren't even CLOSE to being worth it [needed salt, truffle addition uninspiring, unimpressive, unnecessary], stared uncomfortably at a fellow patron's alarmingly hairy buttcrack bursting from his apparently too-small pants, and wondered inwardly why a slightly expensive restaurant that serves truffle Mcfarty fries for 9 dollars and lavish steaks and 13 some-odd dollar burgers would insert the somewhat misleading word HOBO (i.e., homeless, penniless, nomad-vagabond)into their restaurant name.... ...i think i would much, much rather drive to allston and have the same GÃ¶ller rauchbier for 8 dollars out of a better suited glass, simple fries that are way better, warming non-weird decor, and staff that know their beer forward, backward, sideways, and blindfolded. if i break both my legs and i can't make it over to deep ellum for a rare beer, i guess i'll wheel around the block to lord hobo and pay a dollar more for the same thing and feel okay about it. i didn't hate lord hobo, i just feel uninterested in ever going back. :/ nevertheless, 2.5 stars for a wonderful beer list and an attentive waitress. shvatever. but for those of you complaining about the selection- c'mon. that's some bullshit. the beer list was nothing short of excellent.
(3)
Ellomenno P.

Make sure and check there's no beer fest going on. For some reason beer geeks over 30 like to congregate like BU kids under 20. Place was ridiculously over-crowded to host an event, and they should know better, it's too a small room. We got a beer, tried to wait for a table (at 5:30), told we were next one would open up soon, it got even more CRUSHED, beers finished, we had to leave. Waste of time. I was with a colleague from out of town. It was embarrassing. As a side note, nobody there looked happy. Everyone drinking there looked MISERABLE. It was a weird vibe. Obviously, the servers weren't happy either, but can't say I blame them, tripping over everyone trying to carry drinks, past tables of six sharing a single appetizer. NOTE to beer geeks: find a better/bigger venue. Maybe the bars over by Fenway or North Station or something with your geekitude. Why do you have to ruin little bars over by the Kendall where people work, of which there are so precious few?
(2)
Sarah R.

Lord or Hobo? Last night I went with friends to Lord Hobo (aka the resting place of B-Side Lounge :( and we were all very confused for what they are trying to go for. On the one hand the lights are bright, gone are the cozy booths of B-side, to be replaced with uncomfortable high top tables and backless stools and a bunch of flat screen tv's playing sports. Ok, so looking around you think this is a dive sports bar??? Then the menu comes with admittedly creative, but expensive entrÃ©es starting at $20. What the what????? If I want to spend $20 an entrÃ©e I want an atmosphere to match like Oleana or Dante, but with dive sports bar atmosphere I need a huge plate of nachos for $6 and $3 drafts. What Lord Hobo has is a major identity crisis. Maybe that's what the weird name is all about?? Lord prices with a hobo atmosphere?? Not sure who they are trying to appeal to. The crowd seemed to be inherited b-side hipsters, not the frat boys who might be into watching sports on the flat screen tv's. Well good luck lord hobo and working out your identity issues. I won't be back. The whole experience just made miss B-side more (tear). Peace out girl scouts!!!
(1)
Joe F.

I want to like this place, really I do. I live around the corner so, as my Brit friends would say, it should be my local. And they've got a decent beer list, which the B-Side did not (but man, those bartenders knew their mixed drinks). Sure, the new owners tried to preserve the old bar's footprint, but what's left is a soulless substitute with a moronic name, an ill-conceived menu and--the reason I'm writing this--unforgivably bad service. Example: on a recent visit I asked the bartender, who barely acknowledged me in spite of the fact there were only 4 customers at the bar, to compare the Avery IPA and the Cisco Indian Pale Ale. Since they so proudly flaunt their 40 taps I would expect the barkeep to steer me one way or another. After glaring at me for a few seconds the best he could offer was this: "I don't think Cisco is known for its IPAs... so... it's probably not considered a good IPA or even decent." So why are they serving it? I should have taken that as my exit cue but ordered the Avery and some mussels, which came out cold and half of them weren't opened. I left most of them behind, and since the bartender never checked in to ask how the food was or if I needed anything (by then I counted 8 patrons... clearly he was overwhelmed) I just threw in the napkin and left it at that. The guy seated next to me was brought the wrong order completely so I figured I was ahead of the game. I've visited half a dozen times since the new management took over and have consistently left feeling like the staff were either having a bad day or would rather be somewhere else. With so many better options within stumbling range (Highland Kitchen, Miracle of Science, The Druid) I think I would, too.
(2)
A R.

Went there for apps and drinks after work one Friday and was pleased. They had $1 oysters and my friends seemed to enjoy there burgers and fries. They had a $4 beer of the month which was extremely good and hoppy. The beer menu was easy to understand. Seems like I place I wouldn't be happy unless I had a seat at a table or at the bar (which we did). Overall, I will go back.
(4)
Ben E.

I'd have to agree with what others have said about this place, that it seems to promise a little more than it delivers. Good beer selection overall, but the menu was somewhat limited (especially for my vegetarian girlfriend), and the food, while solid, was not truly outstanding. A solid spot, to be sure (moreso if you live in the neighborhood, since parking is a B), but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here again.
(3)
Kim L.

they recently installed some sound absorbing panels so i can actually hear what my friends are saying! love this place, love the beer! love it even more when mel's my server! cheers!
(5)
Nina K.

I had been to the previous bar/restaurant in this spot (The B-Side Lounge) many times over the past eight years and it was always a great meal with great drinks. When it closed and Lord Hobo opened, my husband and I were excited to check it out. The decor is definitely more modern. We went for lunch on a Saturday and the place was empty, so I cannot comment on noise levels as others have. I had a Cuban sandwich with a half-and-half (lemonade + iced tea). Sandwich was OK, drink a bit too sour. Husband had a burger w/an egg on it and a bloody Mary. Overall: food was all right, prices were all right. I would not go back, though. There was nothing particularly impressive about the menu or our meal.
(2)
Amanda G.

So many beers I had no idea where to start so the serious bartender man gave me some tasties and criticized my lemon infusion in beer, water, and everything (it's the latina). I appreciated his beer knowledge and no nonsense criticism. No posers here! Like the round bar with lots of seating too.
(4)
Katharine R.

My first trip here, on opening week mind you, was MAGICAL. Our server was phenomenal: offering suggestions, bringing samples, being helpful and friendly overall. The beer list was unique and delicious. The mussels and fries appetizer was exceptional. It truly reminded me of the "moules frites" I had in Paris. My lobster mac and cheese was creamy and had real chunks of lobster in it. My dates steak frites was perfectly cooked and delectable. All in all, a fantastic evening. Since then, I have been blabbing all over town about this place. I finally had a chance to revisit it last night with a friend and our experience was less than magical this time. Sigh... The mussels and fries appetizer has been reduced to mussels and a piece of toast. It's a great piece of toast, don't get me wrong, but toast compared to yummy fries with garlic aioli is sad. The server said they "changed their recipes". Not really a change for the positive, I would say. While we are on the subject of service, if my last visit was a glimpse at service heaven, this trip offered a glimpse at service HELL. To say she was spacey is an understatement. We sat with empty glasses for 25 minutes as we dove into the mussels (without fries, did I mention that?!). Then she never came back to take our order. Then, once we ordered we waited for our entrees for 40 minutes. We had to ask about the wherabouts of our entrees twice. She claimed the kitchen was 'slammed", but by then it was 9:30 and there were empty tables everywhere. Finally, I had the goat cheese and arugula salad which was great. It would, however, been exceptional if the server ever came back with the pepper that I had requested. Twice. Lord Hobo, you get one more shot. The food is really good. Slightly overpriced, but tasty. However, I see that server milling around, I will definitely run to another section!
(3)
Michael B.

One of my favorite spots. My friends love the beer selection. I love the fact that they have a good selection of rum and other spirits. Also love the food. If you try nothing else... Get the fries. Fantastic.
(5)
Renee G.

If you all hate this place so much you can just go back where you came from. Meanwhile I'll be sitting at the bar drinking myself into oblivion on a succession of hard-to-find draft beers (minimum 7% ABV please) and eating a horrifyingly large quantity of french fries (oh, the crispy ends!) with truffle aioli. Good riddance.
(4)
Alice D.

I love this place. Solid beer selection, solid food and, IMO, priced appropriately. I love the cask selections and all the different styles they have, but, more importantly than the range of selection is how much the staff knows about the beers. They're incredibly good at recommending and describing beers. I'm also a huge fan of the lobster mac n' cheese. At $18 with the lobster, it's pretty pricey, but you get TONS of lobster, which makes it worth it for me.
(4)
Sahil G.

God. Lord Hobo. You are my savior. You don't know how long I've waited. You don't know how much googling I've done. Researching on BA, on the Cambridge town records, finding anything I can from the staff at M&D. You don't know how many tears have been shed each time that opening date has been pushed back. But you've opened. Finally. It's all been worth it. I know who you want to be. I know what your food is. I know what your beers and your cocktails are. And quite frankly, you've exceeded my expectations, and now my tears are shed out of sheer joy. I'll start out from the beginning. I went to school at UMass-Amherst and the Moan and Dove quickly became my favorite bar. A simple set up. Small, cozy, warm colors, warm staff, free peanuts! A beer list that could never bore me or your most avid enthusiast. I move out to Brighton, and I can't find anything that can replace my beloved Moan and Dove. Publick House doesn't even come close, but Deep Ellum becomes a reliable standby. Then I hear the news, Daniel has bought B-Side, a famous cocktail joint from the old days, and is going to revamp it and make it a beer bar with an equally solid selection of beer and food. The wait begins. Rumors have it that Lord Hobo will open July. No wait, August. Pushed back to September. Wait, October now. The dumpster is out there still. The dumpster permit expires soon, they've got to open! Construction delays, quirky Cambridge office hours. Every imaginable hardship you can fathom while building a restaurant has happened to Lord Hobo, and they have prevailed. I got the hell out of Brighton, apartment hunted around Lord Hobo, making sure that I could be in walking distance (1 mile ain't bad). They have their soft opening for industry folk and family and friends. Reviews are glowing. Chef Bailey has outdone himself. Daniel has an expansive spread of beer, two on cask as well! Finally, opening night on Wednesday night at 5PM. I invite my friends, god knows I've hyped the place up enough to all of them. I sprint out of work, coordinate to meet friends around 6:45. I rush there, arrive a bit earlier than expected, but that's okay. There is a line at the door, maybe 10-12 deep. I peer inside and see the promised land. Warm reds and browns, bare bulbs, a full house (at capacity, by head count) of smiling patrons. And the bar. God, the bar! I wait in line, get to the front and my friends arrive on time. We tell the bouncer (who was very nice, talkative) that we need a table for 4. We wait for a bit until enough people leave that we can go in. We finally go in and are greeted by Daniel himself, tell him our intent for a table of 4. Daniel says that a waitress will come get us when ready, but we are free to sit at the bar in the meantime. We go to the bar and we get our first peak at the beer list. I start with a Founder's Breakfast stout, my friends imbibe the Left Hand, the Allagash Tripel on Cask. All are delicious. All are amazing. I follow up with a De Ranke Guldenberg. Again, delicious. We wait maybe 15 minutes over our drinks just chatting it up. The bartenders are very friendly, offer samples of anything we may be interested in, and are all very knowledgeable. Our waitress comes over and informs us that our table is ready. We sit, and are informed that we need to be a bit careful on the tabletops, they weren't finished correctly, so that waitress is going to be using napkins for our dishes. That's fine. It's opening night, understandable. We pour over the list, wanting everything. We settle for almost everything. Truffle chips, gravy and chips, fried oysters, lobster mac and cheese, deviled eggs, and charcuterie. They arrive shortly, maybe 10 minutes and they are all delicious. The fries are solid, perfect amount of seasoning. All dips and sauces are tasty, eggs are light, smooth and fluffy. Oysters are amazing. Everything. Is. Amazing. Ordered a couple burgers, medium rare. And they came, MEDIUM RARE! Wow. Eastern Standard doesn't even get this right half the time. Burger was outstanding. Time for another drink! I order the Interloper, and it comes quickly. Everyone at the bar has a heavy hand, this is a good thing. The cocktail is perfect, not too strong, a bevy of different flavors blending perfectly together. Finish the night with a Spezial Rauchbier. End of the night approaches, and the bill comes, no more than $70 bucks a person. Not bad considering 5 drinks and sharing of appetizers. The staff is friendly, the beer and liquor are amazing, and the food is equally satisfying and savory. Some people might be put off by the prices. I just don't think they understand. This is a restaurant. This is a beer bar. This is both. And they are doing both to the utmost highest quality. This will not be cheap. A constantly rotating selection of 30 taps and 2 casks of microbrews and craft beers can be expensive. But you won't find that selection anywhere else. I love you. Congratulations. Finally.
(5)
Michael K.

Beer selection is awesome. Food is great but expensive.
(4)
john m.

It's taken so long. The seemingly just-around-the-corner opening day. B-Side is gone. Wahhhhhhhhhh wahhhhhhhh Whilst the true public opening still isn't for another 24 hrs, I had the glorious privilege of being at the 'soft-opening' last night for Theeee Lord Hobo and let me count the ways that I loved each ounce. Firstly and, often most importantly, the staff was cool as a cuke. It was quite clear that each member was and is invested in the sustained success of LH. Everyone was eager and attentive. And as a former member of the industry, they worked in concert like very few groups that I have experienced....regardless of it being the first night! Kudos kiddos. You guys took it to the streets! Edibles (and I'm not talking about arrangements!): 1. Consume vast quantities of the fries. We did! Them sh*ts is tasty little buggers. The truffle dipping sauce is ooo la la. The gravy, as noted before myself, is worthy of a goblet. I was tempted to snap a picture of it, bring it home, and admire it in the privacy of my room. It's sensual. And the "fried" oysters. Well, I don't want to say too much. Just order them. However, you may want to eat them while lying on the floor because that's where they are putting you. 2. Main stuffs- I had the gnocchi with oxtail. It made me want to revert to more primitive methods of consumption. Forks and knives? They're an unwelcome middle man to this interaction. My crew member to the right had the veggie pollenta and while I am not usually (ever) drawn to meatless courses, I am considering becoming a veg head so as to eat this thrice daily. The veggies were cooked to lip smacking perfection. The pollenta was creamy and just the right amount of heaviness. Porno for your mouth. Legit. Now onto the important stuff-BEER. The list is extensive. There is something for everyone. Light wheats to heavy, dark, cut with a knife brews. I sampled 2-12 varietals and have a long way to go. Shucks. It appears that each beer was selected with thought. And no generic domestics, thank god. If you want a Bud Light, please see yourself out the door and elsewhere. The decor is optimal for mingling. Girls and boys are going to find one another in this joint. Lots of dark reds, browns, and smooth metal and wood. Also, the art is a conversation starter. I foresee tables interacting and asking what one another's thoughts are. While I am biased by being lucky enough to be at night #1, I would be greatly surprised if y'all don't dig this joint real hard. If you don't, you don't like awesome spots. That's just factual. My only gripe is that now I need an 8th day of the week...because 7 a week at LH just won't be enough.
(5)
John R.

Went up for the Pretty Things Hedgerow Bitter (sp) release. Great beer selection. $5 apps from 5-7 that were great. Place was packed at 5 on a Tuesday night. Chef Wolf and I were amazed. Worth finding.
(5)
Colin G.

Food is better then decent. The beer selection is vast and unique with many great flavors. This normally would warrant a higher rating but I must describe the clientele. The place is filled with know it all hipsters. These trendy alternative types are the only people who inhabit this place and make it uncomfortable;e and annoying. Too much political pontification. Again what can you really expect when your in the "Peoples Republic of Cambridge"
(3)
Laura A.

i'm glad some of the hype has died down about lord hobo - imo, it's settled into its rightful place as comfortable neighborhood bar (and dangerously close to the new poor little rich girl - impromptu post-drinking shopping trip, anyone?). lots of bike parking out front which i appreciated, pretty calm and quiet inside with good music (arcade fire is a little 2007 for me but i can dig it), slightly overwhelming draft list. my advice would be to ask the bartender for their help if you truly can't decide - i've seen other people trying samples of beers they were deciding on. the negatives are the prices, especially for food. i've only had the curry fries but they were kind of pricey. they were tasty and all and came with a GIANT bowl of curry but how about offering a half portion for half the price? it is hipster central for better or for worse. let's just say when i checked in on foursquare, the bar was almost empty and three other people had checked in at the same time!
(4)
Julia L.

I was really hopeful that Lord Hobo would be better. I love Dirty Truth and Moan and Dove out in NoHo/Amherst and there has been a huge hole in the neighborhood since B Side left. The beer list was extensive and well researched. I don't mind paying a little more for quality beer, but I don't think I will be back to Lord Hobo due to the quality of the food vs. the price. This isn't a $30 entree restaurant. This isn't a $30 neighborhood. The food was just okay. I ordered the deviled eggs as a appetizer since I adore deviled eggs! The flavor was a savory blend that didn't entirely work. The yolk filling was runny and had the consistency of gravy. Personally, I like a good thick Southern deviled egg like Hungry Mother used to make. I think maybe the filling hadn't sat long enough in the refrigerator to let the flavors blend together and congeal. The texture and flavor also looses points for being covered in a course ground sea salt, that was too salty and too crunchy for a soft app like an egg. The gnocchi and oxtail in parma cream sounded delicious but again, the flavor wasn't up to my expectations. The gnocchi was soft and the texture was dead on, but the oxtail was over cooked and the parma cream was flavorless. If I had been cooking this at home, I would have added some shallots or dijon mustard. This dish was a yawn. I enjoyed my Dogfish and then had to try a Soylent Green. It was made by people! Both drinks were great! I don't know if I would waste the time or money eating at Lord Hobo. I would definitely wait until they work out a few kinks before trying it again. The waiter we had was terrible. He would stop by the table 3 times in 5 minutes and then he would go stand at another table chatting it up for a half hour as we waited to order more drinks. We had to ask another waitress for drinks, water and our check. The waiter didn't seem to be knowledgeable about the menu and was just a spacey guy. Save your pennies and go to Bukowski's. You will get the same great beer list and chill vibe. The service is killer. The food is better and much cheaper.
(2)
Epic S.

This is like what Sunset Bar & Grill would be like if it had class and no BU students. The drink list is huge and the food list is not. That's okay, though, because the food is fantastic. Whoever was talking shit about the Veggie Burger needs to reevaluate that. I thought it was one of the best I've ever had, and this is coming from someone who only eats veggie burgers. Sure it's a little pricey, but they have drinks that use imported booze and liquor, therefore making it not 3 bucks a drink. Also, the food portions are HUGE. I can't remember the last time I ate so many god damn delicious french fries. I WANT TO SWIM IN A POOL FULL OF THEIR PILSNERS AND FRIES!
(5)
Jamie G.

I've been here a few times now I am consistently impressed. I really love their beer selection-- lots of good beers on tap in addition to some good bottles too. As my dining companion pointed out, their beer list takes up almost all of their thick menu. The food is only on one page! So there isnt much selection for food, but I had the Salmon with tomato puree and mustard spaetzel. Small, edible-sized portion which was refreshing, but expensive for what it was. (however the cuban sandwich my friend got came with an ENORMOUS portion of fries!) For beer, I had the Jolly Pumpkin Weizen Bam,(not pumpkin flavored, just the name of the brewery). It was sour and oak-y, but very delicious. I would definitely come back when I'm craving some good beer at a more classy-ish establishment than other bars around.
(4)
Ben L.

Rumors of lines during soft openings and hour long waits to get in at 7pm were enough to dampen my hope of really enjoying the freshly opened Lord Hobo and on the night that I went I was prepared with a backup plan should it be needed. In what can be considered a certain amount of luck there was no line at the time of my arrival, it was however packed inside. This had no effect on the bright beaming smile of the hostess inside. Right as soon as I was past the draped velvet curtains she was right there chipper as a song bird checking to see if proper dining would be needed (throughout the night this question was posed three or four more times, the answer never changed). I had to start with a cask beer but there are plenty of other beers to pick from but the options are all about you getting a good beer with little to no attention paid to saving you money, guess the rest of the bars around will have to get that sorted for you. Cocktails aren't priced cheaply for the area but here's a bit of a tip. Have an idea of what kind of drink you like and order off menu. They'll to a perfectly good job of getting it done for you and you should save a couple of bucks. I did try their truffle fries which were fine but a tad pricey for my blood.
(4)
Kate L.

I loved the beer selection -- a great mix of cool local brews and more far-flung favorites (I can't resist a Stone ruination...mmm). Snagged a few fries from others sitting at the table and they were definitely delectable. I'm a sucker for this kind of place but I really liked the atmosphere and the tunes. I'd like to come back to try some of the food and cocktails next time. I'd agree with previous posters that the servers could be a little bit more on top of things. How about checking to see if anyone else at the table needs anything when you take one person's drink order?
(4)
Michael C.

We've been to Lord Hobo four times since its opening. On the first three visits, it was all about cocktails, beer, and fries. Last night, we tried dinner for the first time. I'm torn. I want to love this place. The beer selection is impressive, if a little heavy on the imports for my taste. The cocktail menu is creative and expansive, but neighbors Cuchi Cuchi and Trina's Starlight Lounge mix circles around the Hobo. The fries are very very good, but I didn't enjoy the accompanying curry sauce (on one visit) or the truffled sauces (on another visit). The staff is friendly and the "feel" of the place works for me. For dinner, though, even through the darkness, the Hobo showed its seams. We kept things simple, ordering a veggie burger and a standard-issue beef burger. After waiting more than half an hour for our food to arrive--the kitchen seemed really backed up--my burger was over-charred and undercooked (medium rare, when I had ordered medium well). In the end, I watched my husband choke down his veggie burger in a few minutes, while I ate nothing. The server apologized and took the burger off our tab (insufficient compensation, I think), but admitted that there was no manager on premises to smooth things over. No manager during a very busy dinner shift!? We might return for drinks, but the food was a one-time lapse of judgment.
(2)
Dana B.

My roommates, fellow UMass grads and I had been anxiously waiting for Lord Hobo to open since July. We in some ways based our apartment search around the location of the bar. I was unable to go on opening night, much to my dismay, but my friends and roommates went and raved about it for a couple of days. When I was finally able to go last night (Saturday) I only had to wait for 20 minutes and it was already 9:45 by the time I got there. Yes it was crowded, but there was a buzz and the excitement of the the current patrons was contagious. I was so happy to see that there was a coat rack, especially because we had to start our first drink at the bar. I am usually a beer person, but decided to give the cocktails a try and I am confident in saying that "Soylent Green" is one of the best cocktails I've ever had. I did not order food, but mooched a couple of curry gravy fries and they were fantastic. The wait staff was friendly, as was the bar staff, and I felt really at home in a place that is pretty good sized. I miss Moan and Dove in Western Mass - great beer, great people, great atmosphere and peanuts! However, I think Lord Hobo has definitely met my expectations and I can't wait to try a full meal there. Nice work guys - and thanks for the koozie!
(5)
Bruce D.

My first experience here was so positive that I almost wonder if management has been reading the negative Yelp reviews and fixed their problems. Service was actually notably good - attentive without being intrusive. As many have noted, a fabulous beer list, and the food was all very well executed comfort food. Best fish and chips I've had in Boston, and really good mac and cheese that tasted a bit like a Swiss fondue (a good thing in my book).
(4)
Sean R.

This place has a lot of beer variety... that's the upside. The food is extremely expensive for what it is and not impressive. Servers are pretty rude. Crowd is trendy-hipster types, not serious beer sophisticates.
(2)
alex l.

Just wanted to say something about the price of the food here. I don't know why people are complaining about the food being expensive. My husband and I got mussels and a large fries for $10 and 6 deviled eggs for $5 which filled us up for dinner...$15 for 2 people, not too pricey in my opinion
(5)
Tai C.

Was just at Lord Hobo this past weekend for a friend's birthday get-together, and I have to say that the music was much better this time. I think it's always going to be a little loud because of the acoustics in there, but overall, nice fix, Lord Hobo!
(4)
JARED D.

I met a large group of people here, and everyone had a great time. We got the deviled eggs, the cheese plate, a ton of oysters, and all that hoity toity stuff I could care less about. Everything was very good but the reason I'm giving this place a 5 star review is the beer. They have a lot of tasty beers. I didn't even know where to begin. I picked the first round and started at the top of the list, then my roommate picked the 2nd, and our friend the 3rd. They were all fantastic, which leads me to believe they don't carry any crap beer there. I ended the night with some whiskey and cokes. They don't carry the typical brands there which completely threw me off the bandwagon until I tried the stuff they had and then I got this overwhelming feeling of enlightenment. We stayed for a little while after last call, and after all that whiskey and beer you can imagine we were a little loud and obnoxious. The staff was as cool as cucumbers and extra-friendly in escorting us out on our merry way though, even though they practically had to kick us out. I plan on coming back and finishing their beer list over the course of a few visits. If you enjoy a good brew I suggest you give it a shot as well.
(5)
CLC C.

Even though we got there early -- long before the crowds appeared, service was amazingly slow!!! Consistently taking 10+ minutes to get a beer. And.. it was expensive, loud, and pretentious. Then, because we had 6 people at our table, they put a 17% gratuity on our bill. I guess the waitress should not be penalized for the glacial slowness of the bartender and kitchen, but it really irked me! This was my 2nd visit. 1st one was pretty much as bad. Taking my beer money elsewhere. There will not be a 3rd visit.
(1)
Dave P.

Im definately a fan of Lord Hobo, I love beer and they have a great selection and they vary their rotation, which is a huge plus. The food is decent but that's not why I go there, they have some interesting things on the menu that you won't find at most pubs however.
(4)
Kristen F.

Came in during happy hour last week solely because they offer dollar oysters from 5pm-7pm. Awesome. Once we get there the menu indicates it's a limit of 12 per person. Ok, fine. Thanks for being upfront about it but to me, if you're luring people in with oysters... give them oysters. You already have a time cap on it so why put a limit as well? Most dollar oyster nights go until the last oyster is shucked and I think this place should do the same. The waitress told us she'd check for us and then lied about asking and the manager saying no... acted like it pained her so much to even ask. The excuse was if everyone has a dozen they'll run out... right, ya snooze you lose and the place was empty. Whatever. Also, I'm sure my $10 cocktails made up for it. Again, whatever. This place is in kind of a dead area of Cambridge so I doubt I'll ever make it back. If I were in the area I guess I'd go back, but wouldn't expect a bakers dozen of anything.
(3)
Jon O.

Been meaning to check out Lord Hobo since it opened and finally did this past week. First the look & feel. As many mentioned in other reviews it's pretty sterile, which is totally fine, but it could use a few knick nacks to give it some character. OK. The beer list seems good. I ordered a west coast IPA that was tasty. Yay. Now to the food. Since it was pretty earlier we decided to get the mussels since this was marketed as being a semi-Belgian focused place. Well, I have to say these were about the most boring, tastless mussels I've had in years. They were supposed to be thai curry which one would think would be full of a TON of flavor. They were not. Totally tasteless. I guess if you market yourself as having a ton of "belgian" beer you better have some damn tasty mussels. They go hand and hand. But, sadly Lord Hobo did not pass the test. I'll give it another try and report back in the coming months.
(2)
Dan M.

If you're looking for a cheap, tasteless, mass produced beer...go somewhere else. Lord Hobo has a solid variety of great craft beers to choose from without having passed the threshold of having too many to be able to make up your mind. The art displayed on the walls makes for great conversation topics, and most of it is for sale (if you're looking to drop several hundred on it). The chicken pot pie was fairly bland. I'd rate it somewhere around the upper-mid-level frozen variety at the supermarket. It's the only food I tried there, so I don't want to generalize about the rest of their menu but I won't bother ordering that again. Finding parking nearby was kind of a pain, but I can't hold that against them with all the snow we've had this winter.
(3)
Maciej C.

Five star beer selection, including the $4 flavorful house brew. Nicely done interior (including the bathroom). Unimaginative brunch dishes hiding behind fancy descriptions, priced too high for what you get. Very slow service in a half-empty restaurant.
(2)
Sarah S.

Really excellent beer selection, good music, and hands down the best shepherd's pie I've ever had.
(5)
Amy H.

Went here on a Monday. I had the pork belly and it made me sick to my stomach a few hours later. It was not cooked well at all; the fat was not rendered out at all, so it was very greasy and I am not sure if that made me sick or if it was not fresh. I eat a ton of pork belly -- I make it myself, my husband cooks it Japanese style (braised), and I eat it from Chinatown a lot, and I've eaten it a lot at restaurants. I know what good pork belly tastes like. I had gotten it on the waiter's recommendation. The waiter was not attentive however when we asked him, seemed friendly enough--although he forgot to bring the extra place setting/silverware/wine glasses/extra bottles of wine, ie, he always forgot something or everything every other time we asked him for something and we had to remind him constantly. We often sent someone up to find him. It's strange because he could have made a lot more $ if he had been at least baseline attentive. Pros: Great beer list. Great wine list (very reasonably priced and high quality). I would go to drink here, but not to eat, not ever again after the gastrointestinal distress I experienced. Cons: Food was sub-par, made me sick. From the time we ordered and the time the food came out, it took a long time to arrive; service was less than stellar/inattentive/forgetful. No desserts served.
(1)
RuffStuff S.

Okay, but not worth the money. Food is good but not great and certainly not worth the price. Great beer but is that part all that hard? Got an earful about not moving plates off the cloth napkins to prevent scratching the table and the need for coasters to prevent water rings.... seriously?? Am I at my great Aunt's or a beer bar??? Will try again in a month but may stick to Bukowski's and Trina's, it a further walk but worth the $50 in savings.
(2)
Ryan D.

Great beer and food but an 1.5 hour wait for a place to sit and the music was so loud we couldn't talk makes me not want to go back.
(3)
L W.

The beer selection is large, without being wide - there's way too much of the same thing: Ales (mostly IPAs). The last time I was there I was with a friend who wanted a hefeweizen. Not one on the menu and only one or two wheats of any kind. The food is ok, but pricey for what you get.
(3)
Michael C.

If I'm in the area I have to stop in and see what's on their extensive draft list. When they first opened the list was jammed full of Belgians and I really thought we Bostonians had something special on our hands. I'm guessing that others did not feel the same way as I'm seeing less foreign and more American beers on tap. I love Amercian craft beer but that original Belgian list was something to behold. In my opinion they fallen back into the pack with the oh so many other places that have similar lists. Now its hit or miss. If they have some breweries you're interested in trying you strike gold if not you have a couple and hope to be pleasantly surprised. Last Sunday was not thrilling but I'll be back. I'm following them on Twitter but their not saying much. I'm just not sensing the same electricity they had when they first opened. I hope its just a phase.
(2)
Sarah S.

Great beer selection, good food, but pain in the ass to get too and nothing else around
(3)
Rodrigo G.

Pretty lousy bar
(2)
Ari P.

I love Central Square. I really do. But there are just some nights that I am dying for an experience that I can only refer to as tragically hipster. The only thing more tragic than that is having to catch the last 70 bus at 12:15 from Green and 'zine. So... off to Inman! Decked out in my finest skinny jeans and plaid, I waltz ironically down Prospect to Hampshire and this is what greets me. I go in with one of my best Meh'fahd gal-pals and we settle on a Hydrangea and Lolita to wash down our poutine. That Lolita 'tho. I wanna infuse ALL the vodka with jalapeÃ±os and limes now. If a native-New Yorker turned Walthamite goes into a hipster bar in Cambridge, does he become a townie? I suppose that's the true irony of it all.
(4)
Heather D.

We stumbled onto this quaint bar nestled on the corner of Inman Sq. Blink, and you'll miss it. Don't let the lack of outer appeal deter you from this hidden gem in Cambridge. The bar is dimly lit, and full of Cambridge's finest hipsters. Craft beer? Yes please. Lord Hobo has them all. This is more than your everyday hole in the wall bar. you must stop here for a tasty beverage and a short rib sandwich. This is one of the best bars in Boston. hands down.
(5)
Keith B.

I was recommended to pop in here for a late night bite - I was starving, and I lucked out with delicious bacon mac and cheese and some good beers on tap. For whatever reason, they were rocking out to The Distillers and The Offspring ("Smash")-and if I didn't have to actually wake up Friday morning, I would've closed the place out. Great selection, great food, and great, friendly staff. Hope to be back!
(4)
Peter Y.

Having moved from Boston to Madison, I've traded in my PBRs and Bud Lights for Spotted Cows and Hopalicious. So naturally, whenever I come back to visit Boston, I usually avoid getting beers. However, Lord Hobo, has a delicious selection of beers, including Fluffy White Rabbits, which is quickly becoming one of my favorites. The beers here are also very reasonably priced. In fact, I think it's cheaper than most bars I've frequented in Boston. The interior is shaped like a horse-shoe, with the bar in the middle and two sides that curve around it. There are plenty of tables, though this place does get pretty crowded on a Friday and Saturday night. I don't remember too much about the music, but I think it was something more pop. Would definitely love to come back and try the food next time.
(4)
Dave A.

A friend wanted to check out this place, which is based on the outskirts of a busy Cambridge neighborhood. Definitely a hip place that's got more room than what what you see on the outside, which looks like a hole in the wall neighborhood bar than a very hip and happening place. Dim lighting sets the ambiance of the place with a bar that probably takes about a 3rd of the space. There's limited seating but it doesn't seem impossible to get a table or a seat at the bar. Staff was very courteous and very nice. As soon as my friend and I got there, they were very attentive and got us seats at the bar. I didn't eat but the exclusively craft beer selection was impressive and the bathrooms clean. Place was as expected in Cambridge, packed on a Saturday night and in full swing with just about every table taken up by customers. I was very impressed. My only gripe is parking, which as it is in Cambridge, is completely, totally unbelievably awful in any residential neighborhood that requires permit parking only. I'm talking both main drags and side streets, every one required permit parking only. My friend and I parked at a garage about four blocks down after driving around the neighborhood for 15 minutes and pretty much accepted that we wouldn't get any street parking.
(4)
Joshua K.

Service was fantastic. Parking in the area sucks, so I ended up in a spot that I probably shouldn't have been. I asked the bouncer where a good place to park would be, and he actually MOVED HIS OWN CAR SO I COULD PARK THERE! It was a Monday around 6-7pm, so there weren't a lot of people in, but our server was nice and fast and the turnaround was great. Beer list is very nice, food was good. A little pricey, but worth it in my mind. Only drawback was dessert. Rhubarb tart had a distinct lack of rhubarb.
(4)
Catherine W.

4 stars for the beer - great selection, featuring hard-to-find/rare options. Staff was very knowledgeable. Food I had that night wasn't as strong. Shared a burger (standard) and jerk chicken sandwich (underwhelmed). Other menu options looked promising. Cool vibe to the atmosphere. Would give another shot.
(4)
Robert M.

This place is yea pretty cool. Awesome atmosphere incredible beer selection good stuff to nibble on and cool indie music playing in the background
(5)
Frank C.

The service was absolutely terrible. The staff offended my girlfriend and myself to the point that violence would have been deemed appropriate. They were extremely rude and condescending, even though they were skinny hipsters with glass jaws. The food was marginal even considering the fact that it was bar food, but my palate was clouded from the overwhelming bitter taste left in my mouth from the cold unwelcoming staff. I would urge you not to go to this establishment unless you desire to be treated like shit.
(1)
Trevor S.

Oh man. The whole gazillions of beers plus our take on comfort food. When they're great, they're great. But when you try it with waitresses clueless about the beers and food worthy of a teenage kid figuring out mac-n-cheese then you just get a mess. First the good? Why not. The beer list is pretty extensive. They've got plenty of locals from neighboring CBC to the awesome Trillium. Ok, that's the good. Faced with a massive tome ram-jammed with beers, we asked our waitress a pretty basic question. Something about which beers were sour. Entirely reasonable, in my mind, given the slant of the place. We were met with a blank stare. She sort of scanned the descriptions looking to fob off an easy answer, as though we couldn't just read the menu right in front of us by ourselves. She mumbled something about finding out for us, then left. For a while. So... that wasn't too great. We ordered some food. First up, the truffle fries. You'd think that truffle fries should be fries with some sort of truffles, right? Well they should rename these to "fries". Maybe if they want to throw on some adjectives they could call them "soggy and lukewarm" fries. I recall the menu also mentioning herbs. I love herbs. However, if there were any herbs involved they must have been being smoked by whoever wrote the menu because these fries barely even had salt. Tomato toast? Sounds like our speed. Tomatoes can at times be amazing food that leave no question that they are a fruit. And they can at times be these sort of bland things wrapped in plastic. You'd think a restaurant building a dish around them would opt for the amazing ones. Lord Hobo instead opted for the bland cardboard they serve in school cafeterias. Boquerones? I love them. I was a bit surprised to see anchovies on the menu. But, hey, I love them. What came out was a stack of sweetened melba toast, a thick portion of hummus, and a tiny little thing of boquerones. As though they knew this was a weird one, so they downplayed those little fishies. Even though it's exactly what I ordered. Every hipster in town seems to love the place, so I'm sure I'll get dragged back. But if I've got a say, I'd pick Deep Ellum or CBC or any of the other countless tons-of-beer places any day.
(2)
Danielle K.

My husband & I stopped by for dinner tonight, but weren't impressed. I had a cheeseburger that was ordered medium, but arrived overdone. My husband's steak sandwich was burnt and the fries were so bad he didn't eat most of them. The waiter never refilled my soda, even though I finished it long before our food arrived. Maybe we just hit an off night, but the restaurant is too far out of our way to go back to give it a 2nd chance.
(2)
Charles B.

There was a romp off and a bathroom dance party. charles barkley says its nkt terrible. Crystal wasnt there.
(5)
Carrie S.

Every time I come to Lord Hobo I'm impressed with the food, beer selection, and service. I came last week with a few girlfriends to catch up. I get why people think of Lord Hobo as a hipster destination, but anyone who appreciates good food and good beers can enjoy it! Food -- Chef Nick is really talented! Most recently I was impressed with his take on poutine (sweet potato fries instead of regular and the addition of really delicious duck confit). Beer Selection -- the servers are really knowledgeable and helped us navigate the extensive list and find something that we didn't even know we liked! Service -- top notch! Shout out to Kennen, who was friendly and attentive while still giving us space to have "girl time"
(5)
Ben H.

This is a review of brunch at Lord Hobo, and not a commentary on the quality of the place as a bar - though I would imagine some of the same things hold true. Lord Hobo fulfilled many new lows for me. The first sign of problems started when, as the first group (group of six) in the place at 11 am, not another person came in until 11:30. I'd think that pure coincidence would put at least a few people here, so word must have gotten out that brunch is terrible and I wasn't listening. Service is terrible. Terrible as in, despite being the only group in the place, it took over ten minutes to get a refill of water or coffee. I mean, even if new coffee was being brewed, it doesn't take that long. Nearly half an hour into my visit, we were finally able to order. By this time, people were starting to trickle in. They must have all phoned in their orders ahead of mine as it took nearly an hour to get our food. In my case, it was biscuits and sausage gravy. But, there was a plate of eggs and bacon, two burgers, a breakfast sandwich, and another order of biscuits and sausage gravy - all things that could be cooked faster than an hour even if done one at a time, especially when we're the first to order. But, it got worse. The biscuits tasted like styrofoam, the "sausage gravy" was basically just dry ground beef - no gravy to be found, and the "hash" was actually sweet potato home fries. I've had better biscuits and gravy at McDonalds, though literally any gravy would be better since it would actually be gravy rather than dry crumbled meat. Literally any hash would be better if it were actually hash. Clearly, their idea of southern inspired means they thought the name was cool and decided to reuse the name on an entirely new and different creation. By the time our food arrived, the place was starting to fill. Now an hour and a half since they opened, there were at least 30 people. Oddly, there was still only one waitress. At this point, I obviously can't blame her for taking a while to get around to everyone as she was over worked. Maybe someone called in sick? Maybe they're not used to people ordering their terrible food? Not sure why there wouldn't be more wait staff. All of that said, they do have a pretty good selection of draft beer, and perhaps if I had been there to have a drink, this would have been a different experience - I could have waited half an hour to get a beer poured. Needless to say, I'll never return. Side note - the bathrooms were very clean. Also, the background music was very loud, to the point you had to significantly raise your voice to talk to the person next to you.
(1)
Karina H.

Food was good. We had the burger n steak salad. I don't drink but they gave us a taste of some grapefruit drink and it was great!!
(4)
Cris R.

I experienced Lord Hobo for the first time this past Saturday. A few friends and I were looking for some good beer and food so we headed over to Cambridge. We got off the bus at Central Square, the walk from that area is only about 7-10 minutes, so not bad. Please note, you might end up walking by some sketchy parts on your way over. Once we got in we were quickly sat at a comfy booth, there was also about 15-20 others there watching the World Cup with food and drinks. It was a fun and lively atmosphere. The drink selection was great with 20+ beers on tap, from local brewery's to craft beers from all over. We received great service and recommendations on what to try. Something delicious from Trillium Brewing (Boston, MA) made it into many of our mugs, for the better. We all ended up loving the polenta fries we got along with our juicy burgers! They (polenta fries) were the first I've had, and they were great. We also had some chickpea crepes stuffed with lamb and a salad with fresh berries and grilled lettuce both of which were very nice. All in all they had great service, atmosphere, beer and of course food. There's no reason not to come by and check it out. I know I'll be back to check out their unique menu and great vibe.
(4)
Topher D.

I can only comment on the beer and atmosphere as we didn't have time to eat, but the selection is fantastic. Servers were knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive even with it being busy on a Saturday night. Definitely will go back
(5)
Vaishnavi S.

Went as a group of 7 friends and had a great time. The service was pretty good and their beer collection was one of the best in Boston.
(4)
Samuel F.

I, too, miss the B-Side. Lord Hobo is known for it's heavy curtains on all the windows, good (if a bit expensive) food, ridiculously amazing beer selection, and sometimes packed-to-the-gills crowds. It's fun, but often loud for my taste. Has brunch both days of the weekend.
(3)
Andrea A.

Go if you are passionate about a unique and exclusive tap list with extremely knowledgeable bartenders. Their selection of IPAs is pretty spectacular, but yes, you will pay $1-2 more per glass. Great atmosphere for a cold, snowy winter night - warm and dark tones with equally cool music playlist. The menu is well-considered and everything we had was very well seasoned, perfectly cooked, and a notch above most gastropubs. A tad pricey, but not terrible considering the neighborhood. In order of appreciation, we had: beet salad, chicken lollipops, and calimari.
(5)
Mary M.

I was pretty disappointed with this place, but I would like to go back and give it another try. Apparently their menu changes every month and unfortunately I went on the last day of the month - they had NOTHING I wanted. I ended up getting my 8th choice in meal and my 3rd choice in beer. The food wasn't bad, but my experience could have definitely been better.
(2)
Pivbo H.

I walked into this place on Christmas Day after a before-dinner "cocktail" of chips, told the bouncer that I legally changed my name to "Ass," and no one laughed. A guy told me that he was gonna "cheers" me because of my attitudes about "working for myself" even though that was a bald-faced lie--I actually enjoy working for very large companies, including web sites. Another time, I watched an episode of Cosmos here without the sound on, and a grown man was getting red faced and drooly from across the bar. I think he saw something he liked deep inside "me." The fries here come in paper cones. I haven't eaten a potato in months. They have a lot of good beers and appropriate glassware, and don't be surprised if your California tastes garner some pure hatred from the staff. With all of that said, I am 100% going here right after work, just to see if there's a chance to connect with some local sports action (illegal gambling).
(4)
Paige C.

Lord of the Hobos All of the eggs and bacon Lord of the Breakfast Lord Hobo is a fantastic place. I've been here many times, and even though it hurts my wallet a little bit, my taste buds always thank me. Let's start with the most perfect brunch item ever to be created: The Ron Swanson. That's right, like from Parks & Rec. I would pay good money to see Nick Offerman hanging out at Lord Hobo on Sunday morning. Yes. There are lots of bacon and eggs (6 eggs to be exact). There are no more words to be said about this. It leaves one speechless. The only thing that could make it any more perfect was if it included a glass of Lagavulin 16. Everything else, you might think, can only be a disappointment after this, but every single thing I've had here is good. The menu changes frequently, so you can always be surprised. The mixed drinks are strong and good (best bloody mary I've had in Boston), the beer menu is unique and awesome (nothing is really "normal" beer), and the crowd changes with the time and day. If you haven't experienced Lord Hobo at least once, it's worth going out of your way for (at least once).
(4)
Yelena Y.

i went here last night and it was happening. I had the mac and cheese with some kind of flower beer that I have never had before. The mac and cheese was to die for......just delicious. The beer was awesome and I just had to have more. None of this food is slimming but just the right place to go with some work colleagues after a long day/week. I will definetly be back!
(5)
Craig M.

Easily my favorite bar in Boston. The food is delicious, the beer list is awesome, and the staff is super friendly. The hobo chili is especially amazing!
(5)
Jackie M.

The beer list is great but the service was horrendous. The food was plated well but the burger was over cooked the biscuits were burnt and the amount of gravy was lacking plus the "pickle" was just a cucumber. Some of the beers are hard to find but we'll not be back. Having a trendy restaurant isn't enough if your food and service can't back it up.
(2)
Mindy T.

Came to meet a group of friends for a few drinks after work one day. Parking is awful in this area FYI. Good drink selection and tons of beers on draft. The bartender was really nice and attentive. I had the Simple Chicken Sango.. and that's just what it was.. simple. I traded the regular fries for truffle fries of course. Yum Will come back but probably won't go out of my way to come back.
(3)
Richard A.

We visited here whilst over from London UK, and returned many times. If we had more bars like this in the UK I'd probably go out more (or at all). The service was excellent every single time we went, without being overbearing or false. The beer selection is outstanding though I wouldn't say particularly cheap. The staff have a good knowledge of the beers but aren't pushy with what you choose, and are always happy to leave you without a drink for a bit. The interior is pretty big, and the layout is really sporadic which actually makes it a really sociable place (360 bar) if you want it to be - or you can hide in a booth in the corner. Other people in the bar always seemed friendly and generally it just has a good vibe that we didn't see everywhere in Boston/Cam. It felt like a good place to both meet people or just drown in a drink by yourself. We had some amazing food, and whilst others have said, it is pricey, we had food of a quality that that you'd struggle to find in many bars. Unusually for a more trendy place, there is also sport on the TV, but we found this quite nice as it encouraged a broader mix of people. Also, the music is usually not shit. Always a bonus.
(4)
Ja K.

I like hobo, it has one of the best beer lists in Massachusetts and def worth going if your in mood for great beer. The food is decent but the menu is a bit boring; burrata sandwich is tasty. The service is ok, it can be hit or miss but the bartenders are always great. The crowd I can't pin down its all over the place, generally seems younger than I would expect. The interior is ok but it's always a bit too dark at night. Not really a place I'd consider to be my regular spot, I only really go if I'm in the mood for trying good beers so if trying interesting and sometimes rare beers is your thing def worth a pop in.
(3)
Lily S.

I definitely don't make it out to Cambridge enough, but ended up here last night for some drinks and apps. Pleasantly surprised by the food, booze, and atmosphere. Or maybe I shouldn't be? It is Cambridge after all. Definitely a go to if you're a beer drinker. The menu was ridiculously extensive and even the seasoned brewers in our party had a hard time deciding what to drink. At one point we were thinking with just going with the highest alcohol content glass. Personally, I was happy to see that they also had a decent selection of wines. The food was great as well and the prices were appropriate. I definitely recommend the grilled chicken drumstick things. The sauce was ballin.
(4)
Krissy L.

This place is terrible. Not only are they very rude but my 'salad' had about 9 leaves of spinach in it. We requested a table for 6 on a Thursday and were told we were close to the top of the list.... about 2 hours later we were granted a large booth. When seated, we actually had 7 people and were scolded for having more people than we said- even though we still fit comfortably at the table. The majority of wait staff had major attitude, the food was SUB PAR and there are plenty of other places with a nice draft list. Spend your money somewhere else. Pros: Good 80's playlist Good draft list Cons: Terrible service Worse food Really really terrible service
(2)
Julia C.

I went for brunch recently on a Sunday. Sadly, the poached egg on the eggs benedict was cooked completely through. Excessively sour hollandaise. The burger was a standard burger, nothing special. I ordered truffle fries since I read here that they're a specialty here, but I didn't even taste a hint of truffle on them, just a small sprinkle of parmesan cheese. I haven't had service this awful in a couple years. It took forever to get our order in, and even longer to get the food. The restaurant wasn't crowded. Our waitress checked on the table left of us, and to the right, and ignored us for some reason, which was very odd. No water refill, no coming by to check how our food turned out. My SO finally had to get up and approach our waitress to get our check. tl;dr: Food quality that ranges from ho hum to bleck + seriously crummy service... there are many infinitely better restaurants that deserve your business in Cambridge.
(1)
Jason M.

When a restaurant/bar does something well, you can expect all of their reviews to focus on what they do well. As such, Lord Hobo is best noted as a great place to grab a beer. With 40 tasty craft beers on tap, people are right. It's a great place to grab a drink. But, it's also more. Lord Hobo has outstanding food. From the mac & cheese to the chicken drumstricks, the food here shines. Flavorful and gluttonous, Lord Hobo can satisfy your tummy with more than just Belgian beer. And the ambiance? Are you looking for a sexy cool place for a good first date? I can't promise a good date (you have to do some of the legwork yourself), but at least the art, the people, the drinks and food will do most of the hard work. So yeah, everyone will tell you the beer is good. But look at Lord Hobo again, it does a lot more things right.
(4)
Dan L.

Cool place. Quiet, hipster-esque and I want to say it has a upscale vibe to it. The chefs in the kitchen are legit. It's pricey, but that's because you get what you pay for. It's definitely not a dive - the food is top quality and prepared fresh and the beers are cold, local and on tap.
(4)
Maggy E.

BEST CRAFT PUB IN BOSTON!!! Hands down. Always unique taps and quality flagships. Events and special releases to keep you interested and watching their posts. I'm not into sports, but apparently its a great place to catch games for those of you who are, plenty of TV's. Swag food menu as well, not your typical pub fare, expect to pay a little more if you plan on balancing your alcohol consumption with a little gastrofaction, not a complaint, just a notification.
(5)
Mateus S.

Me and two friends (one who's a regular) hit up Lord Hobo on last Saturday, 7/19, and it was really good. We all had hobo burgers and my friend recommended getting it with the egg (apparently takes it to a "whole 'nother level") but I just got bacon. The food was awesome. I had an awesome smoked porter to drink as well. My only real problem was that it seemed there were so many IPAs on the beer list (I'm not a fan), but what do I know? Our waitress Jill aka "Jillbo Baggins" was also really good - timely and courteous. Overall I definitely want to hit up this spot again.
(5)
Emily B.

Obviously the beer list is awesome, I think we've established that. And yes, it's pricey - that's what happens when you carry hard-to-find beers in an urban bar setting. I will say I wish there was a bit more beer variety. Seems like every place that boasts a great beer really just mean "We've got a great mostly IPA list." Waitress was super aloof. Not good, not bad, just sort of there sometimes. Meh. Next: I'd give the food maybe a C+. We got truffle fries, which were tasty, but I've had better and for much, much much cheaper. I ordered a steak salad. The steak was cold. Ok, I can handle that, if that's what the hipster kids are into these days. But it was literally devoid of any flavor whatsoever. No sauce, no rub, no salt, no pepper. Nothing. Rest of salad was equally disappointing - some kind of stewed tomato (?), "braised" onions (also weirdly devoid of flavor), unidentified root vegetables and a little lettuce. Husband had Chicken Lollipops (which is Hipster for "Drumsticks") and they were phenomenally delicious and exploding with flavor. All in all, a decent place to stop in for a yummy beer, but food was sort of a toss up.
(3)
Greg C.

Um there was a romp-off with these 3 foxes!!! and then there was a bathroom dance party. Pinky and the brain made me feel like I achieved world domination. â€â€
(5)
Ana B.

