Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Name: Area Four
Address: 500 Technology Sq, Cambridge, MA, 02139
Telephone: (617) 758-4444
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.90

Area Four

500 Technology Sq, Cambridge, MA, 02139

(617) 758-4444
Store is closed

Area Four Menu

Not Pizza

Today's Soup

Garlic Knots

Trio Of Spreads

Pork Ribs (served at dinner only)*

"Kitchen Sink"

Brussels Sprouts Salad

Mac & Cheese

Roasted Chicken Salad (served at lunch only)

Roasted Half Chicken (served at dinner only)*

Smoked Trout Salad (served at lunch only)*

Smoked Ham & Cheese (served at lunch only)
Pizza

Marinara

Margherita

White Anchovy

Sopressata

A4 Sausage & Banana Peppers

Clam & Bacon

Mushroom & Fontina

Caramelized Onion & Gorgonzola

Carnivore

Hawaiian
Pizza Additions

Caramelized Onions Pickled Banana Peppers Mushrooms Green Olives

Sopressata Sausage Bacon Chicken Arugula

2 Farm Eggs*

Marinated Anchovies
Dessert

Affogato

Today’s Sundae • Just Ask!

Banana Split

Orange Chocolate S'more Sundae

Passion Fruit-Ginger Sundae

Just Soft Serve

Extra Toppings
Brunch Stuff

Today's Soup

Kastries Basket of Baked Goodies

Buttermilk Biscuit & A4 Breakfast Sausage Gravy

Greek Yogurt

Breakfast Sandwich

Brioche French Toast Bread Pudding*

The Hot Mess*

The Hot Veggie Mess*

The Messy Ranchero

Kitchen Sink Salad

Brussels Sprouts Salad

Mac & Cheese

Wood Oven Home Fries

Seeded Bagel & Cream Cheese Breakfast Sausage or Bacon

2 Sunny Side Up (or Over-Hard) Baffoni Farm Eggs *

Healthy Meal suggestions for Area Four

Not Pizza

Today's Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Knots [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Trio Of Spreads [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Ribs (served at dinner only)* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

"Kitchen Sink" [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brussels Sprouts Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mac & Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Chicken Salad (served at lunch only) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Half Chicken (served at dinner only)* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Trout Salad (served at lunch only)* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Ham & Cheese (served at lunch only) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pizza

Marinara [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Margherita [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

White Anchovy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sopressata [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

A4 Sausage & Banana Peppers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Clam & Bacon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mushroom & Fontina [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caramelized Onion & Gorgonzola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carnivore [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hawaiian [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pizza Additions

Caramelized Onions Pickled Banana Peppers Mushrooms Green Olives [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sopressata Sausage Bacon Chicken Arugula [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2 Farm Eggs* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Marinated Anchovies [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dessert

Affogato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Today’s Sundae • Just Ask! [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Banana Split [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Orange Chocolate S'more Sundae [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Passion Fruit-Ginger Sundae [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Just Soft Serve [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Extra Toppings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Brunch Stuff

Today's Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kastries Basket of Baked Goodies [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buttermilk Biscuit & A4 Breakfast Sausage Gravy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Greek Yogurt [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Breakfast Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brioche French Toast Bread Pudding* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Hot Mess* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Hot Veggie Mess* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Messy Ranchero [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kitchen Sink Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brussels Sprouts Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mac & Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wood Oven Home Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seeded Bagel & Cream Cheese Breakfast Sausage or Bacon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

2 Sunny Side Up (or Over-Hard) Baffoni Farm Eggs * [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

Write An Anonymous Review

Kayleigh S.

This is my favorite pizza in the Boston area. This is where I go when I'm in a f-the cost and f- the carbs mood and simply want the very best. This place knows that pizza should not be bland, should not be a grease ball, and should not be boring. Oh, and definitely SHOULD be served with excellent apps and sides. Today I had pizza at another place in Boston that was attempting a similar style to Area Four, and I kept noticing all the things they were doing wrong that Area Four does right. For example, the famous garlic knots. Area Four's knots are garlicy, olive oily, and available with cheese. But, what makes them truly outstanding is the hint of acidity (i think a little lemon juice?) in the herbs atop the knots and in the tomato sauce that comes with them. Likewise, the "not pepperoni" pizza has a salty, slightly sour crust, a slightly acidic sauce, and spicy meat. All the flavors together in each bite make Area Four's pizza better than other spots that might have just a great sauce or a great crust. They're the complete package. We've also tried short ribs and other meat appetizers here that held their own beside the carby menu options. It's not a cheap place but if you're looking for the best, this is it.
(5)
Doreen C.

Three stars for everything but the pizza. Tried the salad appetizerand Mediterranean dips which were really good! However the pizza was kind of disappointing. Been here many times for group lunches so I've tried nearly all the pizzas on the menu. It is good for large groups though. The pizza toppings are so overwhelming its like eating just the topping all jumbled together, they don't really go well together. Even simple margarita pizza had large chunks of cheese that isn't that appetizing. Also, came into the cafe for pastries as well-zucchini bread is delicious and quick for breakfast.
(3)
Alan G.

Came here with my sister for lunch around 1pm on Thursday. The place is usually packed, but since it was a bit chilly, there were open tables outside and so we were seated right away, after being asked if we had any preference for indoor or outdoor (we said no). We shared a small Margherita Pizza and a small Carnivore Pizza with 2 Farm Eggs on top. Both pizzas were great - the slices were not too flimsy, the toppings were very flavorful, especially the meat on the Carnivore Pizza, and the dough was chewy. The pizza was a tad pricey however. The service was friendly and prompt. So far, this is the best pizza I've had in Cambridge.
(4)
Jacqueline P.

The pictures made this place look delicious and the rustic-modern interior decoration caught my interest. I made a reservation for 7PM on a Saturday evening and the place was pretty full. Upon being seated, the first thing I noticed was that the AC was BLASTING! It was a summer evening, but literally I was shivering while eating because it was so cold inside. This even effected our food; if we didn't eat it fast enough everything got cold. TURN YOUR AC DOWN AREA FOUR. In addition to the super cold AC, I was a little disappointed with the service. Our waiter took our order without writing anything down. I mean that would have been impressive if he didn't forget some items that we order. He only came around to check on my party once after our food came out and wasn't proactive with our drinks. Moscow Mule didn't come in a copper cup and the ginger beer was way overpowering. (not a big deal, but presentation was knocked down) Tried to order an IPA and they said they ran out of it already. (keep in mind it was saturday at prime dinner time) Food: -corn soup: comes in a small cup. The description didn't mention it was chilled, so when I tasted it, it was a great surprise. It was very flavorful with an authentic corn flavor. -local salad: Decent sized salad. Shared within 3 people and was finished. NO flavor stood out to make this salad amazing. -supreme knots: Mouthwatering description, but this was the biggest disappointment of the night. The knots were huge and super filling. The knots tasted like blocks of very dense bread instead of dough. The cheese and the marinara didn't help enhance the disappointing knots. NOT WORTH IT, in my opinion. -Margherita pizza(small): Standard. It wasn't bad, but there was no element that stood out. The small size is good for 2-3 people to share. -Not Pepperoni pizza w/ added mushrooms: Pizza was okay. Some of the pieces were burnt on the bottom. I would say the large is a good size to share amongst 3-4 people. Overall, I thought the food was WAY overpriced for the taste/experience. The pizza dough wasn't outstanding. Because my party didn't eat fast enough in the blasting AC, our food got so cold that we just chose not to finish it. Also, there was no toilet paper left in the woman's restroom. Notified the front workers and nothing was done about it. Parking: it is really close to MIT. There is metered parking. 0.3 miles away from the red line.
(3)
Ellie W.

Kendall square, you saucy minx. You've been hiding all these little tasty gems behind all those TI-84's and derivative calculations. Also known as, MIT land. Area Four is nothing short of incredible as a brunch spot. It's got a fairly simple, industrial ambiance, but the food is to die for. It's known for the pizza, but I had the Hot Mess, which coincidentally, most of us are after a Saturday night--disheveled, groggy, hangry, you know the drill. This was a smorgasbord of pretty much every farm animal you could possibly fit onto a plate: 2 sunny side up locally farmed eggs, home fries, bacon, breakfast sausage, caramelized onions, cheddar, scallions, and pickled banana pepper relish, served on a cast iron skillet. It sounds like a lot, but somehow mixes beautifully, like Mardi Gras on your palette. No more simple omelettes for this gal, I've upgraded to the Hot Mess, befitting of the hangover it'll likely help cure:)
(5)
Klarissa L.

Came here with a group of 8 and we had to wait an hour and a half for brunch on a Saturday! We knew the wait was going to be long, so we sat and had coffee and pastries to tie us over. I like the feel of this place, casual but nicer, a little trendy. I like the open feel and the kitchen right up front - I'm a big fan of being able to see the kitchen, reassures me that everything is clean and sanitary. They have one long bar stool table (good for groups - but hard to talk to everyone in your group) and many regular tables. Love the beer selection as well as mix drinks here! Bloody Mary was fantastic! We ordered the breakfast pizza, best idea ever!!! Potatoes and eggs on pizza, seriously amazing!! My husband and I got the LARGE pizza to share, it was A LOT of food. The server said it was a good size for two people, but the small definitely would have been sufficient, but it was no problem because it got eaten later that day. A few people at the table ordered other things and they really enjoyed it, I went for the breakfast pizza, and loved it. Would go back again just for the breakfast pizza, not even to try anything new! Definitely recommend this place to others and would come back here!
(4)
Elizabeth H.

On the cafe: A coffee shop in a restaurant. The look and feel was very minimalistic. I'd never seen anything executed like it before, at least in Boston / Cambridge area. You can walk into the coffee shop from the street or walk in through the restaurant. It is lined with 2 picnic-table tables, parallel to each other. I had the cold brew coffee. The barista was really great in differentiating iced coffee to cold brew for me. Bonus points. I wish I'd given in and tried the brownie. Guess that means I'll be coming back soon!
(4)
Rachel N.

It was recently suggested to me by WL that I theme my Yelps after a genre of literature - you know, YA, thriller, erotica, in the spirit of an RKelly song, etc - and when the time is right, that I will, but as it's late and I'm on call tmrw AM, I have a poor man's offering - a dedication - to Will, this Yelp, in the month of his 27th birthday. I think. Numbers have never been my strong suit. It was a Sunday. An ordinary Sunday. The type of Sunday made of air with the subtlest hint of warmth, around which our winter-hardened bodies eagerly curled as we wandered in with empty stomachs and minds full of whatever useless musings we carry with us. It was supposed to be a casual nosh. Little did we know what revelations the night had in store. We'll be 5, I said, though at the time we were no more than 2. The hostess, aloof, replies "I'm sorry. We only seat full parties". Could she not see the hanger glimmering in my eyes? As time has its way of moving along, before I knew it we were crowded around a table and I was telling the waitress "eff yes" when she asked if we wanted a beer flight. Do not skip this step. It was then the night took a turn for the interesting. "What tattoo would you get if you could get anything, anywhere?" I asked, as we rhapsodized over the trio of dips (tzatziki, beet/horseradish, white bean/garlic hummy), brussels salad (shaved, with tuscan kale, pecorino, salt/pepper hazelnuts), and a smoked fish salad. I said the Rockies, lateral ribs 6-8. Maybe a line from Orlando. Or Roth. Animals were considered. As was the face of Drake. "Oh, that's easy", one who shall remain nameless replied - "I'd get murder. On my forehead" - silence ensues, allowing us time to mull over our white anchovy (fresh mozz, green olive, capers - salty enough to make a tongue curl, but nevertheless, ab-so-effing-lutely order it) and sopressata pizzas - the chewy, charred crust unparalleled to anything else I've eaten in Boston moving quickly through our eagerly parted lips. Our hungry rapture broken by what the only appropriate retort, as this is how good the pizza was, "Or. What if we all get mini-pizza face tats, you know, a tat for each slice we eat. Like the way ppl get teardrops for the number of ppl they kill. I have temporary tattoo paper at work,". Problem solved. I have the best friends. While I may still be waiting to receive this exact facial decoration, if all pizza was as stellar as it is at A4, my face would happily be covered. Service, hip, absent, friendly though not nearly as flirty as we all wished. Starters, $8-14, pizzas $11-17.5 for individual sizes, $18-26.5 for something large enough to feed three. Absolutely worth a trip.
(5)
Vanessa R.

Great beer selection. Stopped off on our way to the Commonwealth market. I had a beer from Maine beer company out of Freeport maine, called peeeper ale. An American pale ale at 5.5% poured in a sniffer glass. Very nice clean grapefruit taste, hints of chardonnay. It reminds me of Orpheus peace love and truth. Great beer taken a random suggestion from the bartendar. Selection of pizzas looked good from a distance but they were not ordered.
(4)
Cathy S.

Checked out this place for dinner on a Saturday night, and the restaurant was surprisingly not very busy so we were able to be seated right away. We shared a large clam and bacon pizza, a small mushroom and fontina pizza, and the mac and cheese amongst 4 people, which worked out to be a reasonable amount of food. Both pizzas were great with well balanced toppings. I was a fan of the crust which was pretty thin on the bottom with a light, soft, and chewy outer edge. The mac and cheese was mediocre and something we could skip next time. Would recommend this place for the pizza and could be a good spot to go to on the weekends since it may be less busy than some other restaurants located in more bustling neighborhoods.
(4)
Simon L.

An awesome spot with a completely ridiculous bartender who clearly didn't have a handle on how to understand her customers. This particular bartender didn't know what making a squiggly signature motion in the air with one's hand across a loud bar means. Well, please allow me to inform you: it's basic restaurant etiquette and it means that your customer wants the check. No, it's not rude, demeaning or uninformed. It's a simple signal to any person that has ever worked OR eaten in a restaurant or bar to bring over the check, please. Very, very simple. Now that we've got that out of the way, on to the food. Excellent sesame marinated soy ribs ($12). Tender meat, little smoke but plenty of flavor. A half chicken ($20) roasted to a juicy tender texture with a crisp skin. Served on a bed of leafy greens. Sausage bananna pepper ($16) for a small with mozzarella, tomatoe pecorino and parsley adding two eggs ($3) is a uniquely delicious combination. Quick service in the dining room, skip the snooty bartenders.
(3)
Kelly J.

The vegetable hot mess was great, free coffee refills, the sticky bun was delicious, and our server was really nice. Big portions!
(5)
Lauren S.

I recently visited Area Four for the first time after hearing rave reviews. My friend and I split a margarita pizza and an order of the garlic knots. Both were delicious! The dough stands out here in comparison to other artisan pizza joints in the Boston/Cambridge area. The ingredients all tasted very fresh as well, from the garlic on the knots to the mozzarella globs on the pizza. A very well-balanced pie! As a young professional, I did consider it fairly pricey for even a small pizza though (especially the ones with fancier toppings), so it might not be a bad idea to split with a friend. Plus, then, you may have extra budget room to try one of the beers on tap. The menu even included a local Somerville Slumbrew IPA during our visit.
(4)
Murielle D.

I've had a lot of pizza, and this is honestly one of the best I've had. Get the sausage and banana pepper!
(5)
Abby R.

As I've said before, the Sausage & Banana Pepper pizza is da bomb. Not so much that I'd say it's better than a specialty pizza at Flatbreads or Otto, but definitely on par. Although the sausage was a bit grisly this last time. Enough that I brushed a few crumbles of it onto my plate. I tried the mac n' cheese this time and it was exquisite. I'm kind of picky about restaurant mac n' cheese because it's best served piping hot and sometimes you can tell it's been left under the heating lamp too long by the rubbery texture. Not so with this mac n' cheese experience. First of all, they're shell-style macaroni, which is perfect for this type of cheese sauce, because that's what it was- a cheese sauce instead of just a thick melted blanket of cheese with some milk added in there. There was plenty of sauce, enough to dip some of my pizza crusts in the skillet for some extra cheesy goodness. The flavor was just as good as the texture, and the little croissant flakes on top were delightful, though I'd advise not to breathe in as you bring the bite up to your mouth, or you'll inhale some of the crumbs down your throat and have a coughing fit like I did. And you will not look cool. The garlic knots I had the first time were gross (see previous review) unmelted cheese, cold. But I did see that they at least include sauce at no extra charge now. The desserts though. I tried two of the different cookie skillet things, the butterscotch one, and the chocolate walnut one. First of all the chocolate walnut was definitely oatmeal chocolate walnut because there was hella oatmeal up in there that was not listed on the menu. I'm also unsure if there were even walnuts because the oatmeal was so aggressive (giant oat flakes everywhere). Oatmeal and I are friendly acquaintances so it was cool, but if you're mad at oatmeal beware! Now, it might sound like I'm describing some yummy desserts I had. This is not the case. They were both disgusting. Why? SALTY. SALTY COOKIES. Not like, "ooh let's sprinkle a little pinterest-y salt on these caramel cookies to kick them up a notch and make me look like a real baker", more like "the recipe says two cups of sugar. hmm which one's the sugar? I guess it's this one" *adds two cups of salt*. That salty. REALLY EFFING SALTY. I mean... if you like verrrry salty sweets then mayyybe? But trust me when I say it was totally overwhelming every bite. I couldn't even taste the chocolate. Also the staff were rude to us about our reservation both on the phone and when we checked in and they told us to try back "closer to our reservation time", as if we'd arrived there 40 minutes early instead of 4.
(3)
Maureen D.

Perfect place for a pi day brunch. The space is open, bright and airy, but kept cozy by the glow of the pizza oven. Host and severs were uncommonly friendly, and accommodating of our party requiring 2 high chairs. I enjoyed the caramelized onion pizza and Brussels sprouts salad. My dining companions had breakfast pizza, bfast sandwich and the hot mess; all tasty. Bottomless cups of coffee and a bathroom with a changing table were unexpected plusses. 5th star withheld due to the slightly overpricing ($12 salad) and "inability" to make a scrambled egg. Will return to try out the draft beer sampler some time after noon.
(4)
Anthony L.

I have walked, biked, and jogged past Area Four more times than I can count (and the new A4 in Somerville) and have always wanted to stop in, but never really did it... until last week! It has for long been my general rule that I do not order things at restaurants that I cannot make at home. Friends, I believe I have recently mastered the fine art of pizza dough making, which is so great! Anyways, enough about me, my friend invited me out and I suggested Area Four... part to be a spy to see what great pizza is all about and because I really wanted a damn good beer. Ambience: The ambience of Area Four is really cool! High ceilings, cute signs (especially about the location of the bathroom), many windows, and modern tables and chairs. Perfect spot for a first date, lunch with friends, or a place to drown your sorrows (isn't every place that serves food good for that?) The pizza: The pizza was a delight! I ordered the caramelized onion & gorgonzola pizza and it was a solid four-star. There was too much concentration of gorgonzola in the center, wahhh. However, the dough was perfect! Perfect! Beer menu: While the beer menu is not the largest I have seen, they have quite the range of beverages. Not one compliant from me! I'm a fan. You should be a fan.
(4)
Tiffany F.

This place is such a gem! It reminds me more of restaurants that I'd find in San Francisco or downtown LA. It's modern yet rustic and the space has great light that makes for a beautiful ambience during the morning/daytime. Their skillet brunch dishes particularly stood out to me. We had The Hot Mess and The Messy Ranchero, both served with sunny side up eggs that were runny to perfection! And of course, no brunch place would be complete without a solid coffee offering. I went with a simple drip coffee out of curiosity for their roast quality (which definitely impressed) but will definitely try the cortado and flat white on my future visits.
(4)
Sarah R.

The food was excellent. However, I noticed going through my bank statements today that they had augmented my 18% tip by $2, which is completely unacceptable. So I will not be going back.
(2)
Shane M.

Really cool spot, great brunch!!! Started out with the pizza special of the day potatoes,cheddar cheese, egg... It was awesome! I got a cocktail flight which was a great deal. For my main course I got the The Hot Mess *: $12 2 Sunny Side Up Local Farm Eggs, Home Fries, Bacon, Breakfast Sausage, Caramelized Onions, Cheddar, Scallions & Pickled Banana Pepper Relish. It was so good. The place had a great vibe and I'll definitely be back next trip to Boston!
(5)
George S.

You must try their delicious pizza's :)
(5)
Reyana F.

came here for both dinner and brunch- and it's pretty good! MUST GET: garlic knots- they are super bomb. pizzas are decently solid, the a4 pizza was the best, but the other people at the table also enjoyed the gorgonzola & caramelized onions. beer menu is decent, but the cocktails left a little to be desired. overall, good find in the middle of cambridge!
(4)
Jen D.

Came here yesterday for brunch with two friends a half hour after they opened. 45 minute wait to be seated. It's a popular brunch spot apparently, so hey, it happens. We were hungry and ready to eat when we were seated. Good menu, lots of tasty-looking choices and good list of brunch cocktails. We placed our drink orders and I got the $10 Irish coffee which is iced and comes in a pint glass. Well, I should say I got it eventually, over 20 minutes after I ordered it. While tasty, it gave me neither a coffee nor whiskey buzz. Would not get it again for that price. Our server left us alone for over 25 minutes, so we flagged down another server and asked if we could order; he obliged. A little over 5 minutes after that, our original server came to apologize with a sour face and flat tone and comped us a basket of the baked goods assortment. These were excellent and varied enough for us to try each. I don't expect abject apologies or anything, but a simple reason and an apology sincerely delivered would be nice. Our food arrived (two hot messes and the huevos) and everyone was happy with their food. Very tasty and seemed like quality ingredients. I do think the portions are kind of small for what they charge, but it was enough to satisfy. I understand sometimes a place is understaffed for whatever reason (people call in sick, etc.) but despite the very nice gesture of the pastries, the way they were presented cancelled them out. I wouldn't NOT come back if I were in the area and it didn't look too busy, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here again.
(3)
Michael C.

Long overdue update of Area Four. While I have been to the restaurant side I do strongly prefer their coffee shop. The staff here is always friendly and remembers generally what I like to order. Area Four has the best Iced Mocha I've ever had... There I said it. The pastries are all excellent. The Almond Croissant, Savory Croissant, Danish, Gluten Free Bread, and Daily Scone (which are always very creative) are all excellent choices. The Breakfast Sandwich is pretty much farm to table. I'm a bacon guy but can't help but order it with their perfectly crispy sausage patty, which is made in house as is the english muffin it's on. Since this is in a robust technology district I feel like this coffee shop might be the equivalent of the 9th hole on the golf course. It's a hub of intellectual activity, meetings and deals seem to happen here regularly. Enjoy your coffee!
(5)
Megan M.

I've been to both the bakery and pizza sections of this fine establishment and have thoroughly enjoyed them both. I usually visit area four to satisfy my post lunch sweet tooth and have never left unhappy. I usually get the daily special which is always different and exciting! Today was a plum cream cake which inspired me to write this glowing review. It was perfectly sweet with the texture of a flaky buttery croissant, I highly recommend it to anyone. I've only had their pizza once but was equally impressed. Service is either hit or miss but the food is worth the visit!
(4)
Ryan K.

First time here and first time in Boston. Yelper didn't disappoint. Had the breakfast sandwich and the biscuits and gravy. Both awesome! And the short blonde hair bartender Sasha made every drink that much more pleasurable. Definitely come try if you can!
(4)
Shilpa T.

The Margherita pizza here is hands down one of the best pizzas I have ever eaten. I have been here for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and just recently grabbed this pizza (Large Margherita) on our way home from a long trip and it was just as good as it is in the restaurant. We even made pizza eggs the next morning with the leftover pizza slices. If you are in the mood for a simple, delicious, pizza, swing by and grab it from here. For other meals, the food eaten in is really good as well. My favorite is the breakfast pizza and the home fries, paired with the La Pistola. I think it can get pretty busy, but call ahead just to make sure, sometimes they have many open tables.
(5)
Dragana N.

A must go to restaurant in Boston! Their breakfast pizza is out of this world, made to perfection and absolutely delicious. It's probably their best item on the menu and it's only available on weekends. They offer amazing coffee as well. This is the only restaurant we visited twice during our short stay in the city. Would definitely come back.
(5)
Ryan B.

"The Hot Mess" may very possibly change your life. & the staff are all rockstars. I can't fault this place on anything. **Remember to make a booking in advance so you do need to stick out a 30 minute wait like me ;)
(5)
Leigh H.

Had brunch here this morning- they take reservations, which was great for our larger group. We were seated promptly and our server was great- funny, friendly and very tolerant of our (numerous) questions. The food was all very good and prices were reasonable. We all had breakfast dishes but the pizzas did look great. I especially liked the sausage, blueberry scone, and home fries, but the cinnamon roll was enormous and delicious!
(4)
Audrey T.

Came here for a quick coffee/snack whole meeting with a friend in the area, so please note that his review is not for the actual restaurant. The cafe has a nice vibe, with large communal tables. I had their fruit cake, which was reasonably decent, but perhaps a little small. I guess at $4 I can't really complain? The husband also had a cup of regular coffee which he enjoyed. This place seems like a good spot to hang with friends and do a bit of work whole drinking coffee. Good luck finding a spot though!
(3)
Joy Y.

I've been here three times now and have yet to be disappointed. I've had pizza and apps and wine, but today was the first time I checked out the cafe. I have to say that I am impressed. It's not easy to do so many things right, but they seem to nail all of their food and drinks right on the head. I got a cafe latte, my usual go to espresso drink, and it was delicious. I also had a bite of my friend's chocolate croissant, and had he been more generous, I definitely would have taken another. Alas, I was left to eat my egg and cheese sandwich, which was good, though definitely not mind blowing. THe only downfall? Man that line moved slowly. It was a Sunday morning, and though it was busy, it still felt like we standing there for quite a while. Thankfully it was worth it. Will definitely be back soon. Oh! One very cool thing I noticed? Their lights are made out of french presses! Check them out the next time you're in there. Pretty neat.
(5)
Vivian H.

A bunch of pretty traditional stuff done well. Coal-fired pizza is hot and loaded with stuff, and the crust tastes nice and plain, with a perfect texture. The brunch skillets are full of grease, cheese, and potatoes. There's an adjoining coffee shop I'm also quite fond of. Definitely a nice place to bring visitors to Cambridge. I'll be back!
(4)
Sonia B.

Just in town for the night and a friend took me to Area Four and it was BOMB. Had the mushroom fontina pizza with the garlic nights and I'm totally a happy camper now. Highly recommend this place for some delicious pizza and great environment.
(5)
Suzanne L.

The toppings are delicious (we had the sausage and banana pepper pizza), and I like the layout and look, but I wasn't a huge fan of the crust. It was just too floppy to support the weight of the toppings. I saw a kid at the table near me pick up his slice of pizza, and everything slid right off. The look on his face was pretty devastating. I do love the chewy texture and charred flavor of the crust, though, so win some, lose some.
(3)
Tancredi B.

Totally overrated. The menu is pizza or meat. Pizza is average, Gran Gusto would be a better choice
(2)
Tess C.

Best pizza in boston, maybe even the world. There was quite a wait when we arrived for brunch on Sunday, but it was totally worth it. The Hawaiian was a nice 9.2 (no one is perfect), but we had to pick off some of the pineapple because the distribution was uneven. The caramelized onion and gorgonzola pizza is a delicious combination of sweet, rich and tart flavor that cannot be missed. The hot mess was just that. The idea of it was great, but once we tried it, it was mediocre. Stick with the pizza. Ambiance was edgy and we liked it.
(5)
Lucy E.

Oh my goodness, such a great addition to the area. I can't really say what my favorite thing is about this place, the beer, the pizza, or the brunch! I'll start with the pizza, the crust is thing and crispy, the toppings are fresh and inventive and I love it! The beer is cold and crafty, I can often find some of my favorite craft beers on draft here that are hard to track down anywhere else. Finally, the brunch - oh my god. The cinnamon bun is sticky goodness and the breakfast pizza could outshine they're regular pizzas. A must try for brunch in the area. Oh PS if you can find room for dessert, it's absolutely worth it.
(5)
Miriam S.

Pros: Delicious food Fresh, flavorful ingredients Great beer selection Tasty cocktails Casual atmosphere Cons: Pricey There can be a long wait on weekend nights Loud If I were just rating the food, I would give Area Four 5 starts. However, as a grad student, Area Four is cost-prohibitive. Also when I went to Area Four on a Friday night, the wait was 45 minutes. This wouldn't have been all that bad, except when they took down my phone number, there was a mistake, so I didn't get the text saying our table was ready. Luckily I checked in with the desk, but I could have been seated at least 10 minutes sooner if they'd gotten my number correct.
(3)
Tony R.

I frequent this wonderful coffee shop (and pizzeria + bar) because it's en route to my work. Katie Kimble is an extremely talented pastry chef. A sign affixed to the pastry counter proclaims "If you're going to order more than eight pastries, please look into catering, otherwise what will be left for the person behind you?" It's true, the pastries are so divine, you'll want to order eight. Seasonal specialties like the Pumpkin Cheesecake Danish (flakey, fresh and full of robust pumpkin flavor) will have your tastebuds singing. Staple pastries like the Chocolate Croissant (dark chocolate enrobed in divinely-browned bread) and the craquelin will have you visiting this amazing coffee shop every day. Expect gorgeous latte art and deceptively complex espresso-filled beverages. For lunch, I recommend the garlic knots. These people what they're doing with bread, guys. Seriously.
(4)
Seamus B.

Came with a few friends for an evening dinner. Had the Carnivore in a large size and the Carmelized Onion & Gorgonzola in a small size. The Carnivore was a meat lover's-style pie (delicious) and the other one was a creative pizza with a lot interesting textures (walnuts added crunch...). Perfect amount of food for 3 guys. Awesome location in Technology Square--service was prompt and attentive as well. We'll be back soon!
(5)
Laura A.

They don't accommodate for any allergies or large groups bookings. Got the "we are too cool for you" treatment. I expected slightly better customer service.
(1)
Christina V.

My fellow foodie and I have been dying to come here for brunch. We finally made it over yesterday at 1:30pm and were told there was a 1 hour wait! But.... we were able to sit at the bar immediately - YAY. I had my heart set on the Almond Brioche but was told they just sold out. Instead I got the mixed green salad which was fresh and delicious and the yummy Clam & Bacon pizza, also very good. My friend got the Mushroom and Fontina pizza with fried eggs! The bar was cute. The seats weren't the most comfortable but it was the bar. Drinks were good. We'll try to come earlier next time :)
(4)
Julia K.

Overall, my first experience here was better than my most recent visit. I think this place is a little pricey for pizza that comes out with a fairly burnt bottom. The caramelized onion, gorgonzola, and walnut pizza tasted as expected -- the gorgonzola was overwhelming and masked all other flavors. The carnivore pizza came with a good portion of meat which inevitably is quite oily. I'd stick to the margarita or the sausage/banana peppers combo. For apps, the kitchen sink salad is large and can easily be shared among 2-3 people. The order of ribs comes with three pieces, each with two rib bones. These are juicy and come with a nice sticky bbq sauce.
(3)
Christine J.

delicious wood fired oven pizza! perfect char-ness and the cheese on the pizza stretches a millllllllle long. the mozzarella anyway. divine... 4.5 stars!!! they're called area four bc of their 4 ingredient only DOUGH. damn yummy! *drool* the small will feed 2 ppl and it will be plenty! the green beans app is good but I wish it was warm instead of cold, just my preference. have to try more of their apps and other types of pizzas. will def be back. the dough is so fluffy and just enough chewy, making you want more!
(4)
Terry P.

Wow. Great food. If you like wood fired, this is the place. Had a breakfast pizza and a skillet. Outstanding! Wait staff was excellent. I'm coming back.
(5)
Nina S.

Came here for brunch this time and was pretty disappointed. Started with the service. They were really slow to seat us (took 15 mins) when they had half the upstairs area open. Tried the hot mess amd the almond corn bread. They didn't have the cornbread but some other kind of scone substitute which was really over done. The blueberries and cream it came with were good though. The hot mess was alright but it was way too salty with the bacon. I had to get an English muffin on the side to continue eating it. The banana pepper relish was nice though. Maybe it would have been better if I was hungover but I thought it was over rated. I'll prob just stick to their pizza.. And English muffins (it was actually my favorite part of brunch).
(3)
Eunice E.

On my flight back to CA, I was struck with a pang of nostalgia while flipping through my iPhone notes... I found a list of places I had yet to review, and this was one of them. Thinking about Area Four makes me miss MA... and crave pizza. Really good, garlic-infused, wood-oven, thin crust pizza. Like crunchy crust topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, sausage, banana peppers, pecorino and parsley pizza. With these amazing melt-in-your-mouth buttered garlic knots on the side pizza. With a giant glass of whatever's on tap cuz it's all good pizza. So, yes, it's not ALL about the pizza, but it's definitely a MUST ORDER when you're here. The flavors are fantastic, the ingredients are fresh, and their options are fun... including their desserts. When I was here last time, they had these awesome bacon-infused sweets, which, I mean, hello? I know there's this huge Boston vs. Cambridge divide, but with gems like these in Kendall Square, I'd gladly hang around this side of the bridge for a night out on the town. Whether it's a casual bite to eat with a girlfriend post-yoga, or an easy night out with a date, I wouldn't hesitate suggesting Area Four (and wouldn't say no to a suggestion, either)!
(4)
Maura L.

The pizza was great! I also enjoyed their Craft Beer Selection. I have had better pizza at a lower and more expensive price point. For the taste, quality, and portion size this place is right on the money. Would I go back? YES.... I have been dying to try their brunch. Lets see what the weekend brings! :)
(4)
Skip B.

Pizza 2.0... Some pizza places claim to be the next big thing but pizza from Area 4 in Kendall square is it. The combination of fresh ingredients and unique flavors makes for some remarkable food. We chose 2 distinctly different pizzas and both were amazing. The white anchovy pizza was amazing and not overly fishy. You could still taste the green olives and capers in the sauce. The second pizza was the grilled eggplant ( special of the day) which was paired with Mint in a caramelized finish which was also amazing. The staff and servers were great, the whole experience was amazing. Use open table to reserve, they get very busy.
(4)
Chiraag B.

We ordered the hot mess (it's a little spicy) and not very filling if you are coming with a huge appetite. I would recommend going for the pizza instead. We also ordered the cornbread - but they had a substitute available - almond cake with raspberry and whipped cream - and this was fantastic. Overall a great brunch place with medium sized portions will leave you satisfied. Oh - and come early since they don't do reservations for less than 8 people.
(4)
Audrey G.

Came here to try their pizza, and it was delicious! We ordered a mushroom + fontina pizza and added chicken, and it did not disappoint. Very flavorful, and also quite rich so you don't need many slices even though it's thin-crust. And the crust is great! Not the bland, flavorless crust a lot of pizza places have, but rather an airy crust with just a slight char. Mmmmm. We also ordered the garlic knots, and while they were tasty, the portion was HUGE. (They were more like garlic rolls) It could easily feed a group of six, and was definitely too much for just 3 ppl. I wish they had a smaller portion available... The hostess and waitress were also super friendly, and very attentive!
(4)
Dan G.

Been wanting to try this place for a while and finally had the opportunity. We went on a Saturday night; due to the restaurant being full: we had to wait 25 minutes. We decided to go for a short walk and when the table was ready they texted us. Once we were seated our waitress came over and came us a brief overview of the menu in addition to the specials. Upon looking over the menu several times we decided on two small pizzas. The small pizzas had six slices versus the large size which had eight slices. Between the two of us were were able to finish the two pizzas. We ordered the carnivore pizza and the special for that night which was arugula, garlic and a fried egg on top. It was light and delicious; a fried egg on top was the perfect choice! The Carnivore was Mozzarella, Tomato, Sopressata, Sausage & Bacon. Very cool and sleek ambiance. The tables are very close to each other so if you're going on a first date, might not be a great idea. Prices were a tad expensive, a small was $17.50 for each. Pizza was delicious though! Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. I would definitely go back, especially if I was in the area looking for some za.
(4)
Sarah-Mei E.

I was running an errand in Technology Square and noticed the sign for Area Four. I've never been, and was curious to how it was, so I completed my errand and headed right back to Area Four! The cafe was packed! It has long community tables, and some bar seating by the windows.LOTS of people doing work, talking about work, collaborating, etc., etc. I ordered a cortado (a coffee enthusiast friend had long recommended I try one since I like lattes) and found a spot by the window. My impression? Definitely enjoyed the cortado and the cafe seems like a great spot to meet friends/coworkers and have a chat (just make sure you can get a seat!)
(4)
MJ A.

Came for the pizza but ended up ordering a salad. Fortunately, these guys do their salads right. The salad special for the day was a finely chopped brussel sprouts and kale concoction that I ordered with two eggs which made all the difference to the dish. Extremely tasty and light.
(4)
Ian C.

The food was great, we had a wonderfully executed brunch this morning. The service however was I'm sure what they think is casual, but to a couple with industry experience, seems kind of lazy. We arrived and asked for a table for two, and there was a 30 minute wait, unless the host pointed to two people at the bar - who were supposedly about to leave and if we hung out there we might get their seats. It would have been enough to say spots at the bar might open up soon, but to single out two diners felt unprofessional to us. When we returned, the hostess shared with us that people were just "hanging out" so they didn't have a table for us yet. Again, we don't need to be told why we didn't have a table, particularly when we might want to linger after our meal. We were seated at a long table with multiple diners, but the service was leaving seats in between diners. We would have happily filled out this table if given the choice, and the restaurant would have opened 8 more seats at least. Our food runner opted to bring out sausage and bacon alone, then a cold salad - which we split up onto our share plates and started eating, and then soon after our hot egg skillets came out. The server hadn't asked if we'd like the meal coursed, and the runner brought out our sausage and bacon to suffer alone; I would have much preferred them under the heat lamp. This meant 3 visits to the table in rapid succession. To boot, our empty split salad plate wasn't cleared when our skillets came so we were left rearranging the food ourselves, particularly the dangerous skillets. Management at Area Four may feel that a haphazard service is OK at their price point, but others are able to offer better.
(3)
L T.

One of the best places for coffee in the area. I always take cappuccino, and it's very well done. The food is delicious especially (for my taste) the almonds croissant. Most of the time I go to the second location at 215 first street. Outstanding coffee!
(5)
Robyn B.

The kitchen sink salad is sooooooooooo good. As is the pizza, all of it. The coffee shop is $$$ and not that special. Come here for the pizza!
(4)
Arthur T.

Wheelchair accessibility OK, does have a lift to get to the dining area. (Hot tip: when leaving, the 'emergency exit' near the back is not alarmed, and allows access to the street while bypassing the lift) Bathrooms not checked. Pizza was EXCELLENT in flavor, but the extra wide crust means that you pay for a 'large' while only getting a 'regular' worth of toppings... The crust is really good, but I am more interested in the toppings. (this is the only reason I'm not a 'fan' or better) Good selection of beers. Service was excellent.
(3)
Anuj V.

I was hesitant at first to go here because of the very small menu. The prices seemed high for what they were offering but upon arrival both of those qualms were nullified. The ambiance is great and the place is best suited for small to medium sized groups. The service is good and the food comes out fast. I shared two pizzas with a group of 6 and that was just enough food. We also ordered the garlic knots which were probably my favorite part of the meal. I would say that this place offers good food but I would not return for the pizza. At $23 the pizza was not worth it. Check it out but don't expect to want to return again and again!
(4)
Stan C.

I'd give this restaurant top ratings, except for their kitchen management. A wood fired oven is a competitive advantage when you are a pizza establishment. It produces a quality pizza that cannot be replicated by a conventional oven. However, it can also produce a disaster if not used properly. These ovens need to be managed properly. Area Four is weak on this point. I have noticed that when the restaurant volume goes up and they are not paying attention to staff training, the kitchen staff merely throws more wood into the oven. The end result is poor heat distribution. You get burned product. This is what is happening here. It happens as well in other places I've been. No customer wants burned product. If this happens to you, send it back. If they say it is supposed to be like this, ask to see the manager. If you don't get satisfactory service, don't eat the food and tell them you will leave. Fortunately, I didn't have to go this far, but they were unable to make a pizza for me without burning it. The didn't charge me for the pizza, and I just paid for my beer. Area Four needs to manage their oven better.
(2)
Rebekah C.

I feel like Area Four has really embraced its surroundings and speaks to being part of the MIT / Kendall Square area. There is just something potentially very Warhol about this place that I find appealing. They do a small menu of mainly pizza's using fresh ingredients. The 3 stars, is because - while their pizza is tasty, I feel this place way over salts their food. They also have some great salads and craft beers.
(3)
Kelsey R.

