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Best Restaurants for People Watching in West Cambridge

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33 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Alden and Harlow restaurant
1. Alden and Harlow
4.6
Exceptional(4881)
Price: Moderate
• American • Cambridge
Booked 109 times today
Located at 40 Brattle Street in Harvard Square, Alden & Harlow serves thoughtfully sourced, honest American food in a subterranean, modern and comfortable space. Replicating the style of cooking he does for family and friends in his home kitchen, Chef Michael Scelfo prepares humble, unpretentious food that honors tradition of place in its quality. It's how he connects with anyone who joins them at their table.While reservations are strongly suggested, we also save a portion of the dining room and bar for walk-ins in the event that your request cannot be accommodated. So please, come on in!Parties of more than 8, please call to make a reservation.
A photo of Russell House Tavern restaurant
2. Russell House Tavern
4.6
Exceptional(2821)
Price: Moderate
• American • Cambridge
Booked 42 times today
A New American Tavern, Russell House Tavern is a comfortable gathering spot for every occasion-from casual lunch breaks on the patio to after-work cocktails in the upstairs tavern to functions in the private dining room and everything in between. Russell House Tavern delivers a seasonally-inspired menu of modern interpretations of American classics, including signatures like the R. House Burger, a selection of Tavern Pizzas and Steak Frites among other dishes. To complement the menu, Russell House Tavern serves an interesting collection of all-American wines, including two regional wines on tap, and a locally-driven craft beer selection. The cocktail menu strikes a balance between familiar classics and modern hand-crafted recipes using only fresh juices, homemade syrups and infusions.
A photo of SOURCE Restaurant restaurant
3. SOURCE Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(584)
Price: Moderate
• Pizza Bar • Cambridge
Booked 37 times today
SOURCE is a fresh, modern approach to the local gastro pub and pizza bar. Source is an innovative dining destination featuring rustic yet refined food, and an unmatched craft and local beverage program. Utilizing local and sustainable products and only the purest ingredients, SOURCE’s mission is to embrace the root of who we are and what we consume. Owned by Restaurant veteran Daniel Roughan, SOURCE offers guests the space to enjoy delicious quality authentic Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. In addition to pizza SOURCE will offer an assortment of small plates, entrees and homemade desserts. SOURCE will be open daily for lunch and dinner as well offering an unforgettable brunch experience both Saturdays and Sundays. Welcome home, Welcome to SOURCE.
A photo of Grafton Street Pub & Grill restaurant
4. Grafton Street Pub & Grill
4.6
Exceptional(1293)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Cambridge
Booked 11 times today
*New Address: 59 JFK Street, Cambridge MA*Originally opened in October of 1996, Grafton Street Pub & Grill has been a beloved institution of Harvard Square for over 25 years. Located at 59 JFK Street – the Gateway of Harvard Square – this neighborhood hot spot is named after the spirited cobblestone-lined shopping district near Dublin’s famed Temple Bar area. Grafton Street deftly combines a traditional Irish pub’s warmth and coziness with a contemporary and comfortable full-service restaurant. Formerly located at 1230 Massachusetts Avenue, Grafton Street relocated in March of 2022. The new location is on lower JFK Street just steps away from the Red Line MBTA stop and the Charles River. Grafton Street offers FREE validated parking daily and all day Sunday just above the restaurant in the Harvard Square Parking Garage. The garage entrance is located at 20 Eliot Street.
A photo of The Maharaja restaurant
5. The Maharaja
4.7
Exceptional(639)
Price: Moderate
• Indian • Cambridge
Booked 29 times today
Located in a heart of Harvard Square, The Maharaja is the Top Indian restaurant in Boston/Cambridge. The Maharaja serves an authentic Indian cuisine in a stunning setting, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking bustling Harvard Square.
A photo of Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant restaurant
6. Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1489)
Price: Moderate
• American • South Boston
Booked 105 times today
Located in the heart of South Boston, Lincoln is a classic American tavern that offers guests a welcoming combination of home-spun, American fare alongside a wide variety of rustic, wood-fire-grilled specialties.Built with the intention of being a comfortable meeting spot for locals looking to share stories at the end of their long day, Lincoln draws inspiration from it’s surrounding, hard-working, and uniquely American neighborhood.Revitalizing a nearly forgotten West Broadway space that at one time housed the area’s only department store, Lincoln feels nostalgic. It’s open-air, tiled-floor cafe, grande bar, and soaring, original tin ceilings remind us of a time when dining halls and supper clubs were a way of life.