Went there for brunch a couple of times,, but this last time on Saturday was great! I can't say the food is excellent, it isn't... but the Bloody Mary and the service are the best! Dandy Dave, our server, made my day! He's fantastic!!!
(5)
Lee L.

This place is dark and dingy. But they have a fantastic beer list and great cocktails. I had the ginger margarita and really enjoyed it. Very laid back and unassuming, it has a charm but beware that it is dusty and you will eventually start sneezing if you're prone to allergies.
(4)
J. L.

If you're looking for a great craft beer selection and a cool atmosphere go to Lord Hobo. Don't let the outside appearance deceive you. Inside is awesome. Our waiter was a super cool/nice guy. There were three of us and he had great beer recommendations for all our different tastebuds. Parking was easy on a Thursday night for is. Got a meter (free after 6) right directly across the street. Will be back!
(5)
Mario C.

I hate this hipster cave
(1)
Jeffrey R.

If a friend hadn't brought me here a while back, I probably never would have made it in. The outside sets a false expectation that it's a neighborhood dive bar. That's become a part of the appeal... very unsuspecting. Step inside and it's a completely different story. It's a loud and lively space that fills up with professionals heading over from Kendall Square during the week, and has a neighborhood following too. The drinks are strong and there are plenty of options. I'm not a big beer drinker, but it's known for its craft beer selection. (The menu is HUGE.) As far as food goes - it's hugely under-rated. The mac & cheese is amongst the best I've ever had - get it with bacon!
(4)
Aaron D.

Ahhh, Lord Hobo... I really want to like you for more than just your beer, but I just don't think it's going to happen. Every time that I've stopped by I've been absolutely wowed by the beer selection. I've had wonderful stouts, IPAs, Belgians, and a crazy German beer that tasted like smoke and bacon. Five stars for brews. However, the food has been nothing short of a disappointment. The first time through we just had some fries with truffle-mayo. They were fantastic, and everything else on the menu sounded amazing; so we were anxious to get back to try things out. After a few beer-only visits, I finally made it back for some food. The group I was with ordered the following: Thai curry mussels with fries, the charcuterie plate, and both the lobster and regular mac and cheese. The mussels did great, nicely accented by the aforementioned, delicious fries. The others fell flat. Like previous reviewers have noted, the charcuterie plate was accompanied by a machine-gun recounting of the elements, meager portions, and lackluster flavor. However, the mac and cheese was the greatest let down. The lobster mac would be more appropriately titled: "Two bites of lobster accompanied by pasta in alfredo sauce." The cheese was bland and barely clung to the pasta, and the lobster had nothing more than a cameo role. Despite our last experience, we decided to give them a go for brunch. Mushroom ragout with a poached egg and toast? When I hear ragout I expect something like a stew, what we got was sauteed mushrooms. The mushrooms were tasty, but I'd pay $5 for such a dish, not the $12-14 it cost us. And then we get to the potatoes, chunks of fat, and eggs cooked differently than advertised. Sorry, I mean the pork belly hash, with sunny side up eggs. I've never in my life pulled so much fat off of one dish. Some chunks had meat on them, but there were entire 2 inch cubes consisting of nothing but pork fat with a string of meat along the side. I expect my pork belly to be rather fatty, but this was absurd: 75% fat, 25% fatty meat. Also, the eggs were over-easy. The recurring theme here is that Lord Hobo promises (and charges) really big with their food and consistently comes up with a rather pedestrian meal that I feel cheated by. So I will continue to go here to enjoy their beer and their tasty fries, but no more entrees.
(3)
Jared S.

I dig Lord Hobo. Been here a couple times for after work drinks and snacks. It's a big place and doesn't start to get packed til much later, which is a good thing in my book. There is also a ton of bar seating...but that's a double-edged sword. I usually prefer the bar because you get better service from the bartenders than the wait staff. But with such a big bar, and only one or two bartenders working (the few times I've been), it's been more of a hassle getting a drink or ordering some food than it should be. The beer selection is quality, which is a given considering it's a beer bar. But their specialty cocktails are also very very good. My wife always orders the Hot for Teacher and loves it, not just the drink but because she is an educator herself! I've also been pleasantly surprised by the food. I've had pretty much all the apps and they are all pretty good.
(3)
Steven D.

Nothing about this bar is irremediably bad, it is just that there is nothing good to offer redemption. The presentation of the food has a strong Belgian influence (having lived in Belgium), but the standard of food is not up to Belgian levels. In fact, it is not up to the level of Atwoods and certainly nowhere near The Druid. The standards is instead comparable to The Field, despite the aspiration being far greater. Even the fries are mediocre. Still there is the beer. Which is generally poor. I know my beer. I am a beer snob. This is a place to drink obscure bad beer because you want to be snobby about it, but are not qualified.. There is a huge variety of obscure, exotic beer. However, the selection demonstrates a love of obscure and exotic rather than good, as there are many poor beers. The master beer belt is still England, Belgium, Germany and Czech Republic. Obtaining beers from Finland and Portugal is impressive, but the quality is not. Atwoods know their beer, go there instead. The art on the wall is ofter poor. The service is OKish, the acoustics are not great. Yet the bill is outrageous. PS: I love beer and this place is just outside my window. I do not go there as it is rubbish.
(2)
Catherine S.

I'm surprised Lord Hobo only has 3.5 stars now--definitely think they deserve higher. I only went once, and primarily for beer, but we shared their hush puppies appetizer and it was great. The piece de resistance is their beer selection though. They have tons of bottles, and even more on draught--all fresh craft beers. The atmosphere was great too, withc TVs for the sports fans and big tables for groups. We know our beer, so the fact that our waiter wasn't exactly warm and welcoming didn't bother us--but perhaps keep that in mind if you're a beer newbie.
(4)
Cheryl H.

If I were just reviewing the beer, Lord Hobo would get 5 stars, but unfortunately we decided to eat there as well. Boo! My burger was very overcooked and dry. It was too dark in there to tell, but I'm betting that there was no pink to be found in that thing. The bun was half burnt too. I would have sent it back, but it took so freaking long to get our food that there was no way I was going to risk doing that. My friend's burger looked pretty charred as well:( I thought the fries were good, but my boyfriend complained that they were too salty...he just doesn't appreciate salt as much as I do. He had some sort of steak sandwich which he didn't really like, but was loads better than my burger. Maybe we just picked the wrong things (but seriously, they screwed up the burger!), but I would come back just for the beer list.
(3)
Serena P.

This place is great. We go there fairly often for one of the best beer menus around. The staff is always very friendly and happy to chat beer. They make a yummy burger and very tasty frites. Wish their appetizer menu had more choices. We were thrilled recently to sample some of their take homes from their recent trip to VT. Delicious stuff from Alchemist and Hill Farmstead. Thank you for sharing.
(5)
Andrea H.

Let me start by saying I hate writing negative reviews. However I appreciate reading others positive and negative comments and feel this experience warranted explaining. When we first walked in we were stoked. Cool bar, great atmosphere, awesome music and great selection of both beer and mixed drinks. We ordered drinks and started off with the house made pickles and the hummus plate. Both were delicious and my husband who generally doesn't like bread and butter pickles really liked this variety. In the mood for comfort food I ordered fish and chips and he the cheeseburger which he requested well-done. This review was 4 stars up until this point: our food arrived. It looked and smelled good, but when my husband cut his burger in half we were both surprised to see it was prepared medium-rare. He politely asked our waitress for if he could have it cooked well-done. Nonplussed she said "ok" and took it back to the kitchen. After 10 minutes it arrived back to us on a new bun with seemingly new fries but the same patty, still cut completely in half, with cheese still on it I might add. At first we were confused...then we began to feel uncomfortable. Our waitress apologized once, it was her error, I ate alone for 10 minutes and discovered my Fish and chips exhibited the tangy-sulphur-metallic taste that seafood takes on when it's reaching the end of it's prime. This officially ended my enjoyment of dinner. I did not mention this to our waitress. Not only that, but my husband used the silverware he had previously eaten off of during the appetizer to cut his burger with.... And they put it back on the grill to cook with all the other food that was ordered by other patrons at that time of the night. There important details that separate good business and food handling practices from bad and unsafe ones. No matter how good the food is, I am not ok with staff re-cooking food that has already been touched by patrons, and I don't think it is unreasonable to expect a new burger or a credit to the bill for a mistake made by our waitress. We politely left a 20% tip and left, but I am sad to say we will not be back for a second try.
(1)
Kathleen F.

So glad that we FINALLY got to Lord Hobo and it wasn't super crowded since it was a weeknight so we got a table, score! Their cocktail menu and beers on tap are reason alone to come here, very impressive! We brought my boyfriend's aunt here so we all tried 2 cocktails each which left us feeling very happy and served as a great way to explore the whole cocktail menu. The menu itself seems to change frequently and they have specials based on what is local and in season. I got the brussels sprouts which were the bomb and I definitely recommend getting and also got a chilled strawberry soup which was good but a bit too sweet for my tastes. My boyfriend got the fish and chips which he really enjoyed a lot! We live so close to here that we will definitely be back to try more seasonal dishes and of course, more cocktails! Our waitress was really nice and very accommodating to any food allergies, etc. which was great. Atmosphere is also awesome, it's so cozy in there sort of makes you forget what time of day it is and whether or not you had anyplace else to be ;-)!
(4)
Sweet T.

+ The beer selection. A lot of interesting drafts on tap. I asked for a recommendation for something "dark and local" and was offered the Baba Yaga, brewed in Cambridge as per the bartender. MMM, I'd love to find this bottled so I can take it home with me
(3)
Nicole L.

The food, beer selection and cocktail list are all reasons to go. The layout, noise factor and service are all reasons to perhaps not. All the food I've tried has been well above average. The entree prices are a little pricey for upscale bar food, especially when combined with a $10 cocktail. However, the apps are pretty big and if you get them with the fries (they're deliciously salty) you have a good sized meal. I really enjoy their beer selection and cocktail menu, as they have things you can't find everywhere. On the downside, every time I've been here it's been really loud, so I find myself shouting at the person next to me. The layout is also a little weird, so if you go later in the night just to grab some drinks you can find your either group standing in a big open space or fighting for a table.
(3)
Aaron M.

Excellent tap list with both domestic craft brews and international selections. On our visit around 9 on a Saturday night it was busy but not packed and we were able to get a couple of seats at the bar. Sandwiches were very good (shaved prime rib and a burger). I liked the vibe -- hipster but not too much. Music was loud enough that it set the vibe but you could still carry on a conversation.
(4)
Sean H.

I have mixed feelings about this place. My friend ordered a scotch on the rocks. They poured an exact shot. It felt a little cheap and looked like an empty glass. Decor is minimalist. Almost uncomfortable. Not the inviting feel of the B Side. Food was good but pricey. $13 for a burger feels high to me. We ordered chicken lollipops ( excellent but took a long time to come out).Will be back
(3)
Renee M.

I've been wanting to try Lord Hobo for a while because I had heard so much about the fantastic beer selection! I love beer, in case that wasn't clear in the first sentence. Anyway, biked here with my roomie looking to score some dinner and some drinks (beer of course... beer beer beer). The place is spacious and simply decorated, a casual but hip vibe. We sat at the bar since there were no open tables, which turned out to be awesome bc our bartender was super helpful in finding us some good beers and let us try tons of samples! As everyone else has noted, the beer selection is great... some local brews mixed in with some Belgians and Germans (similar list to another fave of mine, Deep Ellum). Why only 3 stars you ask? My food. The lobster mac and cheese was... ok? Pretty bland if you ask me, although there were sizable lobster chunks which I enjoyed. But yeah, definitely nothing to write home about. My roomie did enjoy her burger though and the fries I was able to nab were salty and crispy the way I like them! Come here for the beer, but be wary of the food. It seems totally hit or miss.
(3)
Thomas N.

OK went there on a Saturday afternoon, noonish, not too busy.....the place does not look like much from the outside but is much better inside, not beautiful or anything but decent, excellent beer selection and an interesting selection of mixed drinks also, i had he sirloin sandwich with fries which was good and wife had the crocque monsieur which had way too much bread, so it was OK, but her salad which came with it was excellent......bartender was helpful and seemed knowledgeable of the beers available, there are a lot and apparently they change a lot....pretty good spot, would definitely stop in again when in the area..
(3)
Melissa C.

Went here on a Friday night for a friend b-day. I have a "history" with Hobo so I was wary of this experience. Quick aside: It's the middle of winter. Snow is everywhere. Parking is nowhere. After driving around for 45 minutes, finally get a legal spot. Tried to get in for another friend's birthday party, line is out the door. Bar is at capacity. Walk back a mile to car in snow. Curse. Okay, so at least this time it was summer so there was no snow. But the parking situation hasn't changed. If you're not a Cantabridgian, you're screwed on the parking front. After circling for 45 minutes, we finally got a spot. At 6:30 on a Friday, the place was already pretty full but we managed to get a table. Let's get down to business. The decor is simple, it's clean, but a little too dark inside. The waitstaff is very nice but not as knowledgable about their beer selection as you'd think in a hipster beer bar. The food is not worth the money. The sandwich we ordered was all bread, everything was greasy, and I couldn't even really tell what some items were (chalk that up to the crypt like darkness). The french fries are really good but that's about it. They had a few vegetarian options (standard veggie burger, something made with quinoa) but nothing really innovative. All in all, it wasn't worth the hassle and I probably won't go out of my way to return.
(2)
K T.

Don't be put off by its outward appearance, this is absolutely where you want to be. It actually took me two years of living about 5 blocks away to finally hear about this place. Despite pretty much being hidden, it's still always pretty packed, and it's not that surprising why. Huge selection of beers, most of which are excellent. Beer and spirits menu is about three times their food menu, which is pretty awesome. If you need help navigating the beer selections, ask you recommendations, the servers know what they're doing. They have a great selection of imports, mostly Belgian and German, and even some really weird specialty stuff like a smokey almost porter-like beer from Germany. Yes, you read that correctly, smokey dark beer from Germany. Food is decent but a little pricey, much like the beer. They've got a couple of bottles on their menu that's upwards of $30. Yup, for a bomber bottle of beer. But it's a bomber bottle of malty, dark Belgian Trappist beer so it's worth it...at least once in a while.
(4)
Ethan A.

I've been back and can't believe how great it was. Maybe we just went on a bad night before. It wasn't crazy busy, the music was a normal level where we could hear each other talking, and the service great. My veggie burger was fantastic, the fries perfectly seasoned, and the prices understandable. I knocked off a star for them completely forgetting about my drink. Pages of bees and drafts, which while not my preference, is certainly appreciated. A list of cocktails that are strong is much appreciated as well. I'll be back.
(4)
Nick M.

I'm a big fan of Lord Hobo - the beer selection is unreal and the food is great as well. The bartenders are pretty attentive and we've never had to wait long to order My wife and I have been here several times and the taps are rotated pretty frequently. This is one place where I've seen a variety of Sixpoint beers, a brewery out of Brooklyn that I haven't seen in too many bars in the Boston/Cambridge/Somerville area In terms of food, we've had the meat and cheese plate, as well as the Mac & Cheese with Bacon. Meat and cheese plate is usually pretty good (we've had a few plates that were not stellar), but the Mac & Cheese with Bacon is consistently awesome Parking is usually pretty difficult to find, unless you are a Cambridge resident with a parking sticker or able to walk there. If you can find a spot in Inman or Kendall, it's a short walk We'll definitely be back soon -- can't wait to see the new beers on tap
(4)
Erik T.

After living around the corner from Lord Hobo, I've gotta say I love the place. I've been there when it was quiet, when it was rowdy, and when it was a nice in-between bustling. The beer list is very extensive- this is not the place to come if you're looking to grab a domestic macro- and the draughts and bottles are priced in the reasonable to a-little-pricey range, but we are in Boston (the area, at least). The servers are usually knowledgeable about what they have on tap, and if you're not sure what to order they'll help you out, and even bring you some samples of things to try so you can make a good decision. I've never ordered bottles here, but they're quick pouring draught beer and getting it to you promptly, and they bring water in mason jars, which is always fun. I've never been disappointed by the beer, but I also generally order something I either have had before, someone I'm with has tried before, or I sample on the spot. Hobo's food is delicious, though pricey. Apps are very good, and have an interesting twist to them, and main dishes are excellent. They change their menu around, but I've had the grilled salmon on a bed of grits which was perfectly cooked- buttery in both texture and flavor, but not overwhelmingly so. The burger is also very good, though pricey... and their fries are among the best- cooked well, crispy, lightly seasoned, yum. The atmosphere of the Hobo is interesting, and some people love it while others hate it. I love it. It's dimly lit, with a mahogany hue, which right away turns some people off. Again, I love it. There's always a very...interesting? collection of art on the walls that I've had creative discussions with compatriots about, regarding what the hell it is. We've come up with some great theories for several rotations. Now that I live considerably further from Hobo, I haven't made it back, but only because it's quite out of the way. Hobo's a hot spot.
(4)
Jackie O.

Lord Hobo is a hidden gem (located on a semi-random corner in Cambridge with not much else around)... this bar is awesome. The beer selection is incredible (try the Jack's Abby) and the bartenders sure know how to craft a cocktail. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. I was there on Saturday night our server, Kate, was amazing - recommended some great beers and was extremely kind and efficient - even though the place was slammed. The food is on the money. I like a ton of stuff on the menu but my faves are the polenta fries and steak sandwich. mmmm. Pair all of this with sexy decor and ambiance - this is one of my go-to spots for a good time.
(5)
Evangeline L.

Went here on a Friday night and it was super packed with all types of people. My friend and I were lucky enough to find some seats at the bar after waiting all of 10 minutes. Woo hoo! The bartender was funny; he was coy, sweet, a little arrogant but all around charming. Great selection of beer...to the reviewer complaining about not having Guinness: You're an idiot! Ok anyway, the food was really tasty. We shared calamari and each had a burger. The calamari was lightly battered and delicious. Yum. Oh and the burger was superb...juicy and tender and cooked perfectly. I would defiantly return for the burger alone. The only blunder of the evening was that the fries came out so so salty we had to return them...however the promptly brought some more out. Oh and I had asked for some extra curry sauce for dipping and the bartender totally forgot...that annoyed me but its certainly not an "issue" like the person complaining about "cambridge hipsters". Do you even know what a hipster is? I think not! Get over yourself. If by hipster you mean what most people think, people who are super trendy and stylish, than please bring on the hipsters for Boston is surely lacking in style! The end.
(4)
Rebecca S.

Bartender: "Another Rob Roy, Bishop?" The Bishop: "You never ask a navy man if he'll have another drink, because it's nobody's goddamn business how much he's had already." I've been drinking rob roys for years now, and resorted to my dear old standard a couple of nights ago when I went to Lord Hobo. My choice was partly due to the fact that I felt like having a rob roy, but also because the beer list was OVERWHELMING! I was tired and couldn't begin to contemplate choosing between more than 30 (maybe more than 40!) different kinds of beer in bottles and on tap. My friend, a real beer aficionado, was very pleased to sample several of their offerings. I stuck with what I knew. ... or thought I knew. The friendly, competent bartender asked me if I wanted bitters in my rob roy. Unexpected question and apparently my confused expression prompted her to repeat herself and then explain that rob roys are usually made with bitters, but not everyone likes bitters so she could omit if I so wished. I like bitters. And the rob roys she served me that night were perfect (because that's how I ordered them, AND because she made them very well). And I learned that perhaps bitters are the difference between excellent rob roys that I savor -- like those I consumed at Lord Hobo -- and rob roys that end up disappointing me a bit. Hah! Lord Hobo, hooray! Oh, the food was good too. Crowd was fine. Music good. Bartender: AWE-SOME!
(4)
MaryTyler M.

I am so glad I ignored all of the low-star, whiny reviews and rolled the dice on this place. I sat for hours at a handsome bar, had two delicious beers I'd never had before that came at a reasonable $6.50, and nibbled at some even more delicious parmesan and aioli fries. All the while, uncommonly warm staff served us and early 90s alt rock played at a tastefully nostalgic volume. I found it full of average middle-aged patrons, neither hip nor pretentious. I will definitely be found there again soon. My only complaint is the bathroom locks were apparently designed by someone who a) is a hobbyist puzzler, and b) never had a buzz on. I consider myself a smart gal, and it took me approximately 30 seconds to achieve a locked stall. Keep it simple, Lord Hobo. Ain't nothing wrong with my grandmother's stall locks.
(4)
Shannon S.

I like beer. I like comfort food. I like big tables. I like Lord Hobo. Lord Hobo is dark and so is its slightly pretentious (but delicious) beer list. Come expecting hoppy choices, dark and moody stouts, and beligan ales which will tickle your nose. Bring a couple of friends and grab an order of curry or truffle frites or a helping of the special deviled eggs. Browsing the rest of the menu you'll find other heavy but delicious selections - lobster mac & cheese or a tasty take on shepherd's pie (lamb and plenty of mashed potatoes) This is a great place for after work drinks and dinner if you're working in Kendall or a perfect mid-week spot to catch up with some bearded, dark-peacoat-wearing friendsters. However, I recommend making your way over sometime before 8pm most nights and using caution over the weekend as this place tends to get pretty bumping. Dates use caution, Lord Hobo has no problem sitting parties of 4 at your table for 2 - this place is a share and share alike establishment. Best to bring cool people who don't mind having their space encroached on in this communal beer-loving establishment. To hobos everywhere, enjoy! Of course, this gastropub has it's setbacks, one being that it's in the same spot as the famed and now-defunct B-side. Now, most Cambridgians can't get it up for Lord Hobo, but I'm a Somervillian and proud to enjoy a tasty beer and deviled eggs WITHOUT all that salty New-England-style baggage.
(4)
Hi D.

Remember how Oceans 11 was a decent and entertaining movie when it came out? Then all the actors thought they reached sainthood and made those regrettable sequels which were basically just the big shots high-fiving eachother and masturbating in front of a mirror? That is Lord Hobo. All the charm of B-Side is gone and has been replaced with an overdose of pretention; the place needs its stomach pumped. 1. food menu - prices will kill your appetite. 2. beer menu - it's the music snob of beer lists...like the less you've heard of it, the cooler it is. 3. decor - everything is screaming "look at me I'm shiny !" 4. cocktail list - hold on a sec while I refer to "the hobo lingo" to decipher these redundant drinks. I'm guessing soon you'll be served a mirror with everything you order so that you can look at yourself while you're there.
(1)
Elaine L.

I like this place overall. It's got a nice classy enough feel to match the sophistication of its beer menu. They assume their clientele are either deaf or over 70 so the music is cranked WAY up, like club-levels of decibels. As a result, it's difficult to carry a conversation in your indoor voice and even if you use your outdoor voice, the person sitting 2 seats away from you still might not hear you. Noise complaint aside, the service was great. Sensed a good team dynamic among the wait staff -- if you make some eye contact with any member of the wait staff coming by, they'll come over and tend to you even if it's not the same member who seated you and took your order.
(3)
Kaki N.

Tried Lord Hobo on Labor Day, early in the evening. They were having a Belgian week, so they had 35 taps of Belgians, most of which were unfamiliar to me. Cool! However, their beer menu could have used the addition of tasting notes and IBUs, especially since all the beers are were somewhat unusual. Our waitress gave us ZERO explanation for the all Belgian week. We made our choices based on quick smart phone look-ups and ABVs. My choices were fine, but several others in my group got the wrong beers for them, which could have been avoided by guidance from the staff. When we walked in we had the "do we order at the bar or is there wait staff?" conversation for a good 5 minutes because the staff was invisible. Finally we snagged a booth and a waitress eventually showed up with menus. We waited at least 10 minutes for the beers to be delivered. During that time our waitress disappeared and the bartender wandered around somewhat aimlessly. Same story with ordering other rounds -- the wait between order and beer was way too long based on how many people were in the bar. The buratta was wonderful and I enjoyed the beet salad with ginger dressing and the pork belly pizza with Asian slaw. (Opinions around the table were mixed on the beets and the pizza, but I liked both.) Everyone loved the chopped salad, which turned out to be far tastier than its simple ingredients would have implied. The one bright spot of service was the food runner who brought stuff from the kitchen. He was attentive and on-the-ball, bringing extra spoons for the soup without being asked and helping us make room for all the small plates on the table. Promote him to waiter and things would improve.
(3)
Andrea S.

Let me be honest. I am a Boston kind of girl and as much as I try to evoke a sense of Cambridge when i go out, i just can't. I think ironic white guy mustaches are stupid and I never want to see a hipster naked. There I said it. (and it feels so good). But, for the most part, I was able to shake that feeling of "don't fit in" at Lord Hobo without also forgetting that I was in Cambridge. So, kudos on that. It did feel a little Publik House-y to me (and hey, that's cool) but I have to be honest. The food is better at Lord Hobo. The other reviews are right, though, it's a bit pricey to match the already pricey beers. Happily, our waitress was much nicer than any I've had at the Publik House. All in all, I had a perfectly lovely Tuesday night at an old favorite--while the B side is still missed, Lord Hobo is a perfectly lovely replacement.
(4)
Cport J.

I think this is one of the best bars in Cambridge, and basically the only real beer bar. The beer selection is amazing, both draft and bottle. It's well curated, constantly evolving, and easy to find both old favorites and lots of excellent new beers to try. Beyond beer, they also have top notch cocktails. The food is also delicious, from the housemade charcuterie to great gastropub entrees. The atmosphere is sort of standard for a recently renovated place, perhaps the only bit of a letdown, but the local art definitely adds to the atmosphere. I've seen lots of pieces that I really, really liked hanging on their walls. The music fits my tastes as well, think I remember the Pixies on a recent visit. Great place to meet the guys, meet the girls, take a date.
(4)
Joanna F.

Finally tried the food last night. Although overpriced, it was definitely pretty good. My friends and I split the hummus plate and calamari which were both very flavorful. I got the grilled cheese with red pepper bisque. The bisque was delicous although it wasn't the best grilled cheese I've ever had. The food can best be described as upscale pub grub. And as usual, the beer was amazing.
(4)
Andrew Y.

I would give this place a 5 for beer and probably a 1 for food. Went to this restaurant for the beer and hoped it could allow me to avoid the long trek to Publick House for good beer and food. Unfortunately, Publick House still wins out. The beer selection was really, really great. Definitely the best selection in Cambridge. Unlike some reviewers, I do not agree that the beers are overpriced. These are very good beers and therefore rightfully pricy beers. So... the food. We had the steak tartare, a special appetizer of white anchovies, the lobster mac and cheese and the cuban sandwich. The fries that came with the cuban were pretty good... but, nothing else was. The steak tartare and mac and cheese both had very little flavor. The flavor that the mac and cheese had was not dissimilar to cheese whiz. The special appetizer missed on all fronts. The cuban sandwich contained pork that had an unfortunate fishy taste - not residual from the anchovies as I was enjoying the fries at the same time and they were not fishy. And the cuban was just really otherwise forgettable. So, would I go back? Yes. But ONLY for BEER. This place needs to either entirely redo it's menu or get a new chef.
(2)
ack c.

I was so excited to go to this place & sent several friends there thinking it's gonna be so good! Sadly, not so good... Hipster in that hipster way that means if you aren't hip you get dissed. And pricey, $13 for a cubano w/ no fries. The cubano @ Chez Henri, which has one best of Boston 4 times, is only an additional $1... The stars are for the beer selection which is excellent.
(2)
Matt T.

The appeal of this place is obviously for specialty beer drinkers, which I am not, so that part is wasted on me. Went for dinner and a drink, knowing not to expect much beyond typical pub fare, although the menu shows otherwise. Had the pulled pork sandwiches, which were okay but certainly not Redbones-quality. Service was slow to get to us (but friendly), and then a long duration between drinks and food, but seeing as how it was a Friday night after work I wasn't too surprised, although other reviews on here are giving me pause. I may go back for drinks but I don't think it'll be a food destination for me.
(3)
Andy B.

As 'Hobo has shaken off it's opening blues its food has gotten better and more consistant. A fun place to go, not as awesome as Deep Ellum, but for being in my backyard - a great place!
(4)
Darragh M.

Lord Hobo is a no no. If it was a person it would marry itself and have a bunch of trendy moron kids. So very uncool. Had a burger and deviled eggs. Burger was just ok. The menu is silly just plain silly. They have a million beers but no grenadine. Stay away unless you think you are the shit but actually you are not and you actually love yourself and are probably confused.
(1)
G C.

FUCK this place. was in here last night from 7-9pm. The staff changed the lights no less than 4 times, randomly turned on/off other lights a few times. ? Way way too loud. Couldn't even hear the server across the table telling us the specials. I was hoarse after I left from trying to talk to my friend who was sitting next to me at the table. Food is way too expensive, and had only like 2 vegetarian options. $12 for a small grilled cheese and a small cup of soup of average quality is way too much. People kept on exiting out the secondary entrance with those two large swinging doors, which would get stuck wide open, letting a giant blast of cold air in. There's a very extensive beer selection, both tap and bottle though, along with other liquors and cocktails. Mostly esoteric stuff unless you are a super snob, and our waitress wasn't very helpful at making recommendations and didn't know much about the beers at all. Man I miss the b-side. I'd give this place 0 stars if it was possible.
(1)
Dan L.

Walked over to Lord Hobo after having dinner at Cambridge Brewing Company (5 minute walk). It was seemed busy in there, but we had seats at the bar within 10 minutes after arriving. Bar service was friendly and attentive. Beer selection is great. Any bar that has Pretty Things Beer on tap is an instant hit for me. I am not sure this is a place I'd go for dinner, seemed to me more of a night cap place. The music was fairly loud and a bit piercing once the industrial style music started playing.
(4)
Kristen C.

not a bad place. the menu has a lot of beers to offer. however there was more than one time that we were told "oh - we're all out of that" or "we don't have that right now". location... isn't really ideal. not much parking around there and no other bars to easily walk to. the atmosphere is pretty good and the music that they played on friday was fabulous... old school songs like "regulators", etc.
(3)
Taryn L.

Stopped by LH after work on Friday and it was crowded, but I was able to quickly get a beer at the bar and was seated about 30 min later. For dinner I tried the truffle fries and lobster mac n cheese. Fries were excellent with 3 great sauces and the mac n cheese was good, but not amazing (great lobster, but the cheese was too thin and watery). Yes, the prices are a little steeper than I hoped for, but considering the unique beer selection and pretty good food, I will definitely be back.
(4)
John H.

I made a yelp account just to tell people how much this place sucks. It's pretentious, arrogant, the drinks are way overpriced, the inside sucks, and the bartenders and hostess are rude. They don't serve any good beers....there is no Guiness for God's sake. A glass of Evan Wiliams costs 7 dollars...EVAN motherfucking WILLIAMS. The worst part about this shithole is that the volume of the shit music that they play is cranked up as loud as possible. You literally cannot hear someone that is screaming into your ear. Yet, there is no dancing there, it is more of a lounge atmosphere that is supposed to facilitate good conversation. Then why do they play the crappiest music ever at volumes that will permanently damage your hearing? There are absolutely no redeeming qualities about this place, I hope it catches fire.
(1)
Evelyn C.

I often feel, that in order to give a place a fair chance you have to go there twice. My first visit was three days after the opening. Clearly, it was packed. There were weird table issues, but we were seated in a reasonable amount of time, while we waited at the bar. This definitely isn't the place you go to get a Blue Moon. The bar menu is extensive and there is nothing wrong with that! The menu has a nice domestic and imported section that has obscure beers, with brief descriptions so you don't get too overwhelmed. The layout is kinda weird and narrow with a series of high tables and narrow pathways by the bar. It can get a little awkward going to the bathroom or walking around. The dim lighting and the art really add to the intimate atmosphere, though the tables are quite close to each other. We had a delicious assortment of appetizers. The charcuterie plate was tastefully done, the deviled eggs were amazing, the mac and cheese with lobster was a bit so-so, the mussels and fries were great and the fries with brown gravy were delicious! We had fun doing some blind beer choices and got an opportunity to try some new stuff. The price is right, three of us ate, drank, and got merry and i want to say it came to about $30-$40 per person. I dined at Lord Hobo last night, for the second time. The night was pretty chilly and one of the drawbacks of the restaurants is that it's drafty. No matter where you sit, i felt a little chilly in my short sleeved shirt. Again we were seated really quickly and when my other friend came to dine with us we were quickly accommodated, even though it was packed. Again, we decided to go the appetizer route but instead of the lobster mac and cheese, we just got the meat and cheese chacuterie plate, the mussels and fries and the deviled eggs. I dream about those deviled eggs! Avocado, chili, and truffled yolks, hot damn! Everything was excellent but the muscles were a bit too sandy for my taste, maybe it was a fluke who knows...We actually had the same waitress as before and she was definitely on top of her game. Again we ate and drank to our hearts delight and the bill came to about a hundred bucks for three people! This place might have a few tiny flaws, but they sure do make i up in price, menu, and atmosphere.
(4)
L S.

Finally tried this place the other night. It's decent, but nothing special. Kind of pricey. I had a few beers and the mussels and fries. I'm sure the beer menu rotates, but I felt there was a lot of repetition. I'm no expert though. The fries were tasty, and mussels were okay. Maybe next time I'll try a burger.
(3)
Laura R.

My father and I stumbled on this place last night. Very much a hipster atmosphere. I would hate to be the only male employee working there that couldn't grow a beard, as it seems like that's a prerequisite to being hired. I give it 5 stars for the beer selection and 3 stars for the food. Only because the heirloom tomato salad that I ordered was so incredibly salty that my mouth was raw when I was finished. Over-salting a plate is just an incredibly novice mistake. The charcuterie plate was incredible. The Tuna sashimi was good. The heirloom tomato salad would have been great without the double dosing of salt. I would return just for the beer!
(4)
Jenn D.

i came to lord hobo with one of my girlfriends after taking in a movie at the kendall theatre a few days ago. i have to say i very much enjoyed, and will be back! the ambiance was nice...a bit dark, but then, its a "trendy" bar. the workers...were very much on the "i'm trying to act like your friend" type of thing...my friend had stopped in for a drink on her way to meet me for the movie, and they were like "oh you're back!" when we returned. kinda weird. the beer selection, as many others have mentioned, is fairly amazing. big belgian focus, somewhat obscure, but quite extensive. i am really looking forward to coming back and trying a number of them...if only i lived closer. in addition, they have a pretty good cocktail menu! some odd fascination with maraschino liquer, which i dont understand because that stuff is *terrible* but they do have some redeeming drinks, including the "angelina" which i thought was really good. my friend had the "hot for teacher" recommended by our chatty rum-loving waitress, and also enjoyed. we decided to split the truffle "chips" which were delicious - the 3 dipping sauces with them were so good. a good amount for sharing with 2-4 people - the two of us alone didnt finish them...probably because we also got entrees! she got one of the salads - arugula. really liked it, and i must admit i wished i had ordered it, it looked so tasty. probably nothing special, but if you just want a salad.... i, on the other hand, was starving when we ordered (less so after those fries!) and ordered a burger. mistake. and i say that only because it was way too much food for me. the burger was pretty good - not AMAZING like the boston burger company, but pretty good. the plate was covered in more french fries. like, covered. i mean, picture an envelop like you're mailing a letter. than pile french fries on top of that entire envelope, 2 inches high. it was absolutely absurd, particularly since we had ordered fries as an app (you'd think they could have said something?) overall, a delicious venture, and one i am likely to repeat (minus the burger, and fries mistake!)
(4)
Kevin M.

Great beer selection! And the food stands on its own feet as well. Shaved Steak Sandwich? Let's do it.
(4)
Tom M.

A large beer selection with 47 drafts including two casks (they've got a 3rd pump handle, but were only serving two), but it's strangely limited to only rare exotics. Don't go there with a friend who's looking for their old standby (even if it's a perfectly decent beer) or one who's watching their pennies (expensive). The updated decor (ripped out the booths, all new bar and woodwork) looks great at first blush, but after sitting a while it all seems too sterile -- as if they ripped out the soul along with the old beer soaked wood. Oh, and if you're going mount a garish flat panel, why hang a light cord in front of it? Limited food menu looked like it had decent choices, but didn't try the food. Crowd seemed lighter and more gentrified than the B-side (on a Tuesday). I wouldn't avoid the place, but right now don't like it as well as the B-side. We'll see how the new owners settle in ...
(3)
Dan T.

Needed to give them another star for the Jack Abbey recommendation.
(4)
e p.

The food is bland, but the beer is very good.
(3)
Adam D.

Great charcuterie plate with truffled honey. Fantastic beer selection.
(4)
Paul M.

I'm probably going to update this review later, because it looks like they are going through some issues that all restaurants probably go through when they first open. That being said, there were a number of things that were annoying and poorly thought through. The bar is unfinished so the glasses and plates will stain the wood which makes the staff act like complete freaks when it comes to using coasters and placemats. The place mats were actually computer mousepads and the whole coaster thing just made for an uncomfortable feeling. Next, there are little spotlights all over the bar which are completely blinding and are impossible to avoid looking at. Some of the lamps hang directly (as in 1 inch in front of the TVs), so if you are trying to watch the game the picture is blocked. The food was decent, but 9 bucks for fries is kinda ridiculous.
(2)
Adam F.

Went here last night for dinner and drinks. The selection of beers is awesome. They have an amazing variety of west coast beers, including my favorite San Diego brewery Lost Abbey (if you are ever in SD, it is a must visit!). I saw some folks on Yelp said that the fries were limp and soggy... They couldn't be further from the truth. We got the fries with curry sauce and it was fantastic. And definitely get the deviled eggs. The rest of the food, unfortunately, was a total miss. Cuban sandwich was ok but more like a pulled pork sandwich. And the gnocchi was mediocre too. Very small pile of gnocchi with a ton of oxtail meat. It sounds like they are being really generous giving so much meat, but it was unbalanced and the flavor wasn't there. All of that being said, this is an easy 5-star place for beer and appetizers, and I will definitely be coming back. The entrees were very disappointing and for the price are definitely not worth considering.
(3)
Laura F.

Oh Lord Hobo... where do I start? Let's just say if your beer menu wasn't so extensive I would probably not be returning (and that's not just because it's NOT the B-Side). Waiter was too cool to come by often and didn't sell me on any specials or drinks that we asked him about. Cubano had homemade sweet pickled veggies that could have been tasty but not for a cubano (cauliflower?) and the window draft was pretty terrible. The owners did a good job refurbishing the inside with warm red paint, better tables, and cool lighting. I give this place three stars only because I can't figure out how to give it 2 1/2 and because the beer menu excites me. Next time I'll be hanging at the bar.
(3)
Andrea P.

My boyfriend took me here solely based on the beer selection, which is amazing! I can get behind any place that has that long a list of microbrews and amazing IPAs. Moving on to the food.....it was AWESOME. We split the artisinal meat and cheese plate and I was just about in heaven. A collection of pates and insane cheeses, with a couple different sauces (one of which was a black truffle honey that almost made me lick the damn plate). My only complaint about that was they didn't give enough toasted bread. I ordered their nightly special, which was fried pork belly with a sort of cabbage slaw on the side. The pork belly was INSANE. I mean, it's pork fat. How bad can it be? The salad not so much. It was flavored with what tasted like Pernot, but I didn;t think it complimented the pork at all. It needed something a lot more acidic to cut all that fat. All in all though, a great meal! It's pricy but definitely worth the once in awhile splurge. I'd go here just for a couple great beers and an appetizer!
(4)
F C.

I went with another friend for a chill evening during the week. WOW. This place is awesome. I felt like the old commercial adage "everything you want, nothing you don't" would really fit this place. The beverage selection is second to none. Extensive beer and wine lists, as well as cocktails, rival the best in Boston. My favorite part was fries with a red wine demi glace gravy--- the deep maroon colored dipping gravy was the richest topping for fries that I've ever tasted. My friend who doesn't drink even wanted to take the remaining gravy home to spread on whatever. The crowd is part local, part hipster/rock n' roll kid, part bro, and part geek. I'm down with anyplace where all these people go for good eats and drinks. You'll find a lot of people on dates as well as the apres-work crowd. This is a little-more upscale than other places in Inman but it's also just as pricey. Two appetizers and a beer pushed $30. However, in this case, the food and liquor really measure up. I'll be going here in the future again soon.
(4)
Kate S.

The Lord Hobo is my new favorite place in the Boston Area. I recently moved from Atlanta, and have been searching for a replacement for my favorite Atlantean Belgian Bar. Everything is amazing: the service, the food, the beer selection! They even have a wide selection of creative cocktails, if you're not so much a beer person. Everything is delicious. The only thing people seem to really have a problem with is the price. Yes, it is more upscale than your average dive bar. But is that really a good reason to detract a star from the rating? Five star restaurants are five stars regardless of the price...and are significantly more expensive than Lord Hobo. Try the Hobo, more than once, so you can order everything on the menu. (Shepherd's Pie OMG!!)
(5)
Grace W.

I was not in the area when B-side lounge was around. However, the people I went with were long-time goers. I'll just speak for myself although I think they felt similarly with a tint of nostalgia. The absolute best thing about the Lord Hobo is the draft list. Seriously can not find anything to match in the area. Throw in the eclectic fries to pair with any beer and now you have an amazing experience which I'm sure will be doing really well in the area. It's a noisy place full of people at peak hours so don't go there if you're not in the mood for that. Loved the ambience and simple decor. Also not a huge fan of the small standing tables but it's not terrible. I wonder if they will be changing out the artwork or not but I really loved the oil-paintings that are currently up. The reason that this place gets 4 stars instead of 5 is because the service is pretty poor. There's usually one server for a large number of tables and it just gets pretty slow.
(4)
Paul F.

A great place to go if you're looking to try new beers. They have an amazing selection of beers both on tap and in bottles. It's a nice environment with a fair amount of seating and a good location. Slight downsides are it can be really crowded on weekends and also on the noisier side both from people talking and music. While they do have sports games on TV often, it is not a sports bar and won't have the audio on for the games. Prices are a little on the expensive side, but not unreasonable either.
(3)
Dimitri L.

This place is first and foremost about the beer. The waitress was not even remotely knowledgeable about the beer menu but the selection is unreal. Even though the menu is super pretentious they had a good 4 dollar kolsch on tap and many beers were available in the 6 dollar range. The food is pricey for a bar menu but fairly good. The chicken lollipop appetizer was fantastic. The mixed greens consisted of 30 cents worth of lettuce for 6 dollars. My whole party enjoyed their cheeseburger, chicken breast, and salmon entrees, respectively. The restaurant is dark and loud and caters to a hipster 20 something (beer snob) crowd. The restaurant was totally overwhelmed on the Sunday night I went and my party spent more than 2 hours waiting on 2 courses. We had the buywithme to use when we went, meaning the food was half off. For half off, this place is an absolute steal. For full price there's no reason to venture out to Cambridge when places like the Publick House are closer.
(4)
Steve L.

OK - time to post an updated review. I have been to Hobo twice now, both last night for it's official opening and tonight. Let me tell you why my review gets an upgrade from 2 to 4 stars: 1. THey are open. Finally. No more "hopefully next week" 2. Living less than a block away, I am gonna have to live with their presence. Based upon my experience, their presence will be a good thing. While there were 10-15 minute lines to get in tonight and last night, they did move quickly, and staff accomodated us immediatly upon entry. Special shout-outs to Drew and Sarah, who both last night and tonight worked extra hard to accomodate the rowdy crowds that packed the place. The atmosphere inside was warm and intimate - the art was a nice touch in what used to be the B-side! FInally, I met 3 new friends from the neighborhood that I would not have otherwise, and spent my entire evening with them, last night. That's what a neighborhood bahh is for, right? 3. The beer. Did you know that the beer here is special? You can go to Sunset Grill and Tap across the river, but their selection is so big it's gimmicky - the tap selections at Lord Hobo are thoughtful and of the highest quality. More like Deep Ellum, but better. As for prices, I must say having been to Bukowski many times, the beer here is better, dollar for ounce than Bukowski. Some beers are more, and some are less than Bukowski, but if you want a de Ranke, or a Cantillion, you will NOT find either at Charles' place (nor at Sunset Grill and Tap, for that matter!). 4. Devilled eggs. Not pickled...sorry B-siders...that era is decidedly over. THese eggs are a good entre into the next. THe gravy and curry fries are killer too, as are the oysters. People should know that the parking can be tricky, so if you are local you should walk, bike, or bus. You can walk from Kendall in about 5 minutes and from Central in less than 10, if you take the red line. Parking on Windsor and Hampshire streets are already very tight though, so make other arrangements - and why would you drive anyway, when the tap selections are THIS good?? Welcome to the neighborhood, Lord Hobo. You can stay.
(4)
Bob W.

Great beer selection. Food was surprisingly good. Mac and cheese was awesome.
(4)
V J.

Intolerable noise level dominated positive aspects of the experience here (in particular the obviously impressive beer list). Hard to imagine returning until they fix this.
(2)
Peter N.

Lord Hobo is over-rated. Yes, the beer selection is impressive, but beyond that drinks are miserly and overpriced. For a real drink go to Gargoyles in Davis Square. For starters the waitress proceeded to dump a glass of water on my crotch without apologizing, nor comped us for anything. Great start there... My wife ordered the lobster mac & cheese, myself a burger. Both were mediocre at best and for the price were not worth it. Will not be back.
(2)
Jess M.

My boyfriend and I popped in for dinner around 7:30 on a Saturday night. Surprise, no wait! We scored what looked to be the last available table. The noise level was a bit loud, but the rest of the place was pretty comfy. Our waiter was pretty attentive. He was able to make a solid beer recommendation. And speaking of beer, the menu is about 6 pages long and only 1 page is dedicated to food. I was happy with my beer and so was the boyfriend (even though his original choice had already been tapped for the night...) Food. Since it was the night before Easter, we ordered the deviled eggs for an app. All were pretty tasty except for the ones with truffle oil (folks, please don't try to class up a deviled egg. It is was it is.) I ordered the veggie burger. Not the biggest fan. I liked the subtle curry flavor, but the consistency of the burger was all wrong. It was more like a pate and the shape kept morphing. The fries were excellent! My partner in crime really enjoyed the special beefy sandwich of the night. I will definitely go back to pillage through their beer selection (the wine options weren't too bad either.)
(3)
Kevin K.

This place is still awesome.
(5)
Gordon J.

amazing beer selection - some real gems on the menu. the food was good but not spectacular, the setting was comfortable and definitely bar-like. wish it was closer to home - i could see making this a regular stop after work.
(4)
Raven J.

Very chill, best all-around bar in Boston in my book. Good beer, wine, and cocktails (hard to find all 3 in other establishments) and good music. Only downside is its a little pricey, but still cheaper than downtown.
(4)
Katie M.

All right. Truffle fries, fantastic. Draft list, appreciable and interesting. Light bulbs, neat. Food, good albeit expensive. But what's with the coaster thing? Someone came over and put our drinks back on the coasters they came with after we'd taken them off without thinking --with no explanation. Just an awkward smile. What? I'd prefer not to feel like I'm at my mother's dining room table when I'm having a beer at what I thought was a bar. So Lord Hobo's a little uptight, but maybe I can chalk it up to it being the first weekend they were open. And the intention -- or, put otherwise, the personality--behind Lord Hobo was less coherent than it might be once they figure themselves out a bit more. Do they want to be this rigid, more upscale? Or do they want this to become a place where I can go for a great beer and an eclectic vibe? Unclear. That said, my salad (goat cheese, bacon lardons, arugula) did not disappoint, I loved the Nogne Porter from Norway, and those fries are really good.
(3)
Jennifer T.

Beer selection, atmosphere, and service are great. It was very busy when I arrived on a Fri night and the hostess greeted me and immediately asked how many people were in my party. The rest of our party was on their way, and the hostess kept coming over to see if they had arrived yet. Once they did, she seated us right away! The beer is great- lots of interesting stuff on tap but the food was so-so. I had the sandwich with some kind of fancy cheese and watercress, but the cheese wasn't melted which was disappointing, and the sandwich didn't taste like a whole lot. My husband's cuban was also just so-so. Someone else at our table got one of the entrees (gnocci I think) and really liked it, so I'll go for a non-sandwich option next time.
(3)
Emily B.

I really, REALLY want to give Lord Hobo four, maybe even five stars. The beer list is impressive, the cocktail list creative, and the fries are divine, but the music, the 90s alternative/hard rock so-loud-we-have-to-shout-across-the-table-and-Âjust-might-have-to-leave-early-because-we-lost-Âour-voices music is, I really hate to say it, downright unsexy. To each their own when it comes to musical preferences, but for a cozy pub with terrible acoustics, the volume and genre just don't make sense.
(3)
Nat S.

This is no B-Side. I am not sure they understand the deomgraphic, or that we are in a recession. I will write more later and discuss the repositioning of two Somerville/Cambridge bars- Abbey Lounge and B-Side.
(3)
Carlee M.

If I could give this place Zero stars I would. We went there the Sunday before President's day - so I'm not sure if they were understaffed because Sundays are usually slow - but the service was terrible. It took almost 20 minutes for our drink orders to be brought to us and over 2 hours to eat a meal, an appetizer, and a drink. I think this is fine, but we were literally just waiting for them to bring us stuff. Beyond this, the food was awful. One person in our party ordered the lobster mac and cheese - which sounds great on paper and should be for the $18 price tag, but it was bland and the lobster quality was subpar. Myself and a friend ordered the chef salad, both $12 and $14 respectively, and they served us a plate of Iceberg lettuce, a couple cubes of cucumbers and tomatoes and a few onions. I am more than willing to pay for quality food, but who serves iceberg lettuce and a few veggies for a $12 salad? Beyond that we ordered the calamari special - and they tried to charge us $10 dollars instead of the advertised $5. The waitress's response was "Oh I gave you the 10 dollar one, not the 5 dollar one". The drinks were great - once we got them, and the appetizers were good, but the food quality and service were horrendous. A total disappointment.
(1)
sean c.

The beer selection is killer. Try the curry chips, they were also great. Not sure why so many people complain about this place. It was packed, and the wait staff performed great. Anyway. I will be going back. It's a tad expensive, but who cares, you only live once.
(4)
Andrea A.

Lord Hobo is extremely deceiving from the outside, but then we walked through the door & a curtain was pulled to the side so we could come in and I felt like I was transported to another world. I loved the surprise. The decor was interesting from the art on the walls to the ceiling. The bar staff was very friendly. We decided to get a little food to pick on and were very impressed with the quality of the dishes for the price point. I feel like I've found a hidden gem with Lord Hobo & definitely plan on going back soon.
(5)
Duncan K.

Don't listen to the natering negative nabobs. Went last night and had a great time. Staff was friendly and attentive despite the place being a madhouse. Beer and hootch was great. Food great too. I had the Gnocchi (who knew) and the oxtail sauce was A1. Atmosphere fun, people pleasant, great age range (20's to 60's) and NOT pretentious. Prices are NOT high, either.
(4)
corey b.

i miss the B-Side but i'm definitely looking forward to the hobo opening up... they're painting stuff and putting together some last minute furnishings... bar is in and boy oh boy are there a lot of taps on that there thing... soft opening this weekend for friends and family... hopefully opening up sun/mon... STOKED!
(5)
Dena C.

Didn't meet expectations. This place is very pricey- the burger is $13, they only have 1 beer that costs $5....repeat....only 1 beer for $5. I understand you want to have a good beer menu, but at least offer 5 beers or so that are 5bux....not just 1. The cheapest "bottle" (i.e. not draught) of beer they have goes for $8. Publick House has a much better selection when it comes to price & variety. Also, we ordered the lobster mac & cheese- when I put my fork in it, i was stunned to hit the bottom of the plate....it is only one thin layer of shells...there's nothing to it, and there was barely any lobster. Also, they screwed up order, but thats understandble consideirng its opening week and its crazy. We'll try it again, but I don't think it will find a spot in the rotation if they don't change up the menu/lower prices.
(2)
Cris R.

