A go-to of mine. Always a wait when I usually go (evening) but I always find it worth the wait. Usually I end up sitting at the bar and eating, unless I'm with a large group. I can't think of something I have eaten and not liked. Great drink menu and the staff always makes good recommendations for what to drink if there isn't something on the menu that you like. I rarely make it to dessert because I engorge. Some food faves: Brussel sprouts, Mexican Corn, deviled eggs, gnocchi w/ short rib, the taco app (that isn't currently on the menu as I write this), goat stew, catfish po' boy, and at least one of the specials Drinks: Rarely eagle, mark n stormy....and they always have Left Hand milk stout ...and trying anything new on the menu I have yet to be there for a spelling bee night. Karaoke night I have been to a few times and there was a good crowd there the times I went. For brunch it is one of my favorite spots too. read more

My boyfriend and I went on a dinner date to the Highland Kitchen the other night. The service, food, and drinks were all excellent! The decorations, including the light fixtures and the art on the walls had a funky vibe to them that I really liked. They have a small food menu that is American Comfort style and a very extensive drinks menu (with very well made cocktails, including the classics as well as originals). We shared fried calamari for the appetizer. It tasted delicious and fresh, and the smoked tomato dip that went with it was unique and incredibly good. We were both very satisfied with our entrees (he got half a chicken and I got the rabbit fettuccine). For dessert we got the special, which was beignets. They tasted warm as if they came just out of the oven, and were light and fluffy. We loved the cocktails so much that we each got two. He got drinks with spicy ginger beer, which he loves, (Mark N' Stormy and HK Reviver) and I got the Bristol and the Mai Tai Dragon. I especially liked the Bristol as it had a very rich flavor from the Taza chocolate bitters. The service was definitely above par. We had a lovely waitress who was very attentive, and would politely wait for us to pause our conversation each time she approached our table instead of rudely interrupting. A different server came by very frequently to re-fill our water. Overall this was an amazing experience and I would definitely go back again! read more

The food is amazing, the fried chicken to die for! But, i'm even more impressed with their service. I made a reservation for my sister's birthday for 6 plus an infant car seat. Not only were they more than pleased on the phone to accommodate an infant, they had a luggage rack at the head of the table for her car seat to go in so she could sit at the table with us, not on the floor. That was the first time I'd ever seen that and it was pretty amazing! It's defiantly an adult restaurant with a great vibe, but is also very accommodating to kids. I'll be back many more times! read more

It seems fitting that my first Yelp review be on Highland Kitchen. I am a Southern transplant who has been in Somerville for almost a year. I was unaware at the time how fortunate my location in Somerville would be considering I am less than a block away from my beloved Highland Kitchen. There are numerous things I miss about the South and one is predominantly food. I had no idea how much I would crave shrimp and grits, biscuits, fried chicken, etc. However, one night I found myself pining away for all of these things, and then, I discovered Highland. I won't say that it is exactly like food from the south because it isn't, and that's what makes it so great. The chefs add their own unique flavor on a lot of southern classics, and then they have, also, created their own dishes, such as buffalo brussel sprouts. YUM! I have been here almost a year and will admit that I eat at Highland on average probably twice a week. It's sad I know. Admittance of the problem is the first step, right? However, I feel somewhat qualified to give this review since I do frequent there so often, so now on to the important stuff such as the atmosphere, food, and cocktails: Highland Kitchen gives off a laid back, rustic feel. It's very welcoming and the staff is absolutely great. They are warm and, in my experience, are always very helpful and ready to provide one with an array of suggestions when it comes to the menu. Highland does fill up fast seeing as it's one of the most popular restaurants in Somerville, so I recommend getting there 30 minutes to an hour after it opens to snag a table. However, if you're a lone diner, the bar is, also, a great place to sit. The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and friendly, as well, and even better the turn around rate on your drinks is quicker than at a table. Also, if you are fortunate to live in a close proximity to Highland, the kitchen staff does expedite food very quickly. I usually order my food for pick-up and have never waited more than 15-20 minutes. Now onto the menu. I have had the majority of the food on the menu. The apps are my favorite. I like to order an array and call it a night. The buffalo brussel sprouts really are worth all of the hype. I am not a fan of brussel sprouts, but Highland has converted me. The ricotta mozzarella fritters are one of my favorites; they are decadent. Now, my only complaint thus far is that they have removed the shrimp and grits from their nightly menu, which was my go to meal, however it is still available on Sunday brunch, which is a must for anyone who loves breakfast. I have, also, had the mussels and the handmade potato gnocchi and while not my favorite they are both savory. The cuban reuben is my favorite sandwich there; it combines two classics for a delectable experience. The veggie burger is, another good option, as well. As far as, main courses are concerned; I love the porkchops which is not a regular menu item but one can see it once or twice a week; the steak-tips are, also, another great option. They are very juicy and tender. And, as far as, desserts I have yet to encounter anything I haven't loved. The brownie sunday and banana bread pudding are decadent. My favorite cocktail here is the monsoon. It is Mount Gay Rum, Mango, and Ginger beer. Absolutely a must if you like any of the above. The bartenders, also, do a great bloody mary. Anyway, if you made it this far in the review, you will, hopefully, instead of judging me for the frequency of my Highland consumption, find me to be a qualified critic. Cheers. read more

