I love going to places like temple occasionally for a ridiculously complicated and pricey drink and it was just one of those nights! I went with my sister in law and husband and we were in a very celebratory mood. We each had one of those yummy $10 cocktails and due to restaurant week we were able to try many dishes. The vegetarian menu for restaurant week was impressive and a good deal. It probably had the most creative and delicious dishes though my sis loved her steak frites (the fries which were all I could taste were REALLY good)! My husband got the regular restaurant week meal and felt the crab cakes were too bready and his main dish of arctic chard was good but too rich in his words. I had an eggplant crostini that was amazing, and basil gnocchi with roasted root vegetables which was satisfying but not too heavy. The desserts were as always during restaurant week kinda meh but after a cocktail and two glasses of wine you won't care! I can't wait to come back here the next time I want a girly drink and a special meal. I was intrigued by their regular menu and happy to see permanent vegetarian entrees on the list. This would be a nice place to bring my parents the next time they visit since they have been to Christopher's about a thousand times already!
(4)
Gary A.
Great food. Upbeat, trendy atmosphere. Limited vegetarian options but selections are well thought out and perfectly executed. Server could have had better wine knowledge to provide a flawless dining experience. Wine list needs work. Will definitely recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Jeffrey K.
I'm a big fan of Temple Bar. Its the best place for brunch I've found. They serve seasonal mini-muffins as a free app. The pumpkin muffins are delicious. The bloody mary's are fantastic as are the eggs benedict and the yogurt and granola.
(4)
Dan T.
Really I would say 3 1/2 stars, but the fact that it allows for 1000 point reservations on open table kicks it up. Very cool. Excellent wine list. It maintains a romantic feel even though it's always busy and vibrant, which is a tough thing to accomplish. The food will never disappoint, but will never be truly excellent. Better than Chez Henri, Rafiki, or anything else in the area. (With the exception of Addis, but depends what you are in the mood for.)
(4)
Gordon G.
Cool atmosphere, nice crowd. The mixed drinks are pretty good, if a bit expensive. The food is pretty killer as well if you're in it for late-night snacks, but I haven't yet tried the full menu.
(4)
S S.
Seriously all these resturant people in cambridge need a serious crash course on waiting on clients. The hostess gave us serious attitude in getting a table for a party of 5 that we had already reserved earlier during the day. Not to mention the wait was 20 mins, because the people using the table earlier, refused to getup after they had paid. The food and drink was good. The dessert sucked, so did the service. Loved the ambiance, very chic for a place close to porter square.
(3)
Dmitry V.
Nothing special. Potatoes over-salted. Overall, the dishes are below mediocre, but the price is twice of any other place. Will never go there again.
(2)
P S.
Judging by other reviews on Yelp, our experience was fairly standard, hit or miss. Our 1st visit to Temple Bar on a weekend night was stellar. Seated immediately for our reservation, good service, great food. This time, also a weekend night, we had to wait at least 15 minutes for our reserved table, which turns out wasn't the worst of it. After being seated it took at least 10 minutes before anyone acknowledged us. After finally placing our order, we thought we were in the clear. Oh no, we weren't. Tables around us who'd arrived much later were getting food delivered but not us. When our food FINALLY came out, about an hour after we'd ordered, it was totally undercooked! So the waitress took it back and brought out a new one. By the time all was said and done, our visit to the Temple Bar took 2 hours. We are not lingerers, often our restaurants visits are about an hour, to give you some perspective. To their credit, the Temple Bar did try to make amends, which will bring me back. The two meals were comped as was one of our drinks. Though, until we pointed out that the food was undercooked all we were offered was a free dessert to make up for all the obnoxiousness. Our waitress was very apologetic throughout, but I can't help but wonder if the situation was partly her fault. But I guess we'll never know. I really want to like the Temple Bar, so I won't let this experience keep me away. Hopefully it was just a fluke.
(2)
Jason P.
This is a great place between Harvard and Porter Squares that you've probably never heard of. Nevertheless, it definitely deserves your attention. They have an excellent food and drink menu, and the ambience is upbeat and modern. It's a fantastic place for a date or a drink at the bar. I've been there about 10 times and have never had unpleasant service or disappointing food. The white truffle pizza is excellent, and is one of their signature dishes.
(5)
Cynthia S.
Good atmosphere, good food. I've been here a couple of times and I've gotten both the fancier dishes and the burgers. Service is good and I've never had to wait longer than 15 min for a table.
(3)
Scooby D.
This was my first visit to Temple Bar. I really liked the atmosphere and the aestetics of the bar. The crowd is a good mix of people incuding afterwork professionals, students, and families. My date and I opted to order a couple appetizers and a flatbread. We wee drinking wine by the glass, but I did notice that they had a decent beer selection. The food quality was excellent. The biggest reason I can't give Temple Bar a higher rating is that the wine by the glass was a complete rip-off. The bartenders "short pour" which is unheard of at $9-$10 per glass. I was also disappointed in the portion size of the food. We ordered a pepperoni flatbread and a duck salad, which they skimpped on the ingredients. The prices are reasonable, but it might be worth their while to charge an extra buck or two and not trot out meals that look so meager. I would consider another trip to Temple Bar, but there are several other restaurants in that area so I will like try another place first.
(3)
Jen J.
Great place for dessert. The chocolate bottom creme brulee and chocolate fondue hit the spot. You get fresh fruit - strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, bananas - along with an assortment of baked goodies with the fondue. Good for sharing.
(3)
fred n.
Good food, great service, nice atmosphere. Definitely a great place to come to for anything (personal time, with a crowd, to celebrate an occassion or just because).
(4)
Kristen F.
Great for brunch. A nice place... good atmostphere, great brunch menu, superb bloody mary's. No complaints here.
(4)
Molly L.
I've been here for an outdoor lunch, Mother's Day brunch, girl's night out and date night with my husband and it's fantastic every time! I order their fried calamari every single time - it comes with an unbelievable spicy adobo dipping sauce. Their flatbreads are a great choice as well as the classic burger (comes with thick, crispy fries). And the scallops are always cooked perfectly! I still haven't tried the fondue because I usually opt for a "dessert martini", as I call it. The Espresso Martini and the Chocolate Martini are my faves! On weekend nights, the crowd is exactly what I'm looking for - late 20's to early 30's. It's also a good place to stop for after dinner drinks! For many years now I've been thinking that my first time here was actually a dream because I always thought that we had ordered homemade potato chips with a goat cheese reduction but, since then, I've never seen it on the menu. I was happy to see that another reviewer wrote that it was removed from the menu. I'm serious when I say that I had convinced myself that homemade potato chips with goat cheese reduction were only in my dreams and they don't really exist.
(4)
Michelle K.
I've passed this place at least 50 times on the 96 bus and finally had the chance to go in for a tasty Sunday brunch here today. It was great and I wanted to come on Yelp to share the love. The menu has a lot of variety and items range from around $7-$12. While we waited for our food our waitress brought 6 tiny delish blueberry muffins. I got the omelette special - gouda and mushrooms and some sweet pepper - and it was perfectly crafted. We had a lovely table right at the window for Mass Ave. people watching, though the decor and ambiance of the interior are also cool. It may be known as a Bar but they've got a satisfying brunch for weekend days when you don't feel like waking up and fixing your own toast and eggs.
(4)
shannon m.
This morning I went to Temple Bar on Mass Ave in Cambridge for brunch. This was my third visit, and the food was very good. The service was also good, even though the place wasn't that busy and Sunday brunch service can sometimes suffer from 'not enough to do' syndrome. I had the Smoked Salmon Bagel, not too much to screw up there, but the fish was tasty and fresh. Friends had the chorizo eggs benedict, dubbed 'heaven,' the crunchy granola french toast with rasperries and yogurt, also very good, and the irish fry -- which my discriminating meat eating friend really loved. I had wanted to try somewhere new but am not sorry that I wound up at Temple Bar this morning.
