Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage is a Harvard Square institution that opened in 1960 and has not needed to reinvent itself since, which is its own kind of statement. We walked into a room where the walls are covered in memorabilia and every table is labeled with the name of a famous person who has sat there, giving the space a personality that no amount of designed ambiance can replicate. It feels like a place with genuine history rather than a place performing one. The burgers are the reason to come and they hold up after more than six decades without apology. The patties are thick and cooked to order, with medium being the right call for maximum juiciness. The creative topping combinations across the named burgers give you a range of directions to go depending on your mood. The Masshole is a natural starting point for a first visit, and the build your own option is worth knowing about if you want to go a more specific route. The portions are large enough that leaving satisfied is essentially guaranteed. The onion rings are a great choice of side for good reason, crispy and well seasoned in a way that holds up alongside the burger rather than competing with it, and the sweet potato fries are a strong alternative if you want something slightly less heavy. The frappes and shakes are worth ordering if you want something to wash it all down, and the raspberry lime Rickey is a summer ready drink with a refreshing taste. Service is straightforward and efficient, fitting the no-nonsense energy of a busy burger joint that has been handling crowds for decades. The staff moves quickly and knows the menu inside out, helping first timers navigate the extensive list of named burgers without hesitation. For a classic burger experience in Harvard Square that delivers on history, flavor, and personality, Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage remains a landmark worth every bit of its reputation. read more

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I'll be honest, I had high hopes for this place. After seeing it online and just how it's an old school vibe, been open for a long time. I was impressed upon arrival, seeing the cool menu and interior. Knowing that many celebrities had eaten here! But then the food came out and we were a little disappointed. I ordered the D-Luxe and my boyfriend got the Bill Burr. We also started with soups, clam chowder and chili. The soups were good. Fries were really good! The burgers looked good, but then we took a bite. We both got medium, but usually that means pink...not raw. I'm not even lying my burger felt like I was eating raw meat. The meat was still super soft and shredded like. I get pink, but not raw. I was nervous I'd be sick after to be honest. I hate seeing pictures of people's bitten into food online but I felt the need to post it for reference... It's too bad because the vibes were great and everything, and maybe next time it'll be better, but I'd definitely say medium or medium well... read more

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No one needs this review because this place is old as dirt and has over 1,000 reviews ... but here I go. I have not been here in years. I mean like since the 70s. My middle son wanted to try it out and I thought why not - it is a Monday, day after a bad Super Bowl loss, and frigid - should be quiet. I was right so no wait and very quiet. This was the best burger I have had in a while. I have all but given up on eating burgers out but this one was ... chef's kiss. I got a build your own - The bun was toasted just right and held up to a juicy burger, the meat was tasty (not mushy like the place down the street), the tomato was flavorful (how in winter, I don't know), the pickle to burger ratio was perfect, and the fried onion straws made the combo complete. Bonus points for the raspberry lime Rickey - Also something I gave up getting at restaurants because it is usually too sweet. This was the right combo and you could tell they squeezed a fresh lime and not just added syrup. read more

Definitely a dive with an old school, casual feel. Service is friendly and portions are huge. No frills but food was good and came out fast and hot. Kid friendly and with a menu that has something for everyone, from turkey burgers to veggie and fish options. Fried pickles were perfect, fries were really great, burgers were big and juicy, onion rings were thin and crispy. Everyone enjoyed what they ordered. There's a reason they've been in business so long. If you enjoy a good burger, this place is a must stop! read more