I have been here 3 times in the past two weeks after coming here for the first time about two weeks ago with my girlfriend. Everything we have tried from apps to dessert has been perfect. We made a point to try something new each time, including mix drinks. I have yet to find 1 bad thing about this place. The drinks are delicious and strong. The food is perfect and comes out fast. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Even when we have to wait it wasn't that long and you can grab a drink at the bar. Do yourself a favor and check HK out for yourself. You will not be disappointed. The next thing we need to try is the Sunday Brunch. read more

Highland Kitchen makes me smile. From the awesome music and super-knowledgeable staff to the DELICIOUS food and unique vibe, there isn't much that HK doesn't have to compliment. I'm a vegetarian and had fallen hard for their portobella mushroom sandwich, but am a recent convert to the fabulous house-made black bean burger with guac, jack cheese, and caramelized onions. The house made pickles are also to die for, and I could probably eat a plate full if allowed. I've tried other veg specials, and have not been disappointed. I cannot speak to their desserts, but the small (yet well selected) wine list and local beers are fantastic, and I love the fact that you truly feel welcome here. Here's to a long, happy relationship! read more

Service. Slow and Was catering to regulars. Food. Portions. Super small and overpriced. Too many supercool dbags for me. Newsflash your on the corner of central and Somerville ave. get over yourself One time never again read more

Best brunch in Somerville! Super tasty and lots of energy. Make sure to get there before they open, as there will be a line out the door.

I was really satisfied with my meal. My drink was really well mixed and the bartender was very knowledgeable. The food was cooked perfectly--the braised pork dish I ordered had a very nice balance of delicate and slightly sweeter meat, to the bitter collards and creamy polenta. Everything was also pretty reasonably priced. My only complaint was that it was kind of noisy--just be aware of this. It's perhaps not the ideal place for a date, but would be good for a group of friends. read more

An above average neighborhood place... Good-sized bar. Cool light fixtures! A little tight in the dining room - be prepared for something loud and cozy. Menu seemed packed with comfort foods - meatloaf, risotto, rigatoni w/ bolognese - plus a number of seafood dishes. Food was quite good, as was the service. I wouldn't travel great distance to come here, but since I live in the neighborhood I will probably go back... read more

Went there again and wasn't quite as thrilled this time around, so I'm tempering my enthusiasm and downgrading to 4 stars.

