Alden and Harlow

4.6

4861 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a booking

2 people

25 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 21 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions
Lively

Located at 40 Brattle Street in Harvard Square, Alden & Harlow serves thoughtfully sourced, honest American food in a subterranean, modern and comfortable space. Replicating the style of cooking he does for family and friends in his home kitchen, Chef Michael Scelfo prepares humble, unpretentious food that honors tradition of place in its quality. It's how he connects with anyone who joins them at their table.

While reservations are strongly suggested, we also save a portion of the dining room and bar for walk-ins in the event that your request cannot be accommodated. So please, come on in!

Parties of more than 8, please call to make a reservation.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Gastro Pub, Tapas / Small Plates
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm Late Night Thu–Sat 11:00 am–12:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(617) 864-2100
Website
http://www.aldenharlow.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Michael Scelfo

Location
40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Area
West Cambridge
Cross Street
Mt Auburn Street
Parking details
University Place Garage at 124 Mt. Auburn St offers a discounted rate with validation.
Public transit
Alden and Harlow is accessible via the Harvard Square MBTA Red Line T stop.
Additional
Patio/Outdoor Dining

Featured in

50 Boston Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Popular dishes

Grilled Rosemary FocacciaUS$15.00
Roasted Squash Caponata, House Cultured Butter
Chips & Onion DipUS$9.00
Smoked & Fried Chicken "Nuggets"US$18.00
Tarragon Aioli, Fermented Ramp Greens, Burnt Cherry Hot Sauce
Ubiquitous Kale SaladUS$16.00
Creamy Pistachio Dressing, Honey & Fennel
Mixed Roasted Squash US$19.00
Smoked Almond Tahini, Pickled Hot Peppers, Savory Apple Streusel
Hickory Smoked CarrotsUS$18.00
Buttermilk "Ranch" Labneh, Pickled Dilly Bean Oil, Puffed Grain-Ola
Grilled BroccoliUS$16.00
Butternut Squash Hummus, Bianco Sardo & Cashew
Local BurrataUS$19.00
Griddled Sweet Potato Bread, Citrus Marmalade, Smoked Honey Butter
Cauliflower CaesarUS$17.00
Garlic Crumbs, Caesar Dressing, Parmigiano & Capers
Seared Bluefin Crudo*US$19.00
Pickled Apple Vinaigrette, Apple and Celery Root Miso
Steak Tartar*US$21.00
Pickled Green Beans, Smoked Egg Yolk, Potato Chips
Fried Brussels SproutsUS$17.00
Tallow Fried Peanuts, Fish Sauce, Herbs & Pickled Hots
Pickled Corn PancakesUS$18.00
Buttermilk, Maple, Shishito
Patatas BravasUS$16.00
Pumpkin Seed Romesco, Garlic Toum, Pickled Jalapeños
Basil PastaUS$23.00
Carrot Bolognese, Herb Salad, Pecorino
Pan Roasted Duck Breast US$26.00
Buttered Cabbage, Mushroom Chips, Roasted Grape Demi
Smoked Chicken Raviolo*US$24.00
Creamy Parsnips, Sage, Brown Butter, Pumpkin
Grilled Mackerel US$23.00
Celery Root, Remoulade & House Pickles
Braised Beef a la PlanchaUS$29.00
Miso Carrot Purée, Roasted Golden Beets & Radishes, Fish Sauce Caramel
Ora King Salmon*US$26.00
Farm Ratatouille, Grilled Sourdough, Bouquerones Aioli
Grilled NY Strip*
Fried Potatoes, Red Wine Butter, Bacon & Blue Cheese Salad
- 8 ozUS$38.00
- 14 ozUS$52.00
Secret Burger*US$19.00
Our 8 oz House Creekstone Grind, Your Faith, House Made Roll
Crispy Pork BellyUS$21.00
Smoked Anson Mills Grits, Root Vegetable Mostarda
Chicken Fried RabbitUS$19.00
Blue Cheese, Radish, Chili Oil
Plancha'd Japanese YamsUS$21.00
Sesame Peanut Crisp, Crispy Chicken Skin, Pickled Apple

Dessert

Smoked Chocolate Bread PuddingUS$11.00
Vanilla Ice Cream
Roasted Cherry SkilletUS$11.00
Buttered Brioche, Lime Whipped Cream
Vanilla Bean & Black Pepper Panna CottaUS$11.00
Brown Sugar Crumble, Fresh Local Berries
Grilled Peach GaletteUS$12.00
Ginger Ice Cream, Thyme Honey

What 4,861 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Alden and Harlow offers a vibrant dining experience with "absolutely outstanding food" and a menu full of creative small plates perfect for sharing. The "best crab cakes of my life" and "exceptional brunch" stand out among numerous positive mentions. While the lively atmosphere adds to the charm, it can get quite loud, which may not suit everyone. The attentive staff and delectable cocktails make it a must-visit in the Boston area.