I experienced Lord Hobo for the first time this past Saturday. A few friends and I were looking for some good beer and food so we headed over to Cambridge. We got off the bus at Central Square, the walk from that area is only about 7-10 minutes, so not bad. Please note, you might end up walking by some sketchy parts on your way over. Once we got in we were quickly sat at a comfy booth, there was also about 15-20 others there watching the World Cup with food and drinks. It was a fun and lively atmosphere. The drink selection was great with 20+ beers on tap, from local brewery's to craft beers from all over. We received great service and recommendations on what to try. Something delicious from Trillium Brewing (Boston, MA) made it into many of our mugs, for the better. We all ended up loving the polenta fries we got along with our juicy burgers! They (polenta fries) were the first I've had, and they were great. We also had some chickpea crepes stuffed with lamb and a salad with fresh berries and grilled lettuce both of which were very nice. All in all they had great service, atmosphere, beer and of course food. There's no reason not to come by and check it out. I know I'll be back to check out their unique menu and great vibe.
(4)
Topher D.

I can only comment on the beer and atmosphere as we didn't have time to eat, but the selection is fantastic. Servers were knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive even with it being busy on a Saturday night. Definitely will go back
(5)
Vaishnavi S.

Went as a group of 7 friends and had a great time. The service was pretty good and their beer collection was one of the best in Boston.
(4)
Samuel F.

I, too, miss the B-Side. Lord Hobo is known for it's heavy curtains on all the windows, good (if a bit expensive) food, ridiculously amazing beer selection, and sometimes packed-to-the-gills crowds. It's fun, but often loud for my taste. Has brunch both days of the weekend.
(3)
Andrea A.

Go if you are passionate about a unique and exclusive tap list with extremely knowledgeable bartenders. Their selection of IPAs is pretty spectacular, but yes, you will pay $1-2 more per glass. Great atmosphere for a cold, snowy winter night - warm and dark tones with equally cool music playlist. The menu is well-considered and everything we had was very well seasoned, perfectly cooked, and a notch above most gastropubs. A tad pricey, but not terrible considering the neighborhood. In order of appreciation, we had: beet salad, chicken lollipops, and calimari.
(5)
Mary M.

I was pretty disappointed with this place, but I would like to go back and give it another try. Apparently their menu changes every month and unfortunately I went on the last day of the month - they had NOTHING I wanted. I ended up getting my 8th choice in meal and my 3rd choice in beer. The food wasn't bad, but my experience could have definitely been better.
(2)
Pivbo H.

I walked into this place on Christmas Day after a before-dinner "cocktail" of chips, told the bouncer that I legally changed my name to "Ass," and no one laughed. A guy told me that he was gonna "cheers" me because of my attitudes about "working for myself" even though that was a bald-faced lie--I actually enjoy working for very large companies, including web sites. Another time, I watched an episode of Cosmos here without the sound on, and a grown man was getting red faced and drooly from across the bar. I think he saw something he liked deep inside "me." The fries here come in paper cones. I haven't eaten a potato in months. They have a lot of good beers and appropriate glassware, and don't be surprised if your California tastes garner some pure hatred from the staff. With all of that said, I am 100% going here right after work, just to see if there's a chance to connect with some local sports action (illegal gambling).
(4)
Paige C.

Lord of the Hobos All of the eggs and bacon Lord of the Breakfast Lord Hobo is a fantastic place. I've been here many times, and even though it hurts my wallet a little bit, my taste buds always thank me. Let's start with the most perfect brunch item ever to be created: The Ron Swanson. That's right, like from Parks & Rec. I would pay good money to see Nick Offerman hanging out at Lord Hobo on Sunday morning. Yes. There are lots of bacon and eggs (6 eggs to be exact). There are no more words to be said about this. It leaves one speechless. The only thing that could make it any more perfect was if it included a glass of Lagavulin 16. Everything else, you might think, can only be a disappointment after this, but every single thing I've had here is good. The menu changes frequently, so you can always be surprised. The mixed drinks are strong and good (best bloody mary I've had in Boston), the beer menu is unique and awesome (nothing is really "normal" beer), and the crowd changes with the time and day. If you haven't experienced Lord Hobo at least once, it's worth going out of your way for (at least once).
(4)
Yelena Y.

i went here last night and it was happening. I had the mac and cheese with some kind of flower beer that I have never had before. The mac and cheese was to die for......just delicious. The beer was awesome and I just had to have more. None of this food is slimming but just the right place to go with some work colleagues after a long day/week. I will definetly be back!
(5)
Craig M.

Easily my favorite bar in Boston. The food is delicious, the beer list is awesome, and the staff is super friendly. The hobo chili is especially amazing!
(5)
Richard A.

We visited here whilst over from London UK, and returned many times. If we had more bars like this in the UK I'd probably go out more (or at all). The service was excellent every single time we went, without being overbearing or false. The beer selection is outstanding though I wouldn't say particularly cheap. The staff have a good knowledge of the beers but aren't pushy with what you choose, and are always happy to leave you without a drink for a bit. The interior is pretty big, and the layout is really sporadic which actually makes it a really sociable place (360 bar) if you want it to be - or you can hide in a booth in the corner. Other people in the bar always seemed friendly and generally it just has a good vibe that we didn't see everywhere in Boston/Cam. It felt like a good place to both meet people or just drown in a drink by yourself. We had some amazing food, and whilst others have said, it is pricey, we had food of a quality that that you'd struggle to find in many bars. Unusually for a more trendy place, there is also sport on the TV, but we found this quite nice as it encouraged a broader mix of people. Also, the music is usually not shit. Always a bonus.
(4)
Ja K.

I like hobo, it has one of the best beer lists in Massachusetts and def worth going if your in mood for great beer. The food is decent but the menu is a bit boring; burrata sandwich is tasty. The service is ok, it can be hit or miss but the bartenders are always great. The crowd I can't pin down its all over the place, generally seems younger than I would expect. The interior is ok but it's always a bit too dark at night. Not really a place I'd consider to be my regular spot, I only really go if I'm in the mood for trying good beers so if trying interesting and sometimes rare beers is your thing def worth a pop in.
(3)
Lily S.

I definitely don't make it out to Cambridge enough, but ended up here last night for some drinks and apps. Pleasantly surprised by the food, booze, and atmosphere. Or maybe I shouldn't be? It is Cambridge after all. Definitely a go to if you're a beer drinker. The menu was ridiculously extensive and even the seasoned brewers in our party had a hard time deciding what to drink. At one point we were thinking with just going with the highest alcohol content glass. Personally, I was happy to see that they also had a decent selection of wines. The food was great as well and the prices were appropriate. I definitely recommend the grilled chicken drumstick things. The sauce was ballin.
(4)
Krissy L.

This place is terrible. Not only are they very rude but my 'salad' had about 9 leaves of spinach in it. We requested a table for 6 on a Thursday and were told we were close to the top of the list.... about 2 hours later we were granted a large booth. When seated, we actually had 7 people and were scolded for having more people than we said- even though we still fit comfortably at the table. The majority of wait staff had major attitude, the food was SUB PAR and there are plenty of other places with a nice draft list. Spend your money somewhere else. Pros: Good 80's playlist Good draft list Cons: Terrible service Worse food Really really terrible service
(2)
Julia C.

I went for brunch recently on a Sunday. Sadly, the poached egg on the eggs benedict was cooked completely through. Excessively sour hollandaise. The burger was a standard burger, nothing special. I ordered truffle fries since I read here that they're a specialty here, but I didn't even taste a hint of truffle on them, just a small sprinkle of parmesan cheese. I haven't had service this awful in a couple years. It took forever to get our order in, and even longer to get the food. The restaurant wasn't crowded. Our waitress checked on the table left of us, and to the right, and ignored us for some reason, which was very odd. No water refill, no coming by to check how our food turned out. My SO finally had to get up and approach our waitress to get our check. tl;dr: Food quality that ranges from ho hum to bleck + seriously crummy service... there are many infinitely better restaurants that deserve your business in Cambridge.
(1)
Jason M.

When a restaurant/bar does something well, you can expect all of their reviews to focus on what they do well. As such, Lord Hobo is best noted as a great place to grab a beer. With 40 tasty craft beers on tap, people are right. It's a great place to grab a drink. But, it's also more. Lord Hobo has outstanding food. From the mac & cheese to the chicken drumstricks, the food here shines. Flavorful and gluttonous, Lord Hobo can satisfy your tummy with more than just Belgian beer. And the ambiance? Are you looking for a sexy cool place for a good first date? I can't promise a good date (you have to do some of the legwork yourself), but at least the art, the people, the drinks and food will do most of the hard work. So yeah, everyone will tell you the beer is good. But look at Lord Hobo again, it does a lot more things right.
(4)
Dan L.

Cool place. Quiet, hipster-esque and I want to say it has a upscale vibe to it. The chefs in the kitchen are legit. It's pricey, but that's because you get what you pay for. It's definitely not a dive - the food is top quality and prepared fresh and the beers are cold, local and on tap.
(4)
Maggy E.

BEST CRAFT PUB IN BOSTON!!! Hands down. Always unique taps and quality flagships. Events and special releases to keep you interested and watching their posts. I'm not into sports, but apparently its a great place to catch games for those of you who are, plenty of TV's. Swag food menu as well, not your typical pub fare, expect to pay a little more if you plan on balancing your alcohol consumption with a little gastrofaction, not a complaint, just a notification.
(5)
Mateus S.

Me and two friends (one who's a regular) hit up Lord Hobo on last Saturday, 7/19, and it was really good. We all had hobo burgers and my friend recommended getting it with the egg (apparently takes it to a "whole 'nother level") but I just got bacon. The food was awesome. I had an awesome smoked porter to drink as well. My only real problem was that it seemed there were so many IPAs on the beer list (I'm not a fan), but what do I know? Our waitress Jill aka "Jillbo Baggins" was also really good - timely and courteous. Overall I definitely want to hit up this spot again.
(5)
Cyndie B.

I guess this was the week of eh kind of places. I had been wanting to go Lord Hobo for months now and finally managed a visit. Be warned that parking is VERY difficult. #1 - The beer list is extensive and interesting. Lots to choose from and they were great about letting you take a taste before committing to a pint! I love Dunkel Weizen's and they had one that was exceptional! The menu had something for everyone: meat. fish and veggie options. I highly recommend the cauliflower salad, It was well prepared, a decent size portion and perfectly dressed (not too much - not too little). I also had the white bean veggie burger. I liked the food well enough, was impressed with the beer menu (it is huge) but felt that $50 for two beers and a veggie burger & salad was a little over the top price wise. I will keep looking until I find the perfect mix of excellent beer choices, great food and reasonable prices.
(3)
Manfred S.

Great watering hole! Kulmbacher = nice German beer. Tokyo wings = phenomenal. Lollipop chicken = sweet delight. Truffle fries = just right. Service unpretentious great!
(4)
John C.

The micro-beer and menu combination, along with the dark, yet spacey ambiance make Lord Hobo the best gastropub in Cambridge. Hands down. Known to the locals as "Hobos", the personable staff and global draft list (selected daily) allow for a home away from home. After 6:30 on weekends, forget about trying to find a seat. But any other time, and for delish Sunday brunch, pull up a bar stool and start sampling! True story, I didn't have a phone for a few months and the bartenders let me receive calls while 'working' at da bar. Cheers, eat your heart out Bukowski's. But Bukowski's is great too. Another Stone 'Enjoy By...' and a side of polenta fries please!!!!
(5)
jim b.

Gave it another shot as a friend wanted to go. Some good taps, especially appreciated some of the Trillium brews. Food was just ok. Still has a vibe about it I'm not into, but yeah, some good beers.
(3)
kimberly l.

In a word--beer. Food was decent, but if you are a beer nerd----uuummm, yuup, this is for you. Good selection of IPAs, which are a personal favorite. Staff seemed to know a reasonable amount about the beer on the menu. Sometimes they had to go find out, but I've been on the other end of that question and well, if you don't know that's okay by me in the end. Eaten here a few times and found the food to be good, but as I said, not the main attraction for sure.
(4)
Kelly O.

Solid beer bar. The giant tome of a menu has some great brews, and the atmosphere is dark, cool, and casual. Worth a trip if you're in the area.
(4)
Lucy B.

I went here for brunch with some friends last month and got the feeling that this place would have been better to go to the night before. The first things I noticed were the smell of stale beer and the heavy, drawn curtains. The restaurant was also empty when we got in at about 11, although it eventually started filling up. Unfortunately for us, their coffee machine was broken when we got there. Very sad for us coffee addicts! The waitress wasn't sure when it would be fixed, so my friends ended up going down the road to get coffee for the table. Eventually the coffee machine was fixed, but by then it was too late! The waitress was nice and apologetic about it and provided good service overall, but I was a little surprised she didn't give us a small discount or freebie, since we did have to go get our own coffee!! The food was average to good. I didn't think my poached egg/english muffin and hash browns were anything special, but my boyfriend and friends liked what they got. Would probably come back here for a beer, but not for brunch.
(3)
Liliana C.

Oh my god the truffle fries. While these are not unique to Lord Hobo, we highly recommend them. The truffle oil makes them melt in your mouth, and the fries are perfectly crispy while still nice and potato-y. Covered in some delicious grated cheese, they are a perfect accompaniment to the great and interesting selection of local beers on tap. Lord Hobo is a great bar space to hang out in (and tbh we do not really take to bars)-- definitely looking to come back for the next beer release. Also, the bartenders were extra-attentive and always ready to help/serve you.
(5)
Dan P.

Stopped in last night to finally check it out and had a great time. As everyone else has already said, they have a fantastic beer menu. Great draughts and a very good, although smaller, bottle list. Also tried the burger, obviously. Added the bacon, and the egg and it was delicious, maybe a tad overcooked, from med rare, but still nice and juicy. Fries were good, wished I had tried the truffle fries, or poutine... next time.
(4)
David Y.

Limited selection of food after a certain period of time, aNd at times it was limited to just fries, ham sandwich, turkey sandwich and salami sandwich. Decent selection of beers, and drinks. Atmosphere was okay wasn't too packed, seemed very chill.
(2)
Eric F.

Half Acre brews on tap? Check. DELICIOUS Truffle Fries reminiscent of Duckfat's sticks of joy? Double check. Walking in, the red velvet curtain opens up to a spacious dining area to the right with a nicely tapped up bar to the left. Being a bit more off the beaten path, brunch time was very pleasantly laid back. My friend's Duck Twice wasn't bad - skilleted duck eggs and a small side of sweet potato duck hash. Totally overshadowed though by the Big Hugs RIS we each nabbed a goblet of after tasting just one sip. More details on the food will have to wait until another visit, but Lord Hobo rocks one of the best draft lists in Boston & Cambridge that deserves mad props for pouring up Half Acre's brews without having to be in Chi-town.
(4)
Jackie M.

The beer list is great but the service was horrendous. The food was plated well but the burger was over cooked the biscuits were burnt and the amount of gravy was lacking plus the "pickle" was just a cucumber. Some of the beers are hard to find but we'll not be back. Having a trendy restaurant isn't enough if your food and service can't back it up.
(2)
Mindy T.

Came to meet a group of friends for a few drinks after work one day. Parking is awful in this area FYI. Good drink selection and tons of beers on draft. The bartender was really nice and attentive. I had the Simple Chicken Sango.. and that's just what it was.. simple. I traded the regular fries for truffle fries of course. Yum Will come back but probably won't go out of my way to come back.
(3)
Stefanie C.

You get what you pay for. High quality cocktails made by bartenders who know what they're doing and enjoy it. Some seriously amazing burgers (one of the best I've had anywhere) cooked exactly right and in general some kick ass food. Go here. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Juicy M.

How is this not a thing? Craft cocktails and truffle fries? Book-sized beer & cocktail menu? The drinks I had tonight were better than at the Gibson in DC and it was just some random place in a random corner of Cambridge that didn't have a cover charge (looking at you, Atwood's). I will be back whenever I am in town, for sure.
(5)
Patrick L.

Very cool bar and lounge. Loved the atmosphere. They have an extensive beer list. Did not eat but the menu looked great. The location is terrific. He'll they even have cool lightbulbs at the bar. Can't wait to go back
(5)
Paige L.

Spent the evening here with some friends, but wasn't all that impressed. I know it's Inman so a lot of people walk, but I drive and finding parking was a bitch! Just about the entire surrounding area is permit parking only. After driving around the neighborhood, I found a small spot right in front, but that was just luck. Sat next to the door where the large door liner only holds in some cold sir- that is unless you are seated to the side that let's in all of the air! Drinks were good, but $11 for a small cocktail- am I in NYC? I ended up with a $5 cider because I wasn't about to pay those prices. Call me frugal, but nothing's $11 worth unless it's straight alcohol, poured directly into my mouth. Went to take a look at the menu, and saw 10 entrees? So small. We ordered fries which were delish. I'm a veg so I wasn't feeling the veggie burger that you can pretty much get anywhere. No other options for vegs though and judging by the clientele, I'd say a lot of them are vegs too. Bathroom, clean. Server, attentive. If prices were lower, there were more food options, and it was closer to parking or even Harvard Square, I'd think about going again. But for now, I'll pass.
(3)
Amanda S.

We came here for brunch on Sunday after hearing rave reviews from friends, but I was less than impressed. The food and drinks were tasty and the prices are reasonable, but the service was less than impressive. It appeared they were short staffed, because one waitress was waiting on all the tables with scattered help from the hostess. We had to ask multiple times for drinks, and the waitress never apologized for forgetting things or that the wait was so long. In fact, she barely spoke. We were there for over two hours from beginning to end because it look so long for the food to come out, and then she billed our table of 5 as a table of 6 guests so she could include an automatic TWENTY percent tip. I just left with a bad taste in my mouth (pun not intended, the food was still pretty good).
(2)
Emily S.

Lord Hobo is almost always going to have new beers that I want to drink, and have a hard time finding. They seem to have great connections with breweries because they have drafts I have not seen anywhere else. The atmosphere in LH is cozy, but gets crowded. It can be hard to have a decent conversation depending on the time. There is also commonly a wait for a table - which may be frustrating. To be honest, I frequent LH to grab delicious drafts - and not necessarily for anything else. I was surprised to see so many low-ratings - because I've always had positive experiences. Any beer enthusiast should stop by for a drink if in the local area.
(4)
Rachel M.

I live very near Lord Hobo and have been many many times. The food is a bit over priced and probably won't fill you up, but it is artful and usually delicious. For the first year I lived here, the service was always impeccable, lately though, not so much. One server (Kenan, there's actually a sandwich named after him which is delish) has always been there and is great, one days when he's not the service seems to struggle. The cocktails are out of this world, and the beer selection is incredible. I also love the art they always have and the cozy atmosphere. I am always down for a stop into Lord Hobo.
(4)
Jeff D.

Lord Hobo is probably more famous for the beer than their food, but the food is nothing to sneeze at. The polenta fries had come highly recommended and did not disappoint. The garlic mayonnaise was the perfect compliment to the crispy, cornlike flavor. Our Hobo Burgers were also very tasty served on fresh buns and cooked medium rare like we asked (something you cannot always count on.) I was also able to try a few beers that I'd never tasted and stumbled upon the Ballast Point Brewing Sculpin IPA, which I'm going to have to compare taste-test style to the Lagunitas IPA to decide which one I like better.
(4)
Sally B.

I almost don't want to tell you how good the brunch is here so I can keep the place to myself, but it was WAY too delicious not to share. + good service and no wait - a MAJOR novelty on a Saturday morning in this part of town + good coffee and beer, if you're ready for it this early + super lemony and delicious hollandaise sauce on the eggs benny + a wide range of super heavy dishes (the waiter said he'd only seen one person finish the "Ron Swanson") and lighter ones, like the mini-waffles my friend and I shared, all delicious + Best. Hash. Ever. It featured turnips and other root veggies that made it sweet and hearty without overwhelming everything else on the plate. You might come for the bar scene, but stay for the brunch. Your stomach will thank you.
(5)
Daniel H.

Great decent priced craft beers very unique cocktails even though 11 apiece were good wait staff was very attentive in a great enviroment
(5)
Dan H.

Stopped back in for a visit this month while in Boston. Was again impressed by their fantastic beer list. Upgrading this from four to five stars.
(5)
Danie R.

I am always happy here. I will die like a pig in slop, happy, in the Mac'n'cheese... There's an AMAZINGGGG beer selection, and the truffle fries, and polenta fries (mmm fried things) are awesome.. I also like their signature cocktails. PLEASE! Bring back the mushroom pizza with a fried egg on it. I die now that it's gone. I finally had brunch there a few weekends ago and it was also dreamy. I didn't like the grits, but the yogurt thang is banging.. So is the Norwegian pancake! I got an enchilada special of some sort, vegetarian, and it was PERFECT. They also have a mug club!
(5)
Karen S.

My boyfriend and I have been going to Lord Hobo fairly regularly for a couple of years. Though it had been several months since our last visit, it was at the top of our list for taking friends and family this past weekend. Unfortunately, the pork belly both my aunt and boyfriend ordered was nothing like the pork belly seen at our table in the past. Though the same price, it was not only smaller, but nearly inedible. Wrapping some cucumber around a tiny piece of charred meat doesn't fool anyone, even if that person is two Mongos deep. I was bummed to discover that moules frites (which I once raved about as the best in Boston) were no longer on the menu, so I settled on the asparagus soup. The grilled cheese with cream of mushroom (another past menu item) was the first thing I ever ordered at Hobo and I trusted the soup would be satisfying. Unfortunately, though, I received a tiny bowl of thin soup for $14 and had to ask for bread on the side to feel even remotely satiated (I should note that I'm a fairly small person and it doesn't take much to fill me up). If the soup had been amazing, I probably wouldn't have cared so much about the portion, but it was mediocre at best. The citrus was so cloying, the taste of asparagus was not even present. A few slivers of almond did little to add texture. Despite incredible service (our waiter honestly saved the experience), we were a little embarrassed that we'd raved about this place to our guests and had to actually apologize with a feed of homemade french fries upon our return home. If I could give stars strictly for beer selection, I'd give 5 without hesitation, but my latest trip to Lord Hobo left us completely underwhelmed. Abandon the pretense and return to the solid gastropub fare or yore.
(2)
Laura S.

We came on a Sunday night. The place was somewhat busy but not packed - there were empty tables the entire time we were there. After being there for 45 minutes, we still had not even received our beers. I went to find the waiter, told him how long we'd been waiting, and asked if we could get our beers soon - he barely glanced at me and just said "yes." Even a half-hearted apology or acknowledgement of how long we'd waited would have gone a long way at that point. I'm pretty easy to please at restaurants, but perhaps the staff of Lord Hobo and I disagree about whether it's reasonable to wait 45+ minutes... at a bar... for your beer.
(1)
Mike G.

Very clean menu. Adequate selection, high-quality ingredients. A fresh look at traditional bar food. The chef obviously has contemporary experience and understands modern trends. I had the fish and chips. A nice light crispy batter that was cooked perfectly. The best part was that my plate had not 1 ounce of grease from the fish on it. Very well prepared. Service was okay. Overall, the servers could be a little bit more attentive. Understandably though, we did go during the busiest restaurant hours.
(4)
Melissa S.

Being only a ten minute walk away, this is my favorite restaurant to hit up after seeing a movie at the Kendall Square theater. It has a reputation of being a hipster hangout, but I assure you, the food is delicious. The crowd is young, but more young-professional than hipster. Lord Hobo's cocktail menu is my favorite in the city. Drink of choice? The Interloper. A perfect blend of gin, honey, lemon and scotch. I'm addicted. I'm not a beer drinker, but my boyfriend is and is a big fan of their draft offerings. As for the food, the truffle fries are always a mainstay on the small plates menu. The chicken lollipops are my favorite. An artful take on a standard chicken wing that always leaves me wanting more. One thing you can pass on is their mushroom small plate. It's just a bowl of sauteed mushrooms and a complete waste of money. If you're looking for a fun place to grab dinner before or after a movie, Lord Hobo is definitely the place to go!
(4)
Alex A.

My dinner at "Lord Hobo" began with promise as I went with some family and friends having heard this place has a cool atmosphere and above average food and drinks. Little did I know I was about to have the worst dining experience of my life. At the door, we were greeted by a surly mid 20s Nick Kroll lookalike who quickly prompted our party of seven to the table directly next to the door in 10 degree weather. It was four in the afternoon and the place was far from packed so I wasn't sure as to why we were sitting there, but it was all downhill from there. Apparently, this place does not serve the full menu at 4PM on a Saturday as everyone at our tables received an "off hours menu" a little bit bigger than the size of an index card. The menu contained a few appetizers that sounded somewhat appealing, but not for the price ($7 fries, uh what) and in total had under 10 options for dishes we could order. The menu contained a selection of pub food exclusively and we were unable to order off of or view the full menu until 5PM. We ordered our drinks and decided to suck it up and wait. While I can't assess the alcohol selection (underage), I can tell you that the service was incredibly frustrating and our drinks were not refilled. We tried a few of the appetizers and they were mostly miss rather than hit. The signature truffle fries were average, but the hush puppies and "wings" (not even wings) were extremely bland and not worth the price. As the hour slowly passed, we were able to maybe eye contact with our waiter (at 5:15) and get full menus. To be honest, there wasn't much more to be offered as the entire menu contained around 20 options with the only thing exclusive to this menu being a larger choice of entrees and sandwiches. As way too much time passed again, our Dr. Armond character was replaced with another mid 20s surly employee. This time, a hipster looking waitress who probably has more tumblr followers than me. She wasn't very much more friendly or attentive and also didn't refill drinks or really check on the table very much. Both servers were pretty poor overall. When our food finally came out, it was very mediocre as portions were small and prices were high. About half of us ended up just ordering off of the original menu we were shown because of the lack of options. A dish that looked interesting was the duck wrapped in bacon, however most of the entrees looked unappetizing and everything was expensive. One of us ordered Mac & Cheese that was burnt. Not sure how that's possible but it happened. Our check ended up being something ridiculous. Nothing against this place but was an extremely poor experience and would not go again. Food was subpar at best, service was horrible, and it was very expensive. Would not recommend to anyone.
(1)
Tamarleigh G.

I almost don't want to review this place, because it's already getting crowded. But it really deserves the good review, so here it is: Drinks: excellent cocktails, excellent beer, sometimes has special events with limited beers. A++ Food: great. A Service: hit or miss. sometimes excellent, sometimes not so great. B Vegetarian options: the menu is pretty limited. i get them to make the mac & cheese vegetarian. it's wonderful. there's a great local burrata app. but they definitely need more for vegetarians. C Overall: A-
(4)
Jim K.

Stopped by expecting a good burger and tasty beverages. And guess what? That's exactly what I got! Overall very satisfying. My party also tried the truffle fries and meatballs as starters and those also surpassed my expectations in taste and presentation. Service and vibe were equally friendly, and there was cool local art on the walls to add ambiance and color. I would return here again and enjoy more good times with friends and family. If you enjoy good pub food with a bit more of a modern twist (but not too extreme for you O.G. pub grub afficionados), then make you way on over to Lord Hobo and get ready to be Hobotized!
(4)
Marilyn C.

I had been meaning to go to lord hobo for a while as I had heard good things. This bar did not disappoint. Came around 9 or so on a Tues. Great selection of beers, lively atmosphere, great burger... a baby in a stroller... I think the baby just speaks to the neighborhoody/relaxed atmosphere. I thought the prices were reasonable and there were def. some other menu items I'd try although I would be hard pressed to not order the burger every time. Will certainly stop by again.
(4)
Sophie C.

Very solid gastropub. This is a venue to haunt if you want a treat, rather than a bargain. Solid drinks, impressive food. I would definitely take 20-something friends here, whether they are local or from out of town. Come here if you are A) a craft beer snob B) in desperate need of rich fare to absorb the alcohol in your system C) starving but insistent on eating real food. I recommend the Hobo Burger. Highly. BEERS - One word: impressive. My friends and I are huge fans of porters and stouts. We ordered: 1) The Stone W00t Stout. 5 STARS. 13% ABV, stronger than most wines. Super dark, silky-smooth with notes of pecan, and delicious. It seems to be a rarer craft beer and it was an absolute treat. Highly recommend! 2) Port Brewing Hot Rocks. 4 STARS. 6.5% lager brewed with hot rocks. Quite good; the lightest of the 3 dark beers we tried. Very malty with some fruit. 3) Trillium Pot & Kettle. 4 STARS. 7%, Dry Porter: This is what the waitress suggested after we confessed our infatuation with the Stone W00t Stout. Good, but W00t was better and more unique. COCKTAILS - meh, but I may not have picked the best ones. Will need to retry. 1) Hot 4 Teacher, "mojito's bubbly cousin": 3 STARS. Rum, st. germain, mint, lime, and prosecco. This was a lot sweeter than my personal taste runs, but my girl friend liked it. If you love super sweet b*tch drinks (read: sex on the beach), this would be more up your alley. 2) Interloper: 3.5 STARS. Smokey nose, honey finish, beefeater gin, lemon, honey, scotch. Much better balanced than the Hot 4 Teacher. Good, but the beers were the real star at this joint. FOOD - somewhat pricey, but intensely satisfying and very tasty. 1) Truffle fries ($7): 5 STARS. I ADORE truffle fries. These hit the spot and were a perfect compliment to the Stone W00t Stout. 2) Mac 'n' Cheese ($14, $2 with bacon): 4 STARS. Very rich and very decadent. Made with bechamel and parmesan, great for absorbing alcohol. *3) Hobo Burber ($12): BARGAIN. 5 STARS. If you come here hungry, this is the best deal. Came with a LARGE portion fries, served with delicious aioli (and, alternatively, ketchup). Brioche bun complemented the meat perfectly, and the beef wasn't some wimpy little 1/3 pound patty. 4) Woodbury ($24): 2 STARS. littleneck clams served with herbs and grilled bread. Tasty, but $24 is a LOT of money for ~10 clams. Even with bread. 5) Fish 'n' Chips ($17): 3 STARS. The breading on the fish was perfectly crispy, but I had burger envy for most of the meal. Bonus: we could actually hear each other as we attempted tipsy conversation. Charming!
(4)
Torrie D.

I'm not a bar person, but I really like this one. It's a little too loud for me, but they play great music and their drinks & bartenders are spot on. It's a really nice looking, casual spot.
(4)
M S.

I like any place where the drink menu is bigger than the dinner menu and Lord Hobos is almost twice the size. Oh yeah! The smallish dinner menu shouldn't scare you away if you're looking for good food because they offer some tasty options that pair well with their vast selection of libations. The mixed drinks are a bit expensive but I don't care because I go there for the beer. The atmosphere in LH is warm and inviting, the bar staff are friendly and knowledgeable and if you like people watching it's a good place because you can see everyone in the place from just about any seat. It's a tad on the hipster side (slightly beard heavy) but not too bad actually. There is a fair mix of locals, students, young (not children...that would be weird), old and whatever the opposite of a hipster is...people who shave regularly and who don't purchase all of their clothes at a thrift shop I assume.
(4)
Jessica L.

One of my new favorite brunch places (yes, they serve brunch on Sundays now!). You must try the fried cheesy grits and the mini waffles. Trust me. Do it. Also, delicious cocktails. Love the Bloody Mary. Sometimes service can be a little slow if the place is packed, but it's worth it to me!
(4)
Cassy H.

Came here with some friends after some late night partying... We were hungry and thank goodness for Lord Hobo's late night menu. We ordered the truffle fries, which were amazing! It's just the right amount of truffle and parmesan. Writing a Yelp review about those fries makes me smile. In addition to fries, my friends also ordered some drinks, which I tried and all were great. There's an extensive drink menu, so it's a good place to go for parties of people with different drink preferences. Anyway, I'd definitely recommend this place for some late night eats and drinks. I mean, after all, wouldn't you want to check out a place called "Lord Hobo" just for its namesake?
(4)
Sara M.

Dear Lord Hobo, If brunch is wrong, I don't ever want to be right. Your arepa with pulled pork and plantain was amazing, and I could barely finish it. The corned beef hash (with french fries) was delectable as well. And the drinks? The perfect Bloody Mary with just the right amount of spice, garnished with an olive and a house-made pickle. Wow. The Grapefruit mimosa and the sweet tea julep got rave reviews as well. If I lived in the neighborhood, I would be here every Sunday waiting for you to open. And the service? Ken was outstanding, friendly, funny, and made fantastic recommendations. Awesome place for brunch, hands down. Cannot wait to go back xoxo Sara
(5)
Sandeep T.

Great collection of beers and cocktails. And their Veggie Burger was truly awesome!. I would have given it 5 star if their service was better.
(4)
Lionel L.

Truffle fries. And a great beer selection with great servers. I'm a fan. The food, while not bad, I don't find particularly memorable with the exception of their truffle fries because that stuff is really really good. But it doesn't really matter if you're typically there for drinks and snacks anyhow. And it has a great atmosphere.
(4)
Melissa J.

When it comes to Lord Hobo, I really love the space itself. It's warm and cozy and is perfect for a chilly fall day. Their beer list is amazing, and I love that they use the right-shaped glasses. I won't fault a taproom for using the wrong ones, but it's nice when a place takes that extra step. I could live on their truffle fries and they've really got "comfort food" down pat. The problem is that the service is inconsistent. When it gets really busy, it's painfully slow. And they blame it on the fact that it's really busy, but if you watch the servers, they're really not trying all that hard to move quickly. We actually tracked down the doorman on Saturday night just to pay our tab after waiting for 20-30 minutes. And this is after we left our bar tab at the bar when our table was ready because we had been trying to flag the bartender for 15-20 and ultimately decided that we'd just tell our server that we hadn't paid yet. My suggestion is to go on a Sunday afternoon/evening after the brunch crowd. Sit at the bar, have a few beers, eat some fries and relax. That's when Lord Hobo is at its best.
(3)
Susan R.

A good Gal Pal and I ventured in before a movie at Kendal to check the place out (I know... it's been open forever... but we live in JP- so whatever). It was about 6:15 and, as expected, it was really dead in there. Apparently that is a good thing since the place gets overrun typically, but since we were off peak, it was like a refrigerator in there. I kept my jacket ton the whole time... and i was still cold. We sat at the bar, beer selection is very good, bartender was VERY nice and offered to sample me a few tap beers before I made my mind up. the food was really my sticking point though. It just wasn't very good. I had a burger and my counterpart had a weird sandwich. Neither of us were over the moon about them... which I why I give the place 3 stars. Bartender was awesome, looks like a cool place, excellent beers to try.... but if you want good food to accompany it- maybe not. I will give it a second and third attempt for sure- and will dress in layers for them.
(3)
Katie D.

I lived across the street from this place in Cambridge for about a year. Literally... across the street. So, I was pretty regular (well, at least once a week). There's already been enough said about how amazing the beer list is, and it is. I love the food as well; great veggie burger (this, coming from a meat addict) and the truffle fries are divine. Brunch is great as well. Basically, this was one of my favorite Massachusetts spots-but the service was always meh. Even sitting at the bar, it was hard to get anyone's attention. I also figured since I went there so much I'd actually be recognized at some point... like, I went there 3 times in a 36 hour period once... but no one ever did. Obviously not a big deal, but kind of a bummer. I was recognized at a bar in Astoria before I even moved here, and I had only gone like 3 times for brunch over the course of months. So, y'know. That's cool. But still. The beer! And the fries! Reason enough to miss this place.
(4)
Madeline T.

Went for brunch-- good food and drinks. Good ambiance. Pretty terrible service. There was only one overloaded waitress serving all of the tables. It took over 20 mins for them to even take our drink order. then they added the tip to the bill because apparently 5 ppl counts as a "large party"...my guess is they knew the service sucked and were worried they wouldn't get a tip
(2)
will l.

A small bar with a gigantic beer selection. Food was good too. Its a bit of a walk from the nearest subway station. A cab is highly recommended for when you leave inebriated.
(4)
Amy S.

Are you a GenX type (preferably male) who wants to party like its 1995? Look no further. Massive microbrew selection on tap, saucy vittles, square plates, and some creative mixology. Service is hit or miss and the menu too. Probably take more than 4 visits to figure out when to go and what to order. Noise level can be totally overwhelming in the eve. Honestly, I've got my own plaid-shirted, stuck in the grunge-era bf at home, so I don't feel the need to visit the Hobo very often. But if I lived in that 'hood and I wanted to pick up a dude with a large vinyl collection, well, I'd know where to go.
(3)
M S.

Hands down my favorite craft beer place in the Boston Area! Friendly staff, great rotating craft beer selection and a nice crowd. I also want to put a special thank you out to whomever chooses the music because last time I was there they were playing King Khan and the BBQ show which was unreal! My only advice is to stay away from any beers offered by Surly Bird brewery, it smells/tastes like I imagine the inside of a toilet would.
(5)
Patrick E.

Great service, the food was excellent and the beer selection was top notch. What would it take to make it 5 stars? Outdoor seating. This is very cave-like, and while that's fun for a while, it makes you very sleepy after awhile. Enjoy!
(4)
Steve B.

Cool local craft beer bar with great selection on draft & good prices. Came here on a weekday with some Bostonian friends, and was blown away a bit by the draft offerings. 20 or so items on draft, of which 10 or so I would have been happy to drink - for a true craft beer head, that is no faint praise. Good atmosphere here too - nice layout, good table spacing, solid lighting, and a few televisions without being imposing. Solid service as well - never spent more than 2-3 minutes waiting to order a beer before having the opportunity to do so. Net net, very solid craft beer bar with a bit of a local crowd.
(4)
Lucas S.

The beer selection is fantastic, if a little expensive. The food is great, creative takes on classic bar food. The service was very good, our server was knowledgeable and quick to recommend things at our request. We will return, although probably shortly after I get paid, rather than later in the month.
(4)
Dave F.

Lord Hobo boasts one of the best draft lists in Boston, and service that's refreshingly polite and unpretentious. I can't speak to the cocktails, but my fiancee had 92 Siestas--a ginger margarita--and loved it. I had the hamburger for lunch, which was pretty tasty. The bartender we had was great, and showed a lot of genuine excitement about the beer he was serving. All in all, a great experience. We'll be back.
(5)
Bill M.

This was a great little find. I read about this place in a newspaper while looking for great beer spots in Boston/Cambridge. Beer selection is top-notch. Service is excellent. Fish and chips were as good as the best I had in London. Couldn't ask for a better place to spend an evening of my vacation.
(4)
Jeannie C.

Seeing as I've been on Yelp for quite some time & have never written a review I figured why not start with my all-time, hands doooooown, favorite favorite place to go..EVER. I cannot say enough good things about this establishment! Let's start with the beers. Mmmmm..my boyfriend is HUGE on beer. He is the one that introduced me to Lord Hobo. (He actually loves this place so much he has a crown tattoo on his shoulder!) The selection is always fresh and rotating. There's been so many visits where he would freak out saying, "I NEVER SEE THIS!!" We just went last night & experienced the w00tstout by Stone Brewing on draught. The 13% abv gave me a nice buzz and the wheat, rye pecans & vanilla made it a nice after dinner treat. Bottom line, if you are a beer geek/ beer enthusiast you HAVE to visit Lord Hobo. Not only are the beers amazing but the mixed drinks are too something to rave about. I bartend at a martini bar in Downtown Lowell & have pretty high standards when it comes to a mixed drink. The bartenders here know the perfect equation needed for a good one! All of the cocktails are strong, well balanced between booze & flavor, and there's a beautiful variety of types of alcohol concoctions so everyone's happy :] The food!!!! Oh my. I WOULD KILL FOR THEIR TRUFFLE FRIES! No, but seriously. The chef, Nick Gardner, is one extremely talented man. The menu has appetizers that are all drool worthy. We tried the BBQ Shrimp last night with olive oil bread and tabasco cherries..I was so blown away. I mean, shrimp & cherries?! I never would have thought. Also, two words- PORK. BELLY. Main courses are generally crafted and perfected. We threw a birthday dinner here and I remember every single person out of our party of 10+ was more than happy with their dishes. I don't know how they cook their steak but it is like no other. I highly recommend the steak! Service has always been on point. Servers look like they're actually having fun and enjoying 'work'! That's a major thing- happy servers mean happy customers. Everyone is very knowledgeable of the entire menu and there's never a long wait to get help. I need to do brunch here. That's our next to-do! I really hope this review reaches all potential 'foodies' & 'beer snobs' that are looking for their next jewel. Lord Hobo is everything you've always hoped for. Thanks for reading my review!
(5)
Adam P.

Can't ask for much more from a craft beer bar. Beer selection is quite varied and includes a number of MA breweries. Prices are on par with most Boston establishments ($6-$7 pints). Food selection is actually pretty impressive and we were happy with the execution on everything we ordered. Burrata was creamy and delicious, the lamb breast was a little fatty but cooked to perfection, and the beef heart gnocchi was very flavorful. My hands down favorite was the duck confit fritters, of which I could have eaten many, many more. Finally, we also enjoyed an order of the truffle fries while watching the Bruins game on one of their big screen TVs. I'd like to try their actual entrees (especially the duck and sirloin) to see how those compare to the smaller plates we ordered. I'm glad we had a gift card though, because I did think the portions were a little on the small side for some of the dishes (i.e. only two fritters for $8). All in all, I would definitely go back for a nice dinner and a few quality beers.
(4)
Radish E.

I love how they play shitty music to try to kick you out early. That aside, awesome beer selection and overpriced, middling attempts at upscale pub food.
(5)
Reptile A.

This place is OK. It can get pretty packed and extremely loud so the annoyance factor is there. They have tons of different beers which is awesome while the food is pretty decent. Even though this is a cool area in Cambridge, it tends to attract the worst type of hipster-snobs so prepared to have some skinny tool in girl jeans judge you and your friends the entire night.
(3)
Kiley S.

A diamond in the rough! From the outside Lord Hobo doesn't look like much but it has a great cozy atmosphere. Great selection of craft beers and unique cocktails. After reading previous reviews I have to agree that there isn't much parking around at all, but living in walking distance that hadn't crossed my mind. A 15 minute walk from the Kendall/MIT redline stop. I have yet to try the food but the menu looks/everything I have seen has looked great! Definitely NOT a place for a cheap night of drinking but that's to be expected in Cambridge.
(4)
Adam K.

Service was HORRIBLE. We went on a Sunday night, 9/1/13, and saw a fair amount of empty tables around 8:30pm. It took 25 minutes for a server to even stop by the table, and going on 50 minutes we still had not received our beers. We ended up getting up and leaving. Not only were we completely ignored, when we asked politely to be served, were barely even looked at. I can't comment on beers and food b/c we did not get there. I know they weren't busy, so not sure why we weren't served... didn't care about business? Racist? Understaffed?
(1)
Nina W.

This place is fun, dark and trendy inside without going over the top. Our bartender was awesome, and the place was a good stop on a date night. The beer selection was pretty good, but a bit more expensive than I would have liked. That being said, it was a fun place, and we will definitely be back.
(4)
Brittany T.

Great food great people and good drinks. It gets really crowded but is a fun place to grab food or drinks.
(5)
Jocelyn W.

First time here. Great staff - really knew their drinks. I got, for the first time, a gin based drink (London 77) and I loved it - ended up having two! Also got the truffled fries - yummy! My wife got a glass of wine - pretty small pour to us. Next glass (after we commented and they said it was a measured poor) was a bit bigger. Casual, fun and again, great drinks!
(4)
Hilary G.

been here a lot. always have loved it. good go-to neighborhood spot. great beer selection. great cocktails. great food. great staff. crowded as of late, but couldn't keep it a secret forever i guess.
(4)
Michael S.

This place is bomb, and anyone who says otherwise is nuts. Best bar food I have had since moving from Chicago. Amazing beer and whiskey selection. Staff is knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. Only downside is trying to get a seat on Friday our Saturday night. Love this place, and you will too
(5)
Dawn E.

I have not had an ounce of food or drink at Lord Hobo, but I did have a wonderful experience. So Mr. Champion and I went to Hell Night (a spicy food-a-thon at a nearby place) but we were parked practically outside of Lord Hobo. The plan was to swing by there for cocktails, maybe even dessert, but Mr. C got a little stupid in his ordering of the spicy foods and was, well, feeling the heat. Still, we needed a rest stop and I could use a pint of something delicious so we popped in. 'Twas clear Mr. C was having a tough time and he disappeared into the bathroom. This is when the bartender started chatting me up. I explained the situation and that we may or may not be hanging out for a while and without my asking she put up two large glasses of water on the bar (which turned out to be useful). I found the bartender to be friendly and delightful and am ridiculously impressed by the level of service I received as an announced probably-not-paying customer. The space itself is very warm and inviting and I thoroughly intend to return, this time as a starter for an evening. I did review the beer (and wine etc) list extensively while I waited and... yeah.. wow.
(4)
Emily B.

Obviously the beer list is awesome, I think we've established that. And yes, it's pricey - that's what happens when you carry hard-to-find beers in an urban bar setting. I will say I wish there was a bit more beer variety. Seems like every place that boasts a great beer really just mean "We've got a great mostly IPA list." Waitress was super aloof. Not good, not bad, just sort of there sometimes. Meh. Next: I'd give the food maybe a C+. We got truffle fries, which were tasty, but I've had better and for much, much much cheaper. I ordered a steak salad. The steak was cold. Ok, I can handle that, if that's what the hipster kids are into these days. But it was literally devoid of any flavor whatsoever. No sauce, no rub, no salt, no pepper. Nothing. Rest of salad was equally disappointing - some kind of stewed tomato (?), "braised" onions (also weirdly devoid of flavor), unidentified root vegetables and a little lettuce. Husband had Chicken Lollipops (which is Hipster for "Drumsticks") and they were phenomenally delicious and exploding with flavor. All in all, a decent place to stop in for a yummy beer, but food was sort of a toss up.
(3)
Greg C.

Um there was a romp-off with these 3 foxes!!! and then there was a bathroom dance party. Pinky and the brain made me feel like I achieved world domination. â€â€
(5)
Ana B.

Went there for brunch a couple of times,, but this last time on Saturday was great! I can't say the food is excellent, it isn't... but the Bloody Mary and the service are the best! Dandy Dave, our server, made my day! He's fantastic!!!
(5)
Lee L.

This place is dark and dingy. But they have a fantastic beer list and great cocktails. I had the ginger margarita and really enjoyed it. Very laid back and unassuming, it has a charm but beware that it is dusty and you will eventually start sneezing if you're prone to allergies.
(4)
J. L.

If you're looking for a great craft beer selection and a cool atmosphere go to Lord Hobo. Don't let the outside appearance deceive you. Inside is awesome. Our waiter was a super cool/nice guy. There were three of us and he had great beer recommendations for all our different tastebuds. Parking was easy on a Thursday night for is. Got a meter (free after 6) right directly across the street. Will be back!
(5)
Mario C.

I hate this hipster cave
(1)
Jeffrey R.

If a friend hadn't brought me here a while back, I probably never would have made it in. The outside sets a false expectation that it's a neighborhood dive bar. That's become a part of the appeal... very unsuspecting. Step inside and it's a completely different story. It's a loud and lively space that fills up with professionals heading over from Kendall Square during the week, and has a neighborhood following too. The drinks are strong and there are plenty of options. I'm not a big beer drinker, but it's known for its craft beer selection. (The menu is HUGE.) As far as food goes - it's hugely under-rated. The mac & cheese is amongst the best I've ever had - get it with bacon!
(4)
Rodrigo G.

Pretty lousy bar
(2)
Ari P.

I love Central Square. I really do. But there are just some nights that I am dying for an experience that I can only refer to as tragically hipster. The only thing more tragic than that is having to catch the last 70 bus at 12:15 from Green and 'zine. So... off to Inman! Decked out in my finest skinny jeans and plaid, I waltz ironically down Prospect to Hampshire and this is what greets me. I go in with one of my best Meh'fahd gal-pals and we settle on a Hydrangea and Lolita to wash down our poutine. That Lolita 'tho. I wanna infuse ALL the vodka with jalapeÃ±os and limes now. If a native-New Yorker turned Walthamite goes into a hipster bar in Cambridge, does he become a townie? I suppose that's the true irony of it all.
(4)
Heather D.

We stumbled onto this quaint bar nestled on the corner of Inman Sq. Blink, and you'll miss it. Don't let the lack of outer appeal deter you from this hidden gem in Cambridge. The bar is dimly lit, and full of Cambridge's finest hipsters. Craft beer? Yes please. Lord Hobo has them all. This is more than your everyday hole in the wall bar. you must stop here for a tasty beverage and a short rib sandwich. This is one of the best bars in Boston. hands down.
(5)
Keith B.

I was recommended to pop in here for a late night bite - I was starving, and I lucked out with delicious bacon mac and cheese and some good beers on tap. For whatever reason, they were rocking out to The Distillers and The Offspring ("Smash")-and if I didn't have to actually wake up Friday morning, I would've closed the place out. Great selection, great food, and great, friendly staff. Hope to be back!
(4)
Peter Y.

Having moved from Boston to Madison, I've traded in my PBRs and Bud Lights for Spotted Cows and Hopalicious. So naturally, whenever I come back to visit Boston, I usually avoid getting beers. However, Lord Hobo, has a delicious selection of beers, including Fluffy White Rabbits, which is quickly becoming one of my favorites. The beers here are also very reasonably priced. In fact, I think it's cheaper than most bars I've frequented in Boston. The interior is shaped like a horse-shoe, with the bar in the middle and two sides that curve around it. There are plenty of tables, though this place does get pretty crowded on a Friday and Saturday night. I don't remember too much about the music, but I think it was something more pop. Would definitely love to come back and try the food next time.
(4)
Dave A.

A friend wanted to check out this place, which is based on the outskirts of a busy Cambridge neighborhood. Definitely a hip place that's got more room than what what you see on the outside, which looks like a hole in the wall neighborhood bar than a very hip and happening place. Dim lighting sets the ambiance of the place with a bar that probably takes about a 3rd of the space. There's limited seating but it doesn't seem impossible to get a table or a seat at the bar. Staff was very courteous and very nice. As soon as my friend and I got there, they were very attentive and got us seats at the bar. I didn't eat but the exclusively craft beer selection was impressive and the bathrooms clean. Place was as expected in Cambridge, packed on a Saturday night and in full swing with just about every table taken up by customers. I was very impressed. My only gripe is parking, which as it is in Cambridge, is completely, totally unbelievably awful in any residential neighborhood that requires permit parking only. I'm talking both main drags and side streets, every one required permit parking only. My friend and I parked at a garage about four blocks down after driving around the neighborhood for 15 minutes and pretty much accepted that we wouldn't get any street parking.
(4)
Joshua K.

Service was fantastic. Parking in the area sucks, so I ended up in a spot that I probably shouldn't have been. I asked the bouncer where a good place to park would be, and he actually MOVED HIS OWN CAR SO I COULD PARK THERE! It was a Monday around 6-7pm, so there weren't a lot of people in, but our server was nice and fast and the turnaround was great. Beer list is very nice, food was good. A little pricey, but worth it in my mind. Only drawback was dessert. Rhubarb tart had a distinct lack of rhubarb.
(4)
Catherine W.

4 stars for the beer - great selection, featuring hard-to-find/rare options. Staff was very knowledgeable. Food I had that night wasn't as strong. Shared a burger (standard) and jerk chicken sandwich (underwhelmed). Other menu options looked promising. Cool vibe to the atmosphere. Would give another shot.
(4)
Robert M.

This place is yea pretty cool. Awesome atmosphere incredible beer selection good stuff to nibble on and cool indie music playing in the background
(5)
Frank C.

The service was absolutely terrible. The staff offended my girlfriend and myself to the point that violence would have been deemed appropriate. They were extremely rude and condescending, even though they were skinny hipsters with glass jaws. The food was marginal even considering the fact that it was bar food, but my palate was clouded from the overwhelming bitter taste left in my mouth from the cold unwelcoming staff. I would urge you not to go to this establishment unless you desire to be treated like shit.
(1)
Trevor S.