When I was lying on a couch, sick and unable to eat anything, the only food that sounded good was the soppressata pizza that A4 sells. Something about that sourdough crust, the right blend of flavors, the toppings... ahh this place knows how to make pizza! Yes, it's expensive. But yes, it's amazing. The cafe makes delicious (and STRONG) coffees and chai teas, the restaurant portion rocks the pizzas and garlic knots (apparently they make good salads and other items, too, but I stick to my favorites), and the decor is pretty minimalist in the coolest way. I could myself lucky I work nearby and can spend a great evening with coworkers here on occasion!
(5)
Jamie P.

Great atmosphere and really good food, most of the time. My favorites: - Trio of Spreads (Tzatziki, Beet & Horseradish Puree, Sweet Pea Hummus, Pickles & Pita)! - Mushroom and Fontina pizza - Kitchen Sink salad - Downeast Cider (on tap) - one of the few places I've found with Downeast on tap - try it! You won't be disappointed. Warning: I got the Kitchen Sink salad one day for lunch thinking it would be a nice, light lunch with the yummy veggies Area Four is known for. Oh, it was light, alright. It was side salad size for $13.50. Still a delicious salad, but don't go thinking it's a lunch portion salad - it's really a side salad. Be prepared to wait. If you hit it at just the right time, you won't wait long. If you're during peak times, you'll definitely have a long wait.
(4)
Adam M.

I live near by and I love coming to the bar to have a drink afterwork or on the weekends going to the attached coffee shop. The staff are very nice and attentive and are keen to recommend a favorite if you ask. The food changes often enough to keep things interesting and to reflect changes in what's available. Overall, this is a great place to go to in Cambridge, and I highly recommend it.
(5)
Anika G.

This place has a reputation for artisanal, fancy food (Obama ate here a few weeks ago) and it is spectacular. I got the tomato soup for starters, and it was amazing. The tomato had a slightly smokey, almost bacon-esque flavor going on (even though no bacon had been added) that totally upgraded it from boring tomato soup territory. I also shared a pizza with some friends. We got it with arugula and poached eggs on top. I know what you're thinking - "Poached eggs on a pizza? How can we trust anything you're saying anymore??" Suffice it to say that this was an absolutely spectacular idea. We all loved it. The eggs added an intense, rich flavor to an excellent thin crust pizza. We ordered a large pizza and it was large. Fed three people with ease. I would absolutely recommend this place if you're in the area. We went at lunchtime on a weekday and they had tables open, even though we had a reservation. The one downside to this place is the price: they are not cheap, although on par for nicer spots in Cambridge.
(5)
Minju K.

I would def come back if I have visitors. This is probably the first restaurant that comes into mind when I think of a good sit down pizza place. My absolute favorite is the garlic knot. GARLIC KNOT is a must.
(4)
Steve C.

Great for brunch! Just get the specialty pizza and leave the "heuvos rancheros" where you found them. The pizza they make for dinner is overpriced and really low on value (and good flavors). If I could divorce all the negative experiences I have had here from dinners and lunches and only be left with brunches, I would give it 5-stars. BUT as I cannot... it's just okay.
(3)
Celin W.

Great atmosphere for casual dining, especially since light comes through during the day. Service was also very efficient and friendly. Did not try the pizza here, so this 3.5 star rating is only for the dish "the hot mess" - which was good, but nothing too special. Two eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, very decent, quite delicious and filling, but nothing I would crave and be dying to go back for. Again, the pizza does sound good so maybe I should have gotten that instead.
(3)
Ana V.

Is it wrong of me to not love this place? I've been here twice. First time I had a margarita pizza and the other time it was a not pepperoni. It was okay...I didn't hate it. P.S. Their mint limeade is too bitter!!!
(2)
Melissa L.

Clam and bacon pizza, so good! We need to bring this back to the Midwest. It was a delicious balance between salty, briny, and bacony. The Hawaiian was nice in a bland sort of way. I would not get that one again. Cute space with a lot of light. It was kind of homey and modern, in a hipster sort of way without being too obnoxious. I also appreciated all the signs indicating all the doors that weren't the bathroom, and whether we were getting closer to the bathrooms. It got pretty busy by the time we finished but they let us finish out our card game, which was decent of them. I'd definitely hit this place up again the next time I'm in Cambridge.
(5)
Lauren G.

I went here a few months ago for brunch on a weekend with my older brother and boyfriend. It was easy getting a table - no long ridiculous brunch lines like at some other restaurants in Cambridge (e.g. S&S, City Girl Cafe, Veggie Galaxy) and Brookline (e.g. Zaftigs). The restaurant is really light and fresh, and a feeling of nonchalance permeates the place. No stuck up, hurried waiters, just real men and women who make you feel comfortable and allow you to enjoy brunch in peace. The coffee was superb and the cream was fresh. Both men got the famous hot mess (served in individual pans), which they were pleased with. The hot mess was a fine size, but not too big that it made them feel like a mess. I ordered the "kitchen sink" salad, a surprising choice for me as I usually go more for omelettes, pancakes, and other yummy only-for-brunch treats. However, I was not disappointed with a typical salad, but was surprised and satisfied with a large bowl of various colored lettuces, cheeses, chickpeas, and more, all covered with a light, zesty, lemony dressing. A4 is no bargain basement (if you are looking for both quality and affordability try the Brookline Diner in Central Square), but the prices were certainly nothing above what one pays at most other area establishments. Now I must go back to try their pizza!
(4)
Jen M.

We were looking forward to trying this place tonight. The manager would not let our kids sit at the table closest to the door because it was in the bar area, although not connected to the bar at all. The thing is, there was a kid sitting at the table right next to it! The manager said that it was ok because she was "significantly" older than our kids. She might have been 12, ours are 7 & 8- my 8 yr old was reading a book while waiting. A policy is a policy. If you aren't going to follow it, you are discriminating against us. It's a real shame. We will follow up with a call to the general manager too.
(1)
Meg C.

Came here on a Thursday with one other person.The food is excellent but the service is a little spotty. It was crowded and we were told it would be a 20-30 minute wait. No problem. We went to the bar and grabbed a couple of drinks. About 5 minutes later the hostess told us our table was ready. We proceeded to stand at the hostess stand for 5 minutes being totally ignored by her until we asked if she actually had a table for us. Once we sat down we waited another 5-10 minutes for a menu to appear and another 10 minutes before the waitress came to take any type of order. The food is excellent. We ordered the meatballs which were amazing. They had a different taste and texture than the typical italian meatballs, not really sure how to describe it. It tasted as if they used short rib for the bulk of the meat. Highly recommend if they have it on the menu. The garlic knots were also delicious. Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, which the perfect amount of garlic and oil. We ordered a the "not pepperoni" pizza and it was delicious with a perfect crust. The cheese was perfectly metled and tasted fresh. And the Sopressata was a nice change from typical pepperoni. Area Four is a great place for pizza. While the service isn't great they make up for it in really delicious food.
(4)
Cristina R.

Cool space for a cold, craft beer and crispy, crave-able pizza in Kendall. There was a 20 minute wait for a table for 2 on Thursday night. But no worries, we can drink while we wait! Scanning the variety of craft beer names on the chalkboard behind the bar, we're intrigued by a few but don't know what they taste like. No worries, you can ask for a sample! The stout didn't taste like much, but the wheat ale was delish. 2 please. Once seated, the waitress went over the specials, and we peruse the menu. Every single thing sounds appetizing (and I don't think it was just the hunger talking). We opt to share the Kitchen Sink salad and a small pizza. The clam & bacon or the sausage & banana pepper? We ask for the waitress's expert opinion. "They're both really good. Just different." Not very helpful. "The sausage and pepper does have a little kick to it." Great! We feel like getting kicked tonight. That one, please. The salad comes out first, and as its name suggests, it contains everything you would want to put on a salad (veggies, cheese, meat). The boring leaf to tasty topping ratio was on point while still feeling fresh. The pizza arrives a bit later, and was a great size for the 2 of us since we each got 3 slices. This place prides itself on its fermented, sourdough crust, and I can't blame them. The dough adds a special sour element which blends amazingly with the charred tones and toppings. The mozzarella blanketing the crust was freshly fallen snow, the tiny chunks of sausage and rings of pepper happy skiers, and the flecks of basil aromatic evergreen trees on Mt. Delicious.
(4)
Jillian R.

I've only come here for brunch on a Sunday, but OH BOY, am I hooked. I always order the biscuits and gravy, and for $5 I wouldn't order anyhting else. They are delicious and creamy and 100% worth waiting for a table for 45 lines. A friend ordered one of the skillet egg dishes, also incredibly delicious. I think it was a special but the breakfast pizza, OOOWEEE. Delish!!! I also went to the little cafe attatched and ordered a chai latte, absolutely delicious. The servers are great, but since the place is packed, can sometimes forget about you for a little bit. But like I said, totally worth it.
(4)
Andrew R.

Really, really good toppings. More on that later. The crust is good for about two bites, then it loses its crunch more or less. The sourdough taste is subtle and is very nice while it lasts. It fades from the taste buds before a second slice is started upon. Picco has a better overall crust. What Area Four excels at are the toppings. Phenomenal toppings on both the Mushroom & Fontina and the Caramelized Onion & Gorgonzola. These are so rich and every bite is a flavor explosion. The downside is the crust is all but lost, and you may wonder, "Why does it exist?" I just want to eat bowls of the toppings, going back and forth between the two until my stomach hurts. FYI, even if you drink tons of water before, during, and after your meal, you'll still be thirsty; there must be a crazy amount of sodium in those pizzas. Prices are more or less the same as other upscale pizza joints, though the size might be slightly smaller.
(4)
Steve L.

Cool space - very sheik and streamlined. Average beer list; was referred to this place to try the beers. Didn't really find anything super outrageous or unique, but enjoyed the place.
(4)
Steve L.

A bit expensive, but really succeeds on the pizza front. Hit Area Four with a large group of friends, and proceeded to order everything off the pizza menu. Good call! While toppings were certainly high points - particularly the clam/bacon, spinach/egg, blue cheese/onion varieties - pizzas succeeded due to a killer crust. Flour, water, salt, and a sourdough starter is all that's advertised; the stretchy, chewy, crunchy, flavorful product serves as proof of concept. Certainly wouldn't want to throw away any crusts here! Environment was certainly hyper-hipster, with a geeky twist. Imagine a Williamsburg pizza joint, if it were located in the front lawn of Novartis (which Area Four is). Beer menu was above average, but certainly no Meadhall in terms of pure variety.
(4)
Noa C.

I've been here multiple times and am always very happy with the food (sometimes with the service). I have gotten their pizza and it's lovely! Perfectly crispy crust, melted cheese, sauce that isn't too sweet and the right combination and amount of toppings. I also had their sticky bun of the day - almond joy: with chocolate-coconut center and an almond joy icing - YUM, though it could have been warmer, especially in the center. They have very limited cocktails for brunch, but the beer list is always rather impressive.
(4)
Jake F.

This is strictly a brunch review. Disclaimer that I wasn't particularly hungry when I came in so I didn't get to sample as much as I would have liked. Area four has a really nice feel to the inside. The woodburning ovens make it seem very cozy in the winter. The rest of the interior is fairly modern with a lot of fun signs and facts on the walls to look at. Hipsterish music playing but not at an unreasonable volume. Great place for a date. I got their version of juevos rancheros which came in a neat little cast iron skillet. The eggs sat on a bed of black beans, cheese and a hybrid smokey salsa/tomato sauce. Surprisingly filling. Pizza looked amazing so I will be back to try that.
(4)
Niv B.

Came here with a group of 6 and we ordered garlic knots (AMAZING) and two pizzas! The pizzas were delicious, especially the mushroom one, but definitely not worth $23. Overall, the place has a great ambience but a limited menu. The staff seemed friendly! Definitely worth checking out but not sure if I would be willing to pay that much for pizza.
(4)
Dan E.

The pizza is good, which is the only reason it avoided a 1-star rating... yes, the service was that bad. The seating is awkward, the salads inedible. Decent beer selection.
(2)
Rebecca S.

Definitely my favorite pizza place in Cambridge! Coming from Chicago, I am always wary of pizza establishments (deep dish and thin crust alike!). Area Four though has never disappointed. The pizza is just so so good. The garlic knots are delicious too! + the pricing and ambiance are on point. I come here quite often with locals and anyone who comes to visit and we all love it!
(5)
Catherine V.

Best oven pizza in Boston/cambridge. The place is cozy and the staff super friendly. It has a small bar in the waiting area. We absolutely loved the sausage and banana peppers. Also, the mushroom and fontina was fantastic. I'm a pizza lover so I'm very happy I found this place.
(5)
L B.

Let me preface this review by stating that it is based on the reputation of this place on Yelp and within the general Boston area restaurant community. I was very underwhelmed by the food here because it was so hyped. We started with the garlic knots and meatballs for the whole table. While the knots were tasty, I felt as though they could have been baked just a bit longer for an additional crusty texture. The positive was that the roasted garlic really improved the overall taste of this dish. The meatballs were just meh! Once again, I think they could have stayed in the oven a bit more because the texture was way too mushy for me. Maybe they were rushing the cook time to get items to the table since it was a Saturday night dinner crowd. With respect to the pizza, I was expecting a pretty good pie, but I was disappointed by the offerings. We ordered a large Margherita and a small Sausage with Banana peppers. The sausage was a bit grisly at times, but if there had been more of it on my pizza maybe I wouldn't have noticed it as much. The distribution of cheese on the pizza was also not done well. There were areas that had big globs of mozzarella and others that were almost bald. Furthermore, my complaint that the appetizers were not cooked long enough is not applicable to the pizza! The outer crust was a little to charred, which caused us to discard much of it. The only thing that was really positive about the experience is that our wait was not long (10 minutes at most) because we went over the Memorial Day weekend and the crowd was relatively light. I would have been mad if I had to wait for this disappointing dining experience. I should also add that the service was good as well. Hostess and wait staff were very friendly and attentive. If this is considered some of the best pizza in Boston, then I will have to go to NYC or New Haven, CT for my pizza fix.
(2)
Kim K.

Pleasantly surprised by this place! The service was good, food was delicious, and ambiance was really cool. The only down side was the price - $8 for a cup of soup is insane and $20 for an individual sized pizza is ridiculous. Wouldn't rush back but I'm glad to know this place exists in the abyss that is Kendall.
(3)
Michelle C.

Walking up to this place, I was smelling something so deliciously garlic....I had to try the garlic knots + supreme (cheese and marinara). They were loaded with cheese and it was very filling. I think next time I'll get the plain ones with marinara on the side. The weather was nice so we sat outside and our waiter was attentive and friendly. I was so stuffed from the knots that I only had one piece of my yummy mushroom pizza. Their brunch sounds/looks yummy, will have to come back to give it a try!
(3)
Dave M.

The menu, staff, recipes and concept are excellent BUT this is great if you like eating ashes. The pizza crust came out all burnt to the point that they were literally ashes. It wasn't just my pizza. Everyone else around me had the same thing. Why have excellent ingredients when you can't eat it? I've heard so many good reviews about this place, but it's the last time I'm eating here. It's not worth the effort to come here.
(1)
Cyrielle D.

Our first dinner in Boston. Such a good choice :) if you want a pizza, that's for sure the place ! Not the cheapest one but maybe the best one.
(4)
Meg K.

I love A4 Cafe with my heart and soul! Everyone who works here is super friendly. The coffee is great. Their specialty stuff is also really good. And I love the pastries.. especially the chocolate ganache peanut butter thing, J Bar, and the chocolate macadamia cookie. And the bagels! The bagels. Yes yes yes, especially the pecorino one :D
(5)
Tooraj H.

Best pizza around Kendall square. Classy ambiance and friendly staff. Highly recommend its kitchen sink salad and margarita pizza.
(5)
Annie S.

I've heard that Area IV is one of the best restaurants in Boston- in fact the 2014 best restaurant list recently came out and this is on it. So that said, I was expecting some sort of epic meal. Didn't quite deliver. The pizzas are definitely tasty, but they lacked that wow factor. The sausage & banana pepper pizza was particularly disappointing, the cheese was not super melted on, it was just sort of sitting there on the crust. But speaking of the crust, it was really delicious. debatably the best part of the pizzas... I probably wouldn't come back for dinner but I do hear great things about brunch as well so I can't rule that out until I've tried out
(3)
Francesco R.

We went there last night with a group of friends. As Italian I am pretty picky when it comes to pizza but this was surprisingly good. We had the garlic bread, which was pretty good then we shared 2 large pizzas: mushrooms and fontina, which was abs my favorite and a margherita with soppressata, which did not enthused me much. I mean, the dough was in both pizzas pretty good but the soppressata tasted a tad weirdly. We finished with 2 wood Apple crisp, which were ok. I'd have put some vanilla ice cream instead of the whipped cream but all in all a decent dessert. Great service very friendly and warming with a good sense of humor!
(4)
S.B. B.

Definitely agree with President Obama...amazing pizza! Really creative, fresh and tasty. Place was packed on a Wednesday night!
(4)
Si S.

Their pizza is pretty good, although the crust was a little too burned for my taste. I really like the ambiance, lots of open space and it had a nice feel. What really impressed me was their beer/cider selection. Lots of local brews that all looked great.
(4)
Ray C.

Don't get me wrong, the coffee was delicious. I ordered a cappuccino, and I'm usually a coffee snob, and this was above and beyond, and you even got to choose your beans. The environment was much better and less pretentious than Voltage, and you got served much faster Why the two stars? The service ruined the whole experience. I know it's cool and hip to wear an UNH shirt and have one word answers and act like you don't care and frown like this isn't cool; but when you're the barista and I'm a paying customer, not so much. I know this is Cambridge and I'm not hipster enough for it, but #SorryImNotSorry.
(2)
A. D.

It's ok, just ok. Very expensive.
(3)
Sarah W.

How YUMMY! We went for brunch. It started with a special almond joy breakfast bun. Decadence on a plate. Two of us got coffee, one got a beautiful nice tea, and I got a delicious whole milk steamer with honey -- perfection! The brioche french toast bread pudding felt more like french toast than bread pudding, but it was still tasty. The hot mess was AMAZING. The brussels sprouts salad was... phenomenal. I love salad, and I loved this. The service was excellent as well. A fantastic brunch place and I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Britt S.

I get that people have gripes about this place. I can see why and I don't care. I still love it here in spite of these complaints. Sometimes, when it's really busy, the service can be slow. Welcome to any good restaurant ever in an urban setting. Sure, maybe it is trying too hard to be too many different things - cafe, pizza, "high class"but casual, and so on. It's a coffee shop and restaurant and bar in one. Call me an optimist; I'll continue to consider it a triple threat. It's Cambridge and that means there will always be a few voices making thinly-veiled hipster cracks by saying the bartender was acting "too cool" or intentionally inattentive. I've had slow, average service sitting at the bar at Area Four. I've also had lots of great chats with many great bartenders here. Sometimes the world just picks up what we put down. Everyone has bad days. Patience is a part of going out at peak hours. It will cost you a bit. I say again, it's Cambridge. You can expect this most everywhere from Harvard to Kendall and there are far more mediocre places around the area charging similar prices. Aside from all that, here's what is worth knowing...this is the best Bloody Mary in Boston. No contest. I no longer live in Cambridge and still regularly long for it on weekend afternoons. My partner tries to get one every time we go - even if we go on a Friday night. It's that good. The fact that you can choose between a basket of goodies and pizza whilst sipping your Bloody Mary just makes this place infinitely more awesome in my book. I'm a big fan no matter the hits, misses, or moments in between.
(5)
Cliff H.

Steel. Stone. Delicious. Stopped here for brunch a while back and walked away 4 star impressed. Neat cafe area off the restaurant. Steel clean lines. Friendly service. A good stop for brunch.
(4)
sherrie s.

Every Pizza is burnt, ordered salad: $12 one string bean + a dozen of small leave, totally not worth it. The pork rib plate only has 3 small pieces. The pizza sauce is supermarket canned kind, so salty, not original. Very disappointed, so does our neighbor customers.
(1)
John B.

It's good. But not THAT good. The service, ingredients, and drinks are good. But it's not as nice as it makes itself out to be. I had the garlic knots (ok) and not pepperoni: again it was good but not great. My problem is this place is all about image. The service was really fast, we had drinks and app and a pizza in about 30 min. They might have rushed us out because we didn't have a reservation, ooooo even though there were plenty of seats. Basically Emma's is much much better.
(3)
Julia C.

Area Four is my favorite pizza place in the Boston area! I love the chewy, thin sourdough (made with 15 years old starter!) crust. I generally find the crust edges on pizzas to be dry and gross, but I'll polish off every bite when I'm here. I also love that they make their own mozzarella in-house, and that the ingredients are locally sourced as much as possible. My favorite pizza is the clam and bacon -- every friend I've brought here voiced suspicion when I recommend it, but once they've had a bite, they love it. Some other favorite pizzas are sausage + banana peppers, sopressata, and the gorgonzola + caramelized onions. Unfortunately their pizza doesn't reheat very well, which is fine, because there rarely are any leftovers to take home anyways :-) The cocktails here are fantastic, and the cocktail lists are updated seasonally. My current favorite is Doctor Robert's Fix (with Citadelle gin, mmmmmm) and the Frost Biter (with a medieval fruit syrup called shrub). They also have a great beer list, making it super hard to pick a drink whenever I visit. It's a bit more spendy than two dollar signs (most pizzas start close to $20 for a small), but the food is absolutely worth every penny. They are usually full for dinner on weekdays and weekends, but I haven't waited more than 15-20 minutes or so. UPDATED: They're not affiliated with Ward 8. Sorry about the misinformation!
(5)
Ari P.

My first encounter at Area IV was a farewell party for one of my favorite co-workers. Despite the somewhat poignant occasion, the venue was great and the food was also pretty tops. I went with Mainerweiss, and the bartender even let me have a taste before buying. It was a strange one, but I did have full disclosure before taking the glass. As for the food, I decided to have the supreme garlic knots, which were, by all accounts incredibly heavy and delicious. Perhaps a tad heavy on the salt but it is bar food after all. Fun place, the outside square is pretty sterile, but the interiors are great with wood accents and metal chairs. The bartenders are pretty easy on the eye as well ;)
(4)
The K.

It's a little hit or miss at Area Four unfortunately. They've got a good thing going - the coffee-bar-pizza restaurant for the Kendall Sq crowd. The food and coffee are reasonably good if not nearing the most expensive pizzas in the Boston area. But on a recent stop-in, it became clear that not everything operates in the way it should and that service/charm could be improved. Sidling up to the bar sometime after 3pm, we were disappointed when told that there was no food being served until dinner. The server, prompted by one of our incredulous members, proceeded on a rather ridiculous soliloquy about how this was a "high-class" place which as she spoke made less and less sense, since high-class and pizza aren't two concepts that you immediately put together. Then at the end of this rambling, she said she would find out from the kitchen if it was "possible" to make garlic knots, which of course immediately conjures up "high-class." Seriously - just consider a bar menu and when customers seem disappointed by a lack of food, it's only because they want to spend money and eat at your establishment - please avoid defensive speeches. My enthusiasm for stepping back into Area Four fell significantly that day and what with the prices of high-class pizza getting close to 30 bucks these days, it's an easier decision. My hope is that given all of the success they are having they could find the motivation to address some of these deficiencies.
(2)
Jon S.

I've had better pizza. And definitely better salad. Was it terrible? No, but there are better and cheaper pizza places around. We split the Kitchen Sink (or something like that) salad and a large Hawaiian pizza. The two of us were concerned that we would have too much food, but we both ended up leaving a little hungry. The Kitchen Sink salad just looked sad on the plate. I know it contains some fancy toppings, but it legitimately looked like it came out of some hospital cafeteria. The Hawaiian pizza wasn't bad. The quality of the toppings were far better than the typical fare of Domino's or Papa John's, and the pizza was covered in cilantro (major plus in my book). But the crust was a little too thin, and the center of the pizza was a little soggy. Bottom line: avoid the salad. It's mediocre and terribly overpriced. The pizza's are okay, but don't expect to leave full, and definitely not stuffed. Come if you must, but it's not on the top of my list.
(3)
Tiana C.

My new favorite restaurant. This place is my kind of atmosphere. I need to venture to Cambridge more often for eats I think. I didn't know A4 was famous for their pizza and I went around 11 AM. I had the Kitchen Sink salad half portion and the Mac and Cheese. Best Mac and cheese I've had in Boston at a restaurant. Somehow very light and very delicious. The salad is also probably the best restaurant salad I've had. It literally had everything in it making it awesome. I will definitely go again and get pizza. They really make everything homemade and it shows. Plus, as a Pacific Northwesterner, the craft beer selection was a huge plus. I recommend this place!
(5)
Gabriella R.

Wanted to like this place. Great vibes, music, staff. The Hawaiian pizza was average tastiness which was disappointing considering the $26 price and how hungry I was. We also had the trio dip, which was nothing to write home about, but was devoured considering the hungriness level. After a $70 tab which consisted will of two drinks, an appetizer and a shared large pizza, I was upset we hadn't spent our money somewhere else.
(3)
Chloe B.

I was here with three friends a couple of weeks ago and can't believe I've managed to wait so long to come here. Two of the fours of us are what I would call seasoned Area Four experts so they knew just what to order. We had the garlic knots, the mac 'n cheese (plus bacon) and a Margherita pizza as well as the one with caramelized onions. Those items plus a couple of good beers made for a great, reasonably priced dinner in Kendall. I'll be back to try out the brunch in the next few weeks, and I hope this perpetual MIT favorite is just as good then as for dinner!
(4)
Liliana C.

Been here many times now. The pizza is awesome, but that's something you'll find out right off the bat if you come here. A more well kept secret: their banana split is the shit.
(5)
Angela D.

At around $15/person, this is a splurge for students, but if you're up for it, it's well worth it! When you enter, the vibe is hip and cool, everything you'd expect in the Cambridge student-centric neighborhood. Be warned, you have to be in the right mood if Area Four is going to satiate your hunger. This is not a "I'm-so-hungry, let's get pizza" kind of pizza. It's more of a "Are you hungry? I could eat" kind of pizza. The large will feed a party of two with average appetites. Regardless, the delightfully crispy thin crust topped with fresh, delicious ingredients is a party in your mouth. I have yet to try the beer/liquor here, but it seems like they have a decent selection. Would I return? Absolutely. On a college budget though, it probably will be later than I hope.
(4)
Erik S.

Been here 4-5 times. The wood fired pizza is excellent. The dough is exceptional. We shared the caramelized onion/Gorgonzola pizza, the sausage/banana pepper pizza and a special (pesto/goat cheese) pizza. Pick any pizza. You can't go wrong. We also had the garlic knots (supreme - adds sauce and cheese). The knots are more like small biscuits rather than what I usually expect as for knots. They are also delicious. There is always a great selection of beers on tap. The only negatives are: 1) Ambiance - lively crowds and hard surfaces (glass, concrete, steel and aluminum) make this a really LOUD space. It's not ideal for quiet conversation. 2) The menu is actually kind of limited. It's pretty much all about the pizza. The garlic knots are basically a deconstructed pizza. There are a couple salads but, a bunch of non-pizza-like apps would go a long way toward broadening the selection.
(4)
Joanna F.

The hubby and I came in on a Friday night around 5:30 pm before seeing a movie. We were seated immediately in the back of the restaurant by a window. Love the sleek upscale atmosphere. Our waiter was prompt and helpful. We ordered a brussels sprouts salad and a pizza to split. Both were great. The brussels sprouts salad was amazing (kale, brussels sprouts, parm, hazelnuts, with a great lemoney dressing). I could have eaten five of those salads on my own. We went for the caramelized onion and gorgonzola pizza which was definitely good but REALLY overwhelmingly gorgonzola heavy. I love gorgonzola so it was a huge issue for me, but I could see how it would be. The sauce also appeared to be simply caramelized onions. I would probably try out a red sauce next time. Either way good food, good service, good drink selection. I would come back for sure!
(4)
JF S.

I continue to love the food here. And I always say please and thank you because I'm just that kind of person, but JFC would it kill the broads that work in the cafe weekday mornings to crack a smile and be nice to the customer? Sheesh.
(4)
Frederick S.

Drove to Union Square to get two pizzas, a Fennel Sausage/Pepper and a Margarita pie. Pizza are not huge, but what is lacking in quantity is definitely made up for with the quality of the ingredients. There is a lot of crust which I though could of been used for more ingredients, but the crust was some of the softest and tastiest with the bottom having some small oven cooked black marks on the bottom. Delicious! Want to go back and eat it at the restaurant while it is piping hot, with a draft craft brew. Yeah baby!
(4)
Tim D.

3.5, really. I liked this place when it opened--the pizza was just a step down from Posto (that's a compliment), but it was cheaper and the wait wasn't as bad. Well, now it's just as expensive and the wait can be equally atrocious. I still enjoy going there, but it's not my go-to pizza place anymore.
(3)
Patricia G.

I fell in love with their pizza the first time I went there. I had the "Not Pepperoni" and it was amazing. However, the second time I ordered the onion/Gorgonzola pie and could barely get through the first slice. It was incredibly salty (likely because of the nature of Gorgonzola cheese) and the flavors did not balance each other out. So long story short, their pizza rocks but don't get that one. Maybe pull an Obama, and get the mushroom-fontina :).
(4)
Emily R.

This place was awesome! Went there on New Years Day with some friends. Little bit hard to find, but once we got there we loved it! The atmosphere is fun and eclectic, the service was wonderful, and the food was great! Clearly I have nothing but good things to say, highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun brunch in the Cambridge area.
(5)
Andrew C.

Been coming here since it opened. The menu continues to evolve and the prices are reasonable for this area. Great beer selection and not bad cocktails. This is a great place to go during any time of day. (as long as their opened of course) Very chill place, not too big, but can accommodate fairly large groups.
(4)
Wayne L.

Saw this on food network's best pizza show for the carnivore pizza and it was awesome. Started out with garlic knots supreme style let me describe, they take marinara sauce, fill the bottom of the skillet, add garlic knots, cover in cheese melt and add basil, a dish full of greatness I want more right now. Wait can be long and they do take reservations. Also they bring food as it is done so if you want an app order it first with your drinks before ordering your food. Will return whenever I am in Boston.
(5)
TinoX T.

Good food,good Mood,
(3)
Brynn S.

BRUNCH REVIEW Most of my Sunday mornings start off contemplating where to eat. Relying on Yelp, per usual, I searched brunch within a 20 mile radius. Area Four looked promising, so across the bridge I went... I made the right call! Local farm eggs and the BEST BACON I've ever had. Great housemade Bloody Maria by a professional modern bartender. Solid Margherita pizza too. It's popular (for good reason) so I'd recommend making a reservation, but we got a seat at the bar right away. I'll definitely be back for the buttermilk biscuits...
(5)
Gina M.

The fifth star arrived a long time ago. Area Four actually did step up their wine program, which is great. Service and food continue to be outstanding and consistent. My favorite restaurant in the area for the past couple of years (well, favorite place where i can afford to go often!). Please bring the food truck back! I cannot accept that it is on "sabbatical" in TN this summer. No no no no.
(5)
Ramzy K.

Located in the up-and-coming Kendall Square/MIT district, Area Four effortlessly embodies the best of this locale: a young, professional atmosphere gives way to a hoppin' bar scene, a creative menu, and fresh food, all served by cool, student-aged staff. A4's dishes are mouthwatering, whether it's the baked and juicy chicken or pulled-pork style, grass-fed meatballs. Most of the dishes are app-sized and great for sharing, tapas-style. The main attraction, though, is the pizza, which is thin crust and freshly topped with original combos, like caramelized onions and Gorgonzola. The bar and the atmosphere complement the food well. The beer selection is great, and the seasonal cocktails are unconventional and refreshingly tasty. The customers are enjoying their time, making the mood vibrant and comfortable. A few gripes are worth mentioning. The staff may be, at times, too young and inexperienced, leading to occasionally poor service. Also, the menu is a little limited; returning customers might find it hard to branch out. Yet these smaller issues are largely overshadowed by the simple fact that A4 is a great restaurant. The mood is not too fancy, and not too casual. The prices are not cheap, but not too expensive. The place is not too small, but not too big. The flavors are not too bland, but not too rich. Perhaps this is A4's best quality: it's just right.
(4)
Danielle W.

Stopped in for lunch while in the area and was pleasantly surprised! The waiter was very knowledgeable about the beer selection and describing their local brews. I tried the gyro, and it was absolutely amazing! The flavors melded together perfectly. I highly recommend this eatery for anyone in the MIT area.
(5)
Amanda G.

The pizza at Area Four is something to write home about. Damn, so good. The flavor profiles of these pies are innovative. Happy I ignored the cognitive dissonance brought on by the idea of combining bacon and clams because that pizza is something special. More please! Also tried the homemade sausage and banana pepper pizza which also delights taste buds. I'm in Boston three more nights and it will be hard not to revisit Area Four each one of these. Wish we had one in Chicago, which has not been the same since Great Lake closed up shop. PS: Lovely local beer selection too!
(5)
Kristin G.

Relish pizza. Best that I have found so far in Boston!
(5)
Zoe P.

We waited for an hour with no service. The servers had no hustle. If you're going to have a busy brunch service, learn how to manage the crowd.
(1)
Sebastian N.

This is my favorite pizza in Boston. Simplicity done well. Their crust is amazing. Any of the pizza combos are killer. Plus, they make their own Mozzarella, how crazy is that! The pork ribs are dynamite, and the banana split is amazing.
(5)
Cassie S.

Area Four was our go-to in Kendall when I lived there for about a year. Interesting menu items (kitchen sink salad and Hawaiian pizza were my faves) and great drinks Bantam cider!) A fun atmosphere and the wait isn't usually too long. Their brunch is really good too!
(4)
Eilif M.

Great food, fresh ingredients, fantastic service. I don't come to Cambridge a lot but I'd come back for this place.
(5)
Patti K.

Visited for the first time today for lunch; was somewhat busy, as expected it would be. As I'd already read, it was pricy, but overall it was great. We didn't have to wait long to be seated, and we got a nice "patio" table in the shade (great for people watching.) Our server was warm, attentive and apologized for the slowness of the kitchen (not a big deal). Too often of late it seems servers just brush off slow food, but this time we were pleased that the wait time was acknowledged so genuinely. My salad, though delicious, was not worth $12, although the peppered hazelnuts were a refreshing addition. The shaved mushrooms were a nice, eatable touch. Our Martguerita pizza had unbelievably elastic mozzarella, a real treat, though $13 for the small was overpriced. It seems all the pizza crusts are intentionally served with burnt spots which is puzzling; though it was tender and tasty. Overall, a good visit, but only for an occasional "treat."
(3)
Jorge R.

Awful service! The hostess didn't have control on the waitlist at all. Not even an apology.
(2)
Itay M.

A bit overpriced
(4)
Katie C.

My boyfriend and I went to Area Four for brunch yesterday and it did not disappoint. The decor is fairly modern and simple with both a bar and coffee shop when you walk in with the seating area towards the back. We had great bloody marys the hot mess, ranchero mess and the "not peperoni" pizza. I can't say enough good things about the flavorful delicious food, friendly service and great laid-back atmosphere.
(5)
Debra Z.

Seriously amazing Southwest flavors in the Hot Mess and breakfast pizza!!! I've spent lots of time in the southwest and typically disappointed with New England attempts to replicate the flavorings. Area Four hits a home run! Make sure to get a reservation because this place is packed during brunch, and rightfully so.
(5)
Kushal M.

Came here for brunch. It's a really nice place with really good food. The portion sizes are also normal - not as big as they seem on the menu. Definitely try: The Hot Mess - for brunch. Orange juice - freshly squeezed with pulp :)
(4)
David C.

Brunch Review! Although I didn't get to try any of the raved about dishes that led Boston Magazine to proclaim Area Four one of Boston's 50 Best Restaurants, I still rather enjoyed my meal there. Unless you're in the mood for pizza, Area Four's menu is quite limited as far as brunch options go. I opted to get a nice fall salad with arugula, candied pumpkin seeds, and roasted apples, butternut squash, and chicken. Ever bite was like a taste of autumn, and the portion size was generous. What was even more generous was the size of the sticky bun Andrea B. and I decided to split for dessert. This thing was a $6 monstrosity (see attached photo) that nearly gave me diabetes and a mouthful of cavities after only one bite. It's not listed on the menu (we just happened to see a waitress walking by with one for another table), but you'd be crazy not to ask for it. Awesome service coupled with a fun, lively atmosphere make Area Four a great dining destination for just about anyone. I will most certainly be back for dinner.
(4)
Michele H.

Apparently I need to come here for pizza. So far, I've only had baked goods. What I can tell you is to sink into a ginger molasses cookie. They are spiced with fresh ginger, but not too potent, and offer just the right amount of chew.
(4)
Kacey R.

Went here for brunch with a friend on a hungover morning, on the way to the Garment District (which, by the looks of it, is what most people seem to do in Kendall on the weekends!). My friend and I were pretty hungry and glad there wasn't a wait. We were seated immediately! Yay! The service was a bit slow, but I think that's because they seem to cook everything in one, huge, wood-powered oven. So scrambled eggs are not an option (for anyone hoping) but the Hot Mess is a hangover breakfast dream! I got the veggie and it was wonderful. Just the right size, the eggs were done perfectly, and the relish on top was just the right amount of flavorful without being too spicy. Mmmmm. Their lemonade was also probably some of the best I've had in Boston. It basically tastes like you're sucking on a lemon, which some people may not like but I LOVED! Very natural, not a lot of sugar, and made with carbonated water. The people next to us got a sticky bun which looked ah-mazing, but alas, I am gluten free and cannot consume such wonders. The only 'off' thing about this place was the still water. It tasted like maybe it was infused with something but not all the way, and it was a little carbonated. I took a look around and not a lot of people were drinking plain water, so I assume they were just as weirded-out by it as I was...
(4)
Melissa W.

Been here for dinner twice. The pizza is really great - the dough makes it, which is why on my second trip I ordered the garlic knots. They're addictive, especially with the awesome red sauce for dipping, which there definitely isn't enough of on the pizzas. I also got the shredded brussels sprouts and kale salad with added bacon, which was one of the most hearty, filling and scrumptious salads I've ever had. Was definitely full after those two dishes! Can't wait to come back and try the brunch.
(4)
Allie M.

Not impressed AT ALL. We came here for brunch with five people. The food was pretty decent but the portions are way smaller in comparison to what you can get for the same price in the same area. And the service was pretty terrible. The hostesses were completely incompetent and kind of rude. Seriously, if I had acted like that at any of my restaurant jobs, I would have been fired. We got there right when it opened when the whole place was basically open and it took THREE of them to seat us in a silly amount of time. Our waiter wasn't much better. He brought us coffee with no milk or sugar and proceeded to take other orders until we had to go find him and ask him ourselves. And it took over forty minutes for our food to come out. I mean really the service was embarrassing. I won't be going back.
(2)
Nikki C.

NYC was all out of pizza so we decided to drive to boston. Our car ran out of gas right outside of Area Four- luckily Amy was there and guided us through amazing menu selections. Clam bacon pizza saved our lives. We couldn't pay for the meal so Amy cut us a deal and we drew her some cartoons. Area 4 is not a government coverup. The truth is out there.
(5)
Danielle F.

This place is solid! A great addition to the increasingly awesome Kendall Square dining options. The restaurant is a combo: one side is a cafe by day, and at night there is a decent-sized restaurant serving brunch and dinner. The highlight of the open kitchen in the restaurant is the large wood-fired oven. I've only visited the restaurant side for dinner, but have it on the "to-try" list for brunch. There is a varied drink list available, with a number of tasty cocktails, wines, whiskeys, and draft beers on the menu. There should be something for everyone. Service is attentive and proactive. On a recent visit, I left impressed with the team approach to service and clearly great communication by the staff. If you are in the mood for a starter, I'd suggest the trio of dips. Slices of warm pita come with Tzatziki, Beet-Horseradish PurÃ©e, Green Chickpea Hummus. All of them are delicious, but I am somewhat partial to the beet dip, which is so smooth and carries the perfect amount of zip from the horseradish. If you run out of pitas, you can request more, or can save it and use your pizza crust as the bread. The pizzas are fantastic. The dough is light and gets a great crisp from the oven. While most of the toppings cater to meat-eaters, there are a few options for those shunning meat. Personally, I am a big fan of the puttanesca, which is not too anchovy-y (yes, I know that's not a word, just go with it) and the mushroom/fontina pizza. A small is still a good sized pie. In summary, a great casual dining experience with excellent food and drink choices. A worthy competitor in the growing Kendall Square area.
(4)
Marcel P.

