UpperWest

Name: UpperWest
Address: 1 Cedar Street, Back Entrance, Cambridge, MA, United States, 02140
Telephone: (617) 714-5734
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

4.4

40 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Top tags:

A casual neighborhood wine bar in the basement of a veteran’s club with old world wines, classic cocktails, tasty bites, and good vibes brought to you by owners Kim and Xavier. Menu changes regularly including cheese, charcuterie, and shareable small plates.

Reservations are generally seated at the bar. Contact us by phone for table seating or parties of 5 or more.

You will find us in the back entrance of the green house located at 1 Cedar Street, just off Mass. Ave., next to the bike path, and a short walk from Davis Square.

Not available on OpenTable

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Additional information

Dining style
Home Style
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Dining Bar, Speakeasy
Hours of Operation
Tue–Sun 6:00 pm–12:00 am
Phone number
(617) 714-5734
Website
http://upperwestcambridge.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Kim Courtney
Private party facilities
UpperWest is a versitile space available for parties and events up to 45 people.
Private party contact
Kim Courtney: (617) 714-5734

Location
1 Cedar Street, Back Entrance, Cambridge, MA 02140
Neighbourhood
Cambridge
Cross Street
Massachusetts Avenue, Bike Path
Parking Details
There is free street parking available from 6pm at meters on Massachusetts Avenue near Cedar Street. There are also many Zip Cars in walking distance. Please do not park in the veteran's club parking lot behind the building.
Public Transit
Davis Square T - 7 minute walk Alewife T - 17 minute walk Porter Square T - 18 minute walk 77 Bus from Harvard Square or Arlington - Cameron Avenue stop outbound, Cedar Street stop inbound. Hubways across the street on Massachusetts Avenue. Zip Cars available in walking distance.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

What 40 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.2Service
4Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Quiet

