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    Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar

    3.3 (910 reviews)
    ModerateBars, New American
    Open 11:30 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)

    Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar Photos

    GRENDEL'S DEN RESTAURANT & BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating

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    Shannon R.

    Pretty basic pub fare, but the entire food menu was half off for happy hour and well worth the price! The pub has a cool, casual vibe, with cheap eats, good beer, and excellent service. We are looking forward to trying some more of their food during happy hour sometime. Went around 6 on a Tuesday and it wasn't crowded at all.

    Drinks
    Adina S.

    Grendel's Den is a very local feeling bar. It definitely attracts a Harvard crowd... maybe mostly grad students if I had to guess. The vibes there are pretty chill, not too rah rah or anything. I wouldn't choose to come here for food, but they do have a number of American and Irish dishes - nothing special, just standard pub fare. At the end of the day, it's a place to drink. The service is solid for what you'd expect from this type of spot. Decent pick overall.

    Kit D.

    Came here with a friend for a quick lunch away from work. This is a pub/home style restaurant. The entrance is a bit tricky to find, as it is located on the basement floor. It is a small dining room with some tables and bar, and we sat ourselves. It was pretty quiet on a Wednesday at noon time. We chose a table to the corner and we're assisted by a very welcoming gentleman. The service was prompt, personable, and efficient. Everything came out very quickly. We started off with some garlic bread (not pictured) which came with a tomato based sauce which had olives in it. It was just okay- a bit underwhelming. There were 6 very small pieces and tons of sauce. I wish the pieces were bigger, as they all disappeared within 2 minutes. For our entrees we both ordered the Chicken Caesar salad wrap, which was also okay. A pro was that it was full of chicken, and the size of the wrap was pretty big. It came with a side of chips, which was surprising. I have never seen a restaurant which doesn't serve fries. After doing some investigating I now realize it is because Grendel doesn't have a fryer. Unfortunately this is something worth docking points for. To end the experience, we got the molten brownie. Very average- reminded me of those Little Bites brownies that you'd have as a kid. Overall, this is a very average place on Harvard square. The pros are that the service and prices are good, but the food is just okay. I'm glad I tried this place, but I would not eat here again. Honestly, I think the lack of a fryer really sold me.

    Jingyan Y.

    Wow! The happy hour food special is a STEAL. Everything on the menu is 50% off during happy hour, with a drink purchase. The food was good and reminded me of good comfort food. It is a bit loud and dark inside, but it adds to the vibe of the place. The service was great! Even though it was busy, we got everything quickly and efficiently. Would return, especially for the great food deal!

    Chicken breast sandwich
    Matthew H.

    After years of living in the area I finally had the chance to come by Grendel's for a dinner. My friend and I came by around 6, when the place was still pretty empty (there were plenty of tables for us to seat ourselves at), but when we left around 7 the place was packed and thriving. We wanted to take advantage of their half-off deal - between 5-7.30pm every day, all food is 50% off if everyone orders a drink at least $6. I had ordered a Hefeweizen and my friend had a crimson berry cooler (which was good! I quite liked the sweet cranberry/mixed berry flavours.) For food my friend ordered the Lala's grill with steak and I had the chicken breast sandwich. Long story short, I don't think anyone comes here for the food. The chicken was dry and a bit over cooked (although I liked the toasted baguette it was on!). The coleslaw was really strange in that it actually had no flavour - nothing good, nothing bad, just nothing. My friend's steak was chewy and even a bit difficult to cut. Salad was decent but nothing too special. Overall, though, the food was really quite cheap, especially with the happy hour deal, so as a supplement to the drinks they worked well. I will note that my rating attempts to capture the overall experience, which includes the quality of the food. The drinks were great and very reasonably priced, and the service was quick, efficient, and very welcoming. If I came solely for drinks I think I would have given a 4-4.5 instead.

    Popped in for a lunch.  Is it wrong to have cider in a PBR pint glass.  Crazy!
    Eric B.

    Has not changed much, always welcome and dicey-homey to me. Good food and enough drinks to meet your need. I used to like to come here on dates. Staff is layed back and friendly. Relax and enjoy.

    Beef burger and chips
    Erin O.