(3)
Julie R.
Went here for the first time lastnight and really liked it. We got to sit ouside in the small patio area. The server was extremely attentive and friendly. The salad was great and the grilled chicken on it had a kick to it. The decor was cool. I liked the distressed wood floors and lighting alot. They had the game going at the bar tv but it was not loud enough to be distracting. Parking was easy right on Mass ave. I will definately be coming here again!
(4)
Pete P.
its average... the food is average... the atmosphere lacks uniqueness... its average. wow, its so boring i cant ever muster up the energy to write a decent review! there is nothing that stands out as great here but nothing that stands out as bad, terrible or really irritating. i wish i could give it 2.5 stars. its... "blah"
(2)
Kaopectate P.
went during restaurant week but ordered off the regular menu. appetizers (oysters and soup) were good, but entrees were rather bland. ribeye steak had no flavor and the scallops were decent (heavy cream sauce that makes anythign taste good). one annoying thing. most of the restaurant week things are on the regular menu but not the desserts. we didnt' realize this until the end of our meal. our waitress wouldn't let us order a dessert off the restaurant week menu, so we talked to the manager (ten minutes later), who so gratiously allowed us to since it was the end of the night. serious. are they trying to impress people. desserts were good though. ppl have raved about this place to me so i'm willing to try it again... hostess was really friendly. waitress not so much (but it was a busy night so not a big deal)
(3)
Jackie S.
Oh, I just love this place. It's a beautiful restaurant and the food quality has been consistently solid. My favorite item is the modestly priced, deliciously crispy thin crust pizza with avocado, aged balsamic and truffle oil. I also adore the wild mushroom vegetarian dish! Definitely recommend this spot.
(4)
Crystal S.
I stopped here on a bar crawl along mass ave with my boyfriend right after trying some delectable drinks at the West Side Lounge and it was just no comparison. The atmosphere was "eh" and the drinks were "eh" and the price of the drinks did not match the "eh." If you're not familiar with the "eh," it's the verbal equivalent of a shrug. I've never had the food at Temple Bar, nor do i want to. I guess there's just too much competition in the area as far as i'm concerned, if i want a moderately-cheaply priced meal, I'd just go to Cambridge Common and if I wanted cocktails, I'd go to the West Side Lounge. If I want to be wined and dined, I'd go to Chez Henri. When I want to spend my money and not be satisfied, I guess that I could go to Temple Bar? but I don't think that is how it's supposed to work. Basically, I would not recommend it.
(2)
Mags L.
came here to celebrate my promotion (senior software engineer, wha? wha?). my dining companion and i both got steak frites (medium well and medium rare respectively). is frites french for delicioso? we also got the calamari and i gots me some tasty wine. i dunno what kind it was - i'm not a connoisseur - it was red and maybe from california? also got some drunky drunk coffee for our after meal palate cleansing (i think mine had courvoisier in it). everything was satisfying to my tastebuds and it helped that i left loopy.
(4)
Courtney L.
Love this place, but they need more of a variety in their menu. The food they do serve is excellent, but I always have a hard time deciding what I want. I will still go back, enjoy taking friends here.
(3)
Kathleen M.
I wholeheartedly agree with Crystal S.'s assessment! Don't waste your time here. Hit Westside Lounge for a similar price, but much better cocktails, food, and atmosphere! Temple is a reasonable stop on a crawl from WSL to Porter square, just get a small volume drink so you can get out quickly.
(2)
catherine h.
try the beef carpaccio appetizer and a glass of the zinfandel. Yummy. Nice atmosphere too!
(4)
Rachel G.
As much as I want to stay away from this place because I really can't afford it, I just can't stay away. With every meal you get 3 types of tasty bread- there's a cornbread, a focaccia, and I can't remember the other one, but it's good too. For dinner I get the three-cheese white truffle pizza (which has tomatoes, arugula, avocado, and a balsamic reduction- delicious!) or the gnocchi (also delicious). Both are fantastic and not your typical blah vegetarian options. The cheese fondue and chocolate fondue are also both wonderful! For brunch, I always get the mascarpone cheese stuffed crepes and my boyfriend is always pleased with their omelets. The French martini and the ginger-razz lime rickey are both very good drinks. The atmosphere is classy but not pretentious, and the booths are big and comfy. This is a great place for a date or just to meet up with friends for dinner and/or drinks.
(5)
Laura B.
I really like going to Temple Bar... but mostly because it's literally on the same block as my apartment. It's not a super exciting place but it is very pleasant. When I do go in for drinks, brunch or dinner, the food is always very good & the bartenders are always friendly. I've never had a bad experience.
(4)
Irene F.
Well, we didn't eat here, but it was quite nice to sit outside and sip cava for a while. Very nice. I know it's owned/run by the same folks as Red Line and Grafton, so I can imagine the food would be really good.
(4)
Lalin A.
I have been to Temple Bar for drinks only (not that I tried food there). I think that its plus is the atmosphere, which is right between casual and romantic. When you don't want to go a dive bar or one that the college students frequent, definitely check out Temple.
(4)
Jake F.
I'm only giving 5 stars because this place serves the best pizza I've ever tasted. I don't know anything else about them but their pizza is a hidden gem.
(5)
Raven J.
Great food, great drinks, the usual priceyness associated with such things, okay service. More of a restaurant than bar, highly recommended for a date. I'm not sure if I'd go back, but I had a great time.
(4)
erin e.
The best cobb salad I have literally ever had - a great cheap lunch with a soda or water. Otherwise, It looks better than it is. Go to the West Side Lounge just a couple doors down for the real thing if you want a nice dinner and GREAT drinks.
(3)
Michael C.
This is one of my favorite places to go, whether just for a nightcap or to spend the night. I think that some people rating it as a bit aloof or whatever is off base. You have to mellow, get into the vibe of the place and relax. It's different from most bars/restaurants in the Boston and even Cambridge area. My best advice here is to not be intimidated, relax and enjoy the view and don't be afraid to say hello. I love this place.
(5)
Elizaveta F.
It's hard to complain about Temple Bar: they have a fun patio (though one with only two-person tables), and they make an absolutely fantastic bread basket. The menu selections are solid -- having tried a few of them (Caesar salad, raw tuna salad, three-cheese flatbread pizza), I have no doubt that the others are just as serviceable. The service itself has been efficient and friendly in my experience, including on an extremely busy Friday night. I was disappointed by my cocktail, an alleged Tangerine Mojito that tasted like neither, but I'm willing to give the bar the benefit of the doubt. In all, Temple Bar is a choice that's hard to argue with, especially if some diners in your party are less adventurous or if your group can't agree on an ethnic cuisine. And yet, I won't be back if I can avoid it. Why? Because this place feels generic, so similar to Grafton Street, the Tavern on the Square franchise, and seemingly thousands of others as to be almost indistinguishable from them. (Also, the entrees seem overpriced for what they are, which is nothing special.) Go here if your primary goal is to hang out with your friends in a trendy, friendly spot, not if you're looking for a memorable restaurant experience.
(3)
Brendan R.
this place used to be great but since they changed the menu I've been less pleased. it's still a nice place for a drink and an app. you may like the new menu. worth checking out.
(3)
Pooja N.
Great food, can get pricey if you're not careful. I highly recommend the scallops, risotto, and the pizza. Good wine selection, but the cocktail menu is lacking.
(4)
Anna f.
Great for Martinis and meeting somebody new!
(4)
R M.
Stopped in for drinks for a friend's birthday. Ambiance was good, and service was great. Both the cheese fondue and chocolate fondue were excellent.
(4)
Scott C.
As a lover of scallops and a great wine menu Temple Bar was a great surprise. Don't hesitate to try this restaurant if you are new to Cambridge or a veteran. Amazing!