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My first independent burger restaurant visit in the US, was to this landmark in Harvard Square, legendary establishment that opened in 1960. The interior was plastered with names of famous people who have sat there. However, a golden rule applies: when a restaurant needs to tout its history and landmark status, the quality of its food often falls short of expectations. Whistle Blower: Blue cheese, grilled onions, crumbled bacon, and habanero bacon jam. The waiter recommended this, and the menu even noted it as "Best Burger Ever," but it was a huge disappointment. The sauce was supposedly spicy, but to me it felt more like sweet...in fact, a cloyingly sweet, almost syrupy kind of sweetness. Combined with the sweetness of the grilled onions, one bite felt like I was about to collapse. The bacons were dry, hard, and salty, making the entire burger an unbearable, self-indulgent exercise in its own heavy-flavored art. The blue cheese was minimal, barely noticeable. The meat patty was ordered medium-rare. The meat was mediocre, ground rather finely, and a bit dry from frying, lacking the satisfying juiciness. It was alright with the sauce. The bread was fluffy but also dry, making it a little tough to eat. Hallouminati: Fried halloumi cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, tomato, red onion, and house hot honey. Given its 66-year history, I gave it a second chance, and this one was better. Halloumi cheese, originating from Cyprus, is a blend of goat and sheep cheese. After frying, it had a slightly crispy surface, while the inside was firm and slightly chewy--quite interesting. I specifically ordered the meat patty rare. A little blood seeped out when I cut it, but this didn't significantly improve the texture; it even tasted a bit powdery (see picture 4). Fortunately, the hot honey provided a gentle touch. However, the strange taste of the arugula and the spiciness of the raw onion were not only overpowering but also unpleasant. French Fries: How could fries be so bad? I can't believe it. The outside was dry and hard, the inside crumbly and mushy. I can't imagine how much heat or how long it took to ruin them like this. And they probably sat there for a while. Oreo Milkshake: Another golden rule: the best thing in a burger's is never the burger itself. Although the fries were terrible, the milkshake made up for it. It was certainly sweet, but the Oreo crumbs provided just the right amount of bitterness, making it a pleasant, blissful sweetness. The cream on top had a foamy texture, and the milk flavor was bland; it shouldn't be plant-based. Vanilla Kids Milkshake: Personally, I think the Kids Milkshake portion is sufficient, saving you a lot on calories and price. However, the paper menu didn't seem to mention, so you have to ask the server or ordering online, and the flavors were limited to Oreo, chocolate, vanilla, and coffee. Compared to Oreo, the vanilla flavor was thicker and smoother, making it a bit painful to drink with a straw, and the taste was also excessively sweet. I still recommend the former. Hamburgers are half price every Tuesday to Thursday afternoon from 3-5 pm. Please be aware. For those who want to experience history, come while the special offers are available and you'll feel like you're getting a good deal. read more

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Decided to give Mr. Bartley's a try, it was pretty crowded despite us coming in past 2 PM. Ambience is very lively and kind of what you would expect from a college town establishment, but prices are a tad bit higher than I would've expected for a casual burger joint but flavors were pretty good (got the Jayson Tatum) and portion size was fairly large. Also tried a lime rickey for the first time which was refreshing! Food: 4/5 Prices: 3.5/5 Ambience: 3.5/5 Service: 4.5/5 read more

Mr Bartley's Burger Cottage - Jayson Tatum Burger - Burgers Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

YUM!!! I feel like it's so rare to find a burger place nowadays where you can get a thick, truly medium-rare patty. I came here with a friend on a Saturday around 1:30/2 and we were seated immediately. People were coming in and out but it wasn't too full! I ordered the Mock, which is kind of like a fancy Big Mac. I added onion rings on the side. The burger was cooked perfectly and was well-seasoned. The onion rings were under-salted IMO, but I seasoned them myself and then they were great! This place is very casual and doesn't feel like it's changed much in the decades it's been open. It is more pricey and there isn't a bathroom (beware frequent bathroom-goers)!! But the burger was delicious and really hit the spot. I got a ton of onion rings which I wasn't able to finish. I would come back and try other burger concoctions and the shakes if I have room! read more

