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  4. Boston
  5. Harvard Square

Alden and Harlow

4.7
4.7
4325 Reviews
$30 and under
American
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 147 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • 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

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive Chef

    Michael Scelfo

  • Private party contact

    Jen Fields: (617) 864-2100

  • Neighbourhood

    Harvard Square

  • 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

Experiences

  • Late Night Menu at the Alden & Harlow Bar

    Multiple dates available
    Join us at the bar for late night snacks and drinks.
  • Alden & Harlow Five Course Wine Pairing Menu

    US$110.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    We are pleased to introduce a special five-course wine dinner featuring a curated selection of Alden & Harlow favorites served alongside inspired pairings from our team.

Popular dishes

What 4,325 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Boston / New England

    Most Booked

  • Boston

    Most Booked

Sort by

  1. MelindaP

    Tampa

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service was excellent. Ambiance was also spectacular. Prices were quite reasonable except for the only Sauvignon Blanc served by bottle.
  2. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    17 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall1food2service1ambience1
    Seated at a terrible table next to an active station with glassware, attended to twice by the waitress during the meal and had to flag someone down for the check. A guy preparing glasses at the glass station next to me was loud and clanking glasses during most of the meal, until he shattered one and had to pause to clean the shards.
  3. sharonj

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Nice atmosphere, very good food, the burrata was exceptional, I don't usually love zucchini bread but grilled under the cheese with the pickled rhubarb jam was incredible. Strip steak delicious - they thoughtfully spin new tastes without going crazy!
  4. GeorgeP

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beet drink and beef was great. Server was really nice also.
  5. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Unbelievable service and food. Truly a dining experience. Went on an absolute journey of flavors. Staff is unbelievably friendly and accommodating. Food is spectacular. Kind of speechless honestly. Hospitality is on another level. Worth the money 10 times over. Love this place!!!
  6. Mskaa

    New England

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Sat outside on the backyard patio in a beautiful 85 degree day. Drinks were creative and delicious, shared plates were very good. Overall enjoyed.
  7. Morrie

    Atlanta Metro

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Food was creative and delicious. Kale salad was a hit. Service was very good though I felt a bit rushed at the end. It was too noisy for a larger group. We were 7 and couldn’t really have table conversation
  8. Elsie

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Delicious food with creative flavor and textures combinations. Outdoor seating area was quiet enough for comfortable conversation. Fantastic server (Kristin).
  9. RobS

    New England

    56 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience1
    If you are under 40 and want a place that is very loud, very energetic, and you have to shout to hold a conversation AND where your food will come out in whatever order it is finished in the kitchen (forget about eating all at the same time in your dining party), then Alden and Harlow is for you. TIP: get a seat in the front of the restaurant near the door, you'll be in much better stead than if you sit in the back. Our server was infrequently attentive. An order of burrata, which is simply cheese on zucchini bread with some jam, didn't come until the end of the meal. She asked if I wanted another cocktail also at the end of the meal. VEGETARIANS TAKE NOTE: There are several dishes that would appear to be vegetarian because they are vegetable-based such as the Brussels sprouts or Chips and dip, but NO they have fish sauce in them--which is bizarre and problematic for people who are coming to the restaurant like we were who have Vegetarians in their party. (Chef: umami from plant sources instead?) That all being said the food was generally good for what we could order. But we won't be back.
  10. NatalieF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic, spectacular, no where else I’d rather be
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    3 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    A real joke! They do not honor their reservations….
  12. Bitahoney

    El Paso

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Omg the best food and the best service and nice atmosphere and I couldn’t be happier. We had the steak, the burrata, grilled broccoli, crudo, tagliatelle, pork belly, and apple crisp in order of preference and all of it absolutely delicious!
  13. Jayson

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything about this restaurant is great. Will be coming back!
  14. DebO

    New England

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoy eating at the bar. For two people, easier to converse. Drinks were great, as was the service. Really enjoyed the toasted zucchini bread with burrata. Finally tried the burger - very tasty.
  15. RoseT

    New York Area

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent all around! I appreciated the call on the afternoon of my reservation advising me that rain was in the forecast and offering to move my outside table reservation indoors. The service is friendly and efficient, especially the front of house. And the food is outstanding! I especially liked the burger.
  16. Buttercup

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favorite restaurants in Greater Boston -- it never disappoints!
  17. Sandi