(5)
Jolene S.
A very nice place between Harvard and Porter Sqs. Recommend the grilled chicken sandwich which comes with enough fries to share. Good competition for Noir. As an app the beef tacos work well (to share bet. 2). Good service, too and screens for watching the sports games. You can dress up if you want to, but you don't have to. Convenient to 77 Sherman St. bus stop too.
(3)
Addie M.
I used to come here all of the time, but I havent had the freetime to pop in. Glad my fiance and I came tonight! Didn't order our usual mussels or duckwings.. Instead we did the steak frites lamb osso bucco and the artisan cheeses.. And finished with the coconut basil and lime sorbet. I'm a fan of the new manager too. Change is good!!
(4)
Andrea B.
Great place for a girls' night out! Eunice E. and I stopped by on a Saturday evening, and it was fairly quiet, which made for a perfect atmosphere to sit and catch up with a lovely friend over some good food and drinks. We split the lamb sliders to start, and they were phenomenal. All conversation ceased as we were temporarily lost in lamb slider heaven. They're served medium rare, and topped with jalapeno and onion relish, smoked tomato and feta aioli, on warm, buttery brioche buns. They came with a generous portion of delicious, perfectly crispy fries. We both got the Pleasant Valley Sunday cocktail, which was very tasty albeit seemingly low on the alcohol content. Hey, it was Saturday night, and I was hoping for a drink that was a little stronger. For our entrees, I got the duck and sausage pizza. On the menu, it listed having "zesty" tomato sauce, dates, smoked pistachios, and pickled onions on it. Sounds good to me, minus the dates. I couldn't picture how that would taste good with sausage, duck, and the rest of those toppings. So I asked for my pizza to be made without them, and it was delicious. Perhaps a bit too spicy (was it the sausage? I couldn't figure out what was so hot!), but enjoyable nevertheless. Eunice got the grilled chicken sandwich, which she enjoyed, but seriously, those lamb sliders were a tough act to follow. Her sandwich was enormous, as was my pizza. Needless to say, we were too full for dessert, and had plenty of leftovers to take home! I'd come back. Service was pleasant, atmosphere was nice, food was good. I would just hope that the next drink I order here will be a bit stronger!
(4)
Manfred S.
Yes I am still a fan, but I see some worrisome signs since the restaurant reopened. The service is still outstanding. Overall the food tastes great. BUT the pork was not fresh. Luckily I ordered it well done, so it was safe. As a German, I am very sensitive to less than perfect pork. Beef is good aged. Pork is not and I take notice. Don't get me wrong. It wasn't spoiled, but it would have been in a few more hours and that makes me drop a star. Besides the pork, everything else is still as good as it gets. My program: Temple Bar is still one of my favorites, but I'll skip the pork for a while.
(4)
Karis O.
Everything. Is. On. Point. From the service to the decor and (obviously) to the food. Share the mussels. Served in a cute little tin bucket, they come doused in this delicious tomato broth with bits of andouille sausage. Once you've cleaned through this course, ask for more bread, so you can soak up the rest of the broth. The extra carbs are worth it. Side note, our waitress got our order midway through the appetizer, which meant (DING DING DING) our entrees wouldn't come immediately after we were done. Maybe I'm the only person who cares, but after cleaning the plate of a filling app, I'm not ready to jump back into the ring to demolish an entree. So, points for Temple. The Lamb Osso Buco pretty much defines the reason why I gave up being a vegetarian for a year. Served on a bed of farro, the lamb practically falls off the bone. The brussel sprouts on the side were like, "EAT ME!" but I was like "Sry lolz kinda busy over here". Fantastic entree. Save the experience for dinner, I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Dan D.
What an amazing experience my family and friends had at TempleBar last night. Chef Richmond Edes' suckling pig is out of this world. A plus!!
(5)
Blair L.
This is a hidden gem of a brunch spot. There's never a wait on Saturdays and Sunday's and I've never received bad service. The brunch menu is simple and on point: chicken and waffles, breakfast pizza, steak and egg burrito, classic omelet and eggs bene just to name a few. I'm pretty sure I'm biased due to my love for horseradish but I love their Bloody Mary. So flavorful and surprisingly consistent. Overall, always an awesome experience here.
(5)
Nikki W.
Went here for a friends birthday party. There were 7 of us. Place was pretty full when we arrived at 8. They had blue cheese stuffed olives and my martini was perfect. That's pretty much what sold me on this place. Service was slow at first but everything else about the experience was on point. My table had the charcuterie and cheese plates, mussels, pizza, and scallops. Everything was excellent. The best part- the customer service. They brought out an awesome fondue dessert for my friend for her birthday on the house. Totally worth going over the river for!
(5)
Alanna B.
Went here after reading some good reviews, and I'm certainly glad I did! There was a parking lot which was great! The atmosphere was very nice I like the openness of the dining room. There were nice decorative curtains and lights all around too. The drinks were very good a friend of mine got pink sangria which she liked, and I got a Long Island iced tea, also very delicious. They were consistent all night. The food was very good, I would have liked a little more variety but there were some interesting options. The duck was very rich and the mushroom risotto was delightful. Great find while I was in the area!
(4)
Jeff K.
I thought the Temple Bar was a cool spot. Really liked the decor/ambiance and it was very clean. I think it is great they do offer a parking lot in the back, limited, but still a parking lot none the less if you can't find street parking. The menu was pretty good, but it could have offered more options. It was a bit limited and didn't offer too many things that catered to everyone in our group. The bread they give you is awesome, especially the molasses bread. OMG, it is sooo good! The cheese board was awesome, as were the mussels...just would have preferred less sauce...was like a swimming pool. The beet salad tasted fresh and was pretty good. Also ordered the peanut butter dessert that was awesome. I was little disappointed when I ordered the pea soup and pointed to the option on the vegan portion of the menu, but I received another version of the soup with ham in it. The server quickly corrected the issue and made it right. The manager also came by the table and apologized. I gotta hand to the service of this place...very courteous, not afraid to ask if you didn't like something you barely ate and making every effort to apologize for a mistake and doing what they needed to fix it. I'd recommend the Temple Bar!
(4)
Eliad C.
Update: Its been a few years and we kept coming in once a month or so. Over time something started changing and quality of dishes and service kept decreasing. Today we went in for brunch and were served reheated French fries and a special that included undercooked white beans. The service, albeit very courteous was very slow. I hope the owners are reading this because I really hope they manage to turn it around. I'd take my brunch plans somewhere else next time.
(3)
D F.
I've been coming here for over a decade, and I used to love it. The last time I ate here is the last time I will. To say it has gone downhill is an understatement. Literally every dish was bland and tasteless, and even the drinks were terrible. I don't know if management has changed or the chef left, but Temple Bar is now just awful. Take my word for it, avoid it until they hire a competent chef. Update: the manager reached out to say they are indeed in the process of transitioning chefs, and very nicely extended an invitation to try again after that's been underway. I'm giving an extra star for the good customer relations response and I'll give Temple Bar another try in a month or two.
(2)
Jeanie N.
First time I've been here after 4 years of living in the area -- I really regret not going earlier! Went for a birthday dinner. Did not sneakily tell the hostess or waiter it was for a birthday, but I casually mentioned it while ordering and they took note and brought out a dessert! Which was free (!) and delicious! It was a pumpkin spice flan with candied pecans. The free bread is really good, especially if you like molasses bread (think amazing Cheesecake Factory brown bread minus raisins and carrot shreddings). Duck sausage pizza - I love duck but don't like sausage. Would highly recommend the pizza! They don't skimp on any of the ingredients and the pickled onions add a sweet flavor. Lamb sliders - I love lamb but was disappointed by the lack of flavor. Wouldn't get it again, but the fries are good Cocktail: Hashtag Marmalade - whiskey drink and very strong and not too sweet. Really liked it! Sangria - one of the better sangrias I've had! A good fruity that brings out the wine. Would definitely order a pitcher.