The wife is a burger conisour so we had to check this place out. I saw everyone raving about the onion rings so we started with a side of those. I was honestly a little let down. The onions were barely cooked and the breading was floury and not very flavorful. I was wishing for something, anything to dip them in but our waiter was hard to get ahold of. They do give you a heaping pile so I wish, so badly, that they were better. BUT THE BURGERS, yes, yes, yes! Wife and I both got burgers. We botg got the Masshole - soo good. Everything was as desired and better! Everything I wanted and didnt know i needed. The beef was quality, smoked gouda so delish, jalapeños gave a little kick, just wished for a little bit more BBQ. The wife upgraded to sweet potato fries, I wish I would have because they were amazing! **note: there is NO restroom. They have a sink to wash your hands but no toilet** Definitely a cool little joint with tons to look at on the walls while you're there! read more

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Fun college spot! Packed in tight with lots to look at. I was seated quickly and served just as fast! It cost $30 for a burger and pop for one person.... Yikes... the food was "meh" and the cost was high. Cool to see but likely not coming back due to value. read more

Fun , good vibe !! Great staff Great Burger !! Always a stop when I come to Boston read more

Lived in Massachusetts all my life and have never been here! So glad we came - feels like such a "must try" place in Cambridge. The decor, and vibe was great. So many cool things inside. The service was very quick which was nice. The food menu was really big! And the names of the items are so unique and fun! I have the iPhone (vegetarian with the black bean burger) and it was really good! The onions rings were yummy too. I would want to try a different burger next time but definitely a place to check out if you're in Cambridge! read more

Mr Bartley's Burger Cottage - Iphone - Burgers Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

You get a tremendous amount of choice here in terms of how you want to make your burger. And they have a lot of non-burger stuff, although I'm not sure why you come here if you don't want a burger. By no means is it a bad burger, but it could be a lot better. Firstly, it's the old school, thick patty burger. Like 2.5" diameter and 0.5" thick. Which means medium rare is pretty rare. So order medium. Also, the Pattie's need more seasoning. And the concept of a double is just a cruel joke. You can't pick it up, much less fit it your mouth. Even the singles are a complete mess to eat. read more

I had a great time at Mr Bartley's burger. To start off, the food was amazing, the just normal burger is top 10 burgers I have ever had. The service is great with the waiter checking in often, the vibe there is awesome, there are these cool signs that say where celebrities sat and posters of random things everywhere. If I lived closer I would be going here way more often. I loved it. read more

My mom and I got the Mock- a standard cheeseburger I'd say, and split it and it was pretty good! The meat was very juicy and overall super flavorful. We upgraded to sweet potato fries but honestly they were just ok. The strawberry milkshake was actually so fire tho read more

If you want a great burger go to bartleys! Finally tried this place after walking by over the past few years and I'm glad I did. It's a small restaurant that has served many celebrities over the past few decades. When you look around you can see where the different people have sat which is cool if you're into that. The server was super nice and our food came out quickly. I got a Diet Coke and the D-Luxe burger. It was the perfect size and super tasty. The fries were also delicious! I could've upgraded to a double for $8.99 but I definitely wouldn't have finished it. I do think it's a little pricey but still a great place to stop by for lunch or dinner. read more

Mr Bartley's Burger Cottage - D-Luxe - Burgers Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

While visiting Harvard, we decided to grab lunch in the area. I had my dog with me, so we ended up here due to their outdoor tables that welcomed dogs. Plus, they even have a dog menu! Even though we were seated outside, our server was very good about checking up on us with a cheery attitude. The menu has a huge variety of burgers with unique names from Joe Biden to iPhone to Swifties --kinda lovin' it. We ended up choosing the Triple "D" ($24.95) and Chicken Wings ($15.75). The burger is stacked with double patty, cheese, grilled onions, bacon, and BBQ sauce. It's so huge that it's being held together with an entire spoon! It can get overwhelming, so I'm glad we shared this one. The wings were just OK though as they were kind of small and sauces were nothing special. I probably would've enjoyed it better with ranch too. Anyways, pricey spot to grab a meal and taste was nothing special. It seems this spot is super popular with celebrities though. read more