Oh man. The whole gazillions of beers plus our take on comfort food. When they're great, they're great. But when you try it with waitresses clueless about the beers and food worthy of a teenage kid figuring out mac-n-cheese then you just get a mess. First the good? Why not. The beer list is pretty extensive. They've got plenty of locals from neighboring CBC to the awesome Trillium. Ok, that's the good. Faced with a massive tome ram-jammed with beers, we asked our waitress a pretty basic question. Something about which beers were sour. Entirely reasonable, in my mind, given the slant of the place. We were met with a blank stare. She sort of scanned the descriptions looking to fob off an easy answer, as though we couldn't just read the menu right in front of us by ourselves. She mumbled something about finding out for us, then left. For a while. So... that wasn't too great. We ordered some food. First up, the truffle fries. You'd think that truffle fries should be fries with some sort of truffles, right? Well they should rename these to "fries". Maybe if they want to throw on some adjectives they could call them "soggy and lukewarm" fries. I recall the menu also mentioning herbs. I love herbs. However, if there were any herbs involved they must have been being smoked by whoever wrote the menu because these fries barely even had salt. Tomato toast? Sounds like our speed. Tomatoes can at times be amazing food that leave no question that they are a fruit. And they can at times be these sort of bland things wrapped in plastic. You'd think a restaurant building a dish around them would opt for the amazing ones. Lord Hobo instead opted for the bland cardboard they serve in school cafeterias. Boquerones? I love them. I was a bit surprised to see anchovies on the menu. But, hey, I love them. What came out was a stack of sweetened melba toast, a thick portion of hummus, and a tiny little thing of boquerones. As though they knew this was a weird one, so they downplayed those little fishies. Even though it's exactly what I ordered. Every hipster in town seems to love the place, so I'm sure I'll get dragged back. But if I've got a say, I'd pick Deep Ellum or CBC or any of the other countless tons-of-beer places any day.
(2)
Danielle K.

My husband & I stopped by for dinner tonight, but weren't impressed. I had a cheeseburger that was ordered medium, but arrived overdone. My husband's steak sandwich was burnt and the fries were so bad he didn't eat most of them. The waiter never refilled my soda, even though I finished it long before our food arrived. Maybe we just hit an off night, but the restaurant is too far out of our way to go back to give it a 2nd chance.
(2)
Charles B.

There was a romp off and a bathroom dance party. charles barkley says its nkt terrible. Crystal wasnt there.
(5)
Carrie S.

Every time I come to Lord Hobo I'm impressed with the food, beer selection, and service. I came last week with a few girlfriends to catch up. I get why people think of Lord Hobo as a hipster destination, but anyone who appreciates good food and good beers can enjoy it! Food -- Chef Nick is really talented! Most recently I was impressed with his take on poutine (sweet potato fries instead of regular and the addition of really delicious duck confit). Beer Selection -- the servers are really knowledgeable and helped us navigate the extensive list and find something that we didn't even know we liked! Service -- top notch! Shout out to Kennen, who was friendly and attentive while still giving us space to have "girl time"
(5)
Ben H.

This is a review of brunch at Lord Hobo, and not a commentary on the quality of the place as a bar - though I would imagine some of the same things hold true. Lord Hobo fulfilled many new lows for me. The first sign of problems started when, as the first group (group of six) in the place at 11 am, not another person came in until 11:30. I'd think that pure coincidence would put at least a few people here, so word must have gotten out that brunch is terrible and I wasn't listening. Service is terrible. Terrible as in, despite being the only group in the place, it took over ten minutes to get a refill of water or coffee. I mean, even if new coffee was being brewed, it doesn't take that long. Nearly half an hour into my visit, we were finally able to order. By this time, people were starting to trickle in. They must have all phoned in their orders ahead of mine as it took nearly an hour to get our food. In my case, it was biscuits and sausage gravy. But, there was a plate of eggs and bacon, two burgers, a breakfast sandwich, and another order of biscuits and sausage gravy - all things that could be cooked faster than an hour even if done one at a time, especially when we're the first to order. But, it got worse. The biscuits tasted like styrofoam, the "sausage gravy" was basically just dry ground beef - no gravy to be found, and the "hash" was actually sweet potato home fries. I've had better biscuits and gravy at McDonalds, though literally any gravy would be better since it would actually be gravy rather than dry crumbled meat. Literally any hash would be better if it were actually hash. Clearly, their idea of southern inspired means they thought the name was cool and decided to reuse the name on an entirely new and different creation. By the time our food arrived, the place was starting to fill. Now an hour and a half since they opened, there were at least 30 people. Oddly, there was still only one waitress. At this point, I obviously can't blame her for taking a while to get around to everyone as she was over worked. Maybe someone called in sick? Maybe they're not used to people ordering their terrible food? Not sure why there wouldn't be more wait staff. All of that said, they do have a pretty good selection of draft beer, and perhaps if I had been there to have a drink, this would have been a different experience - I could have waited half an hour to get a beer poured. Needless to say, I'll never return. Side note - the bathrooms were very clean. Also, the background music was very loud, to the point you had to significantly raise your voice to talk to the person next to you.
(1)
Karina H.

Food was good. We had the burger n steak salad. I don't drink but they gave us a taste of some grapefruit drink and it was great!!
(4)
Natsuki K.

Came here for my 21st birthday with my boyfriend. The interior is very cozy with dim red lights to create an elegant yet fun mood. The beer collection on tap is incredible. I had the Avery Salvation which was one of the most delicious beers I've ever had. The food was amazing, especially the truffle fries. Very friendly people working there, would definitely come back here anytime.
(5)
Eric R.

You know a place is good, when you see the bartenders from other restaurants as customers. The Hobo is good, very good actually, with occasional forays into spectacular, but it has some rough edges. Some people will care, I personally do not, so I love it. I typically go during the appetizer specials. 5-7 there are 1$ oysters and 5$ apps. The oysters are always freshly shucked, and most likely started the day with a few feet of water between them and the air. The condiments served with the oysters are what you would expect. Tabasco, clam sauce, and garlic onion oil. The oil is my personal favorite. As for the appetizers, the calamari is spectacular, but if you're expecting marinara sauce, look elsewhere. I honestly don't even use anything, the breading is that good, and the calamari is always fresh. Some of my henchmen have tried the other offerings, and have loved them as well. The decor is dark, with all the windows having blackout curtains, but it's not loud, and there is usually plenty of seating. The bottled beer selection is ridiculous, with many, many older or rare bottles. The draft beer selection is smaller, but they are all fresh, and they usually run a 4$ pint special from one of the local brewerys. Go here. It's a good place to sate your hunger, and slake your thirst.
(4)
Greta A.

Lord Hobo occasionally has some really nice beers on their list, and that's when I go in. (They're good enough to advertise new beers on their sandwich board outside the door.) But after I've tried that one beer, I get kind of lost looking for a second, and remember why I don't come here often. The food is also overly trendy, unimpressive, and expensive.
(2)
Liliya M.

Why is it so ridiculously overpriced?!
(2)
Marshall R.

Discovered Lord Hobo on a recent trip through Boston. Impressive tap and bottle offerings, along with a knowledgeable crew behind the bar (lineup was heavy on hops and saisons, lighter on sours and darker malts). White bean veggie burger and truffle fries were delicious though not life changing. Crowd and atmosphere were near perfect, aside from two unnecessary TVs around the bar which were largely being ignored.
(4)
Emily G.

Lovely beer list, however our waitress, Jill, provided horrible service at best. We were a party of 8, where gratuity is an automatic 20%, and the guarantee of a 20% tip was clearly enough for our waitress to forget about us for the first 20 minutes of our visit. When the food and drinks did come, they were satisfactory, but did little to satiate the sour taste in our mouth from the poor service. The group concurs that given a smaller crowd, we would all return for drinks alone.
(2)
Kelsey F.

Not sure how my friends and I ended up at Lord Hobo for dinner and drinks. It was recommended by someone and so we thought when we ventured over the river we'd give it a shot. I am sure people may have been able to tell we weren't in our normal neck of the woods, but I love hipsters and secretly want to be one sometimes. Anyways, Lord Hobo was great for some good beers and fantastic comfort food. The list of beers goes on and on. For food we split some appetizers that were all a really generous size. We ordered truffle fries, chicken lolipops, pork belly, calamari, and corn and lobster fritters....all were delicious.
(4)
Megan C.

Lord Hobo is one of my favorite places in Cambridge. Food's pretty great (slightly pricey in that gastropubby way), mac and cheese is one of my favorite things to order anywhere and Lord Hobo's is my favorite. Truffle fries are also amazing. I don't think I've had anything bad here, though I've had some dishes that were disappointing (hard to experiment at these prices.) I always try stupid beers like I'm someone who likes beers. Who am I fooling? The cocktails are always pretty fantastic as well, and I do like cocktails. There are also specials sometimes (including special burgers!) but the boards can be hard to read. Service is usually great at the bar, friendly but not too responsive at tables depending on how crowded it is, and...okay, if I didn't love Lord Hobo, the process of actually getting a table would put me off. I don't know whether it was because I look young for my age or because I look queer, but either way, this one time one of the bouncer/ID people almost wouldn't take my MA liquor ID. I don't know what his deal was but it was Some Bullshit and that shit makes it way more awkward to wander in and look around futilely, waiting for someone to acknowledge you, wondering if a) if there's a bouncer this time, b) if I am a ghost, c) if there are tables and can I have one please?
(5)
Dave S.

I've been here around 50 times in the past two years and really like place a lot. The food is very good with some things being outstanding. Their burger is fabulous, (especially if you like brioche rolls) and charcuterie and cheeses are a stand out. The beers are the best selection in Boston. I almost always have from the 40 or 50 constantly rotating taps which have a heavy emphasis on local and US beers of all sorts. Some great foreign beers too like the unfiltered German lager I enjoyed a while back. It's quiet in the afternoons, pretty calm until later in the evenings, and Thurs - Sunday from 8 or 9 pm on it is usually pretty loud with music and people. Great staff who know and enjoy their beers and take fabulous care of the patrons.
(5)
Andria L.

ZWANZE day this past weekend was beyond amazing! Besides the special events this bar is just hands down the best bar in Boston and beyond! Dynamite staff, the best beers a bar could ever compile within 40 drafts, constant rotation for the freshest hops, newest released beers, quality brewing companies. The food never dissapoints, if anything impresses more so with each visit. Though I come back here weekly for the Beer...I do return for the best owner Daniel, and the best staff! Sam, Jackie, Kenan, Erin, John and Co!! Love you guys!
(5)
Bill C.

When I first moved to Boston, I lived in Brighton and thought that Sunset was amazing. They have 130 some-odd beers on tap, plus hundreds of bottles (including a 40 oz. bottle of Schlitz). It was perfect, until I actually went there. It felt like a Ground Round. Not Beer Mecca. And I was unhappy. Fast forward to now and there's the Hobo. I haven't found a place in Cambridge that rivals their beer selection. This place doesn't have bang-up food, but it's not terrible. I'd put it just above Tavern in the Square but well below Garden at the Cellar or Green Street. Last time I was there with friends, we ordered two BBQ sandwiches, a roasted red pepper soup with grilled cheese, and fried calamari. The soup was the winner, though the grilled cheese was pretty much a grilled cheese you could get anywhere, including your own kitchen. I tend to shy away from pulled pork at non-cue joints because I usually end up disappointed. This one wasn't bad, but I remember not being a giant fan of the sauce (full disclosure: memory a bit fuzzy due to too many beers). The calamari was good drunk food, not too greasy, and had a couple of deep fried peppers tossed in that I wasn't really expecting. Need to go back to sample more beers, but also to try out their pretty extensive cocktail list. They've got some of the favorites (Dogfishhead, Stone Brewery, Bear Republic), plus a bunch that I've never heard of, along with a bunch of seasonals that you won't find in most package stores. Pro-tip: if you're sitting in the back corner near the waiter's computer, take a look at what's on the screen. The first time I went, the buttons said "Joey has" "irregular holes" "bearshark keeps" "raping harry." The last time it said "more passionate" "bang-bang" "sweeter" "finger-bang." I think that was from Valentine's day. Anyways, good conversation starter. This is a Sunset for grown-ups. More of a bar/pub feel than crappy restaurant with a gimmick.
(4)
John S.

Ugh, you're crap now. Horrendous service, middling food. Geez, Lord Hobo. You used to be cool.
(2)
Lauren K.

I'm surprised this place doesn't have a higher rating. I thought it was one of the coolest bars I've been to in Boston. It has a great craft beer selection on draft at reasonable prices. I originally came here during the wait for a coveted table at Oleana (sidenote: YUM!) a few blocks away. To mitigate our hunger, we ordered some truffle fries and they were delicious. We also split a bottle of wine for the reasonable price of 25 bucks. Definitely worth a visit, especially for a pre or post dinner drink!
(5)
Hilary S.

Great bar for after work drinks and/or dinner. Their menu is fantastic with a lot of comfort food. Chef cooks in season ingredients and they always have interesting specials. Fantastic truffle fries, steak sandwich and veggie burger (the veggie burger has turned me into a repeat customer). Great beer selection, decent wine options and knowledgable bartenders. Also have a great brunch menu on the weekends. Only downside is that they get busy on weekend nights and service can slow down a bit.
(4)
Ryan R.

Pros: Friendly, attentive bartenders and an excellent selection of beer. The chicken lollipops my girlfriend ordered were delicious if a little overpriced. Cons: The rest of the food was extremely overpriced. I ordered the fish and chips which was one rectangular piece of fish plated on top of maybe 4 or 5 smallish potato wedges. It tasted ok even though it was a small portion and would've been fine at a divey fish n chips restaurant for maybe $8, but it was $17. The only thing that was fancy about it was how it was plated and the price. The taste and portion were not up to par. I also ordered the cheese plate which was 3 very small wedges of cheese, a few jams, walnuts, and some sort of pickled fruit/veggie, also not worth the high price tag. I'd come back to sample the wide selection of beers, but I wouldn't order any food besides maybe fries, the chicken I mentioned above, or other simple appetizers.
(2)
Kim K.

The only thing that has been upgraded since the B-Side became Lord Hobo is the bathrooms. Seriously. This place is ridiculously loud, service is awful, food is completely overpriced and underwhelming, and the fend-for-yourself table situation is inconvenient and ridiculous. Not to mention traversing the midpoint between Kendall and Inman is a nightmare whether you're hauling from the T or trying to find parking. I won't be returning here.
(1)
Frank W.

Bottom line: Excellent beer menu chock full of craft brews from around the country lends itself to fairly good bar bites and a hipster craft brew vibe that, if your thing, is sure to please. This place is super busy. I will admit that I was joining the thirsty thursday crowd here, so this should not have been a surprise. But all in all it was still a good experience. After waiting for a table for about 30 minutes we finally made our way over to a corner table to grab some food (of course we were a few beers deep by then, thank you friendly bartender!) I was in a Saison mood, of which they had plenty on the menu, so it made for a lighter evening. Once seated we got a couple (quite good) recommendations on food and additional beers, and set about our idle chit chat. Food came out fairly quickly, warm, so that's always nice, and our beers were much faster then that. Since beer is their hallmark they make sure to get it to you. My simple chicken sandwich was exactly what i wanted (not too heavy, but substantial) and the burger my mate had was also delicious (according to him). Thumbs up. Great service here, so that's always a plus. I wouldn't give critical acclaim to the food, but it's certainly not bad. And beers? Oh give me some more. You'll see me checking in here more from now on.
(4)
Hunter T.

One of the best selections of craft beer in Cambridge. Pros: Extensive, high quality craft beer selection on tap and in bottles. Very good service and bartending. Cons: Food quality recovering. Lord Hobo is a fantastic craft beer restaurant nestled half way between Inman and Kendall Squares. Their craft beer selection rivals that of Mead Hall in Kendall Square and while not as extensive in quantity, their selections are diverse and carefully chosen to represent the best beers from around the world for even the pickiest craft beer fans. Getting there can be a bit tricky, but it is a short 15 minute walk from Kendall Square or Central Square T stations. The service at Lord Hobo is among the most friendly in Cambridge and the staff take care to know their products and offer intelligent recommendations. They don;t take reservations, but groups of 6 or more getting there before 6-7pm shouldn't have much of a problem being seated. There are many tables for 2-4 each, and two booth table areas that can fit larger groups. Waiting time after ordering is usually reasonable, and they are very responsive with drink orders. The food menu is relatively small, but the quality in the past has been very good. Some of the entree standouts are their Grilled Kobe Steak Tips, Shaved Prime Rib Sandwich, and their Mac and Cheese. Notable appetizers are their Corn and Lobster Fritters and Calamari. After a several month decline in food quality, Lord Hobo is on the mend and they may have resolved their instability in the kitchen. Lord Hobo is a contender for the best craft beer restaurant in Cambridge. Lord Hobo's craft beer selection is as strong as ever and every serious craft beer lover and their friends should check it out at least once.
(4)
Ryan W.

The way you can distinguish a decent beer bar from a great beer bar is not actually the beer. It's the people you meet there. There are plenty of watering holes around town now that offer cool craft brews to any Sox-capped bro-dude who comes wandering through. But Lord Hobo's got some of the weirdest beers (and patrons) around, and they've fueled some wonderful stories. The first time I went to Lord Hobo, when it first opened, my friend and I ended up getting into an hour-long argument with a guy at the bar about the proper way to backpack through Germany. He accused us of being "boring," we made fun of his hair, and we all ended the night totally furious. Yet somehow, he ended up getting my friend's number and convincing her to go on a date. I blame the fact that we were drinking a lot of Pretty Things' Baby Tree beers that year. Another time, I ended up at Lord Hobo around 1am on a Tuesday with a writer friend, a guy who's built his career on looking like Russell Brand and traveling the world, writing about music. Here again, a ridiculous argument erupted, fueled by delicious Left Hand Milk Stout: WAS Karen O's soundtrack for "Where the Wild Things Are" good, or not? No one won this argument, which went on for about an hour, and again, everyone went to sleep angry. But a year later, this writer friend showed up on my doorstep in Asia, telling me how much he'd missed our great conversations. The last time I visited, we'd just polished off some 21st Amendment and paid the bill when we looked up to see a giant tattooed man arranging himself and his bulldog at the bar. While he tucked into a rare steak salad, his dog curled up on his coat beneath, waiting for the scraps. Of course, we had to make our way over and say hello to the pup. According to his owner, he'd registered his dog as a service animal in order to bring him into bars. The dog's alleged service function? Early seizure detection. Could the dog truly detect seizures? The guy just shrugged and smiled. As I said: weird and wonderful beers attract weird and wonderful people. And though it has its flaws, Lord Hobo has won me over this way, ale by ale, over the years.
(4)
Summer K.

Lord Hobo and Meadhall are our Cambridge craft beer must stops when we are in the Boston area. I dig the decor and I like that there are a plethora of available bar seats (note, we are old and married and now day time drinkers and have never been here after dark). The beer list always makes me take awhile to order because I just can't decide. Thankfully, this isn't a douchy place that doesn't let you taste. Everything we've ever eaten here has been amazing, too. I'm not a brunch food fan and was disappointed to realize it was brunch time our latest visit (I'd been looking forward to Mac and cheese). However, the grits and sweet potato donuts were effing awesome. Pork belly wasn't too shabby, either. Random notes: I can't decide how I feel about the Hill Farmstead growlers in the coolers. Part of me feels like it ups your street cred a bit, but part of me kind of feels like it is cruel to rub this deliciousness we can see, but not taste, in other craft beer lovers faces. I was also surprised to see Maine Beer Co erroneously listed as "Maine Brewing Co" on the current beer list (mmmmmm, Mo!).
(5)
Eric S.

Lord Hobo is my litmus test for people. If you have been there, and don't like it - then you are dead to me and I hate you. It gets busy and loud, and I don't always like the crowd (pretentious hipsters) - but I love the beer and the food, and I go often enough the staff know me.
(5)
Juliana C.

Holy expense account, Batman! So, I went here and I didn't pay for anything. Thank god, because the cheapest beer bottle seemed to be $9. Then again, the beer was potent and delicious (I'm looking at you, Saison de Buff). LH's list of drafts was also droolworthy. We got a little snoot from the waitress when we inquired after shots; seems they don't really carry a "normal" liquor assortment. Our tequila didn't come with any accessories, but it fortunately went down like water. Speaking of which, they serve theirs in mason jars. Delightful! On to the food: Armed with the knowledge of what I was eating, the sweetbreads were still tasty -- all about the tangy sauce on this one. My lobstah mac and cheese was sizeable, though regrettably light on the lob. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their entrees, and I heard the beef wellington app was to die for. Misc: Ambiance was pretty chill, and the volume was loud (but our table was loud, so fair play). Our server was prompt and vigilant. I'll be back if I can stay out of my piggy bank for a few weeks...
(3)
Misty S.

I'm confused by so many 1 and 2 star reviews of Lord Hobo! I have been meaning to try it for a while now since I work in Kendall, and finally made it here last week (and then came by a second time last night). The good: Awesome, awesome beer selection (bottles and taps) Creative cocktails $5 happy hour apps during the week $1 oysters during happy hour Yummy food Knowledgable wait staff The bad: Drove around for 20 mins and finally parked 5 blocks away We had a party of 9. We got there before 8 and we were told it would be an hour wait. At 10 we finally left without eating because one group was sitting at a table with 1 bottle of wine between 6 of them for 2 hours. They don't take reservations Your best bet is to get there a little early and grab a table, especially if it's a bigger party
(4)
Kevin B.

The beer list at Lord Hobo was basically like entering a beer Nirvana. Both a wide range of draft and bottle offerings ranging from low ABV session beers to some pretty intense imperials and barleywines. If you like beer then this is a place you must check out. The veggie burger was pretty lackluster and was dry beyond belief. A little hot sauce kicked it up some but the roll the burger came on was the real winner. I asked for the truffle fries to mix it up a bit with the side and they were warm and flavorful and were quite dynamic. My better half had the chicken sandwich which she absolutely raved about and was a rather impressive portion. The atmosphere is definitely a relaxing sort of setting where friends can kick back, have a couple of really good drinks and enjoy some time.
(4)
Adam M.

After being suggested by one of the employees at meadhall, we checked this place out as it was pointed out to be one of the older beer bars in the area. After reading many reviews, I can see that this place is a bit of a controversy being the business that was there before (with just as much hostility as we have about the Limelite NYC now being a market for hipsters and tourists.) Either way we liked it. It didnt have the huge beer selection as some of the other places we went to, but the selections they did have were pretty good, and so was the ppl watching. lol We tried an app of the chicken lollipops (something we get at gastro-joints down here at home) they were good, nothing outrageously trendy or special. Staff was a little slow and it wasnt that busy. Crowd during the middle of the day was mixed ppl in business clothes, hipster gear and sports jerseys. Prolly be back on our next trip, more for drinking then eating tho.
(3)
Leonard L.

This is based almost entirely on my dealings with the poser who acts as the "gate keeper" on Friday night. Is this guy for real? He behaves as though he holds the key to the "hottest night club" in town. He also seems not to be able to answer simple questions or address anybody in a manner other than an 18 year old who has discovered irony and dark clothing. Get over yourself: You're a doorman. Where does that condescension come from? It seems that he confuses his wretched disposition and dearth of self-actualization with what he perceives as erudite edginess. What makes it worse, is that apparently management encourages this behavior. My 2 friends were already had 4-top table and ordered a drink for me. As I approached the door from down Windsor Street --I parked the car several blocks away-- I didn't see a short cue that went around the opposite side of the building, down Cambridge. The doorman chastised me for trying to enter. It wasn't enough just point out that there was a line, it had to be embellished by his snide tone and "what do you think all these people are doing": the people whom I could not see because a little thing like a building blocked them from my sight. The other problem is that I couldn't just leave because my friends were inside at a table with two empty seats and a drink that had been ordered for me. I explained this to the doorman and he sarcastically congratulated me for having friends and that the others in line had friends too. Every response had this embellished patronizing tone. All the while he's talking-himself-up in a bloviating tirade to another patron. What an interesting doorman... we are blessed to be in such company. If we'd known that the seats at our table weren't actually our seats, then we wouldn't have even entered in the first place. Pretty simple and straight forward, but not at Lord Hobo. It's not like we've never gone to a crowded restaurant/bar before, but they've established their own uniquely ridiculous protocol which is infuriatingly unclear and stupid and approaches the insulting when enforced the moody man child. I don't really care about entry itself. Only, I wanted to collect my friends who were inside. That's why I found this guy so pathetic in his demeanor. Like I'm making some "excuse" up to sneak inside his hot little club into which he alone controls entry. As though I'd go to any length and lie to get inside. All I wanted to do was either retrieve my friends and leave or sit in one of the two empty seats at the table... but I couldn't even be trusted to do that nor have a straight adult-like answer or explanation. There are many places in Cambridge without door attendants who take out their real-life inadequacies on patrons waiting to enter. I'll go to those places. We just need a few seats (spots to stand), decent drinks and professionally courteous and competent service. Pretty simple actually. I reluctantly went to Lord Hobo to see what the B-Side had become on an invitation from my friends: not a good transformation. Why patronize a place that propagates this type of behavior.
(1)
Jennifer N.

I don't drink coffee, but I do know that one of life's basic principles is that coffee is a big part of Sunday brunch. When we arrived at Lord Hobo (with my parents in tow) for Sunday brunch, you can imagine our surprise when our server said "uh, there's no coffee. Just iced coffee." (My parents were mystified -- so there's cold coffee but no hot coffee? Interesting...). But we figured we'd stick with Lord Hobo despite the lack of caffeination. First, I can imagine Lord Hobo is the kind of place that's meant to be seen at night (much as B Side was). With the day light streaming in, this is a space with as little ambience as humanly possible - a few awful paintings on the wall, and some very, very hard seating arrangements. Bad, slightly-too-loud music was also off-putting. Nothing here was signaling comfy Sunday brunch. (Here's where I think Hobo could learn from BSide -- while BSide was equally ugly, they had cozy comfy booths that encouraged people to linger over eggs, hash browns, and, yes, coffee). Second, we ordered simple things-- and they came out, well, simple. I had a veggie frittata and it was fine (a bit dry, served for some reason without toast, but points for the assorted fruit cup that came with it). In my mind, this should have come with toast, and preferably something either sweet (like challah) or with a flavor to it (like sourdough) to break up the monotony of the frittata. My parents had omelettes, again absolutely fine, but slightly undersalted, underflavored, and unloved (the omelette comes with whatever veggies the chef feels like throwing in, so it's good to specify if there's something you're craving, or something you detest). Everything tasted fine, but it was all a bit too blah for the price tag. About halfway through our mediocre brunch, we noticed coffee (hot!) being served to the customers next to us. I asked our waiter if coffee had, indeed, arrived and he said "Well, we got some coffee grounds, but it's not very good so I wouldn't serve it to you." That sort of summed up our brunch experience at Hobo -- confusing and slightly unfriendly.
(2)
Tracee D.

I really really really adore lord hobo. It is disheartening to read a one review orange head lament about one isolated (amazingly comedic) incident with a server who appears to have been having a 'night'- because it is clearly not a true reflection of the caliber of service & general lord hobo experience. I was there that night- assuming it was saturday and our service was great. It was cuckoo bananas busy so, things weren't the well oiled machine that they are usually- but if you looked around, you understood why. We had 2 bottles of wine-(we were there for a while!) a heap of food, mussels, polenta fries, pork sandwich, beet salad & the endive salad and really made a night of it. It was busy busy busy from the minute we landed our table to the moment we paid our check. I think that yelp is a great forum for 'real reviews by real people' etc...but when some go on these one incident tirades and act like that is a real reflection on the level of service & professionalism of any restaurant or business. It's a one time- crazy- on your face coco loco (in my opinion) treat of comedic relief. M.M. has only written one review & doesn't even have a picture. If you are going to defame a server at least have the integrity to post a pic & attach a name to the face. Part of me wishes it would be taken down... Lord Hobo- is awesome. And some nights are in the restaurant are cray- reading that review just makes me want to go there more. It's the best beer selection in cambridge with superb service & super AMAZING food.
(4)
Jason A.

Easily the best bar in Boston. Great food, always good rotating beers and super friendly people. The chef is also a great guy and is willing to bend on the menu if there is nothing that you can eat (food allergies). They also have a vegetarian / vegan menu for the non dairy / non meat eating folks. Highly recommended if you're in the inman / central square area.
(5)
JZ M.

Our favorite pub in all of Boston! If you're a serious (or not so serious) craft beer lover, Lord Hobo's rotating selection is UNSURPASSED in the Boston area. Friendly service, excellent gastro pub fair, great neighborhood feeling craft beer bar/restaurant (casual, not pretentious in any way). Can't speak to any of their other drinks, because the amazing beer list is what you'd come here for. Check out their Sunday brunch, too! If you're taking public transportation, you will have to walk a little bit from Kendall or Central Square t-stops. But the beer is worth it. Trust me.
(5)
Santiago A.

I love this place for the drinks Whether a good beer or an original cocktail. The music is a little loud for my taste but at the same time it has a great ambiance.
(4)
Zulu Q.

I don't know which part of Lord Hobo to like best: the sexy ambiance, the decadent mac-n-cheese, the abundant taps (especially several offerings from Bear Republic--only a NorCal brewhouse could match that), the extensive spirits list (though they have Bulleit Rye instead of the bourbon...they have Buffalo Trace though), the creative mixed drink menu, and the British-heavy playlist with David Bowie and Joy Division. OK, maybe it's the macaroni and cheese. I'm not sure if it's worth the $12 ($14 w bacon) since it's a small serving, but it's pretty amazing. Some kinda steep prices, so this will only be a special treat place.
(4)
Laura W.

I love you Lord Hobo. You are so accommodating to other people in the industry. You serve food late (really, outstanding, mouth watering, leaves my belly so so happy food) , you make an amazing cocktail (ahem, London 77) and your service is oh so friendly! Pork belly! Mussels! perfectly fried french fries... oh and the garlic aioli! The cob salad is one BIG SALAD! You have quality, high abv beers for days and an inventive cocktail menu that makes me love liquors I never thought I could love. Oh and the art on your sign outside is always incredible! Don't ever go away! I'll give you all my money in tips any day!
(5)
Adam B.

Great beer selection, great waitstaff, quiet and relaxed atmosphere, but the thing that keeps this from being 5 stars is the price of the food. It's way too expensive for what you get. When the food comes, it tastes really great, but you'll never eat here and be filled up without ordering another overpriced starter/entree. The "Ron Swanson" is "a lot of eggs and bacon". It's a plate of eggs, not too big, and some bacon and it is $17! Crazy. It's kind of a bummer because I really like the food and I wanna drink all their beer. As much as I piss and moan here, I'm still going to come back.
(4)
Elizabeth G.

I feel like Lord Hobo doesn't get props for its beer list the way CBC and Meadhall do. OK, yeah, CBC is a brewpub, fine. And Meadhall has 100+ beers on tap. But Lord Hobo has 40 (that's right, 40!) beers on tap and about 30 in bottles. Let me just say, St. Bernardus ABT on draft... I'm in love. The Ballast Point Black Marlin Porter was also a hit on a recent visit. The food is good too. Went for dinner recently and had the turkey chili with plantain chips. Not haute cuisine, but very satisfying, with good flavors. My man had the mac & cheese with bacon and was quite pleased. Beer lovers should try this place.
(4)
Erik T.

After living around the corner from Lord Hobo, I've gotta say I love the place. I've been there when it was quiet, when it was rowdy, and when it was a nice in-between bustling. The beer list is very extensive- this is not the place to come if you're looking to grab a domestic macro- and the draughts and bottles are priced in the reasonable to a-little-pricey range, but we are in Boston (the area, at least). The servers are usually knowledgeable about what they have on tap, and if you're not sure what to order they'll help you out, and even bring you some samples of things to try so you can make a good decision. I've never ordered bottles here, but they're quick pouring draught beer and getting it to you promptly, and they bring water in mason jars, which is always fun. I've never been disappointed by the beer, but I also generally order something I either have had before, someone I'm with has tried before, or I sample on the spot. Hobo's food is delicious, though pricey. Apps are very good, and have an interesting twist to them, and main dishes are excellent. They change their menu around, but I've had the grilled salmon on a bed of grits which was perfectly cooked- buttery in both texture and flavor, but not overwhelmingly so. The burger is also very good, though pricey... and their fries are among the best- cooked well, crispy, lightly seasoned, yum. The atmosphere of the Hobo is interesting, and some people love it while others hate it. I love it. It's dimly lit, with a mahogany hue, which right away turns some people off. Again, I love it. There's always a very...interesting? collection of art on the walls that I've had creative discussions with compatriots about, regarding what the hell it is. We've come up with some great theories for several rotations. Now that I live considerably further from Hobo, I haven't made it back, but only because it's quite out of the way. Hobo's a hot spot.
(4)
Evangeline L.

Went here on a Friday night and it was super packed with all types of people. My friend and I were lucky enough to find some seats at the bar after waiting all of 10 minutes. Woo hoo! The bartender was funny; he was coy, sweet, a little arrogant but all around charming. Great selection of beer...to the reviewer complaining about not having Guinness: You're an idiot! Ok anyway, the food was really tasty. We shared calamari and each had a burger. The calamari was lightly battered and delicious. Yum. Oh and the burger was superb...juicy and tender and cooked perfectly. I would defiantly return for the burger alone. The only blunder of the evening was that the fries came out so so salty we had to return them...however the promptly brought some more out. Oh and I had asked for some extra curry sauce for dipping and the bartender totally forgot...that annoyed me but its certainly not an "issue" like the person complaining about "cambridge hipsters". Do you even know what a hipster is? I think not! Get over yourself. If by hipster you mean what most people think, people who are super trendy and stylish, than please bring on the hipsters for Boston is surely lacking in style! The end.
(4)
Rebecca S.

Bartender: "Another Rob Roy, Bishop?" The Bishop: "You never ask a navy man if he'll have another drink, because it's nobody's goddamn business how much he's had already." I've been drinking rob roys for years now, and resorted to my dear old standard a couple of nights ago when I went to Lord Hobo. My choice was partly due to the fact that I felt like having a rob roy, but also because the beer list was OVERWHELMING! I was tired and couldn't begin to contemplate choosing between more than 30 (maybe more than 40!) different kinds of beer in bottles and on tap. My friend, a real beer aficionado, was very pleased to sample several of their offerings. I stuck with what I knew. ... or thought I knew. The friendly, competent bartender asked me if I wanted bitters in my rob roy. Unexpected question and apparently my confused expression prompted her to repeat herself and then explain that rob roys are usually made with bitters, but not everyone likes bitters so she could omit if I so wished. I like bitters. And the rob roys she served me that night were perfect (because that's how I ordered them, AND because she made them very well). And I learned that perhaps bitters are the difference between excellent rob roys that I savor -- like those I consumed at Lord Hobo -- and rob roys that end up disappointing me a bit. Hah! Lord Hobo, hooray! Oh, the food was good too. Crowd was fine. Music good. Bartender: AWE-SOME!
(4)
MaryTyler M.

I am so glad I ignored all of the low-star, whiny reviews and rolled the dice on this place. I sat for hours at a handsome bar, had two delicious beers I'd never had before that came at a reasonable $6.50, and nibbled at some even more delicious parmesan and aioli fries. All the while, uncommonly warm staff served us and early 90s alt rock played at a tastefully nostalgic volume. I found it full of average middle-aged patrons, neither hip nor pretentious. I will definitely be found there again soon. My only complaint is the bathroom locks were apparently designed by someone who a) is a hobbyist puzzler, and b) never had a buzz on. I consider myself a smart gal, and it took me approximately 30 seconds to achieve a locked stall. Keep it simple, Lord Hobo. Ain't nothing wrong with my grandmother's stall locks.
(4)
Shannon S.

I like beer. I like comfort food. I like big tables. I like Lord Hobo. Lord Hobo is dark and so is its slightly pretentious (but delicious) beer list. Come expecting hoppy choices, dark and moody stouts, and beligan ales which will tickle your nose. Bring a couple of friends and grab an order of curry or truffle frites or a helping of the special deviled eggs. Browsing the rest of the menu you'll find other heavy but delicious selections - lobster mac & cheese or a tasty take on shepherd's pie (lamb and plenty of mashed potatoes) This is a great place for after work drinks and dinner if you're working in Kendall or a perfect mid-week spot to catch up with some bearded, dark-peacoat-wearing friendsters. However, I recommend making your way over sometime before 8pm most nights and using caution over the weekend as this place tends to get pretty bumping. Dates use caution, Lord Hobo has no problem sitting parties of 4 at your table for 2 - this place is a share and share alike establishment. Best to bring cool people who don't mind having their space encroached on in this communal beer-loving establishment. To hobos everywhere, enjoy! Of course, this gastropub has it's setbacks, one being that it's in the same spot as the famed and now-defunct B-side. Now, most Cambridgians can't get it up for Lord Hobo, but I'm a Somervillian and proud to enjoy a tasty beer and deviled eggs WITHOUT all that salty New-England-style baggage.
(4)
Hi D.

Remember how Oceans 11 was a decent and entertaining movie when it came out? Then all the actors thought they reached sainthood and made those regrettable sequels which were basically just the big shots high-fiving eachother and masturbating in front of a mirror? That is Lord Hobo. All the charm of B-Side is gone and has been replaced with an overdose of pretention; the place needs its stomach pumped. 1. food menu - prices will kill your appetite. 2. beer menu - it's the music snob of beer lists...like the less you've heard of it, the cooler it is. 3. decor - everything is screaming "look at me I'm shiny !" 4. cocktail list - hold on a sec while I refer to "the hobo lingo" to decipher these redundant drinks. I'm guessing soon you'll be served a mirror with everything you order so that you can look at yourself while you're there.
(1)
Elaine L.

I like this place overall. It's got a nice classy enough feel to match the sophistication of its beer menu. They assume their clientele are either deaf or over 70 so the music is cranked WAY up, like club-levels of decibels. As a result, it's difficult to carry a conversation in your indoor voice and even if you use your outdoor voice, the person sitting 2 seats away from you still might not hear you. Noise complaint aside, the service was great. Sensed a good team dynamic among the wait staff -- if you make some eye contact with any member of the wait staff coming by, they'll come over and tend to you even if it's not the same member who seated you and took your order.
(3)
Kaki N.

Tried Lord Hobo on Labor Day, early in the evening. They were having a Belgian week, so they had 35 taps of Belgians, most of which were unfamiliar to me. Cool! However, their beer menu could have used the addition of tasting notes and IBUs, especially since all the beers are were somewhat unusual. Our waitress gave us ZERO explanation for the all Belgian week. We made our choices based on quick smart phone look-ups and ABVs. My choices were fine, but several others in my group got the wrong beers for them, which could have been avoided by guidance from the staff. When we walked in we had the "do we order at the bar or is there wait staff?" conversation for a good 5 minutes because the staff was invisible. Finally we snagged a booth and a waitress eventually showed up with menus. We waited at least 10 minutes for the beers to be delivered. During that time our waitress disappeared and the bartender wandered around somewhat aimlessly. Same story with ordering other rounds -- the wait between order and beer was way too long based on how many people were in the bar. The buratta was wonderful and I enjoyed the beet salad with ginger dressing and the pork belly pizza with Asian slaw. (Opinions around the table were mixed on the beets and the pizza, but I liked both.) Everyone loved the chopped salad, which turned out to be far tastier than its simple ingredients would have implied. The one bright spot of service was the food runner who brought stuff from the kitchen. He was attentive and on-the-ball, bringing extra spoons for the soup without being asked and helping us make room for all the small plates on the table. Promote him to waiter and things would improve.
(3)
Andrea S.

Let me be honest. I am a Boston kind of girl and as much as I try to evoke a sense of Cambridge when i go out, i just can't. I think ironic white guy mustaches are stupid and I never want to see a hipster naked. There I said it. (and it feels so good). But, for the most part, I was able to shake that feeling of "don't fit in" at Lord Hobo without also forgetting that I was in Cambridge. So, kudos on that. It did feel a little Publik House-y to me (and hey, that's cool) but I have to be honest. The food is better at Lord Hobo. The other reviews are right, though, it's a bit pricey to match the already pricey beers. Happily, our waitress was much nicer than any I've had at the Publik House. All in all, I had a perfectly lovely Tuesday night at an old favorite--while the B side is still missed, Lord Hobo is a perfectly lovely replacement.
(4)
Cport J.

I think this is one of the best bars in Cambridge, and basically the only real beer bar. The beer selection is amazing, both draft and bottle. It's well curated, constantly evolving, and easy to find both old favorites and lots of excellent new beers to try. Beyond beer, they also have top notch cocktails. The food is also delicious, from the housemade charcuterie to great gastropub entrees. The atmosphere is sort of standard for a recently renovated place, perhaps the only bit of a letdown, but the local art definitely adds to the atmosphere. I've seen lots of pieces that I really, really liked hanging on their walls. The music fits my tastes as well, think I remember the Pixies on a recent visit. Great place to meet the guys, meet the girls, take a date.
(4)
Jackie O.

Lord Hobo is a hidden gem (located on a semi-random corner in Cambridge with not much else around)... this bar is awesome. The beer selection is incredible (try the Jack's Abby) and the bartenders sure know how to craft a cocktail. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. I was there on Saturday night our server, Kate, was amazing - recommended some great beers and was extremely kind and efficient - even though the place was slammed. The food is on the money. I like a ton of stuff on the menu but my faves are the polenta fries and steak sandwich. mmmm. Pair all of this with sexy decor and ambiance - this is one of my go-to spots for a good time.
(5)
Joanna F.

Finally tried the food last night. Although overpriced, it was definitely pretty good. My friends and I split the hummus plate and calamari which were both very flavorful. I got the grilled cheese with red pepper bisque. The bisque was delicous although it wasn't the best grilled cheese I've ever had. The food can best be described as upscale pub grub. And as usual, the beer was amazing.
(4)
Andrew Y.

I would give this place a 5 for beer and probably a 1 for food. Went to this restaurant for the beer and hoped it could allow me to avoid the long trek to Publick House for good beer and food. Unfortunately, Publick House still wins out. The beer selection was really, really great. Definitely the best selection in Cambridge. Unlike some reviewers, I do not agree that the beers are overpriced. These are very good beers and therefore rightfully pricy beers. So... the food. We had the steak tartare, a special appetizer of white anchovies, the lobster mac and cheese and the cuban sandwich. The fries that came with the cuban were pretty good... but, nothing else was. The steak tartare and mac and cheese both had very little flavor. The flavor that the mac and cheese had was not dissimilar to cheese whiz. The special appetizer missed on all fronts. The cuban sandwich contained pork that had an unfortunate fishy taste - not residual from the anchovies as I was enjoying the fries at the same time and they were not fishy. And the cuban was just really otherwise forgettable. So, would I go back? Yes. But ONLY for BEER. This place needs to either entirely redo it's menu or get a new chef.
(2)
ack c.

I was so excited to go to this place & sent several friends there thinking it's gonna be so good! Sadly, not so good... Hipster in that hipster way that means if you aren't hip you get dissed. And pricey, $13 for a cubano w/ no fries. The cubano @ Chez Henri, which has one best of Boston 4 times, is only an additional $1... The stars are for the beer selection which is excellent.
(2)
Matt T.

The appeal of this place is obviously for specialty beer drinkers, which I am not, so that part is wasted on me. Went for dinner and a drink, knowing not to expect much beyond typical pub fare, although the menu shows otherwise. Had the pulled pork sandwiches, which were okay but certainly not Redbones-quality. Service was slow to get to us (but friendly), and then a long duration between drinks and food, but seeing as how it was a Friday night after work I wasn't too surprised, although other reviews on here are giving me pause. I may go back for drinks but I don't think it'll be a food destination for me.
(3)
Andy B.

As 'Hobo has shaken off it's opening blues its food has gotten better and more consistant. A fun place to go, not as awesome as Deep Ellum, but for being in my backyard - a great place!
(4)
Darragh M.

Lord Hobo is a no no. If it was a person it would marry itself and have a bunch of trendy moron kids. So very uncool. Had a burger and deviled eggs. Burger was just ok. The menu is silly just plain silly. They have a million beers but no grenadine. Stay away unless you think you are the shit but actually you are not and you actually love yourself and are probably confused.
(1)
Laura B.

lord hobo is a solid four star bar. delicious, inventive bar fare. creative cocktails. good service. unique ambiance. you must order the thick cut fries dusted with parmesan cheese. put down the ketchup and dunk them in truffle aioli. yes. thank me later. get the calamari too. it's perfectly salty and a little spicy. served with aioli. the chicken lollipops are coated with a sweet, sugary glaze. they're great, but they make a mess. i wouldnt order these on a first date here, unless you're going for a viking-like first impression. i ordered a whiskey based drink called the rambler. it was a little spicy with a dry finish. just the way i like my drinks. the service was decent. we were a large group of about 12 people. our food and drinks came out pretty fast. everyone was friendly and knowledgeable. and if i have not convinced you yet.... another reason to hit up lord hobo for drinks and dinner: they sponsor local artists. the interior of the bar is a bit of a gallery. their shows rotate every so often. sometimes the artwork is on sale. go check it out!
(4)
Margeaux A.

Let me start by saying that I really enjoyed this place! It's really cool, the music is fantastic (Beatles galore!), and the food is delicious! We went on a Saturday night and didn't have to wait for a table, which was great (I am not a fan of waiting). I think I went to the bathroom three times at this place, so I should comment on it. The bathroom is clean! The place isn't particularly large, but I didn't feel crowded at all. It's very loud, but you get used to it. And as i mentioned about the music, it's great because you can actually hear the songs and sing along if you want (I'm not saying I did that, but I'm not saying I didn't do that either). A bunch of us ordered food, and it came out in a timely manner, which I always like to see (again, I am not a fan of waiting). The service could have been better. We had a waiter and a waitress, so I wasn't sure why that was the case. The waiter wasn't the friendliest person, and this was reflected in his interactions with us. The waitress was a little better, pretty much kept our drinks filled, so that was a plus. This place is on the expensive side. The food is good, but I don't think it's worth such high prices. I would definitely go back, though, because I had a great time :)
(4)
Kate S.

So....I read my review three years later and have to say I've grown a bit. Their beer selection is great and I'm so glad they don't have blue moon and other shitty beers. Their food is also bomb for bar food. And now I've moved closer and that has solved the parking issue!
(5)
Lee H.

We went to the Lord Hobo on a coupon. My review may be higher than others since we were there on a slow Sunday afternoon, and there was no wait. Service was fine, and the server was very nice and attentive. The brunch food was quite good. I had steak and eggs, and my wife had an omelet. The fries were especially good. Portions were generous, and the food was tasty and fresh. Prices were reasonable, a bargain with the coupon. Parking sucks. We parked at the Kendall Square parking lot and cut through some side streets. Good atmosphere, good prices, and good food. Recommended.
(4)
Steven H.

This is a review I have been holding off for a bit to do. This is for a couple reasons. One of them being I am an acquaintance of the Chef here and I am hesitant to be critical of his cooking. On the same token I am sure he can take criticism for what it is; just an opinion. I wish I could review the beer selection separate from the food. To sum this up I will go back for a few beers and some fries but thats about it. We went on a Saturday night at about 6pm and two things were "barriers" right off the bat. THERE IS NO PARKING!!!!! and the place is tiny and it was PACKED. From a completely judgmental standpoint the crowd was average age of mid 30 somethings with a spattering of older folk. We were seated right away though thanks to my connection in the kitchen. Had it not been for that we would have waited 1 hour easily. I want to give the food as much respect as possible so this review will be long winded. To start we were served a rather thoughtfully built platter of cheeses, house pickled cucs, rabbit pate. It was certainly eccentric as far as flavors presented. I have uber respect for the thought process that goes into such a platter however in this case there was no flow and the flavors blunted each other rather than working with each other. We received many appetizers some we ordered and some sent on the house. The fries with truffle aioli were great and simple. The scallops were undercooked. I hate overcooked seafood but this was removed from the pan too early. The tuna sushimi app was great, excellent cut of tuna and what you would expect although not giving chop sticks with japanese fare is just wrong. Dinner was a mixed bag. My wife and friends' all ordered the hanger steak with chimichurri. I have experience with hanger steak and it is a great cut that needs to be cooked properly, marinating helps. This steak seemed like it was not cooked at high enough heat and was cooked through too much, leading to it being somewhat tougher than it needed to be. There was little sign of char on the outside of the steak which really tells you the heat it was first cooked on. Flavor was good, it was more of chopped garlic with vinegar as a marinade or sauce around the steak, not a a chimichurri, so there was a let down there. It did come with a wonderful and very unique as well as delicious creation; an over sized 'tater tot' This beast was about the size of a computer mouse and was a neat addition to the plate. The price of the entrees is pretty outrageous in terms of what you get. I am not afraid to pay either. The food is priced similar to Prezza in the north end and its not even within its stratosphere. I like the idea of a gastropub in Boston, I think the menu needs a little work. The creativity is there but some technique and some flavor is missing. As another Yelper stated @mark g the meals are overpriced and the service is lack luster. The beer however is EXCELLENT and you wont find most of the brews anywhere else nearby. I have a feeling if I return for beer and fries I will be waiting with the rest for a seat...but I hope not.
(3)
Rodeo B.

I'm assuming that a lot of the negative reviews about this place stem from the higher expectations that come with a longer wait to get in. Yes, it is more expensive than Peoples Republic but no more expensive than Public House. Plus they have liquor, which keeps the edge off for me when the rest of the table is milking their craft beers. Most of the beers they sell cost more than $5 a pint at a liquor store so I don't know why people should expect to pay that (or less) at a bar. If by waiting in line you think you are entering something other than a bar, well, you're not. Go to a liquor store, buy an ommegang, drink it at home at blog about how everything sucks. My girlfriend and I got there at about 6:30 on a friday and there was luckily one table open. Our two friends showed up about 20 minutes later and oddly enough, were not let in because of capacity reasons even though we had two empty seats at our table. We had to wait for 2 out for 2 in, and that was rightfully very annoying and unexpected. That aside, we had a good time. We ordered mostly appetizers and drank a few rounds, but most certainly did not run up the type of bill that one would hope for from a table on a busy friday night and yet they did not pressure us to turn the table over, remained attentive as beers were finished and were overall extremely friendly. The parmesan fries were especially good. If all the prices were lowered $2 I think the general rating for this place would be 0.5 star higher.
(4)
Bacon S.

Awesome beer selection, great food. The burger was perfect, the fish and chips were better than anything I've had closer to the coast. Love the prices as far as beer goes: 20 oz for $6.50? Can't beat it. I would have given it a five star, but each time I've been it has taken a little bit long for me to be noticed by bartenders. However, once they did see me, they were overly friendly, helpful, and polite. Awesome spot, definitely a place to hang out a lot more.
(4)
Shay-lo L.

I have been to Lord Hobo twice. I hope to not return. I try and sample locations near my home and even if I have an unpleasant experience, I give them a second chance if I wasn't up all night ill. That's sort of how this went. The first time we went and I liked the atmosphere a bit. There was a mix of people there, not too busy with annoying hipsters, pretentious suits or academics....just an overall decent vibe. It seemed alright. Then came the menu. A bit schizophrenic at best...I get it...'Lord Hobo'...they want it to be dressed up peasant food or fancy bar food. Clever. Either way, it was not floating my boat on menu or on plate. I had some appetizer that was unrecognizable under the grease and my burger (ordered medium) was served medium rare at best. The server was uninterested when alerted to the fact of my bleeding, uneaten burger. No biggie, pay the check, tip 20% and leave. The did have a decent beer selection- hence the 2 stars. The second time, like the glutton for punishment I am, I ordered the burger again. This time it was during brunch. I ordered it medium again. Lo and behold, it was yet again undercooked even worse. I don't get it. Do they have their grills turned to low for energy efficiency...if so bravo for that, but please just cook my food how I ask. I ate the fries. Also, my dining companion ordered some pork belly item. He really LOVES pork belly but it was so completely swimming in grease that it was tough to eat. That afternoon he felt sick all day. Again, the drinks we had were decent. **EDIT: I just remembered, or was reminded of this madness!!! The second time during brunch, we ordered our drinks and then waited what seemed like forever. The waitress was very nice and came over a couple times to apologize that the bartender had disappeared to 'feed the meter'...um, it was Sunday so no. So, anyways. The drinks took forever and mine was okay when it arrived but my friend said that his Bloody Mary (a fairly standard drink for brunch and easy to make) was sweet and watery. No thanks. I just had to make this a one star review after all. My conclusion is that I cannot imagine I'd go back there for food. If someone made me meet up for drinks perhaps I'd agree. I don't think this place will make it. Restaurants and bars are a dime a dozen in this area. The way I see it with management's haphazard attitude and the inattention in the kitchen, this place just doesn't look like a keeper in Cambridge.
(1)
Cait A.

