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Alden and Harlow, Cambridge, MA

Alden and Harlow

4.6
4.6
4858 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 71 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Innovative
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
  • Neighbourhood
    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, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Menu

Main

  • 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

                                                          Last updated: January 26, 2024

                                                          What 4,858 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.

                                                          4,858 Reviews

                                                          1. Maria

                                                            Greater Boston

                                                            1 review

                                                            3.0

                                                            1 review

                                                            Dined 1 day 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.

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                                                          2. Adaleta

                                                            Greater Boston

                                                            18 reviews

                                                            4.0

                                                            18 reviews

                                                            Dined 1 day 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?

                                                          3. Kim

                                                            Greater Boston

                                                            48 reviews

                                                            3.0

                                                            48 reviews

                                                            Dined 2 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?

                                                          4. Michele

                                                            VIP

                                                            Greater Boston

                                                            41 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            41 reviews

                                                            Dined 3 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.

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                                                          5. Dan

                                                            Greater Boston

                                                            2 reviews

                                                            4.0

                                                            2 reviews

                                                            Dined 5 days ago

                                                            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?

                                                          6. Deb

                                                            Chicago

                                                            2 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            2 reviews

                                                            Dined 7 days ago

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Wonderful experience!! Favorite place to eat at when I’m in Boston.

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                                                          7. Connor

                                                            Greater Boston

                                                            1 review

                                                            1.0

                                                            1 review

                                                            Dined on December 14, 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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                                                          8. Natalie

                                                            Greater Boston

                                                            1 review

                                                            5.0

                                                            1 review

                                                            Dined on December 8, 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Great experience! Everyone was super friendly and they were very accommodating of my food allergies and vegetarianism, even marking up a menu for me. Also offered me a free glass of champagne for my birthday!

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                                                          9. E. Hayes

                                                            VIP

                                                            San Francisco

                                                            12 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            12 reviews

                                                            Dined on November 24, 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            Delicious food! Great service. We were thrilled to have brunch at Alden and Harlow. Definitely beats many of the other local favorites.

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                                                          10. Lawrence

                                                            Greater Boston

                                                            26 reviews

                                                            5.0

                                                            26 reviews

                                                            Dined on November 24, 2024

                                                            1. Overall 5
                                                            2. Food 5
                                                            3. Service 5
                                                            4. Ambience 5
                                                            What a wonderful way to start a Sunday. The food that was ordered was excellent, well cooked, looking good on the plate, and delicious. A lovely combination of items on the main course that we ordered, that was not big but had wonderful component parts. The service was excellent. There were many other intriguing items the menu as well. Who could ask for anything more.

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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 4858 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                          Make a reservation

                                                          2 people
                                                          7:00 p.m.
                                                          Booked 71 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
                                                          • Neighbourhood
                                                            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, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

                                                          Featured in

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