    New England

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The food was very good, unique and each dish we had was excellent. The service needs improvement. While our server was very nice, the dishes came out at different times and she never asked if that was ok. We ordered Brussel sprouts which we never got (we weren't charged so it was ok) but mainly the wine pour was very small and she ran out of wine for my husband and I assumed she would come back and give him more but she never did and still charged for a full glass. Also, we had to share a table with other people which I wasn't crazy about. I am still giving high marks though because the food really was very good and my cocktail was tasty as well, I would go back for that.
  18. HelenA

    New England

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was superb: knowledgeable, available, interested, kind. We ate the Basel pasta, carrots, burrata plus ingenious/creative cocktails. All fabulous.
  19. Elle

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Brunch was scrumptious! Everything we ordered was really great.
  20. ChrisR

    New England

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience1
    A heads up that the AC wasn’t working would have been nice.
  21. Fanny

    New England

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    I always love going to Alden & Harlow. My only complaint is our son's order was slightly delayed when everyone else at the table received their food. It was my husband's birthday, and the waitress asked in the beginning if there was a birthday, so I thought she'd put a candle on his dessert, like the table next to us. I wish I would have reminded her, but if she were A+, she would've remembered ;) Also, as a former bartender, I felt my wine pour was under 3 ounces.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    It was an ok experience. Nothing to write home about.
  23. Maddiek

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Waitress was excellent at recognizing we were catching up and gave us plenty of space/time. The only part I did not understand was that it was tapas style. The food was very good, drinks were unique and yummy, and wine selection was excellent. Overall a great experience! Lots of people there and loud but never did I feel we could not hear each other.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Kristin was great! hope I got her name right lol Food+drinks were awesome
  25. metrowestsuburbs

    New England

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and drinks were amazing, but the service was so great it stood out. Our server, Britney, was fabulous, but the bussers were also amazing - always clearing dishes and delivering drinks/dishes immediately and were so friendly. Highly recommend!
  26. RandiEllen

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the small plates and sharing aspect. Amazing flavors, especially was fond of the salmon and grilled broccoli. The bread pudding dessert had an outrageously delicious smoke flavor. I’ll be back!
  27. NathanS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The perfect place for a pre-theater dinner in Cambridge. Fantastic creative food and perfectly crafted cocktails with impeccable service. We'll definitely be back.
  28. ClaytonS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Good food for good prices - portions are waist friendly
  29. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ordered 4 plates for 2 people, and I still took a lot home for excellent leftovers.
  30. ChuckD

    New England

    41 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Dinner at Alden and Harlow was excellent - We had the 5-course wine pairing dinner. Each course was pair with a fabulous wine and the creativity of the dishes were fantastic. The wine pours were generous, and the food was very filling for two people. The service was top notch very attentive and informative about the food and wine pairings. Overall, it was a great night.
  31. Anonymous

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Our server, Thomas was very knowledgeable and helpful. He provided amazing service and helped us navigate the Halal friendly options available. He went above and beyond!
  32. JeffH

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Interesting menu with healthy choices. Good value.
  33. SmartyM

    New England

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Seated off regular dining room. Would have prefered regular section seating.
  34. JeffN

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful Mother’s Day Brunch. Our server was beyond attentive and accommodating of a seafood allergy. All of the dishes were excellent, and for “shareable small plates” they were surprisingly large portions! Can’t wait to return!
  35. JenR

    San Francisco

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything about this restaurant is exceptional! The food was amazing and innovative, the atmosphere is fun and the service was excellent. Don't miss this place!
  36. AJTravels

    Wilmington

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Outdoors was lovely, quiet, semi private. Vegetables were excellent. Steak tartar was not compelling to me - that said, daughter ate all of it. We will be back.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and drinks! Our server was very kind and answered all our questions. The kale salad was our favorite. It was pretty quiet while we were there at 5-7:30 pm. Very cute aesthetic of the venue!
  38. CakyWono

    New England

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went early so it was probably noisier later. Everything was wonderful. I would definitely recommend it!
  39. LaurenS

    New England

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great. So inventive and different! The wait staff was very friendly and prompt.
  40. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The pistacho salad and lebnah carrots are to die for, it’s really what we returned for!!  The salmon is also amazing.  Who is probably tried 10 dishes total and everything has been great.  Our server was so amazing-  explain the manual, and gave good recommendations. Counting down until my next reservation :)

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Alden and Harlow offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 864-2100.

Alden and Harlow is rated 4.7 stars by 4325 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 147 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Alden and Harlow

40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    Mt Auburn Street

  • Neighbourhood

    Harvard Square

  • 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

  • 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

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