    Was this the best food I've had in Cambridge? No. Was this still a really enjoyable bar with great drinks and dinner deals? Yes!! I visited with a group of friends and it was a great place to chat over some delicious drinks and bar food. We came during their "50% off special" which meant if we ordered a drink that our food would be half off - which ended up being a great deal for us. I ordered the hot cider (which was delicious) and tried some of their mulled wine (which was even more delicious) and ordered a beef burger. The food was nothing special, but it also wasn't bad at all. The veggies on the burger were fresh and tasty, and it left me feeling full. Our server was also lovely, although service was pretty slow. If you're looking for something fast-paced, this restaurant probably isn't for you. But if you're looking for a good time with great drinks and decent food, I'd recommend Grendels!

    people sitting at the bar
    Gloria H.

    Nestled near Harvard, Grendel's Den beckons with its cozy underground charm. Sip beer, ponder life, and people-watch amidst nostalgia. Friendly staff, great drinks - an unforgettable college favorite. Cheers to Grendel's Den!

    The Impossible Burger in a Lettuce Wrap
    Marvin B.

    Grendel's is one of my go to spots after work! We usually get a pitcher or three of the red sangria, which I can say is the best Sangria I've ever had. The sweetness from the fruit juices hides the alcohol flavor, and it's just so refreshing to have after a long day of work. The food isn't necessarily the best, but I do like that fhey have vegan options on their menu and that they have 50% off food on Thursdays! I ordered the impossible burger in a lettuce wrap. I actually think the impossible patty was a beyond patty because I could kind of recognize the difference as I am not the biggest fan of beyond meat. The lettuce was a little wilted, and it was a less than average burger, but I feel like the main reason to go is more for the drinks and not really the food. Looking forward to more Thursdays spent at Grendels!

    Dozen oysters during happy hour (Mon-Thurs 3-5pm)

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    1 year ago

    Good simple bar and food. Their happy hour deal is nice if you can make it. French dip sandwich is my favorite

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    10 months ago

    Good, reasonably priced drinks. Nice patio area outside and cozy inside. Overall good vibe

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    11 months ago

    Nice ambience. Waiter was very nice. Great Guinness pours. Was a bit chilly, but I always love a bar when you have to walk downstairs.

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    Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar

    I used to go here when I worked in Harvard square in 1980. It had the best salad bar ever. I'm coming back to visit and I'm so excited it's still open! Is that salad bar still featured?

    I'm afraid not - this isn't the upstairs, airy gathering spot with the salad bar. This is the basement - it's a cozy bar and restaurant, but, the salad bar is long gone...

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    Review Highlights - Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar

    The staff are friendly, the service is fast, the drinks are yum and they have a Dark and Stormy for about $4.

    Mentioned in 26 reviews

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    Wusong Road

    Wusong Road

    4.2
    (454 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Frank helped us out on our first visit. He's the mug wizard. Since then, numerous employees have…read morehelped us. All friendly and welcoming. This is the best tiki bar in Boston/Cambridge area. Probably in the state if I think about it. Legit cocktails. Very, very good food. Veg options. Creative and affordable mugs. An adjacent parking structure (the only one in Harvard Square). The place is unicorn material. I've been here maybe four times over several years. Shame on me for finishing this cumulative review now. The good news is every visit was solid. I've been here as a small and also large party. Sat at both the bar and table. Had reservations and also walked in. Visited in the summer and also winter. Weekends are tough to get in without a resy. It's tiny. And its Cambridge. Weekdays you'll be fine but reserve anyway. It's free. From bar to tables to booths, you're covered with seating. Can they serve a table for ten? Maybe but I wouldn't be that person. Check ahead of time. Drinks are strong. Sometimes sweet but mostly balanced. Food is yummy. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options clearly marked on the menu. Serving dishes and bowls are fun too: skulls/shells/etc. Enjoy this hidden secret. And don't steal the mugs. Buy them--they're so reasonable.

    The whole experience was amazing. We sat at the bar and had a couple of drinks each. Every tiki…read morecocktail we ordered was fantastic and we had the pupu platter. Generally pupu platters are average but a good way to get a taste of all the apps. When we tried Wusong's pupu platter, it was amazing! Some of the best Chinese flavors I've ever had. We sat at the bar and watching the bartender Brian work was definitely an experience and entertainment all by itself. We can't wait to go back!