There is a line that starts forming an hour before they open for brunch for a reason. If you wake up late one Sunday morning and have a hankering for some comfort food, this place has everything you could ask for and so so so much more. I had the fried catfish and grits served with two eggs and some gumbo, and my wife had the dirty bird... Basically biscuits n gravy with a piece of fried chicken. Oh and the fried green tomatoes? Don't even get me started. Let's just say the only place that does them better is the Whistle Stop Cafe. read more

Good food. Always. Great vibe. Southern food with a modern healthy (sort of) twist. Hard to explain. Just go here.

A fun place to visit. Great southern themed food. The bar staff is especially wonderful. I recommend the fried green tomatoes and the buffalo Brussel sprouts! read more

Went to Highland Kitchen after hearing lots of stuff about it and having a couple friends from work rave about it. Got there about 6:30pm on a Saturday night and was told that there would be an hour wait. We did end up waiting and eventually found a place at the bar where we ordered drinks ($7.50-$10/drink), and got the calamari appetizer (which was pretty good). We finally got seated and ordered our food (yes, after the hour wait). I chose to get a salad and the steak, and my friends each got a side with their food. I received my steak and then after I began eating, received my salad. After my disbelief, the waiter came by and said he didn't realize that I wanted my salad before the rest of my food. What restaurant doesn't serve a salad first? We also didn't receive one of the side dishes, and had to ask for it later (not from our waiter). We didn't see our waiter for the rest of dinner and he never came by to ask how the food was. Overall, the service with the host and our waiter wasn't great, although the bartender was awesome. The food was decent, but not necessarily something that I'd rush back for anytime soon. read more

Great brnch spot... Get there early and line up, or be prepared for a long wait. The dirty bird and shrip with grits are sublime!

Our waitress, Emily, rocked. Food was solid and they nailed all of the special requests/orders for things on the side, etc. Also, waitress knew her ingredients for dishes inside and out, which made ordering a breeze. Fries are excellent. read more

I was really excited to finally try place. I am sad to say that it was definitely not what unexpected and in was less than impressed. The menu doesn't seem to match the atmosphere or the decor. The tables are too close together and it was much too loud for a Sunday brunch. I'm all about having fun, but it just wasn't enjoyable. I ordered the pulled pork hash. It was okay....the potatoes were undercooked and much to large. I would say the most enjoyable part was the large mimosa! read more

tree stAAAS fir dis hir gem in somavil. Food - ok. Oyster po boy very nice, clams with lobster broth enjoyable. Complaints? Decor, dear sweet baby Jesus - which 80s hippy new age nightmare did those "funky" light fixtures and booth divider things come from? At first glance wasn't sure if they would bring me a beer or make me paint my own pottery. OK, I admit I may be slightly exaggerating here, but seriously I dare you to go into the place and look around and go " yeah i see how glass and concrete shapes compliment the _______ in this space". read more

I was expecting this place to be a hole in the wall considering the way the appearance from the outside is. I walked in and it was actually very classy. You truly can't judge a book by it's cover here! Pricing was reasonable, desert was yummy, mai tai was a little too sour for me, BUT the specials are great (I had fried chicken with collard greens, mashed potatoes and a biscuit with gravy). Will be going here again soon....PS. don't sit near the window..it was FREEZING! read more

Definitely one of the best meals I have had in three decades in the Boston area. And a great atmosphere as well, although a little on the loudish side. read more

This place is on the pricey side, and a bit OH MY GOD PACKED on the usual hip-folks-out nights -- but it's never not been pleasant to me, in terms of food and drink quality as well as staff attentiveness (and I have a wheat allergy, so I rely on awesome staff a *lot*). I wouldn't lay out the money to go here on my own as a place to eat or hang out, but when friends are in from out of town, this is one of the places I suggest! read more

Meeperlicious ! Great place to hang out after work or just stop by for a couple of beers. I was very satisfied with the food and probably would of loved it the next day if I had leftovers. I would definitely go there again and try something else, yummy! read more