40 Reviews

GB
GregB
Greater Boston
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2018
overall5food4service4ambience5
Unique place ... almost like you know something secret!
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M
Matthew
Greater Boston
42 reviews
vip
4.0
42 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience4
I come back to UpperWest every couple of months to see what Kim's added to the menu and enjoy a cool and relaxing midweek dinner. This time we enjoyed a meat and cheese board of six items, mostly chosen by her, and the day's pasta. I've never been let down by what she and Xavier make for food or drink.
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a
accidentalreviewer
Greater Boston
41 reviews
vip
1.0
41 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2018
overall1food1service1ambience1
I keep going back and re-reading the reviews for this place and wonder what we missed. This place is indeed quirky and we ended up leaving because there was nothing much (except cheese) for the vegetarian in the group. The woman who greeted us on arrival was nice enough, though there were two other people at the bar in the whole place and she seated us right next to them. They moved over because they felt it odd. We looked at the menu on the chalkboard. When we asked about vegetarian options the bartender turned and asked the chef about them and the chef replied, "I usually make a vegetarian pasta but tonight it's bolognese." And that was all she said. She turned around and walked away. We walked away too. It was a gorgeous night and dark and dingy wasn't cutting it. We went to Spoke in Davis Square instead, which was spectacular.
1 person found this helpful
J
Jacquie
Greater Boston
40 reviews
4.0
40 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2018
overall4food5service5ambience3
Delicious food and unpretentious ambiance!
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HO
HughO
Greater Boston
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on March 30, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience3
Quirky but fun. (Don’t be put off by the entryway.). The house pasta was good; the bocarones were Excellent.
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KM
KevinM
Greater Boston
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
UpperWest is my favorite place to sit and enjoy some great food paired with a small but well chosen wine list. Everyone who works here is dedicated to excellent service and hospitality. The environment is funky, warm, and inviting. And the guests gathered around the bar are likely to become friends and acquaintances of yours because of the convivial atmosphere. This is truly a gem of a place!
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P
Patty
Greater Boston
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 20, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience2
stunningly good food in the most unexpected venue. seriously. wander around the back of the VFW hall, go down the old basement stairs, sit down at the bar in the wood-paneled basement, and be amazed.
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r
runnunglode
Greater Boston
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
Another great meal at UpperWest! The cheese selection was fantastic, and the pasta was just delicious!
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J
Jams
Greater Boston
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2017
overall4food1service5ambience4
Good service, over priced wine list. Limited whiskey cocktail choices.
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J
Jams
Greater Boston
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2017
overall3food3service2ambience3
I have frequented Upper West about ten times, and each time I go the prices have increased on the food menu and portions have gotten smaller. Service is also slow, which is to be somewhat expected since there only one chef. During my last visit over the weekend, however, my appetizer of a ham sandwich AND entree of ravioli took over an hour to be served without acknowledgment or apologies by the staff of the unusual wait time. Disappointed with the food service, but wine menu cannot be beat in the NoCA neighborhood. For a "hipster" and "funky" atmosphere, a price point of almost $40 for 2 glasses of wine is too steep for this Cambridge native. Also, easy parking and friendly bartender, Abby.
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K
Kathy
Greater Boston
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food and service at a very interesting and "funky" restaurant!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2017
overall4food5service4ambience3
Such a fabulous, interesting restaurant. It’s like going into a basement in someone’s home. We could not find it initially and could not believe that it was in the back of the VFW!! But so cool!! So unique. The food was incredible. There is no menu online and realized when we arrived that the menu is NOT tapas. There are a few small items plus a choice of two entrees. We do not eat meat so Kim made us fettuccini with safe butter. Yum!!! When we go back, which we absolutely will, we will call ahead to make sure that Kim has a vegetarian option. She makes her own pasta & it is beyond delicious. Such a unique experience. Can’t wait to go back!!!
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MM
MonicaM
Greater Boston
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience3
At first glance it is a little confusing but once you get past your own bias it's great!
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F
Famished
San Francisco
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2017
overall4food5service3ambience4
Unique setting with amazing pasta. Interesting aperitifs
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S
Sasfish
Greater Boston
150 reviews
vip
5.0
150 reviews
Dined on October 11, 2017
overall5food4service5ambience5
We loved the Speakeasy type atmosphere...the waitress and chef were welcoming and efficient. The food was great. Although there is a limited selection, there is something for everyone and diners will leave quite satisfied, all the way around.
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D
Davisnest
Greater Boston
35 reviews
3.0
35 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2017
overall3food4service3ambience3
