Waypoint

Portions vary, many dishes are designed to be shared family-style, so you can mix small and larger plates to build a meal. Guests often enjoy pizzas and pastas for sharing; some found certain fish portions or raw-bar plates to be on the smaller side. A few diners called portions generous (brussels, some entrées) while others noted specific items were smaller than expected, so plan to order several plates to sample.

Yes, Waypoint accepts private parties and larger bookings. Guests have celebrated birthdays and group events here; contact the restaurant directly to discuss private-event details, capacity, and menu options to ensure the best setup.

Families do dine here and guests often bring teens or celebrate birthdays with children. The menu is seafood-forward and designed for sharing rather than a children’s menu; younger kids may prefer simpler dishes. If you’re visiting with little ones, consider an early seating, request comfortable table seating (not cramped booths), or call ahead to discuss menu flexibility.

Busiest: early evening happy hour (5–7 pm), the $1 oyster special packs the bar, and Friday–Saturday nights. Quietest: weekday dinners outside happy hour or nights with poor weather, when guests noted a calmer dining room. If you want lively energy go for happy hour or weekend evenings; if you want quiet, pick a weekday or later evening.

Yes, guests have enjoyed outdoor seating in good weather. Several reviews mention sitting outside on summer evenings and enjoying oysters, pizzas, and pastas al fresco. If outdoor seating is important, call ahead to confirm availability for your date.

Smart casual is the suggested dress code. Guests generally come in relaxed but neat attire, think a polished casual look that fits the restaurant’s casual-elegant vibe in Harvard Square.

Partly, families do dine here and the restaurant accepts larger parties, but accessibility and seating comfort can vary. Guests often bring teens or celebrate with children, yet several reviews mention cramped booths and uncomfortable high-top seating with limited legroom. If you need accessible seating or a roomy table for a family, call ahead and request a lower table or specific seating area to ensure comfort.

It depends on what you want: for a lively scene and happy-hour deals, go early evening (5–7 pm) when $1 oysters at the bar create a buzz. For a quieter, more relaxed dinner, aim for weekday dinners outside peak happy-hour or later in the evening after 7pm on nonweekend nights. If you prefer a buzzy date-night energy, Friday–Saturday evenings are the most animated.

Waypoint offers a variety of seating: a full bar (popular for the $1 oyster special), booths and tables in the dining room, some high-top seating, a chef’s-table/open-kitchen experience, and outdoor tables in good weather. The restaurant also accepts private and large-party bookings if you’re planning a special event, call ahead to arrange.

Yes, the team is used to accommodating requests. Call ahead to ask about seating preferences (booth vs. low table vs. bar), large-party or private-event arrangements, dietary restrictions, or special celebrations. Several guests praised staff handling allergies and special occasions when notified in advance.

If you want a lively, social night with specials, Friday or Saturday is best; for a quieter, more relaxed meal choose a weekday (Tue–Thu). Guests praise weekend energy and happy-hour draws, while midweek visits tend to be less noisy and easier for conversation or a more relaxed dinner.

Waypoint serves dinner most evenings. According to the restaurant: Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm; Fri–Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm. If you’re planning a visit outside those times (or on holidays), call ahead to confirm current hours and special events.

Yes, Waypoint is a popular spot for date nights. Guests frequently praise the thoughtful, seafood-forward menu, inventive cocktails, and a warm, lively atmosphere that feels special without being stuffy. Expect shareable plates (oysters, clam pizza, pastas) and attentive service when it's smooth, plus the chef’s pedigree (Michael Scelfo of Alden & Harlow) which elevates the experience. If you want a quieter, more intimate evening request a table away from the bar or avoid prime happy-hour bar times.

Waypoint is lively, warm, and seafood-focused, think a polished gastropub with a buzzy energy. Guests describe it as casual-elegant, sometimes noisy during peak hours (especially during happy hour), but well-ventilated and comfortable. The vibe is convivial and social, with many praising the bar, cocktails, and the open kitchen/chef’s-table moments that add theater to the meal.

Waypoint offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 864-2300.

Waypoint is rated 4.6 stars by 2111 OpenTable diners.

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