Alden and Harlow

Name: Alden and Harlow
Address: 40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, US
Telephone: (617) 864-2100
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.3

4.3 (5200)

$30 and under

American

40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Make a reservation

Alden and Harlow

4.3

$30 and under

American

Cambridge

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 3, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 79 times today

About this restaurant

Lively
Neighborhood gem
Vegetarian-friendly

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.

Dining areas

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 facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
Private party contact
our Private Dining Director: (617) 864-2100

Location
40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Neighborhood
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

Private dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

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

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Alden and Harlow.

4.3

(5200)

4.4Food
4.1Service
4.3Ambience
4.0Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Alden and Harlow in Cambridge is celebrated for its "great food and ambience" with a menu full of "creative vegetarian options" and "excellent service." Its dishes like the secret burger and rosemary focaccia come highly recommended. Despite occasional noise and service issues, it remains a "favorite restaurant in Harvard Square."

5,200 Reviews

M
Matt Gold
Greater Boston6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We’ve been going to Alden and Harlow for years, but after a long hiatus, we’re back! What a cool cozy basement spot, very nice bar w/friendly service and the food is just awesome. Impressive Cocktail menu is and the bartenders are passionate about their trade. We’re going back for Sunday brunch this Fall!
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T
Tanya
Greater Boston19 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good food, excellent service, pleasant environment.
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T
Thomas
Greater Boston2 reviews
2.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Service was poor. Slow. Not responsive. Pasta was too garlicky to eat. Steak was bland. Potatoes were terrible. Loud. Small table so close to next table it felt like we were together.
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M
Maggie Gold
Indiana30 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food combining fresh fall flavors! Loved the tapas type experience and we were able to try a handful of things!
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E
Elizabeth
Greater Boston2 reviews
2.0
Dined on October 25, 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
We had high expectations for dinner, based on the website and the appealing, creative menu (including more than the usual number of vegetarian options), but we left early. The restaurant was incredibly noisy, to the extent that it was literally impossible to have a conversation across even a small table for two. Most of what we ordered was very good -- the burrata plate, the hushpuppies, and the salmon with grilled sourdough and a dab of aioli -- but the ratatouille that came with the salmon was a multiple catastrophe: inedibly salty, containing a massive amount of black pepper, and consisting mostly of unpleasant-tasting canned tomatoes. Any side dish of any fresh vegetable whatsoever would have been better than this. Anyway, the food is probably worth a visit, but avoid the noisiest hours.
1 person found this helpful
B
Bruce Gold
New York City18 reviews
4.0
Dined on October 25, 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Place is fantastic. Service was good. Food could be better
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M
Mark
Greater Boston13 reviews
4.0
Dined on October 25, 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The food itself was excellent, and I liked the Brunch options they offer. And yes, the menu and the server herself clearly stated that the food comes out as it's done, because "it's meant for sharing". So yes, we were well aware. However, the food itself was not sharing food. My husband had a burger. Who cuts up and shares a burger? I could see a plate of sliders being shared. My friend had avocado toast, again, I don't see slicing up a slice of bread, if you wanted to share it, I'd think it would be smaller pieces. And one person ordered two sides, of bacon and scrambled eggs. What ended up was that we all got our food at various times and the person with the bacon and eggs got the bacon and 10 minutes later got the eggs. So maybe in theory the "it comes out when it's ready" is great, but in reality, it's not great.
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R
Ryan
Greater Boston6 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 25, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My favorite go-to in Cambridge. Great food and ambience, fantastic drinks. Not cheap but worth it!
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C
Craig Gold
Cincinnati9 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 24, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great meal! Lots of interesting options. Look forward to coming back again.
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E
Elena
Greater Boston2 reviews
3.0
Dined on October 24, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
We had been to Alden and Harlow for cocktails many times, and dinner a couple times. This was our first brunch. I liked it less than the other two options. They serve "tapas style" in the sense that plates come out whenever they are ready. But the foods aren't really that conducive to sharing. Think a burger, shakshuka, and salad. This way of serving was very odd to my party and a bit awkward because you end up either eating your burger while others don't have food, or you let it go cold, or you share a burger. The waiter messed up our orders a few different ways, bringing the wrong food and forgetting items, but maybe he was new and nervous! In any case, the environment was nice enough, and I really do recommend this place for drinks.
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Dining areas

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 facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
Private party contact
our Private Dining Director: (617) 864-2100

Location
40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Neighborhood
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

FAQs

Yes, Alden & Harlow has outdoor seating: guests describe a back patio where they’ve enjoyed brunch and warm‑weather dining.

Alden & Harlow sits in a subterranean, modern and comfortable space with a warm, lively vibe; the restaurant offers varied seating, from an atrium to bar niches and a back patio, making it a popular spot for dates, celebrations, and groups.

Casual dress is the guide, comfortable, neat clothing fits the restaurant’s casual‑dining, modern subterranean setting.

Yes, families are welcome: reviewers note Alden & Harlow is kid-friendly with crayons and coloring paper on hand, and staff have been described as thoughtful and accommodating for guests dining with young children.

Sunday brunch is a standout, brunch is served Saturday and Sunday (10:30 am–2:30 pm) and guests frequently praise the weekend brunch offerings like the lemon ricotta pancakes.

Alden and Harlow welcomes private parties; for larger groups, parties of more than eight are asked to call to make a reservation.

The menu is small plates meant for sharing, guests commonly order multiple dishes to build a meal, and many describe brunch and several shared plates as nicely sized or plenty big.

Yes, Alden and Harlow’s subterranean, intimate dining room and shared-plate format make it a popular choice for anniversaries and special evenings.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a reservation

Alden and Harlow

4.3

$30 and under

American

Cambridge

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 3, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 79 times today

Alden and Harlow

Make a reservation

Alden and Harlow

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Greenhouse

Private Room

Custom inquiry

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

Review summary

Dining areas

Additional information

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FAQs

Does this restaurant have outdoor seating?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

What is the dress code for Alden and Harlow?

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

What is the best day to go to Alden and Harlow?

Does this restaurant have private dining?

What are the portion sizes like at this restaurant?

Is this a good pick for date night?

Make a reservation

Alden and Harlow

Make a reservation