Came here with a large group of people. The bartenders were cool, we loved the fries, and they actually had the Left Hand Milk Stout I love.
(5)
Adam C.

SO MUCH BUZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!! Restaurant and bar make fun happy place drink and food eat yum so good!!!! Beer menu like tablet from Mt. Sinai but more long. Food give to face make smile! Enough of that smart talk. The beer selection really is tits. It's a beer snob's dream, and the prices are decent for the quality of beer they serve. There is a very intentional lack of PBR, Miller High Life, or even Bud Light etc. This is a beer snob's bar. But that's cool, whatever-the-fuck. The food is flat-out expensive. HOWERRR, what I had was really good. $13 burger??? Better be fucking good! And it was! So, I'm not complaining. There's really no "pub-grub" on the menu. It's real restaurant food and not Jack Fish's Shit House Tavern & Grill's cold ham and cheese sub with Utz potatoes chips and a yellow pickle thrown on wax paper sitting in one of those mesh plastic oval-bowls for $6.95. So, yeah.
(4)
Chris C.

So I had been hesitant to go here since I used to love the B side and was not sure I would like whatever replaced it. I was pleasantly surprised although I have to say I liked the B side better. The real downside to this place is location. Little to no non-resident parking and a decent hike from a T stop. That said it was very crowded when I was there, but it was a Pretty Things event so maybe that drew a bigger crowd than usual. The beer selection was very good and had pretty much anything you could want plus a few selections I hadn't heard of. They also had a wide range of cocktails although I didn't get the sense that the bartenders were particularly knowledgeable so I'd stick with the beer. I didn't try any of the food, but will probably hit it up again on a less busy night to do so.
(4)
Callahan B.

Lord Oh No Thanks! I went here with several work friends and I was not impressed. My boyfriend was to be joining us later and I told him not to waste his time and that I would rather leave the establishment and go elsewhere with him. They are way overpriced and their selection is really meh. Our waitress was ditzy and did not check on our table enough. I ordered the veggie burger and it was not delicious. It also came slobbered in hummus. I like hummus. I do not like ten pounds of hummus. I also felt that I could have easily created a better tasting burger at home and I do not cook. The music selection was trying far too hard to be hip and the locks on the bathroom stalls were overly difficult???? The biggest turn off? THE PRICE!
(2)
Lindley E.

40 taps and three casks? Oh yes. Pretty Things on tap? Oh yes. Nogne? On two taps? From Norway? Oh oh yes! I don't care about the overpriced charcuterie. Give me some fries and some beer and I'm happy. So the crowd is boring and the soundtrack is worse? So what again. And yes, I can't really read the beer menu because my eyes suck and the light is dim, but so what? If I sit close enough to the bar, I can decode the shapes of the tap and order by pointing. Is that really a flip flop? I'll pass on that one. And duh, kiddies, this place has beer a bar since...forever. Do you really need a sign on the door? You remember where the B-side was, don't you? Or did you just turn 'legal' last week? By the way, Rosebud was a sled. More beer, please.
(4)
Brian D.

Do you miss the B-Side Lounge? Too bad. Get over it. Life moves on. Carry on. Stiff upper lip and all that. You know what you have now? Lord Hobo. Embrace the Hobo. Do you hear me? Embrace the Hobo. Hobo will become a neighborhood haunt in absolutely no time at all. I'm not going to ooze niceties, the place does not need it. The place is a sum of it's parts. And being a newly opened bar and restaurant, of course has a few bugs to work out. Hell, I was there the very first night they opened their doors - of course there were a few glitches but I really don't think they are even worth mentioning. What is worth mentioning: 1. The wait staff: Super friendly, knowledgeable and working at dizzying speed on a super busy night. Last night was sort of a soft opening for friends and family of the Hobo, and crap, hell, I feel like a second cousin but what the hell of course I went. 2. The crowd: Pretty much what you would expect. Cambridge folk, indie scenesters, hipsters, hippies, artists, business folk, restaurant snobs, beer nerds, liquor nerds, vegetarians, meat eaters, all of whom look strikingly familiar. 3. The seating: Individual tables, group tables, and plenty of room at the bar. Don't be shy, cozy up to a neighbor and drunkenly slur on about the old B-Side for a while. There are benches and bar stools, not messy upholstered chairs to be soiled with spilled drinks and fried tidbits. 4. The beer list: Yeah, it's pretty much all that. It doesn't go for the 'we have every beer in the world' thing. Rather it sort of achieves the 'whatever you like that is a quality beer, we either have it or have something similar to it that you will like'. No swill beer to be had here. Deal with it. No hot dogs either. 5. The food: Speaking of lack of hot dogs....get the french fries. Awesome fries w/ gravy or curry. That's like the cheap appetizer to share. Hell, it's probably enough to have if you just want a snack. The gravy, yeah, you'll want to drink it. But don't, that's just crass. Save room for the fried oysters, they are like Hershey Kisses from the sea. The cheese and meat plate is both mysterious and strangely addictive. I did not order the lobster mac and cheese but I stole some from my neighbor, she was not pleased about this but I was. 6. The other stuff: For an opening night, and I really do take this as a vision of things to come, they really did have their act together. My buddy the chef was grinning ear to ear, that is also a good thing. Guys were there from local glossy magazines, from Beer Advocate and from all makes and models of local favorite haunts. The decor is simple, the tone of the place warm. I'm quite sure this is all in process, and if you are one of those people that judges a book by it's cover then your impression of the place will be: warm red with simple lighting. I didn't even describe the drinks or wine, you will have to figure that out on your own. I'll just leave this as 'yes' 'please' 'more'.
(4)
Justin T.

Generally, I love this place, especially for brunch. I thought the prices were great and I thought the portions were excellent... until I met the macncheese. It was soupy. The shells were awful. It was also very small. The six dollar upgrade for bacon contained little actual bacon. The nine dollar lobster upgrade can only be described as imitation. Friends at the table got veggie burgers which were quite divine and came with amazing french fries. The music may be too loud for dinner time. They have an amazing selection of draught beer, including six or seven from Victory. So go, enjoy yourself, but watch out for the macncheese.
(4)
Laurinda U.

Went here for dinner and drinks at about 8PM on a Saturday night without reservations. For a group of three, we were told the wait would be an hour for a table. Deciding on the tried and true method of hovering near the bar behind people we suspected were leaving, we eventually got to sit down. The mixed drinks are all $10 and they do have an excellent beer selection. The appetizers and entrees are reasonably priced for a restaurant, but I'd say for essentially a neighborhood bar, a little pricey. But you do get good portions. I split a sirloin sandwich with fries ($12) with a friend and it was very tasty. My friend got the Mac & Cheese with lobster ($18) and it was also good but minimal on the lobster bits. Overall, this place loses a star for no parking and not enough tables. I really think whoever designed Lord Hobo take a step back and revise because two big tables in the middle is a waste of space when you can fit multiple circle tables where people can just stand.
(2)
Kelly A.

Admittedly, the mister and I were pretty psyched up about Lord Hobo. He's a big beer guy, so we had high hopes. We'd been patiently waiting for it to open, and yesterday was the day. So we trekked on over to Inman, got to the door around 5:30, and were actually able to get seats at a shared table. The menu was really limited with regard to vegetarian offerings and we were shocked at how high the prices were. We chose to share the deviled eggs, the truffle fries, and the wild mushroom polenta with grilled vegetables. He started with a De Ranke beer and I stuck with water. The beer arrived without a head, and he was annoyed that it was somewhat flat and lackluster, a big letdown considering it cost $10. Within 5 minutes of ordering our food, the dishes all arrived at our table. There were 6 deviled egg halves, and they were pretty good, worth the $5 that they cost. But then it all kind of went downhill from there. The fries tasted pretty good, but they were too small and difficult to dip into the sauces. And the sauces were served in these tiny little bowls that were really annoying for dipping. For $9, I expected better. And the polenta. It cost $18. I probably spend that much on an entree once or twice a year, and it's usually at a special dinner. This dish was not worth $18. It was a pile of polenta and it had some squash and carrots and other vegetables on top. It was nothing to write home about; maybe I would have been satisfied with it had it cost $12, but $18?! No way, Jose. He got one other beer, which he was happier with, both for the better quality and the better price, but it wasn't enough to make up for the overall mediocre experience. It seems that Lord Hobo suffers from a bit of an identity crisis. It's a bar. In the menu, there is one page of their food offerings, while all of the other pages showcase their various drinks. I have no problem with bars. But when I go to bars, I want to eat bar food, not yuppie interpretations of bar food that cost me a ton of money. We ended up dropping nearly $65 on two beers, deviled eggs, fries, and polenta. Two hours later, the mister was so hungry that he insisted we stop at Panera so he could get a sandwich. I think that is pretty unacceptable. So overall Lord Hobo was a bust for us. I hope that over time, they will work out the kinks and offer different types of food (and more vegetarian items) at a more reasonable price. But in the meantime, we'll stick with the Publick House, where we know we can always get good food and good beer and not drop a crazy amount of money.
(2)
Erin D.

The Moan and Dove and, to some extent, the Dirty Truth (before it was sold to the new owner), are two of my favorite Western MA establishments. Lord Hobo carries similar charms, but for its performance, is generally overpriced. I was sad mostly to spend $20 on a thoroughly underwhelming (and way too busy) meat&cheese plate, and $10 on *less than half a glass* of DeRanke XX Bitter. I'm always happy to pay a premium for artisan food, but $50 for two beers and a meager snack? It's neat that Lord Hobo is trying to haute-ify beer consumption, but I think they've forgotten that even some of the most discerning beer drinkers care more about quality than presentation. Charge me more and give me better, but do not cut a cornichon in half to make it look like two pickles, and do not give me a stingy pour of my $10 beer, please!
(2)
Jocelyn C.

I had been waiting for this place to open for what seemed like forever, and then they did... and it still took me a few weeks to get here. But now that I have been (twice!), I think the wait was worth it - though my bank account would probably disagree. This ain't a place to grab some cheap food and a few PBRs - this is a place you go to impress some company with fancy gastro-pub grub and an extensive beer list with nothing under $6/pint. On my first visit, I shared a bunch of apps with my boyfriend, just to try the place out. We shared the small lobster mac and cheese, mussels with truffle chips, and the charcuterie sampler plate. The charcuterie plate was lackluster, but I think that was mostly because we overlooked the "sampler" part. Mussels with the truffle chips were better, but the lobster mac and cheese was divine! The beers we tried were also really good, and they seem to rotate them often so there's always something new to try with each visit. Second trip back this weekend, with a friend in town visiting: went for the lobster mac and cheese again because I couldn't stop thinking about how good it was... but this time it was just okay. Kind of sad that the cheese was a bit watery and I crunched down into a piece of shell. The shepard's pie was delicious though, as were the gravy fries we all shared. Our friend ordered the fried oysters, and though I didn't try it, they looked really good. Overall, I really like this place. It has great service and laid back ambiance. I plan to come back in the future, just not as often as I was hoping - which probably makes my wallet happy.
(3)
Ben G.

[100] Dear Lord Hobo You remind me so much of your siblings the Moan and Dove and the Dirty Truth out in the pioneer valley. Your amazing draft list, tasty food and the simple, yet stylish dÃ©cor will keep me coming back. On a recent visit, I sampled some Quintine blonde which I've never seen on tap before and that warmed my heart. It's far and away one of the best beers in the world. After a few blondes, I sampled the De Ranke Guldenberg. Aside from being super tasty, I share the same name as this beer, so that makes it taste better. Oh what, you don't have a beer named after you? Sucks to be you! As a previous patron of the B-side, I know how important it was for you to maintain some of the traditions that have instilled in this location for years. I'm talking about the classic cocktails but mostly the devil's eggs. My friends and I sampled the trio of deviled eggs and while I enjoyed them, I felt like they all lacked a little spice. After the eggs, we went on to try the sirloin, the cod and the burger. In terms of taste, all the food was flavorful, well seasoned (except those deviled eggs) and was enjoyable to eat. The fries were crisp and you have to love all those dipping sauces. The only negative is and this is minus one in the number of stars is PRICE. 10$ for a draft craft Belgian beer, I know this is Boston/ Cambridge whatever, but does everything have to be super spendy? Those very same beers and some of the same food is 3-7 dollars cheaper out in the valley. Where the love for the low income patrons? Give us some happy hour food specials. Designate one or two taps for some cheap, yet still flavorful craft beer. Despite the price, I will be coming back and embracing the HOBO. It makes me feel like I'm back in Amherst sitting at the Dove beginning my belgian beer education. And that's a feeling that you can't put a price on.
(4)
mark g.

Bartender had no clue how to make a simple cosmo and the pour for scotch was a joke. It was not only us, the patrons next to us watched the bartender reviewing notes to make a manhaten and still had to add liquor to the drink after it barely made the halfway point in the glass. Trying to be young and hip, with overpriced meals and poor service. I guess if you are young and hip and like to overpay to watch the service admire themselves, or read their crib notes on drinkology, this is your place. We ordered tuna sushimi with salad. No chop sticks and no salad. Not coming back
(1)
Neno S.

Great beer selection, ok food, looks like B-side but has a uniquely retarded name... I mean...seriously: "Lord Hobo"???? You really thought that was a good name for your bar? Do you realize that it almost sounds like it's frequented by the guys loitering in front of Libby's. the artwork: very strange...
(3)
Sarah D.

The tap list is great. They don't have as many taps as some other places but the selections are interesting, there are usually at least a few i haven't tried before. Foodwise, go with the cheese plate. Great cheeses with toasted french bread, a perfect snack if you're not too hungry. It gets crowded in here at peak times, so i've never bothered with dinner, just apps. The wait for a table seems to be pretty bad on weekends but the turnover at the bar is pretty quick; i've never waited very long for a barstool. I really like it here. I can't give it 5 stars though because the bottled beer list is insanely expensive. I've never seen anybody order off of it. Damn shame, there are some seemingly interesting offerings but I am not dropping $30 on a bottle of beer.
(4)
Joel M.

I'm on the fence about this place... Love the beer and bourbon selection, and it's pricey but not totally unreasonable. The food on the other hand is way overpriced for the quality. It's decent enough food, but I've started just drinking here... It's almost always busy but not packed, which is good or bad depending on what you're trying to do...
(3)
Stacylynn M.

Fell upon this place after a yoga class one evening, and have been visiting ever since...From the friendly, knowledgeable staff (one of the waitresses recognizes my boyfriend and I EVERY time!!) to the awesome, frequently changing artwork on the walls...this place rocks. A cool, vibey, hip, casual crowd inhabits this within- walking distance-from-everywhere pub. Typical Cambridge peeps-artists, musicians, students, and folks of all ages seem to inhabit this place. According to said bf (a lifetime resident of Cambridge), this place was a real "bucket of blood" biker bar in the 70's and 80's. All that has changed. Great place for a casual dinner while still being able to have a conversation. Nice neighborhood-y feel but with gourmet, well made food. A must stop in place!! Thanks Lord Hobo!!
(4)
Amy B.

Lord Hobo's one of the reasons I trek to Inman-ish area. The food is a creative take on old faves (and their lobster roll special was fantastic). The drink list is also balanced - some hard to find Belgians, countered with some local favorites. The ambiance is fun, but without trying too hard. They always have some interesting art on the wall, and music playing that makes you wonder who picked it, because you want to become their friend. It does get crowded, and if you can't snag a seat at the bar while you wait, there's no good place to stand - you're either on top of another table, or in front of the bathroom door. And definitely, definitely, definitely get the C is for Cookie. And dip it into their Guinness with vanilla vodka cocktail. Life changing.
(4)
Joe R.

We need to take a second pass, beer and bartender were great, wait staff when we got a dinner table was great....the food was ok, we'll give it another pass (right up the street from us, a bazzillion beers, two good reasons to make this bar-mance work)
(3)
Kaitlyn H.

Our waiter sucked. Really slow with our drinks, and VERY touchy. Don't caress my back when you are trying to get my attention, weirdo. -minus one star Over 40 beers on tap including lots of Stone & Victory varieties, and Racer 5 IPA!! Also 2 cask ales including Left Hand milk stout, DELICIOUS 10% abv, hell yeah. +plus one star The bar is literally 6 doors down from my apartment. +plus one star The food menu is bogus. $18-$29 for an entree? In a bar called "Lord Hobo"? No, thank you. Apps aren't any better...lack of variety and way over-priced. I don't care how many hands cut your french fries before you dumped (canned) gravy over them...they should never cost $7. -minus one star The decor is confusing, but nice and new. Freshly painted interior decorated with big oil paintings, and a pretty bar set-up displaying all the taps. Three tvs for game-nights. +plus 1/2 a star Bathrooms are really awkward - stalls open directly to the bar almost - no #2 here...There is no outside sign indicating you are at the right bar. Whoa, soooo clever and trendy. Fail. -minus 1/2 a star
(2)
Charlotte T.

Lord Hobo is my go-to spot for any night of the week. They hit the basics of a 5 star rating: excellent food with an ever-changing and inventive menu; great beer selection; awesome cocktails; and fantastic service. Additionally, I also appreciate the following aspects of the Hobster: - Greater range of ages among patrons than most bars in Cambridge. Sure, the 20 and 30 something hipster dominate, but you're also likely to see baby boomers and families. -Album approach to music. Lord Hobo's music selection is all over the place, but I give them props for picking an album and playing it all the way through. -Rotating local art. I don't always love it, but I love the fact that their their art changes every few months and features multiples pieces from the same local artist.
(5)
Ladyjane S.

I've only been here early in the evening while it was practically empty, so I have no idea what the service is like then, but when I came here last weekend the service was awesome. The bartender was very friendly and knowledgeable about the beers and picked an awesome one for me (after offering a variety of samples). I do think the prices are a bit outrageous though. The truffle fries...wait, there was truffle oil in those?...were pretty good. Nothing special though. And the beer selection was mostly on the pale ale side, which I'm not really a fan of. But the beer prices were just ridiculous. If I had an exorbitant expendable income, I'd probably frequent this place often. But I don't...so unfortunately, I won't.
(3)
Chas B.

The inconsistency at Lord Hobo has lead me to this one star review. The food has bummed me out on 4 of 5 visits easily. Last night was a particularly ghastly attempt at cooking. Problem was it diddnt even seem that busy yet the easiest execution seemed to elude what the establishment considers to be their chef. This place could easliy go the way of the B-Side which was a decent bar with crap food. It eventually went belly up...
(1)
F. C.

Went with two friends and the three of us were seated at a table for two. One stool and two of us had to wedge ourselves onto the bench seat. Our 3 drinks and 3 dinners barely fit on the table. I understand that 3 is an odd number and that the place is to trying to cram in as many paying customers as possible, but the seating arrangement didn't really lend itself to a comfortable dining experience. We had a good meal despite the seating issues. Deviled eggs were decent, but the filling was a bit overly-blended for my taste. I had the veggie burger and it was outrageously enormous. I took off the top half of the bun and I still couldn't fit the whole thing in my mouth. I asked for curry with my fries and was charged an extra $3 for it. I thought that was a bit steep, but I got a soup bowl full of it, so I can't complain too much. Husband raved about his steak and friend loved his deconstructed shepard's pie. Everyone's portions were pretty darn big. Beer selection was fantastic. I love it when I can find several things on a beer menu that are new to me. The beer selection will keep us coming back, but next time I'll insist on a properly-sized table.
(3)
Vince T.

The food: pretty good. Some things are a solid deal (6 deviled eggs $5, under $10 burgers & veggie burgers with heaps of seasoned fries). Other menu items are a bit pricey for the small portion size, but nothing misses the mark taste-wise. The beer: Some great finds. A 750ml bottle of Jolly Pumpkin for $19. Lost Abbey 10 commandments on tap. Unfortunately their online beer list doesn't seem to be up to date - a few things we wanted weren't there. The noise: approaching sonic youth concert levels. You come out and your ears are ringing. The summary? A perfect alternative to Publik house for taking out of town beer snob friends for pub & grub on a Friday night, when you have no desire to wait 90 minutes for a table at the Publik.
(4)
Kristin G.

Great beer selection. Good food- but pricey. I went on a Sunday afternoon/early evening and the place was pretty quiet. I don't know if I would specifically seek this place out, but we were looking for something in the area and had heard great things. I'd go there again, for sure.
(3)
Bridget H.

So, in this update I'm giving Lord Hobo five stars for being awesome, minus one star for being so expensive. Why you ask? A review of our finances from this winter should answer both questions. The truth is that in February we spent more money at Lord Hobo than we did on groceries! Yowch! I think perhaps we like too much.
(4)
Ashley L.

I really wanted to like Lord Hobo. Like a lot. Reading over the menu beforehand, everything sounded great. I went on a Friday night with a group of four. We arrived at around 7 and the bar was full as well as all the tables. But no one was waiting. We found the hostess, put our name in, and was told there would be a 30 minute wait. 30 minutes turned in 75 minutes. Tables were opening up rapidly, but the hostess would just wander around the bar trying to find the party. This slowed down turning the tables over. Also, she cleaned all the tables. When asked if she had forgotten about us after we saw many similar sized parties sat in front of us, she promised us only two parties in front of us. Next table opens up and we were sat. I assume because she found us first in the crowd. I understand being busy is great. But between the hostess seeming clueless and the bartender being short while we waited, I was in a horrible mood and was absolutely starving. Everyone ordered their beers and seemed to be happy with their choices. Someone in our group also ordered a cocktail, but it was too strong for them but I'm sure made well. We were all happy with our food, but for that price and such a limited menu I expected much more. French fries weren't cooked enough, but my burger was juicy even if it lacked cheese and flavor. Mac & cheese smelled great, but was a little watery. Chicken breast & mashed potatoes won as best meal. With the steak sandwich being just okay as well. I will not go back to Lord Hobo even though I'm sure on a less busy night it is great to sit at the bar and chat with the bartender about their extensive beer and cocktail list. It just wasn't worth it to venture to the land of no parking when Deep Ellum does this kind of atmosphere and menu so much better.
(2)
Lucas S.

Great beer selection. 1st visit Had some yummy apps. everything was very good. We had some fries which are Belgian style I believe(twice fried) served in a paper cone with a couple of sauce options, we chose the truffle aioli. We also had many great beers and even had a cask option which was very nice(pub temp and a hint of grapefruit so not for all) We had some tasty chicken lolli-pops with a killer sauce like a spicey Hoisin sauce ...yum........we alss had beef cheeks and head cheese which were great as well. One of the group had a burger and fires which looked great and the fries went well with that killer sauce that goes on the chicken lolli pops :). Downs : tad noisy, and quite popular so you may have to wait for a seat.
(4)
Mick T.

I stopped by here for a drink the other night and my initial thoughts are that: * The interior is slick but a little too sterile looking but * The staff are great * The beer selection is huge. * The art on the wall is cool The bad is, there doesn't seem to be any beers under $5 which means I'll only be here for a few beers as too many of the beers available are mad expensive and is too much for my wallet (even tho' I love them thar wicked mad dear strong beers). But, they just opened so give the lads some time to fine-tune things. I mean they do have a great friggin' beer selection that you won't find anywhere inside 495! Gotta try the food next time. The B-Side is dead, God bless her and all who sailed in her. Long live the Hobo ...
(4)
Allison R.

the bathroom looks like oren's house from kill bill. just sayin' youtube.com/watch?v=sJluâ€¦ and i had dinner, it was stellar.
(4)
Gaius N.

I ordered an arugula salad with ... possibly goat cheese. It was quite tasty, though it didn't particularly surprise me. The beer selection is quite good. The major downside is that it's all pretty pricey. A secondary downside is that they're completely full of themselves. Our server was downright gleeful that the bar had been in a dispute with the City of Cambridge over whether they had to have a sign with their name on it. I don't really care so much whether they have a sign or not, but they seem to go against the grain just out of spite.
(3)
Kathleen M.

I loved the B. This is not the B, but it shouldn't be compared to the B just because it is in the same location. Lord Hobo is it's own entity with it's own reputation to build. They've upscaled the inside of this place and have set up the tables in a way that accommodates more customers. I'm not a fan of the high-top tables, but row of "twos" in the back were spaced at a reasonable distance to allow for dining conversation. Tables were small, however, which made it difficult for me to keep the drink menu while we were eating. The waiter kept trying to take it away anyway, so I guess it wasn't too much of a big deal. (Hint: I'll order more drinks if you leave it behind.) I'm mostly a cocktail girl and this is a beer place. They have appeased me with some tasty cocktails on the menu, but this is really a beer-lovers place. Lots of beer choices to keep most everyone happy--varied, and sometimes pricey options, many on tap. I am an equal opportunity drinker and enjoy a good beer, so I will need to try these out sometime. Food was pretty good, but a bit pricey as others have mentioned. We tried the eggs, the curry fries, the burger, and the cheese sandwich (with ham, of course). Of these, I think the cheese sandwich had the most flavor. The eggs were tasty and I liked the curry sauce for the fries. Next time I'm getting the truffle fries. Entrees looked interesting but I didn't need something that big after the apps. Definitely looking forward to checking out some other food items. Service was a bit awkward at the bar and at the table. The place was packed on a Tuesday night, though, so I'm hoping they just need to work the kinks out. The place was pretty loud which made me not want to hang out for too long for another beverage. All in all a reasonable place that I will come back to again. However, of the new places to grab a drink in town, I think that Trina's down the street is higher on the list than LH for the time being.
(3)
Samuel H.

One of the best beer rotations in the area and above average food. Wait staff is knowledgeable, professional and attentive in a non-doting way.
(5)
Sunny C.

Had a beer and a burger. Both lived up to expectations. on the pricier side of a joint like this. As advertised, great beer selection. Burger was cooked medium as requested. Side note: it was not indicated that the burger was going to be served with fries, so we got some of the truffle fries on the side.
(4)
diana s.

Beer here is great! Don't judge my "stars" by the beer. Food.... Not so much Ordered Bahn Mi-- was Bahn Meh. Truffle fries?? Dry and double fried. With a truffle dip to go with it and extra $2. Burger was mediocre. The appetizer never came, even after the mention. Bah. Cambridge has some awesome spots, this one just isn't one of them.
(1)
Beka O.

I will never understand the seating/hosting logic at Lord Hobo. My friends and I came here to celebrate my friend's birthday and we waited forever to get a table- probably upwards of an hour and a half. There was a huge booth that was going to be ours but the hosts insisted it could only hold 6 as opposed to our party of 9 so they turned the booth over to another party... who happened to have 8 in their party. Because we were waiting for our table, we were standing by the bar, where the servers kept having to thread their way through our party. The hosts kept asking us to stop blocking traffic but I don't get how that's possible and where we can stand when we can't get a table for 1.5 hours. Overall, good beer selection, 'meh' food, and terrible service.
(2)
Mary C.

I orignally came because of the Brussels sprouts craze I kept hearing about. My waitress was Jersey who was pretty sweet and started me off with a few sample of beers as I'm pretty clueless when it comes to beer. I happened to like the one she picked out best so I asked her opinion on appetizers and that's where our taste buds didn't agree. It was dry with barely any flavor. I wish they still had the Brussels I could try but other than the failed appetizer everything was good in my book.
(4)
Miles H.

To me, Lord Hobo exemplifies the best and worst of the craft beer comeback. The atmosphere, interior, and beer selection are top notch. This joint is the perfect little hole to burrow into on a cold night and this is reflected in how the bar always seems to be packed with craft beer fans. But the downside of Lord Hobo's reputation as a craft beer hotspot is reflected in the beer prices. The brews here are significantly marked up. You'll be hard-pressed to find anything for under $8/glass, not including tip. And even there, you're generally scratching the bottom of the barrel in terms of options. I feel like that's a bit steep for most (though certainly not all) beers. But evidently, there are plenty of folks who disagree. The trouble with these folks is that their willingness to pony up for a pint drives up the prices for the rest of us. And I feel like that's what Lord Hobo represents: the escalating commodification (read: yuppie-fication) of craft beer. There are plenty of places in Boston where you can find the same brews at $5-6 per glass, but only because these places aren't known as "craft beer destinations" and can fly under the radar. So in a way, I suppose the existence of Lord Hobo - as a hotspot for the people glad to pay hand-over-fist for a single serving of Lagunitas or Troegs - is a good thing for the rest of us. I respect what this place offers, but I rarely go there.
(3)
Joe C.

YES Oh Lord Hobo! Cool dark restaurant/bar with craft beers and awesome food. Tip: The Duck Confit Fries!!! Order Them!!! Another great dish I got was the short rib sandwich on a grilled English muffin. Unreal If your looking for some comfort food with a twist and some great craft beers, this is your place. * one issue is that there is no parking in the area, it's a challenge A must stop!!! Thanks
(4)
Andrew L.

I've only been here once, but I thought the food and drink was far above average. Great ambiance sets the tone for the awesome beer selections and inventive mixed drinks. The food is typical Cambridge/Somerville fare; new American, funky, fresh. I loved it and I'll be back!
(5)
Ariel Z.

Nice spot for small plates and drinks in a pretty residential area of Cambridge (b/w Kendall Sq and Somerville). Ordered the pork cutlet (meh) as well as the mac & cheese with brussel sprouts (darn good). You can add any number of items into the mac & cheese like bacon, which is not a new but fairly neat concept. Overall, the items here are rather hit or miss.
(2)
Dessa R.

We shared a few dishes.The food was below average, eclipsed only by the notably bad service. We would have ordered more food and drinks if he didn't disappear for so long. A similar experience last time. Not recommended.
(2)
William M.

Lord Hobo is an excellent late night destination for drinks with friends. I arrived in Cambridge from DC very late one evening, and my friend recommended Lord Hobo as a good spot to grab some late night food and have a drink. The atmosphere is cool. Located on a quiet street, you enter into the door and you find a bustling bar with a lot of life. The staff were super friendly, and the beer selection is perfect. Not too overwhelming, but still plenty of solid "craft" options. However, I ordered the veggie burger and it just didn't do it for me. It didn't have much flavor honestly. I felt like the only thing I could really taste were the green onions on top, which were good by the way! The fries were standard. I still love the vibe and the beer selection, so I will likely be back for a drink sometime!
(3)
Rohan D.

This place is a great bar, it's quietish so you can just grab a drink with a friend or in my case come alone and grab a drink. Get some decent bar food, little classy for bar food but not pretentious. The selection of beer is great, the bartenders are smart enough to recommend things that are not bad and the service is good. You also have a general group of locals coming in since it's not near anything large, so you can meet the people from the neighborhood.
(4)
Harvard A.

There was romp off. Bathroom dance party. Pinky and the brain. I don't always yelp, but when I do I prefer dos brunches
(5)
Sibel B. S.

The good is good but the portions are too small for dinner. I was still slightly hungry after appetizer and entree. Ordered brownie (dessert of the day) and it was way too dry! They have a good selection of beer and a nice atmosphere. I ordered the flight.
(4)
Joey M.

Lord Hobo, hipster central, beer nerds for days. Last time I was here I saw someone wearing google glass and a video game t-shirt. A mixture of the well to do and the MIT students. Nota bena: Place is loud. Every time I've been im pretty disappointed by the food (Mom and I decided its a burger place if you are eating). We had salads that were weird, a cheese plate that is atrociously overpriced (for $17 you'd expect to get a little more cheese, or at least have the person be able to EXPLAIN the cheese) and some polenta fires that were pretty dang tasty (garlic aioli, fried and cheese... can't go wrong there). But lets be real, if you're going to Lord Hobo its because of the beer. The selection is vast and interesting. The downside, its pricey. Like most beers were $10 it seemed like. The waitress, although super friendly, wasn't the best at making recommendation (though props for being able to talk knowledgeably about the beer). I told her I liked IPA's but wanted to branch out... she suggested an IPA. Hmm... my mom said she typically liked brown ales and she suggested the one beer on the menu. OK well that is super helpful. You might think I am nit-picking but Lord Hobo is a beer bar (and not a cheap one) and I tend to hold those sort of places to a higher standard. For the cost its not worth it. There are plenty of solid beer joints that are more reasonably priced with better food options.
(2)
Diana L.

Walked here with my boyfriend last night from Brighton...really loved the interior (though I see how it could get packed quickly). Walking through the curtains at the door, the bar opens up as a really warm, intimate little space. Not too dark either, which I liked. We came for the Idle Hands Hoffman - a new double IPA from Idle Hands in Everett. Their website said they had it on tap and We were excited to see a chalkboard for it outside when we got there. But it was not on the menu and the bartender informed us that the keg had kicked a while back. (Maybe bring in the sign?) I really don't care that much, beer is beer and I got another good one, I was just mildly disappointed. I asked the bartender about a trillium beer but they were out of that one too. They also were out of a Stone beer that they had had on their website. Anyway I ended up with a Trillium Mettle and it was really incredible. Trillium knocks it out of the park for me almost every time. While paying I asked the bartender if they were going to have/had already had Polotmavy on tap - a Czech lager from Notch. He said that they had been offered it but had to pass on it because they simply didn't have enough lines and had to be selective. Not enough lines for a local, incredible Czech session lager? But enough for 4 Port Brewing hoppy beers and Notch's session IPA, Left of the Dial? After going here I think the taplist they curate isn't quite as interesting to me as Deep Ellum or Publick House as I feel like they focus too heavily on super hoppy domestic beers. I'll drink trillium's hoppy beers any day but there should be more room for some well crafted pilsners and lagers on a well-rounded draft list. It's a good spot, just not really my style. Aside: I went to Deep Ellum and got Polotmavy afterwards and it was fantastic!
(3)
Hannah S.

Definitely check this out if you are in the area, or even if you're not! Great selection and make sure to try the flight of their own brews (it's the only flight you can get anyways!).
(5)
Mark D.

Took my family and friends for lunch at Lord Hobo yesterday afternoon. 6 people, 6 Lord Hobo burgers with fries. Definately one of my favorites burgers in Boston area. The place was packed at 1:00pm. Servers were very good and very busy. My friend, a beer guy, was wild about the selection of beers. Not sure how many taps, but there is a lot of them, guessing 45(?). I can not name all of the beers he wanted to try, but there we a lot of them. Green Flash from San Diego, I think, and Glorious from Lord Hobo were the ones we tried. Both very good. Will go back.
(5)
Roark D.

Id go back for the LOLs. Too bad its not a comedy club. The Nachos are HILARIOUS! Picture what you crave when you order Nachos....got it? ok now, heres what Lord Hobo gives you: a few spoon fulls of chilly on the bottom of the dish, lined above the chilli like a pretty little chorus line are about a dozen tortilla chips with a drizzle of something that looked like guac and sour cream? Artisan Nachos! Enough for .5 people. This will set you back $14. WOW! Whoever thought that was acceptable to be called Nachos should be strung up, their chef's hat should be retired, and they themselves should leave the city in shame. On another note the Wannabe non-cheese sticks (whatever cute euphemism they used to make it seem like it wasn't overpriced) were on a bed of arugula that looked like it had gone through a few rounds against the monster truck GraveDigger... HAHAHA! NACHOS THEY CALLED IT!! HAHAHA. were still laughing.
(2)
Simon L.

One of the better burgers out there. The buttery grilled brioche bun fits the hamburger well. A large hand formed patty is cooked perfectly medium rare. The meat is seasoned well and very juicy - fatty in the way a burger is supposed to be. Lettuce, tomato and red onion. Cheddar melts on the meat. The fries are hand cut and nicely fried a bit on the hard side. The atmosphere is booming - it is very loud in here. Sit at a high top, grab a delicious brew and enjoy the meaty sandwich in your palm.
(4)
Meghan B.

So good! The Mac and cheese with Brussels sprouts added was delicious! Large beer selection and amazing starter plates - try the bbq shrimp and the oxtail
(4)
Noa C.

What can I say about Lord Hobo that hasn't already been said? The beer list is absolutely amazing, constantly rotating beers from all over the world. The cocktail list is fun and interesting, I usually get "Hot 4 Teacher" a rum, St. Germain, mint and lime concoction that really hits the spot. I have eaten here a few times. The food is up-scale pub fare. The burger is amazing! Perfectly cooked on a lightly grilled brioche bun. The atmosphere can get loud at time, so it's not a great place for an intimate dinner or for small kids. It's a perfect place for a drink and good food any day of the week!
(4)
Danae K.

Loved coming here! Nice ambiance, with really high ceilings and excellent seating options. They have a large variety of beer selections, and nice appetizers to accompany it! Check out their cocktail menu as well as it has very unique flavors. This is a 10/15 min walk from Central/Kendall, but it's totally worth it :)
(4)
Amanda C.

I WANT to love Hobo. I do. I WANT it to be amazing, but it always, always falls short. The food is great, I die for the homemade veggie burgers and the charcueterie platter. The beer list is ok, but a little intimidating. Where Hobo falls short is with it's waitstaff. Sometimes they are cool and attentive, but mostly not. Nearly every time I go in (weekday, weekend, night, day, doesn't matter) my order is taken and I am then ignored for 30 minutes. My friends and I always do our best to flag down help, but the amount of effort that has to go into getting someone to take your order is a bit ridiculous, and more than once a waitress has completely forgotten to bring us our food after we ordered. I WANT this place to be as good as the hype, but it always falls short. Update - service still sucks. Understaffed, unhappy waitstaff. Also, why do they keep taking the veggie burger off the menu? Just leave the stupid veggie burger on the menu permanently, it's the best thing you guys serve. If anyone needs me, I'll be down the street at CBC.
(3)
Kyle N.

This bar has a ton of potential, but tends to leave you disappointed. The location is awkward being somewhere in the no man's land between Central, Kendall, and Inman. Virtually no street parking. This place is trying very hard to be cool. The food menu is trendy, but the chefs can't live up to the hype the name of their dishes demands. Best part of this bar is definitely the beer menu. Not sure why anyone would order anything other than beer when they have a seemingly endless list of beer options. Prices are steep, even by Cambridge standards, but if you are looking for a unique beer experience you will find it here. They are good about getting a lot of international craft beers along with the American stalwarts that can be found in most of the other beer menus in the area. Decor is slightly dark and has a pretentious curtain by the front entrance. The crowd is heavyily skewed towards hipsters so if that is your scene you will have a good time. Decent sized bar which allows for converstation and easy access to drinks. They have a good number of tables and booths that make this a good place for groups.
(3)
Matt K.

I visited Lord Hobo for the first time last weekend, and I have nothing but spectacular things to say about the establishment. The bouncer/doorman was friendly without being annoying, the beer selection was one to be admired, and both the hostesses and bartenders were professional, friendly and accommodating. My only disappointment stems from its location... unless you live in the neighborhood expect to take a cab as there is no MBTA stop nearby. Also be aware, this is not a bar you should plan on going to if you are looking to pick up a date, its just not that kind of place.
(5)
Meghan M.

We decided to try a new place for dinner, Lord Hobo, which took over the B Side Lounge in Cambridge. Sometimes when I am running, all I want is a beer, and Lord Hobo has an incredible selection of draught and bottled beers in addition to an impressive wine and cocktail list. I started with the St. Bernardus ABT (bel) 10% - dark creamy quad, a beer which, despite its dark color, offered a fruity finish that some great Belgian beers have. It also offered the richness of a dark beer; it was absolutely perfect. To start, we shared the fried sweet neck oysters with vinegar cabbage and remoulade. They were fried and placed back in their shells with remoulade and pickled cabbage. Nom nom nom. For dinner, I ordered the mussels and fries with pilsner cream and aioli and hubs got the lobster macaroni and cheese. With our close to zero temperatures, tonight was all about comfort food! We loved everything! The mussels were cooked perfectly. Sometimes I find them too chewy, but these melted in my mouth and the sauce, well I wanted to tip the bowl and drink it! The fries were in abundance, with a flavorful aioli, crispy and fried to perfection. And the mac and cheese was chock full of tender, sweet lobster, al dente noodles, and rich, creamy cheese. The atmosphere was comfortable and festive, and I could definitely try more of the food and beers on the menu. If you live in the area and are craving good pub food like I was, check it out!
(4)
K R.

I think this place is targeting the pretentious cambridge hipster. I think it would be good if you wanted dinner at a weird time... like 4:00 but it gets packed later. Regardless, they have amazing lobster mac and cheese. It is worth finding a nook at the bar though! I would need google to order a beer at this place... so if you are also into the fancy beer thing, this is your place!
(3)
Marietta A.

4 stars because I've only been here once so far, but plan on going back. Awesome beer selection and a small but fantastic menu. I had the oysters and burger, yuuuuummm. Oysters were super fresh, as they should be, and the burger was cooked perfectly. Maybe it could have used more cheese, but I'm a cheese fanatic. Tried my friends lobstah mac n' cheese and it was so GOOD! We were scrapping the cheese off the bottom of the pan :) And there were some LARGE pieces of lobster in there. The beer selection is amazing. I did enjoy that they are a beer bar, but not snobby about it. Saturday afternoon seemed like a great time to be there. They serve brunch until 3pm, then close the kitchen till 5pm when they open for dinner. Matt, one of the bartenders, is AWESOME. Super helpful with the beers, answering questions, etc.. and funny! You should know that parking is not that great in the area, so just leave some extra time for driving around. Or take the T.
(4)
Erin M.

So I finally visited Lord Hobo, or as my friend calls it, New B-Side. Let me start by saying that I never made it to OLD B-Side, so the lackluster review has nothing to do with nostalgia. It has everything to do with service and a hamburger. When I walked in last night, the bar was far from crowded. Plenty of seats to be had at the bar, a few people at tables around the room, but nothing crazy. I decided to order the Allagash Black to start, which I will say is excellent, and which I hadn't yet seen at another bar. I was pretty hungry so we decided to order some curry fries to share while I pondered what to eat for my "real" dinner. Said curry fries took about 20-30 minutes to arrive. Why, if the bar wasn't even half full? They're FRIES, for heaven's sake. That said they were delicious, although the curry sauce could have been a bit more substantive. I finish my beer and order another, along with the burger, medium. We sit and pick at the fries and I wait and wait and wait for my beer while the bartenders appear to be chatting together, dancing to Michael Jackson, and generally taking very little interest in me. I finally catch one's attention and ask about my beer. She looks at me like a startled deer and apologizes, telling me, "Sometimes we get a little forgetful here!" Um, ok. Finally, my burger comes. And it is not medium. It is hardly even medium-rare. It is RARE. Like, only the outsides are cooked. But at that point I feel like it will be 20 years if I send it back, so I eat it. The shame is that it's otherwise a good burger. Good cheese, I like the mayo-sauce, and the marinated onions are a nice touch. I just hoped it would be faster and, you know, done more. Overall I think the place has potential. As other reviewers mentioned it's a little soulless but I don't mind about that terribly. They've got an impressive beer list and the food is decent - but overall what everything seems to lack is a bit of attention. It seems hard to justify the slog to get there without it.
(2)
Samantha B.

great beer selection, decent food. if you want rude, discriminating service, go here!!!
(2)
Christopher L.

Very nice beer selection with great gastropub style food, sometimes with interesting ingredients (gnocchi with beef heart was awesomely tasty!). Meats, fish, and apps are all solid and the atmosphere is great- not too loud, pleasant service and nice locals. Great for a first date or hanging out with friends!
(5)
ed c.

OK, I walk into the bar to see what replaced the B-Side which I enjoyed for years. Sure looks similar. But the old bartenders are gone. I ask the new one for a porter suggestion, because the vast array of taps is giving me a head ache, and the list is too long to read. She makes a suggestion & gives me a taste. I order some and get a little 12 oz. glass. I hand her a $20 & she gives me $10 back. So I ask how much does this beer cost and she says $9.75. Then she hands me a quarter presumable because she thinks I'm worried about my change. I'm not. I'm just wondering why, when I ask for a porter, she suggests a strange one from Finland, and it happens to cost 10 bucks. What happened to the typical craft brewed beer like the kind you get at Cambridge Brewing Company? Then I sit down at one of these island tables they have. A waitress gives me a menu and I put it aside while I check my email. The Hostess comes up and asks me if I was ordering food. I said I might after I finish up with my email. She wants to give my island table to somebody else, but then changes her mind, and says its "its ok". I leave. The menu looked tasty enough, and the room was crowded. You can have fun there I suppose. But the bar is expensive, and has a corporate vision of what "hip" is supposed to be about. You can do better.
(2)
Dave B.

So hip they won't even put their name on the door. From the outside, It looks like a Polish-American club in Cinnci. The beer & drink menu is great. 4 brands of cachaca, which made me very happy, and a delicious cachaca/coconut/cherry drink that was a great surprise. Drinks are $10. There were enough beer choices to overwhelm, but tonight was a liquor night. The food is good, but not amazing. It's mostly just there so you have something to do with your hands between drinks.
(4)
Nicole M.

Normally I prefer to be one of the first people to check a place out but I'm glad I waited a while before heading to Lord Hobo. The hubby is a beer aficionado and could. not. wait. to get here. We went on a nice spring Friday evening just for drinks before dinner elsewhere. Man, parking around there is a BITCH! Once we finally succumbed to using a Kendall garage (argh- how I hate paying for parking apart from a meter) and got into the place, we both instantly loved it. Love the vibe - dark, nice big bar, high topped tables, funky art. Miraculously found 2 seats at the bar and settled in. I can't remember what we got, but whatever we ordered was delicious. I tend to go for Belgiums and he tends to go for IPAs. The bartender was very friendly and helpful with suggestions. We decided we needed a snack and got the parm fries. YUM. I have to agree with Kaitlyn about the bathroom locks - but I thought they were really freaking cool, as was the rest of the bathroom. I always tend to notice bathrooms and this one really stood out. If parking weren't such a pain in the ass, I think we'd be here every week. I'd love to become a regular at this place. It just rocks, period.
(5)
James C.

Wicked Good Food, ton of amazing beer...you can catch the details on other peoples reviews.. What I would like to address is the bizarre reputation this place has here as a "hipster" restaraunt. THe only reason this label would be appropriate would be if, by "hipster", you refer to any casually dressed 20 or 30 something without a spray tan. On any given night i would say 3%-5% of the clientele here would fit my idea of a hipster... tattoos, piercings, americn apparel/urban outfitters wardrobe. The majority of the people who hang out here are betweem the ages of 20-50 and are mostly either grad students or employees of the various tech firms in Kendall square. They are wearing business casual or jeans, which is entirely appropriate for the tavern style atmosphere. This place is hardly Williamsburg. Granted It isn't Clery's either, and if you are most comfortable in the exclusive company of Hearty besuited executives and girls with flippy blonde hair and stillettos then you should probably stay downtown. But please dont call this a hipster bar. Its unfair both to those of us who do enjoy it and to hipsters.
(5)
Steven S.

I don't like to chuck out 5 star reviews pell-mell, but Lord Hobo is easily one of the best beer bars in the country, and it's on the strength of that on which I'm basing my praise. Foodies can have their say if they like (my food was probably in the 2 1/2 - 3 star range), but the beer menu is second to none, including a number of rare and aged items. I got to try Stone Vertical Epic 5.5.5 this past January (1/2013), and that was a special treat. The draft selection is also exceptional, which is to be expected, I suppose, for such an exceptionally beery region of the world. Beer geek visitors to Boston need to seek out Lord Hobo. You may be annoyed by the rest of the douchey clientele, but it is Boston, after all, and you're going to have to put up with that wherever you go. Hold your nose and dive in. If you happen to be from New York, like me, you can just superciliously ignore everyone else there pretty easily.
(5)
Dan N.

After living next to the B-Side for a couple years, my former roommate and I decided to go check out Lord Hobo. To our shock, it was at capacity and we had to wait about 15 minutes to get in. (this never happened at the B-Side). Door dude was nice enough about it. Once we got in, I orded the Cat Wagon and whoa, it was great. Definitely delivered on the cocktails. I got the nameless vegetarian sandwich which wasnt bad but could have used something else on it; it was basically apples, greens and cheese on a semi-toasted roll. Take a hint from Diesel Cafe or Bloc 11 for this kind of sandwich if you're reading this, oh Lord of Hobos. Beer list was crazy long, could have used a bit more organization (see Bukowski's), but I got something and it was good. Atmosphere and clientele definitely has changed from a dark bar for aging hipsters to a more modern vibe for yuppies. Altogether I was satisfied and would go back, although I think the menu could use a little refinement.
(3)
Seth G.

Lord Hobo, I want to love you. You seem to be trying but can't seem to get it right. Your beer selection is stellar. You even have De Ranke Guldenberg, a wonderful Belgian beer bearing my last name (shout-out to Ben G). What could you do wrong? For one thing, that great beer was $10. Way to deflate my excitement. It's also one of the loudest bars I've been to. Aside from some curtains, every surface in the place is cold and hard (that's what she said) and bounces sound everywhere. My twentysomething ears felt much older as I had trouble hearing people right next me. The lighting is cool and dim, but I could not read the menu without holding it an inch from my face. I don't wear or need glasses, or so I thought before eating here. Easy to fix, guys. The food was decent. I didn't eat the first time I was there. On my second visit, I had the warm sandwich with ham, except there wasn't any ham when the server brought out what he called my "ham sandwich". The problem was quickly remedied. The bread was way too crunchy. Cut the roof of your mouth crunchy. It's healed quite nicely though. The gravy and truffle oils that came with the fries that my friends ordered were great. The fries themselves were only so-so. Lord Hobo, you get 2 stars. Aside from making my senses feel old and useless, your servers are clearly overworked despite being very friendly. It takes 20 minutes to a beverage from a waitress or at the bar. I see lots of potential and good intentions. You could easily squeak your way up to 4 stars when I give you a second chance a couple months from now.
(2)
Stephanie F.

When I drove past it (especially in the daytime), I thought - this might be an interesting dive bar to check out. I guess it would be if I was only there for drinks and appetizers, but I was there for dinner at about 9:45 p.m. on a Friday night, and the volume of the music was as loud as it would be at a club, so crowds of people at the table were seriously yelling at each other to talk. Does music have to be that loud if you're just listening to it? Moreover - if 90% of the people were sitting down to have dinner? The food was good - nothing that blew my mind or anything. I went for the french fries dusted with parmesan cheese with black truffle aioli. - SEVEN BUCKS. really? for FRIES? BF got a burger with fries that cost $13. I know, it's pretty ridiculous. If I come back here, it would be for the chipotle chocolate martini, just to try...
(3)
Diane I.

If this place hadn't replaced the B-Side, it would get 4 stars... I like the atmosphere, clientele of the B-Side more so than at Lord Hobo. The food is delicious though and it's a great spot in Cambridge. Awesome beer selection.
(3)
Bill A.

I had drinks here with a group of 15-20 for a friend's birthday on a Friday night. The beer selection was great and the servers were very attentive, both waiting on tables and at the bar. My personal favorite was the High and Mighty Two-Headed Beast. (a beer, not a server) The only downside was that the music was a bit too loud which made it extremely hard to converse. I haven't tried the food yet, but I'm sure I'll be back soon.
(4)
Kevin G.

My wife and I had a great time (even though we missed out on the 2 person tables along the wall) at Lord Hobo on Valentines night. The service was excellent (male server), the Rose Champagne was tasty, the beers were great (as always), and the food was fantastic (only thing we didn't try on the prefix menu was the Skate). We really enjoyed the Valentines prefix and gave our compliments to the server to pass along to the chef. The only drawback is ease of parking. However, the food, the beer, the people, and the beer (yeah, it deserves 2 shout outs) is well worth it.
(4)
Liz K.

The atmosphere here is great. We went on a Sunday afternoon for brunch and it was not crowded at all. Everything looks really clean and taken care of. They have a decent selection of beer and bunch menu food too. Will definitely be back in the evening.
(4)
Jen L.

