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Alden and Harlow, Cambridge, MA

Alden and Harlow

4.6
4.6
4860 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 88 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
    Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Menu

Main

  • Grilled Rosemary FocacciaUSD 15.00

    Roasted Squash Caponata, House Cultured Butter

    • Chips & Onion DipUSD 9.00

      • Smoked & Fried Chicken "Nuggets"USD 18.00

        Tarragon Aioli, Fermented Ramp Greens, Burnt Cherry Hot Sauce

        • Ubiquitous Kale SaladUSD 16.00

          Creamy Pistachio Dressing, Honey & Fennel

          • Mixed Roasted Squash USD 19.00

            Smoked Almond Tahini, Pickled Hot Peppers, Savory Apple Streusel

            • Hickory Smoked CarrotsUSD 18.00

              Buttermilk "Ranch" Labneh, Pickled Dilly Bean Oil, Puffed Grain-Ola

              • Grilled BroccoliUSD 16.00

                Butternut Squash Hummus, Bianco Sardo & Cashew

                • Local BurrataUSD 19.00

                  Griddled Sweet Potato Bread, Citrus Marmalade, Smoked Honey Butter

                  • Cauliflower CaesarUSD 17.00

                    Garlic Crumbs, Caesar Dressing, Parmigiano & Capers

                    • Seared Bluefin Crudo*USD 19.00

                      Pickled Apple Vinaigrette, Apple and Celery Root Miso

                      • Steak Tartar*USD 21.00

                        Pickled Green Beans, Smoked Egg Yolk, Potato Chips

                        • Fried Brussels SproutsUSD 17.00

                          Tallow Fried Peanuts, Fish Sauce, Herbs & Pickled Hots

                          • Pickled Corn PancakesUSD 18.00

                            Buttermilk, Maple, Shishito

                            • Patatas BravasUSD 16.00

                              Pumpkin Seed Romesco, Garlic Toum, Pickled Jalapeños

                              • Basil PastaUSD 23.00

                                Carrot Bolognese, Herb Salad, Pecorino

                                • Pan Roasted Duck Breast USD 26.00

                                  Buttered Cabbage, Mushroom Chips, Roasted Grape Demi

                                  • Smoked Chicken Raviolo*USD 24.00

                                    Creamy Parsnips, Sage, Brown Butter, Pumpkin

                                    • Grilled Mackerel USD 23.00

                                      Celery Root, Remoulade & House Pickles

                                      • Braised Beef a la PlanchaUSD 29.00

                                        Miso Carrot Purée, Roasted Golden Beets & Radishes, Fish Sauce Caramel

                                        • Ora King Salmon*USD 26.00

                                          Farm Ratatouille, Grilled Sourdough, Bouquerones Aioli

                                          • Grilled NY Strip*

                                            Fried Potatoes, Red Wine Butter, Bacon & Blue Cheese Salad

                                            • 8 ozUSD 38.00
                                            • 14 ozUSD 52.00

                                          • Secret Burger*USD 19.00

                                            Our 8 oz House Creekstone Grind, Your Faith, House Made Roll

                                            • Crispy Pork BellyUSD 21.00

                                              Smoked Anson Mills Grits, Root Vegetable Mostarda

                                              • Chicken Fried RabbitUSD 19.00

                                                Blue Cheese, Radish, Chili Oil

                                                • Plancha'd Japanese YamsUSD 21.00

                                                  Sesame Peanut Crisp, Crispy Chicken Skin, Pickled Apple

                                                  Dessert

                                                  • Smoked Chocolate Bread PuddingUSD 11.00

                                                    Vanilla Ice Cream

                                                    • Roasted Cherry SkilletUSD 11.00

                                                      Buttered Brioche, Lime Whipped Cream

                                                      • Vanilla Bean & Black Pepper Panna CottaUSD 11.00

                                                        Brown Sugar Crumble, Fresh Local Berries

                                                        • Grilled Peach GaletteUSD 12.00

                                                          Ginger Ice Cream, Thyme Honey

                                                          Last updated: 26 January 2024

                                                          What 4,860 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.

                                                          4,860 Reviews

                                                          1. OpenTable Diner

                                                            VIP

                                                            Greater Boston

                                                            4 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            4 reviews

                                                            Dined 3 days ago

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Great food and service as always!

                                                            Is this helpful?

                                                          2. Rebecca

                                                            VIP

                                                            Greater Boston

                                                            6 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            6 reviews

                                                            Dined 3 days 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?

                                                          3. William

                                                            VIP

                                                            Greater Boston

                                                            5 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            5 reviews

                                                            Dined 4 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?

                                                          4. Maria

                                                            Greater Boston

                                                            1 review

                                                            3.0

                                                            1 review

                                                            Dined 6 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?

                                                          5. Adaleta

                                                            Greater Boston

                                                            18 reviews

                                                            4.0

                                                            18 reviews

                                                            Dined 6 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.

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                                                          6. Kim

                                                            Greater Boston

                                                            48 reviews

                                                            3.0

                                                            48 reviews

                                                            Dined 7 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?

                                                          7. Michele

                                                            VIP

                                                            Greater Boston

                                                            41 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            41 reviews

                                                            Dined on 19 December 2024

                                                            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.

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                                                          8. 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.

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                                                          9. 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?

                                                          10. 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.

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                                                          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 4860 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                          Make a booking

                                                          2 people
                                                          7:00 pm
                                                          Booked 88 times today

                                                          Order delivery or takeout

                                                          Google Map for Alden and Harlow

                                                          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
                                                            Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

                                                          Featured in

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