A photo of Beehive restaurant
7. Beehive
4.6
Exceptional(7173)
Price: Expensive
• American • South End
Booked 90 times today
The Beehive is an underground Bohemian eatery and bar featuring fabulous cuisine, libations, artwork and world class live music. Nestled below the Boston Center for the Art’s historic Cyclorama in Boston’s South End, we are conveniently located to local theaters, the Calderwood Pavilion as well as Boston's Theater district. The Beehive serves the eclectic fare of Chef Ryan Skeen - rustic comfort food infused with American and Mediterranean influences. Join us for dinner, weekend brunch, patio dining, great cocktails at our bars and next level live music. If you like the Beehive you'll love our sister restaurant Cosmica Mexican Food & Bar for elevated Mexican cuisine and cocktails located two blocks away.
A photo of Contessa - Boston restaurant
8. Contessa - Boston
4.7
Exceptional(113)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 45 times today
Perched atop The Newbury Hotel like a crown jewel, Contessa is a grand destination. Guests are welcomed from morning till night to a sunlit, rooftop restaurant with Art Deco references and mid-century modern detailing, offering sweeping views of Back Bay and the Boston Public Garden. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious options, from feasts of antipasti, carpaccios and pizzas, to pastas and large steaks. A vast wine list, classic cocktails and a selection of dolci punctuate a beautiful meal.
A photo of La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston restaurant
9. La Pizza & La Pasta - Eataly Boston
4.4
Awesome(2185)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Back Bay
Booked 106 times today
Enjoy La Pizza & La Pasta's signature dishes for takeout or delivery through UberEats, Caviar, DoorDash, and Grubhub. While pizza and pasta are just the tip of the Italian iceberg, there is a reason these two culinary staples are the most beloved exports from Italy. Enjoy Eataly Boston's seasonal selection just steps away from where their expert pasta chefs and dough-slinging pizzaioli (pizza makers) create dishes before your eyes.
A photo of Branch Line restaurant
10. Branch Line
4.7
Exceptional(2620)
Price: Moderate
• American • Watertown
Booked 25 times today
Hi Friends!Branch Line is a neighborhood rotisserie and wood fired grill in the Watertown Arsenal built on a foundation of personalized hospitality. Featuring a year-round patio. Branch Line offers something for everyone. Twenty taps continuously change and offer a great craft beer selection, while a curated wine list features bottles that are value-driven and also ready for any special occasion.The Crystal Valley Rotisserie Chicken spins and roasts in sight of nearly every table in the dining room while the fire roars under vegetables, fish, and meat. The "Little Chicken" menu is great for kids, too!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Barbara
    Greater Boston •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a wonderful time and so enjoyed our shared plates! The Focaccia, pickled corn pancakes, patatas bravas & grilled NY Strip were our choices. They all were amazing and true perfection! We shared the key lime mousse & smoked chocolate bread pudding for dessert which were equally outstanding! Can’t wait to return to our new favorite spot! Thanks for a perfect night!
    More info
    Alden and HarlowPrice: Moderate• American• Cambridge
    •
    4.6
  • Aaron
    Greater Boston •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great food and cocktails and a good wine list. Was busy on Valentine’s Day, and we made a reservation which I’m glad I did bc it was busy all night. Kudos to the host station!
    More info
    Grafton Street Pub & GrillPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Cambridge
    •
    4.6
  • Kyle
    Central and Western MA •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I went here with my Girlfriend for valentines Day! It was such a great date spot and the service and ambiance was top notch. They gave every table a rose and chocolates on their way out to celebrate the special day. Would highly recommend this place to anyone for date night or just great Indian food!
    More info
    The MaharajaPrice: Moderate• Indian• Cambridge
    •
    4.7
  • Kathleen
    Greater Boston •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Really appreciated the server's/establishments flexibility on a busy night. I had a root canal that morning, so had to ask for my meal (classic burger) with everything on the side (bacon, cheese, carmemlized onion, etc). They did it with a smile and I really appreciated it.
    More info
    Russell House TavernPrice: Moderate• American• Cambridge
    •
    4.6
  • Jennifer
    Greater Boston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 8, 2025
    Source never disappoints! From the excellent staff, to the delicious go to (but at the same time not run of the mill) cocktails and mocktails, to the always fresh and always delicious food, to the perfectly timed service, we had another great time at this restaurant. Thank you. Always worth the trip into the Square for Source.
    More info
    SOURCE RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Pizza Bar• Cambridge
    •
    4.6

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