First and foremost, this place is not cheap. At all. It is also crowded and can get a little loud. That being said, there are lots of things I like about Lord Hobo. The gravy and chips were the star of the food show here as these were delicious and not over salted (yay!!!) fries (omg, this is why I am a fatty) served with a delicious red wine reduction. I am not sure I would get a whole meal here again (my salad (trying to be less of a fatty) was drenched in far too much salad dressing -- at least it was a vinaigrette) and my friend's entrees were sort of forgettable as well. The fries are definitely worthy of a return trip though. The other thing that made my experience at Lord Hobo better was the bartender. This is a place largely made for beer drinking. I am not much of a beer drinker, but their selection was impressive. The bartender was very helpful in navigating the wide, more unusual selections and though I stayed with hard liquor cocktails (more on that in a second), my friend was very happy with his two beer recommendations. I enjoyed their cocktails overall and was surprised at how some unexpected flavor combinations seemed to work well. I tried a cocktail they had with cucumbers sans cucumbers (I don't like them in drinks) and when I found it too sweet, the bartender gracefully added more lime juice (I had just asked for more lime wedges) and I ended up with a nice tart and bitter drink which I thoroughly enjoyed. So, Lord Hobo, you are neither Lord nor Hobo, but are indeed a nice bloke with a decent pint and some amazing fries. Also, given the shared picnic table set up, the possibility of Cambridge hipsters and their inane conversations, and the wait for the privilege, the best seats are at the bar :)
(3)
Jenny H.

How is possible for me to sit at a bar for 15 minutes with an empty glass while there are FOUR people "working" behind the bar. Also, what's with serving food on wet mouse pads? The food is over priced and not exactly what I want to eat with beer.
(1)
Pala D.

Hands down, the best veggie burger I've ever had. I recommend getting it with bacon, which is extra crispy and thick-cut. Everything else I've tried has been fantastic as well, and you can't beat the beer selection.
(5)
Melissa W.

this place used to be my food god. i didnt care that at 38 i was proably the oldest woman in the place. i gladly put up music that blew and enough flannel to outfit an entire a nirvana concert cira 1993. i would go there for 2 things, baked brie and the prime rib sandwhich. I almost cried two nights ago when after having a food fantasy i opened up the menu and both were gone. so got the polenta fries still yummy and the mac and cheese (runny) bartender made a hell of a drink and listened to me bitch about menu. I wish i got her name, she proably wanted to tell me to shut the hell up but she didnt, she made me a great drink and gave me a sticky bun which made me smile. i didnt go to lord hobo for the beer, i went for the food. sorry beer people i drink vodka. if i liked beer im sure i would be in heaven, but i proably wont be back.... ok i lied i really like the polenta frie
(3)
Jordan G.

Lord Hobo was good, but not worth traveling from Brighton to Cambridge for. Yes, the beer selection was good, particularly the draughts. The menu was kind of sparse (1 page), but seemed to cover a lot of palate pleasers from the more refined halibut and quinoa to the burgers and mac-n-cheese. I was quite disappointed in our cheese plate, however. For $10, we got three slices (literally, slices) of cheese with two sauces. The food runner brought it over, named the cheeses, and left us to figure out what the sauces were. One was a truffle honey which was divine, but again, sparse. Hardly enough for four people who had been waiting to get their order taken for at least 20 minutes. I think the experience wasn't helped by the waitress who forgot about us for long stretches of time. A member of my party ordered a beer and she hadn't put it in until she came back to take another member's beer order and suddenly remembered. All in all, it's a good place for decent food and beer, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it.
(3)
Barney B.

LORD if I lived any closer to this place I would be here every night, allowing their awesome beer and food selection to expedite my life journey of eventually becoming a HOBO ok, maybe that's not what it is short for, but I will tell you that's exactly what I thought. I wasn't even a huge B-Side fan (sacrilege, I know), and it's probably not even fair to compare the two, but it definitely has an aura of the old place. yet, somehow this place is a different soul entirely. the menu is more diverse, the bar is more comfortable, and the staff is just as cool, if not slightly more friendly. and then there's the beer. god bless these places that are trying to provide a decent variety of interesting beers on tap and in bottle , without doing the whole Cheesecake Factory version that places like Sunset Grill often do. so, this place may turn me into a Hobo, but the lengthy enough walk will at least ensure I am not an obese one - or at least that's the excuse I give myself when I order the large Lobster Mac n Cheese (even though the small is plenty for any mammal)
(4)
Alex S.

Lord Hobo at first impression is just the Publik House of Cambridge. However, in the most important ways it is way way better than Publik House. Specifically, it manages to be a trendy beer drinkers place with a ton of expensive micro brews with out being an arrogant bastard (one of my favorite brews) about it. Even if your driving this place is hard to get to as the non permit parking in the area is very limited. You walk in to the bar threw a draped entry way to find long four foot high tables whit bar stools. There is great art on the wall that has nice lighting. We sat at the bar because all the tables were full on a Tuesday night (good sign). The beer menu is extensive (especially the number of drafts). Beer is appropriately priced given the quality of beers. The thing I really really loved about this was that the menu said what size glass the beer would be served in. I always hated most about snobby beer joints is that I order a fancy $8 micro-brew and get it in an 8 o.z. glass. I had the Cuban pulled pork sandwich which was crispy and the meat in it was unexpectedly delicious. They had their own take on the sandwich with chunks of marinated pork instead of the stringy pulled pork I am used to. The bartender was extremely accommodating and attentive without being overbearing. Great experience overall.
(4)
Kimble M.

Lord Hobo was...ok. And although ok is usually fine, it was truly a let down in this case. It had been so built up. It was going to be the restaurant savior, keeping us from eating another mediocre meal at another mediocre restaurant. Restaurant Lord Savior it was not. We did the deviled egg tasting, like everyone recommended, and didn't really like them. Sure, the eggs were cooked perfectly and the yolks had been recombined into the smoothest filling I have ever laid tongue to, but the flavor was lacking. The fries were variable, some excellent and crisp, others over oily and limp, despite the most excellent aioli. The mussels were mostly good, with a few gritty ones thrown in for good measure. The charcuterie lacked the velvet and richness expected, instead consisting of a plain charcuterie a la campagne and an overly gamey rabbit terrine. The cheese selection was the standout food of the night, carefully balancing sweet and creamy, bite with honey, ripe with marmalade. Get the cheese plate, but try other foods if you're looking for more than ok. The beer selection and drink menu, as everyone says, are quite endearing. Perhaps this is just a better place to get classily drunk.
(3)
Andrew R.

I desperately wanted to like Lord Hobo more than I did. Somewhere between the rather bizarre service attention we received, the ridiculous prices, and the odd atmosphere, I realized that I was probably not coming back to Lord Hobo for a long time. 1st, I must admit that the food I had was incredible. The truffle fries (not actually truffle coated, as near as I can tell, just accompanied by three truffle sauces) were fantastic, just the kind of fresh, crispy fry I love. At this point, I'm fairly pro-Hobo, though at $8 this is a slightly pricey bar-food treat. Ordering was quick, and our waiter dealt with a slightly picky fellow diner (you know who you are) wonderfully and cheerfully. He couldn't answer our questions about substitutions, however I'll happily put that down to Lord Hobo's relative newness. Then some weird stuff happened. Someone set down their glass on the tabletop, as opposed to the coaster she had been provided. With absolutely no word as to why, another server swooped over, picked up the glass, and replaced it on the coaster. When our food arrived, each plate was placed on top of a folded napkin, again to protect the table. Why weren't there placemats? No idea. I can respect them wanting to keep their tables nice, but the place is a bar, things are going to get messy. And seriously, appearing out of nowhere just grabbing someone's full drink off the table and moving it is a serious no-no. We felt like we were being closely watched and silently reprimanded for our poor table manners. The beers were great, and the selection was fantastic, as was expected. Only one of us got a cocktail, which was rather a disappointment: not very flavorful and with so much ice that it tasted like water in a couple minutes. The burger was very tasty, but without anything to really draw me back for a second. The best thing going for it was honestly the fact it was $5 cheaper than the next cheapest entree. Basically, the food and beer and Hobo is good. Like, really good. However, everything costs a ton, and if I'm gonna grab a meal that nice, it's not going to be at a bar where I'm made to feel like I have bad table manners. I'm thinking Trina's next time?
(3)
Heather H.

It's really hard not to look around and say "This isn't the B-Side," which isn't really fair at all to Lord Hobo. I can mourn the loss of the B-Side, but I can't hate on Lord Hobo for it. I showed up on a rainy, cold Wednesday night and there was no line up at all. The staff was really friendly, and had no problem seating me before my friends arrived. The beer list is kind of really no actually amazing. They had beers on draught that I haven't seen on draught on the east coast. Prices may be high, but when is the last time you saw 6 different Stones on tap? The food was really tasty. I chose the cheeseburger to get a gauge of the food and wasn't disappointed. I killed that burger, even though I thought I couldn't eat any more. My friend's Cuban was really delicious, and I generally don't like Cubans. I do think the prices were a little high, though. All around a solid place, despite high prices and parking being a complete pain.
(4)
Lawrence F.

First cheer to the people who do the beer list. Cheers to our favorite beer-tenders. I am a regular here. The Negatives from others: Loud, Poor service, Doorman's attitude, Liquor drinks. My rebuttal: Yes lord hobo is loud especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights. It is extremely loud because it is packed and the background music is loud too. It can be so loud if you are at a long table you will not be able to talk to your friends across the table. To solve this go for brunch on Saturday or Sunday. I have experienced poor service only during peak hours for bars. The service was nothing worse than any other packed bars in the Boston area. Yes one can go to other bars that are less packed to have better service, but this is lord hobo (not the other bars). The staff is extremely knowledgable about beers, but if go there when it is busy they do not have the ability to be super happy and knowledgable because of time and some times being under staffed for how packed it is. The Doorman's attitude is a newer guy and yes he does have a personality that can completely turn people off at the wrong time. Lord Hobo is a beer bar not a liquor bar. Yes they serve liquor and wine, but they are known for their beers. Yes this is not the perfect establishment but it is pretty dam good. The Pros: Beer, Knowledge, The List, and The Food The food is a lot better than most bar food. It is even better at times than most restaurant food. Yes it is pricey but it is good. The beer list is a challenge that one must complete to get their own beer mug. It is not the first or only place that does this. It is mostly composed of hard to find beers from around the world that can for the most part be described only as craft or small brew beer. Their beer list that they have at any time changes everyday. They obtain some of the hardest beers to find in the world and bring them over to their bar just for the special few. The knowledge my taste buds have gained is immense. The bartenders' knowledge are immense. The beer is craft. It can be pricey. It is worth it. Cheers
(4)
Lauren T.

Oh Lord Hobo....you still have a few kinks to work out. The beer selection is pretty darn good. 30 quality beers on tap is fantastic. 1 cask selection though? Come on! The prices for the draught beers are a little excessive, especially since the bartenders weren't filling glasses all the way. If you're going to charge me $8 dollars for a Stone Ruination, I don't want 1 1/2 inches of foam. The food was super duper tasty! The curry fries are quite spicy and delicious, but the garlic mayo dip with my fries was by far my favorite. The homemade veggie burgers, mussels and mac and cheese were quite impressive. Yet, the prices! geesh. They are pretty ridiculous (and not in a good way). I'll definitely go back to Lord Hobo, since it's a good, convenient beer bar and I am hoping so much that they will improve. I want to like you so much Lord Hobo.
(3)
Margaret C.

Ah, the grand traditions of hobos and fine dining, recalling so many classics of yester--oh hey wait. There are no grand traditions of hobos and fine dining, and Lord Hobo isn't rocking the boat. Two stars for the, yes, very good beer selection. I'm not as thrilled as many reviewers seem to be with even this portion of the experience though--while there was a great range of beer on tap and in the bottle, it lacked spunk as an assortment, and the menu is impossible to navigate. Not subdivided by measly things like class of beer, weight, taste, or even country, you just have to stare at a 14" page of 8 point font and hope you can figure out what you want from 3-word summaries of each brew. And, because each beer may come in different oz. pourings, make sure you read the whole line of print, as a 7oz 9% brew might be listed just above a 16oz 6% offering. Confusing as all get-out. But yeah, loved my beer. An English winter ale, and a Young's double choc. stout (fun to see it on tap); our waitress helped some of my friends out with their choices and seemed pretty knowledgeable about the list, which was nice. So, 3 stars OFF for price and food. I love a good microbrew as much as (and probably more than) the next girl, and oh how I love my gastropubs. But truffled deviled egg so truffly I had to scoop out half the filling in order to choke it down? (Nice texture though.) A frisee salad with duck confit whose every mouthful was either oily, bitter, or boring? I tried my friend's mussels (yummy and not overcooked, nice surprise, but still prefer Central Kitchen's) and a bunch of fries. Mostly good, but a ton of burned ones in there. A friend's pressed raclette and green apple sandwich was underwhelming, too. Two mid-range beers; my share of 3 small apps; a salad that was hardly enough to whet my appetite, except thank goodness it killed it; and tip came to $40. Um--what? I will be going basically anywhere but here for high concept pub food from now on. Go for the beer and the fries (if you absolutely must eat something), and go give the $25 you just saved to a real hobo.
(2)
Lady Fang Y.

I loved it! I didn't realize it was the old B-side. We showed up on a Friday night around 8:30. I called ahead for reservations, but they don't take them. Sad face. I understand, move'm in, move'm out. But I was planning a romantical lovey dovey fest with my beau. So, we were willing to wait....till we got there. A 45 minute wait for a table!?? . BUT luckily, we were able to grab two seats at the bar, and dined there. Which i sort of liked better! More attentive bartenders! The place was packed from the moment we got there, till the moment we left. We ordered the mac & cheese (YUM!) the cheese and meat plate (YUM!)to start. They had my favorite Weinstephanier beer on tap...not to mention a TON of delicious beers on tap. I had a few cocktails (although I was not happy with the chipotle white chocolate martini...everything else was tasty) We ordered again, I got the parmesan fries, he got the steak skirt. Both SUPER YUM! Service was great. We were there for a few hours, just enjoying each others company. The bill came...and it was PRICEY!!!!! We did order a lot of drinks and ordered food twice, so it adds up. You can definitely do it for under $40 per person.... but we didn't this time. It was all about splurging :) I highly recommend coming here, perhaps earlier than 8:30 on Fridays to get a good sense of the food and atmosphere. I recommend it to friends, and I will definitely be back!
(4)
Alice I.

Came here when it opened in order to get one of the few paid parking available outside. Place and seating were overall pretty comfortable and our waitress friendly and helpful with suggesting drinks. Maybe because it seemed like we were one of the first people to order food, it was great! The two of us could barely finish the lobster (many large chunks of it! ) mac & cheese and the clam (very juicy and flavorful) with egg noodles.
(4)
Doug W.

The great: The beer selection, which is fanfreakintastic (seemingly every flavor of Stone on draught, which made me grin like an idiot), and the staff, all of whom were extremely friendly, accomodating, and willing to either make recommendations or whip up a custom cocktail from scratch. The good: the parmesan herb fries with truffle aioli. delicious. The not quite as good: the lobster mac and cheese, which was a little on the bland side. After a few sub-par lobster mac experiences in a row at different places, i'm beginning to wonder if this combo just isn't as good as it inevitably sounds like it should be. The Lord Hobo is quite a bit out of my way and not in an area where I usually spend much time, which is really a damn shame since is exactly the type of place I wish was closer. I hope that I can get myself motivated to come back again soon, because there was a lot to love here.
(4)
Angelina C.

Lord Hobo's not my thing. Other than seeing some familiar faces, having a great server and actually getting a table in the packed bar, the 'Hobo made me wonder how a pseudo Gastropub could attract so much of the worst of two worlds -- bros and overpriced food. 1. I ordered the Angelina cocktail, which was stated by the Encyclopaedia Brittanica-sized menu to be "a hobo's companion. The drink was an okay mix of gin, citrus and bitters, but I couldn't help but think that Drink or Deep Ellum might make it better. 2.Our lobster mac was Annie's white cheddar bunnies. $18 worth. 3. Who charges $7+ for Weihstephaner?! Overall a mediocre experience. We probably won't return. (The extra star is for a clean and shiny ladies' room.)
(2)
Kara E.

Brunch here was fabulous! I mean it helped that we had a gift certificate, otherwise I would probably be complaining about high prices. Although, it's not bad if you go there for a treat every once and awhile. Food was fantastic and I love that they give fresh fruit on the side of larger breakfast entrees. Beer selection is great and their brunch cocktail list was fantastic. However, I wasn't a fan of the ridiculously loud music and I think that's my only real complaint. I mean I really had to yell across the table to be heard. As a quiet person by nature that was really uncomfortable to me.
(4)
Alexandra M.

Best brunch I've had in recent memory and the service was great. Everything we ordered was incredible. Couldn't believe the place was empty! The breakfast cocktails were fantastic (grapefruit mimosa and bloody mary) as well.
(5)
Jim S.

Back to 4 stars. The cask lines are in use regularly now and they linked a twitter feed to the website where they note when new beers come on tap! Now fix the curry & bring back the deviled eggs and we could be looking at 5 stars!
(4)
Heather G.

The one real complaint I have is that this place is L-O-U-D. Painfully loud. Can't-hear-your-date-across-a-small-table loud. not only does the chosen decor not have any soft-surface to absorb the talking-noise, but they crank the music around...oh...8:00? Unnecessary. This is a bar, not a dance club. Aside from that, the rest of the experience was actually rather lovely. The food was pretty solid and priced a bit-more-than-it's-worth, though exactly how I expected, so expectations were met. What we had: hand cut fries with aioli - standard but still very delicious. The aioli was a bit less refined/well presented than I expected, but was a tastier alternative to ketchup anyhow. The appetizer special was some pork belly dish served over some sort of fall veggie risotto with squash. This was rich, a bit heavy, but extremely flavorful. The one complaint is that the risotto was undercooked and chewy. If you want to gamble on under-cooked rice, I would recommend giving this a shot if you ever see it on the menu. Lobster bacon mac and cheese - there was no layer of toasted bread crumbs, and the macaroni was a great deal larger than is customarily used, but the cheese was sharp and complex, and the dish was creamy, smoky, buttery, and meaty - great for a cold night. I would order this again. portabello goat cheese burger - I basically ordered this because I knew with all the rest of the food, I probably wouldn't get to eating it anyhow, and it looked like it'd reheat the best of all the menu items. I had a bite or two and it tasted like goat cheese and bread but little else. I have yet to test its reheat-ability, but I don't have high hopes. While the food was satisfying, we really came for the beer (OK, i came for the beer and because i had a Groupon). HOWEVER, the beer list is long, random, obscure, and pretty impressive. I tried a few of the waitress' recommendations, but the best pick came from my date, who found a Stone Brewing Co. selection and went for it. This was my first foray into Stone Brewing, and it was basically the best discovery of my week. The decor is industrial with an artistic flair. The room is large with shiny, chrome surfaces and dark red walls. There are paintings all over the empty wall-space, which i thought were fascinating in a twisted, Clockwork Orange sort of way (piranhas, bleeding buildings, etc). My date thought they were pretty disturbing, and left the restaurant that night thinking I'm pretty disturbed for liking the scary images. The clientele is a mixed bag. You have your beer snobs, your hipsters, your after-work crowd, your pretty ladies, and your MIT contingent. This place was not nearly as pretentious and hipster-y as I expected. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised with what I found behind the curtain (yes, there's a curtain) and I will most definitely be back again very soon. You've won a loyal patron, Hobo, just don't go closing on me.
(4)
Rod M.

This place rules, seriously. Anyone with a palate will agree. Yup.
(5)
Joe R.

Good beer, prolonged wait for mediocre food Beer: Fantastic selection of beer, though they were out of two of the ones I had wanted to order and hadn't indicated that they were out nor that there were other options available until I asked. A friend's pour of a $10 beer was also about 25% head which seemed crazy. Service/Wait: I went to Lord Hobo with 4 friends on Saturday night for dinner and drinks. The maitre de informed us that it would be a 30 minute wait which seemed reasonable. After over an hour and forty minutes, we were finally seated (and told that the wait was partially due to the owner having a private table for his friends). Food: Our table shared the charcuterie tasting as well as the artisanal cheese tasting. The cheeses were good, but the charcuterie was a bit disappointing. It had salmon that everyone agreed was quite off. For my meal, I wanted to try the day's special but sadly after the long wait it was no longer available, so I opted for the steak sandwich which had a nice amount of blue cheese on it, but itself was quite fatty. Three people at my table ordered the steak sandwich as well and each had stomach problems afterward.
(2)
Matt F.

Oh, how I love thee Lord Hobo. There are definitely some swings and misses when it comes to the food (I'm looking at you pulled pork sandwich). That being said, it's the best selection of beer in or around Boston. The bartenders are always incredibly nice and helpful. I get the hipster vibe people are talking about, but what do people expect at a place like this in Cambridge? I'm about as preppy as they come, and I feel right at home here.
(5)
Andy O.

If I lived in Cambridge I'd be here all the time. Went there with some co-workers last night for a few beers after work. The beer selection is amazing and I tried some beers I've never had or heard of. We also ordered some truffle fries that were outstanding. Started to fill up around 7 so I'd recommend getting there a little earlier if you want a table.
(4)
Shirley Y.

friday night is definitely a preferable night to visit the former bside space than the saturday night i first came, when the music was roaring through some bad speakers. after entering through the thick velvet curtain that helped contain the heat inside from the frigid cold air outside, the after work crowd was just starting to fill up the space. there was no music playing, so people could chat with their friends easily. the menu was filled with warm comfort food, a page of wine, a page of draught beers including one cask conditioned ale, a page of cocktails and finally a page of spirits. The 1791 [their version of a negroni] was served in a martini glass. boo. i would much prefer a regular old fashioned. the bartender struggled with burning the orange peel, so i told her that she didn't really need to do that, for fear of lighting something else on fire! they did serve the dogfish pangaea in the appropriate glass, filled with citrusy spicy goodness. my friend ordered a glass of red zinfandel, and she received a glass on the house as the one she ordered was no longer in stock. after a long wait though. the crowd was starting to thicken, and the people standing behind us at the bar waiting patiently for their drinks were starting to feel antsy. finally two more bartenders appeared, but they should've started their shift a little earlier. even though the bartender we had was so friendly, sweet and nice, i miss the bside bartenders, who know your name and used to light their patrons' cigarettes during the days when smoking indoors at the bside regularly obscured the ceiling above. the food is outstanding though. my friend ordered the pork belly cassoulet, which melted in your mouth accompanied by the smokey, hearty beef taste. the lobster mac and cheese i ordered was very creamy, i suspect with ricotta. not so excited about the rigatoni pasta they used...i love regular macaroni due to the texture this dish could have benefited from. may come back again since it's a decent neighborhood bar with a great beer and cocktail list, and reliable food. not on a saturday night though.
(3)
Eric B.

I'm a BIG fan. Hit it up last night and had the Stone Cali-Belgique, Stone Ruination and Greenflash Hop Head Red. In addition to that I sampled several of the brews on tap. Aside from their extensive draught list they have a fairly impressive bottle selection. The staff seem well versed in all the beers they carry and Lord Hobo has done a lot to premiere the local craft talent. The food is great-although the schnitzel was not the best. Big fan of the fries and deviled eggs.
(5)
stacey l.

The menu here was good. Something for everyone and reasonably priced. We went on a quiet night and the service was sort of lacking. It could have been the guy thought we only wanted drinks and an appetizer, but we did want dinner and it took a long time to get him our order. We got there during the half priced starters promo, but he didn't put the discount on the bill. Again, annoying, but the food was excellent. It could have been a near perfect experience.
(3)
Nim H.

I went to Lord Hobo on a Tuesday night as a suggestion from a friend, and found it to be a pleasant experience overall. The bartender Heather was attentive, and seemed relatively knowledgeable about their extensive beer selection. For those who haven't been there, I would consider it to be an American style brew pub with New American fare, as their draughts were highlighted by top notch IPAs, and several delicious Belgians, and the food menu is a mix of classic american fare (burger/steak) with slight twists. I had the '92 Siestas' cocktail as well which was tasty and not too overpowering. My friends ordered a nontraditional cuban (which they both enjoyed) and I had the raclette sandwhich. Unfortunately mine looked like it had been put together by a disgruntled Subway employee, as one meager slice of ham was thrown onto a piece of cheese, melted quickly and thrown onto the plate (originally it was missing the arugula and apples). It wasn't too big of a deal, but I'd probably try something else on the menu. The fries were hand-cut and well seasoned. I'm not sure what it's like on busier nights, but for a Tuesday, it's definitely a good place to go to grab a good beer/cocktail with a bunch of friends.
(3)
M K.

Overly priced, food was average and beer cost more than I like to pay. Service could have been improved. We waited a long time to place our order. Unless a good friend I really trusted said it was their most favorite place, I won't be going back, which is a shame, since it is in my neighborhood
(1)
H and K.

Excellent beverage selection. The food was fresh and creative, but a couple of dishes were conceptually flawed. Good service. A bit too loud for comfortable conversation. Fried oysters: good Deviled eggs: Under-seasoned and a bit on the slimy side Curry and truffle fries: both good Seafood specials: Overwhelming ginger on the scallops, fish lacked a sauce or oil component Meat specials: Allegedly very good (but didn't try them myself)
(3)
Tony K.

Stamp of Approval. And you know coming from me that means a lot. (who does he think he is?? No - really - is this guy for real??). I take beer-geek-dom seriously and this is the first bar in all of boston-ish-lands that has thrown me be for a loop on more than on one odd ball beer. They have stuff you have never heard of - good and plenty. What you have here are classic powerhouse beers from california, the pacific norwest, and the north east and all over the country. On top of that - they have great beer from small breweries in europe.
(4)
David E.

What's not to like... Awesome beer selection and bartenders that are happy to talk you through your decision. I'd guess 40-ish micros on tap. Although a bit expensive, my burger was phenomenal, as was the garlic ketchup served with it. My friend's gnocci and oxtail was even better. The meat was perfectly braised and the sauce on the gnocci was top notch. Also, in terms of the decor, they managed to keep all of the cool parts of the B-Side but still give it its own identity. It's a bit weird that they keep the curtain closed so you can't see how hoppin' it is on the inside and that there's no sign, but maybe that's the point. I was there on a Tuesday so it wasn't hard to get a place at the bar but I imagine it fills up on the weekends. If I lived in Cambridge, I'd be there virtually every night to find out. Totally dig it.
(4)
Adam W.

I don't know. Grab a beer I guess, but leave after. This place is not what that building used to be. Staff is obnoxious to be honest. The patrons are not any better. Get over yourself? Go somewhere else gang.
(2)
Colby H.

My wife and I ate at Lord Hobo on a Wednesday night. Keeping in mind what it is, an upscale pub priding its beer list over all else, we were quite impressed. A cool, open, and cleaner than average atmosphere, a bit hipster (but only naturally so), Lord Hobo proved an enjoyable place both to drink and eat. We got in just before 7, able to take advantage of $1 Island Creek oysters. IC oysters are perfect this time of year, and the mignonette was fine, if a touch meek. Unfortunately, at 7:01 we were unable to further avail ourselves of the appetizer specials; not necessarily a criticism, but be aware of it. Our waiter suggested a vodka drink like the gin drink my wife wanted sans the gin, and an excellent double IPA that I thoroughly enjoyed. Direction is helpful with a list this immense. My wife ordered the sirloin sandwich, with Grafton chedder rather than blue cheese. "Steak sandwich" can be parlance for "tough burger"; not so with this above-average cut of meat on baguette. She loved her meal, eating more of the delicious fries than I had ever seen her devour, thanks largely to a brilliant side of curry dipping sauce not to be missed. I ordered the fish and chips. The cod, while sparing, was excellent, only slightly disppointing in losing its heat more quickly than normal. A heated plate might help, or a standard "wrapped in newspaper" kind of serving. I, too, mauled my fries. We were pleasantly surprised by a friendly if not overly attentive server, expecting a Bukowski's style, too-cool-for-school shunning described in past reviews. A touch on the pricy side of comparitive restaurants, Lord Hobo is still certainly not expensive and probably worth the cost. We will certainly be back.
(4)
Josh W.

This place might have great beer and food, but the service was so awful I never got a chance to find out. Everyone who worked here was incredibly rude. We walked in, and after 10 minutes of trying to get the hostess' attention, we were told there was at least a 45 minute wait for a table. While we were waiting, we stood at the bar for 20 minutes and not one bartender acknowledged our existence, despite making eye contact many times. I didn't get the impression any one in this place cared whether or not we spent a dime in there... so we didn't. Too bad, this place is supposed to be good.
(1)
Janet P.

This place had huge shoes to fill, as I used to live in the area and was a fan of the B-Side. We popped in on a Sunday afternoon, pleasantly surprised by the sensational cocktail list (I was with some "don't cross the river" south enders) and an enormous beer selection (for the token beer drinker in the group). Bartender was joking around and very pleasant and patient. Everyone was pleased which rarely happens. We had some snacks at the bar that were decent. Went back for dinner and it was ok. Basically I'll be going there for drinks and snack rather than meals, but I'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Marianne M.

The quality of the service you receive depends on the time of day that you're there. It's not what you think. When it's busy they're all about serving you and getting you off their backs. When it's basically empty it's hard to get quality service. There were three of us and it took 10 minutes to get a drink menu (even though no one was there). Then I ordered the Jack d'Or (great!), my friend ordered a beer, and my girlfriend ordered a gin and tonic. We got our beers "sort of" right away. It took about 10 minutes to get her attention about the G&T. The bartender's response: "It's mixing." WHAT!? Mix it yourself! It's gin. and. tonic.
(3)
Stephen G.

Great beer selection, the food I had was good, and the service was attentive. Everything is overpriced by approximately $1.50-$3.00, possibly more as far as the food goes. Since I'm all about the value, I'd say it really deserves a 2.5. Again, one of the better beer selections around. Not quite in the league of Red Bones or the Publick House for variety on draft, but very close. However, given the amount I drink, the inflated price of the beer adds up, and, therefore, I probably won't be back. I can't let this earlier comment pass, it's hilarious: "Crowd is trendy-hipster types, not serious beer sophisticates." I should probably use that as my yelp motto.
(3)
Gracie B.

Went back to give it another try. This time a Sunday around 2:00. Brunch should be quieter; 2:00 should be less crowded. Well, yes, it was quieter (yes, I am of the over 30 age where I no longer need my ear drums pierced to convince me I am having a good time), and it was less crowded (1 other table was occupied, 1 more table got seated after I sat down.) I was a little surprised at the lack of a crowd. But then I ate the food! I then understood. This is NOT a place for brunch. I ordered this sautÃ©ed mushroom and poached egg and toast dish. The mushrooms were gray, salty, and just sad looking. The egg was. . an egg. You can't *really* mess up a poached egg, but I have to say, it was truly the most untasty egg I've ever eaten. But I actually think it just couldn't compete against the wayyyy over salted mushrooms. And the toast was like the heel of a bread, hard and dry, and you didn't know if you were supposed to cut it and eat with a knife and fork, or pick it up. It was buried under the egg and mushrooms. In theory, to soak up the moisture I guess. But, there really wasn't any, and when attempting to cut it I nearly sent the entire dish flying across the room. I just had to relay this story to others. I believe a restaurant should try harder (especially if they are going to charge these kinds of prices. It was sooo ridiculously over priced and under quality.) I will say - I have not had dinner there. Maybe this just isn't a brunch place. But I am not going to find out. I don't need three strikes to be "outta there!"
(1)
Beth M.

Something in me really wants to like this place, but I'm convinced Lord Hobo just doesn't want me to. A group of us came in for brunch early Sunday afternoon and the catchphrase of the day was "sorry we're out of that." They have a great selection of beer, but I heard the waiter explaining to multiple tables that they were out of the ones people were asking for. I suppose we were "lucky" because the beer and fruit they were out of when we ordered were suddenly available later on. I think we're all used to getting mixed messages from time to time, but not over brunch when I'd rather not be decoding the waiter. This wouldn't have been such an issue if it hadn't taken over an hour to get our food. The food was fine, but not worth it (even with a groupon). I'd say save Lord Hobo for late nights and spend your sunny Sundays somewhere else.
(1)
Ace Z.

Went there last night for a friend's birthday, and I was pleasantly surprised. Completely unpretentious, and it didn't get too loud until about 7:30 (on a Wednesday). They've done a nice job with the redesign too. We split some curry chips for an appetizer, and at first the curry seemed a bit bland, but the taste grew. Nice. My friend had the True Shepherd's Pie, and if you like lamb (he does) it was pretty amazing. My burger was pretty damn good - properly cooked, decently sized, tasty. The challah they serve it on was an iffy choice - it was tasty but awkward - and they put some sort of mayo or aioli on it that wasn't on the menu, which annoyed me. Also: $13 for a cheeseburger is stupid, but it was one of two entrees under $18, so I dealt with it. Excellent cocktails. My friend had a Mickey Finn and a Rambler and loved them both. I had two Angelinas, which were very smooth. Minor annoyance: the music was good (Social D, Cure, etc) but kind of predictable (I had the distinct feeling my childhood heroes were being co-opted as Muzak), and also completely unnecessary because of the crappy acoustics in the room. Overall I'd call this a great place to splurge, despite the asinine name. (Also, take note: precious little for vegetarians).
(3)
Richard C.

Despite having one of the worst names for a restaurant I've ever heard, Lord Hobo makes a pretty good burger. Dining with my now former Pastry Chef, Jenni, who was enjoying her last American burger before she heads to greater things in Paris, I'm glad it was worthwhile. I must be getting old though, because the noise level in there is just unpleasant, why go out if you can't even hear what your friends are saying to you? It's a mildly pretentious atmosphere, with the usual round-up of Cambridge hipsters and too-cool-for-school servers and hostesses. But the menu is pretty solid, if not overly priced in spots, and smaller than deserving portion sizes. The burger, ground from the traditional Chuck, arrives on a soft bun that's in the neighborhood of brioche, not quite as "bread-y" as a brioche, a little less buttery, but glistening and an overall good fit for the beef despite being a tad too large. It may be dark, but I can tell my burger is over-cooked, not enough pink in this burger, and unevenly cooked. But the flavor is good, if not a little lean, there is some beef flavor present, and seasoned quite nicely. But it's too dry because it's more of a medium than a medium-rare, but again, a higher fat content might make the juiciness more forgiving, instead there's barely a hint of moisture, despite the proper seasonings. The fries, on the other hand, are a delight, and very memorable. I promise, all it takes is some salt and most fries would rank much higher on my list, these are perfectly fried and seasoned to perfection.They literally only taste of salt and potato, and that's the way it should be. Look, I realize salt is a personal thing, but fries deserve to be salted liberally, something that must be done as soon as they come out of the fryer, not at the table. The fries at Lord Hobo aren't ambitious or unique, they're just good, I just wish there was more of them. While the burger is good enough, and perhaps on a different day it's even better when cooked the preferred medium-rare, the noise level is so bothersome to me I feel like a bitter old man even thinking about making that complaint. But to someone who is clearly less of a loser than I am, and someone who enjoys an extensive beer list and water served in a Mason Jar, this might be the place for you.
(3)
Deborah B.

We went to Lord Hobo last night for my boyfriend's birthday. I was a little apprehensive about going to a new joint that hasn't had the time to work out any kinks, but we had a great experience. Their beer list is pretty overwhelming, but our helpful server walked me through it, and she offered to bring me tastings of a couple of very different beers, which was awesome. Considering that a single beer costs up to $10, it was nice not to have to take a guess that I would like it. Their cocktail list calls to me as well. Next time. The food was pretty good too. For appetizers, we had deviled eggs three ways and fried oysters, both of which I'd easily order again. I ordered the lobster mac & cheese, which was a good-sized portion for an appetizer, and he had the gnocchi with oxtail, which I loved. Our server raved about the Shepherd's pie, and I'm definitely curious about the rest of their menu. We got there at 6, and it was already crowded. By the time we left, there was a line out the door. I guess we weren't the only ones wondering what would take the place of the former B-Side. Parking is somewhat of a pain now that we no longer have a Cambridge sticker, but we'll definitely be back.
(4)
Sara J.

I love this place! Original cocktail list (try the cat wagon!) and great mac & cheese. The atmosphere is nice; it's not a dirty bar like I'm used to. It can get crowded, though. Definitely a good place for a date.
(4)
Steve S.

This is the beer bar you want to be at in the Cambridge area. It was recommended to me by a waiter at an awesome brewery/restaurant in the area. Lots of craft brew brands. THE beer bar in the Boston area.
(5)
Lauren S.

So amazing. Great happy hour food. BEST beer selection. Excellent atmosphere. Fun and fancy! Nom!
(5)
Alexandra B.

It is truly a pleasure to find restaurants doing new American who are not afraid to liberally sprinkle their menus with vegetarian options! I'm used to the typical Boston new-American gastro pub having one or two veggie-friendly options, so Lord Hobo was a delightful surprise. Top it off with the fact that the food was great AND the vegetarian options did not solely consist of mushrooms and eggplant (such a cop out, when will they learn?!), and I'm sold. Be back SOON!
(5)
Nate S.

What stands out about this place is the beer selection. The entrees are decent for the most part, with the standout being the mac and cheese. Going here for a beer after seeing a movie down the street is what I go for.
(4)
Michael R.

I mostly only eat the mac'n'cheese. I've had this at like 30 different places and Lord Hobo blows them all out of the water. It's to die for! Get it with the bacon.
(5)
Ike S.

Firstly, need to say that I come here at about once every two weeks, and I'm always able to find a parking spot within ten minutes walk from the restaurant. It's never a problem once you know the area, for example, Broadway usually has open spots. Lord Hobo has one of the best beer selections in Cambridge/Boston, plus a great menu with delicious and constantly changing specials. The French fries made with freshly-cut potatoes are so good; those along with the homemade curry dip (plus a frosty microbrew) justify the drive into Cambridge. But there's more to the food than fries. I have also tried lots of things on the menu, and haven't had a bad thing yet; the scallops are particularly good, as well as their endlessly changing fritter specials. The brunch menu is solid as well; the breakfast grub beats most diner-level food I've had in the Boston area. Plus you can have beer for breakfast! The atmosphere is pleasant, and though it can get loud and crowded on weekends, the people hanging out seem cool, and always get along and have a great time. Lord Hobo is definitely not your ordinary bar! Some of these reviews remind me of an old joke: "So, last night we had some beer, and them some white wine, then we had a few shots of cognac, and a little vodka. Then we had a few oatmeal-raisin cookies and got really sick; THOSE were not cooked well at all!"
(5)
Emily C.

I love their beer selection and their Parmesan fries with truffle aoli but other then that this place is just ok. They do not have a huge selection and are primarily known for their beer.
(2)
Lena B.

please CHANGE: 1. TALL tables and chairs, Red Walls, and depressing lighting ( liked bside decor better or steal ideas from starlite ambience) 2. BAD LOUD MUSIC ( the brunch music was good can you play that at night and at the same volume?) seriously? whose taste is this? it makes me not want to come back ever again even for the beer (see below) 3. Current Art work 4. the high prices Please KEEP: 1. the beer list--loved my two belgium beers 2. the apps and lobster mac and cheese however add more lobster instead of two pieces thrown in there. add more seasonal items to the menu. 3. the cambridge crowd. i'm loyal.
(3)
Billy Su B.

i ordered a 9 dollar gÃ¶ller rauchbier from a waitress that had no beer knowledge [but was nevertheless super-nice and perfectly attentive], NINE DOLLAR truffle Mcfart fries that weren't even CLOSE to being worth it [needed salt, truffle addition uninspiring, unimpressive, unnecessary], stared uncomfortably at a fellow patron's alarmingly hairy buttcrack bursting from his apparently too-small pants, and wondered inwardly why a slightly expensive restaurant that serves truffle Mcfarty fries for 9 dollars and lavish steaks and 13 some-odd dollar burgers would insert the somewhat misleading word HOBO (i.e., homeless, penniless, nomad-vagabond)into their restaurant name.... ...i think i would much, much rather drive to allston and have the same GÃ¶ller rauchbier for 8 dollars out of a better suited glass, simple fries that are way better, warming non-weird decor, and staff that know their beer forward, backward, sideways, and blindfolded. if i break both my legs and i can't make it over to deep ellum for a rare beer, i guess i'll wheel around the block to lord hobo and pay a dollar more for the same thing and feel okay about it. i didn't hate lord hobo, i just feel uninterested in ever going back. :/ nevertheless, 2.5 stars for a wonderful beer list and an attentive waitress. shvatever. but for those of you complaining about the selection- c'mon. that's some bullshit. the beer list was nothing short of excellent.
(3)
Ellomenno P.

Make sure and check there's no beer fest going on. For some reason beer geeks over 30 like to congregate like BU kids under 20. Place was ridiculously over-crowded to host an event, and they should know better, it's too a small room. We got a beer, tried to wait for a table (at 5:30), told we were next one would open up soon, it got even more CRUSHED, beers finished, we had to leave. Waste of time. I was with a colleague from out of town. It was embarrassing. As a side note, nobody there looked happy. Everyone drinking there looked MISERABLE. It was a weird vibe. Obviously, the servers weren't happy either, but can't say I blame them, tripping over everyone trying to carry drinks, past tables of six sharing a single appetizer. NOTE to beer geeks: find a better/bigger venue. Maybe the bars over by Fenway or North Station or something with your geekitude. Why do you have to ruin little bars over by the Kendall where people work, of which there are so precious few?
(2)
Sarah R.

Lord or Hobo? Last night I went with friends to Lord Hobo (aka the resting place of B-Side Lounge :( and we were all very confused for what they are trying to go for. On the one hand the lights are bright, gone are the cozy booths of B-side, to be replaced with uncomfortable high top tables and backless stools and a bunch of flat screen tv's playing sports. Ok, so looking around you think this is a dive sports bar??? Then the menu comes with admittedly creative, but expensive entrÃ©es starting at $20. What the what????? If I want to spend $20 an entrÃ©e I want an atmosphere to match like Oleana or Dante, but with dive sports bar atmosphere I need a huge plate of nachos for $6 and $3 drafts. What Lord Hobo has is a major identity crisis. Maybe that's what the weird name is all about?? Lord prices with a hobo atmosphere?? Not sure who they are trying to appeal to. The crowd seemed to be inherited b-side hipsters, not the frat boys who might be into watching sports on the flat screen tv's. Well good luck lord hobo and working out your identity issues. I won't be back. The whole experience just made miss B-side more (tear). Peace out girl scouts!!!
(1)
Joe F.

I want to like this place, really I do. I live around the corner so, as my Brit friends would say, it should be my local. And they've got a decent beer list, which the B-Side did not (but man, those bartenders knew their mixed drinks). Sure, the new owners tried to preserve the old bar's footprint, but what's left is a soulless substitute with a moronic name, an ill-conceived menu and--the reason I'm writing this--unforgivably bad service. Example: on a recent visit I asked the bartender, who barely acknowledged me in spite of the fact there were only 4 customers at the bar, to compare the Avery IPA and the Cisco Indian Pale Ale. Since they so proudly flaunt their 40 taps I would expect the barkeep to steer me one way or another. After glaring at me for a few seconds the best he could offer was this: "I don't think Cisco is known for its IPAs... so... it's probably not considered a good IPA or even decent." So why are they serving it? I should have taken that as my exit cue but ordered the Avery and some mussels, which came out cold and half of them weren't opened. I left most of them behind, and since the bartender never checked in to ask how the food was or if I needed anything (by then I counted 8 patrons... clearly he was overwhelmed) I just threw in the napkin and left it at that. The guy seated next to me was brought the wrong order completely so I figured I was ahead of the game. I've visited half a dozen times since the new management took over and have consistently left feeling like the staff were either having a bad day or would rather be somewhere else. With so many better options within stumbling range (Highland Kitchen, Miracle of Science, The Druid) I think I would, too.
(2)
A R.

Went there for apps and drinks after work one Friday and was pleased. They had $1 oysters and my friends seemed to enjoy there burgers and fries. They had a $4 beer of the month which was extremely good and hoppy. The beer menu was easy to understand. Seems like I place I wouldn't be happy unless I had a seat at a table or at the bar (which we did). Overall, I will go back.
(4)
Ben E.

I'd have to agree with what others have said about this place, that it seems to promise a little more than it delivers. Good beer selection overall, but the menu was somewhat limited (especially for my vegetarian girlfriend), and the food, while solid, was not truly outstanding. A solid spot, to be sure (moreso if you live in the neighborhood, since parking is a B), but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here again.
(3)
Kim L.

they recently installed some sound absorbing panels so i can actually hear what my friends are saying! love this place, love the beer! love it even more when mel's my server! cheers!
(5)
Nina K.

I had been to the previous bar/restaurant in this spot (The B-Side Lounge) many times over the past eight years and it was always a great meal with great drinks. When it closed and Lord Hobo opened, my husband and I were excited to check it out. The decor is definitely more modern. We went for lunch on a Saturday and the place was empty, so I cannot comment on noise levels as others have. I had a Cuban sandwich with a half-and-half (lemonade + iced tea). Sandwich was OK, drink a bit too sour. Husband had a burger w/an egg on it and a bloody Mary. Overall: food was all right, prices were all right. I would not go back, though. There was nothing particularly impressive about the menu or our meal.
(2)
Amanda G.

So many beers I had no idea where to start so the serious bartender man gave me some tasties and criticized my lemon infusion in beer, water, and everything (it's the latina). I appreciated his beer knowledge and no nonsense criticism. No posers here! Like the round bar with lots of seating too.
(4)
Katharine R.

My first trip here, on opening week mind you, was MAGICAL. Our server was phenomenal: offering suggestions, bringing samples, being helpful and friendly overall. The beer list was unique and delicious. The mussels and fries appetizer was exceptional. It truly reminded me of the "moules frites" I had in Paris. My lobster mac and cheese was creamy and had real chunks of lobster in it. My dates steak frites was perfectly cooked and delectable. All in all, a fantastic evening. Since then, I have been blabbing all over town about this place. I finally had a chance to revisit it last night with a friend and our experience was less than magical this time. Sigh... The mussels and fries appetizer has been reduced to mussels and a piece of toast. It's a great piece of toast, don't get me wrong, but toast compared to yummy fries with garlic aioli is sad. The server said they "changed their recipes". Not really a change for the positive, I would say. While we are on the subject of service, if my last visit was a glimpse at service heaven, this trip offered a glimpse at service HELL. To say she was spacey is an understatement. We sat with empty glasses for 25 minutes as we dove into the mussels (without fries, did I mention that?!). Then she never came back to take our order. Then, once we ordered we waited for our entrees for 40 minutes. We had to ask about the wherabouts of our entrees twice. She claimed the kitchen was 'slammed", but by then it was 9:30 and there were empty tables everywhere. Finally, I had the goat cheese and arugula salad which was great. It would, however, been exceptional if the server ever came back with the pepper that I had requested. Twice. Lord Hobo, you get one more shot. The food is really good. Slightly overpriced, but tasty. However, I see that server milling around, I will definitely run to another section!
(3)
Michael B.

One of my favorite spots. My friends love the beer selection. I love the fact that they have a good selection of rum and other spirits. Also love the food. If you try nothing else... Get the fries. Fantastic.
(5)
Renee G.

If you all hate this place so much you can just go back where you came from. Meanwhile I'll be sitting at the bar drinking myself into oblivion on a succession of hard-to-find draft beers (minimum 7% ABV please) and eating a horrifyingly large quantity of french fries (oh, the crispy ends!) with truffle aioli. Good riddance.
(4)
Alice D.

I love this place. Solid beer selection, solid food and, IMO, priced appropriately. I love the cask selections and all the different styles they have, but, more importantly than the range of selection is how much the staff knows about the beers. They're incredibly good at recommending and describing beers. I'm also a huge fan of the lobster mac n' cheese. At $18 with the lobster, it's pretty pricey, but you get TONS of lobster, which makes it worth it for me.
(4)
Sahil G.

God. Lord Hobo. You are my savior. You don't know how long I've waited. You don't know how much googling I've done. Researching on BA, on the Cambridge town records, finding anything I can from the staff at M&D. You don't know how many tears have been shed each time that opening date has been pushed back. But you've opened. Finally. It's all been worth it. I know who you want to be. I know what your food is. I know what your beers and your cocktails are. And quite frankly, you've exceeded my expectations, and now my tears are shed out of sheer joy. I'll start out from the beginning. I went to school at UMass-Amherst and the Moan and Dove quickly became my favorite bar. A simple set up. Small, cozy, warm colors, warm staff, free peanuts! A beer list that could never bore me or your most avid enthusiast. I move out to Brighton, and I can't find anything that can replace my beloved Moan and Dove. Publick House doesn't even come close, but Deep Ellum becomes a reliable standby. Then I hear the news, Daniel has bought B-Side, a famous cocktail joint from the old days, and is going to revamp it and make it a beer bar with an equally solid selection of beer and food. The wait begins. Rumors have it that Lord Hobo will open July. No wait, August. Pushed back to September. Wait, October now. The dumpster is out there still. The dumpster permit expires soon, they've got to open! Construction delays, quirky Cambridge office hours. Every imaginable hardship you can fathom while building a restaurant has happened to Lord Hobo, and they have prevailed. I got the hell out of Brighton, apartment hunted around Lord Hobo, making sure that I could be in walking distance (1 mile ain't bad). They have their soft opening for industry folk and family and friends. Reviews are glowing. Chef Bailey has outdone himself. Daniel has an expansive spread of beer, two on cask as well! Finally, opening night on Wednesday night at 5PM. I invite my friends, god knows I've hyped the place up enough to all of them. I sprint out of work, coordinate to meet friends around 6:45. I rush there, arrive a bit earlier than expected, but that's okay. There is a line at the door, maybe 10-12 deep. I peer inside and see the promised land. Warm reds and browns, bare bulbs, a full house (at capacity, by head count) of smiling patrons. And the bar. God, the bar! I wait in line, get to the front and my friends arrive on time. We tell the bouncer (who was very nice, talkative) that we need a table for 4. We wait for a bit until enough people leave that we can go in. We finally go in and are greeted by Daniel himself, tell him our intent for a table of 4. Daniel says that a waitress will come get us when ready, but we are free to sit at the bar in the meantime. We go to the bar and we get our first peak at the beer list. I start with a Founder's Breakfast stout, my friends imbibe the Left Hand, the Allagash Tripel on Cask. All are delicious. All are amazing. I follow up with a De Ranke Guldenberg. Again, delicious. We wait maybe 15 minutes over our drinks just chatting it up. The bartenders are very friendly, offer samples of anything we may be interested in, and are all very knowledgeable. Our waitress comes over and informs us that our table is ready. We sit, and are informed that we need to be a bit careful on the tabletops, they weren't finished correctly, so that waitress is going to be using napkins for our dishes. That's fine. It's opening night, understandable. We pour over the list, wanting everything. We settle for almost everything. Truffle chips, gravy and chips, fried oysters, lobster mac and cheese, deviled eggs, and charcuterie. They arrive shortly, maybe 10 minutes and they are all delicious. The fries are solid, perfect amount of seasoning. All dips and sauces are tasty, eggs are light, smooth and fluffy. Oysters are amazing. Everything. Is. Amazing. Ordered a couple burgers, medium rare. And they came, MEDIUM RARE! Wow. Eastern Standard doesn't even get this right half the time. Burger was outstanding. Time for another drink! I order the Interloper, and it comes quickly. Everyone at the bar has a heavy hand, this is a good thing. The cocktail is perfect, not too strong, a bevy of different flavors blending perfectly together. Finish the night with a Spezial Rauchbier. End of the night approaches, and the bill comes, no more than $70 bucks a person. Not bad considering 5 drinks and sharing of appetizers. The staff is friendly, the beer and liquor are amazing, and the food is equally satisfying and savory. Some people might be put off by the prices. I just don't think they understand. This is a restaurant. This is a beer bar. This is both. And they are doing both to the utmost highest quality. This will not be cheap. A constantly rotating selection of 30 taps and 2 casks of microbrews and craft beers can be expensive. But you won't find that selection anywhere else. I love you. Congratulations. Finally.
(5)
Michael K.

Beer selection is awesome. Food is great but expensive.
(4)
john m.

