Grendel's Den
Classic comfort elevated to its highest expression
The Democratic Table — accessible to all
Harvard Square institution since 1971. Eclectic menu, half-price food with drink purchase before 7:30PM. Cozy basement setting, college-friendly prices.
The Maitre d' Recommends
The Vibe
Grendel's Den occupies a basement space in Harvard Square that feels like a secret—or at least it did before 50+ years made it legendary. The low ceilings, brick walls, and literary name (from Beowulf) create an atmosphere that's cozy and intellectual. The half-price happy hour makes it perpetually crowded with everyone from students to professors.
Comfortable conversation level
Why It's Great
Harvard Square's Underground Institution Since 1971
Grendel's Den has been feeding Harvard Square from its basement location since 1971—and it earned its place in legal history too. The restaurant's Supreme Court case (Larkin v. Grendel's Den, 1982) struck down laws letting churches veto nearby liquor licenses. The rebellious spirit suits a place named after Beowulf's monster.
The food covers eclectic territory: Mediterranean mezze, Indian-influenced dishes, pub classics, and vegetarian options that actually satisfy. It's the kind of menu that seems random until you realize it reflects decades of adapting to what Cambridge wants to eat. Nothing is trying to win awards, but everything is competently prepared.
The real draw is the economics. Happy hour runs from 5-7:30pm nightly and again 9-11:30pm Sunday through Thursday, with all food half price (minimum $3 beverage). This formula has funded countless graduate students, provided affordable dates, and made Grendel's a default meeting spot for anyone who needs to feed a group without spending much.
The Kuelzer family has run Grendel's for its entire existence, now into the second generation. That continuity shows in the staff (some have worked here for decades) and the atmosphere (comfortably unchanged). In a Harvard Square that keeps reinventing itself, Grendel's Den remains reassuringly constant.
Happy hour with friends: order too much food because it's all half price, split some mezze, and enjoy the Harvard Square tradition.
Mezze Plate
Mediterranean spreads with pita—shareable and satisfying
Lamb Kebabs
Grilled skewers with Mediterranean sides
Buddha Bowl
Vegetarian option with grains, vegetables, and protein
Half-Price Menu
The entire menu, every happy hour—the real signature
Why It's In Our Guide
Grendel's Den has been Harvard Square's affordable gathering spot for over 50 years. The half-price happy hour, the eclectic menu, and the underground atmosphere make it essential.
“Grendel's Den is where generations of Harvard students learned that good food doesn't have to be expensive.”
— Boston Globe“The Supreme Court case alone makes it a landmark. The food makes it worth returning.”
— Cambridge ChronicleThe half-price happy hour has created more Harvard memories than any curriculum. Locals guard it like a secret, even though everyone knows.
Insider Tips
Happy hour (5-7:30pm) for the best deals. Arrive early for seating.
Reservations recommended for groups, especially during happy hour. Walk-ins work for smaller parties.
The basement space is cozy—groups should request the back area. Bar seating works for couples.
Order more than you think at happy hour—it's half price. The mezze plates are great for sharing.
Harvard Square garages are nearby. The restaurant is steps from Harvard T station.
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 1,781 reviews
876 reviews
Updated 2024-12
905 reviews
Updated 2024-12
Frequently Asked Questions
In 1982, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Larkin v. Grendel's Den that Massachusetts laws allowing churches to veto liquor licenses within 500 feet were unconstitutional. The case arose when a nearby church tried to block Grendel's liquor license, and the restaurant's victory established important church-state separation precedent.
Reddit Mentions
Contact Details
89 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Mon-Thu: 11:30AM-11PM, Fri-Sat: 11:30AM-12AM, Sun: 11AM-11PM
2 min walk from Harvard
RedIn Cambridge, even casual dining involves a thesis statement.
“She was my Rushmore.”
— Herman Blume, on Cambridge dining