Alden and Harlow

4.6

4530 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 5, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 76 times today

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
Private party contact
Jen Fields: (617) 864-2100

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

Popular dishes

Grilled Rosemary Focaccia$15.00
Nardello Pepper Relish, Thai Basil, Mint
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
Farm Peppers a la Plancha$18.00
Whipped Feta, Sweet Corn Vinaigrette
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
Sweet Corn Crumpet, Grilled Nardello Peppers, Hot Fennel Pickles
Cauliflower Caesar$17.00
Garlic Crumbs, Caesar Dressing, Parmigiano & Capers
Seared Bluefin Crudo*$18.00
Compressed Honeydew Melon, Rice Wine Vinegar, Star Anise Oil
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
Sweet Pickled Rhubarb, Fried Shallot Aioli, Basil
Basil Pasta$23.00
Carrot Bolognese, Herb Salad, Pecorino
Tagliatelle & Smoked Clams$26.00
Zucchini, Pecorino & Pesto
Roasted Eggplant Raviolo*$23.00
Cherry Tomatoes, Smoked Pine Nuts, Basil, Ricotta Salata
Grilled Bluefish$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, Pickled Eggplant & Charred Kale Caponata
Chicken Fried Rabbit$19.00
Blue Cheese, Radish, Chili Oil

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 4,530 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