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Baos (crispy queso chichuahua & katsu chicken)
    Baos (crispy queso chichuahua & katsu chicken)
    Bao - Cha Siu Pork Belly

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    Bao - Cha Siu Pork Belly
    Lou's

    Lou's

    3.9
    (50 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Came here for dinner on a Sunday evening and the space was relatively empty - not too full given…read morethe amount of tables. Ambiance felt modern and chic given the decorations and lighting which matched the overall vibes of the restaurant. Menu had a decent selection of dishes - nothing too standout as a typical American restaurant. The entree I got was okay, expensive and tasted fine. Overall, nothing special though. I probably wouldn't come back here again, but I had a fine meal with my friend. The price and quality just didn't match for me though and I probably would opt to eat somewhere else.

    We love this restaurant with live music & swanky nightclub vibe!…read more The entire staff is super efficient, professional and friendly. All the meals, by fabulous Executive Chef Jason Bond, were beautifully plated, served hot and delish! The expansive menu and creative cocktails are truly an experience for all tastebuds. The venue itself is so elegantly decorated yet relaxed at the same time. The performance space is also beautifully lit with it's own bar. Seating in the entire restaurant lends so much to the intimate setting and the casualness of the couch, chairs with low tables are fun! Truly an wonderful dining experience for couples, friends or family. And the parking is FREE! Reservations are a must as this is a very popular restaurant - when you go, you'll understand why!! Check out this review too: https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/2025/08/01/lous-cambridge-music-restaurant-harvard-square/

    Photos
    Cleanest n most gorgeous
    Cleanest n most gorgeous
    Lou's
    Orange crush

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    Orange crush
    Russell House Tavern

    Russell House Tavern

    3.8
    (2.3k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    I went to this place because the restaurant manager helped my mom when she was stuck in the…read moreelevator going to the 2nd floor. They managed to get her out and gave her information to call CVS headquarters to complain about the elevator. I went back to the restaurant to thank them for helping her. So I went to eat at their restaurant, and I have no regrets about it. I had their Russel burger with fries. Their fries were a little Burnt, but were still delicious. I also asked for a side of tartar sauce, and it was good. My mom had their fish and chips, and she said it was amazing. She didn't leave more food to take home; it was that good. I had to take mine home because I was full. The ambiance was lively and full of energy. Maybe because the World Cup was in town, but it was amazing. In the end, I love this place, and i will be coming back again. I love this place, and I want to thank the manager for helping my mom. You guys are amazing.

    My husband and I spent some time walking around Harvard while in town recently, and stopped here…read morefor a late lunch! First, we shared some oysters (yum!) and mussels. The mussels were delicious and were served with fries and an aioli, which was such a unique preparation in my experience! They were delicious. Then, for lunch, I opted for the fish and chips. Be warned, the portions are huge! The fish was delicious and the tartar sauce seemed made in house and fresh. Overall, it was a good lunch and I'm glad we stopped at this fun spot!

    Photos
    Some of the bar tables
    Some of the bar tables
    Russell House Tavern
    Russell House Tavern

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    backbar

    backbar

    4.4
    (458 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    As per usual 10/10 Greeted in door way…read more Clean well stocked bathrooms Welcoming to everyone 80s 90s 2000s knowledgeable stylish Mushroom app and burger were nice treats to add to the awesome studio ghibli themed menu from the BB guide so clever top notch cocktails Cocktails Drinks Music and kikis delivery service on the projector good vibes

    I am a lover of everything studio ghibli so when I saw Backbar was doing essentially a month of…read moredrinks based on the movies I knew I had to go! The bar is really funky fun which I loved. There is literally fun everywhere you look from the panda stuffed animal riding a tiger on the wall to the hilarious shrek pillow. Coming right when they open I was able to see these things that you would likely not see in the evening. But to be fair I came right when they opened since it is first come first serve. A majority of the drinks were more on the savory side which was very interesting like "may all your bacon burn" with bacon bites at the top of the drink. The drinks my friend had were all stunning with the use of egg yolk to elevate the drink. We ended the evening by walking over to Bow Market and trying Viet Citron which was so DANG GOOD my gosh. The to go orders were insane but looks like they are doing very well despite recently opening in. I got the grilled lemongrass pork ribs bowl and youtiao and the side sauce was so good. The ribs were all very meaty. It looks small but I was surprised how full I was after having it. Nice night of drinks and food. What we got Kiki's marmalade buns Castle in the sky Milk Punch May All your bacon burn

    Photos
    backbar
    backbar
    Inside

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    Inside

    Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar - bars - Updated June 2026

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