Very attentive waitstaff, everyone was very sweet and accommodating. Awesome cocktail list, and one of the best black bean burgers I've had. I was a bit bummed about the unusual dessert list though, and the 4$ rootbeer I had. Yet all in all I would definitely return and/or recommend to friends! read more

I remember when this location housed a crappy local bar that reeked of broken dreams and Bud Light. Things, it would seem, have changed. Highlights: 1. An extremely competent kitchen that puts out excellent food. I had the beet salad and the gnocchi. Both were very nicely put together. The standout superstar was the bread pudding. Now, I love me some bread pudding, so let's get that caveat out of the way up front. This 2. An equally competent, albeit oh-so hipster, bar staff. I'll do my own pairings, thank you very much, but it was all very, very good. read more

Imaginative and delicious cocktails; simple but inspired cuisine. I love their sides, especially the sauteed broccoli rabe. Last visit we had fried brussel sprouts and bleu cheese fondue, which were both scrumptious. When the bar fills, the bartenders tend to become a bit myopic, but the drinks are definitely worth the wait. read more

Oh Highland Kitchen, I have see you at my best and I have seen you at my worst and I am proud to call you my local. I am just a bit saddened to see how busy you have become over the past 5 years I have frequented you, only because it can be quite challenging to get a seat nowadays. Your food is excellent, your drinks are delicious and you have the best bartender in all of Somerville (looking at you Joe!). You stole my heart at karaoke so many years ago and have fed me (full kitchen until 11 is quite handy) more orders of Brussel sprouts than I can even remember and served me many a beer/cocktail/whisky. You are my favorite place is all of Somerville (Cambridge and Boston too)! read more

We live right down the street from this place so we frequent often. I have never been disappointed. The food is fantastic, the beer selection is plentiful and the Sunday Bluegrass Brunch is well worth it! read more

I came here last Sunday with my boyfriend because we were looking for a casual dinner and heard great things about this place. We got right in when we went there with no wait. The waiter was very helpful in making recommendations on the menu and was very personably even though it was still pretty busy there. We tried the ricotta and mozzarella fritters which were AMAZING! When they were gone I secretly wished i had ordered a plate for my dinner. For dinner I had the jumbalaya which was good and not too spicy and was great with the cornbread! My boyfriend had the cuban sandwich which was amazing. For dessert we had the banana bread pudding and it was perfect! The drinks were very good as well. I liked my experience so much I went back there with a friend 5 days later! This place is definitely a must go! read more

Everyone raves about highland kitchen so I gave it, not one but two chances. My first experience was so terrible I thought it was a fluke. I had the shrimp and grits, big mistake. FYI if you are from the South, this place is a huge disappointment. I threw up after my first visit. Upon my second visit the service was so terrible that I walked out after 15 minutes, we had neither been greeted by the waitstaff or brought a glass of water. read more

I went here and a guy tending bar was wearing a Guided By Voices t-shirt.

The atmosphere & the martinis was what drew us to this place, but the food brings us back. Southern but modern, we keep having great meals. This is one of the 'nicer' restaurants in the east Somerville area. read more

This is deep Somerville. Small, chaotic, noisy, friendly, and delicious. Don't tell anyone. read more

So packed for a Tuesday night! Came with two roommates and our old soccer coach! I had a great homemade black bean burger with pico de gallo and guacamole. I wish it was a little spicier but the combination with the guac was fantastic. The others got clams, mussels, a side of garlic mashed potatoes, chili cheese fries, and a regular burger. The chili cheese fries were pretty solid as well. Beer/drink selection was good. They give you bread and butter while you wait for your food, and obviously, being former soccer players, we devoured it. The prices were great...$8.95 for the black bean burger, which came with your pickles and your choice of mixed greens (with a light dressing) or fries. The wait staff was pleasant and quick to refill waters/clear dishes. The overall atmosphere was incredibly laid back and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. I also really liked the large chalkboard on the back wall that listed some of their menu items. Can't believe I didn't know about this place before! read more

WOW! Great brunch & great service. Amazing atmosphere. Definitely a hidden gem. Bring your friends!