(5)
Siobhan B.
Good food, nice atmosphere, friendly staff, good drinks, reasonable prices. I've been a fan of this place since it opened - even though it replaced the iconic Nicks eef and bee ho. The menu is a good mix of pub food - burgers, flat bread, etc - with some interesting and tasty entrees and apps. Their burger is excellent! This is a good place for casual and special occasion meals. The bar is nice too for drinks and apps.
(5)
Mark B.
I have been going to Temple for years out of convenience because it is near where I teach a course once a week in the fall semester. I always found it mediocre at best. This fall, I couldn't go because it was closed due to fire. It recently reopened and I tried again. Well I yearn for that mediocrity now!! It seems to have gotten louder, the food blander (read: lousier), the menu options smaller, and therefore much less enjoyable. The staff is attentive and kind but that is not enough to bring me back. The only temple I will frequent in the future is my synagogue.
(1)
Susan Z.
They changed their menu for brunch and I absolutely loooved the potato latkes with corned beef and hollaindaise. Also love the corn bread/coffee cake/muffins that come instead of bread at brunch. They were also able to make a virgin bloody mary for a pregnant friend.
(5)
Keo H.
I had the pork porterhouse. Pork itself was ok. But the plate also came with sweet potatoes that were mega salty. The worse sweet potatoes I've ever had. We also ordered the steak tips plate. Steak tips were season alright but dang the meat was chewy. Service was ok as we were seated promptly upon arrival. However, after we were seated it took forever for our server to take our drink order. After we received our drinks he walked away to give us time to check out the menu. It took him about 15 mins to return to take our order. Overall is not not impressed with this venu.
(2)
Nicholas D.
Temple is a great find. There is parking in the back. Which parking in cambridge can sometimes be tricky. My all time favorite dish from here was the pan seared halibut but they took it off of the menu. :'( . Temple also makes some unique drinks that are really complex and yummy. I forget what the drink was called but it had a drop of peanut oil and it was awesome. I like when places have drinks that would probably be to hard for me to make. :) The brunch here is really good too. Super friendly staff. Over all this place is a gem. Please bring back halibut over risotto!!!!
(5)
Tennille W.
Food was great. However, the place was super slow and service was poor. Not attentive to empty drinks or new customers. VERY different than it used to be.
(1)
Joanie L.
It was all fine but nothing mind blowing. I called to ask about whether they were doing Rest Week on the Sat. and reserved a table for 8PM. Or thought I did, good thing there was room at the bar. Bartender was fine but crazy busy so no chit chatting. The other guy working seemed a little more cheerful. They had a 2 course RW menu for $28 (which I had to ask for) so we got the fried mushrooms (some exotic type) and venison ravioli. Both quite good. Oddly, they had a "grilled shrimp ceviche" listed, isn't that an oxymoron? My duck was a little tough, and duck always seems to be on the underdone side. Barley and greens were a little salty. Friend's semolina crusted monkfish in a ragout was quite tasty. Nothing at all on the dessert menu spoke to us so w/ one cocktail and two IPAs, it came to about $77 before tax and tip. The places is bustling and fun, but maybe I'd just stick with apps next time.
(3)
Ana R.
Ah - what a great place! I've walked past Temple Bar a hundred times (on the way to BerryLine), and last Friday we finally remembered to check it out for dinner and drinks. When we arrived around 7, it was easy to get a table, though we decided to sit at the bar. Later when we left at 8, there were people waiting inside and out and many people mingling by the bar waiting for their tables. Our bartender was really pleasant and made my experience really great. We both felt really relaxed and at home. The menu is not huge. There are a few soups and salads, a few starters, a half dozen entrees ($19-$30) and some sandwiches and pizzas ($12-$15). I had a steak with mashed potatoes and mustard aioli. It was delicious. My boyfriend had the chicken sandwich with fries. It was a pretty good sandwich, but the fries were amazing! I'd definitely come here again, especially for an intimate dinner with my guy, and to spy on other people's dates.
(5)
Simon L.
As good as ever. Girlfriend had the burger. Cooked med rare as always. I had the pork special - maple brined pork loin and deep fried pork belly with asparagus and fingerling potatoes fried in dukfat. The tuna and salmon "poke" was entertaining but not spectacular. Drinks as good as ever.
(4)
Laila M.
I created a yelp just let you know how terrible this place has become. I came here last year and the food and drinks were great. Now, my drinks taste watered down and my duck was basically overlooked and covered in a jelly sauce. The Calamari was over cooked and tasted like rubber covered in an exuberant amount of breading. Definitely will never be coming back anytime soon.
(1)
Matthew B.
Temple bar is a reliably classy spot that's close enough for an impromptu date night. Last night we lucked out and were sat quickly. The main dishes are well prepared with a bit of an upscale punch to them. The bar food is solid - from truffle pizza to the burger with fig jam. Drinks are well prepared as well, though I tend to focus on their draft beer selection. What's keeping it from 5 stars is the occasional missing-the-mark moment. Example: last night my burger was prepared perfectly, but the bottom part of the bun was so saturated it fell apart. It's not the end of the world at all, though also not the reliability you want from an order. The differentiator for Temple Bar is the service. The food is good, but it's the people that keep me coming back. Every hostess I've seen there greats you with a thoughtful smile no matter how busy they are. I haven't had a waiter who wasn't excellent. All in all, I'll continue to frequent here.
(4)
Eloise M.
This place has a nice atmosphere. The service was quick and the food was good. I had the duck and the portions were huge - good thing I split it with a friend. It was overall a good experience. Little weird that I asked for a reservation for 7 at 6:30 pm and they asked if I could come at 6. We did, but there were plenty of tables open. Other than that, large portions and tasty.
(4)
Ricardo T.
The eggs Benedict are spectacular, the Bloody Mary is my favorite, the place is cool and the staff is very nice ... I recommend you to go for brunch!
(5)
Molly R.
Overall, I was pretty impressed with my experience here. I just don't know that I'd go back regularly (hence the 3-star review). Went for drinks and light food with a few friends about a month ago. Their drink menu is fun and interesting, with lots of nice handcrafted options, out of the ordinary selection, for sure. I got a barrel-aged cocktail that I couldn't pronounce and I didn't recognize most of the ingredients. But I figured hey, why not? It was hard to describe - a little sour/tangy, a little sweet, chilly, but warmed me up, too. Definitely a fun try. The others I was with got different drinks, all equally as interesting and yummy as mine. My boyfriend and I ordered the razor clams (never had them before) and the mussels. Razor clams are ... interesting. If you've never had them, they're like long, tough clams. Similar consistency as maybe a piece of fried calamari? Hard to describe. Order was grilled with some slivers of pepper and onion. Four clams, definitely a very small portion, though I don't know if I'd have wanted more (wasn't crazy about it). The mussels were delicious - the broth was really interesting. Tomato, orange, and some spice to it. Would order that again if I ever end up back there. The couple we were with ordered the Soy Roasted Lamb. I didn't try it so I can't speak to the flavors, but it was REALLY tiny. Much smaller portion than our mussels. In my opinion, probably not worth the price tag (especially since we were looking to just order some apps and share). Ordered a shot of espresso which was delicious as well, and much needed at the time. Again, I'm not sure I would return, and certainly not on a regular basis. The atmosphere was romantic and trendy, but very dim. Difficult to read the menu and see the plates in front of you. There also wasn't natural light from outside since we went at night. Their entrees sounded yummy, but I haven't tried any of those. Most of the prices were pretty high, especially considering that a lot of the dishes (from what I saw) were not exactly large portions. Might try it again one day, but not really in a rush to go back. There are definitely other places in the Somerville/Cambridge area with delicious foods for less money. Highlights: be creative with picking a cocktail, try the espresso, and definitely order the mussels!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Lauren L.