I'd like to say just one thing to this establishment where I've been rudely denied a drink because of my foreign ID for the first time in my four years in the United States: "you're not wrong, you're just an asshole." I had to have their super salty pizza without being able to enjoy a beer, which is a very sad situation.
(2)
Leonard A.

Really good, if a bit pricy pizza. The kitchen sink salad was also excellent, but also pricy. Interesting beer and cider list; my friend and I both found new flavors to experience. Typical, MIT ultramodern decor.
(4)
Kim P.

Great pizza, great drinks, great place to spot Junot Diaz (not that I'm a stalker but I totally saw him leaving when I was on my way in and had to give pause). The service was attentive, fast, polite without being overbearing and/or obnoxious. If Junot Diaz likes it (I don't know, is he Yelping?), then I love it.
(4)
Adam G.

Very nice staff, amazing Bloody Mary, but steer clear of the messy ranchero. It was mostly sauce, with a pineapple salsa that was just big chunks of pineapple thrown on top. I was envious of the hot mess next to me, not the person, but the meal, will try that next time. The scene was casual and friendly, hope to come again and give it another chance to hit a 4/5.
(3)
Maha H.

The reason I gave 2 stars instead of 1 is because the waiter was very friendly. As for everything else, I have to say that this place was a total disappointment. The decor is boring...being based by MIT, I was hoping for some exciting and innovative decor to be happening! The food was truly AWFUL and a disappointment. We went for brunch and I ordered the breakfast sandwich as they don't have much variety when it comes to brunch. It just looked so plain, boring and not at all appetising. Now, I was then hoping maybe beauty was skin deep and I would love this when I tried it but oh dear, the flavour was soooo bland I just ate it and was regretting the calories as it was not tasty! Oh well, a friend picked the spot for brunch based on the 'Best of Boston' apparently but I'm not sure how they got that??!
(2)
Nat G.

In January 2015, we had an excellent Margherita Pizza (with mozzarella, tomato, Pecorino, and basil), plus additional sausage topping. Very flavorful, including the crust. Only negative: too salty at times. Jordan, our server, was very pleasant and helpful. The Boont (i.e., Boonville, CA) amber ale from Anderson Valley Brewing was also excellent.
(4)
Maurice T.

Even $20+ pizzas were awesome and worth it...especially the mushroom one. Has an awesome vibe and while I was hesitant to go in the first place due to prices, I am glad we went because it was worth every penny!
(5)
Anne J.

Why play such loud music when the restaurant is full and already noisy with customer shouted conversations? The caliber of food did not overcome the discomfort of the noise level.
(1)
Hannah R.

I've only been to the restaurant side, and I freaking love it. The pizza, the apps, the chicken, the salad....put it all in me right now please. The pizza dough is made with sourdough. IT'S MADE WITH SOURDOUGH, DO YOU HEAR ME?! Brilliant. Brilliant. I really love the puttanesca pizza, because it's salty and caper-y and has anchovies on it. The Kitchen Sink salad is perhaps the only salad I look forward to ordering in a restaurant (I love salads, but come on.) The inside is trendy and kitschy at the same time, and the beer and wine selections are on point. I've had the sangria, and that was excellent as well. This is a restaurant that screams to me, "TREAT. YO. SELF." And I'm like, "OK."
(4)
Laura W.

I had a half hour before a movie and were rushing like crazy and our amazing waiter had us in and out in 20 min. Not only that but the food was amazing! I got biscuits and gravy and the breakfast sandwich and the baked goods were fluffy fresh and rich. Just delicious all around. Farm fresh eggs. I even think the sausage was homemade (and so freakin good).
(5)
Jeremy K.

I had lived in Kendall Square for over 5 years, patiently awaiting for a hotspot... a bar... a restaurant... for anything to open. This was 2+ years ago and since then many spots have open, making that neighborhood a new hotspot. Area Four was amongst the first few to open and I could hardly contain my excitement as I went there for the first time. Since my first visit, I've been a few times, to get a quick coffee or for a drink. I've even been for dinner. The neat thing about Area Four is the space, which has three very distinctive areas: the cafe, the bar and the restaurant. Each is separated by walls, has it's own staff and seems to operate independently from the others. Having been to all three, I can honestly say that it somehow works and that the concept is neat. I'm surprised that no establishment has really tried that concept before in the Boston area. This enables them to adapt to the time of day and crowd. The cafe is open for breakfast and for lunch, through some of the afternoon but shut downs in late afternoon in order to focus on the cocktail and beer drinking, dinner eating crowd. I've had a few sandwiches from the cafe for lunch and each was pretty tasty although they were made in advance instead of to order. While there was nothing wrong with them, there also wasn't anything special about them either. My visit to the bar was pleasant and they have a decent selection of beer and spirits but again nothing too special. The cocktails were decent but far from impressive. What really shined there though and what has made me come back was my meal there. I've had a few dishes there and each was pretty well fulfilled and affordable as well. They have this giant oven that they use, much like Posto in Somerville does, to cook up and finish off some of their dishes and they utilize it well in the menu's execution. I've had their baba ganouj appetizer which came with some .za'atar and house-made pita ($5) which I found to be tasty and a great, affordable way to start a meal. Great for sharing as well. The presentation is neat as well as it comes served in a small cast-iron dish. I've also had their chicken salad with arugula and tomatoes which came to around $11 if I can recall correctly (it is no longer listed on their site) and I've also had a bite of a few of their pizzas including the margherita and the caramelized onion and gorgonzola one. While the pizzas are good and decently priced, I didn't find them to be incredible. Posto has much better ones in my opinion. That being said, they are still good as was the rest of the food there. One thing that I have not done is get brunch there. I need to at some point, their menu seems interesting and exciting enough. From bagels to breakfast sandwiches and even pastries which are baked daily at their cafe. All in all the place is solid and the staff friendly and adaptable; they were even able to whip up an Arnold Palmer per my request and it was delish. The decor is very modern, sleek and some of the tables will force you to bump elbows with strangers which isn't bad and a bit fun. But you could also get a regular table there although I'd recommend you make a reservation if possible because the place does get packed.
(4)
Jeff D.

While most of the food here is delicious, this place is really about the pizzas which are exceptional. I got the goat special. Goat, cheese, thinly sliced veggies allowed to slightly wilt. Fantastic. My wife and her friend both got the margherita. A classic pie that is done exceptionally well here. House made dough, house made cheese. You can't beat it.
(4)
Ali B.

Chef Matt Gaudet from West Bridge (AMAZING restaurant) told me that Area Four had some of the best pizza in Boston so I'd been wanting to try it. Overall the experience did not disappoint. We had a reservation on a Tuesday night. It was incredibly crowded and loud. The server told us that there was a large party there that was even larger than expected. The atmosphere is very cool and hipster. The seats are close together. I had the brussels sprouts salad which was AMAZING. And the mint lime soda was delicious. I got the special pizza which had fontina cheese, mushrooms, asparagus, arugula, and I can't remember what else. My dining companion got the carnivore pizza. We both got the large size so that we could have left-overs. The prices are a bit steep but you are getting quality ingredients. Both of the pizzas were delicious. My friend got a cookie skillet dessert which was quite tasty. I got the strawberry rhubarb crisp to go and haven't eaten it yet. I'd definitely go back. The vibe was good and so was the food. One thing of interest to note: sometimes your server changes so don't be surprised if more than one person attends to your table.
(4)
Yelena Y.

Went here for brunch with a girl friend this morning and had a great time. We got to the place at 10.15 and washed 15 mins to not wait for a table for brunch. Brunch was great had easy over eggs and english muffins. Definitely ask for the jam. It's not too sweet like many jams and feels like my mother made it. The only set back is that its expensive for eggs and they dont take reservations. Otherwise it's great.
(4)
Matt M.

[a glowing update in response to yet another great experience. Highly recommended for a casual, yet high quality dinner with a date or friends.] Area Four was my first yelp review and my love for this place hasn't waned since my first visit a few years ago. It's almost the perfect place for dinner with a date or a few friends. The menu is small, but the food is great and reasonably priced. The drink menu, which again while not huge, is well-constructed and the waitstaff and bartenders are all great about answering questions and providing suggestions. The ambiance is also really cool: clean, open, modern, and totally unpretentious. It's exactly what I want in a cool neighborhood dinner spot. During my most recent visit with a friend, our server Eric was fantastic. He was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about everything on the menu. He was great about recommending beers and was attentive without being overbearing. Experiences like that (OK, and the pizza too...) are what will keep me coming back to this place as long as I'm living in Boston.
(5)
Vincent L.

Bos G. and Jeremy K's reviews pretty much sum it up. There are three sections to Area Four: a cafe in front, a bar in the middle, and a bistro in back. I can vouch for the cafe, where you can get quality, individually brewed coffee from local roasters, as well as some scrumptious candy bar-like pastries. It closes early, at about 6pm, while the bar next door is open late every night and boasts an extensive beer selection. My only regret was not having had more time to try out the restaurant while I was in town. Overall, a beautiful, modern, glass-enclosed space frequented by scientists, researchers, and engineers that's a welcome focal point to a transformed neighborhood.
(4)
Aaron B.

Food is good but be ready to wait and wait and wait to be seated as they don't take reservations and they can't seat many people. Great pizza.
(4)
Hana K.

I love the atmosphere and location of this cool, chic bar with their unique quotes on walls/menus and cool modern industrial decorations but was very disappointed with their long wait time, food and drinks. Food: Puttanesca pizza -- The brick oven roasted like pizza was burnt everywhere and the ingredient just did not taste fresh. This is more a personal preference but as a non-cheese lover, I wish they used mozzarella instead of pecorino. Drinks: Dark & Stormy -- My drink was waaay too gingery and painful to drink. I think they used ginger puree instead of ginger beer. I think we just ordered the wrong things so I'm willing to give this place another try. Plus, the server was very polite and kind, brought over a side dish of olive oil for our pizza crust. Tip: If you're deciding between two pizzas, I heard the waiter suggest to the table next to us that you can get your pizza half & half.
(2)
Ravi P.

Really like this place. I am vegetarian and they have plenty of brunch and dinner options that are pretty good. Also a pretty good number of good beers on tap. This place gets packed so you might have to wait but it is well worth it.
(5)
Julie F.

After having a good first experience at Area Four, my boyfriend and I decided to go again. When we arrived, they were not busy. We told those behind the hostess' podium that we wanted a table. Well, the woman told us that she had to wait for the hostess to return. We stood there awkwardly for a few minutes and watched other parties attempt to get a table. Eventually, someone told us that it would be a few minutes because the kitchen needed to catch up with the orders. My boyfriend asked if we could at least sit down at a table since there were many of them available. The woman told us that we would have to wait. We sat on a bench by the door. After a few more minutes, a hostess finally sat us. We ordered garlic knots to share and two mac and cheese entrees. We were asked if we wanted sauce with the knots, and we said sure. The garlic knots were tasty. When the mac and cheese entrees arrived, they were served in small cast iron skillets on wooden trays that were slightly bigger than the skillets. The trays need to be a lot bigger because I tried to move my meal closer to me and ended up touching the skillet which was very hot. The mac and cheese itself was mediocre. This one had no flavor at all. The portion was a bit small, but that could have been forgiven had this been a good mac and cheese. I did not finish the bland mac and cheese. My boyfriend had the same opinion. When the check arrived, we were a bit surprised to see that we were charged an additional $2 for the small bowl of sauce that came with the garlic knots. Perhaps that should be mentioned by the server or be written on the menu (the menu said you could make the knots "supreme" for an additional $3). We were really disappointed in our experience.
(2)
Corey L.

Visited late on a Saturday night with my friend. It's a cool place, definitely has style. I've been there 3 times now, each being really good. Servers are cool and knowledgable. The food is always great. Had the clam and bacon pizza: like clam chowda on a pizza: was aweseome Had the fennel, sausage, and pepper pizza: also really good, with some kick to it, but not too much. Overall, always have a great time here. Cool place, cool ppl, great food
(4)
Adn B.

if you get the right barista, great caps & lattes. the quality has been a little spotty lately, but overall very good
(5)
Lucy B.

This place was cute and hip. My boyfriend and I both liked our pizzas and thought they were better than average, although I wasn't so into the burnt crust thing. The flavors and ingredients were more complex and high quality than a lot of other pizza places in Cambridge. The low point was the service. Our waitress was distant and spacey, and towards the beginning of the meal she accidentally spilled some of my boyfriend's beer on my jacket. I understand accidents happen, but she seemed completely unfazed and barely did anything to clean it up. In fact, we cleaned it up ourselves while she disappeared for a few minutes and then came back with just a few napkins. Then throughout the meal she appeared to be more and more distant and spaced out. It was very odd! We did enjoy the food though and I would probably come back for the pizzas, although I would steer clear of that waitress!
(3)
Yan K.

Great that they took a reservation for a large group for lunch on the weekend. They don't have dessert really but their bakery was able to make a custom cake that we pre-ordered (pricing was okay, a little pricey but captive audience!). The cake was great! A lot of us ordered the hot mess or veggie hot mess. It was good but a little on the small side.
(4)
Traci K.

There was not enough room in my stomach for all the things I wanted to eat at Area Four. The menu wasn't huge - but everything on there looked amazing. With four of us, we decided to try 3 appetizers, 2 small pizzas and 1 dessert for good measure. The apps were great! We had the garlic knots, the trio of dips and the smoked bluefish salad. The knots were a little pretzel-y and had a good amount of cheesy garlicy goodness going on. Very tasty. The trio of dips (hummus, olive tapanade and tzatziki) were also a delight. The accompanying pita was warm and soft and amazing. The dips come with 4 triangles of pita and extra pita will cost you ($3). The smoked bluefish salad didn't look like much but it was so, so, so tasty. In a light vinaigrette with pickled red onions - super tasty. The pita + tzatziki + bluefish salad = heaven. Most excellent combo. The pizzas were equally as delicious. For variety we got the spring vegetable (spring onion sauce, arugula, asparagus and peas!) and the fennel sausage with banana peppers. The spring veggie was light and tasty. I loved the peas. The sausage pizza definitely had a kick to it and the banana peppers were the bomb. Serious good eats. For dessert, we shared this crazy delicious peanut butter chocolate cake with cream cheese mousse, caramel sauce and pretzels. Serious heaven. The cake wasn't your typical floury cakey thing. It was dense, almost like a fudge. Along with this awesome menu, Area Four also has a great selection of local brews, an impressive whiskey selection and really delicious cocktails. The space is really nice and the service was excellent. (PS: All the employees there are adorable. Seriously, please come home with me, all of you.) All in all, a great space with great food. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Russell R.

I've been here several times with friends and coworkers for pizza and drinks. We work in Boston. It's worth the trip across the river. The microbrew selection is great, and the wood-fired oven pizza is some of the best in Boston (the Mushroom and Fontina, Caramelized Onion and Gorgonzola, and Margherita are all amazing). The setting and decor are hip and modern but also casual. Never been disappointed. Based on that experience, I decided to check out their brunch this AM. I got the Hot Veggie Mess, which is two sunny-side-up eggs atop a cast-iron skillet full of mixed deliciousness. Perfect! My friend seemed to enjoy the Messy Ranchero. Apparently the manager recognized me as a repeat customer (maybe 3-4 times in the past year - I'm hardly a regular), and sent over a complementary order of the biscuit and sausage gravy which was also delicious (so much for my attempt to go veggie for one morning, but I'm not complaining). Overall, I think this is one of the best spots in Cambridge for a low-key but delicious meal any time of day.
(5)
Heather M.

So... Full disclosure. I have not been to Area Four. I have no idea how to find it, what is on their menu, or if goblins sit under the tables and tie your shoelaces together while you eat. This review is based on one spectacularly life-altering piece of pumpkin pie that was presented to me on Thanksgiving Day of 2013. The origin of said pie, Area Four. As the luscious custard filled my mouth with the most peculiar singularity of homey comfort and untamed adventure, the truth that was always there came to me. Pumpkin is not a vegetable. Four stars for the pie. One additional star for the transcendental life experience.
(5)
Chaloe T.

This may have been a good place if I wasn't going for brunch. The whole environment was off-putting, the music strange, and the water had a different taste. It sounds strange, I know. It was. It really was.
(1)
Jane C.

Went for brunch. Crowded but got a table at the bar right away. Food was great. Huevos rancheros kept me full for five hours, which is unusual for me. Truly hearty and delicious.
(5)
Marc L.

Ate here to celebrate my son's graduation. Loved it. Great atmosphere, easy parking on street. Pizzas were excellent, particularly the crust. Also had a great salad. Good beer selection. Fun place, I look forward to returning here. Noise level can be loud, which some people really like. I don't like shouting with my tablemates during dinner.
(5)
Sara C.

Went for an early dinner with friends after work and had a great time! Not too noisy to hold a conversation...made for a nice atmosphere. Yummy cocktails, and the pizza is super unique and tasty. Totally loved the thin crust...perfectly chewy and charred from the wood oven. We had the Hawaiian pizza (yum!) and the special spring veggie pizza (I have never had peas on pizza before...it was actually really awesome!) Overall, a great experience but maybe a little overpriced.
(4)
Joe H.

Area Four is nicely decorated, hip, and has a great atmosphere. we were one person short on our reservation and the hostess was hesistant to seat us even though we were ready to order drinks. The pizzas weren't bad but they lacked complexity in their flavors. My clam pizza was briny and salty but it stopped there. The beer selection is limited as well. In my opinion this place is a little over hyped and over priced. If I want a non traditional pizza, I'll just go to Otto next time.
(3)
Irene C.

Only tried dinner, and I was not impressed. The menu strongly suggests you order pizza--in fact, it's organized around "not pizza" and "pizza"--so I went for the Margarita. My dining companion went for the Mushroom pizza, and we split the Garlic Knots. I understand that the menu changes often, so your mileage may vary. The pizza was a little bland and too big of a portion for a personal pizza. Although the crust is decent, I could not reconcile the fact that I paid $14 for a pretty straightforward and unflavorful piazza. With a Margarita pizza, the flavors need to pop to compensate for the simple construction. Area Four did not do that. They serve the pizza immediately after it comes out of the oven, which is pretty cool. Even though I took home leftovers, I keep staring at them hoping they'll vanish. I managed to finish half of my personal pizza during dinner, so half to go! The dessert options were soft-serve sundaes, which does not inspire hunger, so we passed. tl;dr decent pizza, not sure if I'll be returning
(3)
R P.

Four of us ate at Area Four and it was ok . We love and know good pizza we have eaten amazing pizza , this was not it. There meat pie which was voted #1 on TVs food channel was not good. The other pizzas on the menu sounded good , who knows how they taste. The place was nice and clean , cool atmosphere and the staff friendly and helpful.
(3)
Melly B.

We were meeting friends here for dinner and aside from the fact my phone kept trying to take us to Area Four the section of Cambridge rather than Area Four the restaurant, it was excellent. The food really was fantastic. The atmosphere was nice. Would definitely go back for more.
(5)
Matthew B.

Things that make me happy: - Coffee so good it doesn't need additives - Thick cut bacon - Meals served in single-serving skillets Area Four's brunch -- The Hot Mess -- met all of those needs. Those two perfect over-easy eggs on top of farm-style sausage and thick chunks of bacon mixed into a foundation of perfectly roasted potatoes makes me salivate like a Pavlovian pooch. One reason and one reason only for missing that 5th star -- the service left room for improvement. The server left my buddy and I hanging, begging with our eye contact from afar for a refill. Not cool. Everything else about the place is very much wonderful.
(4)
hanne o.

Fantastic pizza with a delicious crust and great toppings. The cocktails were delicious and they have a nice craft beer selection.
(4)
Andrea B.

I really like Area Four. Their brunch food is really good. I ordered the aptly named "Hot Mess" (which is highly appropriate for me, at all times). It was a piping hot skillet full of pretty much everything breakfast: sunny side up eggs, home fries, bacon, sausage, caramelized onions, scallion, and pickled banana pepper relish. All of it was decent, but it was really that relish that gave it some zest and kept it from being boring. Speaking of things that are boring, the freaking enormous sticky bun that I had for dessert certainly doesn't fall under that category. The size of a brick, this piece of heaven was definitely meant for sharing. And it really was everything a sticky bun should be - chock full of pecans, loaded with caramel (which was a bit too chewy, but it's caramel so who cares??), topped with way too much frosting, and was very, very sticky. I really love the awesome signs hanging on the walls here. While the layout of the place is a little bit confusing, the signage was made with directionally-challenged people like me in mind. If you're on a quest for the bathrooms, never fear! Hilariously helpful signs are here! Behind the long table are two doors, neither of which are the bathrooms you are looking for, but both of which have signs to tell you this so you don't unnecessarily go barging in - "Dry goods - not the bathroom," and "Office - also not the bathroom." Both of these made me giggle appreciatively. There is further signage that informs you of whether you're "hot", "cold," or "getting warmer" on your restroom journey. Also, if you're bored while waiting for your food, you'll find there are some nice big signs informing you of everything you ever wanted to know about Area Four. Overall, Area Four is a fun brunch spot. I can see myself coming back here - maybe not for brunch, but definitely for that sticky bun.
(4)
Emily G.

Area Four has simple decor, a cool dimly-lit atmosphere and a dark twisted sense of humor. The doors are labelled "This isn't the bathroom", "nope. this one either", "getting closer...." If you do actually find the bathroom, you are quite fortunate, or you know, just smarter than I am. The place is known for their brick-oven pizzas but I was craving something a little lighter. I ordered the Kitchen Sink Salad (Romaine, Radicchio, Salame Toscano, Fontina, Pickled Banana Peppers, Roasted Red Peppers, Chickpeas, Green Olives, Beets, Lemon-Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette) for $12.50. The salad was not very big but enough to fill me up and the flavors were great. If you are a salad lover, I would highly recommend it. My friend's pizzas were ok, nothing particularly amazing. One friend really disliked her clam and bacon pizza because the bacon was thick, fatty and not crispy at all (seemed like chunks of under-cooked pork belly instead of the crispy bacon that we all know and love). The service was decent for how busy the place was. When the bill came, I asked the server to please split it for us since we were all paying for our individual meals. I wasn't aware that this isn't a common thing in Boston- my bill in phoenix usually gets split automatically unless you tell the server otherwise. So, as I made (what I thought was a ) simple request, I got the eyes and attitude of death from the server- so much so, that I was happy I had finished eating for fear of getting my food tampered with. After some minutes she came back with our receipts and we all paid for our meals. Had she not been so incredibly upset about my request, I would have not had an issue with the service at all. Hopefully I just caught her in a bad day and shes usually amazing. Oh well.
(3)
A C.

Incredible pizza and the garlic knots are out of this world. Just wish the bar had more seating!
(5)
Lauren S.

Amazing food, great ambiance, and friendly staff. Went for brunch and ordered the breakfast pizza, so unique and delicious!
(5)
David L.

At first I thought that I was going to hate this place because it gives off this pretentiously trendy vibe because they only serve "local" food to those young trendy proactive prosumer types. Whatever! But then they brought me my pizza and I was won over. I had the Mushroom & Fontina pizza. Creamy cheesy goodness. It come with this garnish called gremola. It has a mild citrus taste. Really good. The prices weren't bad for being one of the trendy restaurants that only serves "local" food. I didn't like the music. It was too loud and it was that obnoxiously trendy indie rock and alternative music. Maybe I am just too old.
(4)
Xiao Z.

Really fun place with excellent selection of eclectic pizzas and charcuterie platters. I had my first charcuterie here and was certainly very pleased with the result; my only suggestions is to have more bread slices served with the delicious meats. The prices were a bit high, costing nearly $12 for a small plate of greens, but everything tasted great! Food: 4 stars Price: 2 stars Service: 3 stars
(4)
Traveler K.

Review for the cafe: Great pastries, oatmeal, yogurt, food in general. Good, sometimes great, individually brewed coffee. But every time I have ordered the batch drip coffee, the coffee has tasted burnt and unpleasant. I usually end up throwing it away after a couple of sips on the walk back from the cafe.
(3)
Gauravi P.

I'm giving them four stars for their garlic knots, pizza, and cool atmosphere. I would say their negatives are that they have a very limited dinner menu (which consists of mostly pizza since they have a massive brick oven) and a soft serve dessert menu. If you are in the mood for gourmet pizza with a twist- this is your place. Please note though that their tomato sauce isn't for everyone. It is slightly bitter and not as sweet. Also the service is good and they serve alcohol!
(4)
Steve C.

Visited today for lunch, great buzz, very cool place, only had the pizza but it was outstanding. Wood burning pizza oven gives pizzas an unmistakable taste, add to that eclectic toppings like bacon and clams and you have a winner. Reasonable prices, nice bar and friendly service. Can't wait to try more of the menu....
(4)
Kathy C.

Just got the breakfast sandwich today, and it was amazing! The english muffin was fresh and soft and pillowy, and is a hybrid english muffin-biscuit. I thought there was a perfect 2:1 egg to savory maple sausage. It was a great pairing with the iced coffee!
(4)
Mindy S.

Awesome place! A little pricy, but delicious pizza and great atmosphere. I love bringing people here!
(5)
Didi S.

I've only been here for dinner, so a brunch may be in order. Came for your standard yuppie dinner. It was a weekday night so people were dressed mostly respectably casual for a place so close to MIT. Stylishly dim. A handful of dates, a handful of groups--good atmosphere. The soups are really small. They come in a very nice little mini-casserole dish that holds probably half or two-thirds of a cup of liquid, but the butternut squash was good. Pizzas come in two sizes--small and large. The small is supposed to be individual portions but I think they're pretty generous for that. I could definitely see getting three meals out of one if you have some salad at home. We got the Carbonara, which sounded great, but was incredibly salty and slightly overcooked. I really liked my gin-based cocktail though--the Sylvie is great.
(3)
kate w.

I've only been once but it was wonderful. Went for brunch. My companion ordered a sticky bun. It looked amazing and he raved, i didn't try it. I ordered the hot mess with extra jalapeÃ±os. Served in a cast iron skillet. That dish alone will keep me coming back. Service was great, and my green tea was delicious. Lingered over brunch for 2 hrs with no pressure to leave. Awesome
(5)
Jane D.

We went here for brunch on a whim and were pleasantly surprised! Really liked the ambiance and have had their almond croissants in the past which are truly delicious. We got the veggie hot mess and the breakfast sandwich, both of which were very good. I really appreciated that the portion sizes were on the smaller side so we were able to finish everything and felt very satisfied. Certainly coming here again soon!
(4)
Kuong L.

Nice brunch place overall. Gets busy around 12 noon on a Sunday. Best to get there around 11 am. The space and atmosphere is nice (and there is outside seating). Ordered the Veggie Hot Mess ($12), which was very good but the portion was rather small. Dish comes with two sunny side up local farm eggs, home fries, baby spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, carmelized onions, cheddar, scallions & pickled banana pepper relish. I'm always a bit skeptical of trendy food places taking the easy way out and just putting a fried egg on top of everything (which unfortunately, Area 4 does a lot of). What I did like about the dish was the veggies but there was very little of it. Eggs and home fries were the meat of the dish, which makes you wonder why it's called the "Veggie" Hot Mess. Nonetheless, it was still very good despite not having as much veggies as I would have hoped. I don't eat large quantities of food but I still felt hungry after this dish so you almost certainly have to order something to go along with if you order something under their "not pizza" menu. The Pan Seared Cornbread ($12) was a bit hit among my friends and I. It comes with three pieces and really is more like an appetizer than a dish on it's own so would recommend splitting this with someone rather than ordering alone. The cornbread comes with rhubarb compote (basically jam), whipped sweet cream and candied mixed nuts. This was definitely delicious worth the $12 if you're looking for something sweet for brunch! The service was good and space allows for big parties.
(4)
Caroline F.

Cool atmosphere, oldies and classic rock playing in the heart of MIT's technology square. I needed somewhere to spend my carb cheat day and had recently read that area 4 had made bet of Boston for pizza. Great thin crust, very natural chewy with a bit of charred crisp- but none of the char taste. The pickled banana peppers added pop to the soppressata and everything was fresh and delish! I'm not a pizza snob and enjoy really any kind of pizza, so I will say the sauce isn't my favorite- sweet and tangy, but I'm certainly not kicking it out of my mouth! BLT salad was delicious and they let me get a half portion, yes!
(4)
Megan K.

I was in town visiting friends, and they took me here. We split a couple of pies, a sinful appetizer, and had some drinks. I wish I could remember exactly what we ordered... I know there was one pizza that came with some kind of nuts on it... walnuts, maybe? We ordered it with the nuts on the side because some of our group thought nuts on pizza was weird. It was WAY better with the nuts. Also, we had whatever the knot appetizer was and upgraded it to be covered in cheesy goodness. Do that.
(4)
David B.

One of the best places to eat near MIT. Insanely good pizza choices. Very crowded at lunchtime though. Good beers on tap.
(5)
Kim B.

I love venturing to Cambridge. There are so many different flavors, and so many different atmospheres. Gster had wanted to try where his boss, "Obama" had eaten. Obama notoriously finds the "best" pizza in the city, and he chose area 4. It had to be good right? And we were craving good pizza. At 10:00AM. We made sure to double check their hours, because they do close for a random time in the middle of the day. It is a little odd, but they also are just "that good" that they can get away with their own special rules. The inside is funky, chic, and a young vibe. You feel like you want to be seen there, you feel smarter being there, but also more hip. The energy is just very positive. We ordered the french toast, the pizza, and a lemonade. It was raining, but we still sat outside. The pizza was absolutely one of the best in Boston I have tried. The crust was so fresh, doughy, thick, and flavorful. Definitely one of the better crust's i have ever had. The french toast was covered with a delicious berry sauce, and was very thick. It melted in your mouth before you even put it in your mouth. Breakfast/Pizza= 10 stars out of 5. Absolutely delicious.
(5)
Maria D.

Area Four is decent, but it's not on my top list of celiac-friendly eateries in Boston. They have very few gluten-free options; you could always get a salad, but even their salad options are bleak. I had the gazpacho, an unpronounceable rosÃ© (Greek), and a side of chicken. They don't usually do those sides of chicken, but there was very little I could eat, and I anticipated that the place I would go next would have *nothing* I could eat. (Good call, Maria.) It has a bar atmosphere, which is nice, since it has 'patio' seating outdoors as well, but it's able to manage this without compromising what it is and turning into a beer garden (think: less Charlie's Kitchen, more Grendel's). The wine was decent; it was definitely not the best rosÃ© I've ever had, but it did its job, and it paired well with the odd combination of things I chose to consume. The gazpacho was okay, but it tasted and felt more like a salsa than like the gazpacho I've become accustomed to eating. This, alone, made my tiny bowl feel very overpriced. I applaud them for how well they do what they promise to do, but I wish they had more options for the medically restricted dieters out there. I don't want a gluten-free pizza, but I wouldn't mind a few more salad options. Nice location, right in the heart of Kendall. You know how everyone says they live in Kendall Square and then you visit them and realize they actually live a mile away?...or how the theater is Kendall Cinema, but is actually on Binney Street? You won't have as hard a time finding this place if you just hop off the T. It actually *is* in Kendall Square. You -eat-anything-people will undoubtedly love this place. All of my non-allergic, non-celiac friends love everything about Area 4. Trust them; they're usually right. If you're a celiac, you've done your job and at least now you know what you can and can't eat when you show up.
(3)
Lizzie B.

I love the outdoor patio. It is a perfect place to people watch - and check out all those sexy entrepreneur types- I mean, if that is your thing. The wind can be a bummer - but decorating your table with a few, well placed solid objects - can protect you from the dreaded fleeing menu issues. Indoors is nice as well- although it feels a bit more cramped. I, however, enjoy how much natural light is bestowed upon us, and the informal tables and table linens add to the un-fussiness of the experience. I've tried most of the pizzas here- but my favorite is the carnivore, which I've been told, our very own President has also endorsed. See: bostonglobe.com/lifestylâ€¦ For those not in the know- the carnivore consists of Sopressata, Sausage & Bacon. It is not for the faint of heart. Carry antacid. A small will set you back approximately $18- and can feed two people. A large is about $10 more, and I am pretty sure can feed an entire football team (the meat is piled high and very filling). Another favorite was the special "Spring Pizza" which was composed of asparagus, English pees, pickled onions, no sauce but some splendid olive oil as a base. A leafy salad was the placed atop the cooked pie. It's pretty great, but it takes more like a flat bread then a pizza. It's good for people eating alone, or who are desirous of something light. Service is generally friendly, and always knowledgeable. Jack's Abby always on tap. Hooray for beer lovers. I recommend getting a rez during dinner times - especially later in the week. Oh, and the garlic knots, get them.
(4)
Tuli S.

I LOVE their sticky bun (Bakery). Sometimes when I come at the right time they are still warm from the oven. It's like eating a piece of cinnamon heaven. I also come here for coffee a few times a week. Breakfast. So MEH. I've had the hot mess and also the A4 way combo. Nothing special, there isn't enough flavor in the hot mess and it's not worth the price for a tiny breakfast bowl. Their breakfast sandwich is good but be prepared to feel guilty after it's gone. Their biscuits and pizza are DELICIOUS. Worth getting. If you are here late into the night you may receive some garlic knots for getting rowdy at the bar ^_^.
(4)
Jenn S.

This last time I came to Area Four we waited a bit too long for our table and the Manager (Tyler I believe) was very attentive and expressed how sorry he was that we had to wait so long. We didn't really mind because we were chatting in the cafe but it was really great customer service on his part. He also surprised us with a taste of a few of the pastries when it took even a little longer for us to sit. And that is why my review is being updated.... THOSE ALMOND CROISSANTS!! So, so good! I haven't tried any of their pastries because I always fill myself with the Veggie Hot Mess but I will be adding this to my order every time now. Tyler also entertained us with some cards to draw on which was fun since we were a table of artists.
(5)
E. L.

High Quality Food. Nice Setting - Tables decent but are a bit weird because they're all connected high-school cafeteria style. For a completely uncrowded night the service was surprisingly slow - particularly simple things like Beer. The primary reason this only gets 3 stars is because the portions were laughably small - in all seriousness, when the food arrived we looked at each and laughed.
(3)
Katherine M.

Yum! It had been a long time since I had a really good, 'creative' pizza. Places around I live stick to the pepperoni, margarita etc. recipes that all places do. This place knocks it out of the park with really good toppings paired together amazingly. The crust is amazing. They will tell you all about it (or its written on a blackboard on the wall) but its like a sourdough crust that is super fluffy and crisps up nicely in the oven. I go to try the mushroom and fontina with sopresseta added and the pizza of the day - a spring pizza with a green onion sauce, arugala, peas and cheese (not sure what I could not hear it all). The toppings were all amazing and the pizza cooked to perfection. A nice surprise as Boston, apparently, isn't known for having great pizza. Service was excellent even with a large group at lunch. Really enjoyed this place and would come whenever I visit Boston.
(5)
Renee L.

I really dig the ambiance of the restaurant. The space is bright and inspiring with a nice view of Technology Square (grassy courtyard.) It's modern, sleek, and clean without being pretentious. Their metal chairs are a bit uncomfortable, so get ready for your skin to stick to them if you're sporting short shorts. Their bloody mary cocktails are the perfect mixture of spice and tomato without being heavy-handed on the vodka and their mocha lattes feature latte art albeit in a glass cup. Area Four has phenomenal pizza-this says a lot as I'm not even partial to pizza! I'm embarrassed to say I don't recall the specifics now that I'm thinking about it...but my pizza was topped off with not one, but TWO sunny side up eggs. Twas' the special breakfast pizza of the day, and it was large enough to bring home leftovers. I've got my eye on their Clam & Bacon pizza next! The only issue with my last visit was with their Baked French Toast. I think it was wrongly advertised. it was literally a bunt cake sitting in a cast iron skillet with rhubarb compote dumped on top. I'm a sucker for good french toast and had most definitely been led astray with this order.
(4)
Marie C.

Great find on an early weekday morning! In the AM hours, this place is a fully functioning coffee shop complete with a large assortment of pastries, as well as yogurt and breakfast sandwiches. I had the yogurt with berries and granola, and a hot coffee and were very pleased with both! Definitely worth stopping in if you're in the area!
(5)
Janet H.

So I came here because President Obama ate pizza here. And then took a box of pizza to go. So, of course, I had to give this pizza joint a try! But meh... I think the food was just okay, especially for what it costs. A large pizza average was $22.50. Ouch. We ordered a large banana pepper/sausage pizza which was pretty good. I wasn't exactly wowed away, but it was solid. It was surprisingly pretty spicy, too! Our server was really awesome though! I can't remember his name but he gave great drink recommendations, and he was hilarious. However, I was pretty disappointed with the dessert menu. They need to bring back that sundae that Yelpers have been raving about!
(3)
BostonBestEats X.

Traditionally, Boston's pizza scene has been pretty weak (IMHCO--in my humble Chicagoan's opinion), so in the past 4 months that I've been back in town, I haven't bothered to order a single pizza, not even to visit some of my old standbys like Pizzeria Regina on Thacher, Santarpio's, and Emma's (with an occasional Upper Crust slice re-crisped in the oven thrown in). But it does seem like there has been a lot going on in Boston over the past 5 years, particularly with Neopolitan-style pizzas, probably matching what has been happening at the same time in Philly and the rest of the country at large. So perhaps it's time to give Boston pizza a second chance... Anyway, I had hearing a lot about Area Four on Chowhound and elsewhere (and not only because Obama ate there a couple of weeks ago). According to their website: "12-year-old starter [curious...does how old it is actually make any difference?] + flour + water + salt. No oil or sugar. Ever. Over 30 hours of fermentation. Handcrafted cheese. 1 wood-fire oven." Hmmm...sounded promising. And I was duly impressed. It's an excellent Neo-style with great crust, not too heavy, not too chewy, not too crispy, just about right, with a nice degree of leopard spotted to know they have a good oven, but not so much to turn anyone off. We shared two large pizzas among the four of us: CARNIVORE (apparently Obama's favorite!): Sopressata, sausage & bacon mozzarella, tomato ($26.50 for a large is not exactly cheap!) ~If you like meat, this didn't skimp, and I gather they use Moody's in Waltham, so you know it's good. All together, perhaps a bit salty, but you kinda expect that for this sort of pizza. Excellent, obviously fresh moz too. CLAM & BACON: Clam Sauce, Pecorino, Hot Pepper & Parsley ($26.50) ~Don't laugh, but this was the first white clam pizza I've ever had (LOL, I'm not form around here). I enjoyed the liberal amount of chewy chopped clams, and the contrasting salty bacon. Excellent, and my fav of the two pizzas. Service was good (although no reservations, which I hate), and seating outside on the patio was pleasant despite being fairly close to a busy road. We also enjoyed a few great cocktails, like a delightfully tart Jack Rose (Applejack, Grenadine, Lemon) and a Falernum Daiquiri (Old Monk Rum, Lime, House-made Falernum). And some refreshing Downeast cider on tap as well. And they are only a couple of blocks from Toscanini's too boot (in fact, what's the point of having a dessert menu?). Things are definitely looking up in Boston...
(5)
Judy K.

Super busy and reservations are recommended, but worth the wait. Once you come in and realize that you have to wait, you can grab a cup of coffee and a pastry at a cafe that's linked to the restaurant. It's such a neat idea! Or you can grab a beer/cocktail at the bar while waiting. Either way, they have some great options if you know you'll be there a while before ordering. I ordered the margherita pizza and the hot mess. The hot mess was savory, sweet, gooey and delicious. The sausage and big pieces of bacon worked pretty well with the sweet relish, even though I'm not a huge fan of banana pepper relish. It was a bit small, but with the pizza, it was enough to keep me full. The pizza was fresh and the cheese on top was super super stringy. I loved it. It does droop because the dough can't sustain itself in the middle, but overall, a pretty good pizza. Not the best, but still wood-oven style good. The beer flight was a great way to sample different types of beer. The waitress recommended the Spencer Trappist and it was super super smooth. Out of all the beers that we got, it was my favorite! I'm so glad we took her advice! She was also pretty quick about everything. Refilled our waters immediately and got our drinks to us in a quickie!
(4)
Woody B.

I know that everyone can get on the pizza train. What's not to love about pizza. Hot delicious cheesy goodness- need I say more? Anyways when pizza is done right and the ingredients are high quality it is pure perfection. That is the case at Area Four or as they call it A4. So freaking delicious. This is my second time here with my wife as this is one of our favorite pizza spots in the area. This time we got the special corn pizza (with added caramelized onions and bacon). The savory corn sauce and roasted corn with the salty bacon and sweetness of the caramelized onions was a perfect combo. The other pizza we got was the Hawaiian which is a menu regular. This is definitely the best Hawaiian pizza I have ever had- the ham is so fresh, the pineapples so sweet and then the cilantro adds a great bite. Finally we got the chocolate cookie dessert. Let me tell you. This was so f'ing amazing (no swearing!). The chocolate cookie was piping hot and ooey gooey with the crunchy macadamia nuts and perfectly finished with some fleur de sel. Ya it's fancy and delicious. I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Mo m.