Had dinner here last night. Loved the whole experience. I was visiting with a friend that lives in the neighborhood. It was a pleasant 45minute wait. Margarita was too sour, I wouldn't get another. It was made with fabulous fresh ingredients, just too sour for my liking. Vibe was great, music was perfect. Wait staff was SO FRIENDLY!! While we were waiting we had nice smiling wait staff busily moving all around us. Bartender was on his game with a full bar and lots of waiting diners milling around. Seating is a bit awkward upon first sitting because we are so close to tables on either side to us, but it was easy and comfortable. Food was great. I am vegetarian, lots to choose from. My friend found lots of meat options. Some funky new food ideas on the menu, some standard choices. I had the N. African dip sampler with grilled pita. Loved it! When we were out of bread and still had lots of dip left, the wait staff offered more pita. When does that happen?? Wait staff was fabulous. They were attentive but not too much so. My second drink was a Mai Tai, on the menu. I really liked it. Bit more sour than I am used to but was yummy. My main course meal was polenta with greens and mushroom ragout. Fabulous and amazing!! Best polenta I have ever had. Overall a great experience and I will go back. As one reviewer mentioned, it seems to have a hipster vibe but caters to all. read more

Guess we had bad luck? Went last night with my girlfriend and we did not have a good time at all. If you are going to put us 2 inches from the table next to us, I hope the food is good. We felt the service first and foremost was poor. Upon walking in we were not greeted, did not know where to go in the crowded small restaurant. After 30 mins we got seated and were ignored for another 20 mins... finally the waiter introduced himself! We obviously put in our order ASAP - the special, braised rabbit fettuccini, some bar snacks and sharing the jambalaya. The rabbit dish lacked flavor significantly, bar snacks tasted old (pickled veg) and devils horseback were burnt. Once I put salt on things it was better but not worth the price or wait. Jambalaya on the other hand was very good minus the burnt corn bread we got. Much better places in the area for upscale southern food. read more

I think I just ordered the wrong things here and came on a bad night. First, I got the drink that has jalapenos in it. I love spicy but this was ridiculous and I had to send it back - my mouth was on fire. Second, I then ordered the fried chicken and it was kind of dry without that lovely crispy breading. The sides were lacking and not very flavourful, including the mashed potatoes. Third, our server was not very friendly and she seemed irritated with us (probably because I sent the drink back). Some highlights are the free parking lot and my friend loved her meal of broasted chicken with veggies. I'd love to come again and give this another chance. Maybe that time I will get the goat stew. read more

I came here for a late dinner/snack on a random weeknight and it just happened to be fried chicken night! We weren't suuuuper hungy so we decided to get some small bites and share the fried chicken, which was supposed to be very good. We tried the deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms, and one more veggie side that I can't remember at the moment. Guess it wasn't very memorable. All 3 were good, but nothing amazing to write about. I felt like the deviled eggs were slightly bland (probably healthier because it probably means they used less mayo than I'm used to) and the mushrooms a little salty. The chicken...I honestly thought it was just a grade above KFC. Ok maybe that's a little harsh but I really did not understand why the fried chicken was a special here. Ours was dry and had way too much crunchy batter. The mashed potatoes, collard greens, and biscuit that came with the chicken was much better than the chicken itself. How sad. Maybe I'll have better luck with brunch. I'm not ready to write this place off forever, but I definitely was not impressed with the weekly special. However, this place is quite a stride from Davis Sq for someone who relies on public transit, so who knows when I'll make it back... read more

Had a very good meal. We had a grilled baby artichoke appetizer. My friend had a salad and an app as her entree. I had a stellar burger cooked to a perfect MR and delicious hand cut fries. Service was pleasant and efficient. Liked the neighborhood vibe of the place.... not precious or uber-hip. read more