Mr Bartley's Burger Cottage - Chicken Wings with Sweet Chili Sauce. - Burgers Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Mr. Bartley's is an institution for lovers of a classic burger and nostalgia. The burgers are perfectly cooked - juicy, cheesy, and seasoned. I ordered the BOSOX to try the pepper relish which brought a strong vinegary kick to the burger which may not be for everyone. I also tried the BC chicken sandwich and was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. The pesto was spot on and worked beautifully with the other toppings. Highly recommend it if you aren't feeling a burger. The fries and onion rings were fine - not much seasoning so you'll need the ketchup. Portions are large so a single burger with fries is plenty for most. We were able to grabbing seating outside on a nice day which offered great people watching and room for our kid and stroller. Only bummer is they don't have a restroom so you'll need to run over and wait in the long line at Tatte or walk another block over to the Harvard visitor center read more

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SUCH a fun surprise!!! Every time I go on vacation, I research the place to death and NONE of the literature I read or the people I asked ever recommended Mr. Bartley's and I don't know why. As soon as you walk in, the walls are drenched in pop culture memorabilia that you can sit there all day looking at everything. The menu was full of everything from boozy milkshakes to hot dogs, soups to salads, and the funnest, cheekiest named burgers I've ever seen! Our server, Chase, recommended the Hallouminati and the Porzingis Chopped Cheese and I had the Bill Burr with Fried Chicken and Onion Strings. ALL OF IT WAS AMAZING but my Bill Burr was THE BEST!!! Truly, hands down, THE BEST Chicken Sandwich I've ever had!!! It set the bar. Chase was wonderful but honestly, all the staff was friendly and kind and sweet!!! We LOVED this place *BUT* I wished it had a bathroom!!! That's why it got knocked down a star. They have a hand washing station but why not a bathroom?!? read more

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I used to eat here regular basis since Mr. Bartley cooked my burgers, then Mrs. Bartley and son , then the son himself, now current owners. Burgers used to be great. The burger needs to be the showcase at a burger place. If I go to Popeyes for fried chicken ... the chicken is the showcase Legal seafood... the seafood North end Italian restaurants... pasta , pizza, I'm not ordering a burger there... So when I go to a burger specialist as Mr. Bartley's was and needs to be ... I order a burger. So; I stopped going here, but they offered on line a 10 buck gift card ... I figured I would give them another try. They had a teriyaki pineapple burger special that day... I ordered it with onion rings, a draft fiddlehead beer 16 Oz 1) The recent years of the addition of beer and wine was a smart move and the draft selection always good ones . My beer cold, excellent. 2) The service excellent as always. 3) The onion rings, strings excellent as always and some of best around with perfect batter. 4) At my last visit months back ; I ordered a medium rare burger...came well done . This time I specifically asked twice for med rare . I ordered a medium rare teriyaki special burger this time. It was awful l again... two visits same issues .. black top, Bottom over cooked dry well done . The grill people are not cooking to order the doneness requested. This thing was well done again and burnt char on both surfaces of burger... the grill setting is too hot??? Burger definitely smaller these two visits... vs years past plumb thick juicy burgers . The roll was fresh nice bun and burnt ... but no issue to me. The chopped red onion, tomato, arugula all good. The pineapple was chopped vs. a nice thin cooked pineapple slice marinated in teriyaki brown sugar flavors? I tasted No teriyaki flavors or teriyaki sauce taste at all. Difficult to cut in half to eat with chopped pineapple falling out...why chop pineapple cs. Thin smoked grilled slice on burger ? The Menu of burger options 1/4 of previous burgers and menu went woke ? Eliminating many political burgers like the Bill Clinton, The Ted Kennedy burger was grilled mushrooms , Swiss or Boris cheese I recall and one I wanted . Again, the burger is why I visit a burger place...if burger is dinky, burnt, not cooked properly, and just plain lousy and better competitive burgers elsewhere better ??? Then I can't visit here. Fortunately the 10 bucks off help to hampered my displeasures or going postal on the waitress who it wasn't her fault. My advice ... go back and fix the grill people... can't cook a burger as ordered... retraining needed. The size , juiciness of burger needs fixing... go back to a 1/2 lb or 3/4 lb burger ... I'd add a burger parm burger with tomato sauce, mozzarella garlic , provolone, sprinkle parley, Oregon. Or a ground veal or pork burger special . I'll pay more if a burger is good... nice roll , fresh toppings on a lousy burger is putting lipstick on the pig or an ugly significant other irrespective of the gender identity. Roll, the toppings were all fresh on a bad burger ... like bad bald tires on a brand new car...still ends in a road wreck... read more