I love going to places like temple occasionally for a ridiculously complicated and pricey drink and it was just one of those nights! I went with my sister in law and husband and we were in a very celebratory mood. We each had one of those yummy $10 cocktails and due to restaurant week we were able to try many dishes. The vegetarian menu for restaurant week was impressive and a good deal. It probably had the most creative and delicious dishes though my sis loved her steak frites (the fries which were all I could taste were REALLY good)! My husband got the regular restaurant week meal and felt the crab cakes were too bready and his main dish of arctic chard was good but too rich in his words. I had an eggplant crostini that was amazing, and basil gnocchi with roasted root vegetables which was satisfying but not too heavy. The desserts were as always during restaurant week kinda meh but after a cocktail and two glasses of wine you won't care! I can't wait to come back here the next time I want a girly drink and a special meal. I was intrigued by their regular menu and happy to see permanent vegetarian entrees on the list. This would be a nice place to bring my parents the next time they visit since they have been to Christopher's about a thousand times already!
(4)Gary A.
Great food. Upbeat, trendy atmosphere. Limited vegetarian options but selections are well thought out and perfectly executed. Server could have had better wine knowledge to provide a flawless dining experience. Wine list needs work. Will definitely recommend this restaurant.
(4)Jeffrey K.
I'm a big fan of Temple Bar. Its the best place for brunch I've found. They serve seasonal mini-muffins as a free app. The pumpkin muffins are delicious. The bloody mary's are fantastic as are the eggs benedict and the yogurt and granola.
(4)Dan T.
Really I would say 3 1/2 stars, but the fact that it allows for 1000 point reservations on open table kicks it up. Very cool. Excellent wine list. It maintains a romantic feel even though it's always busy and vibrant, which is a tough thing to accomplish. The food will never disappoint, but will never be truly excellent. Better than Chez Henri, Rafiki, or anything else in the area. (With the exception of Addis, but depends what you are in the mood for.)
(4)Gordon G.
Cool atmosphere, nice crowd. The mixed drinks are pretty good, if a bit expensive. The food is pretty killer as well if you're in it for late-night snacks, but I haven't yet tried the full menu.
(4)S S.
Seriously all these resturant people in cambridge need a serious crash course on waiting on clients. The hostess gave us serious attitude in getting a table for a party of 5 that we had already reserved earlier during the day. Not to mention the wait was 20 mins, because the people using the table earlier, refused to getup after they had paid. The food and drink was good. The dessert sucked, so did the service. Loved the ambiance, very chic for a place close to porter square.
(3)Dmitry V.
Nothing special. Potatoes over-salted. Overall, the dishes are below mediocre, but the price is twice of any other place. Will never go there again.
(2)P S.
Judging by other reviews on Yelp, our experience was fairly standard, hit or miss. Our 1st visit to Temple Bar on a weekend night was stellar. Seated immediately for our reservation, good service, great food. This time, also a weekend night, we had to wait at least 15 minutes for our reserved table, which turns out wasn't the worst of it. After being seated it took at least 10 minutes before anyone acknowledged us. After finally placing our order, we thought we were in the clear. Oh no, we weren't. Tables around us who'd arrived much later were getting food delivered but not us. When our food FINALLY came out, about an hour after we'd ordered, it was totally undercooked! So the waitress took it back and brought out a new one. By the time all was said and done, our visit to the Temple Bar took 2 hours. We are not lingerers, often our restaurants visits are about an hour, to give you some perspective. To their credit, the Temple Bar did try to make amends, which will bring me back. The two meals were comped as was one of our drinks. Though, until we pointed out that the food was undercooked all we were offered was a free dessert to make up for all the obnoxiousness. Our waitress was very apologetic throughout, but I can't help but wonder if the situation was partly her fault. But I guess we'll never know. I really want to like the Temple Bar, so I won't let this experience keep me away. Hopefully it was just a fluke.
(2)Jason P.
This is a great place between Harvard and Porter Squares that you've probably never heard of. Nevertheless, it definitely deserves your attention. They have an excellent food and drink menu, and the ambience is upbeat and modern. It's a fantastic place for a date or a drink at the bar. I've been there about 10 times and have never had unpleasant service or disappointing food. The white truffle pizza is excellent, and is one of their signature dishes.
(5)Cynthia S.
Good atmosphere, good food. I've been here a couple of times and I've gotten both the fancier dishes and the burgers. Service is good and I've never had to wait longer than 15 min for a table.
(3)Scooby D.
This was my first visit to Temple Bar. I really liked the atmosphere and the aestetics of the bar. The crowd is a good mix of people incuding afterwork professionals, students, and families. My date and I opted to order a couple appetizers and a flatbread. We wee drinking wine by the glass, but I did notice that they had a decent beer selection. The food quality was excellent. The biggest reason I can't give Temple Bar a higher rating is that the wine by the glass was a complete rip-off. The bartenders "short pour" which is unheard of at $9-$10 per glass. I was also disappointed in the portion size of the food. We ordered a pepperoni flatbread and a duck salad, which they skimpped on the ingredients. The prices are reasonable, but it might be worth their while to charge an extra buck or two and not trot out meals that look so meager. I would consider another trip to Temple Bar, but there are several other restaurants in that area so I will like try another place first.
(3)Jen J.
Great place for dessert. The chocolate bottom creme brulee and chocolate fondue hit the spot. You get fresh fruit - strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, bananas - along with an assortment of baked goodies with the fondue. Good for sharing.
(3)fred n.
Good food, great service, nice atmosphere. Definitely a great place to come to for anything (personal time, with a crowd, to celebrate an occassion or just because).
(4)Kristen F.
Great for brunch. A nice place... good atmostphere, great brunch menu, superb bloody mary's. No complaints here.
(4)Molly L.
I've been here for an outdoor lunch, Mother's Day brunch, girl's night out and date night with my husband and it's fantastic every time! I order their fried calamari every single time - it comes with an unbelievable spicy adobo dipping sauce. Their flatbreads are a great choice as well as the classic burger (comes with thick, crispy fries). And the scallops are always cooked perfectly! I still haven't tried the fondue because I usually opt for a "dessert martini", as I call it. The Espresso Martini and the Chocolate Martini are my faves! On weekend nights, the crowd is exactly what I'm looking for - late 20's to early 30's. It's also a good place to stop for after dinner drinks! For many years now I've been thinking that my first time here was actually a dream because I always thought that we had ordered homemade potato chips with a goat cheese reduction but, since then, I've never seen it on the menu. I was happy to see that another reviewer wrote that it was removed from the menu. I'm serious when I say that I had convinced myself that homemade potato chips with goat cheese reduction were only in my dreams and they don't really exist.
(4)Michelle K.
I've passed this place at least 50 times on the 96 bus and finally had the chance to go in for a tasty Sunday brunch here today. It was great and I wanted to come on Yelp to share the love. The menu has a lot of variety and items range from around $7-$12. While we waited for our food our waitress brought 6 tiny delish blueberry muffins. I got the omelette special - gouda and mushrooms and some sweet pepper - and it was perfectly crafted. We had a lovely table right at the window for Mass Ave. people watching, though the decor and ambiance of the interior are also cool. It may be known as a Bar but they've got a satisfying brunch for weekend days when you don't feel like waking up and fixing your own toast and eggs.
(4)shannon m.
This morning I went to Temple Bar on Mass Ave in Cambridge for brunch. This was my third visit, and the food was very good. The service was also good, even though the place wasn't that busy and Sunday brunch service can sometimes suffer from 'not enough to do' syndrome. I had the Smoked Salmon Bagel, not too much to screw up there, but the fish was tasty and fresh. Friends had the chorizo eggs benedict, dubbed 'heaven,' the crunchy granola french toast with rasperries and yogurt, also very good, and the irish fry -- which my discriminating meat eating friend really loved. I had wanted to try somewhere new but am not sorry that I wound up at Temple Bar this morning.