Pepperoni and their spicy pepper with meat option are tasty. Lite on the sauce but full of flavor. Beers are tall and staff are helpful. Sit outside of at all possible as it is chili inside.
(4)
Adam T.

This place lives up to the hype and there is a reason it was featured on the Food Network's "Best Ever." From start to finish we were blown away. The meatball is a must to start, and even though we didn't get the beef skillet appetizer, our dining-neighbors did and we were jealous. Reasonably priced wine. The pizza speaks for itself and you can't go wrong regardless of what you pick. Vegetarians have great options too. In short, definitely worth the trek to Cambridge area and will make a pizza-lover out of anyone!
(5)
Jane L.

I had a 2nd visit to A4 for dinner. This time we ordered two different pizza dishes that we haven't tried before which were clam & bacon and not pepperoni. These were really nice - crispy outside and soft inside. This is definitely one of my favorite pizza restaurants in Cambridge. For me, the mushroom pizza is the best dish here.
(5)
Shaina P.

It's the dough. And for those of us who just want dough, get the garlic knots. You can supreme-ize these (sitting in the sauce with cheese all over), but I love being able to just use my hands to rip through the crisp, thin outer crust, and get a hold of the soft and doughy, yet not undercooked nor greasy, warm, and soft, and airy, and delicious dough that's been perfected by yeast and rising time and the heat of a wood-fired oven. Put some toppings on this dough and you have pizza. I think I prefer the knots, but their pizza concoctions aren't too shabby, either.
(5)
Jake L.

Night and day! Came here a second time after the bartender sent me a really nice, sincere email apologizing for the less-than-stellar experience I had last time. This time, I started out with the chartreuse smash cocktail, which was fantastic. Honestly perfect - one of the most refreshing I've had in a while. The tartness and the mint were a great combination. The pizza was also fantastic today. Much better flavor, and didn't even really need anything on top (though some crushed red pepper worked really nicely as expected). Finally, I had a really nice conversation with the bartender Sasha and the other guy working the bar (I apologize, I can't for the life of me remember his name!). Very kind and attentive. I really respect this place for how they handled my first review, and their impressive showing the second time around.
(5)
Sophie P.

BREAKFAST REVIEW ------------------------------- + Breakfast sandwich: This sandwich is what an Sausage McMuffin from McDonald's in the commercials looks like. So the real deal. This sandwich is hearty with a sausage patty and egg grilled to perfection. It's oily, crunchy on the outside, and soft on the inside. It's the greatest breakfast sandwich you can get around the Kendall Square area, in my opinion. + Almond Croissant: This croissant is perfectly crunchy, has the right amount of almonds, and is not a complete mess when you try to eat it. + Oatmeal: Their oatmeal is not real oatmeal because I love it. They put a variety of nuts and cranberries on top of their oatmeal which make it so interesting, but also the oatmeal never runs dry! It's really good. Americano: This baby is rich. It's so strong and rich it's like drinking a dark hot chocolate. I'm not much of a coffee connoisseur, but you can tell this coffee is serious. If you work around the area, definitely give this spot a try for their breakfast!
(4)
Manya C.

A good choice of Brunch in Cambridge Central and Kendall square area! Hot mess is a must-order. Stir the fresh eggs with the mixed sausage with bacon. The tiny scallions and pickles inside keeps you feeling filing but "want more" instead. If you are a vegan, you could try the vegie hot mess! Drinks are open all day. Want a refresh drink in the morning? Try the mimosa(although there is a tiny typo on the menu)!
(4)
Audrey C.

Came here with some friends at around 8pm and we were seated right away. I like the atmosphere of this place, it's dimly lit with relaxing music and not too busy either. Pork ribs: Standard ribs with good flavor that reminded me of an asian twist, came with about 8 pieces. Mushroom and fontina pizza: MUST TRY! This was my favorite pizza by far, the flavor tasted kind of like they put some truffle oil in it (explains the deliciousness) and I loved the sauce that they used too. The thin crust that they used complimented the truffle/mushroom flavor perfectlyyyy. Sausage and banana peppers: This was good, but I thought the mushroom pizza outshone this one by a landslide. The banana peppers are a good kick to the pizza but the sausage is kinda sparse. All in all, I definitely want to come back to try more of the flavors of pizza...and more of the mushroom pizza
(4)
Tanya C.

I came here with coworkers to get a quick bite to eat. We had a reservation, but the restaurant wasn't too full for dinner. Our waiter was nice and answered our questions. I decided on the Carmelized Onion & Gorgonzola Pizza. My coworker ordered the Mushroom & Fontina, and once it arrived I traded a slice with her. Although her pizza was very tasty, mine was delicious. Full of flavor and very heavenly. I ate a little more than half and took the rest to go. Although i was staying at a hotel with no microwave, the pizza was still just as delicious cold the next morning as breakfast. Best place I ate in Boston.
(5)
Kate L.

I would go back here for the food and ambiance. BUT, I had a pretty raw experience at brunch this past Sunday. I will also preface this saying the manager was SUPER nice and hostess as well! So thanks for being so nice! The server was pretty unfriendly and mentioned once we were ordering they were OUT of the cinnamon rolls and french toast. TWO OF THE REASONS I EVEN MADE PLANS TO COME THERE!!! The pastries and wine took kind of a long time to come out.. which was frustrating. Then 3 people in our party of 7 got their meals and FINISHED eating before we even got our food! Nobody even told us about the food being delayed until we ASKED! Not ok. Fortunately they comped the meals. The veggie hot mess was a little spicy for my liking and was to clear in the description... so that was a bummer. Also the potato to veggie ratio was off.. Mostly all potatoes.... but the description sounded like I would get more veggies. The pizza was GREAT. Large, fresh and tasty. All 3 pastries I tried were basically perfect. Fresh, flavorful and unique. All in all a so-so experience but great food
(3)
Thomas C.

Trendy pizza/brunch place right in a biotech neighborhood that wasn't nearly as thriving just a few years ago Ambience/service: I like the layout of this place. Lots of seating in these unique tables that are connected by beams that can make them one continuous table or separate smaller tables. Also outdoor seating. Plenty of light pours into the restaurant. Service is prompt and polite. There is a small bar near the front with TVs playing ESPN. Luckily we had reservations making this an easy outing before heading to the airport. Food (I'm vegetarian): they have a lot of good veggie options for brunch with their pizzas as well. I got the Veggie Hot Mess which was essentially a small skillet with a ton of stuff in it. They cooked this thing perfectly with runny eggs on still-crispy hunks of potatoes. There was a very flavorful sauce mixed in that really made the whole thing delicious. It came in a small cast iron skillet on a round wood plate. My friend got a clam and bacon pizza which he really liked. Great brunch place that takes reservations was a plus. I'd come back again many times if I was in town.
(5)
Heather A.

It's to busy to tell how great the staff is, the guy that took our order seemed like he was okay to happy with serving us and had a smile but I'm not sure. Food was to the table within 10-15 minutes. There were two pizzas and a grass fed meatball plate. The pizza was okay and looked burnt in some areas. The meatballs had some sauce on them and cheese on the top surrounded by sauce. By themselves they really didn't have any flavor and the cheese was over powering. No one really seemed impressed with the food and I don't think I'd eat here again unless I was with a group and they wanted to try eating here.
(3)
John S.

Great pizza, fun atmosphere! We ordered two small pizzas to feed 4 people. It was a sufficient amount of food to fill up but not be overly stuffed. We had the "carnivore" and a specialty scallops pizza. Both were very tasty. Also had a BBC coffeehouse nitro porter to compliment the pizza.
(4)
Fanasha D.

It was tough giving them four stars.....let me explain. My mom and I decided to FINALLY try this place out, I had seen it featured in the food network channel ad one of the best pizza places in the country. Meanwhile, my mom had seen its sister location in Somerville featured on the channel Chronicle. Needless to say we were hyped, ready and hungry to try out the pizza but first we started with the beets and arugula salad which was delicious. We ordered the Hawaiian pizza, it tasted delicious right up until the point when my mom pulled a hair out of her mouth. Yuck!!!! I was shocked and disappointed, it's like nooooooo after all the buildup and then this??? Here's what I assessed, the cooks which are open to the public all had short hair...I recently chopped my hair off and have short hair. My mom has beautiful super long thick black hair that was pulled back into a ponytail....the hair was medium/short brownish and significantly thinner than my mom's. How it got there I dunno but I felt bad for her she was upset and disgusted. The reason for the 4 stars regardless of the mishap all boils down to customer service. The manager (stylish short blonde hair/hipster guy) came over apologetic and sweet. Offered my mom a shot of tequila or a dessert and assured her the pizza wouldn't be on the bill. Mind you, once my mom is pissed it's almost impossible to change her mind. However, this guy's charm and good looks won her over. He was going above and beyond to apologize and assure her he didn't want her to leave with a feeling of a bad experience and suggested the apple crisp which she eventually agreed to. And boy did she agree.....she ended up pretty much by herself eating 90% of the dessert (she never esta desseers) and she loved it! She actually had a smile on her face by the end of it and sure enough neither the pizza or dessert were on the check. Just my alcoholic beverages and the salad. Kudos to the manager for turning around my mom's mood....I can't even do that when she's upset!!! Overall I would come back because their customer service was top notch.
(4)
Sarah D.

Brunch is amazing. Be prepared to wait! At 10:29 there was a line 30 people deep waiting. Its a full morning activity but its worth it. The people who arrive early typically hang out next door drinking coffee. The smells are awesome with their fire oven and the eggs were cooked perfectly. I can't wait to go back. Oh, and they had a special that made us inappropriately stare at our neighbors table. A 5 inch high pumpkin cinnamon roll. You can't even imagine our envy.
(4)
Pat M.

Slowly becoming my favorite pizza. I've had the margarita, marinara, not pepperoni, Hawaiian, and the caramelized onion one. The caramelized one was a bit too sweet, but I guess that's why it's called CARAMEL-ized. The not pepperoni is my fav. The marinara is super unique, looks cheeseless, but it's doused with grated cheese, which I thought was a great touch. This place is a bit pricy but it really is made with fresh ingredients and top of the line toppings. I don't mind paying for quality. This is high end artisan style pizza. While I never thought this pizza would overthrow old school italian pizza as my favorite, it's slowly doing just that.
(5)
Benjamin D.

Alas, their soft serve ice cream sundaes are no more. My soul is crushed. Pizzas and cocktails are good but I really miss the sundaes. :(
(3)
Dorothy W.

While there are an endless number of alluring aspects that should reel you into Area Four, here are my top four (or more) reasons for a visit: 1. Area Four offers four well defined dining areas, including a casual cafe for breakfast, coffee, board games and snacks, a sophisticated bar for drinks, a sleek, sunny dining room for a real meal, and outdoor, curbside seating when the weather is right. You can even play bocce on their lawn during a summer afternoon while you slurp up their home made ice cream. And keep an eye out for their hot dog cart on the sidewalk at lunch time. What does all of this this mean for you? It means that if you want a quick bite during the day, you will be happy. If you want supremely good beer selections and awesome cocktails, you will be happy. If you want delicious food, indoors or outdoors, you will be happy. All of your desires will be satisfied at Area Four. And you can send your friends emails and snapshots about your satisfactory experience as Area Four offers free WiFi. 2. They have amazing home made lemonade. Tart, tangy and just sweet enough, this is the best lemonade in town. Take a little sip and add some of their simple syrup if it is a bit too tart for you. Simple syrup at the counter with the straws and napkins? Yes, indeed. You can drink your lemonade while you eat your gluten free pastry or your choice of other delectable goodies. (Unfortunately, they do not have any vegan pastries. For those, you need to go up the street to Veggie Galaxy.) While you indulge, you can make new friends at the large communal tables in their cozy front room. 3. The garlic infused pizzas coming out of the wood fired ovens are grovel-worthy. Praise the pizza gods for this pizza. While the entire menu is friendly and satisfying, we keep coming back for the pizza. As we eat our veggie pizzas, you could always try their roast chicken, cheeseburger, mac and cheese or a salad. And save room for a luscious dessert. 4. There are some fun deals going on. You can use LevelUp, get free parking, have your food delivered and you can even get a discount for movie tickets at the Kendall Square Cinema. Bargain time. We love bargains. Check their web site for the details. We like having Area Four as neighbors. No... we love it.
(4)
Skye W.

Second stop. Dinner. Shaved brussel sprouts with kale - light and yummy Small margherita with arugula - pizzas came out with soggy centers, was good, but room for improvement, not much flavor Small fennel sausage - same soggy center, but the toppings here were very flavorful and robust Not bad. Not bad.
(4)
Holger P.

The pizza is good but the coffee is the best around. Especially for europeans that don't like the dark roasted (burnt?) american coffee, this is the goto place.
(5)
Snowdrops C.

So good! Just fantastic. Nice vibe and great pizza! =)
(5)
Julie B.

What a great spot in Kendall! I only wish my place of work was closer so I could eat at Area Four more often. I went to Area Four with a few friends for Sunday brunch. We sat in the restaurant, the ambiance of which can only be described as "cool". The open kitchen sits in the center of the restaurant and huge chalkboards line the walls listing out the drink options and the idea behind the restaurant. We were starving when we arrived so we decided to order the trio of special baked goods and the sticky bun. OMG the sticky bun. I'm not usually a huge fan of breakfast pastry but I would swim a bathtub of these sticky buns. No joke. Do yourself a favor and order one. This thing was large -- we easily split just one between 6 people. The other pastries weren't as memorable, but were baked fresh and tasty (albeit the banana bread was a bit dry for my liking). For my entree I ordered the Kitchen Sink Salad. This baby was filled with lettuce, radicchio, thin sliced salami, fontina cheese, pickled banana peppers, roasted mushrooms, asparagus, chick peas and green olives. I loved it, but my friend who also ordered it picked around the banana peppers. Across the table people ordered a few different pizzas, the mac & cheese and "the hot mess" aka delicious breakfast items piled in a skillet. Everything was enjoyed although the mac & cheese was a bit too bread crumby and not cheesy enough. Overall it's a great spot for the area! Certainly perfect for the 9-5ers or anyone who happens to be in Tech Square.
(4)
Tracy B.

The food (pizza and garlic knots) is very very good, but I have to be honest, I think the front desk staff's behavior is horrendous. Additionally, the high top seats are beyond uncomfortable. So uncomfortable, that out of our table of 4, 2 of us moved the stools and stood...for the entire meal. While they were busy for lunch service, the host and hostess clearly saw this and allowed the two visible patrons (as this seating area is right inside the door) to stand for the hour long meal. They never approached us and said that they could see it clearly wasn't a comfortable arrangement and could they move us....nope. Just continued to ignore it. The management of Area Four need to re-think the seats and find something that looks equally "cool" and can be comfortable.
(1)
James L.

This is my new all-time favorite pizza place!!! Today, was the first time I ate their pizza. I ordered a carnivore's pizza, and shared it with a friend. It was FABULOUS. As a result, I need to down-grade Pinos, Pinocchios, and santarpios a star. The crust and sauce are perfect, and the toppings are expensive and made perfectly. Just a bit pricey.
(5)
Gabrielle B.

Went here for dinner recently, and had a great experience. The service, food, and drinks were great. Will be back!
(5)
Carrie S.

Totally average. Wasn't overly impressed with the pizza, and the brunch that I had was pretty lame. That being said, the kitchen sink salad is great! I have had mixed experience with the level of service. When I saw that Area 4 was awarded best restaurant in Kendall Square I was very disappointed because there are so many restaurants in Kendall that I would rather eat at.
(3)
Sarah B.

My friends from out of town make fun of me and my local friends for spending altogether too much time at Area 4. I would counter that there is no such thing as too much time at this restaurant. It is the local place those of us in Central, Inman and Kendall Square wished for a long time. The space is well thought out - there is an open kitchen and lots of seating. The low table tops are on rails so you can configure 2-8 tops depending on the size of your party. The high tables are seated family style and that works just fine. The overall vibe works just as well for me (I think I was 28 when they opened?) as it does for hipster college kids. NB: I had a business lunch here once ... and realized too late that's too casual for that occasion. Most importantly, the food is great. I mean really, really great. Over the past few years we have tried everything, so here are the hits and misses (miss? There may only be one): Brunch: + I have spent many a hungover morning here and the Hot Mess is just the absolute best thing ever. It's everything you want/need in a little skillet (bacon, eggs, potatoes and cheese - just the right size). I've never tried the Veggie Mess but my friends like it. - Kastrie's Basket of Goodies is fine, but it's not their best offering. I'd skip it unless they're offering the huge cinnamon bun that you can split with five of your friends. Lunch: + The garlic knots are crazy good. + The trio of spreads is also a good choice - ask for extra pita. + The roasted chicken salad is great if you're not in the mood for pizza. Dinner: + The mac n cheese is solid. + If they're offering the shaved brussels sprout salad you have to get it. It's one of my favorites. + Same with the beet salad. Pizza (all day): + You can't go wrong with any of them. I'm usually all about the sauce when it comes to pizza, but the crust here steals the show. My favorite is the bourbon caramelized onion and gorgonzola - add bacon and it's even better. Finally, the staff is really friendly and a) every one of them will thank you for coming as you exit the restaurant and b) remember you if you they've waited on you before. Every once in a while they will misquote your wait time, but if you are aware of that going in it's still worth the (many) trip(s).
(5)
Jetson L.

Good design, nice cocktails, good coffee, and baked goods that are tempting but not overly so. They have strong wifi and a lot of indoor seating. Outdoor cafe seating is unshaded and gets rather hot. Overall, a good place to work and have a cup of coffee with convenient location in Kendall Square.
(4)
Jane H.

Just okay. Listen up folks, I was OVERHYPED from seeing pictures on Instagram of brunches at Area Four but the execution? I'm not impressed. Sure my review will be buried amongst all the one star/five star reviews but to be brutally honest, it's overpriced for what you could seriously make at home. Not a vast amount of choices, but their pizza is pretty good I guess. Tip: they'll let you split half/half for two pizza choices I'd rather save my money and traveling somewhere more worthwhile. Eh.
(3)
Neechi M.

I think I was too generous (or too drunk? who knows) with the first review. I wish I could give 3.5 stars because Area Four deserves: - 2-3 stars for dinner - 4-5 stars for lunch Long story short: - Go for lunch, not for dinner - Expect issues with your order not coming out right (2/2 visits so far) - The pizza (esp. the Carnivore) is not as great as Food Network would have you believe (i.e. don't feel obliged to get it -- if there's something else on the menu that interests you more, go for it) - Price is fairly high for what you get - 1 large is enough for two people (no need to get two smalls) -- do half/half if you want to try more than one menu item Longer story: I made the mistake of going on a dinner date here the other night and will never do that again. The SO didn't want to sit outside due to the temp so we sat inside but were seated in their bench seating right next to two dudes (you basically share a table in this section although there is a small gap). I asked if we could take one of the million available separate tables in the other section but the hostess said they have to reserve them for people that might show up in groups of 3 or larger. This makes sense ---- until you realize that it was 8:30pm on Monday in Kendall Sq and NONE of the tables were taken at this point. Are you telling me a hoard of rebel MIT zombie kids is about to show up and claim ALL of the empty tables? Something tells me the chances of that are pretty slim. So we sat where instructed and for some strange reason it was way too cold inside (middle of summer here) so I was borderline shivering. Needless to say, the ambiance sucked for dinner and it was not made up for by the food (the pizza was just ok this time, maybe the cooks were getting lazy towards the end of the day) or the fact that not a single person came to claim the seats that we were so adamantly denied. The server would disappear for long spurts of time and all in all it just wasn't a great experience. Coincidentally I am going back later today, but for lunch. I'd highly recommend the place for a nicer lunch (and more expensive then other options in the area) but just not for dinner.
(3)
Raina B.

Garlic knots. Get them. Warm, buttery, garlicky, and cheesy, with some herbs and a tomato dipping sauce. We also had the margherita pizza, which had a chewy thin-ish crust. The tomato sauce was the slightly tart, true tomato flavor kind of sauce - not the kind you can get out of a bottle. Service for lunch can be quite slow - this isn't a quick "let's do a 45 minute lunch" kind of place. The cafe has great scones and looks like a nice place to sit and get some work done.
(4)
Sarah E.

I came here with a large group for weekend brunch. The brunch menu looked creative and intriguing, but since this place is known for pizza, my bf and I decided to split a large pizza. We got Gorgonzola and caramelized onion pizza, which came with walnuts and green onion on it. I don't know who came up with this idea for a pizza, but it was very very pungent and there were no sweet flavors to distract from the Gorgonzola cheese. This is the type of cheese that can add interest to a regular cheese pizza, but it should not be the only cheese on the pizza. For that reason. even as a Gorgonzola cheese fan, I didn't really love the pizza. Also there wasn't much caramelized onion. The crust was good though. I have to give them that. Also, the ambiance of the place was nice. I enjoyed the casual decor and open setup of the place. During the morning/ afternoon there was lots of natural light. The service was great too, although the water cups smelled kinda funny to me. Maybe they were not washed correctly... who knows.
(3)
Alexandra M.

Probably shouldn't say this, but I'm told if it's slower when you go they'll try new things, like mac n cheese pizza....which I thought was on the menu so that's why it came up. We had the margarita and a mushroom pizza, both of which were amazing. We were convinced into garlic knots by our server saying 'any aps? garlic knots?' so I guess we're easily persuaded... Great beer selection and they'll give you samples as well if you can't choose.
(5)
Glenn H.

I stayed in Cambridge near here during business and had a couple of meals there. I really loved the semi industrial look and decor of this place. Yes it can be a bit hard-edged but the warmth of the service and the great food was a treat for the business traveler. Here's what a business colleague and I had a few months back there. it was very fresh food with great flavors and quality. You could tell that this is a place the prides itself on excellent food. "Kitchen Sink": $13.50 Romaine, Radicchio, Tomatoes, Fontina, Squash, Green Beans, Green Olives Banana Peppers, Roasted Onions & Lemon Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette Not Pepperoni:| Large $22.50 Sopressata, Mozzarella, Tomato & Pecorino The menu does continue to evolve and it appears that the Kitchen Sink Salad (under the wonderful "Not Pizza" category) is not there now. Very good service, with a fun atmosphere, I will return each time I visit Cambridge.
(5)
Sonia D.

I was here Monday night for a friends going away dinner and I loved it. I've never been for dinner but have tried their croissant from the cafe and it was heaven so I wouldn't think anything less from the restaurant. We sat outside which was perfect. I ordered the margherita pizza and added mushrooms. I am a tomato sauce snob but this was definitely great and it was cooked perfectly. I haven't had pizza this good in a while. I am a thin crust pizza cooked well done type of girl and its hard to come by these days unless you are in Southern Italy. The crust was thin and perfect. I definitely enjoyed my pizza and can't wait to go back. I also had a glass of barbera which paired well with my pizza of choice. We also shared dessert which was Take 4 chocolate-peanut cake, cream cheese mousse, caramel sauce & pretzel bits. I'm not a big fan of chocolate but it was good and very rich. The pretzels were different not ones you would think of. If you are in the area of just looking for some good pizza and wine/beer definitely check it out. I can't wait to go back and try out other things.
(4)
Margot H.

Area Four is my favorite place to eat in Cambridge. I love pizza and this is truly great pizza -- it has the benefits of "fancy" pizza with toppings like funky sopressata and bacon & clams, but it also has the integrity of a classic pie -- crust is chewy and flavorful, toppings and sauce are not too heavy. Along with the great pizza, Area Four is just a fun place to visit, with friendly service and a modern atmosphere. Logistics: somewhat annoyingly, no reservations for parties of less than 6. You will have a wait on weekend nights, but times quoted are accurate and there is a bar area to wait in. Food: Along with the pizza (my favorites are the sopressata and the mushroom), don't miss the garlic knots with marinara sauce (these bear no resemblance to what you get from a New York slice place i.e., they are delicious, not dry), the brussels sprouts salad (crunchy!) and the banana split (bruleed bananas!). We also tried a great braised duck entree special last time we were there -- if you have non-pizza eaters in your group, they will find something here. There is also a nice selection of beers, wines and an alcoholic cider on tap. Service: I've had very friendly and competent waiters here. Last time I went, my friends and I held down our table for about two hours before the manager came up and said she would buy us a round of drinks at the bar but needed to take our table for a reservation. While it's usually annoying to be asked to get up, she handled this so politely that we really didn't mind. I respect a place that gets its reservations seated.
(5)
Amy D.

Coffee, Bakery, Bar, and Oven are the components that make up Area Four. We recently spent 36 hours in Boston, and didn't really want to venture out to Cambridge, but upon stumbling onto this restaurant, we changed our minds. We came for breakfast and their menu isn't huge, but there are some tasty selections. It seems that everyone these days including fast food restaurants are making breakfast sandwiches, so i was apprehensive ordering one here. It was by far the best breakfast sandwich i have had, each individual component was hand made. The homemade English muffin was pillowy and the perfect vehicle for this sammy. There was melted old cheddar, a scrambled egg ring, and the most delicious sausage patty. The sausage had wonderful spices and herbs, and had so much flavour without being greasy. Overall if you are looking to eat at a restaurant where they take pride in their food and offer it to their customers at a fare price, then come on down to Area Four. I cannot wait to come back and try their pizzas.
(4)
Chas K.

Had a business lunch here last week and was underwhelmed by the portions and service, and surprised by the high prices. My host and I split a small Putanesca pizza, mozzarella appetizer, and arugula salad. Toss in a lemon soda for me and the total was $37. The mozz appie ($10) was very good. The pizza was tasty and I liked the doughiness, but it was tiny and, at $13.50, not exactly a value. The arugula salad was crisp and the Crimini mushrooms added a welcome earthy counterpoint to the spicy greens, but it was small for the $9 price tag. Add those numbers and the soda was expensive, too. Our sallow, disaffected youth of a server was slow and inattentive. His Morrissey demeanor was a downer. I wouldn't go out of my way to return, but when in Kendall again and with someone who wanted to go there, I'd tag along. Please let me know what you think of this review by clicking a button below. Thanks!
(3)
Karishma R.

Okay food and so-so service. Nothing to write home about. I came here with a couple of friends on a Saturday night. They don't take reservations, so we had to wait for a table, which took about 40 minutes. Once we were seated, we put in our orders right away. It took 45 minutes for our food to come out. Thankfully, we had ordered an appetizer, the dip trio. All three dips were good, and the pita was fresh and warm. When our server asked us if we wanted more pita, we said yes, thinking she was being nice given that the food was taking so long. Turns out, however, that she was upcharging us without telling us, which in my opinion is a very dishonest practice. The pizza itself was alright, definitely not worth the wait, though. Service was slow and mediocre. Even the drinks took forever. Would like to try their coffee at some point, but wouldn't return for dinner.
(3)
Jack C.

The swanky but casual atmosphere of this place is pretty cool, and brunch on a Saturday was busy, a good sign. For these reasons, I was a happy camper at first, which is a hard thing for me to be when I'm ordinarily very cranky when I am hungry. I think I became crankier when communication on part of the hostess failed; she said we could use a table, once it was set up, but we then stood around for a good 10 minutes until we pointed out that the table was not going to miraculously set itself. Once we did get situated at the table, the bartender gave us very prompt service. Unfortunately though, the food was terrible. We got the French toast bread pudding, the hot mess, and the hot veggie mess. The hot messes were not very original: they were small, shallow, and discordantly seasoned. The French toast bread pudding was a failure: while it was a nice soggy/solid texture, the presentation was uninspiring, the flavors were flat (I think they forgot cinnamon), and there was literally nothing sweet about it. Maybe the pizzas would have been better.
(2)
Bobbie W.

All I've had here are the pizzas and they are good! They get the sauce and the crust right: both taste great and add something to the mix. Ingredients on the pizza are tasty too. My only wish would be for the whole to be a little less salty; but maybe that's easier said than done with a pizza, where you can't just add salt to taste. Very good and I'm looking forward to my next visit to try some other things on the menu.
(4)
Dave S.

This place has a coffee cafe side and a restaurant side and both offerings are great. The selection of local and regional beer on tap is excellent (around 15-20 taps with original stuff and old favorites) and really good food with many house made ingredients. The brick oven pizzas are very popular for good reason. Excellent brunch too.
(5)
Emily S.

The coffee they serve here is amazing. It is pricey to take home a pound, but they clearly know what they are doing.
(4)
Kuidaore Sensei X.

Average food, abysmal service. If you need clarification, dine there.
(2)
Marilyn C.

My brother was visiting from out of town this past weekend and having had a previous good experience at Area Four I figured it was a safe bet for a decent meal. The experience started off well. We found seats at the bar and got drinks while we waited for an outside table. The wait was less than the 45 mins. they quoted so that was good. Previously I would have likely given Area Four 3 stars, maybe 4 on a good day, but what provoked me to only give 2 stars was the horrendous service and the only ok food. Our waitress came once to take our order and that was it - no water refills and a looong wait for the check. She walked by several times and not once stopped to check in or see if we needed anything. I can't recall the last time I had such poor service. As for the food, the menu seemed more limited than I remembered. Not really a problem, just an observation. Small menus are fine with me I can always find something and in this case I wanted to try a flatbread/pizza - which seems to be more of Area Four's focus now. I got a sausage pizza that was pretty greasy and the crust was a little off, a bit cardboardy/homelessnessy. My brother got mac and cheese which was decent and we got a squid salad which boosts this review to 2 starts as it was pretty good. I enjoy eating outside and I think Area Four is pretty reasonably priced, but there is no excuse for poor service.
(2)
Mel C.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE KITCHEN SINK SALAD? Kinda disappointed with that menu change. It was the perfect side dish to A4's amazing pizzas. Hopefully they get that back up here. The sausage & banana peppers is my go to. Their crust is chewy, not too salty, and not soggy. If you're looking for something a little heavier, go with the clam and bacon.
(5)
John L.

Good food, but it took very long to get a bill. Price- kind of high for the portion size. A "hot mess" is $12 and is hot too big. Quality- food is very good. The breakfast pizza and hot mess are very tasty. Quantity- hot mess is a bit small. Atmosphere- modern and love the outdoor seating Staff- very kind, but we waited about 30 min to get out bill.
(3)
Marie W.

Came here for brunch on a Sunday. Had about a 40 minute wait. The food was decent though a little pricey for the amount of food that you get. I got the hot veggie mess, which was actually pretty good. They got my order wrong the first time but corrected it quickly. My husband got the special, which was BBQ beef version of the hot mess, which was also good. The ambiance is pretty nice. Also, I would recommend NOT sitting in the area with the bar height chairs. They were quite possibly the most uncomfortable chairs I have ever sat in! There is no place to rest your legs if you are on the shorter side, and not deep enough to really be able to sit back and relax--a definite downer when you're looking forward to a nice brunch. We are glad we tried it since the hot mess is something different, but probably wouldn't go back again for brunch.
(3)
Brian L.

We shared three pizzas: the carnivore (sausage, meatball, pepperoni, bacon), clam & bacon, and mushroom & fontina. Overall, pretty tasty, good-quality pizzas in a nice-looking spot with a pretty sleek interior. Brags (+): Loved the clam and bacon! Really nice combination of salty and seafood, works nicely together. I also found myself eating a lot of the crust even though I'm not normally a crust-eater, so props for that. Service was good as well. Beats (-): Somewhat disappointed by the carnivore pizza. I'm usually a huge all-meat pizza fan, but for some reason this just didn't do it for me. I think there was too much meatball, which basically tasted like a mouthful of ground beef (bah). Also the large pizzas aren't very large, but I suppose that is a matter of perspective... I guess for $25 a pop I just wanted a tiny bit more than 6 medium-ish slices. Variance (~): Funny signs that direct you to the bathroom. "You're cold, go behind the bar," "Getting warmer," etc.
(4)
M. N.

Area Four has always been on my "to visit" list for a long time. Unfortunately, though I was excited for my visit to Area Four I was turned down by the light colored hair women with glasses (the receptionist) at the restaurant portion of Area Four today. Rude, arrogant, moody and plain horrible. Due to her rudeness, we decided to leave the restaurant and go to Tatte bakery instead. It was well worth the walk. At 3pm on a weekday, the restaurant portion was empty. The cafe portion was pretty full! We wanted to go for the restaurant portion since we had invited friends over. Was she bored? Was she upset that the restaurant was empty? I don't know, but it's no excuse to be rude to a customer. I asked her a simple question: "What's the difference between the cafe and the restaurant?", her response was unhelpful and unprofessional. She also wanted to us to wait by the desk for our friends to arrive while the restaurant was EMPTY. I repeat, EMPTY. Too bad I couldn't even try their food because of the receptionist, the barrier to entry.
(1)
Greg S.

So much awesome, especially the pizza, cafe and pastries. Staff are superb, coffee and espresso are a dream. Will edit with more details. It is my staple and goto cafe joint. Even if I didn't work and live a mere few blocks away, I'd travel here for the purity of espresso (cortado! latte!), the special single brew coffees and the pastries (almond croissants, savory croissants, bagels, breakfast sandwich!). For dinner, the pizzas are king. Clams & bacon, as well as mushroom, are standouts.
(5)
Steph K.

The mushroom pizza was life changing. The base is a delicious mushroom-y, earthy sauce, topped with cheese and more mushrooms. It definitely gets a spot on my list of favorite pizzas ever. As for the restaurant itself, Area Four has a really cool and almost futuristic atmosphere. But lets be honest, I would eat that mushroom pizza no matter what the restaurant was like on the inside.
(5)
Yaka M.

Pretty good ambiance. Modern interior and It's quiet (at least when I went there) so it makes a good work/study place too. Can't say much about their food/drink because I just had a lemonade (which was pretty good and refreshing) and a bagel (nothing special).
(4)
Harry H.

Bakery/Coffee only: The craquelin, as evil a creation as it sounds, is a hybrid of a croissant and a popover, courageously studded with divots of brown sugar. The cinnamon pecan sticky bun unleashes just as diabolical an assault on the teeth (& hands, espec sans napkins&utensils). The GF Almond Citrus Corn Cake encapsulated my unfounded assumptions about the cuisine, texturally offensive but acceptable flavor-wise, topped with an uncandied (or poorly candied) orange segment and packed with some very (i.e., unappealingly) moist berries/compote. The chocolate croissant was far from pedestrian but nothing I'd grab again. -1 since nothing in the morning incarnation* was craveable, and no pastry is a keeper if you don't find yourself thinking about it again. -1 since the clientele skews snobby**, though the staff is pleasant enough. *If in the area, I would strongly consider a return for the bar/oven section for the Neapolitan pizza, bacon & sea salt nuggets w/ pimento cheese dip for the companion, an ice cream sundae, and the olive-oil chocolate cake that's universally lauded. **Rather than spring for a single $2.50/$3 pastry, I capitalized on the $10 Amex Foursquare checkin special and dropped $11.75 (aka $1.75 after the deal, not a bad haul for a buck-75).
(3)
Mo M.

We love the Somerville location when we want a quiet, dark and cozy atmosphere. Unlike the Kendall restaurant, they have a romaine and anchovy salad which is delish. Both locations are excellent and you can eat happily (salad, sides, roasted veggies) without having to eat pizza if you're avoiding carbs. If you are here for the pizza the margarita is simple and wood fired to perfection! The wait staff are friendly, cool, efficient. I'm so happy there's an Area Four in my hood - you guys rock.
(5)
Tammy K.

Four points to note about Area Four: 1. Lattes are good 2. Baristas are nice 3. Buy 10 get 1 free 4. Pay with your phone (LevelUp)
(4)
Jamie Y.

The ICED COFFEE is strong! I've been to the restaurant a couple times and I was a regular in the coffee house all of last year. I really like the coffee, if I feel super tired in the middle of the day, I drink their iced coffee, I'm instantly feeling better! The pastries in the cafe are good too. Note: If you're trying to grab and go, the line in the morning can be pretty long! Give yourself enough time.
(4)
Gillian C.

I like this place. It's closeby and pretty good for dates. The bar area is kind of small and in the winter the door keeps opening and it's a bit too cold right there, but overall I really liked it. Would DEF go back for the pizza, which is delish. My order: Some type of rosemary mixed drink, amazing. Pizza, amazing. Pork and beans, disappointing.
(4)
ack c.

Five stars for the restaurant -a few just for serving great pizza and beer, 'cause those are staples in my mind. Three stars for cafe- Coffee is another staple and I'd love to be all about area four cafe, but i got the idea that they served Barissimo, which they don't. The line seems disorganized, the staff curious ton!non-regulars. (i assume there would be no positive comments if this were not true.)
(4)
Jennie P.

A very nice culinary addition to a somewhat sterile, once chain-dominated section of MIT/biotech land. Despite the stainless exterior, the wood-fired ovens alone invite with a homey touch to a neighborhood of huge research buildings, you can smell the wood smoke around the block. And once you're inside, there is more rusticity of warm wood well integrated with the rest of the dining room's modern industrial design feel. Area 4's salads are all great, but the shaved brussel sprout and kale salad wins. One of the best salads I've ever consumed, perhaps even the best. Trio of spreads accompanied by warm homemade pita with zaatar spice is the bomb. I actually got it to go for lunch the next day; it is enough for two meals. So good. Never knew I liked eggs on pizza until I tried the Carbonara - excellent. Pies range from refreshingly light to comfortingly rich depending on your mood. Interesting and innovative menu, but not overly so, and not pretentious. Local ingredients a plus. Great bar menu, good selection of beer and spirits especially. Table service friendly and prompt. I haven't been to the bakery/cafe side, but have heard great things and look forward to checking it out.
(4)
Meg R.

As a native New Yorker, I've been searching for brick oven pizza to satisfy my weekly pizza cravings. After failed attempts at Cambridge 1 (too crunchy, bad service) and Posto (too much hype and techno music), I am so pleased to have found Area Four! It was crowded when we arrived--always a good sign--and told that it would be a 30-40 minute wait. So we squeezed in at the comfy oak bar, ordered some wine and beer which were both on tap and reasonably priced. The beers were all from New England and they though the liquor selection was limited, they offered MA-distilled liquors including Berkshire Mountain and Bully Boy. My husband and I split a puttanesca pizza for dinner. The crust was thin where it was supposed to be thin and pillowy-soft on the outer crust; the toppings were sufficiently flavorful without being heavy; and the large size was more than enough for both of us, so we had leftovers to take home. For dessert, we had the olive oil chocolate cake which was like a ganache--very rich, very delicious! They offered a full array of decaf coffee drinks, which I appreciated. Overall--prices are consistent with other Cambridge eateries of comparable quality; the ambiance is pleasant (chill music, modern decor); and there are plenty more pizzas to try on subsequent visits! Next time it'll have to be the caramelized onion and gorgonzola...There's also a weekday early bird special that may just pull me in sooner than later (pint & margherita for $12)!
(4)
Daniel F.

Excellent service, excellent ingredients, and simple menu. You will never be sad that visited Area Four. They use their wood-fired oven for many of their entrees and appetizers to great effect. The pizza is perfectly crispy. Their pita has a vague hint of hardwood smoke. The salads use local, fresh ingredients. Lastly, try the banana split. Simply outstanding.
(5)
Damien S.

Oh, the daunting task of reviewing one-half of split personalities. And with an allegedly polar experience in the dining area, I'll obviously update with resto feedback when I indulge. Until then... CAFÃ‰ REVIEW There's not much character to the quadrilateral that is A4's counter-service side. Walk in, sit communally (either next to a centrally static support structure or alongside the window wall), drink your drink and begone. Some places make this stark emptiness their own, wearing the monochromatic like Andrew WK (Kendall neighbor Voltage comes to mind) but there's no ferociousness to Area Four. It just feels... there. Initial impression aside, I ushered past the post-morning display of baked goods and ordered while staring at the overhead menu. Don't you hate that? Everyone does it. You know what you want, but you just can't take your eyes off the menu - as if something, at the last minute, will convince you to change your mind. It's why we scan what else might be on when we find our favorite movie on cable, or scan other stations when that Pitbull hit starts up... I'll stop there. The oolong (they haz it!) tea is served at the right temperature (if a bit hot) in a "go steep yourself" kettle, and adequately warmed the cockles of my heart. What a weird phrase. Cockles are actually clams. This tea warmed my heart clams. Quote that. The star of the morning was the pistachio-orange scone with bits of white chocolate. Perfect consistency and sweetness, the right size and even the Swedish judge gave high marks on the "crumble factor" (she's tough). Honorable mention: my snacking buddy gushed coma-inducing praise upon the Ã¼berdense breakfast sandwich, which I may have to order next time I'm in the hood/preparing for nuclear fallout. Genuinely 3.5 stars, and in the spirit of the holidays, a round up to 4.
(4)
Tamara W.