Upper West is a nice addition to the neighborhood, and seems to have developed a bit of a following. It's hard to find fault with the funky atmosphere, interesting wine list, and quality of the food. Unfortunately, some portions are simply too small (on this visit, a case in point was the cheese board) and they have a strange practice of serving individual (also small) portions of bread wrapped in paper. Service is inconsistent; on a past visit, the server seemed entirely inexperienced, having difficulty opening a bottle of wine. This time, a different server was competent, but seemed annoyed by our request for plates with the cheese. The extremely limited menu precludes frequent visits, so it'll likely be awhile before we return.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 13, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
Amazing homemade gnocchi, delicious pate, charcuterie, perfect place to meet up with a friend or two and realax- either at the bar or on the couch. Friendly staff.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2017
overall1food1service1ambience1
I hope not all nights are like the one we went. Tough to consider another visit. One entree on the menu, which was pasta and all other items were prepped dishes (3 cheese items, one charcuterie and warm olives). The only thing the 'chef' needed to do was boil water (and perhaps finish the pasta in a pan). In two hours of service, the waitress come over once and we only got the charcuterie board. Had to cancel the rest of the items and leave to get dinner elsewhere. I know that all places can have bad nights, but it wasn't busy and the menu/chalkboard was set up for fast and easy service.
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R
Roadtrippinthru
Greater Boston
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
Almost afraid to leave a review in this hidden gem because we love the local "hidden" part! This place is in the basement of an old UAV (think VWF)...you'll be convinced you are in the wrong place...power through and you'll be rewarded with awesome wine, a simple tasting menu with spectacular pasta and a local vibe.
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KM
KevinM
Greater Boston
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
This is an incredible find - a speakeasy for grown ups! The owners LOVE good food and present a concise menu of small plates featuring Italian and Spanish food. The wine list is a brief, well chosen selection one focused on European wines. Emily works the bar, and she is an expert mixologist and a warm and gracious woman. The atmosphere is cozy 60s/70s rumpus room, and the clientele are a friendly lot. Upperwest has quickly risen to the top of my list of go to places!
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CT
CarolynT
Greater Boston
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2017
overall4food4service5ambience4
Rather unique spot in the basement of a VFW hall. It hovers on the line between lounge with food (good food) and a restaurant. Wine list is great with a wine flight offering. Menu is small but I was told this when making reservation.
1 person found this helpful
s
skibum
Greater Boston
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2017
overall4food5service3ambience3
Funky basement location with surprisingly good food. Excellent cheese board and charcuterie plate, as well as an excellent daily pasta. Very generous wine pour served in a carafe. Service was on the slow side, but this may have been because there was only one server who was also working the bar as well. All in all a n enjoyable experience that I would repeat.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 29, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
If the thought going through the back into the basement of the VFW have been stopping you from eating at Upper West GET OVER it. The space is warm and unencumbered. The food is spectacular and the wines are all great. We had a great meal. And we were able to talk without screaming to be heard. Many many stars.
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LP
LaurenP
Greater Boston
7 reviews
vip
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2017
overall2food2service4ambience1
This is located in a basement of a VFW. It smelt slightly moldy and the place looked like it was quickly thrown together. It was also apparent that their menu selection was bought in advance and reheated.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 15, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience3
Service was great and wine was delicious & great value.
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BF
BelmontFan
Greater Boston
28 reviews
vip
4.0
28 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2017
overall4food4service5ambience4
New Neighborhood Gem Talk about a surprising find! This newish spot offers a limited but excellent menu, and great cocktails. We had the charcuterie plate, and it was delicious. The Spanish olives are the best we've eaten outside of Spain, and the bartender was delightful.
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AP
APDavisSq
Greater Boston
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2017
overall3food3service3ambience4
This spot is mostly a wine bar rather than a restaurant. The food menu is quite limited. So don't expect to go there and get full unless you order a lot of stuff. Most of the food was cold dishes (mostly cheese) except one hot pasta plate the night we were there. Food was OK nothing special though. Prices are good. Service might run a bit slow (that's ok for me though). A chocolate cookie for dessert? Really? It was a good cookie but still a cookie.
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MZ
MikeZ
Greater Boston
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2017
overall4food5service4ambience3
Upper West was an incredible surprise. The excellence of the food more than makes up for any shortcomings of the location; dining in the basement of the veterans' hall is maybe even a little charming. The charcuterie was excellent; the gnocci was some of the best I've ever eaten; the carpaccio-presentation of whiskey-marinaded rib eye with balsamic was transcendent. I can't wait to go back.
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JA
JonAz
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 24, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
We can't more highly suggest coming here. Great food/drink options. Everything is amazing and non pretentious; you don't need to be a sommelier to appreciate the awesomeness. Get at least a cheese plate and a pasta dish- you'll thank me. :) xoxo
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TM