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Place is legendary! Coming from California, we're used to good burgers, this place did not disappoint one bit. I got the Bill Burr and wifey The Mock Burger 10/10! read more

I was greeted right away and I ordered a vanilla Oreo shake that came out very quickly and tasted delicious! read more

Mr Bartley's Burger Cottage - Oreo shake with vanilla ice cream - Burgers Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Best burgers in Boston! Great patty size, cooked to a temperature, great toppings, super customizable if you want it you can have one of the ones they premade and named - these are ever changing. The toppings were all generous, and the house sauce was too good. Sweet potato fries were extra to sub in for fries, but they were so well made, soft center, crisp outer, not too thin. Grab a down east cider to try with your burger! They have it on tap and it goes well with the burger. Buns could be a little bit better toasted but otherwise still soft and complemented burger nicely. We sat outdoors because it looked a bit crowded indoors! read more

Mr Bartley's Burger Cottage - Make your own burger - Burgers Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Haven't been back to this great burger spot in a decade. Still loving the creativity behind the menu names and delicious burger creations. I came in at 3pm on a weekday afternoon and wasn't busy, exactly as I wanted. No heavy crowds or rushed wait/cook staff. The walls are packed with posters, signed autographs of famous folks, and very random knick knacks. Food: Coyote Ugly - cheese was hit and melty. Great presentation and portion. Bacon was nice and crispy with just right thickness. Pineapple grilled perfectly and the crisp red onion and spicy ketchup gave the juicy medium rare burger just the right tangy spicy kick. The fries were decent, crispy and enjoyable. Average pickle. Grape soda by bartleys was great accompaniment and washed down the saltiness and grease well in a refreshing gulp. Overall excellent burger place and will go again to try other burger items. read more

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I've been coming to Bartley's since the 1980s and it's a perfect time capsule of the way it's always been (complimentary). This isn't a place that's meant to be judged against the latest, trendiest spot. Just grab a seat under some Clinton-era this-is-your-brain-on-drugs posters, order a beautifully pink medium-rare bacon blue cheese burger with sweet potato fries and a raspberry lime rickey, and bask in the warm glow of knowing Cambridge is a college town that still has an honest-to-God greasy spoon burger joint. read more

I cannot say how happy I am that Mr. Bartley's is open. I went on a recent weekday. It looks like the same fun place. My burger was great, the french fries were nice and crunchy. The chef (yes I'm calling him that) knew his business, the grill was employed well! Unfortunately I had to take my order out but I def nibbled in the car. I cannot wait to visit again. read more

This place specializes in one thing: hamburgers. it is a couple of blocks up from Harvard square. the have seating outside as well as inside. I ordered a classic cheeseburger with onion rings. The burger was really juicy. I found that the serving was plenty large enough. The wait time was about 12 minute which I found reasonable. The service was very good as the waitress came over to take my order. She returned to make sure everything was alright. I would recommend this place for anyone who is a connoisseur of hamburgers. read more

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Amazing vibe with soundtrack in back playing Jungle's album, some NEIL FRANCES, MYD and A-Trak. Had via server in person: Cambridge cowboy (amazing) Pulled pork sandy to go (great as well) read more

Mr Bartley's Burger Cottage - Pulled Pork Sandy - Burgers Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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The food is divine, the servers are very sweet, and the inside is beautiful; filled with Boston charm. Even though we don't live close, it was absolutely worth the visit! read more