Went here last night with my father for dinner and it was delicious! They do not take reservations for parties that are less than 6 or something so that is sort of annoying, however if you called 15 minutes before than you can put your name down. We were seated immediately and our waitress Allegra was wonderful. We ordered a small appetizer to start with the fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese and it was so yummy. I had the monk fish for my dinner & father had the hamburger. The pizza is probably the best thing they offer here, however we are not big pizza people. Regardless the food was FANTASTIC. The portions were small which I like (no one wants to leave dinner thinking they need to unbutton a pant button) although we were perfectly full and had no room to try dessert. POSITIVES: -great parking in the area (all metered but does not need coins after 6pm) -not very loud AT ALL (you would think it might but it is is not) -unpretentious, everyone is very friendly when you arrive and when you are leaving (the beauty of coming to a new restaurant that is working hard to establish themselves. -Has that San Francisco-hipster vibe which reminds me of when I lived there :-) Great for anyone longing for the vibe of SoMa neighborhood in San Francisco. NEGATIVES: -expensive. Our meal for 2 was 60 dollars. The monk fish was a 25 dollar meal however if you order pizza, beer not cocktails, and ditch the dessert you can save yourself a lot of money and still get a wonderful meal. In the future I'd suggest them have more options for entrees that were non-pizza and making them more reasonably priced. Enjoy! ~Tamara
(5)
Vanessa G.

I should give it four stars if only because it costs me 8 damn dollars a day to feed my addictions of gluten free citrus almond cake (sometimes a crunchy end and sometimes a soft middle piece, they always ask) and an iced latte which is seriously a sweet nectar of highlawn farms milk and espresso. plus I have to tip the lovelies that work there. Everyone morning. But I will go with five stars. This is in my top two favorite places to get my morning coffee in Boston/Cambridge. The staff is always chipper and helpful and I ashamed that I don't know any of their names (except I think I overheard that it was Michael that made my espresso this morning). Each drink if crafted one at a time and worth the wait. I promised I would write about the fact that one of the staffers chased a woman down the street with her oatmeal that took a little longer than usual. She caught up with her so the woman didn't miss her breakfast at all plus they reimbursed her for the delay. Love this place and these people.
(5)
Tharathorn R.

Though I'm a regular at Area Four, I have only tried a few beverages on their menu (latte, espresso macchiato, hot coffee, and recently bicerin). The other day one of the baristas has opened another door for me into wild world of caffeinated beverages. She recommended one of their individually brewed pourover from a local roaster (Barrington). It is quite a bit more expensive than their regular coffee, but if the price is paid for the intensity of flavor and the aromas that pour out of the full immersion slow brewed method, then this individually brewed goodness is totally worth it. They are serving two highly rated beans as individually brewed right now: Ethiopian Nekisse ( coffeereview.com/review.â€¦ ) and Ethiopia Yirgacheffe ( coffeereview.com/review.â€¦ sure about the second one). I tried both and love them both (the Nekisse more than the Yirgacheffe for me).
(5)
Elena E.

Been here for lunch and dinner. Both times I had the pizza so at this point I've tried 4 different pizzas. Overall, they're fine but nothing special and overly greasy. The clam and bacon was only one really disappointing. Also shared a kitchen sink salad which was very good. The restaurant itself is a cool, casual and fun place. And it's nice to have the outdoor seating in the summer.
(3)
C R.

A great pizza and brunch place! I have been here multiple times and I am always impressed with the quality of the food, the wine selection, and especially the service.
(4)
Eva L.

I just love love love their latte. Starbucks should learn something from them. This is a very pretty spot. Huge window makes me happy. My boyfriend and I ordered a small all meat pizza and the "hot mess" brunch dish. Both very delicious. but at the same time I'm a bit worried the calories haha! The service was great too. I'll probably go again next time at MIT
(4)
Hijo d.

Had lunch here and it was decent, not the best thin-crust I have had (Spacca Napoli in Chicago is gold standard). It was a pretty perfect day in Cambridge so I sat on the patio. I had the arugula salad, which was really salty. Not sure if it was in the dressing or they put salt on top with the pepper or the pecorino or a combo of the lot. It was not a very good tasting salad but looked nice. Imagine without the salt overload it would have been just fine. Unfortunately, the salty salad made my pizza choice seem even saltier than it probably would have been. I ordered the Puttanesca (suggest the small for one person and you will like have two/three slices left) and it was pretty good. The crust was pretty decent, but still not quite what you get at Spacca Napoli or Pizzeria D.O.C. in Chicago or Cibo in PHX or Oven & Shaker in PDX. The service was good and friendly. I looked inside and it looks like a really cool space. I like the location on Technology Square -- probably really nice in the summer if not humid. The patio on the main road was not all that great as you are looking at traffic but it was so nice out that day that I will take it. There were some tables along the side of the exterior facing the green space, and that would probably have been a better choice. I will give them 3.5 stars. If I lived around there, I would go back because I may have just had a off experience. I probably won't seek it out next time in Boston unless I happen to be right in that area and am looking for known entity. Oh, and if you are not from the East Coast or Boston, the Notch Session Pilsner was pretty decent. I have never been a hugh fan of east coast microbrews (let the comments begin) as they are often a little sweet to me but I thought this was pretty good.
(3)
Shea H.

Love this place for weekend brunches! The Hot Mess is your own personal skillet of deliciousness! If you get there at a reasonable time and they still have some split the Giant Cinnamon Roll, SO GOOD! On another note; their wood fire grill pizzas are really good. Its my number one place for take out pizza!
(4)
Kiran B.

I love this place for brunch. The Hot Mess is one of my favorite tired Sunday morning breakfasts: home fries, spinach and mushrooms covered in cheese, with two eggs and runny yolks on top, baked in a cast iron skillet. The pizza is also excellent. I'm a huge fan of the gorgonzola + caramelized onion pizza, as well as the carbonara. They're both rich, delicious, and unusual.
(5)
B G.

Food is great, and the waiters and waitresses are great, but my god, the hostesses are real bitches. They should work on training their hostesses for customer service. It is not acceptable to yell at customers when they mistakenly take seats on a busy Saturday morning. This has happened multiple times before - hostesses should be welcoming customers, not deterring them.
(3)
Lilee N.

chill and very casual atmosphere to grab late night dinner with friends. pizza was great and the ribs as a starter. hold off on the salads-- they'll leave you hungry.
(4)
Huong P.

Just went back yesterday for the pizza. The Carbonara was not on the list anymore (shucks!) so we made do with the Springs Vegetable pizza, which had a green onion sauce topped with arugula, peas, asparagus, pickled onions, cheese, and farm eggs; and a dark and stormier drink. The pizza came out fairly quickly but I was fairly disappointed. Rather than crack the eggs on top and let it bake naturally, the pizza had eggs that were pan fried separately and then placed on top. The taste of the pizza was light but I found that this pizza was a little too wet and too difficult to eat with hands. The experience this time around compared to my first one left me wishing it was better. The Dark and Stormier is like a regular Dark and Stormy, with the exception that, instead of ginger beer, they use their own ginger syrup. For me, it lacked the spiciness and bubbles that I love so dearly so the drink was just okay. Overall, Area IV is still a great place to eat if you're around the Kendall/MIT area.
(3)
Guillermo M.

Delicious croissants and really good cafe au lait. Avoid the oatmeal, yuck.
(4)
Hilary S.

The pizza here is very good. If not for the too-high prices and lack of delivery, this would easily be a four star. My husband and I just spent nearly $40 on two small pies... This may be one of the better pizza options in the neighborhood, but it always feels like we're getting ripped off.
(3)
Kalia C.

if this restaurant is any indicator, i need to fly up to boston more often. coffee/bakery/???/oven is what i recall was sprawled across the top of our menu. the more formal eatery part of the shop just opened a few weeks ago or something like that and i'm so fortunate to eat here on this trip. i went with three friends - bless their hearts, being older and working folks they paid for my lunch: 'when you're a student, you don't pay', 'but you're always paying!', 'that's cos you're still a student every time you're back here!'. we decided to go for their special, five small plates for 23$. we had: 1/ artichoke, potato, mint, green olives 2/ sweet pea hummus + pita 3/ shrooms, tomatoes, goodness 4/ barley salad + something else... 5/ house-made moz cheese, smoked tomato, fennel and garlic topping of the five, five were delicious. oh hey, 100%. and that's what i'm expecting from here, and what you should too, as it's excellent food. they also brought out unlimited portions of a sourdough like bread that's been lightly drizzled in olive oil or butter, this definitely helped fill us up as we split the five dishes among four adults. and smoked tomato is the new roasted tomato. that shiz is the awesome. we finished off our lunch with the macchiato sundae, topped with marshmallow sauce (what? where has this been all my life?) and chocolate jimmies. mmmm so tasty, so good, so creamy, so nicely homemade and dense. overall, the bill came out to something like $33 between four people - a fantastic price for a top-quality lunch. the decor is also cute and charming - predominantly wood + metal with black accents, and they definitely seem hip and ster and whatever else. i really loved the big metal ovens with roaring fires (smoked tomato sauce, if they serve over their pizzas i may consider moving back to boston permanently) and the transparency of the kitchen and stacks of porcelain white dishware. i hearted hardcore the stacks of firewood with 'AREA FOUR' branded at the butts of the logs and especially when they brought out the check bulldog-clipped on slices of branded butts (hah say that one quickly). and seriously, above all, i really loved the back doors with labels such as "dry room - not a bathroom" and "office - also not a bathroom". for dorks like me, it keeps us focused on the food and not meandering around the place, looking for the potty room.
(5)
Michelle F.

Went here the other night with a friend to get a drink on our "tour de Kendall" as I'd never ventured out Here before. The chairs were the most uncomfortable things I've ever sat in! Other than that the atmosphere was great along with the food. It's a modern day take on a brick oven restaurant (minus the brick). Oliver the bartender was fabulous! Overall it was a nice time but they really need to do something about the chairs.
(4)
Kathy A.

Had dinner here tonight. The experience was great, different in a good way. Great service, vibe and of course food. Had the arugula salad, best salad I have had in a long time. Friends splits pizza, I had a piece, very tasty, thin crust, well cooked. The BEST were the pretzel nuggets and the garlic knots! Hot, buttery, soft inside, flavorful, UNBELIEVABLE! Really, get them and change your life. We split a dessert, a few non alcoholic drinks and a caapacino and it was $25 a piece. The cheapest meal out I have had in a while. Metered parking is not a deal breaker, it s in the city, there are no free parking lots. The area is mostly businesses so parking in that area is fine after work gets out. Meters stop at 6, btw.
(5)
Jim M.

I would give this place a five star review if I were only reviewing the bar/oven side, which I love. They have great food, good beer and the staff on the bar/oven side is friendly, attentive and extremely helpful. The Bakery is a totally different experience. I've been three times for coffee, tea, and treats and find the staff to be completely indifferent to me. It's like the bakery, and the bar/oven aren't the same place. Last time in at the bakery, we were ignored, then made to feel like we were trouble makers because we asked for something to go instead of for here (this was before any drinks were made or we finished paying). The staff on the bakery side spent tiem standing around chatting instead of helping us, or cleaning up the tables which were in serious need a wipe down. The coffee is good, and the treats are delicious, but it's expensive and they should treat you as well on the bakery side as they do on the bar/oven side.
(4)
Mary R.

Went with a group for apps and drinks - it was pretty empty for dinner so the atmosphere could have been better. We got pizza, mussels and some small bites- the food was tasty but not outstanding. The portions were also pretty small so apps are good to share for 2 people -no more.
(3)
Maureen M.

I had dinner with a friend here last week. We really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. The waitstaff was great. This is the perfect place to stop in after work to have drinks and sample a few dishes. The food was fresh and delicious. Will definitely come back soon!
(5)
E G.

Went there for dinner. Had a bad experience (food not great; costly). Had been fans of Persephone, but was disappointed. But went again, for a second try, and they seemed to have the initial kinks worked out. Service was good; food was much better. Yah, I'm a fan.
(4)
Sharee P.

Some co workers and I went to Area 4 earlier in the month for a friends going away party/lunch. From jump the menus were a little hard to understand- they just read: Small-Large- and we couldn't figure out where the salad was LOL the service was very alert and almost a little too smothering, BUT I'm not complaining about that. The area itself is a pretty kool warehouse like set up and you can sit on these high stools. Once we figured out where the appetizers were we ordered the chic-pea, curry hummus whichwas deeelicious. one co-worker ordered a BBq sandwich which came with a TINY side of coleslaw?!? It was almost like they were be attempting to go w/ a kool gourmet plate prep, but it just ended up feeling like they skimped you a bit of the slaw ;-( I ordered the bacon and clam pizza w/ the lime tea which was all very tasty. The clam, bacon pizza came out hot, and crispy. The prices were ok and the staff like a said did hover, but it's better than them not being around right? It's a super cute/trendy spot and would be kool for just grabbing a bite, or sitting down and hanging out.
(3)
Chris O.

Only been to the cafe in front but great baked goods and the coffee is fantastic. Excited to try the rest!
(5)
Patrick M.

This review is for the restaurant and we're at maybe the second week. I went at lunch for a `once and a while, it's ok to spend a bit` lunch day. It is a nice, trendy, hip atmosphere with stainless steel, wood, and logs being the dominant decor with a blackboard for a menu. It worked. When we went we were seated at a high table. The area is pretty dead in the evening so I would guess that the majority of its business will be for lunch and happy hour. Given that, the food is pretty expensive. There are small, medium, and large entrees and pizza. The small are very small tapas with enough for three people to have a taste for $5.5 and you could get 5 for $23. They were quite good, particularly the asparagus and the mozarella. A pizza was about $15 for one that is about 12" round. The mushroom pizza would be highly recommended. Overall, I was very happy with the food but disappointed with the amount of food for the price. For 3 people, we spent about $15 each and left still really hungry. I'll have to try the bakery another day.
(3)
Nick S.

Stopped by Area Four on Saturday night; called ahead to put our name on the list and we were seated after around 10 minutes of being there. They placed us in the cafe in between two other parties on a communal table. I didn't mind; there was plenty of room for all of us. Looking around, I really liked the ambiance and cool touches (i.e. making a growler and a french press into light fixtures). They had lots of local beers on tap (I got Pretty Things Jack D'Or, girlfriend got BBC Steel Rail). For our party of four we ordered the garlic knots, A4 mozzarella, and two large pies: A4 Fennel Sausage & Pickled Banana Peppers and the Carbonara. The mozzarella was delicious, especially with the fruit compote. Definitely needed more of the crostini though; one crostini for 3 slabs of mozzarella is not sufficient. The garlic knots were just ok, they weren't that garlicky. In terms of the pizza: it must have been good, since I ate 5 pieces. The dough itself was great. Since I got my baking steel I've been making dough and cooking pies more often, and am beginning to appreciate a crust with a nice toothsome chew. The Area Four pies had this, along with nice browning on the bottom of the pizza as well. Where it fell flat a bit is the center; I'd say the first third of both of the pizzas were not crisp, and verging on soggy. As you ate more towards the crust the crispiness was there, adding much more texture. Both pizzas we got were tasty: the carbonara was unctuous and delicious, with the gooey egg being the centerpiece. Could have used a bit more bacon, though. I actually liked the sausage and banana pepper pizza better, which I was not expecting. The pickled banana peppers were spicy! This coupled with the flavorful sausage made for some great eating. All in all, A4 is probably one of the better pizza joints I've encountered. The pricing is reasonable (100$ for all the food above plus 4 beers), and apparently you can get free validated parking if you park in the technology square garage (wish I had knew this going in...). The service was good, and the food was certainly worth the trip.
(4)
Stanley S.

If you know pizza, this is not good pizza. I can see why people think this is good pizza. They copied all the ideas of good pizza places without being able to execute. They cook with the right ovens, temperature, but clearly the pizza is not right. The dough has zero flavor. Meaning they don't either let it ferment long enough or there isn't enough sugar content. Personally I prefer a dough that has fermented for 3 days before cooking. The sauce is terrible. I noticed immediately when we got those stupid dough knots they were touting. Really terrible. Why would you charge me money for trying your crappy dough and sauce? Uncooked sauce is the way to go, but this one was bad. Try using a higher quality tomato, garlic, olive oil and herbs. That's all you need. Avoid this hipster wasteland of crappy pizza, and did I mention this crap is expensive? Ugh. If you need a real pizza in the area try posto. They do it right.
(1)
Julia M.

- Spilled beer. - 50 minute wait to get a basic meal. - very poor Gluten-free options -- I left hungry - gyro of the day that is made out of swordfish! Gyro is traditionally made out of some meat. If you are serving "gyro of the day", and plan to give som
(1)
Luis V.

WOW! If you like eggs for brunch, then you got to try The Hot Mess! The presentation is great and the taste is even greater! If you like chili then you'll like the Messy Rachero! Great price for the level of deliciousiness! Definitely coming back with family and friends.
(5)
Heather W.

To help those confused: Area Four encompasses two things. First, a coffee shop; second, a full restaurant connected to the coffee shop. At the coffee shop you can order "real" food -- pizza, salad, breakfast stuff, etc. but my understanding is the menu is more limited (e.g., I'm pretty sure you can't order biscuits and gravy). That said, if you're hankering for a coffee, sticky bun of dreams, and a sausage egg "mc" muffin the way the gods intended it, I'd stop by. Sticky Bun: Seriously it's amazing. I mean amazing. But the key is to get to the coffee shop early, like at opening, so they're still warm when you get 'em. That's really the key to the true money shot. Morning Sausage Egg Biscuit Sandwich: Words cannot express the deliciousness. Like, that sausage is the best sausage I've ever had. Ever. Sometimes they're a little inconsistent with whether they seem to really toast the biscuit part but otherwise absolutely perfect. Coffee: Solid, splenda available, and strong. No wifi from Area Four but you can get on (at your own risk) to a public network from a nearby hotel. Oh, and there are some plugs. Enjoy!
(4)
Sarah S.

One of the best places in the world. PERFECT Croissants. AMAZING espresso beverages. I can't even get mochas in most other cafes anymore because the espresso in most other cafes SUX! Their pastries are all deadly fantastic.
(5)
Sarah G.

Good thing a place named for the area in Cambridge in which it resides is pretty much awesome. Otherwise it would be giving that whole area of Cambridge a bad name! But clearly they know exactly how to make some pretty amazing pizzas here. Matt J. and I split a small clam and bacon pizzas that had some peppers and this white sauce and fresh parsley and it was just downright delightful. Nice and thin crust, you can tell they just took it out of the oven and it has that hand made feeling to it as well. The flavors were all balanced just right and Anna B. also very much loved her caramelized onion and gorgonzola with peppered walnut pizza too. She hardly every takes her leftovers home, but she definitely wanted these last two pieces! Then there was the thai squid salad with this faint flavor of peanut and curry and cilantro and it just tasted so incredibly fresh and definitely motivated me to try and make it at home because it was just that good. It isn't the cheapest in the world ($12 for the salad and small pizzas around $15), but for a place that uses local stuff I am down even on my grad student budget. Oh and did I mention they make a mean cappuccino? They do. In fact they have a separate cafe area in the front with free wifi even and all of the coffee drinks you can think of and what looks like very tasty muffins and pastries too. The whole ambiance is just great. They have a full bar with creative cocktails, and it is a very open and modern feeling space. I definitely want to come back here at night for some drinking fun since it seems like such a fun, open and free space. Way to go Area 4.
(4)
Tom M.

I'll keep this simple. I went here for brunch with 5 friends. We arrived when they opened at 10:30 and didn't get seated for 20 minutes because they were still setting up tables. The pumpkin spice sticky bun was amazing. The breakfast sandwich I got was good. What really knocked this rating down was (1) the extremely slow service - We didn't receive our food until 11:45, and (2) The waiter thought it appropriate to add 20% gratuity to our bill. I've never heard of this for a party of 6. Next time we'll just wait for A Friendly Toast.
(2)
Jamie P.

YUM! I went for dinner after work and ate an entire pizza myself. Every bite was so delicious I didn't want it to end. Overall a very pleasant experience. I sat outside. Staff was very attentive and friendly.
(5)
Nan A.

This place is very vibrant with group business meetings and solo laptoppers. Love the minimalistic bathroom signs "W" and "M." Wish the cafÃ© area had the full lunch menu. Moderne yet warm West Coast ambiance with steel, glass and wood. The salads are artisan quality, yet a little pricy and spare.
(4)
mike y.

Parking : metered so that's kind of a pain not good for groups. a better place for leisure lunch or small group / impromptu dinner. don't like the seating setup..not very comfortable. Ate: chicken ...which was very good meatloaf burger ... was missing something ...lacked flavor i think i will have to try it one more time..and this time the pizzas cuz i think that's what they are known for. or at least their focus. but looking at the menu..nothing really entices me. We also went to the cafe part... I don't see them lasting. I've had better cafe experiences elsewhere. Setup is not so great. Ate : lemon curd cupcake / muffin ...it was okay ginger molasses cookie... was okay..tons of ginger in it.
(3)
Johnna M.

Dinner review-When in Kendall Square, keep it Kendall Squarian. Area Four follows this age old adage and this is where they succeed. Atmosphere is geek chic-sleek, simple, and...silver. Menus come on granite slabs with dorky puns litered everywhere. Definitely a unique atmosphere that works for the crowd and the area. My only complaint is I am never a fan of sharing tables with people not in your party. I'm in Kendall! I want to talk about computers or cell phones or whatever and not have to worry about being antisocial to the stranger in my lap. The food was completely average. While I have no real complaints, nothing really set me off either. I had both the mussels and the corn cakes. I enjoyed the corn cakes better than the mussels (tomato accompaniment was fantastic!) but neither would I make a point to try again. My friend said his gazpacho was so-so but he gulfed it down too quickly for me to try so that says something. Margarita pizza was well cooked but slightly boring-then again, it is margarita pizza. My favorite part of the experience was definitely my cocktail (how unusual for you, Johnna M.) I can not find mention of cocktails on either the website or yelp but the small selection is indeed interesting. I had a gin martini like thing with a tad of iced tea-delicious! I look forward to trying their bakery and coffee and hopefully that will prove to be a tad more innovative-big things are happening in this area.
(3)
Judy L.

The place seemed like a hip place. :) Servers were nice and the decor was nice. We ordered pita with hummus for appetizer, and 3 pizzas to share within the group. The pizza choices were: bacon and clam, mushroom, meatball All the pizzas were pretty good. Flavorful, with a chewy and very delicious crust. My complaint would be that the pizzas were too oily. But that's probably what made it extra flavorful too.
(3)
Kyle V.

Great coffee and a few good brunch options. Sausage and banana pepper pizza is amazing.
(5)
Jill S.

Delicious brunch! Innovative and exciting meal specials. Greek yogurt is a MUST TRY absolutely out of this world. Friendly and extremely helpful staff
(5)
Shan H.

Nice coffee place. Small, good for morning charge before heading to work.
(4)
Skimmilk K.

Interesting place. The place seems like a pizza place when you first step in but the things I loved were actually some of the appetizers. I definitely recommend the garlic knots. So delicious. Also, I was surprised by the trio of dips with the tsaziki and the beet horseradish. The clam pizza was a bit too salty (the waitress we had mentioned that some people do find it salty). But the mushroom pizza was good. I also love brussel sprouts so I thought the shaved brussel sprout salad was a nice light addition to the meal. We also enjoyed the dessert. The banana split had brulee like bananas so slightly crispy and ripe. I personally could eat a few more bowls of the soft serve. Definitely would go back here...in fact, I've already been back a couple times.
(4)
Jessica W.

Area Four is my second favorite place to get pizza in Cambridge. (Top honors go to Otto in Harvard Square, but they have no seating.) It's all about the crust. Crispy, but not too crispy--it's got to have just the right amount of chew. I'm not that in love with the Margherita here; it was a little drippy from either the tomato sauce or the cheese, or a combination of the two. But I fancy the mushroom and fontina pie after our first rendezvous together, and I usually prefer red sauce over white on my pies. The mushroom sauce and the gremolata make the pizza pop, especially the freshness of the lemon and parsley. Make sure to save room for dessert, and order the soft-serve sundae of the day. While the chocolate and vanilla twist I had seemed simple enough, it was delicious, with nice, subtle touches, like cinnamon in the chocolate ice cream. I haven't tried the brunch items here, but the sticky bun/cinnamon roll special I've spied is as big as a small cake. Tempting, but I think I'll always save room for the sundae.
(4)
Rhianna C.

I cried over La Molisana's untimely demise and passing of the owner, selfishly because I loved their breakfast sandwiches and was happy that there were cheap breakfast options near work. THANK YOU, OWNERS OF AREA FOUR FOR FILLING THE BREAKFAST VOID IN TECHNOLOGY SQUARE. I know there's Beantowne, which I also adore, but it's not across from my building. It's a bit of a further walk, and science doesn't always allow for walks. 7-11 Breakfast sandwiches? Hurl. I've been in twice so far-- first for lunch, where I had a tuna sandwich, orange juice, and rice krispies treat. Second was for breakfast of an almond croissant and lemonade. The food has been EXCELLENT. The baked goods have been awesome, and the sandwich was perfect. I was skeptical when I was handed a pre-made sandwich, but it performed. A friend got the asparagus (or was it artichoke?) soup and that was also fabulous. I also really like the service. I agree totally on another Yelper's post that there isn't the "I make coffee, therefore I'm better than you" douchebaggery that exists in some of the local coffee shops. The staff has been awesome with their recommendations, and I'm so excited to continue trying things. I think the coffee is next on my list, despite the justification to never buy another coffee out somewhere if I bought the Keurig. I can't wait to try the full restaurant.
(5)
Misty S.

I was going to wait until I ate at the restaurant to review, but after what I had at the bakery yesterday I HAD to write a review. Nutter butter. Best thing I may have ever eaten. EVER. I almost can't even process it in my head. Other things there are also amazing- the whoopie pies, the coconut bars, the ginormous snickerdoodles the size of my head. The espresso is amazing. But the Nutter Butter. OH my GOD.
(5)
Rachel C.

I've been to Area Four a few times now. This review is from my first visit. Two friends and I met up for dinner around 6pm on a weeknight at Area Four and had a great time. The service was attentive and the decor was a nice mix of trendy restaurant/bar and old-fashioned pizzeria. We sat all the way in the back inside. I had the pizza with gorgonzola cheese, caramelized onions, and scallions. I think it came with walnuts, but I had them leave the nuts off. The pizza was awesome and I mean AWESOME. I still think of it from time to time...le sigh. Prices were reasonable, so I'd definitely recommend.
(4)
Patrick L.

I really wanted to like this place, so I've been back enough times that some of the waitstaff recognizes me. The service in general is quite good, but everything else is a bit off. The portion sizes are downright tiny, normally that would be okay if the flavor was spectacular, but nothing really was. Of all of the smalls that I had, the only one worth it was the tongue crostini, and even that was poorly executed in my opinion. Most dishes suffer from having one ingredient over power the rest. I found it unacceptable that the octopus medium dish was almost entirely parsley, almost laughable... Even the "larges" are pretty darn small. 26+ bucks for a tiny ass plate of fish limp spinach with cream cheese on top? The beer and liquor selection is alright, they have Pretty Things Jack D'or on tap... but so do many places in this area. I've uploaded some pictures of dishes that I've had, but less than half of them since I don't really feel the need to glamorize food that I think is sub par.
(2)
Kiley S.

Great atmosphere! The garlic knots were great and the margarita pizza was flavorful. My friend and I shared a large pizza and each had a piece to take home. We were seated at a long table that was shared with others. We had seats between us so we weren't directly next to our guests, but if you're opposed to this you might want to check with the hostess before they seat you. Would definitely come back and next time try a dessert!
(4)
Bos G.

By day Area Four serves people who work in the labs and technology offices in the neighborhood, but by night it attracts a young, hip crowd. Following a popular trend, Area Four strives to incorporate a sustainable model, serving locally grown food which causes it to change its menu regularly. However, the menu always includes a fair number of small plates, salads, and pizzas as well as a few main dishes. Area Four has a full liquor license and beer drinkers will be happy to see a number of tempting locally crafted beers. Dinner for two including two shared small plates / salad, pizza and a shared dessert will cost approximately $50 (drinks and tip not included). For our meal we started with the arugula salad with apples, beets, candied walnuts, and a cider vinaigrette, which was crisp and delicious. The meal followed with a decadently rich and creamy mac & cheese topped with croissant crumbs (mmm)...The two starters were my favorite part of the meal, but the thin crust pizza served from the restaurant's wood fired oven was delicious too. We opted for the mushroom and fontina pizza. I normally skip dessert, preferring to imbibe my calories but on this visit we splurged and tried the sundae made from homemade soft serve ice cream with marshmallow and candied nuts as well as an olive oil chocolate cake with creme fraiche, salted caramel sauce and cookie crumble and some deliciously rich coffee, which comes from a local roasting company called Barrington Coffee. Reservations only available for parties of 8 or more.
(3)
Nam L.

I've been here for brunch twice. The first time, I thought it was okay, but not really impressed. I had the hot mess and found it a little too greasy. My friend had the calamari, and we didn't care for it. The biscuits and gravy were pretty good though, as were the sticky buns we bought for later. Second time, it was delicious, and helped cure my hangover (no, I did not overdo it the night before, just didn't do it right). Try anything incorporating baked goods, and you can't go wrong; we had a bakery sampler, and I had a bagel. I also had the house-made breakfast sausage too; it might be the best I ever ate. My friend got the summer squash salad; I was highly skeptical, but it ended up being tasty, with a good balance of pine nuts, pecorino, and vinegar. I want to come back again and try their pizza now. As for portion size and value, I feel like the price is right here. You don't want to end with way too much food, IHOP or Denny's style. There's a time and a place for that, but I don't think Kendall Square is it. It's very easy here to order small if you're still working up an appetite, and add stuff if you end up wanting more later, such as eggs, bacon, or breads. The check at the end will still be very reasonable (for Cambridge). Also, I found the service here to be good, but we didn't do anything unusual. And it was brunch. To add to Marilyn C.'s experience, my friends came here for dinner on a weeknight, and they also had bad/slow service!
(4)
Jennifer W.

It's really 3 1/2 stars but rounding up to 4 because service was friendly and efficient. I like their food truck so thought it was about time to check out the restaurant. We went during brunch, which I think is a great time to go because they have brunch and lunch food, and pizza! We shared a bourbon caramelized onions and Gorgonzola pizza plus a hot mess. The pizza was delicious, a lot of good quality Gorgonzola, rich and decadent. I didn't LOVE the crust though, I prefer as little un-topped crust as possible, and this one just had too much of that. The hot mess was good, but not as amazing as I thought it could be in my mind. I think it lacked salt or some other kind of seasoning. The real winner of the meal, that I will be back for....was the sticky bun, OH MY GOODNESS, seriously if you go there you MUST try the sticky bun. It could probably cause a heart attack but oh so worth it!!! We shared it and devoured it in under 5 minutes.
(4)
Brooke L.

One of the best and worst decisions of my life was trying the Area Four chocolate chip cookie. It's earth-shattering in the most simple way -- the perfect cookie. Best decision for my taste buds, worst decision for my hips. Oh well. Made a GREAT decision for both when I tried the restaurant portion of AF and had the shaved brussels sprout salad. Yum, yum, yum. Again, super delish yet so wonderfully simple when you think about what goes into it.
(4)
Steve M.

The pizza is great! Went here for lunch. and the food and service were fantastic. This will be my go-to pizza choice from now on.
(4)
Derek W.

*disclosure - this is my old neighborhood where I began my career, I may be a bit partial to awesome places like area 4. Yes great name, the unknown area of cambridge is what I use to refer to it as. Checked this place out on a thursday night, was there a live hippie band in the courtyard right outside our window you're god damn right there was. I mean this is still Cambridge !!! Start to finish deliciousness... we had many apps, about 9 to be precise. smoked local blue fish, mozzarella / smoked tomato w/ spicy fennel vinaigrette, and eggplant caponata all were amazing... Meals...so apparently this place was a coffee house or someshit prior ? Well glad they flipped the format because the pizzas were great. We had 3 but my favorite by far was the exotic mushroom I believe it was called. It's a white pie made with fontina cheese... I'm fat It's okay!!! We ate like fat stoned kids for desert...we literally ended up with 4 of the 6 on the menu and annihilated them all. The cookie one was different and awesome !!! Oh the soft serve was great as well... I think it was blueberry.. Ice cream is my enemy !!!! Decor - cool trendy People - It's cambridge I mean of course it's awesome !! Servers - EXCEPTIONAL !!! well versed on the beers.... Oh I also learned this is some sort of (green) restaurant... Glad I didn't take my gas guzzling SUV that night.... yeah no bottles - Drafts only !!! Um yeah it's close to MIT so you should be wicked smaht kid when you are done eating here, it's like Osmosis or some shit.... How you like them apples !!!!!!!
(5)
Rina L.

Brunch: More options would be good. As it stands there's really nothing special besides the hot messes. The vegetable one was good. Pricey though and rather greasy. Mocha: WHY IS IT SO GOOD? WHY? I had one a few months ago that was quite pleasant. Then every mocha I've had anywhere else since has been inexplicably subpar. So when I came back I had to get one, and it didn't disappoint. It's actually more like 4.5 stars just because of the mocha. I could just drown in a sea of it.
(4)
Jason A.

Can't believe I have not been here yet!! Went here for a staff meeting, beer list was very tight and very local. Local is the whole point here right? Beers are priced to the area but it was great to see they offer 1/2 pours, perfect as our group rarely drinks beer to beer at the same pace. About 12 beers and a cider on tap / no bottles and all of the beers ordered were poured properly and to the top. Ending up order some small bites, Garlic Knots were great ... all flavors meshed well together. Simple Margherita pizza was delicious. They have a full bar and have a 2am license!! Food stops at 11pm. Will be back more often for beers, cocktails and actually sit down for a meal.
(4)
Branden E.

My favorite local cafe. Very friendly staff and delicious coffee and lattes. During the summer you gotta get the Cold Brew! You don't even have to ask what the scone is, it's always going to be amazing.
(5)
Kay J.

I enjoy the the Kitchen Sink Salad - and the Hot Veggie Mess & French Toast Bread pudding for brunch...but my favorite dish ever was the Bananas Foster French Toast.
(4)
Margaret C.

Really, this place has 4.5 stars out of 5, with more than 30 people reporting back so far? I went on a Thursday evening with a friend. Here's the deal: FOOD: Not bad, but not great, and so overpriced. Small plates $5.50, or 3/$15? Sure! Except here's what we got: (1) beef tongue crostini, well-cooked tongue totally overpowered by capers, on crostini that was chewy (generally happens to microwaved bread...just saying); (2) green bean and potato salad with a tasty pesto and green olives, about a 3/4 c serving; (3) minted whole grain salad, mostly grain, and definitely less than 3/4 c serving. Five. Dollars. And. Fifty. Cents. For. A. Plate. The. Size. Of. My. Hand. I eat a lot of small plates/tapas--love the meal experience it provides--and this is way overpriced for what you get. PIZZA: (Yes, I know this is also food.) The big draw of this place is the wood-fired oven pizza. The crust was nice, though not so thin nor crunchy as I expected from such a rig, and the $14 pie was barely enough for me and my friend even with our measly 3 small plates. We had the fennel sausage and hot pepper pie--sounded delicious, and it was okay, but was sooooooooooooo cheap with the main ingredients. Good (not too sweet) sauce. DRINK: Area 4 in Cambridge is the most diverse section of the city. It is also the poorest. I find it *offensive* that not a beer on the tiny list costs less than $6/pint. Also, when I ask you, Waiter, to describe one of those eight or so beers to me, I don't want to hear "I haven't tried it". I mean, I don't want you to lie. I want you to have tried it. Because there are literally fewer than TEN BEERS on your effing beer list. If for some reason you can't do this, offer me a sample. It's on tap. Seriously. SERVICE: Inexplicably hostile hostess. Seated at a long "common table" when it soon became painfully obvious that most other, private, tables were empty. Nice waiter, but the beer issue bothered me. Also, when we made a comment about how totally capered-out the beef tongue was, he said, "Oh yeah, the chef really likes capers." Yeah? So do I. But I also like beef tongue, and I get peeved when I can't taste the $2.50 morsel I ordered. That would buy me a whole JAR of capers. AMBIENCE: I love parts of the decor (the exposed kitchen passthrough that doubles as chopped wood storage is gorgeous), but at a high-top table that seats like 10 people, in a brand-new place with custom furniture, you couldn't swing bag/coat hooks anywhere? Really? With backless stools? Also definitely has a little personality disorder viz. cafe/bar. In sum: I may check it out again in a few months...but I may not. There's a lot of awesome places to eat around here, and they gave me zero reason to go back.
(2)
Clark M.

I just don't get the hype this place gets. The pizza is decent, but that's all it is, and this place would get four stars if it was only trying to be a pizza shop. But move outside of things that are "not pizza" (menu language, not mine), and things are much less then overwhelming. Very tiny, "small plates" for the price. I mean, the mac n cheese for 12.50 was served in one of those tiny cast iron skillets. It was average, but it would have tasted better for 8 bucks (I mean, it's mac n cheese!). The Hoisin ribs (also 12.50 for four) were over salted, as was the kitchen sink salad, both of which were also just barely able to reach the average level in terms of taste. Back to the pizza, it was nice and chewy, but also on the salty side. And, other than the edges, the crust was not crisp (sort of a doughy mouth feel), which is a no no for the NY style pie which they serve. I've never been for breakfast, and so I can't speak to the quality of that offering. Wait staff was nice and efficient, but, for the money, one can do a lot better for food in Boston.
(2)
a.c. b.

I have had dinner at Area Four several times, but this review is for a private party we had there in early May 2012, which was a HUGE success. Food was great and ample, service was excellent, and price was totally reasonable for a memorable meal to kick off a symposium we hosted at MIT. Details below, but in a nutshell, if you want a private party for up to 25 people with a more casual and hip atmosphere but refined food, look no further! From start to finish, Meredith was a pleasure to work with. She offered us advice about the menu, accommodated the dietary restrictions of a few of our guests, and helped us pick wines that would keep us within our budget. We had the cafÃ© / front room to ourselves, and the low lighting made for a lovely atmosphere. Dinner was served family-style at long tables, which worked very well for our group. The service was great -- new dishes were always coming around, glasses were filled promptly, and the staff were lovely. The food was terrific and was way more than we could eat! The pita and dipping sauces were delicious, the roasted vegetables wonderful, and the pizzas solid. We also had an arugula salad, which was good, but in retrospect overkill because both main dishes were served over salad. The mac and cheese also went over well (a more "refined" mac and cheese with peas in it and croissant crumble topping). Our main course, a deconstructed fish gyro (no pita to avoid a wheat allergy), was really delicious. It was served on an arugula salad and the fish was cooked perfectly. I would order it again in the restaurant. There was roasted chicken as well, which the group enjoyed. The desserts were lovely -- cookies and bars. Simple and light, which was what we needed. The gingerbread cookies were fantastic, and the caramel-soaked rice crispy treats also were popular. The chef made a special dessert without eggs for one of our guests, which we greatly appreciated. Coffee and tea were available by request. In the end, we were under budget and over-fed. They let us take home the leftovers, and we were very happy. I can't recommend this place enough for a private party!
(5)
Jen C.

so good I came here twice- in one day! Started off the day before going off to the MIT swapfest and had an iced mocha and a lemon blueberry scone. Both were delicious. Ended the day back in the cafe for another mocha (this time hot) and an amazing s'mores bar. The chocolate was decadent, the mochas (both iced and hot) were awesome. The orange juice and lemonade were also big hits among my friends. Definitely a go to in the cambridge area for breakfast or lunch.
(4)
Sean L.

The pizza here is good and nicely portioned, but it's a bit overpriced. Also, the service was very slow when I was here. It took 30 minutes for us to get seated after the hostess told us it would take only about 15 minutes. Once we were seated, I kept having to remind our server to refill our drinks and bring us the bill. If you have a lot of time, are in the area, really want to eat pizza, and want to sit in a casual but classy-looking establishment for lunch, consider it. If any of the above does not apply, I'd go somewhere else.
(2)
Manisha P.