(3)Julie R.
Went here for the first time lastnight and really liked it. We got to sit ouside in the small patio area. The server was extremely attentive and friendly. The salad was great and the grilled chicken on it had a kick to it. The decor was cool. I liked the distressed wood floors and lighting alot. They had the game going at the bar tv but it was not loud enough to be distracting. Parking was easy right on Mass ave. I will definately be coming here again!
(4)Pete P.
its average... the food is average... the atmosphere lacks uniqueness... its average. wow, its so boring i cant ever muster up the energy to write a decent review! there is nothing that stands out as great here but nothing that stands out as bad, terrible or really irritating. i wish i could give it 2.5 stars. its... "blah"
(2)Kaopectate P.
went during restaurant week but ordered off the regular menu. appetizers (oysters and soup) were good, but entrees were rather bland. ribeye steak had no flavor and the scallops were decent (heavy cream sauce that makes anythign taste good). one annoying thing. most of the restaurant week things are on the regular menu but not the desserts. we didnt' realize this until the end of our meal. our waitress wouldn't let us order a dessert off the restaurant week menu, so we talked to the manager (ten minutes later), who so gratiously allowed us to since it was the end of the night. serious. are they trying to impress people. desserts were good though. ppl have raved about this place to me so i'm willing to try it again... hostess was really friendly. waitress not so much (but it was a busy night so not a big deal)
(3)Jackie S.
Oh, I just love this place. It's a beautiful restaurant and the food quality has been consistently solid. My favorite item is the modestly priced, deliciously crispy thin crust pizza with avocado, aged balsamic and truffle oil. I also adore the wild mushroom vegetarian dish! Definitely recommend this spot.
(4)Crystal S.
I stopped here on a bar crawl along mass ave with my boyfriend right after trying some delectable drinks at the West Side Lounge and it was just no comparison. The atmosphere was "eh" and the drinks were "eh" and the price of the drinks did not match the "eh." If you're not familiar with the "eh," it's the verbal equivalent of a shrug. I've never had the food at Temple Bar, nor do i want to. I guess there's just too much competition in the area as far as i'm concerned, if i want a moderately-cheaply priced meal, I'd just go to Cambridge Common and if I wanted cocktails, I'd go to the West Side Lounge. If I want to be wined and dined, I'd go to Chez Henri. When I want to spend my money and not be satisfied, I guess that I could go to Temple Bar? but I don't think that is how it's supposed to work. Basically, I would not recommend it.
(2)Mags L.
came here to celebrate my promotion (senior software engineer, wha? wha?). my dining companion and i both got steak frites (medium well and medium rare respectively). is frites french for delicioso? we also got the calamari and i gots me some tasty wine. i dunno what kind it was - i'm not a connoisseur - it was red and maybe from california? also got some drunky drunk coffee for our after meal palate cleansing (i think mine had courvoisier in it). everything was satisfying to my tastebuds and it helped that i left loopy.
(4)Courtney L.
Love this place, but they need more of a variety in their menu. The food they do serve is excellent, but I always have a hard time deciding what I want. I will still go back, enjoy taking friends here.
(3)Kathleen M.
I wholeheartedly agree with Crystal S.'s assessment! Don't waste your time here. Hit Westside Lounge for a similar price, but much better cocktails, food, and atmosphere! Temple is a reasonable stop on a crawl from WSL to Porter square, just get a small volume drink so you can get out quickly.
(2)catherine h.
try the beef carpaccio appetizer and a glass of the zinfandel. Yummy. Nice atmosphere too!
(4)Rachel G.
As much as I want to stay away from this place because I really can't afford it, I just can't stay away. With every meal you get 3 types of tasty bread- there's a cornbread, a focaccia, and I can't remember the other one, but it's good too. For dinner I get the three-cheese white truffle pizza (which has tomatoes, arugula, avocado, and a balsamic reduction- delicious!) or the gnocchi (also delicious). Both are fantastic and not your typical blah vegetarian options. The cheese fondue and chocolate fondue are also both wonderful! For brunch, I always get the mascarpone cheese stuffed crepes and my boyfriend is always pleased with their omelets. The French martini and the ginger-razz lime rickey are both very good drinks. The atmosphere is classy but not pretentious, and the booths are big and comfy. This is a great place for a date or just to meet up with friends for dinner and/or drinks.
(5)Laura B.
I really like going to Temple Bar... but mostly because it's literally on the same block as my apartment. It's not a super exciting place but it is very pleasant. When I do go in for drinks, brunch or dinner, the food is always very good & the bartenders are always friendly. I've never had a bad experience.
(4)Irene F.
Well, we didn't eat here, but it was quite nice to sit outside and sip cava for a while. Very nice. I know it's owned/run by the same folks as Red Line and Grafton, so I can imagine the food would be really good.
(4)Lalin A.
I have been to Temple Bar for drinks only (not that I tried food there). I think that its plus is the atmosphere, which is right between casual and romantic. When you don't want to go a dive bar or one that the college students frequent, definitely check out Temple.
(4)Jake F.
I'm only giving 5 stars because this place serves the best pizza I've ever tasted. I don't know anything else about them but their pizza is a hidden gem.
(5)Raven J.
Great food, great drinks, the usual priceyness associated with such things, okay service. More of a restaurant than bar, highly recommended for a date. I'm not sure if I'd go back, but I had a great time.
(4)erin e.
The best cobb salad I have literally ever had - a great cheap lunch with a soda or water. Otherwise, It looks better than it is. Go to the West Side Lounge just a couple doors down for the real thing if you want a nice dinner and GREAT drinks.
(3)Michael C.
This is one of my favorite places to go, whether just for a nightcap or to spend the night. I think that some people rating it as a bit aloof or whatever is off base. You have to mellow, get into the vibe of the place and relax. It's different from most bars/restaurants in the Boston and even Cambridge area. My best advice here is to not be intimidated, relax and enjoy the view and don't be afraid to say hello. I love this place.
(5)Elizaveta F.
It's hard to complain about Temple Bar: they have a fun patio (though one with only two-person tables), and they make an absolutely fantastic bread basket. The menu selections are solid -- having tried a few of them (Caesar salad, raw tuna salad, three-cheese flatbread pizza), I have no doubt that the others are just as serviceable. The service itself has been efficient and friendly in my experience, including on an extremely busy Friday night. I was disappointed by my cocktail, an alleged Tangerine Mojito that tasted like neither, but I'm willing to give the bar the benefit of the doubt. In all, Temple Bar is a choice that's hard to argue with, especially if some diners in your party are less adventurous or if your group can't agree on an ethnic cuisine. And yet, I won't be back if I can avoid it. Why? Because this place feels generic, so similar to Grafton Street, the Tavern on the Square franchise, and seemingly thousands of others as to be almost indistinguishable from them. (Also, the entrees seem overpriced for what they are, which is nothing special.) Go here if your primary goal is to hang out with your friends in a trendy, friendly spot, not if you're looking for a memorable restaurant experience.
(3)Brendan R.
this place used to be great but since they changed the menu I've been less pleased. it's still a nice place for a drink and an app. you may like the new menu. worth checking out.
(3)Pooja N.
Great food, can get pricey if you're not careful. I highly recommend the scallops, risotto, and the pizza. Good wine selection, but the cocktail menu is lacking.
(4)Anna f.
Great for Martinis and meeting somebody new!
(4)R M.
Stopped in for drinks for a friend's birthday. Ambiance was good, and service was great. Both the cheese fondue and chocolate fondue were excellent.
(4)Scott C.
As a lover of scallops and a great wine menu Temple Bar was a great surprise. Don't hesitate to try this restaurant if you are new to Cambridge or a veteran. Amazing!
