Here's where to eat and drink around Harvard Square

By Nia Harmon and Shira Laucharoen

In Harvard Square, you will find a neighborhood bustling with students, neighbors, and first-time visitors. But the area is also home to a number of restaurants and bars, whether you’re looking for a burger with fries or a cocktail to sip on with brunch.

To help you navigate a host of enjoyable options, we’ve updated our guide to some of the most popular eateries and bars in the Cambridge neighborhood. Between browsing for books at the local shops or attending the Head of the Charles Regatta, you’re sure to find a new favorite spot.

Beneath the Brattle Theater, you’ll find this hip, subterranean New American restaurant that’s perfect for a night out. While you’re browsing the menu, think of ordering the basil pasta served with carrot bolognese, the Secret Burger on a housemade roll, or the Ora King salmon served with ratatouille. Don’t miss out on dessert—the smoked chocolate bread pudding is a winner in our book.

40 Brattle St., Cambridge

This izakaya opened last year, and since then, it’s become a neighborhood fixture. Bosso Ramen Tavern serves sushi, sake, and ramen, made with a homemade broth. For those who don’t eat meat, the vegan ramen includes soy meat, cashews, walnuts, and red chili oil. After a flavorful entree, cleanse your palate with the black sesame ice cream. The restaurant expanded to Newbury Street in Back Bay with Sushi by Bosso Ramen Tavern earlier this summer.

24 Holyoke St., Cambridge

A casual spot on Brattle Street, Felipe’s is the place to go when you need a Mexican food fix. Order the Baja-style tacos, made with a choice of lightly breaded shrimp or fish, or enjoy nachos made with extra melted cheese, refried beans, and more. Reader Elaine S. from Belmont said, “A lot has changed in Harvard Square. Felipe’s is still a great and affordable social space with a limited but authentic selection of Mexican food… Best margaritas in Camberville.”

21 Brattle St., Cambridge

Inside the Charles Hotel, you may stumble upon Henrietta’s Table, a homey farm-to-table spot that sources produce from local purveyors and serves up classic New England cuisine. If you’re sitting down to brunch, you may want to order the salmon burger, served with spicy tartar sauce and mixed greens. For supper, you can dig into a Yankee pot roast, served with crispy shallots and gravy.

Warm up at this popular ramen restaurant, serving traditional Japanese staples since 2015. For starters, try the karaage, a Japanese-style deep fried chicken or the octopus takoyaki, a deep fried octopus ball topped with takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, and bonito flakes. Following your appetizer, enjoy a bowl of their signature tonkotsu shio ramen made with tonkotsu broth that is simmered to perfection for 20 hours. For those who don’t eat meat, a vegetarian ramen option is available.

1 Bow St., Cambridge

Students love this joint, where you can build your own burger or choose from one of their creatively named options, like the Kamala Harris or The Ozempic. Reader Gene D. from Waltham called the spot “a local landmark,” adding that “the service is always friendly and fast, the campus ambiance is strong, and most importantly, the food is tasty! I’ve been dining there for years, and Mr. Bartley’s burgers are the best in the Boston area!”

1246 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge

For quality Venezuelan dining, visit Orinoco Kitchen. Try one of their many arepa options or the empanadas, which can be ordered with fillings like shredded beef or forest mushrooms, piquillo peppers, and cheese. The restaurant also serves a marinated chicken adobo that you can choose to eat with malanga gnocchi. The molten chocolate cake, made with pure dark chocolate, is a decadent finish. Orinoco also has a location in Brookline Village.

56 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge

Looking to grab a quick bite before the races start? If so, Pronto has a hearty list of soups, sweets, and handheld options for breakfast and lunch. Try a sandwich named after famous landmarks and beloved cities, like the Big Ben on sourdough or the Cairo on French bread.

20 University Rd., Cambridge

Craving a slice of pizza? Head over to Source, which features “rustic yet refined food.” Neapolitan pies are cooked in a wood-fired oven, and you can choose from a variety of flavors: the classic margherita, the Tuscan kale, pepperoni, New York style, and more. You’ll also find pasta dishes on their menu, from the bucatini in a carbonara sauce to tagliatelli with bolognese sauce. Cocktails, wine, and beer round out their offerings.

27 Church St., Cambridge

Enjoy a slow paced morning before the competitive races on the river at this funky retro brunch spot with an extensive list of options and an even cooler bar. Signature brunch choices include soulful favorites like chicken and waffles, breakfast tacos, and hash quiche. For a fun cocktail, try the Harvard Square made up of elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice, and bubbles.

1230 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge

If you’re looking to dine on seafood from New England and beyond, visit The Hourly Oyster House on Dunster Street. Order a seafood tower for your party, or fill up on blackened swordfish tacos, lobster rolls, or crusted halibut. A reader from Watertown said they have a great vibe and offer the best oysters in Boston. “It was better before COVID, but when we want oysters and can’t drive to the South Shore, we always come here,” she said.

15 Dunster St., Cambridge

Get a drink at Grafton Street, an Irish gastropub that is both contemporary and inviting. You’ll discover draft beers here, such as Mighty Squirrel Oktoberfest and Exhibit ‘A’ Goody Two Shoes, as well as ciders and spirits. To celebrate the fall, try a cocktail like the Fig Mule, composed of fig vodka, blueberry cordial, ginger beer, and lime.

59 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge

Students frequent Grendel’s, a neighborhood tavern with beer on draft, sangria by the pitcher, and a range of cocktails like the Naked and Famous, a mix of mezcal, Aperol, Chartreuse, and lime. The spot also offers “horoscope drinks,” a rotating selection of beverages based on the astrological charts. Grendel’s hosts live events, from music, to storytelling and poetry. Having been in the Square for over 50 years, they’re a classic haunt.

89 Winthrop St., Cambridge

Noir Bar is a chic late-night lounge inside the Charles Hotel. Look out for craft cocktails like the Fleur de Lys, made with vodka, lime, herbes de Provence, and pear. Try the Monte Carlo Flip, which incorporates Italian amaro Averna, Amaro Sibilla, super cacao, and a whole egg. If you’re still wishing you had a bite to accompany your drink, request a flatbread, painted burrata, or a croque-monsieur. Noir promises to be an enjoyable night out with friends.

1 Bennett St., Cambridge

A lively and comfortable spot, Russell House Tavern is a great place to sip drinks after work, boasting an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail list. You may be drawn in by the More Passion, which combines Leblon cachaça, passion fruit liqueur, agave, lime, grapefruit, and mint. To go with your beverages, order the local oysters, Harvard Square fries, or try a Tavern pizza.

14 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge

Hidden away in “the outskirts of Harvard Square,” Wusong Road marries Asian American cuisine and tropical Tiki escapism. Drinks include the Scorpion Bowl, made with Appleton Estate rum, brandy, gin, lemon, organge, pineapple, and hibiscus grenadine, as well as the Singapore Sling, made with Roku gin, cherry brandy, curacao, Benedictine, pineapple, and lime. You’ll find some bites on the menu here too, such as the coconut spareribs and Aloha sliders.

112 Mt Auburn St., Cambridge

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