Incredibly rude, hostile service at the cafe. Woman at the counter slammed our coffees down in front of us, sloshing them on the counter, scowled at us and walked away. Not sure what we did wrong, other than, you know, ordering coffee. The service at the actual restaurant, by contrast, was terrific, and so was the food.
(3)
Nicole M.

I'm still getting used to the fact that Kendall Square is now an "it" place to be, and therefore I continue to be very impressed at what I find there. We wanted to go for dinner here before heading down the street to catch a movie. So many places to choose from, but I wanted a new, on-the-casual-side spot as opposed to the fancier places that are on my list. Area Four met the bill. Love the atmosphere - friendly staff, cool, industrialized decor, and lively, without an obnoxious wait time. The cafe room looks like a great spot for breakfast and for daytime laptop working, as well as a place to hold a dinner for a large group. The bar area is cozy without being cramped, and I absolutely love all the piles of wood when you head upstairs to the dining area. Chalkboards are one of my favorite touches. Small, but great beer selection. We got the Baxter and the Slumbrew. We ordered the trio of spreads for an app and a small cheese pizza for dinner. Everything was excellent. Next time, I might opt out of the spreads - not because they weren't enjoyable, but because it was too filling to have both, with all that delicious bread. The pizza crust was right up my alley, but I wish the sauce was more flavorful. Thankfully they give you fixins at your table to doctor it up to your liking. Great first impression. I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Jeremy Y.

This was my favorite restaurant in Cambridge until I discovered Hungry Mother. But Area Four is more affordable and probably more unique in the dish they serve. I would definitely recommend getting their entrees and pizzas. The best croissant I ever had was from here!
(4)
Kenny C.

Had lunch at the restaurant section of Area Four. Big windows with tons of sunlight and high ceilings (the metal beams lacked some character though). Service was great (quirky girl at the front found us a table in between pirouetting). The lunch menu wasn't very extensive. I wanted a full meal and needed my protein, and nothing really tickled my fancy. The menu was also a bit confusing (divided into cold, hot, and entrees). My friend ordered the mac and cheese and she thought it was great though she couldn't finish it. I took a gamble on the pulled beef sandwich. Side note: I did not know you could pull beef the way you pull pork before this. Anyway, it was great. Very tender and juicy, and definitely hit the spot. Luckily, I was there before school was in session. My friend told me that the place gets swamped by MIT students/staff during the school year, so good luck!
(4)
Samuel F.

The cafe: Is good. Really, really good. The coffee is _amazing_. The food selections are quite tasty. If I was rating this alone, four stars, but mainly because I'm annoyed they don't have longer hours. The bar: Decent beer selection, good (if a bit expensive food). Still need to try the cocktails, but they look promising. If I was rating this alone, three stars.
(4)
Jason P.

The spousal unit and I were doing that meandering "we're really hungry for brunch but don't know where to go" hike today, and remembered that we'd been meaning to try Area Four. Really glad we did. Almost don't want to tell people about it because when we got there around 1 p.m. it was full, but there was no line. And we don't want there to be a line because we were very impressed with the place and would rather not have to fight to get a table on some lazy Sunday in the future. I had sausage and gravy, plus a couple of sunnyside eggs and a latte. She had the puttanesca pizza and coffee. All very fresh, tasty, and well prepared. Then we asked our server if there was some kind of fruit dessert, and were informed they had a fruit crisp - fresh blueberries, peaches and raspberries with granola on top browned in their wood-fired ovens. Great stuff. Homemade and locally-sourced like pretty much everything else on their menu. Service was great. Prices and portions were just fine - despite some relentlessly stupid trash reviews on those points below. More overfed Americans expecting the typical strip mall feeding trough, I guess. We'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Emily L.

I am a fan of Area Four and am not ashamed to say it. It is one of my go-to places for the cafe, the cool baristas, and their pizza/beer combos. I've been here countless times and although I don't stand behind everything on their menu, I love what they do well. CAFE My husband and I discovered it very shortly after the cafe opened, and before the restaurant portion was up and running. We've been exploring the city's coffee places and soon realized Area Four would become our favorite coffee date place for their espresso drinks (they serve cortados! and know what they are!) and the not-too-sweet chai latte that converts easily into its soy relative for those of us who are lactose intolerant. The baristas also are very friendly and make every visit fun and pleasant. Note: They serve Barrington as their house coffee, which I find a bit on the bitter side, but I am always intrigued by their guest options. The perfect breakfast lies in the breakfast sandwich. Where else will you find homemade maple sage sausage? It also comes with eggs and sharp cheddar, all on a homemade English muffin. It is greasy goodness that will leave you satisfied long after you leave. I disagree with other reviewers about the baked goods: I find them to be better than Flour's with a tasty homemade feel. Their scones in particular are yummy (try the ones with ginger if they come through rotation). In addition to the food, I have to say that the layout and acoustics of the cafe make it an even pleasanter place to sit. Unlike some other neighboring cafes/bakeries that get maddening loud and claustrophobic when crowded, Area Four still somehow keeps its calm atmosphere even during busy hours. RESTO / OVEN For those who visit the restaurant, the pizzas are really the best deal. My favorite is the sausage and pickled banana peppers one, although the mushroom and gremolata is a very good vegetarian and non-tomato-based option. And if you like beer, they have a ton on tap. I especially appreciate the local varieties. The next perfect breakfast is their "hot mess." We took the parents out to brunch here and we all ordered some variation of it (comes in both meat loving and vegetarian renditions). The fact that it comes out in a 6" cast iron skillet is a huge plus. The other fact that it is a combination of many great flavors layered with pickled banana peppers on top brings it even higher on my list. The rest of their menu is very good taste-wise, but not so friendly on the wallet in terms of cost vs. portion size.
(5)
Erin C.

Cafe area: This actually gets 5 stars! The service is always friendly and the coffee (even the decaf) is delicious!!! The decaf latte and decaf iced americano are really incredible--compares to the best caffeinated coffed I've had. Pastries are also really good and reasonably priced. There is always an interesting, changing variety of sweet and savory pastries. The nice long work benches and the free wifi also make this the perfect place to do some work! (if you don't mind the chatter around you) Lunch and dinner area: This gets 4 stars. Some things are really delicious like the house smoked bluefish, pulled pork sandwiches, anything on the brunch menu with eggs, and their homemade sundae desserts. Their selection of local beers on tap is also good--not a huge selection but the perfect variety for every beer preference at the table. Other things are pretty good but nothing special (pizza, salads, etc). They used to have a TON of appetizers on the menu and I always liked those more than the main entrees, but I've been back a couple times in the past few months and I don't see the tapas style menus anymore so I don't know what happened! Btw, if you are deciding between going here or to Catalyst next door, I would say Area 4 has a more casual vibe while Catalyst is more stylish and loungey with good cocktails. I used to say that Area 4 has much better food than Catalyst but now I'm not so sure, now that the Area 4 menu seems dominated by pizza...
(4)
Stephen Y.

Lately this has been where I go when I want quality coffee. They always have an interesting selection from local roasters like Barrington and Barismo. The restaurant side is quite good as well, lots of interesting ideas using local food, plus some pretty good pizza. When I need to take someone out for lunch in the Kendall area, I often go here.
(5)
Zev X.

I wish this place was in Boston and not in Cambridge. *** I went here for a function/event and not for dinner. We had the Mushroom & Fontina Mushroom Sauce, Pecorino & Gremolata Pizza and the Caramelized Onion & Gorgonzola Peppered Walnuts & Scallions Pizza. This has to be some of the BEST pizza that I have ever had. Seriously, I never thought about the quality of pizza dough before, however the dough was so fresh and so tasty. It's definitely not store bought. Everything was so fresh, flavorful and delicious. The Trio of Spreads - Sweet Pea Hummus, Tzatziki & Tahini Salata, Pickles & Pita is phenomenal! The pita was homemade and just came out of the oven when it was put on our table. The spreads were filling and delicious. YUM, YUM , YUM!
(5)
Maria R.

Terrible service. Who's managing this place??
(1)
David P.

Disclaimer: i think it is a 2-star review however, because it is in Kendall square and we all know that they need way more "things-to-do" so it gets an extra star for setting up shop in an up-and-coming place. Now comes my review. The staff was friendly,nice and attentive particularly the hostess and bartender. i ordered the pretzel bites and they were warm and good but nothing you wouldn't expect. i then ordered a 10" pizza to share with my friend the pizza was good and a great consistency however, it was just on par with what you would expect from any decent pizza places. The beer list was just way too short and unimpressive considering it is located in a place known for its hipsters, micro-brewed beer lovers and finally its wordly patrons. i'll go there again but only because it is one of the few places in Kendall square
(3)
Vanessa P.

I went with a big group of about 12 colleagues. The restaurant has a very casual but modern feel with high ceilings and a lot of stainless steel. Even with so much space and metal they manage to make it feel comfortable and personal with their layout and details. We got a couple orders of the Garlic Knots with pecorino & gremolata to share. These little orbs were soft, chewy puffs of garlicky heaven. They were smothered in garlic so I encouraged everyone at the table to try them as not to isolate any one person who would quickly feel like the only vampire at the table otherwise. As the server went around the table taking orders everyone was trying to match up pizzas to share. Shockingly, no one wanted to share my Wellfleet Cherrystone Clam & Bacon pizza which came with clam sauce, pecorino, hot pepper, and parsley. Everyone seemed a little disturbed by the thought of clams on pizza but after having the memorable pizza with mussels at Trade I was up for it. The pizza was good! Not to sound surprised but everything worked really well together. It was fairly salty between the bacon, clams and cheese but the hot pepper, which wasn't overly hot, cut through the saltiness and the parsley added a layer of freshness. The dough was also very good - a thin crust with puffy soft pockets. It made me want to order a side of ranch or something fatty to dip it in to but then I reminded myself that I just ate an entire pizza by myself. Overall, the service was great and I love the atmosphere. They know how to take care of a big group although I am sure it would be a great place to go to with a smaller group as well. The food was all above par, I'd definitely go back and likely will. Often.
(4)
Alan S.

Area Four is one of my favorite places to go. I'm always looking for a casual place to meet up with friends and this place is perfect for that. It features a lot of my favorite food items. Garlic knots (some of the best I've had), great pizza, fantastic coffee and ice tea, and soft serve! I'm not a drinker, but a lot of my friends like the craft beers and whiskies. I've been here many times, but I was here last Wednesday at around 6:30pm and it was packed! Had to wait 45 minutes for a table. But most of the time, I don't have to wait for a table.
(4)
Ruth P.

I have eaten here several times, and each time, it is consistently great.
(5)
Alisa K.

Fun restaurant with good outdoor seating options. Loved the mushroom pizza (which had fancy lovely mushrooms), the mint limeade, and their beet salad. They also had a yummy ricotta cheesecake with passion fruit something something. Yum!
(4)
Yan Z.

I made a catering order for 15 people, which was completely forgotten. I called about 10 minutes after the scheduled delivery time; they apologized, brought the food about 20 minutes later, AND DIDN'T CHARGE ME FOR IT. yay for customer service. Also, the pizzas were incredible: crisp, flavorful, and sophisticated without going too haywire with the toppings. I usually don't like cheese, but I was a huge fan of the mushroom & fontina and the caramelized onion pizzas.
(4)
Amy S.

coffee is good! it's a nice space inside and has a separate area for eating so that's pretty cool. there are big open windows and bring in so much sunlight. i love it. the inside of the store makes me like it so much more. it's a good place to come and catch up with friends or to get some work done.
(4)
Hayley M.

Two businesses in one? YES! I went in yesterday for the first time, sampled both sides of the business, and am already kicking myself for letting this joint be open for eight whole months without a previous visit. The decor is hip and modern, but not off-putting for non-hipsters. It's the perfect blend of minimal and crisp. I went in with the owner/chef's cousin (to the restaurant side), and while the owner wasn't there, the wait staff certainly took care of us. We ordered drinks; a sangria for me and a beer for him, and a Margarita Pizza. Yes, it was a tad on the boring side, with so many outrageous pizzas to choose from, but being a non-pork eater has its disadvantages in pizza places. The waitress, who was so nice from the beginning AND was wearing an LSU t-shirt (LOVE!), told us that it really was the best. The came the parade of insane apps. They brought us the house-made mozzerella. It had a golden raisin chutney and a lemon vinaigrette, and had the perfect blend of sweet and tasty. Then they brought the Goat Terrine, a liver with fruit blend on top of toast. Awesome, even though I usually don't care much for liver and my friend ate most of it. THEN they brought us the swordfish pate, which had chopped onions and came over crostini. Holy moly, I could barely believe how unique and tasty each dish was. While at first we thought they just do this to everyone, it turns out being with the chef's cousin was lucky. Then, after all the apps I could ever imagine eating, the pizza came out. Perfectly thin, with the perfect blend of pecorino and basil. I wasn't even hungry and I scarfed down two slices. After the amazing meal, we just had to see the bakery side. We picked a ginormous oatmeal, pecan, and chocolate chip cookie for later. The pecans were salted, and it was the perfect blend of sweet and salty. I have used the term "perfect blend" in this review a bunch of times... see a pattern? Perfect blend of bakery and restaurant, perfect blend of unique and tasty food, and perfect blend of decor, service, and affordable prices. I can't wait to go back!
(4)
Dessa R.

Finally, the opportunity to eat here presented itself this past weekend, when my brother was in town. My brother and his friend split a pizza, and I ordered the mac & cheese. I love mac & cheese, a treat I reserve for special occasions, but this mac was practically inedible. It arrived in front of me so hot that I had to sit patiently for about 10 minutes while my dining companions dug in. After a while, I decided to just start eating and it scorched the hell out of my tongue (a wound I am still nursing). It was supposed to be topped with croissant bread crumbs, but it's fairer to say that it was immersed in these breadcrumbs, piled on to such extreme that it made my dish sandy and dry. The waiter recommended I add on bacon for $2-- seemed like a fair deal. I was heartbroken to discover that my bacon add-on was just torn pieces of the white chewy part of the bacon, no meat. Given, some people like that chewy part, but I think a majority of people (myself included) prefer the meaty part of the bacon, or if you MUST use the fat only, at least make it a bit crispy. It's kind of hard to mess up mac & cheese, but Area Four did it, and then I coughed up $13 (plus tax and tip) for the experience. The service and space was fine-- IF I went back, I would probably just order a pizza.
(2)
Jason S.

A comfy place to have tea and get some work done. If I lived in Cambridge, I would probably be a regular.
(4)
meghann m.

Area Four seemed to want to reinvent the wheel. My husband and I went for brunch, hoping to find a good new spot in Cambridge other then the Friendly Toast to hit up on the weekend. Upon walking in, we were told by the hostess that we would have to wait a few minutes to be seated as they seated "others ahead of us outside" even though the hostess proceeded to chat with the other hostess and no one seemed to be being seated. Even though we were seated only a moment later, I found the excuse odd. We were seated at a high top communal table. Usually I don't like communal tables, as I prefer some privacy eating out, but the restaurant was rather empty so we had our space. If the restaurant had been full, the space would have been tight next to strangers (a la Bartley's Burgers). We ordered some iced lattes which were really, really rich - really creamy, little froth... Left something to be desired. I ordered the breakfast sandwich, which actually was delicious. Area Four's English muffins are homemade and a cross between a buttered English muffin and biscuit - Really tasty. The homemade sausage patties are also great. It didn't come with any sides, and would have really been nice accompanied but some fresh fruit but the available sides were sparse and mostly unhealthy -- bacon, home fries, etc. and also were rather pricey for what was being offered. My husband got the Messy Ranchero which looked like messy breakfast soup and really unappetizing. He requested scrambled eggs with the dish but was told eggs can only be done two ways, either sunny side up or frittata style. Last I checked, scrambled is about the easiest way to cook an egg, but whatever. This dish also came with no sides, and seemed unbalanced without something to sop up the soup-like consistency. Service was friendly, but unaccommodating. I wasn't overly impressed, and wouldn't rush back. Sorry Area Four, but you don't need to reinvent breakfast to make a good and interesting meal or experience.
(2)
S T.

I had the kitchen sink salad and the egg plant pizza. The pizza's crust is super thin...I'm surprised they can even sauce it/bake it that thin, type of thin! I asked if I could order half/half of a pizza, but they said only with pizza's that have the same sauce base. Geez, how hard is it to cover half a pizza with one type of sauce, and another side with another? Overall, pizza's have about two- three toppings...if you want to customize, such as add carmelized onions, that's additional $$. Pizza was good, on the salty side though. The restaurant has tall ceilings, large windows.. with a great airy feeling...the only minus is that it can get a little bit loud. Good for groups, drinks, and a casual meal.
(3)
Wendy B.

I like Area Four. It's like three different eateries all rolled into one, but not entirely. I keep telling myself I will be back to sample the cafe, but I always end up in the main restaurant for lunch or a late afternoon tea. My recent lunch mate who was eating there yesterday for the first time said it best. What is this place? So what is it? I don't know- the wine on tap, the pizza from their awesome pizza oven, the salads, light and tasty, the techno, but not skinny pants, hip feel of the place, the whole leaf tea? I can't decide, but know this, if you hang with me in Cambridge, you will be experiencing Area Four at some point in your life!
(4)
Michael K.

Unfriendly hostesses. Made me wait outside in the cold rather than giving an open table. No respect for the customer. Go to Catalyst next door. Much friendlier and better food.
(1)
Nick H.

One of my favorite places for coffee in the morning and certainly some of the best food in Cambridge. Coffee: They have sugar syrup which is key for iced coffee unless you enjoy choking on a gritty granulated slurry (cough cough dunkin). I don't eat much in the morning but the bakery stuff looks super tasty. The people who work the coffee are friendly and not moody which I appreciate in the morning. Dinner: Homemade pretzel nuggets fried in bacon fat with pimento cheese dip? YES SIR. Solid salads and great entrees. Portions aren't huge and the prices are about $5 per item more than I'd like to spend. Dessert: Olive oil chocolate cake is stupid good. Honey panna cotta is the best thing I've tried. Don't skip desert or you will be crowned king idiot.
(5)
J. P.

Lunch for 3. We were seated at the far end of the looong communal table - tall aluminum chairs were a bit uncomfortable. High-ceilinged, open, attractive space. Started with the garlic knots, which our pleasant, slightly brusque server upsold to a "not on the menu" version in a cast iron pan, baked over tomato sauce and under a stretchy white cloak of melted mozzarella -- good. Followed with the shaved Brussels sprouts and kale salad with toasted hazelnuts: a definite winner. Finally, we split a large clam and bacon pizza. This was a bit of a letdown: the crust was soft, pillowy and Boboli-like, and the clams had an oddly mushy texture and semi-muddy flavor. Prices on the high side for what you get. I'd go back to try some of their other pizzas, though.
(3)
Suzanne M.

Finally - awesome pizza that we don't have to travel for! Wish I had tried it sooner!
(5)
Dasha B.

Ending my Yelp hiatus to review Area Four for dinner this past Saturday night. Everyone was kind and helpful, from the hostesses, who took care to seat us comfortably to the bartender, who offered samples of the wines on tap (!), to the waiter who chatted with us about olives, to the owner to ran out into the rain to grab a cab for me. I loved the decor of this place: urban rustic, which is on trend now, but still so lovely. Empty french presses, growlers and jars cover exposed hanging light bulbs, dark wood and iron pop up throughout the split-level space, and huge chalkboard menus with good handwriting (key!) look over the main dining room. I got three small plates for $15: smoked bluefish salad with scallion (SO delicious, if you liked smoked fish!), zucchini and farro salad (with basil, I think, and a substantial dressing that was not oily -- very tasty), and marinated mushrooms with sliced almonds, peppers and a dressing (again, not oily, but very flavorful). The foccacia is as another user described: very doughy, and a little sour -- I thought it could have used more flavor. Dipping oil infused with Parmesan and herbs. My friend had the mussels, which she adored, and green and yellow bean salad. This salad had very mild olives. The small plates are small, but three were plenty for me, as we also shared the olive oil chocolate cake with creme fraiche and cookie crumble. Delicious!! Quite rich and not what I was expecting: I thought this would be more like a pound cake, but it's a lot like ganache. No olive oil flavor. Creme fraiche was very mildly tangy. Cookie crumbles were gingery. I honestly cannot wait to go back!
(5)
P B.

Since moving to Cambridge a few months ago, I've struggled to find that perfect, go-to restaurant. Though I've had some good meals, few have wowed me and most have depleted my bank account. Then I ate at Area Four. This is exactly the restaurant I was looking for - great food, quality ingredients, nice atmosphere, and reasonable prices. It's just pricey enough to make it a "special" meal, but affordable enough to make it a regular spot out. Two of us stopped in at Area Four on our way to a movie mid-week. It was busy, but we were able to get a table pretty quickly. The mood of the restaurant is modern-rustic. Located in one of the many Kendall Square corporate buildings, it was a pleasant mix of contemporary concrete/steel and vintage style. The menu is small, but accessible - a few appetizers, all under $10, three salads between $9 and $12.50, and a handful of pizzas, from around $12 for a small and $22 for a large, depending on the toppings. Apparently at lunch there are some sandwich options as well. We shared two small pizzas, the gorgonzola caramelized onion and pepperoni, and the garden salad with spices walnuts, golden beets, apples, and a light vinaigrette. The pizzas were perfectly cooked - crisp and chewy at the same time with a mild, sourdough flavor. The toppings were perfectly balanced, all topped with house-made mozzarella. The gorgonzola pizza especially surprised me for its balance. The salad was excellent - nothing extraordinary, but a nice side of fresh produce to balance the rich pizzas. The total bill? $36. Some of you may think that two small pizzas and a moderately-sized salad isn't enough for you, but let me say that my dining partner and I are huge eaters, and we walked away with a takeout box. The pizzas are generously sized, and a small is more than enough for each person. The dessert menu looked wonderful, but we didn't have room for another bite. I guess we'll just have to come back! One thing I really appreciated about the restaurant was the alcohol menu. There is a long list of beers, a moderately priced list of wines, and extensive list of whiskeys. A personal pet peeve is when restaurants have a full bar, but don't provide patrons lists of their alcohol offerings and prices - are you going to charge me $5 for that shot or $15? Thank you, Area Four, for listing your alcohol prices on the menu. I also appreciate the commitment to quality, local food. The restaurant lists its food sources (cliche, yes, but very helpful) on a large blackboard in the restaurant. So yeah, I'm a fan. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
R P.

Trendy pizza! If in the Kendal Square area, this place should be on the list to check out!
(4)
Heather G.

I think I'm the first dinner review, so pardon me for waxing poetic for the entire character limit. The Reader's Digest version: 3.5 stars Better for an alfresco light lunch than an actual sit-down dinner Stellar service Something for every appetite, budget, and palette The I-obviously-love-the-sound-of-my-own-voice version: Wait time: They don't accept reservations for parties fewer than 8 or 10, but I arrived at 6:00pm on a very lovely Tuesday night to see many outside tables and nearly all the inside tables empty. I got my prime choice of outdoor seating with no wait whatsoever. Atmosphere: This is enough off the beaten path that the street-noise is minimal, the foot traffic (for people watching) is ample with MIT students, and the restaurant borders a gorgeous, green quad to stare at. The inside of the restaurant has more a modern/industrial/sleek feel to it, while the outside wrought-iron-like patio tables and chairs set the mood for more casual and nondescript dining ambiance. Service: From the second I walked in to the minute I left, the service was absolutely phenomenal. For a place this reasonably-priced, they sure do offer service like a top-tier joint. Attentive, friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, apologetic for substitutions the chef had to make that day, professional. Water glasses were filled in a timely fashion, and things appeared and disappeared on the table gracefully. Drinks: The beer list is short, yet a lot of the small, local, craft favorites are present. There's not a huge selection, but a non-beer snob could find something good. They also have a reasonably-priced wine selection. Water for the table is your generic tap, but they also give you the option of sparkling or still - an interesting detail for such a casual spot. Food: The bread on the table is squishy like focaccia but tastes like sourdough. It's also served cold (not warm-bread-thats-been-cooled-a-bit-while-sitting-Âout, but actual cold bread) without spread/butter. While the bread was dense, chewy, and delicious, something to accompany it would have done wonders for it, especially at the temperature it's served. The menu is broken down into small plates, medium, large, pizza, and sides. We sampled three small plates for $15 (normally $5.50 each): Artichokes, potatoes, green olives, lemon and mint: DO NOT MISS THIS. This was the best dish of the evening, in my opinion, and was light, cold, and satisfying. It had a lemony bite to it, and the artichokes somehow had the consistency of mushrooms (chewy and firm), a sign that they were served very fresh. House-mad mozzarella with smoked tomato and spicy fennel garlic vinaigrette: the mozzarella, house-made daily, was just as you'd get anywhere - dense, chewy, mild. The smoked tomato salsa-type topping is what makes this dish flavorful and interesting. Not your grandma's caprese salad, that's for sure. I don't think i'll be dreaming about this dish like i long for the artichoke/potato dish, but it's certainly a nice, funky take on a classic. Striped bass ceviche: this was just chewy, bland chunks of bass mixed with halved cherry tomatoes (perhaps they were grape tomatoes, no matter), topped with what seemed like a cilantro-laden, watery guacamole. The dish tasted of little more than cilantro, and was overall very watery. Baked egg with bacon and leeks (a substitution from the sausage and cheddar that was listed): this was $8 and, though it was on the "medium" menu, it was the size of a small-plate. If you're a volume-eater, you may not want to shell out the extra $2.50 for this, but I will note that it is extremely rich. I was happy to have someone to share it with, because just that one little egg with some bacon and leeks and cheese really packed a whollop of creaminess. I would recommend ordering this to share, and have a few decadent, creamy bites. Wellfleet Cherry Stone Clam and Bacon white pie ($14): came out flat, thin, chewy, and hot. Though the thought of seafood pizza normally gives me pause (seafood+cheese+heat = questionable), this came out piping hot, flavorful, and not at all off-putting. In fact, as it came to the table, I got the distinct smell of ocean - not FISH, mind you, but OCEAN - the briney, salty, crispness of ocean. It was delightful and I have absolutely no idea how they did it. However, it smelled delicious, felt crispy and chewy, tasted very flavorful with its addition of chili flakes. As my dining companion so eloquently stated, this place offers a "foodie menu on a college budget". All their seafood is caught same-day by some Rhode Island fishermen (so I was told), everything is local (here's lookin' at you, Locavores), and they even have their wine on tap for waste-minimization (here's lookin' at you, Sustainability Green-Freaks). There are enough "nontraditional" nibbles to make the adventurous eaters shut their traps, and ample "safe" options for those picky-folks!
(3)
Jia Z.

Good pizza. The kitchen sink salad is great. Friends always love the soft serve sundaes. Growlers of beer or cider to share are great. Do not love the other dishes that are not pizza as much. Also had bad luck with some of the special daily pizzas. I go about once a week or so for lunch or dinner, always good. and also stop there for good coffee and baked goods in the mornings - a strangely delicious breakfast sandwich that they seem to make in a microwave(although I am not sure, it just appears from under the counter).
(4)
Denise C.

I was really looking forward to trying Area Four because it's been on my list for a while now. *Note - they do not take reservations for less than 8 people. Thankfully we got there early so no wait for us. As a local Bostonian this is the first time I've ever actually walked around Technology Square. I've drive BY it but even driving AROUND the area looking for parking I felt like I was in a totally different city (technically it is since it's Cambridge, but ya know what I mean). This is definitely where all the MIT kids work after graduation if they don't make the move to the Silicone Valley. We ordered family style because that's how we Asians roll. And here's what we got: Broccoli - the broccoli was a little too tender for my taste but the flavors in this dish were my liking Garlic Knots - this was a disappointment because I was expecting super garlicky knots. They were barely garlicke'd. I want to walk away thinking I could scare off any vampire that even tried to approach me. Sadly this wasn't the case. The marinara sauce that came with it was very fresh but a bit too tart for me. Clams - This the my second favorite dish. The flavors were perfection. It came this a hardy piece of toasted bread but I actually preferred dipping the not so garlicky knots in the sauce. Mushroom and Fontina Pizza - recommended by our waitress and it did not disappoint. This was my favorite. The crust is pillowy, soft and chewy. The main part was pretty thin, though no the thin crust crunch thin. I don't usually eat the crust but I killed it also using my crust to dip in the clam marinara. The service was great - friendly, timely food and drink delivery, always refilled water, checked in with us every so often and we never felt rushed even with a growing crowd of people waiting for seats.
(3)
Alex B.

This review is just for the coffee half of the restaurant: Whether you're getting espresso drinks or regular drip coffee, this is a great place to go. I would recommend getting the espresso drinks though. You could easily just buy the same coffee beans and brew drip coffee yourself, but unless you're willing to spend 5k+ on the espresso machine they use, you're not going to be able to replicate that amazing flavor. All their espresso drinks are one size, which is basically a "tall" at Starbucks, and come with two shots. You can get extra shots added to your drink if you need an extra jolt in the morning, however I wouldn't recommend it. Their drinks are designed for two shots and adding more throws off the balance of the coffee and the other ingredients. Just a warning to keep in mind... if you previously enjoyed going to Starbucks, this place will ruin it for you.
(5)
Nicole K.

Went on a casual two-girls' night out dinner here - it was a nice bustling, intimate atmosphere! Probably better as a date place rather than a friendly meal, but either way it was a good experience! While the dinner we ordered was quite good (Mushroom and Fontina Pizza!), the dessert was not worth the price we paid. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the dish (Oatmeal-Almond Crumble), but it wasn't good enough to the point that the price didn't put a damper on my tastebuds. Wonderful setting and friendly staff, but the price is a bit too much and the restaurant would probably be more well-enjoyed if you're on a date.
(3)
Miriam L.

After two visits, I can safely say that this is the kind of establishment I'd like to open had I the funds. The interior is modern-homey in steel and shiny dark wood. A large chalkboard behind the menu displays drink and food prices, and through a glass panel, you can see copious tasty, in-house baked treats. Visit one: we sampled the red velvet whoopie pie which was amazingly comforting in a "I know who made this" kind of way and - much to my delight - sans overly sweet filling. The iced green tea is fresh and, well, green, and Area Four's coffee is as good as my home-brewed, Burr-grinder, French-pressed coffee snobbishness. (Which means it's pretty wonderful.) Today, they offered samples of a Mexican sweet bread dessert with a crunchy cocoa crust. We returned for lunch and had a wonderfully made tuna salad sandwich with olive oil aioli and their daily salad - a small tub of hummus, wonderful, amazing, brilliant, sparkling etc. etc. homemade pita bread, grilled veggies and a faro, asparagus and barley salad. For me, everything needed a little salt, but that's just because I"m crazy with low blood pressure. I put salt on salt if I can. Anyway, the food was fresh, light and delicious. I am eagerly anticipating their liquor license coming into effect after peeking at the beer/wine lists. Finally! A place that offers more than one, very good $6-per-glass wine along with extremely good beers. Usually, it's one or the other and wine is jacked up to kingdom come.
(5)
Cecilia L.

This new place in Technology Square is really two places: there's a pretty serious-looking coffee shop, and then next door there's a restaurant and bar. This review is for the industrial-chic bar side, whose menu is creative enough to have a date or nice meal, but casual enough to just drop into for some drinks and snacks. Good job hitting that balance. They have a good selection of local beers and wines, pizzas, and small, medium and large plates. The small plates are $5.50 each or three for $15, so we got smoked local bluefish salad, caponata with salted pistachios, and beef tongue crostini. The bluefish was seriously one of the best appetizers ever, with creamy, salty, unctuous pieces of fish accented by sharp pickled onions. I was raving over it. The beef tongue was a rich, mushy terrine studded with capers, which resembled fancy cat food just enough to turn me off. Husband loved it so he ate both. The pistachios in the caponata worked extremely well, but it was salty and also had capers, which didn't really work for me because we had a puttanesca pizza coming next. The pizza, cooked in the restaurant's wood oven, was pretty solid. We had also ordered a salad of roasted squid and chickpeas, which was the dud of the night. It was way oversalted, and I felt the squid and chickpeas remained disparate elements rather than fusing into a cohesive salad. All of our food was really salty, and many of the dishes also make use of olives and capers. I love olives and capers, but I don't want them to be a recurring flavor through the meal, especially if someone already has a heavy hand with the salt. If they could tone it down and let the natural flavors shine more, the food here would be excellent. Except don't touch the bluefish salad - that's already perfect.
(3)
Erika G.

What is Area Four? A secret government mission? A name for Jupiter's fifth moon? Nope! Its my new favorite place to get coffee in a little neighborhood called... Area IV. (coincidence?- I think not) Most people just glaze over this area skipping straight from Kendall to Central Square- but if you walk along Main St. you will be happy to encounter this gem along the way. Stopped in today for a coffee and treat after lunch. We were immediately greeted by the amazingly friendly staff. Seriously they are SO NICE. Definitely not the- I work in a coffee shop so I'm indie and cooler than you. More like "we are a local business and we love our customers!- Come sample some treats" :D The coffee was a very smooth flavorful blend- although the small was a little too small for me- will remember to get a medium next time. Now for the hard part- choosing my dessert. I learned that all of the goodies are baked in house, twice daily- so you know everything is fresh as could be. And they all look fabulous- whoopie pies, cream cheese brownies, NUTTAH BUTTAH, I tried the cinnamon bun: a perfect balance of cinnamon sugar to soft buttery dough, with an amazing icing glaze. I heated it up a little when i got back to the office and everyone was SO JEALOUS when they smelled it. My only gripe is that the front door is really heavy.. but maybe its a good thing.. I certainly could use a little bit of a "workout" in preparation for stuffing my face with baked goods.
(5)
Amanda C.

This place is amazing. It was only open for breakfast and lunch but it is open for dinner on select days. First off, the service is really great. Our server was Carlos, M and he was so nice. He presented everything in a professional manner. I do not think my water glass ever went empty. He also did a great job describing the menu. The inside is very modern. There is just something about coming into a dinning room and seeing perfectly shinny utensils on the table. The place made me feel like it was sleek, but not imposing. There were whimsical touches in the dinning room as well. A Craftsman Tool Storage box as a waiter's station was funny and the Dry goods and Office doors made me laugh. You have to love it when a door says, "Dry goods, not the bathroom and "Office, also not the bathroom". The food was excellent and the prices were reasonable for dinner. They have pizzas, small plates and large plates. I had a little kid moment and ordered the mac and cheese. It was SO GOOD. It came out in a cast iron skillet, filled with creamy cheese, shells and topped with croissant bread crumbles. My friend got the fennel sausage and banana pepper pizza. I also judge a place by crust and the crust here is light and crispy. My other friend got the sweat pea hummus and the squid salad. The hummus was perfectly seasoned and not overpowering. The squid on her salad was cooked to the T, not chewy at all. As a frozen diary lover, this place may be heaven to me. They make their own soft serve at this place. We got the cherry tart with vanilla buttermilk soft serve on top. So flippin good! The tang from the buttermilk was toned down by the sweet vanilla. The drink list is wide and covers a variety of price points. Beers start out at around $4 and glasses of wine start out at $6. I had a FingerLakes Riesling. It was light and refreshing. Our group split of liter of it for $32. Group drinking of wine is easy here because I believe they have wines on draft. If you like whiskey, I was impressed by their list. I hope to try some of their drinks soon. I cannot wait to try the cafe portion next!
(5)
Zak J.

Maybe the best pizza in the Boston area. Great cocktails and nice staff.
(4)
Melissa T.

This place brought with it the best news (and the best coffee) since... well I don't know when since. Possibly since Flour, although that establishment has more acclaim in the sandwich-and-sticky-bun domain. The coffee is possibly the best in the area (saving perhaps that *one* coffee shop in the area which will always remain dearest to my heart), but the best news - well there are two "best" newses. Number one: it has a bar/restaurant attached where there will be PIZZA. Number two: it is right across the street from my building. And also the conjunct: now there will be good coffee AND pizza right across the street from my building. Everyone is friendly! Free wi-fi! Plugs for your pluggables! Scones for your scone-ables! Errr... something like that :).
(5)
Mason T.

My roommates and I were all walking down the street, heading back to our apartment, when one of us noticed a new cafe where an Italian restaurant used to be. "Should we try it?" That's when we all noticed the blonde woman excitedly beckoning us inside. We couldn't say no at that point. The interior was beautiful, with a lot of natural light and plenty of interesting furnishings. They serve Barrington coffee, which is a local roaster, and had a modest selection of pastries (homemade, I believe) on display. On top of all of that, judging from the conversation I had with one of their employees, they really, really love coffee and espresso. I got an iced coffee, which was delicious, with none of the acidity or bitterness that typically accompanies an iced coffee. The roommates got a regular latte (fruity and buttery, with a very pretty bit of latte art on the froth), and a lemonade. I'm very excited to start patronizing this new cafe and trying out some of their other offerings.
(5)
John R.

the cafe: average coffee, not that tempting pastries. i have to dock them points for killing off their lunchtime sandwiches (they used to be great!). nice decor, and usually enough seating. the secret cafe: five stars for their off-the-menu breakfast sandwich. $6 for the best in cambridge (english muffin, sharp cheddar, egg, perfect sausage.) the resto: the stars are their appetizers, like the pretzel nuggets and the garlic knots -- guilty carb-heavy pleasures. the pizzas are fine, but i haven't had any killer topping combinations from them. like the cafe, i love the airy, lively, modern ambience. (also nice beer and bourbon selections, though that's de rigueur in cambridge.)
(3)
Angelos K.

The hot mess I had for brunch yesterday converted me from a skeptic to a believer. I hadn't been back for almost a year and the wonderful kick of the banana pepper relish in the hot mess blending with the smoothness of the egg yolk and the sausage/bacon/home fries reminded me of what I was missing. Yum. Coming back for dinner shortly.
(4)
Herb D.

Not a fan. High prices and small portion sizes. Maybe it's the lunch rush, but everything here felt small and informal, like it had come out of a microwave, even though I know it hadn't. Over $50 for two for lunch wasn't really awesome either. The food was good but it didn't blow my hair back. I had breakfast another day and the sandwich seemed ridiculously high @ over $5, and came out just as greasy and unappetizing as something that sat under a heat lamp at 711. The coffee is great, but I just can't see the appeal. I can't see going for a cocktail or drink, either.
(2)
Jared W.

Good food, very casual environment. Come with family or friends. The pizzas are very good as well as the garlic knots. Mid price range, but good food.
(5)
Paula A.

hip & trendy.... this is where the cool kids go for iced coffee & snacks. 3-words: nutter. butter. cookie. named for the cheap, pre-packaged version, but oh-so-much more. a smidge of salt on the outside of each perfectly crisped, yet chewy peanut butter cookie which are bonded together with fat smear of frosting. so good! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UPDATE: I've been informed that the nutter butter cookie, of which i spoke so fondly, the cookie that inspired me to walk to Area Four during 90 degree heat & humidity..... is no longer available. I think we should all have a moment of silence.
(4)
Harriet P.

My girlfriends and I headed here on a Saturday night for a fun evening out and great food. Area Four did not disappoint. We did not have a reservation so there was a bit of a wait but we enjoyed some drinks and chatted. We got seated and loved the ambience--industrial chic. Our server was terrific from start to finish--when the coke I ordered was flat she came back and apologized that their carbonation was off. About 10 minutes later, she arrived back at the table with a can of coke and a glass of ice. Someone had left and gone out to buy a coke for me and they served it free of charge. What?!? The food was outstanding. We loved the garlic knots and were crazy about the brussel sprout salad (we ordered a second). We also enjoyed the carrots which had a tasty cumin spice rub. We enjoyed 2 pizzas--Margherita and the one with carmelized onions and gorgonzola. Both were a hit with our group. For dessert, we enjoyed two--the daily special sundae and ice creams which were great and a chocolate almond thing. Overall, we were there for nearly 2 hours and enjoyed every minute. It is a great buzzing atmosphere, great service, and tasty food.
(5)
Jeff M.

So I am writing an update to comment on the bakery/coffee shop. Best coffee in the area and the baked items are made on site and do not disappoint. Muffin doughnut, how can you go wrong with that ?! Oh, and they actually make a cappuccino - when your order a cappuccino some places just give you a latte.
(5)
Jenan A.

the place is a real hidden gem. I go past it every day but never think to go there because they predominantly serve pizza I shared an Arugula salad and a veggie pizza with a friend and I can you, both were done to perfection. This was topped with apple cider "home made" ice cream - and despite not being an ice cream fan, it truly was delicious - subtle flavors of apple, creamy smooth texture - YUM
(5)
Chris B.