(5)Jolene S.
A very nice place between Harvard and Porter Sqs. Recommend the grilled chicken sandwich which comes with enough fries to share. Good competition for Noir. As an app the beef tacos work well (to share bet. 2). Good service, too and screens for watching the sports games. You can dress up if you want to, but you don't have to. Convenient to 77 Sherman St. bus stop too.
(3)Addie M.
I used to come here all of the time, but I havent had the freetime to pop in. Glad my fiance and I came tonight! Didn't order our usual mussels or duckwings.. Instead we did the steak frites lamb osso bucco and the artisan cheeses.. And finished with the coconut basil and lime sorbet. I'm a fan of the new manager too. Change is good!!
(4)Andrea B.
Great place for a girls' night out! Eunice E. and I stopped by on a Saturday evening, and it was fairly quiet, which made for a perfect atmosphere to sit and catch up with a lovely friend over some good food and drinks. We split the lamb sliders to start, and they were phenomenal. All conversation ceased as we were temporarily lost in lamb slider heaven. They're served medium rare, and topped with jalapeno and onion relish, smoked tomato and feta aioli, on warm, buttery brioche buns. They came with a generous portion of delicious, perfectly crispy fries. We both got the Pleasant Valley Sunday cocktail, which was very tasty albeit seemingly low on the alcohol content. Hey, it was Saturday night, and I was hoping for a drink that was a little stronger. For our entrees, I got the duck and sausage pizza. On the menu, it listed having "zesty" tomato sauce, dates, smoked pistachios, and pickled onions on it. Sounds good to me, minus the dates. I couldn't picture how that would taste good with sausage, duck, and the rest of those toppings. So I asked for my pizza to be made without them, and it was delicious. Perhaps a bit too spicy (was it the sausage? I couldn't figure out what was so hot!), but enjoyable nevertheless. Eunice got the grilled chicken sandwich, which she enjoyed, but seriously, those lamb sliders were a tough act to follow. Her sandwich was enormous, as was my pizza. Needless to say, we were too full for dessert, and had plenty of leftovers to take home! I'd come back. Service was pleasant, atmosphere was nice, food was good. I would just hope that the next drink I order here will be a bit stronger!
(4)Manfred S.
Yes I am still a fan, but I see some worrisome signs since the restaurant reopened. The service is still outstanding. Overall the food tastes great. BUT the pork was not fresh. Luckily I ordered it well done, so it was safe. As a German, I am very sensitive to less than perfect pork. Beef is good aged. Pork is not and I take notice. Don't get me wrong. It wasn't spoiled, but it would have been in a few more hours and that makes me drop a star. Besides the pork, everything else is still as good as it gets. My program: Temple Bar is still one of my favorites, but I'll skip the pork for a while.
(4)Karis O.
Everything. Is. On. Point. From the service to the decor and (obviously) to the food. Share the mussels. Served in a cute little tin bucket, they come doused in this delicious tomato broth with bits of andouille sausage. Once you've cleaned through this course, ask for more bread, so you can soak up the rest of the broth. The extra carbs are worth it. Side note, our waitress got our order midway through the appetizer, which meant (DING DING DING) our entrees wouldn't come immediately after we were done. Maybe I'm the only person who cares, but after cleaning the plate of a filling app, I'm not ready to jump back into the ring to demolish an entree. So, points for Temple. The Lamb Osso Buco pretty much defines the reason why I gave up being a vegetarian for a year. Served on a bed of farro, the lamb practically falls off the bone. The brussel sprouts on the side were like, "EAT ME!" but I was like "Sry lolz kinda busy over here". Fantastic entree. Save the experience for dinner, I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
(5)Dan D.
What an amazing experience my family and friends had at TempleBar last night. Chef Richmond Edes' suckling pig is out of this world. A plus!!
(5)Blair L.
This is a hidden gem of a brunch spot. There's never a wait on Saturdays and Sunday's and I've never received bad service. The brunch menu is simple and on point: chicken and waffles, breakfast pizza, steak and egg burrito, classic omelet and eggs bene just to name a few. I'm pretty sure I'm biased due to my love for horseradish but I love their Bloody Mary. So flavorful and surprisingly consistent. Overall, always an awesome experience here.
(5)Nikki W.
Went here for a friends birthday party. There were 7 of us. Place was pretty full when we arrived at 8. They had blue cheese stuffed olives and my martini was perfect. That's pretty much what sold me on this place. Service was slow at first but everything else about the experience was on point. My table had the charcuterie and cheese plates, mussels, pizza, and scallops. Everything was excellent. The best part- the customer service. They brought out an awesome fondue dessert for my friend for her birthday on the house. Totally worth going over the river for!
(5)Alanna B.
Went here after reading some good reviews, and I'm certainly glad I did! There was a parking lot which was great! The atmosphere was very nice I like the openness of the dining room. There were nice decorative curtains and lights all around too. The drinks were very good a friend of mine got pink sangria which she liked, and I got a Long Island iced tea, also very delicious. They were consistent all night. The food was very good, I would have liked a little more variety but there were some interesting options. The duck was very rich and the mushroom risotto was delightful. Great find while I was in the area!
(4)Jeff K.
I thought the Temple Bar was a cool spot. Really liked the decor/ambiance and it was very clean. I think it is great they do offer a parking lot in the back, limited, but still a parking lot none the less if you can't find street parking. The menu was pretty good, but it could have offered more options. It was a bit limited and didn't offer too many things that catered to everyone in our group. The bread they give you is awesome, especially the molasses bread. OMG, it is sooo good! The cheese board was awesome, as were the mussels...just would have preferred less sauce...was like a swimming pool. The beet salad tasted fresh and was pretty good. Also ordered the peanut butter dessert that was awesome. I was little disappointed when I ordered the pea soup and pointed to the option on the vegan portion of the menu, but I received another version of the soup with ham in it. The server quickly corrected the issue and made it right. The manager also came by the table and apologized. I gotta hand to the service of this place...very courteous, not afraid to ask if you didn't like something you barely ate and making every effort to apologize for a mistake and doing what they needed to fix it. I'd recommend the Temple Bar!
(4)Eliad C.
Update: Its been a few years and we kept coming in once a month or so. Over time something started changing and quality of dishes and service kept decreasing. Today we went in for brunch and were served reheated French fries and a special that included undercooked white beans. The service, albeit very courteous was very slow. I hope the owners are reading this because I really hope they manage to turn it around. I'd take my brunch plans somewhere else next time.
(3)D F.
I've been coming here for over a decade, and I used to love it. The last time I ate here is the last time I will. To say it has gone downhill is an understatement. Literally every dish was bland and tasteless, and even the drinks were terrible. I don't know if management has changed or the chef left, but Temple Bar is now just awful. Take my word for it, avoid it until they hire a competent chef. Update: the manager reached out to say they are indeed in the process of transitioning chefs, and very nicely extended an invitation to try again after that's been underway. I'm giving an extra star for the good customer relations response and I'll give Temple Bar another try in a month or two.
(2)Jeanie N.
First time I've been here after 4 years of living in the area -- I really regret not going earlier! Went for a birthday dinner. Did not sneakily tell the hostess or waiter it was for a birthday, but I casually mentioned it while ordering and they took note and brought out a dessert! Which was free (!) and delicious! It was a pumpkin spice flan with candied pecans. The free bread is really good, especially if you like molasses bread (think amazing Cheesecake Factory brown bread minus raisins and carrot shreddings). Duck sausage pizza - I love duck but don't like sausage. Would highly recommend the pizza! They don't skimp on any of the ingredients and the pickled onions add a sweet flavor. Lamb sliders - I love lamb but was disappointed by the lack of flavor. Wouldn't get it again, but the fries are good Cocktail: Hashtag Marmalade - whiskey drink and very strong and not too sweet. Really liked it! Sangria - one of the better sangrias I've had! A good fruity that brings out the wine. Would definitely order a pitcher.