TomM
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
I love this place! The charcuterie plates are always a treat and the cheese pairings are fabulous. I love the speakeasy feel to the place, though I wouldn't mind the chance to sit at a table rather than the bar (hence the 4 stars). Everything else is tremendous, and I can't wait to go back!
1 person found this helpful
l
luckyrock
Greater Boston
46 reviews
vip
4.0
46 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2017
overall4food4service5ambience5
This is a very cool and unique bar/restaurant. It is certainly not for everyone, even Cambridge natives. But it is definitely for the adventurous, patient foodie. Part of the adventure is finding the place and then figuring out how to enter. It is a pleasant surprise when you open door and the ambience of the place beckons you in and the staff immediately welcomes you. The menu is limited and many items are deleted from the menu before 7:30. The charcuterie and the pasta were our favorites. The chef brings out most courses and will discuss them with you. At times the wait between courses can be long. We will be back with friends that we know will like this type of place.
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GM
GloriaMonday
Greater Boston
19 reviews
vip
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2017
overall4food3service3ambience4
Good food. Unusual ambience. Low key. Please write a review that is at least 50 characters in length. why?
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BJ
BJC10
Greater Boston
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience2
It was a very unique experience. Great food and wine, but it is in the basement of a house. We opted to sit at the large table, but should have chosen the communal bar.
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RS
RobertS
Greater Boston
21 reviews
3.0
21 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2017
overall3food3service3ambience3
A down home, no frills neighborhood place with very good tapas style food and a short, but solid wine list.
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HW
HeatherW
New York Area
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2017
overall4food4service5ambience4
You'd never know Upper West existed if you walked by since it's tucked away in the basement of the VFW with only an unobtrusive sign for advertisement. When we walked in we felt like we were in our parents' 1970's basement only much hipper. The owners have done a nice job with lamps and simple decor to make the space inviting. The cheese and charcuterie board were excellent, and the chef described the food pairings that went with each cheese. Wine selection was carefully thought through with plenty of offerings that were out of the ordinary. Our side dish of vegetables wasn't so good, but that's not why we came. This is not the place to come if you've got a huge appetite, but it's just right for a light, inventive meal and a great glass of wine or two or three. We'll be back!
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MF
MassFarmer
Greater Boston
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place has the feel of a speakeasy ... a hidden gem that is well worth finding. We enjoyed several spectacular Italian wines that paired well with absolutely delicious food. The 3-glass wine "flight" is well worth it. We also recommend whatever special the chef has dreamed up for the evening. We'll be back!
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KC
KathleenC
Greater Boston
68 reviews
vip
4.0
68 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience3
Love that it UW is in our neighborhood. Don't want it to change, as it is casual, simple, offers great food and a good vibe.
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A
Ab02144
Greater Boston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2017
overall5food5service4ambience4
Unique, funky "speak easy"! Friendly staff/ owners. Very curated wine, liquor and food. And a dart board to boot!
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KC
KathleenC
Greater Boston
68 reviews
vip
4.0
68 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2017
overall4food4service4ambience4
Loved it, and I hope it can sustain its quirky, funky, small and wonderful quality.
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r
runnunglode
Greater Boston
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
Don't let the location fool you- it's located in the basement of a veteran's hall. It's been redecorated and cleaned up, and it now looks like someone's cozy basement bar. But whose cozy basement has food like this? Absolutely delicious! Homemade terrine and pasta- fantastic! the cheese and charcuterie plates have an outstanding selection of bites. Great service, great food- at neighborhood prices. You must try this place!
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FAQs

UpperWest offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 714-5734.

UpperWest is rated 4.4 stars by 40 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

1 Cedar Street, Back Entrance, Cambridge, MA 02140

Additional information

Cross Street
Massachusetts Avenue, Bike Path
Neighbourhood
Cambridge
Hours of Operation
Tue–Sun 6:00 pm–12:00 am
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Dining Bar, Speakeasy
Dining style
Home Style
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
There is free street parking available from 6pm at meters on Massachusetts Avenue near Cedar Street. There are also many Zip Cars in walking distance. Please do not park in the veteran's club parking lot behind the building.
Public Transit
Davis Square T - 7 minute walkAlewife T - 17 minute walkPorter Square T - 18 minute walk77 Bus from Harvard Square or Arlington - Cameron Avenue stop outbound, Cedar Street stop inbound.Hubways across the street on Massachusetts Avenue.Zip Cars available in walking distance.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Kim Courtney
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

Website
http://upperwestcambridge.com/
Phone number
(617) 714-5734
Private party facilities
UpperWest is a versitile space available for parties and events up to 45 people.
Private party contact
Kim Courtney: (617) 714-5734

UpperWest

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

What 40 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does UpperWest offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is UpperWest restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information