Some of the most delicious garlic knots I've had. Pizza crust is perfect combination of soft, chewy and crisp. Any time you add clams and bacon on a pizza you will win.
(4)
A W.

Crazy good sticky buns!
(4)
John G.

Never been disappointed here. Great pizza, great beer, great salads. The butternut squash soup I had last time was superb (possibly a seasonal offering, but try it if you can).
(5)
Smash F.

Mixed reviews on this one. Overall recommended for the food but be warned.... I was always frustrated that they didn't take reservations for parties of fewer than six, but now i know why! The clientele is generally a young, casual crowd that REALLY likes to linger. There would be no way for the restaurant to be able to honor reservations when the previous sitting refused to leave. When I was there recently for brunch, I waited about forty minutes to be seated and when i was finally seated I was shocked by what i saw around me. Tables of two, three, four, five and six of people just sitting there sipping tea or coffee for literally an hour. They had either finished their meal long ago, or never ordered food and they just sat there totally unconcerned with the impact that would have on other customers waiting to eat or the profitability of the restaurant! I'm not advocating for being rushed through a meal but this was bordering on ridiculous. Not to mention Area 4 has a lovely cafe in the same building for people that just want to sit with a drink and chat or read. I was also pretty disappointed that an old favorite of mine (the Carnivore pizza) had been changed with the previously delish pepperoni being replaced by a fattier, oily, salami with a very aggressive gamey/meaty taste that lingered on the pizza after i removed it. I also have to say the service seems a bit lackluster but I noticed that my waitress was covering tables at literally opposite ends of a very long room, so not necessarily her fault but still not a great experience. I want to like this place more, because when you actually get the food it is pretty good, but overall not worth the wait or experience. Take out is probably a great option. I highly recommend the "breakfast pizza" served at brunch.
(2)
sasha h.

I was sad I discovered this place right before my office moved out of cambridge so i only got to try it a few times. Good place for brunch or coffee, chill hangout spot. Their menu is limited and a bit heavy (pizza, mac & cheese, meat mains) so you have to be in the mood for that type of food. As others have suggested, stick with the pastries.
(4)
Elle J.

And just when I thought that I knew the very few places in the Boston area that make a great cappuccino, I discovered Area Four! What a way to start the day. Their cappuccino is the closest, if not as good as cappuccinos in many parts of Europe. Their pastries are excellent and not ginormous. The staff is very friendly and after a few visits already know what I want. I ate lunch at Area Four for the first time on Tuesday. I loved their menu. I had their soup of the day (mushroom), which was quite good. I also had their Shaved Brussel Sprouts, Candied Hazelnuts & Pecorino, Lemon Vinaigrette salad, which was excellent! I'm glad that they are only a ten minute walk from my work!
(4)
Andrew M.

This place is chic without being cheesy and manages to be modern and warm / inviting at the same time. The menu has options for almost anyone though I'm a big fan of the pizza. What I really like though is that you can order beer in three different sizes -- great for when you want to try quite a few offerings without going overboard. I'd say this concept is a welcome addition to the area.
(4)
Julie R.

I've been here for dinner and brunch and both were amazing! The Margherita and Clam and Bacon pizza are awesome. As well as the biscuits and gravy and the Hot Mess. Service was great as well. No complaints...only praises
(5)
Charlie D.

After stopping by Area Four restaurant and having a beer and dessert at the bar a few nights ago, I finally made it back for dinner. (Note that there is a coffee shop in front which is open during the day, and a restaurant behind it which is open later.) The decor is very modern and clean looking, with a mix of metal and wood. It's got kind of a warm industrial feel to it, very appropriate for Kendall Square if you ask me. The cocktail and beer selection is very good. They definitely have some unique cocktails, and the beer list is relatively small but contains very distinctive selections with a wide range of beer styles. I had the beef tongue crustini, squid salad, and sausage and banana peppers pizza, followed by olive oil chocolate cake for dessert. Everything was very good in my opinion, not spectacular, but quite tasty. The beef tongue crustini was quite flavorful, although the bread was warm and the beef was cold, which as a bit odd since it is supposed to be a cold appetizer. The squid salad was tasty, and the flat parsley as the main green was unexpected but good. The pizza was quite flavorful. I really enjoyed that the crust was not greasy and a bit less dense than in many other places. I was debating dessert, but very glad I chose the olive oil chocolate cake. It was very dense and moist and super chocolatey. The crumbles and caramel sauce surrounding it only further enhanced the flavor. The prior time I was here I had their sundae made with home made soft serve, which that day was raspberry. I would definitely recommend the soft serve, as it was rich and creamy. Overall, Area Four is a solid choice for a meal out in Kendall Square. I would definitely go back, even if just for beer and dessert.
(4)
Samantha H.

I got a reply from Area Four arguing that they were following the laws not letting customers to sit in the outdoor area, by posting the city's regulations on "alcohol consumption" in the outdoor area. The funny part is, my husband and I didn't want to order any drink. We simply wanted to have some coffee and desert. I am not sure if desert is counted as food or not in Area Four, and I am definitely sure that regular coffee doesn't not include any alcohol. Again, the reply exactly highlights the problem of the restaurant: the service people have all the assumptions but do not really listen to the customers.
(1)
Jaimie M.

Mmmhmm! After one visit to A4, I am already thinking I need to go back. While definitely on the pricier side, everyone in my group really liked their food. The pizzas, the mac & cheese, the chicken entree, the salads. Good portions on everything as well. The dining area in the restaurant is a bit cramped, but I didn't mind the decor. The food was quick to come out, and the staff generally took good care of us. Definitely a place to try out if you're in the area!
(4)
Daniel G.

I remember I was pumped when Area 4 opened, mainly because I didn't have travel to the north end for great pizza. The pizza was fresh, creative, and the service was on point. BUT Area 4 has been slipping. I no longer taste the love in the food and the service has gone way down hill. Each time I've gone back the experience has been worse and worse. To top it off they have changed the clam and bacon pizza recipe, such a shame it was a classic. Area 4 stop cutting corners and step up your game. You're on notice.
(2)
Kaitlyn S.

Great iced coffee, am looking forward to trying food items
(4)
Amy T.

We ate lunch here on a Saturday, when the restaurant was quite busy. We didn't mind waiting for a table, but once seated, waited 15 minutes before anyone said anything to us. In the meantime, a couple seated after us had their orders taken and received their drinks. Once our waitress arrived, he demeanor made us feel like we were more of a burden than customers. After that, we honestly felt rather uncomfortable and the service did not really improve (I know this sounds paranoid, but have you ever gotten the sense that a server believes he or she has already blown the tip, so just stops trying?). The only time we felt welcome was as we were leaving and the guys working the line said they hoped we had a nice time. We both ordered pizza, I had the caramelized onion and gorgonzola and my husband had the carbonara. My pizza tasted mostly of salt. The caramelized onions were almost completely lost. My husband's pizza lacked in the egginess he was hoping for, was spotty in terms of bacon, and oddly, seemed to have more caramelized onions than mine did. Between the pizzas, a glass of wine and a beer, our check came to $50. While I have no problem spending $50 for lunch, this meal was not worth it. As an aside, this was my husband's fifth time at the restaurant (he works in the area) and his feeling was that the food (less so the service) was typical of prior visits.
(2)
Eric F.

Been here just once so far in the cafe area and I enjoyed my latte that came in a tall glass...nice change-up from the usual mug. The design's modern and minimalist, almost hipster...almost. Will update the next time I'm back to try the food!
(4)
Suz G.

This is a review for the coffee shop part of Area 4 -- I have yet to try the restaurant proper. First things first, I feel teleported to Portland, OR when I go into this place. Not that I need to compare everything to the magic that is Portland...but hey, they know how to do coffee shops right in OR. This place appears to hit the mark. Good coffee, in fine New England tradition, good iced coffee (something Oregonians don't know about), and a nice selection of good bakery items. Their bagels are very good, though not of the NYC variety, more like the Montreal or Canadian style (like a croissant). They also have nice/cheap baguette sandwiches to go for lunch (me like!). Hit it up coffee lovers: it's good!
(4)
Meredith C.

This place makes the best cafe mochas in Boston (that I've found so far, and I've tried about 30 different places.) Rich, smooth, not oversweetened, and subtle enough that you can still taste the bitterness from the espresso. I'm not a coffee snob, or even a connoisseur, but their mochas do something to me. If a Starbucks mocha is the Hershey's Signature Dark of coffee, this is that $30-a-lb stuff they keep in the pricy supermarkets next to the artisanal cheese. Their baked goods aren't bad, either. Knocking down to four stars for two reasons: the price (though for $0.50 above Starbucks and $1.00 above Dunkin's, it is totally worth it) and the amount of time it takes to get your order filled. If they reengineered the perfect coffee and cacao beans from wild seedlings via generations of artificial selection, their coffee could not taste better or take longer to prepare.
(4)
Jason A.

Good pizza with a fun and attentive staff. Simple, but interesting atmosphere.
(3)
Steve F.

I went to Area Four and enjoyed it. The restaurant has a modern, energetic vibe that's really unusual for Boston/Cambridge. I felt like it was in Silicon Valley which I guess is appropriate for Kendall Square. I had a cocktail that was infused with perhaps a little too much rosemary but it was enjoyable. The bartender seemed to be reading a recipe which was amusing to watch. I had a mozzeralla appetizer with green olives and walnuts that I really enjoyed...I'm going to be stealing the idea for summer barbecues. The menu is dominated by pizza. There are a few nonpizza offerings which I thought seemed a little out of place. I'm not a huge pizza fan but none of the other entrees appealed to me. I think I would rather see a few pasta dishes. I ended up having pizza anyway and I enjoyed it. The individual pizza was a generous size. If I have one complaint that is, upon entering, the hostess was tied up on the phone taking a to-go order so we stood there unacknowledged. And stood there. And stood there. By the time she was off the phone, there were three parties waiting at the door. It would be my suggestion that the bar take telephone orders, or someone from the bar come over to acknowledge guests. There were three people at the bar and they didn't seem too busy. Guests should be greeted the second they come in the door. Overall, I enjoyed Area Four and I'll probably go back.
(3)
Adam F.

Loud but vibrant atmosphere. All the food I have tried here has been pretty good, but had not wowed me to the point of a higher rating. They have a friendly staff that are attentive to the customers. I haven't tried the coffee shop portion, but that area seems to get higher reviews.
(3)
Lisa J.

We actually had New Year's Eve dinner here and really enjoyed it. My husband and son got Pizza (very good) and I had a locally farmed roasted chicken which actually caused an eyeroll of happiness. The waitresses were adorable with my son and we really like the atmosphere, especially the lights, they're very cool. Would definitely go again, the only downside, it was chilly in the restaurant, those huge panes of glass keep it cold.
(4)
Alana H.

I love that I work in walking distance to this gem! Perfect fall weather aided in a wonderful lunch I had here today. I ordered the mac and cheese which while some may argue was a small portion, it was just enough cheesy goodness for me. It felt rich but not too overwhelming and the crunchy croissant bread on top was a nice touch. I also loved that it came in a little skillet so I knew it just out of the oven when it came to my table. The mac and cheese was enough for me and I didn't venture into dessert land but I will definitely do so the next time I come here (because let's be honest there will be a next time) Our server was pleasant and awesome. She didn't breathe down our necks to order and there were moments when I realized she had refilled our water without ever having noticed she was there. If ever there was a place to become a regular at this should be it. Also you'll get to schmooze with really smart technology folk.
(4)
Jolene S.

This place blows Stata and Sebastian's out of the water. I was surprised--I actually liked the chicken skin sandwich. It had great flavors (but a lot of bread:filling). I was really impressed with the service--they were polite, offered tastes/drink combinations, have NYT and Globe papers. The tables were clean. A very good place to read, study, work over good food. Great location/design too.
(3)
Robert A.

Three friends and I came back to Area Four for a second time. We wanted t give it a proper review. Our first time was very good, and we wanted to see if it was consistent. I am happy to say that it is. The staff are friendly and professional. The menu is constantly changing. The atmosphere is very modern and airy. They have some communal seating. Being surround by MIT your bound to engage in some real interesting conversations. Today they had a special sticky bun with pecan nuts and extra frosting. It was a great dessert to start of lunch/brunch. It could easily be cut into fours. Yes it was that big! Two friends ordered the Egg and Sausage sandwich. They were very accommodating with eliminating the sausage part for our vegetarian friend. Our other friend order a small pizza with her choice of toppings. I stuck to the brunch menu and had the French Toast. Three of us agreed that it was a great brunch/lunch. My friend with the pizza said that she just chose the wrong combination of toppings and that was her fault, not theirs. The drink and liquids menu is small, but are clearly chosen that day to correspond with the menu. We loved our second experience and we will be back. Thank you.
(4)
Ana B.

Ate here yesterday and everything was off the charts excellent. The service was great. We were undecided between the smoked swordfish pate and the grilled squid salad, so we ordered the latter and our waiter brought us a taste of the pate - both were amazing. Then we ordered the Margherita pizza made in their wood-fired oven with homemade mozzarella. It was divine - best pizza in Boston, in my humble opinion. The draft beer is all locally brewed. What a great idea! We will definitely be back to try more of this yummy pizza. Loved the atmosphere. Loved the food.
(5)
Marianne C.

Beer + Mac n Cheese = Goodness. Stopped here twice during my recent stay in Cambridge. Had two types of beer - one an Allagash? black stoudt and the other some sort of coffeehouse porter that was AMAZING. I ate at the bar, and there was an awesome, young bartender. He was friendly, but not overbearing. He was willing to try to make a Moscow Mule despite a lack of ginger beer. The second bartender made a go of it, but I wonder if the first one would have been more successful.
(4)
Jacqueline D.

Area Four is amazing. It's a great cafe in the morning. It's a great bar to go to for a couple of beers. It's the best pre-Kendall theatre dinner spot for casual dinner in the neighborhood. The beer selection is always great, the pizza is phenomenal and they have one of the only dessert menu's I'll even bother looking at in the city. The supreme garlic knots and salted caramel ice cream are must haves.
(5)
Adam B.

i am told that the Sunday menu does not accurately reflect the restaurant's ability to create meals. So i am judging it only on the Sunday menu. Everything had a lot of flavor and was fresh but nothing was amazing. The service was average. This could survive in New York, but only in midtown or union square. Overall, I don't mean to be insulting by describing it this was because I got the vibe that they do a better job every other day and this was the 4th Sunday they have ever been open but I would equate this meal to a level above Cosi. (hope that was clear)
(3)
Colin L.

This place is a big win for Kendall. Check it out.
(5)
Amelia M.

A nice place with pretty good food. But, for dinner, their menu is a little sparse with not too many options.
(3)
Elise P.

Area 4 had been on my "List" of new restaurants I have been wanting to try. I had been hearing really positive things about the restaurant, that it had a pretty casual vibe, good beer selection, and good pizza-does it get much better than that? I was also in withdrawal from not having seen my good friend Jenn for a few weeks, so I asked her on a friend date to Area Four. Jenn lives in Central Square, so Kendall Square is a good midpoint place for us to meet, as I'm coming from the South End. We met at 8:00pm on Friday night. We were a bit confused about where we were supposed to enter the restaurant, as there are two different entrances on Main Street. We ended up entering through what I believe is the "main entrance", since the host stand was right there. But I'm not sure what the purpose is of that other entrance, and the restaurant may want to consider putting some sort of sign on the doors indicating which door is the official entrance. If they already have signs up my apologies, sometimes I have "blonde moments", but Jenn was confused too, which made me feel somewhat validated about the confusing nature of the entrances. We put our names in at the host stand, and were told it would be about a 20 minute wait. The place was definitely buzzing, but not annoyingly packed like some other restaurants that I frequent (ahem, Toro). Jenn and I were able to find 2 seats at the bar with ease. I was struck by the bar chairs. More specifically the size of the actual seat, which was very small. Like, maybe 12 by 12 with a very uncomfortable and small back attached. They were metal, and if I remember correctly they were red in color. These bar chairs were strikingly odd looking, and both Jenn and I looked at them with confusion as we went to sit down. Once we had a seat at the bar we had a chance to look around. The place has a cool industrial feel. The beer list was written on a chalkboard above the bar. The vibe reminded me of a bit of The Salty Pig in the South End/Back Bay. Kind of a minimalist approach (hence the minimalist bar chairs), but still sheik. Area Four is known for its beer selection, but truth be told I always feel lost when ordering beers that are not "well known" since I know so little about beer. Area Four's beer selections hail from the New England region, primarily Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, and I can definitely appreciate the emphasis on the local beer scene. We asked the bartender what he recommended for someone who likes a wheat beer, and he recommended the Slumbrew Happy Sol from MA. I LOVED this beer, as did Jenn. Soon after we ordered beers at the bar our table was ready. Once we were seated Jenn made a comment that she was not a fan of the chairs at the table. They were different than the bar chairs in that they were lower and the seat was bigger, but they were still uncomfortable metal. But they definitely fit in with the decor of the place. I suppose beauty is pain, form over function, etc. We were both hungry, and as soon as we sat down we perused the menu and started to make decisions about what we wanted to order. Jenn is a vegetarian and I definitely don't require meat in my meal for it to be satisfying. We decided to start with the "Trio of Spreads": Sweet Pea Hummus, Tzatziki, & Tahini Salata accompanied by pickles and pita bread. The Tzatziki, a greek cucumber yogurt dip, was FANTASTIC, pita bread was not required to enjoy this. It tasted like a sour cream dip only better and more awesome. When we ran out of bread I wanted to lick the mini-skillet clean (I restrained myself). I also enjoyed the Sweet Pea Hummus and the Tahini Salata, but the Tzatziki stole the show. The pita bread was also really fantastic, doughy on the inside and crispy on the outside with a nice buttery taste to it. For our main course we decided to order two different types of pizza, with the hopes that we could do halfsies with a larger pie. Unfortunately this is forbidden at Area Four, so we ended up getting two small pies: one Margherita pizza with "A4 Mozzarella, Tomato, Pecorino, & Basil", and one Mushroom & Fontina pizza with "Mushroom Sauce, Pecorino & Gremolata". I will say that Area Four turns out some gorgeous and tasty woodfired pizzas. I particularly enjoyed the Margherita pizza, but the Mushroom & Fontina was good as well. I liked this place. Good beer. Good pizza. Our bill totaled about $45 for the two of us for 2 beers, 1 appetizer, and 2 pizzas, not including tip. I would definitely recommend it to friends if we're meeting up in the Cambridge area.
(4)
K T.

One of the best coffee places in Cambridge. I go there almost everyday. They've got a stock house blend and an ever changing visitor blend. Lattes, mochas, etc. are great too. If you're a newcomer, make sure you get a member card and start racking up those coffee purchases - one free drink coupon after every 10 you buy. Only downside about the place is it can get really busy and you may have a decent wait for your drink. But it's generally worth the wait.
(4)
Olivia v.

Lunch: Ordered the 5 small plates that were most recommended by the waiter- bluefish, mozzarella, beef tongue, pea hummus and mushrooms. Perfect meal for two light appetites. Mozzarella: simplicity made hedonistic Mushrooms: ideal for those who have a love affair with sesame oil Bluefish: fresh, scalliony, delectable. Pea hummus: good, not awe-inspiring Beef tongue: ...meh, guess I'm not addicted to capers. Dessert: olive oil chocolate cake: not noticeably olivey at all, but luxuriously dense/moist and paired quite well with unsweetened creme fraiche and caramel-cookie trimmings. Drinks: Decaf latte was small but surprisingly yummy - I suspect it was actually caffeinated, but maybe they just make an outrageously good decaf :) Fresh milk was just a decent glass of milk, nothing special. Four stars for affordable and inhalable small plates.
(4)
S. M. S.

Why don't we have someplace like A4 in the South End??? Great menu, friendly service, fair price. Don't know what I was thinking to order the burger at a pizza joint (burger was 8/10, pizza looked better). I'll be back for pizza soon.
(4)
Sheila B.

Came back for brunch long overdue and awesome service.. Brought a toddler and two gal friends and we were so impressed loved the hot vegetarian mess, delicious and presentation was great, the margarita pizza with fried egg on top yum, and friend got the meatloaf burger with delicious pickles and caramelized onions so ridiculous good as was our service.. Hands down the best bean buzz in Cambridge. I love you area 4 !
(5)
Qichen Z.

Went here for dinner and ordered the macaroni and cheese. It came in an iron skillet, so that was pretty cool. Tried two different types of beers, the Slumbrew and the Jack's Abbey, both excellent. Waitress was really nice and friendly, quick and excellent service. Sat outside, the al fresco seating was nice given that there's a huge grassy expanse right next to the restaurant. Overall, a great experience. A little pricey considering their food options aren't that expansive and innovative, but you're paying for the atmosphere and not a gourmet experience. Plus, I give them kudos on a unique foodservice, combinatory concept. Definitely looking forward to coming back here to try their bakery.
(4)
Jamie M.

We liked this place so much, we went back the next day for lunch to try more salads and pizzas. We were in town for business, wanted something quick, casual, and surrounded by MIT wonks. Waiters and waitresses (a whole bunch helped out, but not overwhelming) were friendly, helpful, nonintrusive. Pizzas (especially the one with caramelized onion and gorgonzola!) were delicious, salads were generous without being gut-busting. Even the iced tea was just right. Overall a great place for lunch - I look forward to returning when I come back to Cambridge.
(4)
Katie K.

Always amazing food and brews. Great place to bring a large group (they take reservations for parties of 8 and larger).
(5)
Ginnette P.

love it! our workplace just moved near here and I love to go and get coffee, tea, pizza and the pastries! Especially monkey bread. Can't wait to try the dining room side!
(5)
Jeff W.

This place was an extremely pleasant surprise and definitely one of my favorite places in the area. On top of the food, the prices are reasonable, the staff was friendly and has a nice modern but comfortable atmosphere. We went for brunch and everything we had was amazing. Every dish that went by our table we wanted to try and will be going back frequently to taste the rest of the menu.
(5)
Caitlin R.

My favorite restaurant in Kendall Square! I go here frequently. Good beer selection, delicious garlic knots, in-house made mozzarella, and great service. Menu items change based on local ingredients availability.
(5)
Alex N.

Only have been here once, but the hawaiian pizza was really amazing. I thought the service was nice too. Also, good atmosphere.
(5)
Ben C.

Came in on a Sunday so only the cafe was open. Got an iced latte which was strong and not watered down by the ice like some other places. The owner, Mike, opened the door to the restaurant side to show the bar and dining areas for myself and others who were there. What hospitality! He seems very knowledgable about everything coffee from our short conversation. I'll be back for the coffee and to try the food.
(5)
Doris D.

Me and my co-workers went there for lunch. We arrived a bit after 12:00 and were seated promptly (the place was packed). The server was knowledgeable and attentive. I ordered the mac and cheese which was served in a tiny iron skillet. It came piping hot and a perfect size. The cheese was creamy (small shell pasta was used) and very good and the dish was covered with bread crumbs (which appeared to be toasted). For an extra $2:00 you could also get bacon crumbles but I passed. Judging by not a scrap of good left on many of our plates, we all enjoyed a very good meal. A bit pricy but a good choice for a nice lunch meal. Although I did not order alcohol, they had a small but good variety of wine, beer, scotch and whisky. Although the decor is a bit utilitarian, the five of us could carry on a nice conversation without anyone having to strain to hear.
(4)
Megan H.

While living in France, I learned to simultaneously give in to two of MY life's greatest pleasures, wine and caffeine. Thus, when my friend, recommended a cafe that she knew, I was pleasantly surprised that I could get both of my fixes in one locale. Well, not exactly. The coffee shop, unfortunately, does not serve alcohol, but the dining section does. So, as it was only 4p.m. and two of my friends were short of time, we skipped the coffee and decided to get a drink and some quick bites right next door. I went with a Pretty Things ale and my friends shared a bottle of RosÃ©. The server was really accommodating (she gave me a small sample of the Pretty Things because I told her how I remember it being hoppy, but I couldn't remember just how hoppy) and she let my friends know that if the RosÃ© was too sweet, to just let her know. As I prefaced, two of my friends were short on time, so I can't say too much about the food, but we ordered the Baba Ganoush appetizer, a slow-cooked, smokey half hummus/half caponata textured stew, that was a fine garnish for the warm pita triangles. It went pretty quick, so we put in another order accompanied with two plates of olives and the marinated mushrooms. Sadly, after an hour of lively female chatter (and bantering I assume), my friends were ready to jet. However, I was quite satisfied with the ambiance. Therefore, I headed back over to the cafe for a cappucino. Having now lived with an ex-Starbucks barista (aka Jill F.) for over a year, I've become somewhat of a coffee snob (not pretentious, just snobby) and the cappucino was presented in a simple, white porcelain mug with the frothy leaf-like swirl on top. The best part is that it was not only really good coffee, but really reasonably priced and cheaper than Starbucks I might add. I actually tried to go back yesterday, but they were closed. But I don't give up that easily, especially when I can read pages and pages for school on caffeine and end it with a little buzz.
(4)
Jeremy B.

great pizza and awesome ambience. one my favorite ever
(4)
Jeffrey C.

Love the industrial look of this place. Roaring ovens making pizze and foccacie. I liked the wine selection too. I'll have to try this place during the day and eat of the cafe.
(3)
Vanessa O.

I have to say I'm a little confused by all the reviews below that call this cafe affordable and say that it "won't break the bank". That is my one and only complaint with this place, but it's big enough for me never to return. I went for a late lunch and the service was great - they were even nice enough to feed us at 4pm (which i'm pretty sure was in between shifts). The food was everything we expected with rich flavors (especially the braised beef) and wonderful home-made touches like garlic bread croutons on the salad, which were exquisite, and house made pickles. BUT BUT BUT. everything was just horrendously overpriced! We had: 1) a braised beef sandwich - normal sized on a home made seeded bun (NO side) ($14) 2) arugula salad with chicken which was teeny ($14) 3) a side of roasted potatoes - yummy ($5 or 6) 4) a coffee ($5) grand total including tip: $54! disclaimer: the coffee was french press and really really good, but I am not a coffee officianado or addict. I don't need french press and was not warned that i was ordering a $5 cup of coffee. in sum: pretty standard gourmet food that is well executed, obnoxiously overpriced
(2)
Mags L.

note: this review is specifically for the cafe good peoples behind counter - yay! prices include tax - yay! discount for using your own mug - yay! almond croissant - yowza!!!!!!!!!! if you don't know, now you know.
(5)
Marisa D.

Oh, man: there is finally good coffee in Cambridge. These people are the real deal. The beans are from western mass; the milk for the impeccable lattes is from a farm where cows eat grass outdoors; the machine is a classic La Marzocco; the barristas are from.. well, I don't know where, actually, but I'm going to ask them the next time I go because they're that good at what they do. Seriously, this is like New York or Portland level coffee in Area IV. Don't miss it.
(5)
Julie F.

I like it here. The place has an industrial feel, like you're in a warehouse of sorts that just happens to have a brick oven in the middle of it, and I'm glad it does. They have a decent list of beers, and if you're there with friends who like the same beer you do (or if you're really thirsty and can swallow a lot of beer before it gets warm), you can get 64 oz for anywhere between $15-30, which is a pretty good deal for city beer-drinkers... I very much enjoyed our hipster waitress, though I don't know her name. She was informative and pleasant, and actually seemed to enjoy her job. We got the mussels, which were not my fave. They were a little fishier than I like my mussels, but the toasty bread they serve it with was fantastic to sop up the broth - which was decent - big chunks of tomato in it, but otherwise pretty standard. We split a Puttanesca pizza, which I thought was really good - it's super anchovy-y, so don't order this unless you are a huge fan of the anchovy. Yes, that's right, the mussels were too fishy for me, and then I loved my super-fishy pizza. The crust is thin and crispy, and the toppings were all minced into tiny pieces, so every bite had ample olive, caper, and anchovy coverage. The olive oil chocolate cake is sinful and amazing. You'd never know we were almost too full to order dessert by the record-setting pace at which we consumed this dessert.
(4)
Aviv K.

Excellent coffee and pastries in a block that has long been bereft of good options. I can see myself becoming a regular. Best of luck in the new venture!
(5)
Amber M.

I have to give this five stars even though all I've had there is the breakfast sandwich, but I have to tell you they are EPIC. Literally, the best breakfast sandwich you will ever eat. A co-worker brought them in for an office birthday breakfast a few weeks back and everyone was in unanimous aggreement that it was incredible. We did a repeat office breakfast this week. You must try! I know I will be back for more and to try more delish bites!
(5)
Carolyn C.

Area Four opened for full lunch service this week - a little later than anticipated, but worth the wait! The space is light and open, with just the right amount of "hip" for the Cambridge neighborhood from which it derives its name. We sat at a raised family-style table that was a little too cozy to accomodate all our plates, but that I'm sure will come in handy for large groups of co-workers out to lunch or after work drinks. Service was quick and friendly and things seemed to be running smoothly, especially considering it was only the second day they were open and the place was packed. The menu was fairly expansive, with "small" (tapas sized apps), "medium" (salads, etc) and "large" (full entrees) plates + wood grilled pizzas. Michael Leviton has clearly incorporated elements from his other restaurant Lumiere (sweet pea hummus, duck liver mousse, asparagus with sauce ravigote), but this menu is definitely lighter, less formal, and geared more towards the young Cambridge professionals it serves. We tried a bunch of the small plates - pea hummus, farro salad, mozzarella with roasted tomatoes, ceviche, and duck liver crostini, and a mushroom and fontina pizza. Everything was delicious and flavorful, especially the pea hummus and the mozzarella. We really enjoyed the small plates because we were able to have a couple bites of a bunch of things without completely stuffing ourselves or breaking the bank. The only thing I wasn't completely in love with was the farro - it could have used a little more seasoning or perhaps some more acid and a little less oil. Overall, a great dining experience. Can't wait for them to open for dinner so we can check out the evening scene and sample from their well-appointed beer and wine list!
(5)
G G.

Atmosphere is nice, but food options are very limited. We had the veggie hot mess and regular hot mess - both were super greasy and left us feeling sick. Service was awful, they missed at least two orders. prices are reasonable for the area but I would have expected much better food and service. We will not be returning.
(1)
Morgan P.

The staff is very friendly. The restaurant is split into two places, more of a coffee shop half and a restaurant half. The food is pretentiously priced and sized but the being local is great. The beer and wine are more than acceptable, and the bartenders are always very helpful. The coffee half of the places has A- coffee, one of the better in the area and the baked pastries are all tasty and very reasonably priced. I'd highly recommend it, not a ton of room to sit, but more than enough for a quick cup of coffee.
(4)
David G.

This is a review of the cafe area, which I frequent daily, as opposed to the restaurant/bar, which I haven't tried yet. The coffee is excellent - - uniquely sourced, well-roasted, expertly made. The baristas know what they're doing. The fresh orange juice is hidden in the fridge, but it is amazing - extremely fresh and pulpy. Only three dollars for a large glass. The baked goods are nicely petite. I actually prefer this in comparison to the huge oversized things you get elsewhere which make you fat. But in comparison to some places ( Flour), they don't charge you an arm and a leg for these things. Also they have some unique stuff like the Mexican Concha (sweet bread)... and the mini cinnamon buns - very good. The staff is very nice and helpful. Two suggestion/criticisms: 1) The sandwiches are 90% bread; maybe a little more protein on them? 2) The salads are overpriced; perhaps 75 cents of stuff for 7 dollars. Maybe a little better ratio there? Great addition to the area.
(5)
Esther W.

A bunch of us came here for drinks and dinner a couple of months ago. All I remember from the night is how salty everything was. Not sure if it was just our one time experience, but I think all six of us were in agreement that (1) the mac and cheese was waaay too salty (2) the mussels were pretty good but the broth they were in was waaaay too salty (3) squid salad was salty (4) two pizzas were mediocre (i think we got one clam/bacon (salty) and maybe the sausage? don't remember but it was just okay). I'm miffed because this place seems to have gotten good reviews, so were they just having an off night? Lack of quality control on the salt shaker for just that one evening? Not sure, but don't think any of us will come back any time too soon.
(2)
adam s.

Highlights: The smoked bluefish salad was excellent. Creative and tasty. Order two, you'll be glad you did. Also, Area Four, if you are reading this, our waiter brought up the point that the smoked bluefish would be good served with cream cheese on a bagel from the cafe. I agree. The Fennel sausage pickled banana pepper pizza was good. Excellent crust. Nice and chewy. Our waiter was pretty great. Not too in-your-face, but not too aloof. He and the bartender collaborated on some cocktail suggestions for us. The first one we tried was good, but not what we were looking for, so they graciously swapped it out for something different which was a winner. Needs Work: When I see something as plain-sounding as radishes and butter on the menu, it makes me think that there is a delicious surprise waiting for me if I just take the chance. Not this time. It really is just radishes and butter, folks. The green pea hummus was tasty, but it could use about 4 more pita wedges. Pro tip: If you ask for more pita, there is a good chance they will bring you some.
(4)
Stacy T.

Area Four is an amazing new cafe/restaurant that gives you that trendy yet comfortable feel, without breaking the bank. Most new trendy cafe's that I've been to in the Cambridge area, I feel like I'm paying for the atmosphere as well as the food and drink. At Area Four I feel like I'm just paying for the actual food and drink and getting the cool atmosphere as a bonus! The owners and staff here are amazing, friendly and inviting. I highly recommend Area Four as the new hot spot for great cafe and dining experience.
(5)
Alexi K.

Only been to the cafe, but I love their coffee (although the choice between "house" and "guest" espresso might be a tad bit pretentious) and the croissant I had was great! Minus one star for the awful pecan sticky bun--bleh.
(4)
Deirdre K.

Heard about this place on boston.com and had to try it. I had a small mushroom and fontina cheese pizza with a Smuttynose Jack D'or. I have to say it was one of the best pizza's I have had in Cambridge in a very long time. Their pizza is wood fired so the dough/crust came out charred and hot. The flavor profiles of the cheese, mushrooms and Area Four's special pizza dough made the pizza impossible to put down. I ate the entire 10 inch pizza! The beer I chose worked perfectly with the pizza. The wait staff was nice and attentive. The atmosphere is sophisticated and modern, but relaxed. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for anybody looking for a relax place to get bite to eat in the Kendall Sq/MIT area. Great place to go after work.
(4)
H C.

I literally work right next door to this place and I love it. They have really awesome iced coffee. I also love the fact that this place includes taxes in their prices. I've had a few different of their bakery items. They have amazing croissants. I also had their cheese and jalapeÃ±o biscuit and it was delicious as well. They also have a great breakfast sandwich. The people are super friendly, which is a huge plus. I definitely like being recognized when I come to a place, everyone likes being a regular. I would recommend this to anyone who has not been to this amazing coffee shop and loves a good cup of Joe. It may be more than the average Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts but you get what you pay for. I have not tried the grille part yet but want to. I have only been to the cafe (front end) and all I have to say is amazing!
(5)
Patricia R.

I keep trying to go here and have a stellar experience but it just hasn't happened. The pizza is ok. The garlic knots are awesome. The cocktails are nice and good variety and good beer selection. I personally don't like the overall atmosphere and everyone seems more hipster than thou. I sometimes feel like telling them "Pssst... did you know you're still not in Manhattan?" I just never feel like I get enough quality food that I actually enjoy here for the value but I keep going back because it is in my hood. I've tried a lot of the appetizers... The charcuterie plate was so weird... I tried to like it- but too much liquid meat. The mozzarella/fruit compote was nice but too overpriced for what you get. I appreciate they make their own cheese but it wasn't so amazing. I just tried the pickles there and they were good but not $5 worth of goodness. It's worth a try and you might love it.
(2)
Andy M.

Only been here once to meet friends and grab a pizza. My pizza was great, but my lovely wife and pals were not impressed by the appetizers and salads. Cool spot and trendy vibe, worth another visit in my book.
(3)
sage f.

I used to live in the Area Four (the neighborhood, not the coffee shop) and cannot believe how much it's changed/changing over the last few years. Business is booming. New coffee shops, restaurants, beer halls. Love it. How I wish that Area Four (the coffee shop, not the neighborhood) existed when I lived here. I would have come here all the time for the good coffee, tasty treats, good music, funky atmosphere, and free wi-fi. Makes me nostalgic for my graduate student days... An excellent addition to the neighborhood.
(4)
Amelia G.

Best pizza in Boston. Fun, buzzy atmosphere. Try the clam and bacon pie, you won't be able to get it our if your mind. Brought a choosy NY friend here, she was blown away. Careful with the drinks, so good SO strong. They have pastis, if that's your thing.
(5)
David P.

My wife and her friend went here recently. Unfortunately, the pervasive Bostonian/Cantabrigian problem of inconsistency is showing up in some of their dishes. Their pizza is still pretty good, though.
(2)
Archana V.

This place is great! Three of us came here on a Friday night and had to wait at the bar for a few minutes before we got a table. The layout was interesting, with the cafe in the front, the bar in the middle and the restaurant at the back. There was enough seating outside as well. They had a good selection of beer and cocktails and a pretty extensive whiskey list. We got the trio of spreads with pita bread for appetizers. I loved the green pea hummus and tzatziki and the green olive tapenade was interesting! We split a large mushroom and fontina pizza that came on a very thin crust and it was delicious! Can't wait to go back and try other interesting combinations they serve. Puttanesca? Clam and bacon? Caramelized Onions and Gorgonzola? Yes Please!
(5)
Neva C.

The food is pricey but good. The appetizers are really not big enough to share, but they are delicious, especially the pretzel-bacon nuggets with pimento cheese dip. I like the ambiance though it's very bobo - wood logs stacked artfully and stamped with "Area Four", e.g. But I have to say, there's not a lot of good food in Boston/Cambridge generally, and this fits into the medium price range nicely.
(4)
Gisele M.

Definitely a fan. I came here for lunch on a sunny afternoon and sat outside, which was nice. I shared a pizza with a salad with my friend and it was just enough. The pizza was absolutely delicious and the arugula salad was very fresh. Great service, great pizza, nice place. Can't wait to go back. My favorite pizza was the pesto with capers...absolutely delicious.
(4)
Matt H.

What a great place! I went there with my wife and kids (ages 13 and 11) after a movie at the Kendall Square Cinema. The meatballs are to die for! The pizza was really quite good. And the beer selection was perfect. Best of all...the pizza was just as good the second day as leftovers. Nice to still be able to go some place cool with the kids.
(4)
Morgan M.

Went on a thursday night and it was delightful. Had a glass of pinot noir at the bar and it was delicious. the bartender was very friendly. Then sat down for dinner and shared three small plates with a friend and they were all great. Our server couldn't have been better. I will absolutely be going back.
(4)
John C.

Area Four is the best thing that happened to Kendall Square this year! I really like both the bakery and the restaurant. Bakery has great selection of coffee cake, whoopie pies (mocha and red velvet), brownies etc. The coffee is pretty good and so is the atmosphere. I have dined here quite a few times and the mushroom pizza is the best. Other things I have really enjoyed are the macaroni & cheese, baba ganoush (when it was on the menu), muhammara, a cauliflower small plate, and the olive oil chocolate cake. Every single one of those things were great! I hope they continue to one of the best in Cambridge!
(4)
Liz W.

Area IV is a pleasant addition to Kendall Square in Cambridge. When I first read flat bread pizzas and frozen yogurt I was unexcited but it's an amazing twist. It was a great dining experience all together. The putannesca pizza was exactly what I was hoping for - a combination of capers, anchovies, tomatoes, olives and more. The wine is in a KEG - yes a KEG which is a novelty enough. Great beer list, good apps, and the homemade ice cream - great. I will be back for the service and for the food. A must try!
(4)
Tri U.

There's food and.... There's coffee Area 4 does both in two separate areas under the same name, but they really are distinct shops. So please make it more clear what you're rating here :) I'm rating their coffee shop. I give it 5 solid stars because: 1. The espresso they use is superb and I've spent months in the past enjoying traditional cafes (espressos) in Italy. In other words, Starbucks' espresso doesn't even come close. 2. They use Jersey milk in their beverages, which very rich but no fatter than other milks. It's also slightly more expensive (you can imagine why) but evidently Area 4 has set a high standard for their coffees. This is not to say that it's the only place that uses Jersey milk (I know Flour also uses it). 3. The atmosphere is very.... European. I like that. The shop is very minimal and stylish. Also prices include tax and their espressos are always double-shot. The only thing that's missing is a loyalty card so I don't have to use credit cards/cash every day and pay using their card instead. Because, I do have to visit them every day.
(5)
A R.