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

4,530 Reviews

p
paul
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
all aspects good except for noise level; conversation was hard to hear
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CK
CK11
Exclusive
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredibly accommodating and friendly. Well-paced meal
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b
bettinad
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful dinner and incredible service! Perfect place to have dinner in Harvard Square —even for gtuten-sensitive and vegetarian customers.
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KH
KatelynH
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was so kind to sing happy birthday to my husband as she brought out the dessert. Overall food was delicious and the service was great.
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o
okrev
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
All of the dishes were very good and unique. We were suggested to do family style despite that not being our original plan but happy we did. size of each plate was not the most clear from the menu, but didn’t matter much as we shared everything. basil pasta was very good, but so was everything we tried! Definitely could choose to get a plate of your own with some items. Cocktails were also very good. For a group of 5, i appreciated the space we got and didn’t feel crowded next to other tables. Felt like we could enjoy our meal and conversations.
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b
bent
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 20, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
no no no no no no no you can’t make me write it stop stop stop stop stop noooooo i don’t wanna write a review. food was good tho. broccoli lowkey sweet though
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Very dissatisfied & disappointed Do not order the burguer neither the onion dip
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PS
ParagS
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great brunch! Inventive menu with flavorful offerings
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LH
LoriH
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful Sunday brunch. LOVED the carrot latkes. Corn pancakes were yummy, as was the French toast. The roasted vegetable shakshuka with egg was a bit disappointing, by comparison with other dishes. Great service. Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
We reserved for the 5 course menu with wine pairing and it was such a lovely experience! The wine pairing choices were excellent. Our only feedback is that the portions were way too big for a 5 course menu and it was hard to end on a pasta dish.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall3food5service3ambience3
Had many great dinners there but this one was off the mark...the waiter was clearly pushing our table to clear it for other guests. No asking if we wanted more drinks, or dessert/coffee, just the check 50 minutes after being seated. Disappointing experience.
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ER
EllenR
Los Angeles
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
We enjoyed a nice brunch on a Saturday…which can be hard to find. Food was tasty and our server was very nice.
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EB
EranB
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great experience. Delicious food, diverse drinks and good service
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely incredible meal start to finish. The way they played with flavors and texture’s. I CANNOT WAIT to go back!
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MM
MichaelM
Poconos
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
Great food, good service. Nothing to complain about
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GF
GavF
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
Lovely food but it was all a little clinical - they are really focused on turning tables so you never really feel relaxed. In and out in just over 1hr
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LC
LindaC
Greater Boston
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Met an old friend for brunch and it was just perfect. Great drinks and perfectly cooked and seasoned food. Cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Friendly and professional service. One of us has Celiac Disease and we still had lots of safe, gluten free items to choose from.
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LQ
LisaQ
Denver
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Just terrific! Food was creative, delicious, awesome! Service was friendly, attentive. Bartender was great. Noise level was a bit high but small price to pay for such a wonderful meal. Had a meal at Harvest the next day - Alden and Harlow was better!
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P
Perfection
Greater Boston
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Food had good flavors but portions to price weren’t nicely worth it. Could get a better value and taste elsewhere.
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MA
MarceloA
Greater Boston
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
All good, nothing special but everything worked as expected
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RP
RebeccaP
Greater Boston
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
Shared 6 plates between 4 of us. Each dish was creative, seasonal, beautiful and DELICIOUS!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience3
Tiny portions, average food, extremely overpriced.
Is this helpful?
TJ
TJMA
Greater Boston
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
Always a winner! We loved everything we ordered … chips & dip are so good, and the kale salad is awesome.
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A
Alex
Los Angeles
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love restaurants that have tasty shared plates and Alden and Harlow is one of the best. Every dish was prepared and presented with care, from the mixed squash and focaccia bread to the chicken fried rabbit and pasta. The cocktails were wonderful and the service was excellent. We also loved that the ambiance was quiet and felt cozy, despite the size of the restaurant.
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GD
GretchenD
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, vibe, and service! Close to The Sinclair if you are going to a show!
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K
Kathy
Greater Boston
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
It was wonderful but we were seated at a six top under a speaker and the music was so loud it made it very hard to talk.
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CH
CherylH
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love, love, loved the food at brunch. Large variety of foods with unique and delicious flavors and textures! I will definitely be back!
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AK
AlexandraK
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My fiancé and I had a amazing dinner here last night. We ordered the focaccia, the cauliflower caesar, the basil pasta, and the NY strip. Everything was delicious, especially the basil pasta. Our server, Stella, was fantastic and so attentive. We’ll definitely dine here again!
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OD
OwenD
Minneapolis
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall2food2service4ambience3
Food was overall mediocre. One great dish, the burrata, and one terrible dish, the raviolo, with everything else being meh. Way to expensive for that.
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MM
MichaelM
New Mexico
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience2
We were initially going to do the 5 course with wine pairings, but did not realize that you only receive one dish per course between two people, but are charged 110 per person. Much better to just order your preferred drinks off the menu and dinner items that you’d like to try. Overall food was delicious.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and the service were both excellent. The noise levels were low, especially for brunch on Saturday. We were very happy with our visit.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I just simply love the food and everything about Alden and Harlow. It’s my favorite restaurant and go to place. The seasonal menu , the wonderful flavors , the smoked carrots, the delicate bluefish , the pasta , the amazing cocktails and the secret burger ..Never disappoints and a really fantastic place
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JJ
JoJo15108
Pittsburgh
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great flavors and innovative dishes designed for sharing. Nice boutique wine and beer selection too.
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C
Cristinam
Baltimore
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
Great ambience and just OK food for the price charged. Good service! We had the patatas bravas (a variation of the real ones, a little bit greasy) chicken nuggets (little bit dry), hamburger (good!) and tuna crudo (not amazing). Beer (not all of us), great variety.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very interesting and delicious combination of small plates. Excellent cocktails!
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D
David
Greater Boston
127 reviews
5.0
127 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always fun coming back to HSQ. great tapas wonderful date to enjoy the night with would be back again.
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SD
SD89
Greater Boston
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Beautiful dinner and excellent service. We loved our meals: )
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PI
PetrI
Greater Boston
47 reviews
vip
5.0
47 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Inventive small/medium plates cuisine, excellent service. Reasonably priced. Highly recommended.
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LT
LTiffany
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience2
Rude staff, poor service. Will not return. Do not recommend.
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j
jp0907
New York Area
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall2food1service2ambience3
If you want a great tapas place go to Barcelona in Brookline. A&H has a nice enough atmosphere, but the food is over thought and honestly, not good, and it is pricey. They can’t even produce a decent cocktail. This place is a hard pass.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer 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 4.6 stars by 4530 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 5, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 76 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
Private party contact
Jen Fields: (617) 864-2100

Alden and Harlow

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

50 Boston Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Best Bars for Foodies in Boston

Basil Pasta

Ubiquitous Kale Salad

French Toast

Main

Grilled Rosemary Focaccia$15.00

Chips & Onion Dip$9.00

Smoked & Fried Chicken "Nuggets"$18.00

Ubiquitous Kale Salad$16.00

Farm Peppers a la Plancha$18.00

Hickory Smoked Carrots$18.00

Grilled Broccoli$16.00

Local Burrata$19.00

Cauliflower Caesar$17.00

Seared Bluefin Crudo*$18.00

Steak Tartar*$21.00

Fried Brussels Sprouts$17.00

Pickled Corn Pancakes$18.00

Patatas Bravas$16.00

Basil Pasta$23.00

Tagliatelle & Smoked Clams$26.00

Roasted Eggplant Raviolo*$23.00

Grilled Bluefish$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

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

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

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

The Best Bars for Foodies in Boston