Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar

A hidden gem in Cambridge, frequented by Harvard and MIT students.
It has great drinks, great food and amazing staff.
Make sure you check it out!

Delicious food and great service. I got their spinach pie and brownie for dessert, both of which were amazing. I have also gotten their impossible meat burger in the past which I like even more. It's great to see that they have good vegetarian options too. Prices are good as well. This Abita root beer was also very good. I highly recommend Grendel's Den if you're around.

Food was EXCEPTIONALLY good! I had the Roasted Salvadoran Vegetables and tofu. My friend's dinners looked and smelled amazing too!
The waiter was attentive, kind and very sweet. Don't miss out on this amazing place

Fun basement bar near Harvard. Food was great, bean and bacon soup better than expected. Server Blake was friendly and fast with refills.

Iconic bar in the middle of everything. Whether you are seating outdoors facing the beautiful park during the warmer months, or at their cute indoor tables by the fireplace, you are guaranteed a good time. A crowd is a mix of mostly various Harvard schools' students and young professionals, who are all here for cheap drinks and great convos. They also have great daily happy hours for half priced entrees!

I recently stopped into Grendel’s in Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA, for a couple of decent craft beers. I was on a short trip up from Manhattan. The bartender was friendly and welcoming. In my opinion, Grendel’s is the quintessential Harvard bar and hasn’t changed since I started going there in 1998. Also, the food is decent and they have some nice offerings.

We really enjoyed this little restaurant. We went with a group of 6 and we were all a bit surprised by how good the food was. I think our initial impression was due to there being a pop-up thrift shop right when you walk in, but if you move beyond that and take a table and eat your experience will be different.

We really liked our waitress, she was sweet and friendly. We also had the impossible chili, the tuna salad, the southwest salad, a chicken caesar wrap, a burger, chicken tenders with fries and bangers and mash. I am a bit crazy about chicken and it not being chewy and this was fresh, grilled chicken. My husband is British and was so excited that these were the sausages just like in London and actually wanted to know where they were purchased. It was good, classic American diner style food but it was all so fresh and delicious. I would absolutely go back and dine here again.

Cozy sub-ground pub near Harvard with a laid-back vibe and warm lighting. Offers a great beer selection on tap and a wide array of food, from appetizers to full meals. Its quieter setting, without the distraction of loud TVs or music, makes it perfect for a peaceful catch-up with friends or a tranquil break during a Harvard tour.

Since moving back to Cambridge from LA this has become one of my local favorites. The bartenders are a fun bunch and the kitchen is excellent. I've enjoyed every meal I've had here. Plus they have Bent Water lager one of my favorite local brew options. It's also a great deal during the week with half priced food options until 7:30.

Ordered the Guiness Beef Stew for lunch today, as it feels particularly raw and it was fantastic! Perfectly seasoned gravy, tender beef and delicious mashed potatoes. It hit the spot, exactly as I hoped! I can't wait to go and try the mulled cider on a non-work day- it smelled amazing 🤩

We came here with another family and loved that they honored the half price food for kids too! Lots of good choices for food amd drinks. Family friendly because we got there early enough. I imagine it's a little more bar atmosphere later in the evening.

We had a great time at here. The food was really tasty and price was good. I wish I’d have a beer but I couldn’t for driving. I will visit again for sure for some beers with my son.

Historic and very quant hang out for the Harvard crowd…. A true “Institution” on the Harvard scene ! Great bar and typical bar eats. Go to just soak up the local color.

Sam made an outstanding Aquarius horoscope drink. Light and refreshing! Great vibes! Groovy.

The ambiance was 8/10 and the overall food quality and taste was just amazing. Quesadilla was a perfect 10/10.

This is a unique and fun place for a drink in Harvard Square. Sam took great care of us, and gave good drink recommendations.

Grendel's have been part of Harvard Sq for a very long time. Used to go there regularly 15 years ago for half off food menu. On my recent visit there, I found the staff very friendly and competent. Food was still good for the price and good selection of beer as usual. Now, they have special pricing between after work time.

Classic dark bar, lots of wood, good cocktails. Also loved the buffalo chicken dip!

An actual restaurant in Cambridge. The food was surprisingly good to my Korean taste buds. I think the overall 4-star rating is due to poor service — sort of like really good mom-and-pop late-night Chinese restaurants.

Touring Harvard today, we stumbled upon Grendel’s, dined outside while listening to the guitarist play older tunes in the park. We had the shrimp sambal, brisket nachos and Guinness which were delicious. Terrific atmosphere and friendly service.