It's taken so long. The seemingly just-around-the-corner opening day. B-Side is gone. Wahhhhhhhhhh wahhhhhhhh Whilst the true public opening still isn't for another 24 hrs, I had the glorious privilege of being at the 'soft-opening' last night for Theeee Lord Hobo and let me count the ways that I loved each ounce. Firstly and, often most importantly, the staff was cool as a cuke. It was quite clear that each member was and is invested in the sustained success of LH. Everyone was eager and attentive. And as a former member of the industry, they worked in concert like very few groups that I have experienced....regardless of it being the first night! Kudos kiddos. You guys took it to the streets! Edibles (and I'm not talking about arrangements!): 1. Consume vast quantities of the fries. We did! Them sh*ts is tasty little buggers. The truffle dipping sauce is ooo la la. The gravy, as noted before myself, is worthy of a goblet. I was tempted to snap a picture of it, bring it home, and admire it in the privacy of my room. It's sensual. And the "fried" oysters. Well, I don't want to say too much. Just order them. However, you may want to eat them while lying on the floor because that's where they are putting you. 2. Main stuffs- I had the gnocchi with oxtail. It made me want to revert to more primitive methods of consumption. Forks and knives? They're an unwelcome middle man to this interaction. My crew member to the right had the veggie pollenta and while I am not usually (ever) drawn to meatless courses, I am considering becoming a veg head so as to eat this thrice daily. The veggies were cooked to lip smacking perfection. The pollenta was creamy and just the right amount of heaviness. Porno for your mouth. Legit. Now onto the important stuff-BEER. The list is extensive. There is something for everyone. Light wheats to heavy, dark, cut with a knife brews. I sampled 2-12 varietals and have a long way to go. Shucks. It appears that each beer was selected with thought. And no generic domestics, thank god. If you want a Bud Light, please see yourself out the door and elsewhere. The decor is optimal for mingling. Girls and boys are going to find one another in this joint. Lots of dark reds, browns, and smooth metal and wood. Also, the art is a conversation starter. I foresee tables interacting and asking what one another's thoughts are. While I am biased by being lucky enough to be at night #1, I would be greatly surprised if y'all don't dig this joint real hard. If you don't, you don't like awesome spots. That's just factual. My only gripe is that now I need an 8th day of the week...because 7 a week at LH just won't be enough.
(5)
John R.

Went up for the Pretty Things Hedgerow Bitter (sp) release. Great beer selection. $5 apps from 5-7 that were great. Place was packed at 5 on a Tuesday night. Chef Wolf and I were amazed. Worth finding.
(5)
Colin G.

Food is better then decent. The beer selection is vast and unique with many great flavors. This normally would warrant a higher rating but I must describe the clientele. The place is filled with know it all hipsters. These trendy alternative types are the only people who inhabit this place and make it uncomfortable;e and annoying. Too much political pontification. Again what can you really expect when your in the "Peoples Republic of Cambridge"
(3)
Laura A.

i'm glad some of the hype has died down about lord hobo - imo, it's settled into its rightful place as comfortable neighborhood bar (and dangerously close to the new poor little rich girl - impromptu post-drinking shopping trip, anyone?). lots of bike parking out front which i appreciated, pretty calm and quiet inside with good music (arcade fire is a little 2007 for me but i can dig it), slightly overwhelming draft list. my advice would be to ask the bartender for their help if you truly can't decide - i've seen other people trying samples of beers they were deciding on. the negatives are the prices, especially for food. i've only had the curry fries but they were kind of pricey. they were tasty and all and came with a GIANT bowl of curry but how about offering a half portion for half the price? it is hipster central for better or for worse. let's just say when i checked in on foursquare, the bar was almost empty and three other people had checked in at the same time!
(4)
Julia L.

I was really hopeful that Lord Hobo would be better. I love Dirty Truth and Moan and Dove out in NoHo/Amherst and there has been a huge hole in the neighborhood since B Side left. The beer list was extensive and well researched. I don't mind paying a little more for quality beer, but I don't think I will be back to Lord Hobo due to the quality of the food vs. the price. This isn't a $30 entree restaurant. This isn't a $30 neighborhood. The food was just okay. I ordered the deviled eggs as a appetizer since I adore deviled eggs! The flavor was a savory blend that didn't entirely work. The yolk filling was runny and had the consistency of gravy. Personally, I like a good thick Southern deviled egg like Hungry Mother used to make. I think maybe the filling hadn't sat long enough in the refrigerator to let the flavors blend together and congeal. The texture and flavor also looses points for being covered in a course ground sea salt, that was too salty and too crunchy for a soft app like an egg. The gnocchi and oxtail in parma cream sounded delicious but again, the flavor wasn't up to my expectations. The gnocchi was soft and the texture was dead on, but the oxtail was over cooked and the parma cream was flavorless. If I had been cooking this at home, I would have added some shallots or dijon mustard. This dish was a yawn. I enjoyed my Dogfish and then had to try a Soylent Green. It was made by people! Both drinks were great! I don't know if I would waste the time or money eating at Lord Hobo. I would definitely wait until they work out a few kinks before trying it again. The waiter we had was terrible. He would stop by the table 3 times in 5 minutes and then he would go stand at another table chatting it up for a half hour as we waited to order more drinks. We had to ask another waitress for drinks, water and our check. The waiter didn't seem to be knowledgeable about the menu and was just a spacey guy. Save your pennies and go to Bukowski's. You will get the same great beer list and chill vibe. The service is killer. The food is better and much cheaper.
(2)
Epic S.

This is like what Sunset Bar & Grill would be like if it had class and no BU students. The drink list is huge and the food list is not. That's okay, though, because the food is fantastic. Whoever was talking shit about the Veggie Burger needs to reevaluate that. I thought it was one of the best I've ever had, and this is coming from someone who only eats veggie burgers. Sure it's a little pricey, but they have drinks that use imported booze and liquor, therefore making it not 3 bucks a drink. Also, the food portions are HUGE. I can't remember the last time I ate so many god damn delicious french fries. I WANT TO SWIM IN A POOL FULL OF THEIR PILSNERS AND FRIES!
(5)
Jamie G.

I've been here a few times now I am consistently impressed. I really love their beer selection-- lots of good beers on tap in addition to some good bottles too. As my dining companion pointed out, their beer list takes up almost all of their thick menu. The food is only on one page! So there isnt much selection for food, but I had the Salmon with tomato puree and mustard spaetzel. Small, edible-sized portion which was refreshing, but expensive for what it was. (however the cuban sandwich my friend got came with an ENORMOUS portion of fries!) For beer, I had the Jolly Pumpkin Weizen Bam,(not pumpkin flavored, just the name of the brewery). It was sour and oak-y, but very delicious. I would definitely come back when I'm craving some good beer at a more classy-ish establishment than other bars around.
(4)
Ben L.

Rumors of lines during soft openings and hour long waits to get in at 7pm were enough to dampen my hope of really enjoying the freshly opened Lord Hobo and on the night that I went I was prepared with a backup plan should it be needed. In what can be considered a certain amount of luck there was no line at the time of my arrival, it was however packed inside. This had no effect on the bright beaming smile of the hostess inside. Right as soon as I was past the draped velvet curtains she was right there chipper as a song bird checking to see if proper dining would be needed (throughout the night this question was posed three or four more times, the answer never changed). I had to start with a cask beer but there are plenty of other beers to pick from but the options are all about you getting a good beer with little to no attention paid to saving you money, guess the rest of the bars around will have to get that sorted for you. Cocktails aren't priced cheaply for the area but here's a bit of a tip. Have an idea of what kind of drink you like and order off menu. They'll to a perfectly good job of getting it done for you and you should save a couple of bucks. I did try their truffle fries which were fine but a tad pricey for my blood.
(4)
Michael C.

We've been to Lord Hobo four times since its opening. On the first three visits, it was all about cocktails, beer, and fries. Last night, we tried dinner for the first time. I'm torn. I want to love this place. The beer selection is impressive, if a little heavy on the imports for my taste. The cocktail menu is creative and expansive, but neighbors Cuchi Cuchi and Trina's Starlight Lounge mix circles around the Hobo. The fries are very very good, but I didn't enjoy the accompanying curry sauce (on one visit) or the truffled sauces (on another visit). The staff is friendly and the "feel" of the place works for me. For dinner, though, even through the darkness, the Hobo showed its seams. We kept things simple, ordering a veggie burger and a standard-issue beef burger. After waiting more than half an hour for our food to arrive--the kitchen seemed really backed up--my burger was over-charred and undercooked (medium rare, when I had ordered medium well). In the end, I watched my husband choke down his veggie burger in a few minutes, while I ate nothing. The server apologized and took the burger off our tab (insufficient compensation, I think), but admitted that there was no manager on premises to smooth things over. No manager during a very busy dinner shift!? We might return for drinks, but the food was a one-time lapse of judgment.
(2)
Dana B.

My roommates, fellow UMass grads and I had been anxiously waiting for Lord Hobo to open since July. We in some ways based our apartment search around the location of the bar. I was unable to go on opening night, much to my dismay, but my friends and roommates went and raved about it for a couple of days. When I was finally able to go last night (Saturday) I only had to wait for 20 minutes and it was already 9:45 by the time I got there. Yes it was crowded, but there was a buzz and the excitement of the the current patrons was contagious. I was so happy to see that there was a coat rack, especially because we had to start our first drink at the bar. I am usually a beer person, but decided to give the cocktails a try and I am confident in saying that "Soylent Green" is one of the best cocktails I've ever had. I did not order food, but mooched a couple of curry gravy fries and they were fantastic. The wait staff was friendly, as was the bar staff, and I felt really at home in a place that is pretty good sized. I miss Moan and Dove in Western Mass - great beer, great people, great atmosphere and peanuts! However, I think Lord Hobo has definitely met my expectations and I can't wait to try a full meal there. Nice work guys - and thanks for the koozie!
(5)
Bruce D.

My first experience here was so positive that I almost wonder if management has been reading the negative Yelp reviews and fixed their problems. Service was actually notably good - attentive without being intrusive. As many have noted, a fabulous beer list, and the food was all very well executed comfort food. Best fish and chips I've had in Boston, and really good mac and cheese that tasted a bit like a Swiss fondue (a good thing in my book).
(4)
Kate L.

I loved the beer selection -- a great mix of cool local brews and more far-flung favorites (I can't resist a Stone ruination...mmm). Snagged a few fries from others sitting at the table and they were definitely delectable. I'm a sucker for this kind of place but I really liked the atmosphere and the tunes. I'd like to come back to try some of the food and cocktails next time. I'd agree with previous posters that the servers could be a little bit more on top of things. How about checking to see if anyone else at the table needs anything when you take one person's drink order?
(4)
Sean R.

This place has a lot of beer variety... that's the upside. The food is extremely expensive for what it is and not impressive. Servers are pretty rude. Crowd is trendy-hipster types, not serious beer sophisticates.
(2)
alex l.

Just wanted to say something about the price of the food here. I don't know why people are complaining about the food being expensive. My husband and I got mussels and a large fries for $10 and 6 deviled eggs for $5 which filled us up for dinner...$15 for 2 people, not too pricey in my opinion
(5)
Tai C.

Was just at Lord Hobo this past weekend for a friend's birthday get-together, and I have to say that the music was much better this time. I think it's always going to be a little loud because of the acoustics in there, but overall, nice fix, Lord Hobo!
(4)
JARED D.

I met a large group of people here, and everyone had a great time. We got the deviled eggs, the cheese plate, a ton of oysters, and all that hoity toity stuff I could care less about. Everything was very good but the reason I'm giving this place a 5 star review is the beer. They have a lot of tasty beers. I didn't even know where to begin. I picked the first round and started at the top of the list, then my roommate picked the 2nd, and our friend the 3rd. They were all fantastic, which leads me to believe they don't carry any crap beer there. I ended the night with some whiskey and cokes. They don't carry the typical brands there which completely threw me off the bandwagon until I tried the stuff they had and then I got this overwhelming feeling of enlightenment. We stayed for a little while after last call, and after all that whiskey and beer you can imagine we were a little loud and obnoxious. The staff was as cool as cucumbers and extra-friendly in escorting us out on our merry way though, even though they practically had to kick us out. I plan on coming back and finishing their beer list over the course of a few visits. If you enjoy a good brew I suggest you give it a shot as well.
(5)
CLC C.

Even though we got there early -- long before the crowds appeared, service was amazingly slow!!! Consistently taking 10+ minutes to get a beer. And.. it was expensive, loud, and pretentious. Then, because we had 6 people at our table, they put a 17% gratuity on our bill. I guess the waitress should not be penalized for the glacial slowness of the bartender and kitchen, but it really irked me! This was my 2nd visit. 1st one was pretty much as bad. Taking my beer money elsewhere. There will not be a 3rd visit.
(1)
Dave P.

Im definately a fan of Lord Hobo, I love beer and they have a great selection and they vary their rotation, which is a huge plus. The food is decent but that's not why I go there, they have some interesting things on the menu that you won't find at most pubs however.
(4)
Kristen F.

Came in during happy hour last week solely because they offer dollar oysters from 5pm-7pm. Awesome. Once we get there the menu indicates it's a limit of 12 per person. Ok, fine. Thanks for being upfront about it but to me, if you're luring people in with oysters... give them oysters. You already have a time cap on it so why put a limit as well? Most dollar oyster nights go until the last oyster is shucked and I think this place should do the same. The waitress told us she'd check for us and then lied about asking and the manager saying no... acted like it pained her so much to even ask. The excuse was if everyone has a dozen they'll run out... right, ya snooze you lose and the place was empty. Whatever. Also, I'm sure my $10 cocktails made up for it. Again, whatever. This place is in kind of a dead area of Cambridge so I doubt I'll ever make it back. If I were in the area I guess I'd go back, but wouldn't expect a bakers dozen of anything.
(3)
Jon O.

Been meaning to check out Lord Hobo since it opened and finally did this past week. First the look & feel. As many mentioned in other reviews it's pretty sterile, which is totally fine, but it could use a few knick nacks to give it some character. OK. The beer list seems good. I ordered a west coast IPA that was tasty. Yay. Now to the food. Since it was pretty earlier we decided to get the mussels since this was marketed as being a semi-Belgian focused place. Well, I have to say these were about the most boring, tastless mussels I've had in years. They were supposed to be thai curry which one would think would be full of a TON of flavor. They were not. Totally tasteless. I guess if you market yourself as having a ton of "belgian" beer you better have some damn tasty mussels. They go hand and hand. But, sadly Lord Hobo did not pass the test. I'll give it another try and report back in the coming months.
(2)
Dan M.

If you're looking for a cheap, tasteless, mass produced beer...go somewhere else. Lord Hobo has a solid variety of great craft beers to choose from without having passed the threshold of having too many to be able to make up your mind. The art displayed on the walls makes for great conversation topics, and most of it is for sale (if you're looking to drop several hundred on it). The chicken pot pie was fairly bland. I'd rate it somewhere around the upper-mid-level frozen variety at the supermarket. It's the only food I tried there, so I don't want to generalize about the rest of their menu but I won't bother ordering that again. Finding parking nearby was kind of a pain, but I can't hold that against them with all the snow we've had this winter.
(3)
Amy H.

Went here on a Monday. I had the pork belly and it made me sick to my stomach a few hours later. It was not cooked well at all; the fat was not rendered out at all, so it was very greasy and I am not sure if that made me sick or if it was not fresh. I eat a ton of pork belly -- I make it myself, my husband cooks it Japanese style (braised), and I eat it from Chinatown a lot, and I've eaten it a lot at restaurants. I know what good pork belly tastes like. I had gotten it on the waiter's recommendation. The waiter was not attentive however when we asked him, seemed friendly enough--although he forgot to bring the extra place setting/silverware/wine glasses/extra bottles of wine, ie, he always forgot something or everything every other time we asked him for something and we had to remind him constantly. We often sent someone up to find him. It's strange because he could have made a lot more $ if he had been at least baseline attentive. Pros: Great beer list. Great wine list (very reasonably priced and high quality). I would go to drink here, but not to eat, not ever again after the gastrointestinal distress I experienced. Cons: Food was sub-par, made me sick. From the time we ordered and the time the food came out, it took a long time to arrive; service was less than stellar/inattentive/forgetful. No desserts served.
(1)
RuffStuff S.

Okay, but not worth the money. Food is good but not great and certainly not worth the price. Great beer but is that part all that hard? Got an earful about not moving plates off the cloth napkins to prevent scratching the table and the need for coasters to prevent water rings.... seriously?? Am I at my great Aunt's or a beer bar??? Will try again in a month but may stick to Bukowski's and Trina's, it a further walk but worth the $50 in savings.
(2)
Ryan D.

Great beer and food but an 1.5 hour wait for a place to sit and the music was so loud we couldn't talk makes me not want to go back.
(3)
L W.

The beer selection is large, without being wide - there's way too much of the same thing: Ales (mostly IPAs). The last time I was there I was with a friend who wanted a hefeweizen. Not one on the menu and only one or two wheats of any kind. The food is ok, but pricey for what you get.
(3)
Michael C.

If I'm in the area I have to stop in and see what's on their extensive draft list. When they first opened the list was jammed full of Belgians and I really thought we Bostonians had something special on our hands. I'm guessing that others did not feel the same way as I'm seeing less foreign and more American beers on tap. I love Amercian craft beer but that original Belgian list was something to behold. In my opinion they fallen back into the pack with the oh so many other places that have similar lists. Now its hit or miss. If they have some breweries you're interested in trying you strike gold if not you have a couple and hope to be pleasantly surprised. Last Sunday was not thrilling but I'll be back. I'm following them on Twitter but their not saying much. I'm just not sensing the same electricity they had when they first opened. I hope its just a phase.
(2)
Sarah S.

Great beer selection, good food, but pain in the ass to get too and nothing else around
(3)
G C.

FUCK this place. was in here last night from 7-9pm. The staff changed the lights no less than 4 times, randomly turned on/off other lights a few times. ? Way way too loud. Couldn't even hear the server across the table telling us the specials. I was hoarse after I left from trying to talk to my friend who was sitting next to me at the table. Food is way too expensive, and had only like 2 vegetarian options. $12 for a small grilled cheese and a small cup of soup of average quality is way too much. People kept on exiting out the secondary entrance with those two large swinging doors, which would get stuck wide open, letting a giant blast of cold air in. There's a very extensive beer selection, both tap and bottle though, along with other liquors and cocktails. Mostly esoteric stuff unless you are a super snob, and our waitress wasn't very helpful at making recommendations and didn't know much about the beers at all. Man I miss the b-side. I'd give this place 0 stars if it was possible.
(1)
Dan L.

Walked over to Lord Hobo after having dinner at Cambridge Brewing Company (5 minute walk). It was seemed busy in there, but we had seats at the bar within 10 minutes after arriving. Bar service was friendly and attentive. Beer selection is great. Any bar that has Pretty Things Beer on tap is an instant hit for me. I am not sure this is a place I'd go for dinner, seemed to me more of a night cap place. The music was fairly loud and a bit piercing once the industrial style music started playing.
(4)
Kristen C.

not a bad place. the menu has a lot of beers to offer. however there was more than one time that we were told "oh - we're all out of that" or "we don't have that right now". location... isn't really ideal. not much parking around there and no other bars to easily walk to. the atmosphere is pretty good and the music that they played on friday was fabulous... old school songs like "regulators", etc.
(3)
Evelyn C.

I often feel, that in order to give a place a fair chance you have to go there twice. My first visit was three days after the opening. Clearly, it was packed. There were weird table issues, but we were seated in a reasonable amount of time, while we waited at the bar. This definitely isn't the place you go to get a Blue Moon. The bar menu is extensive and there is nothing wrong with that! The menu has a nice domestic and imported section that has obscure beers, with brief descriptions so you don't get too overwhelmed. The layout is kinda weird and narrow with a series of high tables and narrow pathways by the bar. It can get a little awkward going to the bathroom or walking around. The dim lighting and the art really add to the intimate atmosphere, though the tables are quite close to each other. We had a delicious assortment of appetizers. The charcuterie plate was tastefully done, the deviled eggs were amazing, the mac and cheese with lobster was a bit so-so, the mussels and fries were great and the fries with brown gravy were delicious! We had fun doing some blind beer choices and got an opportunity to try some new stuff. The price is right, three of us ate, drank, and got merry and i want to say it came to about $30-$40 per person. I dined at Lord Hobo last night, for the second time. The night was pretty chilly and one of the drawbacks of the restaurants is that it's drafty. No matter where you sit, i felt a little chilly in my short sleeved shirt. Again we were seated really quickly and when my other friend came to dine with us we were quickly accommodated, even though it was packed. Again, we decided to go the appetizer route but instead of the lobster mac and cheese, we just got the meat and cheese chacuterie plate, the mussels and fries and the deviled eggs. I dream about those deviled eggs! Avocado, chili, and truffled yolks, hot damn! Everything was excellent but the muscles were a bit too sandy for my taste, maybe it was a fluke who knows...We actually had the same waitress as before and she was definitely on top of her game. Again we ate and drank to our hearts delight and the bill came to about a hundred bucks for three people! This place might have a few tiny flaws, but they sure do make i up in price, menu, and atmosphere.
(4)
L S.

Finally tried this place the other night. It's decent, but nothing special. Kind of pricey. I had a few beers and the mussels and fries. I'm sure the beer menu rotates, but I felt there was a lot of repetition. I'm no expert though. The fries were tasty, and mussels were okay. Maybe next time I'll try a burger.
(3)
Jenn D.

i came to lord hobo with one of my girlfriends after taking in a movie at the kendall theatre a few days ago. i have to say i very much enjoyed, and will be back! the ambiance was nice...a bit dark, but then, its a "trendy" bar. the workers...were very much on the "i'm trying to act like your friend" type of thing...my friend had stopped in for a drink on her way to meet me for the movie, and they were like "oh you're back!" when we returned. kinda weird. the beer selection, as many others have mentioned, is fairly amazing. big belgian focus, somewhat obscure, but quite extensive. i am really looking forward to coming back and trying a number of them...if only i lived closer. in addition, they have a pretty good cocktail menu! some odd fascination with maraschino liquer, which i dont understand because that stuff is *terrible* but they do have some redeeming drinks, including the "angelina" which i thought was really good. my friend had the "hot for teacher" recommended by our chatty rum-loving waitress, and also enjoyed. we decided to split the truffle "chips" which were delicious - the 3 dipping sauces with them were so good. a good amount for sharing with 2-4 people - the two of us alone didnt finish them...probably because we also got entrees! she got one of the salads - arugula. really liked it, and i must admit i wished i had ordered it, it looked so tasty. probably nothing special, but if you just want a salad.... i, on the other hand, was starving when we ordered (less so after those fries!) and ordered a burger. mistake. and i say that only because it was way too much food for me. the burger was pretty good - not AMAZING like the boston burger company, but pretty good. the plate was covered in more french fries. like, covered. i mean, picture an envelop like you're mailing a letter. than pile french fries on top of that entire envelope, 2 inches high. it was absolutely absurd, particularly since we had ordered fries as an app (you'd think they could have said something?) overall, a delicious venture, and one i am likely to repeat (minus the burger, and fries mistake!)
(4)
Kevin M.

Great beer selection! And the food stands on its own feet as well. Shaved Steak Sandwich? Let's do it.
(4)
Tom M.

A large beer selection with 47 drafts including two casks (they've got a 3rd pump handle, but were only serving two), but it's strangely limited to only rare exotics. Don't go there with a friend who's looking for their old standby (even if it's a perfectly decent beer) or one who's watching their pennies (expensive). The updated decor (ripped out the booths, all new bar and woodwork) looks great at first blush, but after sitting a while it all seems too sterile -- as if they ripped out the soul along with the old beer soaked wood. Oh, and if you're going mount a garish flat panel, why hang a light cord in front of it? Limited food menu looked like it had decent choices, but didn't try the food. Crowd seemed lighter and more gentrified than the B-side (on a Tuesday). I wouldn't avoid the place, but right now don't like it as well as the B-side. We'll see how the new owners settle in ...
(3)
Dan T.

Needed to give them another star for the Jack Abbey recommendation.
(4)
Paul M.

I'm probably going to update this review later, because it looks like they are going through some issues that all restaurants probably go through when they first open. That being said, there were a number of things that were annoying and poorly thought through. The bar is unfinished so the glasses and plates will stain the wood which makes the staff act like complete freaks when it comes to using coasters and placemats. The place mats were actually computer mousepads and the whole coaster thing just made for an uncomfortable feeling. Next, there are little spotlights all over the bar which are completely blinding and are impossible to avoid looking at. Some of the lamps hang directly (as in 1 inch in front of the TVs), so if you are trying to watch the game the picture is blocked. The food was decent, but 9 bucks for fries is kinda ridiculous.
(2)
Adam F.

Went here last night for dinner and drinks. The selection of beers is awesome. They have an amazing variety of west coast beers, including my favorite San Diego brewery Lost Abbey (if you are ever in SD, it is a must visit!). I saw some folks on Yelp said that the fries were limp and soggy... They couldn't be further from the truth. We got the fries with curry sauce and it was fantastic. And definitely get the deviled eggs. The rest of the food, unfortunately, was a total miss. Cuban sandwich was ok but more like a pulled pork sandwich. And the gnocchi was mediocre too. Very small pile of gnocchi with a ton of oxtail meat. It sounds like they are being really generous giving so much meat, but it was unbalanced and the flavor wasn't there. All of that being said, this is an easy 5-star place for beer and appetizers, and I will definitely be coming back. The entrees were very disappointing and for the price are definitely not worth considering.
(3)
Laura F.

Oh Lord Hobo... where do I start? Let's just say if your beer menu wasn't so extensive I would probably not be returning (and that's not just because it's NOT the B-Side). Waiter was too cool to come by often and didn't sell me on any specials or drinks that we asked him about. Cubano had homemade sweet pickled veggies that could have been tasty but not for a cubano (cauliflower?) and the window draft was pretty terrible. The owners did a good job refurbishing the inside with warm red paint, better tables, and cool lighting. I give this place three stars only because I can't figure out how to give it 2 1/2 and because the beer menu excites me. Next time I'll be hanging at the bar.
(3)
Andrea P.

My boyfriend took me here solely based on the beer selection, which is amazing! I can get behind any place that has that long a list of microbrews and amazing IPAs. Moving on to the food.....it was AWESOME. We split the artisinal meat and cheese plate and I was just about in heaven. A collection of pates and insane cheeses, with a couple different sauces (one of which was a black truffle honey that almost made me lick the damn plate). My only complaint about that was they didn't give enough toasted bread. I ordered their nightly special, which was fried pork belly with a sort of cabbage slaw on the side. The pork belly was INSANE. I mean, it's pork fat. How bad can it be? The salad not so much. It was flavored with what tasted like Pernot, but I didn;t think it complimented the pork at all. It needed something a lot more acidic to cut all that fat. All in all though, a great meal! It's pricy but definitely worth the once in awhile splurge. I'd go here just for a couple great beers and an appetizer!
(4)
e p.

The food is bland, but the beer is very good.
(3)
Adam D.

Great charcuterie plate with truffled honey. Fantastic beer selection.
(4)
Maciej C.

Five star beer selection, including the $4 flavorful house brew. Nicely done interior (including the bathroom). Unimaginative brunch dishes hiding behind fancy descriptions, priced too high for what you get. Very slow service in a half-empty restaurant.
(2)
Sarah S.

Really excellent beer selection, good music, and hands down the best shepherd's pie I've ever had.
(5)
Taryn L.

Stopped by LH after work on Friday and it was crowded, but I was able to quickly get a beer at the bar and was seated about 30 min later. For dinner I tried the truffle fries and lobster mac n cheese. Fries were excellent with 3 great sauces and the mac n cheese was good, but not amazing (great lobster, but the cheese was too thin and watery). Yes, the prices are a little steeper than I hoped for, but considering the unique beer selection and pretty good food, I will definitely be back.
(4)
John H.

I made a yelp account just to tell people how much this place sucks. It's pretentious, arrogant, the drinks are way overpriced, the inside sucks, and the bartenders and hostess are rude. They don't serve any good beers....there is no Guiness for God's sake. A glass of Evan Wiliams costs 7 dollars...EVAN motherfucking WILLIAMS. The worst part about this shithole is that the volume of the shit music that they play is cranked up as loud as possible. You literally cannot hear someone that is screaming into your ear. Yet, there is no dancing there, it is more of a lounge atmosphere that is supposed to facilitate good conversation. Then why do they play the crappiest music ever at volumes that will permanently damage your hearing? There are absolutely no redeeming qualities about this place, I hope it catches fire.
(1)
Laura R.

My father and I stumbled on this place last night. Very much a hipster atmosphere. I would hate to be the only male employee working there that couldn't grow a beard, as it seems like that's a prerequisite to being hired. I give it 5 stars for the beer selection and 3 stars for the food. Only because the heirloom tomato salad that I ordered was so incredibly salty that my mouth was raw when I was finished. Over-salting a plate is just an incredibly novice mistake. The charcuterie plate was incredible. The Tuna sashimi was good. The heirloom tomato salad would have been great without the double dosing of salt. I would return just for the beer!
(4)
F C.

I went with another friend for a chill evening during the week. WOW. This place is awesome. I felt like the old commercial adage "everything you want, nothing you don't" would really fit this place. The beverage selection is second to none. Extensive beer and wine lists, as well as cocktails, rival the best in Boston. My favorite part was fries with a red wine demi glace gravy--- the deep maroon colored dipping gravy was the richest topping for fries that I've ever tasted. My friend who doesn't drink even wanted to take the remaining gravy home to spread on whatever. The crowd is part local, part hipster/rock n' roll kid, part bro, and part geek. I'm down with anyplace where all these people go for good eats and drinks. You'll find a lot of people on dates as well as the apres-work crowd. This is a little-more upscale than other places in Inman but it's also just as pricey. Two appetizers and a beer pushed $30. However, in this case, the food and liquor really measure up. I'll be going here in the future again soon.
(4)
Kate S.

The Lord Hobo is my new favorite place in the Boston Area. I recently moved from Atlanta, and have been searching for a replacement for my favorite Atlantean Belgian Bar. Everything is amazing: the service, the food, the beer selection! They even have a wide selection of creative cocktails, if you're not so much a beer person. Everything is delicious. The only thing people seem to really have a problem with is the price. Yes, it is more upscale than your average dive bar. But is that really a good reason to detract a star from the rating? Five star restaurants are five stars regardless of the price...and are significantly more expensive than Lord Hobo. Try the Hobo, more than once, so you can order everything on the menu. (Shepherd's Pie OMG!!)
(5)
Grace W.

I was not in the area when B-side lounge was around. However, the people I went with were long-time goers. I'll just speak for myself although I think they felt similarly with a tint of nostalgia. The absolute best thing about the Lord Hobo is the draft list. Seriously can not find anything to match in the area. Throw in the eclectic fries to pair with any beer and now you have an amazing experience which I'm sure will be doing really well in the area. It's a noisy place full of people at peak hours so don't go there if you're not in the mood for that. Loved the ambience and simple decor. Also not a huge fan of the small standing tables but it's not terrible. I wonder if they will be changing out the artwork or not but I really loved the oil-paintings that are currently up. The reason that this place gets 4 stars instead of 5 is because the service is pretty poor. There's usually one server for a large number of tables and it just gets pretty slow.
(4)
Dimitri L.

This place is first and foremost about the beer. The waitress was not even remotely knowledgeable about the beer menu but the selection is unreal. Even though the menu is super pretentious they had a good 4 dollar kolsch on tap and many beers were available in the 6 dollar range. The food is pricey for a bar menu but fairly good. The chicken lollipop appetizer was fantastic. The mixed greens consisted of 30 cents worth of lettuce for 6 dollars. My whole party enjoyed their cheeseburger, chicken breast, and salmon entrees, respectively. The restaurant is dark and loud and caters to a hipster 20 something (beer snob) crowd. The restaurant was totally overwhelmed on the Sunday night I went and my party spent more than 2 hours waiting on 2 courses. We had the buywithme to use when we went, meaning the food was half off. For half off, this place is an absolute steal. For full price there's no reason to venture out to Cambridge when places like the Publick House are closer.
(4)
Steve L.

OK - time to post an updated review. I have been to Hobo twice now, both last night for it's official opening and tonight. Let me tell you why my review gets an upgrade from 2 to 4 stars: 1. THey are open. Finally. No more "hopefully next week" 2. Living less than a block away, I am gonna have to live with their presence. Based upon my experience, their presence will be a good thing. While there were 10-15 minute lines to get in tonight and last night, they did move quickly, and staff accomodated us immediatly upon entry. Special shout-outs to Drew and Sarah, who both last night and tonight worked extra hard to accomodate the rowdy crowds that packed the place. The atmosphere inside was warm and intimate - the art was a nice touch in what used to be the B-side! FInally, I met 3 new friends from the neighborhood that I would not have otherwise, and spent my entire evening with them, last night. That's what a neighborhood bahh is for, right? 3. The beer. Did you know that the beer here is special? You can go to Sunset Grill and Tap across the river, but their selection is so big it's gimmicky - the tap selections at Lord Hobo are thoughtful and of the highest quality. More like Deep Ellum, but better. As for prices, I must say having been to Bukowski many times, the beer here is better, dollar for ounce than Bukowski. Some beers are more, and some are less than Bukowski, but if you want a de Ranke, or a Cantillion, you will NOT find either at Charles' place (nor at Sunset Grill and Tap, for that matter!). 4. Devilled eggs. Not pickled...sorry B-siders...that era is decidedly over. THese eggs are a good entre into the next. THe gravy and curry fries are killer too, as are the oysters. People should know that the parking can be tricky, so if you are local you should walk, bike, or bus. You can walk from Kendall in about 5 minutes and from Central in less than 10, if you take the red line. Parking on Windsor and Hampshire streets are already very tight though, so make other arrangements - and why would you drive anyway, when the tap selections are THIS good?? Welcome to the neighborhood, Lord Hobo. You can stay.
(4)
Bob W.

Great beer selection. Food was surprisingly good. Mac and cheese was awesome.
(4)
V J.

Intolerable noise level dominated positive aspects of the experience here (in particular the obviously impressive beer list). Hard to imagine returning until they fix this.
(2)
Paul F.

A great place to go if you're looking to try new beers. They have an amazing selection of beers both on tap and in bottles. It's a nice environment with a fair amount of seating and a good location. Slight downsides are it can be really crowded on weekends and also on the noisier side both from people talking and music. While they do have sports games on TV often, it is not a sports bar and won't have the audio on for the games. Prices are a little on the expensive side, but not unreasonable either.
(3)
Peter N.

Lord Hobo is over-rated. Yes, the beer selection is impressive, but beyond that drinks are miserly and overpriced. For a real drink go to Gargoyles in Davis Square. For starters the waitress proceeded to dump a glass of water on my crotch without apologizing, nor comped us for anything. Great start there... My wife ordered the lobster mac & cheese, myself a burger. Both were mediocre at best and for the price were not worth it. Will not be back.
(2)
Jess M.

My boyfriend and I popped in for dinner around 7:30 on a Saturday night. Surprise, no wait! We scored what looked to be the last available table. The noise level was a bit loud, but the rest of the place was pretty comfy. Our waiter was pretty attentive. He was able to make a solid beer recommendation. And speaking of beer, the menu is about 6 pages long and only 1 page is dedicated to food. I was happy with my beer and so was the boyfriend (even though his original choice had already been tapped for the night...) Food. Since it was the night before Easter, we ordered the deviled eggs for an app. All were pretty tasty except for the ones with truffle oil (folks, please don't try to class up a deviled egg. It is was it is.) I ordered the veggie burger. Not the biggest fan. I liked the subtle curry flavor, but the consistency of the burger was all wrong. It was more like a pate and the shape kept morphing. The fries were excellent! My partner in crime really enjoyed the special beefy sandwich of the night. I will definitely go back to pillage through their beer selection (the wine options weren't too bad either.)
(3)
Kevin K.

This place is still awesome.
(5)
Gordon J.

amazing beer selection - some real gems on the menu. the food was good but not spectacular, the setting was comfortable and definitely bar-like. wish it was closer to home - i could see making this a regular stop after work.
(4)
Raven J.

Very chill, best all-around bar in Boston in my book. Good beer, wine, and cocktails (hard to find all 3 in other establishments) and good music. Only downside is its a little pricey, but still cheaper than downtown.
(4)
Katie M.

All right. Truffle fries, fantastic. Draft list, appreciable and interesting. Light bulbs, neat. Food, good albeit expensive. But what's with the coaster thing? Someone came over and put our drinks back on the coasters they came with after we'd taken them off without thinking --with no explanation. Just an awkward smile. What? I'd prefer not to feel like I'm at my mother's dining room table when I'm having a beer at what I thought was a bar. So Lord Hobo's a little uptight, but maybe I can chalk it up to it being the first weekend they were open. And the intention -- or, put otherwise, the personality--behind Lord Hobo was less coherent than it might be once they figure themselves out a bit more. Do they want to be this rigid, more upscale? Or do they want this to become a place where I can go for a great beer and an eclectic vibe? Unclear. That said, my salad (goat cheese, bacon lardons, arugula) did not disappoint, I loved the Nogne Porter from Norway, and those fries are really good.
(3)
Jennifer T.

Beer selection, atmosphere, and service are great. It was very busy when I arrived on a Fri night and the hostess greeted me and immediately asked how many people were in my party. The rest of our party was on their way, and the hostess kept coming over to see if they had arrived yet. Once they did, she seated us right away! The beer is great- lots of interesting stuff on tap but the food was so-so. I had the sandwich with some kind of fancy cheese and watercress, but the cheese wasn't melted which was disappointing, and the sandwich didn't taste like a whole lot. My husband's cuban was also just so-so. Someone else at our table got one of the entrees (gnocci I think) and really liked it, so I'll go for a non-sandwich option next time.
(3)
Emily B.

I really, REALLY want to give Lord Hobo four, maybe even five stars. The beer list is impressive, the cocktail list creative, and the fries are divine, but the music, the 90s alternative/hard rock so-loud-we-have-to-shout-across-the-table-and-Âjust-might-have-to-leave-early-because-we-lost-Âour-voices music is, I really hate to say it, downright unsexy. To each their own when it comes to musical preferences, but for a cozy pub with terrible acoustics, the volume and genre just don't make sense.
(3)
Nat S.

This is no B-Side. I am not sure they understand the deomgraphic, or that we are in a recession. I will write more later and discuss the repositioning of two Somerville/Cambridge bars- Abbey Lounge and B-Side.
(3)
Carlee M.

If I could give this place Zero stars I would. We went there the Sunday before President's day - so I'm not sure if they were understaffed because Sundays are usually slow - but the service was terrible. It took almost 20 minutes for our drink orders to be brought to us and over 2 hours to eat a meal, an appetizer, and a drink. I think this is fine, but we were literally just waiting for them to bring us stuff. Beyond this, the food was awful. One person in our party ordered the lobster mac and cheese - which sounds great on paper and should be for the $18 price tag, but it was bland and the lobster quality was subpar. Myself and a friend ordered the chef salad, both $12 and $14 respectively, and they served us a plate of Iceberg lettuce, a couple cubes of cucumbers and tomatoes and a few onions. I am more than willing to pay for quality food, but who serves iceberg lettuce and a few veggies for a $12 salad? Beyond that we ordered the calamari special - and they tried to charge us $10 dollars instead of the advertised $5. The waitress's response was "Oh I gave you the 10 dollar one, not the 5 dollar one". The drinks were great - once we got them, and the appetizers were good, but the food quality and service were horrendous. A total disappointment.
(1)
sean c.

The beer selection is killer. Try the curry chips, they were also great. Not sure why so many people complain about this place. It was packed, and the wait staff performed great. Anyway. I will be going back. It's a tad expensive, but who cares, you only live once.
(4)
Andrea A.

Lord Hobo is extremely deceiving from the outside, but then we walked through the door & a curtain was pulled to the side so we could come in and I felt like I was transported to another world. I loved the surprise. The decor was interesting from the art on the walls to the ceiling. The bar staff was very friendly. We decided to get a little food to pick on and were very impressed with the quality of the dishes for the price point. I feel like I've found a hidden gem with Lord Hobo & definitely plan on going back soon.
(5)
Duncan K.

Don't listen to the natering negative nabobs. Went last night and had a great time. Staff was friendly and attentive despite the place being a madhouse. Beer and hootch was great. Food great too. I had the Gnocchi (who knew) and the oxtail sauce was A1. Atmosphere fun, people pleasant, great age range (20's to 60's) and NOT pretentious. Prices are NOT high, either.
(4)
corey b.

i miss the B-Side but i'm definitely looking forward to the hobo opening up... they're painting stuff and putting together some last minute furnishings... bar is in and boy oh boy are there a lot of taps on that there thing... soft opening this weekend for friends and family... hopefully opening up sun/mon... STOKED!
(5)
Dena C.

Didn't meet expectations. This place is very pricey- the burger is $13, they only have 1 beer that costs $5....repeat....only 1 beer for $5. I understand you want to have a good beer menu, but at least offer 5 beers or so that are 5bux....not just 1. The cheapest "bottle" (i.e. not draught) of beer they have goes for $8. Publick House has a much better selection when it comes to price & variety. Also, we ordered the lobster mac & cheese- when I put my fork in it, i was stunned to hit the bottom of the plate....it is only one thin layer of shells...there's nothing to it, and there was barely any lobster. Also, they screwed up order, but thats understandble consideirng its opening week and its crazy. We'll try it again, but I don't think it will find a spot in the rotation if they don't change up the menu/lower prices.
(2)
Jason B.

Lord Hobo turned out to be one of the most hot/cold, thumbs up/thumbs down mixed-review place I've ever eaten. Four of us came here on a Saturday night, obviously at peak time. We found a spot at the bar to wait for a table and ordered a round of drinks. Chris B., who is one of the most knowledgeable beer gurus I know, ordered the cask-conditioned American Pale Ale, and I followed suit. The odd taste which I found a little off-putting was immediately identified by Chris B. as soured lines. The bar manager tasted the beer and he agreed that there was something wrong with it, but stopped short of admitting that they needed to run some BTF through the system. We changed our beer orders up and the rest were very good. The Imperial Pils in particular was remarkably good. We were seated soon after that and looked over the menu. Note: I love 90s rock as much as the next guy. I went to high school AND college in the 1990s. Good times all around. That said, I found the volume at which they keep the music to be a bit loud. It was hard for all of us to hear each other, and our server didn't even bother speaking to us. Appetizers were the mussel plate, the charcuterie meats platter, the charcuterie cheese platter, and a green salad. The mussels were wonderful - plump, flavorful, large mussels, steamed open with a white wine broth and served in a bowl with the fantastic liquor intact. The charcuterie platters were a fun little adventure of cured meats and pates, and some really delightful artisanal cheeses. We had a great time eating our way through them and talking about the different tastes and textures. The salad was a standard green salad, light on the dressing. Entrees, however, fell a little short. The hanger steak was masterfully cooked, and tender, and the first few bites wrought promise, but sharing a plate with mixed greens, completely awash in balsamic vinaigrette dressing quickly ruined the steak. Everything on the plate soon tasted of the balsamic dressing. Restaurant fundamentals 101 - Plating. Don't screw up your dish's focus (the protein) with a sauce meant for something else. The mac and cheese with bacon was almost inedible. The obviously high-quality but uber-potent smoky bacon totally overwhelmed everything in the dish. The warm Smithfield ham sandwich with raclette, granny apples, and baby arugula was bland and unremarkable. The veggie burger was a pretty standard affair. No standouts, but no letdowns either. The house-made fries served with the sandwiches were delicious, though a bit limp & over-moist. If they soaked the potatoes overnight before deep frying, this would clear right up. Lord Hobo is a fun place, though a bit dodgy in spots. A little TLC/attention to detail would whip everything right into shape. A couple of other random criticisms: - There are several misspelled items on the menu. Doesn't necessarily affect things one way or the other, but shows carelessness in management. - The menu available online is not the same menu they hand you in the restaurant. There are some price differences and some missing items. Not a big deal, but a "daily menu subject to change" heads up would be nice. - Our server, when asked to split the bill right down the middle between two cards, charged twelve dollars more to one card over the other. Never had a server screw that up before.
(3)
Timothy H.

My wife and I have the Boston dining cards we purchased from the Coolidge Corner book store, so we decided to give this place a shot even though it was a bit out of the way for us. The experience started off great. Great atmosphere, seemingly good drinks, sort of a hipster vibe. I ordered a burger well done and when it came, I cut it in half and it was very rare. I understand that mistakes happen, I wasn't going to fault them for that. When I told the server I wanted it well done, she said "okay". She later apologized but it was a bit abrasive. My burger returned and it was the same burger I sent back, still cut in half just on a new bun. I used to work in the service industry and know that that violates many cross contamination laws. They just threw my burger back on the grill possibly contaminating others food after I had already touched it with my hands and dirty silverware. Also, is that really good business practice? In my opinion, the burger should have been tossed and a fresh one should have been made. They must have scraped the cheese off to cook it again too... gross. Too bad, it seemed like such a cool place, too...
(1)
John B.

After going to Lord Hobo a couple of times, I can say a few things. The beer selection is incredible and the special events there are a great opportunity to try some really good local craft beers. The food choice may be small but so far they have delivered on everything I have ordered especially the shaved prime rib sandwich. What surprised me was how awesome the hummus was. It seems like something that is really easy and basic but it was some of the best I have had. The wait staff is hit or miss, but I would say more often a hit than a miss. Everyone that works there is very knowledgeable about their beers which is great because they mix them up so frequently. Sometimes it can be tough getting service on a Friday night right after work but the crowd is pretty cool. If you are looking for a great beer and some good eats, swing in there on a weekend afternoon. There will be nobody there and you can enjoy what you came in for.
(4)
Josh S.

I'd rate the place better if it was a little bigger. Not having enough room for everyone usually speaks volume about the restaurant, but it is annoying. Waiters stay on top of everything with a pleasant attitude but it can be hard to find seating if you show up with a group of three or more. Noise level is a little to high for a social setting. Food is great, large selection of great drinks.
(3)
Irene B.

I stopped here last night with some friends, drawn by the funny name and the fact that it was on our way home. I ordered a round of Naragansetts and Jamisons. As I handed my card over, someone from the bar came over and said that my friend's bf could have the beer but not the whiskey. I get that bars want to avoid trouble, probably don't want huge drunk men to get more drunk, have the right to refuse service, etc, but this was the strangest treatment I've ever gotten in a bar. Usually you're cut off or your not.
(1)
Jeff M.

Lord Hobo has long been a watering hole for me when I desire a beer I've never heard of before. The selection is extensive and changes frequently. I will almost always order whatever ale is in a cask. I recently ventured into Lord Hobo for a meal at the bar and based off the atmosphere and what the establishment presents itself as I was surprised with the food. There is a real chef in the kitchen. Foie gras was cooked perfectly with a nice cranberry sauce. The red snapper was under seasoned but seared properly. I originally wanted to give four stars here but the more I thought about the food the more I realized anyone who went to cooking school could properly sear a piece of fish. I want to go back and try more and hopefully give Lord Hobo four stars. The vibe is pretty weird here. Part Cambridge and part I don't know where these people come from; maybe people who think they are hip for going to Lord Hobo. I've yet to figure it out
(3)
Jim M.

I had first visit to Lord Hobo recently and thought it was a mixed bag. Our appetizers were ok but rather small. 3 Tiny slices french bread is not enough to try to scoop up the humus starter. Our short rib entrees were also small and overcooked to dry. They served the short ribs over deep fried polenta that was also overcooked. The small entrees looked even smaller on the huge dinner plates. We tried 3 or 4 of the beers but the descriptions on the menu were not very helpful as what you could expect. .
(3)
Brendan T.

Another real good Cambridge bar in a mostly residential stretch without another bar for a number of blocks radius. The somewhat aggressive graffiti type sign is maybe slightly unfortunate but the place has a number of key things going for it. Service is friendly and helpful and the frequently changing beer selection is excellent well chosen and the descriptions on the menu extremely helpful. Food is solidly decent and considerably better than the average beer bar food, which we all know is generally lousy. That being said Im drawing a blank to think of anything that I ever ate here that was in any way really memorable or exceptional. The thing that put this place over the top for me, and this is surely a oddball perk to value so high when rating a bar but for me it was staggeringly important during my time working up here; the house wifi was staggeringly fast. As I often had to upload large photos and video files for work and both my office and hotel I was staying at had painfully slow wifi, this became my go to spot to get said work done and more often than not get drunk in the process. Caveats; as others have noticed the acoustics as the place seemingly cause a very loud sound level, making quiet conversation pretty much impossible, which can just as often be a good thing as bad one. What is pretty much always a bad thing however is the parking situation around the bar, as you are basically completely out of luck without one of those 'resident parking" permits, one of the many scourges of Greater Boston.
(4)
Chris S.

This place sucks. I am sitting at the bar right now for the third or forth time. I have never once had a remotely nice bartender and more often than not they have been straight beastly. Listen... A large beer selection doesn't mean a good beer selection. If you want to go to a bar with good beer go a half mile down the street to bukowskis. Place is very dark and packed with hipsters. With that said, the prime rib sandwich is really good but they took it off the menu. Figures
(1)
Monica R.

Came here for the game last night. Great beer selection, lots of big tables - great for groups! We tried some comfort food & were happy with what we ordered - the burger, mac and cheese & truffle fries.
(4)
Allison S.

Lord Hobo has a solid beer list and delicious food. It's worth the hassle to park and the journey all the way to Cambridge. Hobo has a pretty big bar, but there are also quite a few tables. It's a great place to get dinner or just a few beers. Everything on their food menu looks awesome, so it was really hard to decide on one thing for dinner. I settled on the Mac and cheese, which was served in a flaming hot skillet and was tasty. I'm glad that's the entree that I selected. I shared the polenta fries as an appetizers, and I actually wish that I had gotten one for myself. For dinner. They were UNREAL, and I will proceed to order me every time I go back. The lights are usually fairly dimmed, so it has a great ambiance. However, it can be a little hard to read the menus, especially when there are so many beers to choose from (at least 2 pages). The bartenders know all abut the beers on tap, which is refreshing.
(4)
Christopher C.

I've been here a couple of times and I thought it was excellent for what it was. First of all, the beer list is excellent and curated by passionate, knowledgeable beer drinkers. The beer list is also very interesting, and often they will have things on draft that you can't have anywhere else in the city, or you can't buy in a bottle/can. The prices are not expensive given what they are selling. To make things better, the times I've been here, it hasn't been very loud. I don't like loud bars. I want to have a conversation, not shout over obnoxious music. Not an issue when I've been here. Thumbs up, and I don't usually like bars.
(5)
H. G.

The manager messaged me and apologized and even offered me a gift card. We're all good, Lord Hobo. I will even come by and try the food again, because apparently they have a new chef!
(3)
Karin C.

Grabbed a light bite to eat early one evening. Fantastic beet salad. Very rarely do I ever find a beet salad that is comprised primarily of beets. (Generally it is a green salad with a few beets sprinkled. There were several varieties of beets prepared in a few different ways including a silky puree that was divine. Micro greens on the top added a nice crunch and balance to the plate. My friend had the pulled pork sandwich and said it was excellent. Only one waiter at the time but he was attentive and engaging. After our meal he asked us if we wanted to try their beer special from the weekend as they needed to kick the keg. Although the beer was not to my liking, it was a nice gesture. I plan on going back and trying more of the menu.
(4)
Xavier M.

Went there for dinner and a drink. People love this place for the amazing beer selection. I am not a beer fan so no extra points from me there. I had the beef salad. It was OK
(3)
Jason J.

Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA? Founders Breakfast Stout? Founders Backwoods Bastard? All on tap you say? Hot damn. Beer geek beergasm. My DFH 120 was served in a 5 oz tasting glass. Although it listed the beer as a 5 oz pour on the menu, I at least expected it to come in a more respectable glass. Come on, this is the ultimate end-all of beers (says this guy). They might as well have put it in a sippy cup (although, that would admittedly be awesome). Listen, Mr. L. Hobo. Repeat after me: fluted tulip glass. Say it with with me. Fluted tulip glass. I want to be punched in the face by hop aroma. Dazzle me with an olfactory assault. DAZZLE ME. The polenta fries were excellent and my flatbread pizza was pretty, pretty good. But really, you want to go here for the tap list, and to say you were a patron of a fine establishment with the words "Lord" and "Hobo" both in the name.
(4)
Kristen F.