The food was great, let's start with that. French fries are perfect. Lots of good burger combos with fun names. Good beers on draft. The big issue we witnessed was what I'd call a total restaurant no-no from a service standpoint. A server placed a burger and fries on a table next to us and walked away, the patron ate some fries,l while waiting for his friends to get their burgers. Then the server comes back a couple minutes later and says "oops, this wasn't your burger" and takes it, walks the burger over to a different table and gave it to them. At pretty much any restaurant I've ever been to, once the plate hits table, it can't be given to another guest. Take it in the back and staff can have at it if they want. I'd sure want to know if somebody besides the chef had their hands in my fries before me. read more

Finally got my hands on the renowned Mr. Bartley's, and I can safely say this was the first of many visits to come. It's a small dining area located on the fringe on Harvard Sq, but it definitely aces decor for a traditional burger place. It also places a large emphasis on the celebrities that have dined there. You'll see familiar names on their menu like Al Pacino, Brad Marchand, Bill Bellicheck, and Matt Damon. I thought that was pretty neat. The service here is personable and excellent in every regard, which makes for an extremely fun dining experience. As for food, I went for the "Matt Damon" wrap, which was a Buffalo chicken wrap with veggies. It came with carrots and celery in the wrap which I thought was an interesting take, but it actually worked very well. Overall, it was fantastic and satisfied all of my cravings. It came with fries which were cooked well and not overly salty. I had a great experience dining here and I'll be back soon! read more

Such a fun place! This is a legit hole-in-the-wall. Like, it's genuinely hard to find. But, it's worth the search. There are signs on the wall letting you know what famous person ate in the seat you are sitting in. And, the menu is overwhelmingly full of choices. They serve truly unique burgers named after famous people and characters. Fun toppings like macaroni and cheese, arugula, pimento cheese, cajun spice and ghost pepper cheese. The Mac Jones with Buffalo Sauce was excellent! The fries are great, too. Good and crispy. And, the location is great for an after lunch stroll through Harvard Square. read more

Mr Bartley's Burger Cottage - Mac Jones Burger - Burgers Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Great staff good food I wish was a little bigger and really good onion rings. there apple pie mmmmm so good

Food...excellent....service...excellent t....ambiance...excellent..and eclectic. I asked if my daughter could possibly get a photo of her behind the counter which they obliged. Been there several times. A great dive burger place thats been there since 1960. Don't pass this one up! And old school landmark! read more

Mr Bartley's Burger Cottage - Burgers Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Hit this spot during a visit to campus and absolutely loved it. Great food, hole in the wall atmosphere, long standing history in Cambridge. Maybe the best chilli cheese dogs I've ever had! read more

Worth the try cause it's infamous. Lots of wacky burger options and can get lime Ricky's which I don't see anywhere else

Never had a bad Bartley's burger. Super juicy, meaty patties that are always cooked perfectly. The menu is expansive and there is something for everyone. The burgers are pretty large so I tend to end up saving half for later. The staff are kind, welcoming, and knowledgable about menu items. Bartley's interior is a retro vibe that makes you feel at home. Also love the little chalkboard they keep outside with daily quotes/ jokes. Outdoor seating when the weather is nice is also a plus. read more

The atmosphere was nice and the service was great. It was little packed though, I felt a little claustrophobic. The food was great but a little expensive for what you get. Overall 4/5 read more

Mr Bartley's Burger Cottage - The mock burger - Burgers Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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No restroom for customer use! Make sure you go before you arrive. How is this legal for a restaurant in progressive Cambridge in 2024? "We're grandfathered," we were told. read more

Very good! The burger was huuuuge. The onion rings were super thin and crispy. Definitely recommend!!

Easily best burger in Boston and one of the best I've had in my life. I can confirm the onion rings are in fact world famous along with the fact there's been world famous people to grace their presence here. Definitely worth checking out, grab a shake too! read more