(5)Siobhan B.
Good food, nice atmosphere, friendly staff, good drinks, reasonable prices. I've been a fan of this place since it opened - even though it replaced the iconic Nicks eef and bee ho. The menu is a good mix of pub food - burgers, flat bread, etc - with some interesting and tasty entrees and apps. Their burger is excellent! This is a good place for casual and special occasion meals. The bar is nice too for drinks and apps.
(5)Mark B.
I have been going to Temple for years out of convenience because it is near where I teach a course once a week in the fall semester. I always found it mediocre at best. This fall, I couldn't go because it was closed due to fire. It recently reopened and I tried again. Well I yearn for that mediocrity now!! It seems to have gotten louder, the food blander (read: lousier), the menu options smaller, and therefore much less enjoyable. The staff is attentive and kind but that is not enough to bring me back. The only temple I will frequent in the future is my synagogue.
(1)Susan Z.
They changed their menu for brunch and I absolutely loooved the potato latkes with corned beef and hollaindaise. Also love the corn bread/coffee cake/muffins that come instead of bread at brunch. They were also able to make a virgin bloody mary for a pregnant friend.
(5)Keo H.
I had the pork porterhouse. Pork itself was ok. But the plate also came with sweet potatoes that were mega salty. The worse sweet potatoes I've ever had. We also ordered the steak tips plate. Steak tips were season alright but dang the meat was chewy. Service was ok as we were seated promptly upon arrival. However, after we were seated it took forever for our server to take our drink order. After we received our drinks he walked away to give us time to check out the menu. It took him about 15 mins to return to take our order. Overall is not not impressed with this venu.
(2)Nicholas D.
Temple is a great find. There is parking in the back. Which parking in cambridge can sometimes be tricky. My all time favorite dish from here was the pan seared halibut but they took it off of the menu. :'( . Temple also makes some unique drinks that are really complex and yummy. I forget what the drink was called but it had a drop of peanut oil and it was awesome. I like when places have drinks that would probably be to hard for me to make. :) The brunch here is really good too. Super friendly staff. Over all this place is a gem. Please bring back halibut over risotto!!!!
(5)Tennille W.
Food was great. However, the place was super slow and service was poor. Not attentive to empty drinks or new customers. VERY different than it used to be.
(1)Joanie L.
It was all fine but nothing mind blowing. I called to ask about whether they were doing Rest Week on the Sat. and reserved a table for 8PM. Or thought I did, good thing there was room at the bar. Bartender was fine but crazy busy so no chit chatting. The other guy working seemed a little more cheerful. They had a 2 course RW menu for $28 (which I had to ask for) so we got the fried mushrooms (some exotic type) and venison ravioli. Both quite good. Oddly, they had a "grilled shrimp ceviche" listed, isn't that an oxymoron? My duck was a little tough, and duck always seems to be on the underdone side. Barley and greens were a little salty. Friend's semolina crusted monkfish in a ragout was quite tasty. Nothing at all on the dessert menu spoke to us so w/ one cocktail and two IPAs, it came to about $77 before tax and tip. The places is bustling and fun, but maybe I'd just stick with apps next time.
(3)Ana R.
Ah - what a great place! I've walked past Temple Bar a hundred times (on the way to BerryLine), and last Friday we finally remembered to check it out for dinner and drinks. When we arrived around 7, it was easy to get a table, though we decided to sit at the bar. Later when we left at 8, there were people waiting inside and out and many people mingling by the bar waiting for their tables. Our bartender was really pleasant and made my experience really great. We both felt really relaxed and at home. The menu is not huge. There are a few soups and salads, a few starters, a half dozen entrees ($19-$30) and some sandwiches and pizzas ($12-$15). I had a steak with mashed potatoes and mustard aioli. It was delicious. My boyfriend had the chicken sandwich with fries. It was a pretty good sandwich, but the fries were amazing! I'd definitely come here again, especially for an intimate dinner with my guy, and to spy on other people's dates.
(5)Simon L.
As good as ever. Girlfriend had the burger. Cooked med rare as always. I had the pork special - maple brined pork loin and deep fried pork belly with asparagus and fingerling potatoes fried in dukfat. The tuna and salmon "poke" was entertaining but not spectacular. Drinks as good as ever.
(4)Laila M.
I created a yelp just let you know how terrible this place has become. I came here last year and the food and drinks were great. Now, my drinks taste watered down and my duck was basically overlooked and covered in a jelly sauce. The Calamari was over cooked and tasted like rubber covered in an exuberant amount of breading. Definitely will never be coming back anytime soon.
(1)Matthew B.
Temple bar is a reliably classy spot that's close enough for an impromptu date night. Last night we lucked out and were sat quickly. The main dishes are well prepared with a bit of an upscale punch to them. The bar food is solid - from truffle pizza to the burger with fig jam. Drinks are well prepared as well, though I tend to focus on their draft beer selection. What's keeping it from 5 stars is the occasional missing-the-mark moment. Example: last night my burger was prepared perfectly, but the bottom part of the bun was so saturated it fell apart. It's not the end of the world at all, though also not the reliability you want from an order. The differentiator for Temple Bar is the service. The food is good, but it's the people that keep me coming back. Every hostess I've seen there greats you with a thoughtful smile no matter how busy they are. I haven't had a waiter who wasn't excellent. All in all, I'll continue to frequent here.
(4)Eloise M.
This place has a nice atmosphere. The service was quick and the food was good. I had the duck and the portions were huge - good thing I split it with a friend. It was overall a good experience. Little weird that I asked for a reservation for 7 at 6:30 pm and they asked if I could come at 6. We did, but there were plenty of tables open. Other than that, large portions and tasty.
(4)Ricardo T.
The eggs Benedict are spectacular, the Bloody Mary is my favorite, the place is cool and the staff is very nice ... I recommend you to go for brunch!
(5)Molly R.
Overall, I was pretty impressed with my experience here. I just don't know that I'd go back regularly (hence the 3-star review). Went for drinks and light food with a few friends about a month ago. Their drink menu is fun and interesting, with lots of nice handcrafted options, out of the ordinary selection, for sure. I got a barrel-aged cocktail that I couldn't pronounce and I didn't recognize most of the ingredients. But I figured hey, why not? It was hard to describe - a little sour/tangy, a little sweet, chilly, but warmed me up, too. Definitely a fun try. The others I was with got different drinks, all equally as interesting and yummy as mine. My boyfriend and I ordered the razor clams (never had them before) and the mussels. Razor clams are ... interesting. If you've never had them, they're like long, tough clams. Similar consistency as maybe a piece of fried calamari? Hard to describe. Order was grilled with some slivers of pepper and onion. Four clams, definitely a very small portion, though I don't know if I'd have wanted more (wasn't crazy about it). The mussels were delicious - the broth was really interesting. Tomato, orange, and some spice to it. Would order that again if I ever end up back there. The couple we were with ordered the Soy Roasted Lamb. I didn't try it so I can't speak to the flavors, but it was REALLY tiny. Much smaller portion than our mussels. In my opinion, probably not worth the price tag (especially since we were looking to just order some apps and share). Ordered a shot of espresso which was delicious as well, and much needed at the time. Again, I'm not sure I would return, and certainly not on a regular basis. The atmosphere was romantic and trendy, but very dim. Difficult to read the menu and see the plates in front of you. There also wasn't natural light from outside since we went at night. Their entrees sounded yummy, but I haven't tried any of those. Most of the prices were pretty high, especially considering that a lot of the dishes (from what I saw) were not exactly large portions. Might try it again one day, but not really in a rush to go back. There are definitely other places in the Somerville/Cambridge area with delicious foods for less money. Highlights: be creative with picking a cocktail, try the espresso, and definitely order the mussels!
(3)