Alden and Harlow

4.6

4862 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 29, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 110 times today

Neighborhood 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
Neighborhood
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

50 Boston Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Popular dishes

Grilled Rosemary Focaccia$15.00
Roasted Squash Caponata, House Cultured Butter
Chips & Onion Dip$9.00
Smoked & Fried Chicken "Nuggets"$18.00
Tarragon Aioli, Fermented Ramp Greens, Burnt Cherry Hot Sauce
Ubiquitous Kale Salad$16.00
Creamy Pistachio Dressing, Honey & Fennel
Mixed Roasted Squash $19.00
Smoked Almond Tahini, Pickled Hot Peppers, Savory Apple Streusel
Hickory Smoked Carrots$18.00
Buttermilk "Ranch" Labneh, Pickled Dilly Bean Oil, Puffed Grain-Ola
Grilled Broccoli$16.00
Butternut Squash Hummus, Bianco Sardo & Cashew
Local Burrata$19.00
Griddled Sweet Potato Bread, Citrus Marmalade, Smoked Honey Butter
Cauliflower Caesar$17.00
Garlic Crumbs, Caesar Dressing, Parmigiano & Capers
Seared Bluefin Crudo*$19.00
Pickled Apple Vinaigrette, Apple and Celery Root Miso
Steak Tartar*$21.00
Pickled Green Beans, Smoked Egg Yolk, Potato Chips
Fried Brussels Sprouts$17.00
Tallow Fried Peanuts, Fish Sauce, Herbs & Pickled Hots
Pickled Corn Pancakes$18.00
Buttermilk, Maple, Shishito
Patatas Bravas$16.00
Pumpkin Seed Romesco, Garlic Toum, Pickled Jalapeños
Basil Pasta$23.00
Carrot Bolognese, Herb Salad, Pecorino
Pan Roasted Duck Breast $26.00
Buttered Cabbage, Mushroom Chips, Roasted Grape Demi
Smoked Chicken Raviolo*$24.00
Creamy Parsnips, Sage, Brown Butter, Pumpkin
Grilled Mackerel $23.00
Celery Root, Remoulade & House Pickles
Braised Beef a la Plancha$29.00
Miso Carrot Purée, Roasted Golden Beets & Radishes, Fish Sauce Caramel
Ora King Salmon*$26.00
Farm Ratatouille, Grilled Sourdough, Bouquerones Aioli
Grilled NY Strip*
Fried Potatoes, Red Wine Butter, Bacon & Blue Cheese Salad
- 8 oz$38.00
- 14 oz$52.00
Secret Burger*$19.00
Our 8 oz House Creekstone Grind, Your Faith, House Made Roll
Crispy Pork Belly$21.00
Smoked Anson Mills Grits, Root Vegetable Mostarda
Chicken Fried Rabbit$19.00
Blue Cheese, Radish, Chili Oil
Plancha'd Japanese Yams$21.00
Sesame Peanut Crisp, Crispy Chicken Skin, Pickled Apple

Dessert

Smoked Chocolate Bread Pudding$11.00
Vanilla Ice Cream
Roasted Cherry Skillet$11.00
Buttered Brioche, Lime Whipped Cream
Vanilla Bean & Black Pepper Panna Cotta$11.00
Brown Sugar Crumble, Fresh Local Berries
Grilled Peach Galette$12.00
Ginger Ice Cream, Thyme Honey

What 4,862 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.

4,862 Reviews

s
sHARA
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great meal. 3 of us ordered 5 dishes,which might have been 1 too many for our group (1 larger eater; two smaller eaters) Typically it can be noisy but they say us at a banquette in corner across from the bar, so the noise level (6pm res) was quite tolerable
Is this helpful?
R
Robin
VIP
Greater Boston
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
There's a distinct musty/ mold type smell upon entry which effected my enjoyment. The menu remains interesting but not sure I'll be returning any time soon
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer
Greater Boston
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Honestly, it’s been a few years, but when we had dinner last night after a show, we were reminded that the restaurant is consistently excellent.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
VIP
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and service as always!
Is this helpful?
R
Rebecca
VIP
Greater Boston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 5 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?
W
William
VIP
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 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?
M
Maria
Greater Boston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 21, 2024
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?
A
Adaleta
Greater Boston
18 reviews
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2024
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?
K
Kim
Greater Boston
48 reviews
3.0
48 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2024
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?
M
Michele
VIP
Greater Boston
41 reviews
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on December 19, 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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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 4862 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 29, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 110 times today

Order delivery or takeout

40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Additional information

Cross street
Mt Auburn Street
Neighborhood
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

Website
http://www.aldenharlow.com/
Phone number
(617) 864-2100

Featured in

50 Boston Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Alden and Harlow

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

50 Boston Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Ubiquitous Kale Salad

Pickled Corn Pancakes

Sweet Corn Pancakes

Main

Grilled Rosemary Focaccia$15.00

Chips & Onion Dip$9.00

Smoked & Fried Chicken "Nuggets"$18.00

Ubiquitous Kale Salad$16.00

Mixed Roasted Squash $19.00

Hickory Smoked Carrots$18.00

Grilled Broccoli$16.00

Local Burrata$19.00

Cauliflower Caesar$17.00

Seared Bluefin Crudo*$19.00

Steak Tartar*$21.00

Fried Brussels Sprouts$17.00

Pickled Corn Pancakes$18.00

Patatas Bravas$16.00

Basil Pasta$23.00

Pan Roasted Duck Breast $26.00

Smoked Chicken Raviolo*$24.00

Grilled Mackerel $23.00

Braised Beef a la Plancha$29.00

Ora King Salmon*$26.00

Grilled NY Strip*

Secret Burger*$19.00

Crispy Pork Belly$21.00

Chicken Fried Rabbit$19.00

Plancha'd Japanese Yams$21.00

Dessert

Smoked Chocolate Bread Pudding$11.00

Roasted Cherry Skillet$11.00

Vanilla Bean & Black Pepper Panna Cotta$11.00

Grilled Peach Galette$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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