4,861 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
VIP
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and service as always!
Is this helpful?
R
Rebecca
VIP
Greater Boston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Everything was fantastic, the service could have been a bit better in terms of removing empty plates and bringing new drinks. I will say they were very helpful and even recommended a great wine. Food was excellent.
Is this helpful?
W
William
VIP
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent as always. Bluefish, salmon, the “secret” burger, carrots, kale salad, patatas bravas, all delicious.
Is this helpful?
M
Maria
Greater Boston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
There was nothing wrong with Alden & Harlow and after the experience, some friends said that there are certain dishes that are hits and others, less so. We must have ordered the less so (except the braised beef, which was very good). I think eyeing the menu (plates and prices), I had higher expectations. Again, there was nothing wrong with it, just nothing great either. At the end of the meal, the bill came with a bottle charged instead of a single glass of wine, which I caught and the server addressed immediately, but is REALLY a costly mistake if for some reason I hadn't reviewed the bill.
Is this helpful?
A
Adaleta
Greater Boston
18 reviews
4.0
18 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
We have enjoyed the food a lot and service was very friendly and attentive.
Is this helpful?
K
Kim
Greater Boston
48 reviews
3.0
48 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Very little room between tables, noisy, slow service. Some dishes were very spicy, but not indicated so on menu.
Is this helpful?
M
Michele
VIP
Greater Boston
41 reviews
5.0
41 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Delicious tapas style food. The secret burger is yummy and filling. Cocktails are well prepared. Service was excellent.
Is this helpful?
D
Dan
Greater Boston
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 17 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I liked the design of the menu—lots of really interesting options to temp us and the execution in the kitchen was very good. Service was also a plus. The music volume was so loud we had difficulty hearing our server and each of the four dishes we ordered arrived at the table lukewarm. It was a positive experience overall and I would go back, but I would only recommend it with caveats.
Is this helpful?
D
Deb
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 15 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience!! Favorite place to eat at when I’m in Boston.
Is this helpful?
C
Connor
Greater Boston
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Rudest waitress I’ve ever experienced. She avoided us and put our food in wrong twice. Then she reminded us to tip her.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Alden and Harlow offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 864-2100.

Alden and Harlow is rated 4.6 stars by 4861 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

25 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Additional information

Cross Street
Mt Auburn Street
Area
West Cambridge
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm Late Night Thu–Sat 11:00 am–12:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Gastro Pub, Tapas / Small Plates
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
University Place Garage at 124 Mt. Auburn St offers a discounted rate with validation.
Public transit
Alden and Harlow is accessible via the Harvard Square MBTA Red Line T stop.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Michael Scelfo
Additional
Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://www.aldenharlow.com/
Phone number
(617) 864-2100

Featured in

50 Boston Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Alden and Harlow

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

50 Boston Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Ubiquitous Kale Salad

Sweet Corn Pancakes

Pickled Corn Pancakes

Main

Grilled Rosemary FocacciaUS$15.00

Chips & Onion DipUS$9.00

Smoked & Fried Chicken "Nuggets"US$18.00

Ubiquitous Kale SaladUS$16.00

Mixed Roasted Squash US$19.00

Hickory Smoked CarrotsUS$18.00

Grilled BroccoliUS$16.00

Local BurrataUS$19.00

Cauliflower CaesarUS$17.00

Seared Bluefin Crudo*US$19.00

Steak Tartar*US$21.00

Fried Brussels SproutsUS$17.00

Pickled Corn PancakesUS$18.00

Patatas BravasUS$16.00

Basil PastaUS$23.00

Pan Roasted Duck Breast US$26.00

Smoked Chicken Raviolo*US$24.00

Grilled Mackerel US$23.00

Braised Beef a la PlanchaUS$29.00

Ora King Salmon*US$26.00

Grilled NY Strip*

Secret Burger*US$19.00

Crispy Pork BellyUS$21.00

Chicken Fried RabbitUS$19.00

Plancha'd Japanese YamsUS$21.00

Dessert

Smoked Chocolate Bread PuddingUS$11.00

Roasted Cherry SkilletUS$11.00

Vanilla Bean & Black Pepper Panna CottaUS$11.00

Grilled Peach GaletteUS$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Alden and Harlow offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Alden and Harlow restaurant rated?

Is Alden and Harlow currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

50 Boston Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day