I've been here many times. You can pretty much never go wrong with something on tap. Lord Hobo has my favorite brewery (Stone Brewing) on tap, so I am always a happy girl. ;) I tend to always get the same thing. We start out with the chicken lollipops. It's flash fried (like a fried turkey) and served over a glaze of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame seeds. It's like crack...so good. Dinner is always either the pulled pork or the burger. The pulled pork comes with this sauerkraut that is sooo amazing. It's not your Polish Grandma's sauerkraut. It's tangy, but in a crisp fresh way, which goes perfect with the salty, sweet, smokey pulled pork. The burger is best served medium....not well done. I always, ALWAYS ask for the parmesean truffle aioli fries instead of the plain fries. Do this! Trust me! Truffle aioli fries is the best thing ever invented. I've also had calamari here on occasion that I enjoy. The vibe is bike riding hipster meets beer geek Computer Science/Biotech professionals. It's pretty laid back. So, as long as you're not a douche, you'll enjoy it.
(5)
Justin M.

I had high hopes for this place but was seriously let down. I ordered some quite expensive chicken wings and found them to be of a poor quality of meat with a disappointing flavor. The portion was also a joke. I mentioned this in a non-confrontational way to the server and was then treated incredibly rudely. Will not be returning here. Check out Atwood's Tavern as a much better alternative nearby.
(2)
john e.

2 stars is just for mostly friendly staff, great beer choice and warm atmosphere. Beers are kept well. No stars for the very slow service at the table (maybe should look for a different line of work, e.g. a sit down job) and not the best value for money. Their prices are too high for a place that feels like another quintessential Cambridge dive bar. The place was really not busy at all on Saturday night and our waiter kept disappearing. Once the students get their loans, I expect this place will fill up.
(2)
Shaina P.

What is probably one of the best accompaniments to fat and salt? ... Truffles! (I bet you thought I would say, beer.) And I swear, they put that stuff n EVERYTHING at Lord Hobo, but really, who can complain? I think there were a LOT of German beer flavors here, even the Belgian choice I had had the subtle gag German beer flavor that I can still remember from my trip to Munich. We're not talkin Heffeweisen here, we're talkin [Complicated German Word] Brau beer. Not that this is a bad thing, it's nice to be reminded of such an amazing trip, but after tasting several choices, I'm guessing any future selections I make will have a hint of this flavor... On a good note, I love love LOVED these beers pretty things baby tree (MA) nogne porter (oh! would have loved the helles but didn't see it on the menu this time...helles is one actually fantastic german brew). (fave 2of6 tasted) And this food (oh, back to the truffle point) - must try ($5) - tasting of deviled eggs - the truffle oil deviled egg could move walls! (and inspire devilish thoughts). I can't even begin to imagine what the truffle chips, fries, with truffled sauces might taste like... I won't harp too heavily about German beers, coz what does a korean like me know ...
(4)
Chris M.

What kind of experience do you expect when you roll up to a place, called Lord Hobo, is it like, empowered poor people? or poor royal people? Who knows, but strange name aside, this place offered up a good venue to enjoy some drinks with friends. This really is a neighborhood joint, It's almost set up to challenge you to get there. Kind of like the owners want to keep it local only. The first thing is it's kind of off the radar. Meaning far enough from the T that you aren't gonna want to walk there in the winter. The second, no signage on the outside that says 'Lord Hobo' if you don't know its address you aren't going to find it by walking around. The third, two sets of doors, both look like fire exits, where do you enter? (hint its the door on the corner). The fouth, black out drapes that make an entry way and help block out the New England winter. You just opened that door (which you may or may not know is right) to a dark room. A sigh of relief kind of comes over you as the host/doormar/hostess opens up the curtain and you can see the bar and crowds of people all enjoying Lord Hobo. For a Thursday night, this place was pretty packed at 8.30pm. not a seat at the bar, a lot of groups taking up the tables. A real chill hangout vibe. The thing that I loved about Lord Hobo, was, even though it was packed it seemed to be appropriately staffed, and I had no trouble getting friendly service from the bartenders (and manager, Kevin). Its one of those things that really stuck out and made the night for me. The drinks were good, I tried their mickey finn, which tasted like bourbon and citrus, The burgers looked really good, and the fries might also be to die for. I need to go back and try this place for food. i'm pretty sure I'll love it. I don't know what more you can ask for in a bar / pub / restaurant. It's crowded, and you still get good service, they have lots of beers, and the staff is friendly. It's a chill place, and I like that. Who want to go there and get some grub with me?
(4)
John B.

We went here for a little Sunday morning Brunch\drinks. Hangover fries were a mess but quite outstanding, however the Garden tonic was an outstanding drink especially that early in the day, it was like a celery-light-vegtably-awesome.... It's still not the B-side but its cool...
(5)
Lisa R.

My husband and I live within walking distance of Lord Hobo, but we decided to wait until all the hype died down before trying it. A good time was had for sure . . . we got there early-ish on a Friday night, and got a sweet spot near the bar, where we could ogle the tap handles. I got an Allagash Black, which was JUST what I was in the mood for, which ended up being the beer of the night. The fries are super tasty. I got the arugula salad, which was full of goat cheese goodness, and warm bacon. My husband had the warm sandwich, which he was still talking about the next day. My only 3 gripes: * There was no place to put coats, other than over the stool. * The waitress spilled my husband's first beer, which was awkward. Beer is sacred, people! * The door to the bathroom stall couldn't lock. Other than that, I really liked the vibe of this place. I had never been to the B-Side, so I couldn't compare. I liked the crowd, the waiter, the music, and the whole atmosphere in general. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Lina R.

Disguised as a dive bar, you walk in through thick red curtains and the bar is super cool and trendy. Incredible beer selection, very different, strong, delicious brews. The cocktails are unique and delicious as well. Fairly priced for the quality! The food was delicious. Small but specialized menu. Very well done, great attention to detail. Highly recommend the truffle fries and the mozzarella sand which! The service was very good. Cool, trendy hipster types. A hidden gem!
(5)
Sanden T.

Come for the beer. Stay for the beer. The pizza was good and the fritter rocked. But that beer selection, whoa. I'll compare this place to the band the Clash. Sophisticated beer drinking music for a sophisticated beer drinking bar.
(4)
Brian M.

Hadn't been in here in a long while til last week. Liked more this time than last. V full for a weeknight (Wed) - waited about 15 mins for a table. The menu is less wanky than before, but with a decent selection in terms of variety and price. I also think the beer menu has improved, specifically more variety in terms of craft beers that have an ABV of 6% or lower - I like being able to have that third beer without feeling shitfaced. The food was good, rib sandwich with blue cheese - v tasty. The fries were a bit overdone, but palatable enough. The staff were great, friendly, welcoming and patient. The crowd was a mixed bag - the B-Side era hipsters seemed to have moved on, as have the rich kids from my last visit. This lot I suspect were mostly locals and Kendall Sq-area workers, with a definite geek presence.
(4)
Cambridge chris B.

Great beer and liquor selection. The food, ehhh. My fish & chips was gamey and undercooked. The shaved prime rib sandwich was overcooked & dry. The entrees seem to be an afterthought here, so stick to the appetizers, beer & liquor.
(2)
Sarah G.

Lord Hobo---you sure do have some fancy bathrooms for being named after a hobo!! At least I thought they were pretty swanky for a bar I heard wanted to be just for locals and all that fun stuff. Plus you serve $1 oysters on the half shell. If I could eat that every day as a hobo I would be one happy hobo, maybe even a lord hobo! They were not the biggest oysters in the world, but they were pretty tasty. We also got a $5 happy hour order of their goat cheese stuffed peppadews which were good, but not sure if was really worth $5 since it was kind of small. And then the main course....dun dun dun. That is what messed this place up for me. Their pulled pork sandwich didn't really have any sauce or flavor at all. The whole point of pulled pork is to have the pork be moist and juicy and dripping sauce all over the place, but not this pulled pork. Nope. There was a whole lot of nothing going on there. Good thing their fries were pretty darn tasty though. Especially after all of that deliciously tasty beer from that awesomely long list, some tasty carbs fresh out pretty much become your best friend. All the more reason why our server shouldn't have taken our plate early because there were still 3-5 fries on there! I know it was just a few fries, but that was the best part of the dish and she took it early....*insert sad face here* Then I just became jealous of Daniel S's grilled rye sandwich and roasted red pepper bisque....that was definitely better than my sandwich...*insert sad face again here out of jealously for his food* So Lord Hobo, you are the lord of beer of lists, and you do have a fancy bathroom, but I think for now on it will be a $1 oyster and beer place for me.
(3)
Catherine S.

I was in Boston for the weekend with some friends, staying at the Marriott in Cambridge. We were in search of some laid back dining on a Sunday night and did a little research to find Lord Hobo. It was fairly empty when we got there so finding a table was easy, and we were given menus and water quickly. As a party of four, we sat in a booth, but there were some longer tables there that could accomodate groups or serve communal purposes. The longest part of our ordering process was perusing the beer list. All of us are beer fans so we had a good time looking at all the options- very interestng but not intimidating. The cocktails were really fun, too! I chose the Lolita, which had jalapeno vodka, lime juice and elderflower. Definitely packed a punch, but it mellowed out as the ice melted. I'd order it again for sure! We started with the polenta fries and roasted squash, and both were great. The fries were crispy outside but creamy inside, and the polenta was well seasoned. Even the microgreen garnishes were good! The squash had good color on it without being mushy, and it was fresh. The chicken sandwich had nice fresh pesto, and the fries that came along side were crispy. Some of my group found them salty, which they were, but that's right up my alley. The other dishes we got highlighted fresh vegetables including corn (scallop entree) and heirloom tomatoes (tomato salad). Everyone was very happy with the food, as well as the ambience- laid back and casual. Service was solid. I asked if they had any merchandise, and unfortunately they were out of tees and hoodies, but our server was kind enough to at least snag me some matchbooks! It's worth the walk from either the Marriott Cambridge or the Residence Inn. I would happily return!
(5)
Terra N.

Came here on a Saturday and got lucky enough to snag a high top. I believe I ordered the London 77, which was pretty good. I am a huge sucker for anything with St. Germain in it. The added prosecco was an unnecessary, yucky touch. I like sweet but not that much. I also like complex characteristics and trying new things. I would have liked a well aged brandy in there instead. But for $10 a drink, that's not bad at all. My friend got the Angelina which had a spicy, gingery quality but I realized that it might have been the chartreuse that was in here giving it that star anise or licorice flavor. It was an interesting cocktail though. We got the cheese plate and it made it to one of the better cheese plates I've had. Sadly, we ordered cocktails that were sweet and it was an odd combination with the board. The honeycomb sauce was yummy and I can't remember exactly what cheeses it came with but they were all unique and the sharp cheddar was my favorite. I surprisingly enjoyed the blue cheese because it was on the milder side. For $40 bucks on two people, I could imagine myself racking up a much bigger bill but sadly we were bar hopping. It was loud, but quite cozy and I really liked walking through the curtains to get into the place and it was totally my type of gig.
(5)
Corey L.

Saw this place on some food show and ventured out. I really liked it. They didn't have the dessert I wanted, but I was there at like 20 minutes till close. Food was solid, pretty cool decor, and I liked the waitress. Overall, I'd definitely go back.
(4)
M L.

Received an insultingly small portion of (rather expensive) mushroom gnocchi, and the Sriracha soup was an absolute joke of a dish. The service is alright, but a bit on the surly side. Overall not a particularly pleasant place to dine.
(2)
Sam F.

Asked for Jack Daniel's on the rocks they gave me Evan Williams instead. Guess they don't carry Jack and thought I wouldn't recognize the difference. That kinda sucked. I guess I expect more from a place like this and their bartenders.
(1)
Hannah M.

Went back, with a gift card. Service was substantially better! We shared the asparagus small plate - delicious, perfectly cooked with crispy cippolini onions and parmesaen cheese, calamari, and the special - sweet potato hash with a fried egg and spinach salad with pickled onions. Yum! Still pretty chilly in there and so loud, but I think it's the acoustics of the place (high ceilings with copper tiles). And also, the lack of raw oysters (I was craving them and we figured we'd use our GC and get oysters in 1 fell swoop) :-(
(4)
Zach W.

This place should be called Lord Hipster.....If there was an app for Lord Hobo is would be called Hipsterific, or Hipsterama, or Hip to be Square, or So-Hip-It-Makes-Me-Sick. I'm going to take a three pronged attack on this one. 1) Booze! 2) Food! 3) Atmosphere/Service 1) The booze: Being a total cocktail snob and huge beer lover I had a feeling I would enjoy Lord Hobo. My assumptions were confirmed. They know their booze, and they know their beer. Their cocktails are excellent, well made, with a classic craft flair....although I was a little disappointed with their rendition of the Whiskey Mule (one of my favs). Their beer selection is awesome, extensive and varied. Overall booze experience was pretty great, would be interested to see what it's like when it's a little more busy. 4/5 stars. 2) The food: Their food was okay. Not really amazing but definitely tasty. We had the truffle fries, the pork belly, and something else that I'm forgetting......The fries were shoestring cut (one of my personal favs), but could have been tossed and mixed a little more. All the truffle stuff was up top. The pork belly was delicious and interesting. Literally a rectangular piece of pork belly, skin to fat, layered and cooked like they just chopped it out of the pig. Tasty.... The food I can't remember.....obviously not worth remembering. Overall food was just okay. It seemed like they were trying really hard to fit that craft beer, meat house type place and didn't really have any veggie options (even though I'm not a vegetarian...still like to eat 'em sometimes). 2/5 stars. 3) The atmosphere/service: Our server was very, very nice, attentive, and knowledgeable. And very, very, very hipster. Big, black brimmed glasses, dirty beard with unkempt hair, tight plaid shirt, and tight jeans. And, like most hipsters, he knew his stuff....he was knowledgeable on booze (we chatted it up about whiskey's and a few liqueurs that they had and did not have, he even gave us a taste of one interesting booze called Root), he was also very nice and personable. Overall solid experience with serving except the design/atmosphere is weird, cold, and feels very sterile. 3/5 stars. I'll be back Lord Hipster....er... Hobo. I'm interested to see what it's like on a crowded weekend night.....sort of.....but not really......yeah, okay....I'll probably just go back on a quiet afternoon.
(3)
Adam C.

How LH has the same Yelp rating as Meadhall is baffling to me. The service here is unquestionably superior and the ambiance is better too. While the food at Lord Hobo is certainly not out of this world, it's not insultingly overpriced either. I'd recommend sticking to the apps as those are their aces in the deck, particularly the deviled eggs and fries (wait a second I just looked at the menu online and they might not be offering these anymore? This is tragic...bring 'em back!). The draft list is consistently solid and occasionally fantastic. Huge kudos to them for posting daily pictures of the draft menu on the website so you know if anything amazing is on (why all dedicated beer bars don't do this is a total mystery to me). Their bottle list is usually even more impressive, and sometimes the owner will break out some awesome vintage stuff. As for cocktails, I think the menu has a few throwaways that aren't for me and a couple really solid ones. I love the trinidad sour, the 92 siestas, and I wholeheartedly recommend the soylent green as a refreshing summer quencher. The bottom line is that Lord Hobo is one of the top 3 beer destinations in Boston and there shouldn't be much debate about that. The owner shows a commitment that is lacking in many other places. Yes, it's not the easiest place to get to even if you have a car, but it's worth the effort if you give a damn about beer.
(4)
Vanessa P.

I had been to Lord Hobo only once, for drinks, since they took over the B Side's space a couple of years ago. The B Side, on the other hand, was one of my go to places for drinks and dinner. I went for the London 77 half based on the list of ingredients, half on the description: "Punks like pink". The London 77 is made with Hendrick's gin, grapefruit, St. Germain, and Prosecco. Delicious. While we sipped on our drinks we started with an order of the daily Hand-cut Chips and Dip which today's special was served with a caramelized onion and goat cheese dip. The dip was really good, like a fancied up version of the Heluva Good French Onion Dip we all hate to love. The chips were also very good - made to order, crispy and not too greasy. You truly can't just eat one. I had planned to get the burger but then saw that it was taco night and they had Fish Tacos, which totally swayed me. I wanted to love the tacos but I was a little disappointed with the them. The flavors were all great with the zesty creamy guacamole and the rich black beans balancing it out but the fish wasn't crispy at all. The batter thick, soft and a dull. I couldn't even tell you what kind of fish it was as the flavored were so muted by the batter. It really needed that crunch as all the other ingredients were very soft. Overall, I still love the feel of Lord Hobo as its a lot like the B Side was - dark but cozy. Service was really great; our waitress was super friendly and attentive. Drinks were definitely awesome. Food... I need to give it another go as those fish tacos didn't impress me at all but I think the food at Lord Hobo has the potential to based on the chips, dip, and fries that I did have. Great place to go to with colleagues or a group of friends after work, which I am sure I will be doing often.
(3)
megan l.

I really really want to like Lord Hobo. It's a block from my house and has the potential to be my "go to spot." But every time I've been, I was thoroughly disappointed. Visit #1: Took forrreeever to get drinks. Like literally 25-30 minutes. Decided to drink the beers (which were actually pretty delish) and get dinner somewhere else. Visit #2: Ordered a salad & asked them to hold the bacon. Got the salad with bacon. Asked for a new salad. The bartender said he didn't think that the bacon on my salad was actually bacon then proceeded to reach into my salad WITH HIS FINGERS and taste the supposedly fake bacon. After his taste, he agreed that it was indeed bacon and exchanged it for a new salad. Gross and bizarre. Visit #3: I ordered a $14 "Summer Vegetable Pasta." An appetizer sized plate of veggies arrived sans pasta. I waited a few minutes figuring they'd bring out a plate of pasta. When they didn't, I inquired. me: "does the veggie pasta come with pasta?" waiter: "no it's called vegetable pasta because the shape of the zucchini resembles pasta. i don't know why the chef calls it pasta." left still hungry and pretty POed. No dice Lord Hobo.
(1)
Ed M.

Great beer selection, good food and very nice staff in here. Like most places people call bars, it's going to be crowded on a weekend. We came in earlier than usual for a Friday night dinner, somewhere around 6pm, and we were seated right away. Nothing took too long despite quite a few friends saying the wait was ridiculous. As we left there still was not too bad of a crowd but I am sure it can be worse. We like beer. We love that we were able to get beers we had never tried before and we had nothing bad to say about any of them. The food was nice as well. Yes it's a bit expensive, but seriously, you get what you pay for. It's totally worth it here.
(4)
Caitlin G.

This was a pretty good place to go, we had a nice meal here tonight. There were a few off notes throughout the experience but it was overall a positive one. The beer selection there is quite amazing, I must say, even though they gave me the wrong one twice. I ordered the flank steak special, which was cooked a perfect rare. It came dressed with a yummy marinade and was served with asparagus and parmesan potato hash, both sides were tasty and the only real drawback to the meal was that I wish there had been more of everything except for the steak -- it was a very generous portion -- there were only four stalks of asparagus and about a quarter cup of the hash, and the steak could have used more sauce. The fried egg on top was a nice touch, albeit a little too well-done for my taste. I like a runny yolk. Also, the food was served lukewarm, which I was not a fan of. Overall, the food was good, decently flavored, but nothing that was over the top. Our waiter was adorable and very attentive; and again, the beer list is dauntingly impressive. There was good music playing, lots of early '90s jams. The atmosphere is nice as well, and what I liked was that there was a wide variety of ages and types of people in there too. I'd go back for a return visit.
(3)
Lisa O.

More like 3.5 stars Took my family here for brunch for my daughters 25th birthday. We arrived right after they opened and were the third medium sized party there. (6 people) They had only one server and he was a bit overwhelmed. Took a long time to have our drink order taken. Not his fault, not enough help. We got our brunch appetizers after a little wait, but I didnt like having the brunch dishes served right on top of them. Glad we got there early, because it filled up quick. Once the service got going, it was great. Had a grapefruit mimosa, delish! We got all the brunch apps. The pork belly was melt in your mouth, the sweet potato donuts were yummy, maybe a little greasy, the cornbread was very very dry. Everyone got a different plate, so it was well represented. Everyone liked their food, it was very good, but the price is killer. On the high side, but it was brunch and not just breakfast. So all in all, the food is good, but expensive, the service was inconsistent, but very nice and friendly.
(3)
D T.

Great beer selection and the polenta fries were good. Cheese plate was much smaller than I expected $80+ tip for 4 beers, polenta fries and the cheese plate isn't going to have me running back there anytime soon.
(3)
Amanda B.

This place doesn't look like much from the outside and upon walking in its pretty chill and has some really odd art up on the walls. And the beer selection, an extensive listing of micro brews. They have a competition you can enter where you have one year to finish a whole page worth of beers. I think there's 150 on there. If you do you get your name on a mug. As for the food, I got their veggie burger and its literally one of the best ones I've ever had. They make them in house and they have something in there with this amazing crunch that totally breaks up the softness of the burger. Slightly flavored with curry and made with rice. Wicked yum. I have to add that the ladies room was super clean and stocked with lots of t.p. Always a nice surprise at a bar. I'll definately visit this place again.
(4)
Jason A.

Dark ambiance and semi-loud music ... I feel like I am at a neighborhood bar. Well, it pretty much is still with a share of gastro-pub and a heavy side of beer bar. Good glassware selection meets an epic line-up of beers ... Not once have I looked at the list and asked myself "where else can we go tonight?" I find stool or table and hunker down at this place for the night. Service is excellent and the place is clean throughout. The food had a few hiccups in the beginning but that is expected from every place when they open ... they have really worked over the menu with tweaks here and there and seemed to have listened to the regulars. UPDATE: They got rid of the deviled eggs ... very sad. I am getting fed up with the four crustinis on the cheese plate, cheese portions have been very small as well for the price. My suggestion for out-of-towners ... hit Cambridge Brewing Co. 1st for a pint or two then head over here for the rest of the night. Edit: Prices are high ... perhaps not the highest in the Boston area but expect to pay a premium.
(4)
Shawn L.

We walked in an wandered around confused for a while trying to find someone to seat us. Service was pretty slow, but I think that's part of their charm. They have a great beer selection, but I was kind of disappointed with the food. I had the pulled pork. It was fine, but nothing to write home about.
(3)
Nicole S.

My friend went here before for the mac and cheese, while enjoying that she fell in love with the massive beer selection. So we, plus Boyfriends, went there over the weekend. We arrived just as it opened so we had attentive wait staff serving us. The food and beer selection is top notch. There is plenty of imported and domestic beers at the ready. Whatever beer we had was good. I'm not a big beer person so Boyfriend was a good sport a split 32 oz cream soda colored beer. Perfectly weak, I mean light, for me. My friend raved about the mac and cheese so I had to get it. She got the bacon mac again and I got the lobster mac. Mine was pretty good with it's cheesy, creamy sauce and chunks of lobster on top. I tried my friends and was then disappointed with mine. The bacon added so much smokey, salty flavor that it really took it to another level. I suggest getting the bacon mac if you are going that route. The true winner were their Parmesan french fries with the truffle aioli sauce. Think cut fries at were fried perfectly and covered with shredded Parmesan cheese served with a smooth tasting aioli. There was a point in the evening when my friend was demonstrating a part of a horror film's commerical that creeped me out and proceeded to punch her beer spilling its hoppy goodness into the crotch of my cream colored pants. Sure an embarrassing, and yet funny, moment for us both but the wait staff handled it well with clearing the table, wiping it down, and supplying me with plenty of napkins to soak the beer out of my pants. I'll be back for the great service and to try some more bacony things.
(4)
Ryan L.

Lord Hobo, I love you. When I step out of my front door, I can see you. This was no accident. It was definitely a factor in choosing our apartment. Beer Selection: Great selection of local and imports, and the bartenders know their stuff. Food: I love the chicken lollipops and polenta fries. Both very well executed and creative. I've had the scallop and quinoa a couple of times- also very good. The food can skew a bit on the heavy side.. but its a gastro-pub, so I suppose thats to be expected. Decor: They have revolving displays of local artists- with many of the pieces for sale. The overall decor of the place is nice, and it accommodates large groups well. It gets busy and loud on the weekends (its a bar) so if thats not your thing, keep that in mind. The staff is cool, knowledgeable and helpful. ... now if we could just get the bill that legalizes happy hour passed...
(5)
Francisco A.

Great selection of beer and the food is quite original and tasty. The service tough was kinda awful.
(3)
Maggie P.

Yes, yes, this is a hipster bar. Hipsters gravitate toward good food, so what are you gonna do? I could almost call this a gastropub, though it is so divey on the outside. Dark and moody with sweet art on the wall on the inside. Did I say gastro pub? yeah, that means the pork and the mac and cheese and other niblets I ate were freakin' delicious. Service. Well, it was so-so. We got attention, then we were ignored. Then we got love again. Good beer list. I had such a hard time choosing because I'm a light weight and can only drink so much.
(4)
Brant N.

Food was good, drinks were better, but the atmosphere is amazing. One of a kind place that should not be missed when in Boston.
(4)
Rakiesha C.

Lord Hobo wants to be a good idea. High end bar food coupled with an amazing beer list. Sadly, this place misses the mark in some important areas, making it a definite one star experience. The menu comes off as pretentious. Braised pig cheeks? Duck confit? Why? A beer list as awesome as theirs deserves real five star bar food, not this expensive fru fru stuff. The layout is the worst. We were seated at a table with another group way too close to the bar and the door, so people kept pushing past us as we tried to eat. One group of guys actually leaned on our table while they watched the game. It was awful and staff never made them move! One star, and I don't think this place deserves a second chance. Sucks too, because the staff there, for the most part, weren't that bad.
(1)
Rachel K.

I love the drink menu here; a wide variety of beers and trendy creative cocktails. I love, love, love The Paloma...a grapefruit margarita with a kick! The pizza special this past weekend was *sooo* good; a mix of cheeses, including goat, and broccoli. It was extra crispy, and worth every penny of the $11. Only complaint was I wish it were bigger, my boyfriend and I ordered a second! (we're not pigs, I swear- haha). Service was good, a little confusing that we had three, YES THREE, servers all night. Service at the bar has been great here too, and I love the ambiance. Great hangout spot in Cambridge.
(4)
Ian B.

Excellent brunch and probably the best Bloody Mary I have had in a long time. Will return.
(5)
Orian I.

shrug, I didn't quite get it. It was like it was trying to be one thing but presenting you with a totally different thing. are you a hipster bar? what's with the metal blaring..and yet the very middle aged milfs hanging out and sipping white wine? it's so confusing. I don't care either way.are you a neighborhood place? a destination bar for the burbs broads? what? make up your mind! We could never call this place hipster in Portland. this is like old people hipster, like 40 somethings trying to feel hip and cool by over paying for beer, hanging out in leather jackets, and listening to metal. My boy big fan of b-side, was pretty disappointed as well. The decore/wait staff/ and clientele are like complete opposites of each other. I would get it more if it was maybe dirtier? clubier? something. there was a definite feel of poser heavy in the air. also the bartender was weird, and slow...really slow. Their beer selection and tap list was big and nice variety. I wasn't feelin beer, so i asked about a vodka I hadn't hear of, mind you by pointing to it in the menu. The bartender says it's vodka, and walked away. wow..really? how did i miss the big bold lettering above it that said vodka..she came back and i made my "really?" face and she added, oh it's from vermont. there..that wasn't so hard right? anyways,the prices were steep and the place was weird and the service was slow. I'd skip it, unless you want to go in there and try and figure out the questions i posed above.
(2)
Eric P.

I've been dreaming about this place for the last week so I figured I'd write a review about my last trip a month ago. I hate the term gastropub because it's usually code for over-priced menu with fancy decorations and sub-par food, so I refuse to group this place into that category. This place rocks from the dive bar look to the beer selection to the Mac-n-cheese. If you love beer , this place will easily become one of your favorites in the Boston area. Food is interesting, fresh and always tasty. Service has always been attentive and helpful. We're familiar with most of the beers on draft but they've been helpful with some friends who know nothing about beer. If your thinking about popping your Hobo cherry, don't be scared by the rather plain exterior. Inside the large red curtain this place is clean and neat. Just be warned it can get a little crowded standing around the bar. After our first trip we decided to try the food because it looked so good and the whole experience was better sitting at a table. The only Bad thing I can think of here is the parking situation. It's a little bit of a hike from the T and most of the parking is permit only. Since I don't live in Cambridge this has been a little frustrating but I don't see anything the Hobo crew can do about that.
(5)
Mariko W.

Lord Hobo is my favorite gastropub in the Boston area. The beer selection is AMAZING and I find myself craving their food constantly. Came here last night. It was packed but our drinks and food came out in a reasonable time. Our server, Kate, was so helpful in making beer selections... she really knew what she was talking about and was so sweet. I don't know why i have waited until now to write this review. I come here all the time, was here on New Years eve (very fun) and I'll probably be back next week. Love the fried oysters, mac and cheese, polenta fries and the pork schnitzel. LOVE THE BEER!
(5)
Colleen M.

I keep wanting to love this place. Their beer list deserves 5 stars. Their food - maybe 3 stars (hit or miss). Unfortunately, their service prevents me from coming here anymore. I like my beer without angry hipster attitude. I've been here on several occasions: sometimes when the bar is packed so I actually expect to have to wait a little bit for service, but sometimes when the bar is completely empty. Then, it's almost like they try to ignore you. What's the deal Lord Hobo???
(2)
Josh E.

Best beer selection in Boston. Lord Hobo's 43 taps and large bottle selection always hit the spot when Im in need of good brews. On draft the focus is American beer, but you'll also find some good European stuff like Rochefort and Nogne(which is quite rare around here). Their prices are very fair and they are generous with samples. My only complaint about their beer selection is that it gets a little heavy with the IPAs sometimes. What little I've had of their food has been solid. Their liquor selection and cocktail list is suprisingly good for a beer bar.
(5)
Summer L.

Friendly server, delicious chicken lollipops, great drink menu!
(4)
Kristina D.

5 stars for the beer and wine, 4 stars for the cocktails, 4 stars for the food, 1-2 for the service. The breakdown: 1) Mac and cheese ain't what it used to be. Curly noodles and smooth cheese sauce have given way to rigatoni and lumpy sauce. 2) The fries used to come with curry, ketchup and truffle aioli, but now you have to order them separately. They are still rockstar delicious though. 3) The oysters are ok--decent, but the mignonette is solidly blah. Would have preferred more lemon and some horseradish. 4) The server took about an hour to bring my boyfriend and another friend their mac and cheese and burger, respectively. They didn't realized I'd ordered oysters and fries as an entree and were waiting for those to be done. He also never checked if we wanted to order more beverages--which we would have likely done since they were delicious. If each of our party of 9 had ordered just one more glass of wine or bottle of beer, that'd have been $72 extra. Do the math, Hobo. Executive Summary: Arrive early and come on off-hours to enjoy fries, lobster mac (demoted to 3.5 star from its former 5 star glory), beer, and wine.
(3)
Patrick F.

Although it is a bit hard to get to (esp if you are planning on sampling their extensive beer selection extensively and don't feel like tempting fate by driving home), Lord Hobo is a beer lover's dream, with a ton of taps and excellent food pairings. Found a sampling of Stone's Vertical Epic beers on tap last time I went that you probably can only find in a handful of bars in america. Amazing tastings resulted. If you are a fan of low-key ambiance, good food, and excellent beer, Lord Hobo is your spot.
(4)
April S.

Still no. Since my last review I've been a few times. My review has been deleted BTW, thanks Yelp. That's fair? I want to like it here. But I can't. Service is so bad!!! Food is bad. Beer is good. But not good enough to pay the prices and put up with the bull. Wish the B-side would come back and kick your A$%!!
(1)
Brita F.

Pretentious waitstaff. Mediocre food. But still, The beer is damn good. --Haiku Review
(3)
Deanna D.

I've been back to Lord Hobo a few times since my last review. The main attraction is definitely the great beer selection. We arrived early enough to grab seats at the bar without a wait. The place was not as packed or noisy as last time which was nice. The bartenders were very friendly and helpful. We tried a couple of apps and were still not impressed. However, I will keep coming back for their lovely beer selection.
(3)
Matt Q.

Quickly: 1) beer selection, while great, is certainly not the best in town. Too reliant on west coast. (I know, shut up nerd) 2) the food is not reasonably priced for what it actually is. everything is like 4 dollars more than it should be. 3) service is hit or miss. Most of the folks that work there are awesome, but one of the beardo mesh hat wearing bartenders needs to realize that working in a bar is still a job and that you're just there to party and try to make friends. I dunno, you guys. I love Ellum, PH, Bukowskis and even the Gaff SO much more than this place. The owners of Hobo own the Moan and Dove in Amherst which is sweet, but the sweetness didn't travel eastward on the Pike to their newest venture. Meh, even though it should be a slam dunk. OH MY GOD WHY AM I SO CONFLICTED.
(3)
Theodore D.

AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME. I'm not a hipster but I love this place!!! Great rotating beer selection of great beers. But this is the norm around Cambridge. The Food here kicks ass. A lot better then you think it will be. 1. French Fries with Truffle Oil. Get it. Drink beer and eat this comfort food. 2. Oysters are good and cheap during Happy Hour. Drink with a Martini though. Hard Liquor is better with raw seafood. Just saying. 3. Pulled Pork Sandwich with an IPA. Eat the above food with the above booze in that order and you'll thank me.
(5)
Amy M.

I really wanted to love Lord Hobo. Local hype had told me that this was the place du jour in the Inman/Kendall area. I eagerly headed over, expecting my greedy little hands to be filled with tasty morsels and imbibements. I had the steak tartare which, while cleverly presented inside hardboiled eggs, was pretty bland. There was also a real lack of actual tartare with the eggs being the bulk of the dish. It was okay, but nothing to write yelp about. Someone else at the table had the fried calamari and while they were well cooked (nice and crisp) they hardly tasted like anything at all. LH tried so hard with the addition of crisped orange zest but it still just tasted like chewy friedness, even the squid itself was bland. A shame, as things LOOKED so good. My companions had some excellent beers and seemed really pleased with their selection. It having been a rainy gross evening, I opted for some warming red wine. For $8 a glass, the wine was alright but again, pretty meh. I don't expect beer oriented bars to be a mecca for wine drinkers, but I felt kind of shafted in the shadow of the beer behemoth. Overall, the experience was alright but I wasn't blown away by much of anything. The music was loud veering on obnoxiously so and our waiter all but vanished when it came time for the check. If I'm in this area looking for late night eats and drinks, I'll walk another few blocks and hit Hungry Mother.
(3)
David R.

The beer selection is AWESOME, but the food was really lackluster - we got the pulled pork sandwich and the lobster pasta, and neither of them had any flavor at all. Quick disappointing. So Id give Lord Hobo a 4 or 5 if it was just based on the beer, but for food its a 2.
(2)
Sara T.

I can't believe I waited this long to try out Lord Hobo! I knew it would be good as soon as I stepped into the dimly lit room with several communal tables, as well as some 4-6 person tables, and a U-shaped bar (I think). It reminded me of a bigger version of The Druid or River Gods, with a larger craft beer selection. Our server made some great suggestions for beers based on other beers that we liked. We only had an appetizer (burrata with crostini and honey), but the rest of the menu looked really great, too. I'll definitely be back soon!
(5)
J M.

I like that it looks weirdly dark and intimidating from the outside, but then is really pretty on the inside with lots of wood. Huge beer list but also other good wine options, if you're not in the mood for that. The burger is one of the best I've had in Boston/Cambridge.
(4)
Julie A.

as a loyal customer of the beloved B-side, I had a hard time finally getting over the fact that it was gone and the new place has a retarded name. That being said..... My friend took me with a coupon on a blizzardy Sunday afternoon for beer and brunch. hands down, best afternoon I've had in a while. Good music, awesome beer, amazing steak and egg breakfast, all topped off with a super nice, knowledgeable and hot bartender! It is a bit $$$ for me, the cheapest bitch in town, but at least it is worth the splurge. yum yum yum.
(5)
Aaron D.

Ahhh, Lord Hobo... I really want to like you for more than just your beer, but I just don't think it's going to happen. Every time that I've stopped by I've been absolutely wowed by the beer selection. I've had wonderful stouts, IPAs, Belgians, and a crazy German beer that tasted like smoke and bacon. Five stars for brews. However, the food has been nothing short of a disappointment. The first time through we just had some fries with truffle-mayo. They were fantastic, and everything else on the menu sounded amazing; so we were anxious to get back to try things out. After a few beer-only visits, I finally made it back for some food. The group I was with ordered the following: Thai curry mussels with fries, the charcuterie plate, and both the lobster and regular mac and cheese. The mussels did great, nicely accented by the aforementioned, delicious fries. The others fell flat. Like previous reviewers have noted, the charcuterie plate was accompanied by a machine-gun recounting of the elements, meager portions, and lackluster flavor. However, the mac and cheese was the greatest let down. The lobster mac would be more appropriately titled: "Two bites of lobster accompanied by pasta in alfredo sauce." The cheese was bland and barely clung to the pasta, and the lobster had nothing more than a cameo role. Despite our last experience, we decided to give them a go for brunch. Mushroom ragout with a poached egg and toast? When I hear ragout I expect something like a stew, what we got was sauteed mushrooms. The mushrooms were tasty, but I'd pay $5 for such a dish, not the $12-14 it cost us. And then we get to the potatoes, chunks of fat, and eggs cooked differently than advertised. Sorry, I mean the pork belly hash, with sunny side up eggs. I've never in my life pulled so much fat off of one dish. Some chunks had meat on them, but there were entire 2 inch cubes consisting of nothing but pork fat with a string of meat along the side. I expect my pork belly to be rather fatty, but this was absurd: 75% fat, 25% fatty meat. Also, the eggs were over-easy. The recurring theme here is that Lord Hobo promises (and charges) really big with their food and consistently comes up with a rather pedestrian meal that I feel cheated by. So I will continue to go here to enjoy their beer and their tasty fries, but no more entrees.
(3)
Jared S.

I dig Lord Hobo. Been here a couple times for after work drinks and snacks. It's a big place and doesn't start to get packed til much later, which is a good thing in my book. There is also a ton of bar seating...but that's a double-edged sword. I usually prefer the bar because you get better service from the bartenders than the wait staff. But with such a big bar, and only one or two bartenders working (the few times I've been), it's been more of a hassle getting a drink or ordering some food than it should be. The beer selection is quality, which is a given considering it's a beer bar. But their specialty cocktails are also very very good. My wife always orders the Hot for Teacher and loves it, not just the drink but because she is an educator herself! I've also been pleasantly surprised by the food. I've had pretty much all the apps and they are all pretty good.
(3)
Lauren R.

I really wanted to love Lord Hobo. I walk past it on Windsor Street approximately five mornings a week, and always think, hmm beer and fondly remember a beer and truffle fry-filled dinner I enjoyed here a year ago. I decided that it was time to return, and corralled some coworkers to join me for some Friday AWBs. The bar was pretty empty for a Friday afternoon, and we had no problem securing a table. Despite the impressive beer list, I actually wound up sipping on a Hot for Teacher (Don Q, St. Germain, lime, mint, prosecco), and slurping back some oysters ($1 each from 5 -7 pm!) - I was a happy girl. The euphoria did not last long, however. Despite the bar not being busy, our waitress was slow, indifferent, and just all-around sucky. Our table was soon cluttered from all of the glasses that weren't being cleared - even when we asked someone to do so. I had to leave before the rest of my party: getting her to bring me a bill for one cocktail and five oysters ("Sorry, I had to bill you for six") was like pulling teeth. The drinks (Lord Hpbo's beer list has got to be in Boston's top three) are too good to let poor service keep me away, but I've learned my lesson: next time, just grab a seat at the bar.
(3)
Bill R.

Awesome food. Interesting drinks. Attentive waitstaff.
(5)
Steven D.

Nothing about this bar is irremediably bad, it is just that there is nothing good to offer redemption. The presentation of the food has a strong Belgian influence (having lived in Belgium), but the standard of food is not up to Belgian levels. In fact, it is not up to the level of Atwoods and certainly nowhere near The Druid. The standards is instead comparable to The Field, despite the aspiration being far greater. Even the fries are mediocre. Still there is the beer. Which is generally poor. I know my beer. I am a beer snob. This is a place to drink obscure bad beer because you want to be snobby about it, but are not qualified.. There is a huge variety of obscure, exotic beer. However, the selection demonstrates a love of obscure and exotic rather than good, as there are many poor beers. The master beer belt is still England, Belgium, Germany and Czech Republic. Obtaining beers from Finland and Portugal is impressive, but the quality is not. Atwoods know their beer, go there instead. The art on the wall is ofter poor. The service is OKish, the acoustics are not great. Yet the bill is outrageous. PS: I love beer and this place is just outside my window. I do not go there as it is rubbish.
(2)
Catherine S.

I'm surprised Lord Hobo only has 3.5 stars now--definitely think they deserve higher. I only went once, and primarily for beer, but we shared their hush puppies appetizer and it was great. The piece de resistance is their beer selection though. They have tons of bottles, and even more on draught--all fresh craft beers. The atmosphere was great too, withc TVs for the sports fans and big tables for groups. We know our beer, so the fact that our waiter wasn't exactly warm and welcoming didn't bother us--but perhaps keep that in mind if you're a beer newbie.
(4)
Cheryl H.

If I were just reviewing the beer, Lord Hobo would get 5 stars, but unfortunately we decided to eat there as well. Boo! My burger was very overcooked and dry. It was too dark in there to tell, but I'm betting that there was no pink to be found in that thing. The bun was half burnt too. I would have sent it back, but it took so freaking long to get our food that there was no way I was going to risk doing that. My friend's burger looked pretty charred as well:( I thought the fries were good, but my boyfriend complained that they were too salty...he just doesn't appreciate salt as much as I do. He had some sort of steak sandwich which he didn't really like, but was loads better than my burger. Maybe we just picked the wrong things (but seriously, they screwed up the burger!), but I would come back just for the beer list.
(3)
Serena P.

This place is great. We go there fairly often for one of the best beer menus around. The staff is always very friendly and happy to chat beer. They make a yummy burger and very tasty frites. Wish their appetizer menu had more choices. We were thrilled recently to sample some of their take homes from their recent trip to VT. Delicious stuff from Alchemist and Hill Farmstead. Thank you for sharing.
(5)
Andrea H.

Let me start by saying I hate writing negative reviews. However I appreciate reading others positive and negative comments and feel this experience warranted explaining. When we first walked in we were stoked. Cool bar, great atmosphere, awesome music and great selection of both beer and mixed drinks. We ordered drinks and started off with the house made pickles and the hummus plate. Both were delicious and my husband who generally doesn't like bread and butter pickles really liked this variety. In the mood for comfort food I ordered fish and chips and he the cheeseburger which he requested well-done. This review was 4 stars up until this point: our food arrived. It looked and smelled good, but when my husband cut his burger in half we were both surprised to see it was prepared medium-rare. He politely asked our waitress for if he could have it cooked well-done. Nonplussed she said "ok" and took it back to the kitchen. After 10 minutes it arrived back to us on a new bun with seemingly new fries but the same patty, still cut completely in half, with cheese still on it I might add. At first we were confused...then we began to feel uncomfortable. Our waitress apologized once, it was her error, I ate alone for 10 minutes and discovered my Fish and chips exhibited the tangy-sulphur-metallic taste that seafood takes on when it's reaching the end of it's prime. This officially ended my enjoyment of dinner. I did not mention this to our waitress. Not only that, but my husband used the silverware he had previously eaten off of during the appetizer to cut his burger with.... And they put it back on the grill to cook with all the other food that was ordered by other patrons at that time of the night. There important details that separate good business and food handling practices from bad and unsafe ones. No matter how good the food is, I am not ok with staff re-cooking food that has already been touched by patrons, and I don't think it is unreasonable to expect a new burger or a credit to the bill for a mistake made by our waitress. We politely left a 20% tip and left, but I am sad to say we will not be back for a second try.
(1)
Kathleen F.

So glad that we FINALLY got to Lord Hobo and it wasn't super crowded since it was a weeknight so we got a table, score! Their cocktail menu and beers on tap are reason alone to come here, very impressive! We brought my boyfriend's aunt here so we all tried 2 cocktails each which left us feeling very happy and served as a great way to explore the whole cocktail menu. The menu itself seems to change frequently and they have specials based on what is local and in season. I got the brussels sprouts which were the bomb and I definitely recommend getting and also got a chilled strawberry soup which was good but a bit too sweet for my tastes. My boyfriend got the fish and chips which he really enjoyed a lot! We live so close to here that we will definitely be back to try more seasonal dishes and of course, more cocktails! Our waitress was really nice and very accommodating to any food allergies, etc. which was great. Atmosphere is also awesome, it's so cozy in there sort of makes you forget what time of day it is and whether or not you had anyplace else to be ;-)!
(4)
Laarv F.

Laarv does not like to wait for service. In the two times that Laarv has gone to Lord Hobo (two times too many) she has had to wait to be seated, wait to be served and wait for the server to correct errors in what was ordered and then wait forever for the check. The second time Laarv went to Lord Hobo (couple of weeks ago) - she and her party waited to be seated for what was supposed to be 15 minutes - 45 minutes (and still no table) later Laarv left. On a side note - the fries were very good the first visit.
(1)
Sweet T.

+ The beer selection. A lot of interesting drafts on tap. I asked for a recommendation for something "dark and local" and was offered the Baba Yaga, brewed in Cambridge as per the bartender. MMM, I'd love to find this bottled so I can take it home with me
(3)
Nicole L.

The food, beer selection and cocktail list are all reasons to go. The layout, noise factor and service are all reasons to perhaps not. All the food I've tried has been well above average. The entree prices are a little pricey for upscale bar food, especially when combined with a $10 cocktail. However, the apps are pretty big and if you get them with the fries (they're deliciously salty) you have a good sized meal. I really enjoy their beer selection and cocktail menu, as they have things you can't find everywhere. On the downside, every time I've been here it's been really loud, so I find myself shouting at the person next to me. The layout is also a little weird, so if you go later in the night just to grab some drinks you can find your either group standing in a big open space or fighting for a table.
(3)
Aaron M.

Excellent tap list with both domestic craft brews and international selections. On our visit around 9 on a Saturday night it was busy but not packed and we were able to get a couple of seats at the bar. Sandwiches were very good (shaved prime rib and a burger). I liked the vibe -- hipster but not too much. Music was loud enough that it set the vibe but you could still carry on a conversation.
(4)
Sean H.

I have mixed feelings about this place. My friend ordered a scotch on the rocks. They poured an exact shot. It felt a little cheap and looked like an empty glass. Decor is minimalist. Almost uncomfortable. Not the inviting feel of the B Side. Food was good but pricey. $13 for a burger feels high to me. We ordered chicken lollipops ( excellent but took a long time to come out).Will be back
(3)
Renee M.

I've been wanting to try Lord Hobo for a while because I had heard so much about the fantastic beer selection! I love beer, in case that wasn't clear in the first sentence. Anyway, biked here with my roomie looking to score some dinner and some drinks (beer of course... beer beer beer). The place is spacious and simply decorated, a casual but hip vibe. We sat at the bar since there were no open tables, which turned out to be awesome bc our bartender was super helpful in finding us some good beers and let us try tons of samples! As everyone else has noted, the beer selection is great... some local brews mixed in with some Belgians and Germans (similar list to another fave of mine, Deep Ellum). Why only 3 stars you ask? My food. The lobster mac and cheese was... ok? Pretty bland if you ask me, although there were sizable lobster chunks which I enjoyed. But yeah, definitely nothing to write home about. My roomie did enjoy her burger though and the fries I was able to nab were salty and crispy the way I like them! Come here for the beer, but be wary of the food. It seems totally hit or miss.
(3)
Thomas N.

OK went there on a Saturday afternoon, noonish, not too busy.....the place does not look like much from the outside but is much better inside, not beautiful or anything but decent, excellent beer selection and an interesting selection of mixed drinks also, i had he sirloin sandwich with fries which was good and wife had the crocque monsieur which had way too much bread, so it was OK, but her salad which came with it was excellent......bartender was helpful and seemed knowledgeable of the beers available, there are a lot and apparently they change a lot....pretty good spot, would definitely stop in again when in the area..
(3)
Melissa C.

Went here on a Friday night for a friend b-day. I have a "history" with Hobo so I was wary of this experience. Quick aside: It's the middle of winter. Snow is everywhere. Parking is nowhere. After driving around for 45 minutes, finally get a legal spot. Tried to get in for another friend's birthday party, line is out the door. Bar is at capacity. Walk back a mile to car in snow. Curse. Okay, so at least this time it was summer so there was no snow. But the parking situation hasn't changed. If you're not a Cantabridgian, you're screwed on the parking front. After circling for 45 minutes, we finally got a spot. At 6:30 on a Friday, the place was already pretty full but we managed to get a table. Let's get down to business. The decor is simple, it's clean, but a little too dark inside. The waitstaff is very nice but not as knowledgable about their beer selection as you'd think in a hipster beer bar. The food is not worth the money. The sandwich we ordered was all bread, everything was greasy, and I couldn't even really tell what some items were (chalk that up to the crypt like darkness). The french fries are really good but that's about it. They had a few vegetarian options (standard veggie burger, something made with quinoa) but nothing really innovative. All in all, it wasn't worth the hassle and I probably won't go out of my way to return.
(2)
K T.

Don't be put off by its outward appearance, this is absolutely where you want to be. It actually took me two years of living about 5 blocks away to finally hear about this place. Despite pretty much being hidden, it's still always pretty packed, and it's not that surprising why. Huge selection of beers, most of which are excellent. Beer and spirits menu is about three times their food menu, which is pretty awesome. If you need help navigating the beer selections, ask you recommendations, the servers know what they're doing. They have a great selection of imports, mostly Belgian and German, and even some really weird specialty stuff like a smokey almost porter-like beer from Germany. Yes, you read that correctly, smokey dark beer from Germany. Food is decent but a little pricey, much like the beer. They've got a couple of bottles on their menu that's upwards of $30. Yup, for a bomber bottle of beer. But it's a bomber bottle of malty, dark Belgian Trappist beer so it's worth it...at least once in a while.
(4)
Ethan A.

I've been back and can't believe how great it was. Maybe we just went on a bad night before. It wasn't crazy busy, the music was a normal level where we could hear each other talking, and the service great. My veggie burger was fantastic, the fries perfectly seasoned, and the prices understandable. I knocked off a star for them completely forgetting about my drink. Pages of bees and drafts, which while not my preference, is certainly appreciated. A list of cocktails that are strong is much appreciated as well. I'll be back.
(4)
Dave G.

Yum. Great food experience, Great drinks. Eat here, Drink here.
(4)
Nick M.

I'm a big fan of Lord Hobo - the beer selection is unreal and the food is great as well. The bartenders are pretty attentive and we've never had to wait long to order My wife and I have been here several times and the taps are rotated pretty frequently. This is one place where I've seen a variety of Sixpoint beers, a brewery out of Brooklyn that I haven't seen in too many bars in the Boston/Cambridge/Somerville area In terms of food, we've had the meat and cheese plate, as well as the Mac & Cheese with Bacon. Meat and cheese plate is usually pretty good (we've had a few plates that were not stellar), but the Mac & Cheese with Bacon is consistently awesome Parking is usually pretty difficult to find, unless you are a Cambridge resident with a parking sticker or able to walk there. If you can find a spot in Inman or Kendall, it's a short walk We'll definitely be back soon -- can't wait to see the new beers on tap
(4)

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Address : 92 Hampshire St
Cambridge, MA, 02139
Phone (617) 250-8454
Website https://lordhobo.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :4:00 pm - 1:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner, Late Night
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Hipster
Noise Level : Loud
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Lord Hobo

92 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA, 02139

Lord Hobo Menu

Small Plates & Sides

Bigger Plates

Salads

Sangos

Entrees

Snacks & Share

Entrees

Brunch Cocktails

Healthy Meal suggestions for Lord Hobo

Small Plates & Sides

Bigger Plates

Salads

Sangos

Entrees

Snacks & Share

Entrees

Brunch Cocktails

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