Alden and Harlow

Alden and Harlow is a Cambridge classic. From what I’ve heard, Alden and Harlow isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a destination. No wonder! It’s located at 40 Brattle Square, tucked under the historic Brattle Theatre. I couldn’t wait to give it a try.

They offer dinner every night and brunch on weekends. It’s sunny and Sunday, Bruch it is!

Food

Alden and Harlow serves “new American cuisine” with an emphasis on making greens great again (Menu Here).

60 Degree Egg- Fried, poached, boiled, cured. Chefs are always trying to find ways to reinvent the egg. The latest trend is slow cooking. Alden and Harlow nailed it. The yolk was runny as expected and, more impressively, the whites were just set. The drizzle of olive oil and pinch of sea salt finished things off perfectly.

Seared Bluefin Crudo- I’m a sucker for raw fish, but I must say I was quite disappointed. The fish itself was fine. However, the sear was slightly uneven and underseasoned. The olive and grilled green garlic added some much needed flavour, but it wasn’t enough.

Secret Burger- This is one of their specialties, and order early since supply is limited! My friend was lucky enough to get one. The burger was solid, but nothing special. I will say, using a cheese crisp is somethings new.

I’ll admit, the above assessment isn’t exactly a fair. I didn’t get to try some of their specialities. With that said, the disappointing crudo is akin to an applicant having a low GPA.

Service and Atmosphere

The atmosphere is the heart and soul of Alden and Harlow. As we walked down the stairs, we could feel the excitement bubbling from the packed dining room. The interior features low lighting, exposed brick and rough wood paneling combined with metalic decour and green areas. Instead of clashing, they gel to bring the best of dive bar and hip hangout. We had the pleasure of sitting at the bar (Pro tip: Make reservations!). I really enjoyed the openness and we talked to a nice couple sitting next to us.

Service was also impeccable. Food came out within 10 minutes of ordering despite the packed house. Our waiter and the bartender added to the experience with their smiles and humourous remarks.

Overall Impression

Overall, I’m a bit disappointed with Alden and Harlow. The food just wasn’t what I expected. With that said, I’m willing to give it a second try. I’d also recommend it as a vacation destination. A spot to check out that just happens to have some decent food.

• Dining
• Travel