Photo: Unsplash
Chef-owner: Michael Scelfo · Opened 2014
Chef Michael Scelfo's flagship; a Boston Magazine 'Best New Restaurant' winner and frequent James Beard semifinalist.
~ The Intelligence Report ~
Cambridge Dining Intelligence
“Creative American small plates in cozy basement setting. Chef Michael Scelfo's inventive dishes are consistently excellent. The burger is legendary. Craft cocktails are thoughtful. Gets loud but energy is great.”
— Guide to Cambridge · Dining Intelligence
This place is exceptional for
Best Burger in Cambridge
Legendary burger that launched a cult following
Best Small Plates - Harvard Square
Creative, shareable dishes that surprise and delight
What they nail
- Incredibly creative dishes
- Best burger in Cambridge
- Excellent craft cocktails
- Lively atmosphere
- Menu changes frequently
- Strong vegetable preparations
Before you go
- Basement location (stairs only)
- Can be very loud when full
- Burger only at bar (first-come basis)
- Reservations fill up quickly
The maître d' recommends
- The burger (available at bar only, no reservations)
- Kale salad with breadcrumbs
- Pork secreto
- Soft serve ice cream
- Seasonal small plates
Best for
Value
How this rating was built
Methodology →$30–$60 per person
Creative American small plates in a cozy basement setting. Known for inventive dishes and craft cocktails.
The Maitre d' Recommends
The Vibe
Descend the stairs into this basement-level dining room and enter a world of creative cocktails, innovative small plates, and that buzzy energy that says you're exactly where you should be. The exposed brick and low ceilings create an intimate, almost secretive atmosphere—like a speakeasy for foodies.
Energetic buzz—speak up a bit
Why It's Great
Harvard Square's Best-Kept Secret (That Everyone Knows About)
Alden & Harlow occupies that rare sweet spot: creative enough to excite food nerds, approachable enough for a casual Tuesday. Chef Michael Scelfo's ever-changing menu reads like a greatest hits of contemporary American cooking, with global influences and local ingredients coming together in unexpected ways.
The famous "Secret Burger" isn't on the menu—you have to know to ask for it. This underground classic features dry-aged beef, American cheese, pickles, and a special sauce on a pillowy bun. The fact that it's not listed only adds to its mystique. (Don't worry, your server will mention it.)
But Alden & Harlow is more than its burger. The raw bar gleams with the day's freshest oysters. Vegetable dishes treat produce as reverently as proteins. The cocktail program, led by talented bartenders, turns drinks into destinations. This is a restaurant that respects craft at every level.
The basement setting could feel claustrophobic, but instead it creates intimacy. Conversations flow easily, first dates turn into second dates, and groups of friends lose track of time over shared plates and another round of drinks. It's the kind of place that makes you feel part of something.
Start with oysters and cocktails at the bar, then move to a table for dinner. It's the perfect Harvard Square evening.
The Secret Burger
Not on the menu, always ordered—dry-aged beef, American cheese, pickles, special sauce
Broccoli with Miso Butter
The dish that converts vegetable skeptics—charred, umami-rich, absolutely addictive
Oysters
A rotating selection from the East Coast, shucked to order with house mignonette
Pasta of the Day
Changes constantly, always excellent—trust the kitchen
Why It's In Our Guide
Alden & Harlow represents modern Cambridge dining at its best—creative but not pretentious, ambitious but always delicious. The secret burger alone is worth the visit, but the full experience is greater than any single dish.
“The kind of neighborhood restaurant every neighborhood wishes it had.”
— Boston Globe“That secret burger is the worst-kept secret in Cambridge—and worth every whisper.”
— Bon AppétitThis is where Harvard Square regulars actually eat. The secret burger has achieved legendary status. Late-night, the bar fills with industry people who know good food.
Insider Tips
Early evening (5-6pm) to snag bar seats without a wait. Late night (after 9pm) has great energy.
Reservations recommended for dinner but the bar is first-come, first-served—and often the best seats in the house.
The bar offers a front-row seat to the action and is perfect for solo diners or couples. Tables are better for groups.
Order the secret burger. Always order the secret burger. Then get the broccoli and whatever seafood looks good.
Street parking is tough in Harvard Square. Use the Church Street garage or take the T.
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 2,390 reviews
1,134 reviews
Updated 2024-12
1,256 reviews
Updated 2024-12
Frequently Asked Questions
Just ask! The secret burger is the worst-kept secret in Cambridge. Your server will know exactly what you mean. It's a dry-aged beef patty with American cheese, pickles, and special sauce on a perfectly squishy bun. They're typically available all night, but occasionally they run out—another reason to go early.
Reddit Mentions
Contact Details
40 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Mon-Thu: 5PM-10PM, Fri-Sat: 5PM-11PM, Sun: 5PM-10PM
4 min walk from Harvard
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Further Reading
Best Restaurants in Harvard Square
GuideHarvard Square Student Guide: Eat, Study, Explore
GuideHarvard Square vs Central Square: Which Is Better?
BlogWelcome to Guide to Cambridge: What We're Building and Why
Blog7 Hidden Gems in Cambridge That Only Locals Know About
BlogEvery T Station in Cambridge: A Complete Transit Guide