Alden and Harlow

4.6

4890 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 9, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Find next available

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 133 times today

Lively
Innovative
Good for special occasions

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

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Private dining

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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
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
Private party contact
our Private Dining Director: (617) 864-2100

Location
40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Neighbourhood
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

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 4,890 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

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Greater Boston
Most Booked
Boston
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Alden and Harlow offers a lively dining experience with "spectacular foods," "amazing cocktails," and "top tier" service. Known for creatively-prepared small plates, it provides a "perfect date night spot" with a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. Despite some noise concerns, it's highly recommended for its inventive cuisine and accommodating staff.

4,890 Reviews

B
Beth
VIP
Greater Boston
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food is creative and delicious! The portions are sufficient for 4 people to share. Every choice (including deserts) are fantastic! The music is a little load for people over the age of 20, so ask for a quiet table (they do exist and the staff is very accommodating). This is a fantastic place - a real gem.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Really bad food and very high priced. Will not come back
Is this helpful?
L
Lorenzo
VIP
Greater Boston
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderul spot, great food, friendly service! To be in the heart of Harvard Square very reasonably priced! Highly recommended and will definitely come back! PS. Brunch burger is phenomenal!
Is this helpful?
M
Mary
New York City
7 reviews
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
This was my first time at Alden & Harlow since the pandemic. I was surprised at the menu—definitely a bit more whimsical. For our group, some of these inventive dishes worked well, others a little less so. We were disappointed by the service, which previously was carried out by a highly professional, experienced team. Our server didn’t check in on, we ended up piling empty dishes on a sill as items kept arriving to our table and they weren’t removed. When the men’s bathroom flooded and I asked our server if the women’s bathroom was open, she told me she had not gone to the bathroom since 3 and didn’t know (and never told me). I was slightly embarrassed to have brought out of town guests here for a special dinner.
Is this helpful?
J
John
Greater Boston
47 reviews
3.0
47 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Very noisy. Food comes to table one dish at a time, at varying time frames. Confusing menu.
Is this helpful?
A
Abby
Greater Boston
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Really good food and cocktails. Music unpleasantly loud, making conversation difficult. Service rushed/distracted. Dishes to share arrived without serving implements. A loss, since last time (over a year ago) was divine.
Is this helpful?
K
Kathryn
VIP
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We told our waitperson that we had to eat relatively quickly, as we were headed to a show after dinner. She did an excellent job of keeping everything moving so that we had a wonderful meal even in our short timeframe.
Is this helpful?
K
Ken
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Met up with two great friends and had a great food and drinks at A&H
Is this helpful?
J
Jackie
VIP
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The burger and onion dip never disappoint! The plate size cinnamon roll with berries, chocolate and whipped cream were also a great addition to our brunch!
Is this helpful?
J
Jackie
VIP
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic! Server was amazing, very attentive without going overboard or hovering. Food was top notch, drinks, even better. Will be back!
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 4890 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 9, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Find next available

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Booked 133 times today

Order delivery or takeout

40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Additional information

Cross Street
Mt Auburn Street
Neighbourhood
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

Website
http://www.aldenharlow.com/
Phone number
(617) 864-2100
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
Private party contact
our Private Dining Director: (617) 864-2100

Featured in

50 Boston Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

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Additional information

50 Boston Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Ubiquitous Kale Salad

Pickled Corn Pancakes

Sweet 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

Loved For

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 reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

50 Boston Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day