Hmmmmmm... That's how I felt while trying to order off the menu - just plain old confused. It is not put together very well and each dish has about 5 adjectives before you find out what it is. For example, the "Lemon, Garlic & Rosemary Roasted Half Chicken, Arugula, Roasted Tomato & Bread Salad." Hmmmm.... Anyways, I am sure this place is good for breakfast, coffee, and drinks. Heck, the food was delicious as well. A little overpriced but you have limited options around Tech Square. Advice? Clean up the menu and make it easier to understand. I would give this place a 3.5 if I could, but of course I can't. It will be interesting to see how business does when the new restaurant Catalyst opens next door?
(3)
C. N.

The very first item I order, a twelve ounce glass of iced coffee, at a counter, is $3.50. It was fine but not exceptional. And you've lost me forever.
(1)
Amy L.

Best coffee in Cambridge, interesting lunch/dinner menu, great beverage selection and friendly bartenders-- what more could you ask for? Outdoor seating, fun atmosphere, easy to park. Will be back often.
(5)
Joe J.

I've only been to the coffee shop so far, but that alone makes Area 4 a welcome addition to the Kendall Square scene. The coffee is great, baked goods are delicious, and the staff is friendly.
(4)
P J.

almost rivals ken's in portlandia. almost...
(4)
Alexa R.

I can definitely see this place becoming famous and a new hot spot! It is truly a hidden gem. It's located in technology square which I think is becoming more popular. I've lived in Cambridge for 2 months and have already been there several times. I love that everything is cooked in the brick oven, it's incredible! Of course the pizzas are to die for!! The menu changes almost everyday but the dishes are always incredible. I recommend the chicken as well, it is the juciest, most flavorable chicken I have ever tasted in my life. The menu fits everyone's tastes, they have great options. The place has a modern, yet cozy atmosphere. It is not necessarily casual but not necessarily fancy, which is perfect! You can go with friends or on a date. The place is very eclectic which I think is perfect in these times. The service was great! The servers were friendly, the cooks are always up for talking to the customers, and the manager, Mike, is super friendly. I've never seen a manager so involved in everything up front, he serves at the bar and talks to the customers. It's so great! I recommend this to anyone and everyone. No doubt I will be back there very soon.
(5)
Liv K.

I met a friend for post-work dinner and drinks here. We ordered one small gorgonzola and caramelized onion pizza, and one small marguerita pizza with two farm fresh eggs on top (sounds weird, but is surprisingly delicious). The pizza was very flavorful. I would have given more stars except for a few issues I had- we went there on a weeknight and it wasn't too busy, yet we were seated approximately 3 inches from another table, which was pretty awkward. Also, we ordered a pitcher of sangria and the pizzas at the same time, yet the pizzas came first 15 minutes later, with no sign of the sangria. Maybe it's just me, but definitely would have enjoyed a glass of sangria before the food came. I was told the bartender was very busy, so it came out later. My other issue is that two small pizzas (6 small slices each) and a pitcher of sangria came to $60! So, it's definitely overpriced, but it may just be worth it because I would definitely go back for more!
(3)
Liz P.

Amazing! Let me start off by saying I have never been moved to write a review for a restaurant before and that I am (embarrassingly so) very critical of restaurant food. I actually go not expecting to like everything, just cuz I'm hard to please and don't want to be let down. Area Four was so delicious, every single thing we got was simple, yet so sophisticated. Even the beef tongue, YES - beef tongue was one of the best little appetizers I've ever had. The pizza is good enough that they could open their own pizza shop (and I haven't found many pizza shops ever that I truly love!). plus the services is great and the bartenders are adorable and friendly. Wines are really good too AND it's all incredibly reasonable. A MUST TRY Oh, did I mention you can sit OUTSIDE : )
(5)
Brian G.

Really nice meal - fennel sausage and banana pepper pizza was great, as was the pea hummus. Cool interior despite being in a strange location (at least for dinner time). Going back for a second visit in less than a week to try out some more options!
(4)
N S.

I think I set my expectations too high...but also if I pay $20 for lunch I'd like something semi-amazing. Their food is only good, esp for the $ value. That said, their pizza ($20 a pie for what we got) is pretty delicious. Get the gorgonzola caramelized onion one.
(3)
Sanjeev B.

Compelled to write this review after one of the best brunches I've ever had in the Boston area. I've been here many times for coffee and recently came a few times (with my family) for dinner & brunch. The decor is industrial but the vibe is kinda warm & comfortable, in contrast with the sterile nature of most industrial-style spaces. The service was efficient, if not warm. (It's not bad at all, just not notable.) The crowd is mixed in a way that really captures Cambridge -- hipsters, a few families, yuppies and people well into their 50s, 60s and beyond. The food + drink is really spot-on. The menus aren't vast but just seems very well put together and well-executed. The puttanesca pizza is just excellent, if a bit heavy on the anchovies (which is great for me but less so for my spouse). The clam+bacon pizza is also excellent. At brunch, the biscuits & gravy are simply memorable -- the best I've had north on the Mason-Dixon line. They are quite different from what I've had in, say, SC or NC (where I grew up) in that the flavors are more delicate but only slight less tasty overall. The French toast is also quite good and and the "hot mess" is solid. Lastly, the coffee (from Great Barrington roaster in Western MA) is also very, very good.
(4)
Austin R.

I came here tonight with a few friends and kept it simple, ordering just a couple pizzas for the table and actually tasting only one of them. The wait was a bit longer than I had been told on the phone, but it was a Friday night so what can you do? We were seated right in front of the wood-burning ovens which was cool. The pizza that I tried was the caramelized onion with gorgonzola, walnuts, and scallions. It was tasty but I definitely thought it could have used some sort of sauce, just to add another dimension to the flavor. I liked the way the pizza was cooked though, some crispiness to it while still being very soft and chewy in the crust. Solid thin crust pizza. If I came back I'd definitely be more adventurous in my ordering, which from the looks of the place would probably pay off.
(3)
Dave F.

Happily recommended after a comfortable and delicious evening meal at an outside table. Personal sized pizzas were tasty and quick to arrive - best pizza puttanesca I've had in a while. Hummus app was rich and creamy-tasty. Wine by the glass or 1/2 liter so two can share and not have to down a whole bottle. Waitstaff were very helpful and always within reach without hovering. We are definitely coming back to continue thru the menu!
(5)
H. A.

I have nothing bad to say about the food- just that the prices are OUTRAGEOUS. I got "three smalls" for $15. When they say small, they MEAN small. The diameter of each plate was no more than 4 inches- no exaggeration. I mean, it's fine, I know that they're supposed to be small plates, but its $5.50 each (or $15 for three) for such a miniscule amount of food. I'd expect that kind of thing at, say, Craigie on Main, but not at a cafe/pub. With that in mind, if you're willing to spend that extra dough, I'm sure you'd enjoy their food and varied beer list.
(2)
Lore S.

Clam and bacon pizza was really tasty and the service was friendly and fast. Definitely coming back.
(5)
Danielle F.

This place is solid! A great addition to the increasingly awesome Kendall Square dining options. The restaurant is a combo: one side is a cafe by day, and at night there is a decent-sized restaurant serving brunch and dinner. The highlight of the open kitchen in the restaurant is the large wood-fired oven. I've only visited the restaurant side for dinner, but have it on the "to-try" list for brunch. There is a varied drink list available, with a number of tasty cocktails, wines, whiskeys, and draft beers on the menu. There should be something for everyone. Service is attentive and proactive. On a recent visit, I left impressed with the team approach to service and clearly great communication by the staff. If you are in the mood for a starter, I'd suggest the trio of dips. Slices of warm pita come with Tzatziki, Beet-Horseradish PurÃ©e, Green Chickpea Hummus. All of them are delicious, but I am somewhat partial to the beet dip, which is so smooth and carries the perfect amount of zip from the horseradish. If you run out of pitas, you can request more, or can save it and use your pizza crust as the bread. The pizzas are fantastic. The dough is light and gets a great crisp from the oven. While most of the toppings cater to meat-eaters, there are a few options for those shunning meat. Personally, I am a big fan of the puttanesca, which is not too anchovy-y (yes, I know that's not a word, just go with it) and the mushroom/fontina pizza. A small is still a good sized pie. In summary, a great casual dining experience with excellent food and drink choices. A worthy competitor in the growing Kendall Square area.
(4)
Marcel P.

I'd like to say just one thing to this establishment where I've been rudely denied a drink because of my foreign ID for the first time in my four years in the United States: "you're not wrong, you're just an asshole." I had to have their super salty pizza without being able to enjoy a beer, which is a very sad situation.
(2)
Leonard A.

Really good, if a bit pricy pizza. The kitchen sink salad was also excellent, but also pricy. Interesting beer and cider list; my friend and I both found new flavors to experience. Typical, MIT ultramodern decor.
(4)
Kim P.

Great pizza, great drinks, great place to spot Junot Diaz (not that I'm a stalker but I totally saw him leaving when I was on my way in and had to give pause). The service was attentive, fast, polite without being overbearing and/or obnoxious. If Junot Diaz likes it (I don't know, is he Yelping?), then I love it.
(4)
Adam G.

Very nice staff, amazing Bloody Mary, but steer clear of the messy ranchero. It was mostly sauce, with a pineapple salsa that was just big chunks of pineapple thrown on top. I was envious of the hot mess next to me, not the person, but the meal, will try that next time. The scene was casual and friendly, hope to come again and give it another chance to hit a 4/5.
(3)
Maha H.

The reason I gave 2 stars instead of 1 is because the waiter was very friendly. As for everything else, I have to say that this place was a total disappointment. The decor is boring...being based by MIT, I was hoping for some exciting and innovative decor to be happening! The food was truly AWFUL and a disappointment. We went for brunch and I ordered the breakfast sandwich as they don't have much variety when it comes to brunch. It just looked so plain, boring and not at all appetising. Now, I was then hoping maybe beauty was skin deep and I would love this when I tried it but oh dear, the flavour was soooo bland I just ate it and was regretting the calories as it was not tasty! Oh well, a friend picked the spot for brunch based on the 'Best of Boston' apparently but I'm not sure how they got that??!
(2)
Nat G.

In January 2015, we had an excellent Margherita Pizza (with mozzarella, tomato, Pecorino, and basil), plus additional sausage topping. Very flavorful, including the crust. Only negative: too salty at times. Jordan, our server, was very pleasant and helpful. The Boont (i.e., Boonville, CA) amber ale from Anderson Valley Brewing was also excellent.
(4)
Maurice T.

Even $20+ pizzas were awesome and worth it...especially the mushroom one. Has an awesome vibe and while I was hesitant to go in the first place due to prices, I am glad we went because it was worth every penny!
(5)
Anne J.

Why play such loud music when the restaurant is full and already noisy with customer shouted conversations? The caliber of food did not overcome the discomfort of the noise level.
(1)
Hannah R.

I've only been to the restaurant side, and I freaking love it. The pizza, the apps, the chicken, the salad....put it all in me right now please. The pizza dough is made with sourdough. IT'S MADE WITH SOURDOUGH, DO YOU HEAR ME?! Brilliant. Brilliant. I really love the puttanesca pizza, because it's salty and caper-y and has anchovies on it. The Kitchen Sink salad is perhaps the only salad I look forward to ordering in a restaurant (I love salads, but come on.) The inside is trendy and kitschy at the same time, and the beer and wine selections are on point. I've had the sangria, and that was excellent as well. This is a restaurant that screams to me, "TREAT. YO. SELF." And I'm like, "OK."
(4)
Laura W.

I had a half hour before a movie and were rushing like crazy and our amazing waiter had us in and out in 20 min. Not only that but the food was amazing! I got biscuits and gravy and the breakfast sandwich and the baked goods were fluffy fresh and rich. Just delicious all around. Farm fresh eggs. I even think the sausage was homemade (and so freakin good).
(5)
Jeremy K.

I had lived in Kendall Square for over 5 years, patiently awaiting for a hotspot... a bar... a restaurant... for anything to open. This was 2+ years ago and since then many spots have open, making that neighborhood a new hotspot. Area Four was amongst the first few to open and I could hardly contain my excitement as I went there for the first time. Since my first visit, I've been a few times, to get a quick coffee or for a drink. I've even been for dinner. The neat thing about Area Four is the space, which has three very distinctive areas: the cafe, the bar and the restaurant. Each is separated by walls, has it's own staff and seems to operate independently from the others. Having been to all three, I can honestly say that it somehow works and that the concept is neat. I'm surprised that no establishment has really tried that concept before in the Boston area. This enables them to adapt to the time of day and crowd. The cafe is open for breakfast and for lunch, through some of the afternoon but shut downs in late afternoon in order to focus on the cocktail and beer drinking, dinner eating crowd. I've had a few sandwiches from the cafe for lunch and each was pretty tasty although they were made in advance instead of to order. While there was nothing wrong with them, there also wasn't anything special about them either. My visit to the bar was pleasant and they have a decent selection of beer and spirits but again nothing too special. The cocktails were decent but far from impressive. What really shined there though and what has made me come back was my meal there. I've had a few dishes there and each was pretty well fulfilled and affordable as well. They have this giant oven that they use, much like Posto in Somerville does, to cook up and finish off some of their dishes and they utilize it well in the menu's execution. I've had their baba ganouj appetizer which came with some .za'atar and house-made pita ($5) which I found to be tasty and a great, affordable way to start a meal. Great for sharing as well. The presentation is neat as well as it comes served in a small cast-iron dish. I've also had their chicken salad with arugula and tomatoes which came to around $11 if I can recall correctly (it is no longer listed on their site) and I've also had a bite of a few of their pizzas including the margherita and the caramelized onion and gorgonzola one. While the pizzas are good and decently priced, I didn't find them to be incredible. Posto has much better ones in my opinion. That being said, they are still good as was the rest of the food there. One thing that I have not done is get brunch there. I need to at some point, their menu seems interesting and exciting enough. From bagels to breakfast sandwiches and even pastries which are baked daily at their cafe. All in all the place is solid and the staff friendly and adaptable; they were even able to whip up an Arnold Palmer per my request and it was delish. The decor is very modern, sleek and some of the tables will force you to bump elbows with strangers which isn't bad and a bit fun. But you could also get a regular table there although I'd recommend you make a reservation if possible because the place does get packed.
(4)
Jeff D.

While most of the food here is delicious, this place is really about the pizzas which are exceptional. I got the goat special. Goat, cheese, thinly sliced veggies allowed to slightly wilt. Fantastic. My wife and her friend both got the margherita. A classic pie that is done exceptionally well here. House made dough, house made cheese. You can't beat it.
(4)
Ali B.

Chef Matt Gaudet from West Bridge (AMAZING restaurant) told me that Area Four had some of the best pizza in Boston so I'd been wanting to try it. Overall the experience did not disappoint. We had a reservation on a Tuesday night. It was incredibly crowded and loud. The server told us that there was a large party there that was even larger than expected. The atmosphere is very cool and hipster. The seats are close together. I had the brussels sprouts salad which was AMAZING. And the mint lime soda was delicious. I got the special pizza which had fontina cheese, mushrooms, asparagus, arugula, and I can't remember what else. My dining companion got the carnivore pizza. We both got the large size so that we could have left-overs. The prices are a bit steep but you are getting quality ingredients. Both of the pizzas were delicious. My friend got a cookie skillet dessert which was quite tasty. I got the strawberry rhubarb crisp to go and haven't eaten it yet. I'd definitely go back. The vibe was good and so was the food. One thing of interest to note: sometimes your server changes so don't be surprised if more than one person attends to your table.
(4)
Yelena Y.

Went here for brunch with a girl friend this morning and had a great time. We got to the place at 10.15 and washed 15 mins to not wait for a table for brunch. Brunch was great had easy over eggs and english muffins. Definitely ask for the jam. It's not too sweet like many jams and feels like my mother made it. The only set back is that its expensive for eggs and they dont take reservations. Otherwise it's great.
(4)
Matt M.

[a glowing update in response to yet another great experience. Highly recommended for a casual, yet high quality dinner with a date or friends.] Area Four was my first yelp review and my love for this place hasn't waned since my first visit a few years ago. It's almost the perfect place for dinner with a date or a few friends. The menu is small, but the food is great and reasonably priced. The drink menu, which again while not huge, is well-constructed and the waitstaff and bartenders are all great about answering questions and providing suggestions. The ambiance is also really cool: clean, open, modern, and totally unpretentious. It's exactly what I want in a cool neighborhood dinner spot. During my most recent visit with a friend, our server Eric was fantastic. He was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about everything on the menu. He was great about recommending beers and was attentive without being overbearing. Experiences like that (OK, and the pizza too...) are what will keep me coming back to this place as long as I'm living in Boston.
(5)
Vincent L.

Bos G. and Jeremy K's reviews pretty much sum it up. There are three sections to Area Four: a cafe in front, a bar in the middle, and a bistro in back. I can vouch for the cafe, where you can get quality, individually brewed coffee from local roasters, as well as some scrumptious candy bar-like pastries. It closes early, at about 6pm, while the bar next door is open late every night and boasts an extensive beer selection. My only regret was not having had more time to try out the restaurant while I was in town. Overall, a beautiful, modern, glass-enclosed space frequented by scientists, researchers, and engineers that's a welcome focal point to a transformed neighborhood.
(4)
Aaron B.

Food is good but be ready to wait and wait and wait to be seated as they don't take reservations and they can't seat many people. Great pizza.
(4)
Hana K.

I love the atmosphere and location of this cool, chic bar with their unique quotes on walls/menus and cool modern industrial decorations but was very disappointed with their long wait time, food and drinks. Food: Puttanesca pizza -- The brick oven roasted like pizza was burnt everywhere and the ingredient just did not taste fresh. This is more a personal preference but as a non-cheese lover, I wish they used mozzarella instead of pecorino. Drinks: Dark & Stormy -- My drink was waaay too gingery and painful to drink. I think they used ginger puree instead of ginger beer. I think we just ordered the wrong things so I'm willing to give this place another try. Plus, the server was very polite and kind, brought over a side dish of olive oil for our pizza crust. Tip: If you're deciding between two pizzas, I heard the waiter suggest to the table next to us that you can get your pizza half & half.
(2)
Ravi P.

Really like this place. I am vegetarian and they have plenty of brunch and dinner options that are pretty good. Also a pretty good number of good beers on tap. This place gets packed so you might have to wait but it is well worth it.
(5)
Julie F.

After having a good first experience at Area Four, my boyfriend and I decided to go again. When we arrived, they were not busy. We told those behind the hostess' podium that we wanted a table. Well, the woman told us that she had to wait for the hostess to return. We stood there awkwardly for a few minutes and watched other parties attempt to get a table. Eventually, someone told us that it would be a few minutes because the kitchen needed to catch up with the orders. My boyfriend asked if we could at least sit down at a table since there were many of them available. The woman told us that we would have to wait. We sat on a bench by the door. After a few more minutes, a hostess finally sat us. We ordered garlic knots to share and two mac and cheese entrees. We were asked if we wanted sauce with the knots, and we said sure. The garlic knots were tasty. When the mac and cheese entrees arrived, they were served in small cast iron skillets on wooden trays that were slightly bigger than the skillets. The trays need to be a lot bigger because I tried to move my meal closer to me and ended up touching the skillet which was very hot. The mac and cheese itself was mediocre. This one had no flavor at all. The portion was a bit small, but that could have been forgiven had this been a good mac and cheese. I did not finish the bland mac and cheese. My boyfriend had the same opinion. When the check arrived, we were a bit surprised to see that we were charged an additional $2 for the small bowl of sauce that came with the garlic knots. Perhaps that should be mentioned by the server or be written on the menu (the menu said you could make the knots "supreme" for an additional $3). We were really disappointed in our experience.
(2)
Corey L.

Visited late on a Saturday night with my friend. It's a cool place, definitely has style. I've been there 3 times now, each being really good. Servers are cool and knowledgable. The food is always great. Had the clam and bacon pizza: like clam chowda on a pizza: was aweseome Had the fennel, sausage, and pepper pizza: also really good, with some kick to it, but not too much. Overall, always have a great time here. Cool place, cool ppl, great food
(4)
Adn B.

if you get the right barista, great caps & lattes. the quality has been a little spotty lately, but overall very good
(5)
Lucy B.

This place was cute and hip. My boyfriend and I both liked our pizzas and thought they were better than average, although I wasn't so into the burnt crust thing. The flavors and ingredients were more complex and high quality than a lot of other pizza places in Cambridge. The low point was the service. Our waitress was distant and spacey, and towards the beginning of the meal she accidentally spilled some of my boyfriend's beer on my jacket. I understand accidents happen, but she seemed completely unfazed and barely did anything to clean it up. In fact, we cleaned it up ourselves while she disappeared for a few minutes and then came back with just a few napkins. Then throughout the meal she appeared to be more and more distant and spaced out. It was very odd! We did enjoy the food though and I would probably come back for the pizzas, although I would steer clear of that waitress!
(3)
Yan K.

Great that they took a reservation for a large group for lunch on the weekend. They don't have dessert really but their bakery was able to make a custom cake that we pre-ordered (pricing was okay, a little pricey but captive audience!). The cake was great! A lot of us ordered the hot mess or veggie hot mess. It was good but a little on the small side.
(4)
Traci K.

There was not enough room in my stomach for all the things I wanted to eat at Area Four. The menu wasn't huge - but everything on there looked amazing. With four of us, we decided to try 3 appetizers, 2 small pizzas and 1 dessert for good measure. The apps were great! We had the garlic knots, the trio of dips and the smoked bluefish salad. The knots were a little pretzel-y and had a good amount of cheesy garlicy goodness going on. Very tasty. The trio of dips (hummus, olive tapanade and tzatziki) were also a delight. The accompanying pita was warm and soft and amazing. The dips come with 4 triangles of pita and extra pita will cost you ($3). The smoked bluefish salad didn't look like much but it was so, so, so tasty. In a light vinaigrette with pickled red onions - super tasty. The pita + tzatziki + bluefish salad = heaven. Most excellent combo. The pizzas were equally as delicious. For variety we got the spring vegetable (spring onion sauce, arugula, asparagus and peas!) and the fennel sausage with banana peppers. The spring veggie was light and tasty. I loved the peas. The sausage pizza definitely had a kick to it and the banana peppers were the bomb. Serious good eats. For dessert, we shared this crazy delicious peanut butter chocolate cake with cream cheese mousse, caramel sauce and pretzels. Serious heaven. The cake wasn't your typical floury cakey thing. It was dense, almost like a fudge. Along with this awesome menu, Area Four also has a great selection of local brews, an impressive whiskey selection and really delicious cocktails. The space is really nice and the service was excellent. (PS: All the employees there are adorable. Seriously, please come home with me, all of you.) All in all, a great space with great food. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Russell R.

I've been here several times with friends and coworkers for pizza and drinks. We work in Boston. It's worth the trip across the river. The microbrew selection is great, and the wood-fired oven pizza is some of the best in Boston (the Mushroom and Fontina, Caramelized Onion and Gorgonzola, and Margherita are all amazing). The setting and decor are hip and modern but also casual. Never been disappointed. Based on that experience, I decided to check out their brunch this AM. I got the Hot Veggie Mess, which is two sunny-side-up eggs atop a cast-iron skillet full of mixed deliciousness. Perfect! My friend seemed to enjoy the Messy Ranchero. Apparently the manager recognized me as a repeat customer (maybe 3-4 times in the past year - I'm hardly a regular), and sent over a complementary order of the biscuit and sausage gravy which was also delicious (so much for my attempt to go veggie for one morning, but I'm not complaining). Overall, I think this is one of the best spots in Cambridge for a low-key but delicious meal any time of day.
(5)
Heather M.

So... Full disclosure. I have not been to Area Four. I have no idea how to find it, what is on their menu, or if goblins sit under the tables and tie your shoelaces together while you eat. This review is based on one spectacularly life-altering piece of pumpkin pie that was presented to me on Thanksgiving Day of 2013. The origin of said pie, Area Four. As the luscious custard filled my mouth with the most peculiar singularity of homey comfort and untamed adventure, the truth that was always there came to me. Pumpkin is not a vegetable. Four stars for the pie. One additional star for the transcendental life experience.
(5)
Chaloe T.

This may have been a good place if I wasn't going for brunch. The whole environment was off-putting, the music strange, and the water had a different taste. It sounds strange, I know. It was. It really was.
(1)
Jane C.

Went for brunch. Crowded but got a table at the bar right away. Food was great. Huevos rancheros kept me full for five hours, which is unusual for me. Truly hearty and delicious.
(5)
Marc L.

Ate here to celebrate my son's graduation. Loved it. Great atmosphere, easy parking on street. Pizzas were excellent, particularly the crust. Also had a great salad. Good beer selection. Fun place, I look forward to returning here. Noise level can be loud, which some people really like. I don't like shouting with my tablemates during dinner.
(5)
Sara C.

Went for an early dinner with friends after work and had a great time! Not too noisy to hold a conversation...made for a nice atmosphere. Yummy cocktails, and the pizza is super unique and tasty. Totally loved the thin crust...perfectly chewy and charred from the wood oven. We had the Hawaiian pizza (yum!) and the special spring veggie pizza (I have never had peas on pizza before...it was actually really awesome!) Overall, a great experience but maybe a little overpriced.
(4)
Joe H.

Area Four is nicely decorated, hip, and has a great atmosphere. we were one person short on our reservation and the hostess was hesistant to seat us even though we were ready to order drinks. The pizzas weren't bad but they lacked complexity in their flavors. My clam pizza was briny and salty but it stopped there. The beer selection is limited as well. In my opinion this place is a little over hyped and over priced. If I want a non traditional pizza, I'll just go to Otto next time.
(3)
Irene C.

Only tried dinner, and I was not impressed. The menu strongly suggests you order pizza--in fact, it's organized around "not pizza" and "pizza"--so I went for the Margarita. My dining companion went for the Mushroom pizza, and we split the Garlic Knots. I understand that the menu changes often, so your mileage may vary. The pizza was a little bland and too big of a portion for a personal pizza. Although the crust is decent, I could not reconcile the fact that I paid $14 for a pretty straightforward and unflavorful piazza. With a Margarita pizza, the flavors need to pop to compensate for the simple construction. Area Four did not do that. They serve the pizza immediately after it comes out of the oven, which is pretty cool. Even though I took home leftovers, I keep staring at them hoping they'll vanish. I managed to finish half of my personal pizza during dinner, so half to go! The dessert options were soft-serve sundaes, which does not inspire hunger, so we passed. tl;dr decent pizza, not sure if I'll be returning
(3)
R P.

Four of us ate at Area Four and it was ok . We love and know good pizza we have eaten amazing pizza , this was not it. There meat pie which was voted #1 on TVs food channel was not good. The other pizzas on the menu sounded good , who knows how they taste. The place was nice and clean , cool atmosphere and the staff friendly and helpful.
(3)
Melly B.

We were meeting friends here for dinner and aside from the fact my phone kept trying to take us to Area Four the section of Cambridge rather than Area Four the restaurant, it was excellent. The food really was fantastic. The atmosphere was nice. Would definitely go back for more.
(5)
Matthew B.

Things that make me happy: - Coffee so good it doesn't need additives - Thick cut bacon - Meals served in single-serving skillets Area Four's brunch -- The Hot Mess -- met all of those needs. Those two perfect over-easy eggs on top of farm-style sausage and thick chunks of bacon mixed into a foundation of perfectly roasted potatoes makes me salivate like a Pavlovian pooch. One reason and one reason only for missing that 5th star -- the service left room for improvement. The server left my buddy and I hanging, begging with our eye contact from afar for a refill. Not cool. Everything else about the place is very much wonderful.
(4)
hanne o.

Fantastic pizza with a delicious crust and great toppings. The cocktails were delicious and they have a nice craft beer selection.
(4)
Andrea B.

I really like Area Four. Their brunch food is really good. I ordered the aptly named "Hot Mess" (which is highly appropriate for me, at all times). It was a piping hot skillet full of pretty much everything breakfast: sunny side up eggs, home fries, bacon, sausage, caramelized onions, scallion, and pickled banana pepper relish. All of it was decent, but it was really that relish that gave it some zest and kept it from being boring. Speaking of things that are boring, the freaking enormous sticky bun that I had for dessert certainly doesn't fall under that category. The size of a brick, this piece of heaven was definitely meant for sharing. And it really was everything a sticky bun should be - chock full of pecans, loaded with caramel (which was a bit too chewy, but it's caramel so who cares??), topped with way too much frosting, and was very, very sticky. I really love the awesome signs hanging on the walls here. While the layout of the place is a little bit confusing, the signage was made with directionally-challenged people like me in mind. If you're on a quest for the bathrooms, never fear! Hilariously helpful signs are here! Behind the long table are two doors, neither of which are the bathrooms you are looking for, but both of which have signs to tell you this so you don't unnecessarily go barging in - "Dry goods - not the bathroom," and "Office - also not the bathroom." Both of these made me giggle appreciatively. There is further signage that informs you of whether you're "hot", "cold," or "getting warmer" on your restroom journey. Also, if you're bored while waiting for your food, you'll find there are some nice big signs informing you of everything you ever wanted to know about Area Four. Overall, Area Four is a fun brunch spot. I can see myself coming back here - maybe not for brunch, but definitely for that sticky bun.
(4)
Emily G.

Area Four has simple decor, a cool dimly-lit atmosphere and a dark twisted sense of humor. The doors are labelled "This isn't the bathroom", "nope. this one either", "getting closer...." If you do actually find the bathroom, you are quite fortunate, or you know, just smarter than I am. The place is known for their brick-oven pizzas but I was craving something a little lighter. I ordered the Kitchen Sink Salad (Romaine, Radicchio, Salame Toscano, Fontina, Pickled Banana Peppers, Roasted Red Peppers, Chickpeas, Green Olives, Beets, Lemon-Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette) for $12.50. The salad was not very big but enough to fill me up and the flavors were great. If you are a salad lover, I would highly recommend it. My friend's pizzas were ok, nothing particularly amazing. One friend really disliked her clam and bacon pizza because the bacon was thick, fatty and not crispy at all (seemed like chunks of under-cooked pork belly instead of the crispy bacon that we all know and love). The service was decent for how busy the place was. When the bill came, I asked the server to please split it for us since we were all paying for our individual meals. I wasn't aware that this isn't a common thing in Boston- my bill in phoenix usually gets split automatically unless you tell the server otherwise. So, as I made (what I thought was a ) simple request, I got the eyes and attitude of death from the server- so much so, that I was happy I had finished eating for fear of getting my food tampered with. After some minutes she came back with our receipts and we all paid for our meals. Had she not been so incredibly upset about my request, I would have not had an issue with the service at all. Hopefully I just caught her in a bad day and shes usually amazing. Oh well.
(3)
A C.

Incredible pizza and the garlic knots are out of this world. Just wish the bar had more seating!
(5)
Lauren S.

Amazing food, great ambiance, and friendly staff. Went for brunch and ordered the breakfast pizza, so unique and delicious!
(5)
David L.

At first I thought that I was going to hate this place because it gives off this pretentiously trendy vibe because they only serve "local" food to those young trendy proactive prosumer types. Whatever! But then they brought me my pizza and I was won over. I had the Mushroom & Fontina pizza. Creamy cheesy goodness. It come with this garnish called gremola. It has a mild citrus taste. Really good. The prices weren't bad for being one of the trendy restaurants that only serves "local" food. I didn't like the music. It was too loud and it was that obnoxiously trendy indie rock and alternative music. Maybe I am just too old.
(4)
Xiao Z.

Really fun place with excellent selection of eclectic pizzas and charcuterie platters. I had my first charcuterie here and was certainly very pleased with the result; my only suggestions is to have more bread slices served with the delicious meats. The prices were a bit high, costing nearly $12 for a small plate of greens, but everything tasted great! Food: 4 stars Price: 2 stars Service: 3 stars
(4)
Traveler K.

Review for the cafe: Great pastries, oatmeal, yogurt, food in general. Good, sometimes great, individually brewed coffee. But every time I have ordered the batch drip coffee, the coffee has tasted burnt and unpleasant. I usually end up throwing it away after a couple of sips on the walk back from the cafe.
(3)
Gauravi P.

I'm giving them four stars for their garlic knots, pizza, and cool atmosphere. I would say their negatives are that they have a very limited dinner menu (which consists of mostly pizza since they have a massive brick oven) and a soft serve dessert menu. If you are in the mood for gourmet pizza with a twist- this is your place. Please note though that their tomato sauce isn't for everyone. It is slightly bitter and not as sweet. Also the service is good and they serve alcohol!
(4)
Steve C.

Visited today for lunch, great buzz, very cool place, only had the pizza but it was outstanding. Wood burning pizza oven gives pizzas an unmistakable taste, add to that eclectic toppings like bacon and clams and you have a winner. Reasonable prices, nice bar and friendly service. Can't wait to try more of the menu....
(4)
Didi S.

I've only been here for dinner, so a brunch may be in order. Came for your standard yuppie dinner. It was a weekday night so people were dressed mostly respectably casual for a place so close to MIT. Stylishly dim. A handful of dates, a handful of groups--good atmosphere. The soups are really small. They come in a very nice little mini-casserole dish that holds probably half or two-thirds of a cup of liquid, but the butternut squash was good. Pizzas come in two sizes--small and large. The small is supposed to be individual portions but I think they're pretty generous for that. I could definitely see getting three meals out of one if you have some salad at home. We got the Carbonara, which sounded great, but was incredibly salty and slightly overcooked. I really liked my gin-based cocktail though--the Sylvie is great.
(3)
kate w.

I've only been once but it was wonderful. Went for brunch. My companion ordered a sticky bun. It looked amazing and he raved, i didn't try it. I ordered the hot mess with extra jalapeÃ±os. Served in a cast iron skillet. That dish alone will keep me coming back. Service was great, and my green tea was delicious. Lingered over brunch for 2 hrs with no pressure to leave. Awesome
(5)
Jane D.

We went here for brunch on a whim and were pleasantly surprised! Really liked the ambiance and have had their almond croissants in the past which are truly delicious. We got the veggie hot mess and the breakfast sandwich, both of which were very good. I really appreciated that the portion sizes were on the smaller side so we were able to finish everything and felt very satisfied. Certainly coming here again soon!
(4)
Fanasha D.

It was tough giving them four stars.....let me explain. My mom and I decided to FINALLY try this place out, I had seen it featured in the food network channel ad one of the best pizza places in the country. Meanwhile, my mom had seen its sister location in Somerville featured on the channel Chronicle. Needless to say we were hyped, ready and hungry to try out the pizza but first we started with the beets and arugula salad which was delicious. We ordered the Hawaiian pizza, it tasted delicious right up until the point when my mom pulled a hair out of her mouth. Yuck!!!! I was shocked and disappointed, it's like nooooooo after all the buildup and then this??? Here's what I assessed, the cooks which are open to the public all had short hair...I recently chopped my hair off and have short hair. My mom has beautiful super long thick black hair that was pulled back into a ponytail....the hair was medium/short brownish and significantly thinner than my mom's. How it got there I dunno but I felt bad for her she was upset and disgusted. The reason for the 4 stars regardless of the mishap all boils down to customer service. The manager (stylish short blonde hair/hipster guy) came over apologetic and sweet. Offered my mom a shot of tequila or a dessert and assured her the pizza wouldn't be on the bill. Mind you, once my mom is pissed it's almost impossible to change her mind. However, this guy's charm and good looks won her over. He was going above and beyond to apologize and assure her he didn't want her to leave with a feeling of a bad experience and suggested the apple crisp which she eventually agreed to. And boy did she agree.....she ended up pretty much by herself eating 90% of the dessert (she never esta desseers) and she loved it! She actually had a smile on her face by the end of it and sure enough neither the pizza or dessert were on the check. Just my alcoholic beverages and the salad. Kudos to the manager for turning around my mom's mood....I can't even do that when she's upset!!! Overall I would come back because their customer service was top notch.
(4)
Sarah D.

Brunch is amazing. Be prepared to wait! At 10:29 there was a line 30 people deep waiting. Its a full morning activity but its worth it. The people who arrive early typically hang out next door drinking coffee. The smells are awesome with their fire oven and the eggs were cooked perfectly. I can't wait to go back. Oh, and they had a special that made us inappropriately stare at our neighbors table. A 5 inch high pumpkin cinnamon roll. You can't even imagine our envy.
(4)
Dorothy W.

While there are an endless number of alluring aspects that should reel you into Area Four, here are my top four (or more) reasons for a visit: 1. Area Four offers four well defined dining areas, including a casual cafe for breakfast, coffee, board games and snacks, a sophisticated bar for drinks, a sleek, sunny dining room for a real meal, and outdoor, curbside seating when the weather is right. You can even play bocce on their lawn during a summer afternoon while you slurp up their home made ice cream. And keep an eye out for their hot dog cart on the sidewalk at lunch time. What does all of this this mean for you? It means that if you want a quick bite during the day, you will be happy. If you want supremely good beer selections and awesome cocktails, you will be happy. If you want delicious food, indoors or outdoors, you will be happy. All of your desires will be satisfied at Area Four. And you can send your friends emails and snapshots about your satisfactory experience as Area Four offers free WiFi. 2. They have amazing home made lemonade. Tart, tangy and just sweet enough, this is the best lemonade in town. Take a little sip and add some of their simple syrup if it is a bit too tart for you. Simple syrup at the counter with the straws and napkins? Yes, indeed. You can drink your lemonade while you eat your gluten free pastry or your choice of other delectable goodies. (Unfortunately, they do not have any vegan pastries. For those, you need to go up the street to Veggie Galaxy.) While you indulge, you can make new friends at the large communal tables in their cozy front room. 3. The garlic infused pizzas coming out of the wood fired ovens are grovel-worthy. Praise the pizza gods for this pizza. While the entire menu is friendly and satisfying, we keep coming back for the pizza. As we eat our veggie pizzas, you could always try their roast chicken, cheeseburger, mac and cheese or a salad. And save room for a luscious dessert. 4. There are some fun deals going on. You can use LevelUp, get free parking, have your food delivered and you can even get a discount for movie tickets at the Kendall Square Cinema. Bargain time. We love bargains. Check their web site for the details. We like having Area Four as neighbors. No... we love it.
(4)
Skye W.

Second stop. Dinner. Shaved brussel sprouts with kale - light and yummy Small margherita with arugula - pizzas came out with soggy centers, was good, but room for improvement, not much flavor Small fennel sausage - same soggy center, but the toppings here were very flavorful and robust Not bad. Not bad.
(4)
Holger P.

The pizza is good but the coffee is the best around. Especially for europeans that don't like the dark roasted (burnt?) american coffee, this is the goto place.
(5)
Snowdrops C.

So good! Just fantastic. Nice vibe and great pizza! =)
(5)
Kuong L.

Nice brunch place overall. Gets busy around 12 noon on a Sunday. Best to get there around 11 am. The space and atmosphere is nice (and there is outside seating). Ordered the Veggie Hot Mess ($12), which was very good but the portion was rather small. Dish comes with two sunny side up local farm eggs, home fries, baby spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, carmelized onions, cheddar, scallions & pickled banana pepper relish. I'm always a bit skeptical of trendy food places taking the easy way out and just putting a fried egg on top of everything (which unfortunately, Area 4 does a lot of). What I did like about the dish was the veggies but there was very little of it. Eggs and home fries were the meat of the dish, which makes you wonder why it's called the "Veggie" Hot Mess. Nonetheless, it was still very good despite not having as much veggies as I would have hoped. I don't eat large quantities of food but I still felt hungry after this dish so you almost certainly have to order something to go along with if you order something under their "not pizza" menu. The Pan Seared Cornbread ($12) was a bit hit among my friends and I. It comes with three pieces and really is more like an appetizer than a dish on it's own so would recommend splitting this with someone rather than ordering alone. The cornbread comes with rhubarb compote (basically jam), whipped sweet cream and candied mixed nuts. This was definitely delicious worth the $12 if you're looking for something sweet for brunch! The service was good and space allows for big parties.
(4)
John S.

Great pizza, fun atmosphere! We ordered two small pizzas to feed 4 people. It was a sufficient amount of food to fill up but not be overly stuffed. We had the "carnivore" and a specialty scallops pizza. Both were very tasty. Also had a BBC coffeehouse nitro porter to compliment the pizza.
(4)
Pat M.

Slowly becoming my favorite pizza. I've had the margarita, marinara, not pepperoni, Hawaiian, and the caramelized onion one. The caramelized one was a bit too sweet, but I guess that's why it's called CARAMEL-ized. The not pepperoni is my fav. The marinara is super unique, looks cheeseless, but it's doused with grated cheese, which I thought was a great touch. This place is a bit pricy but it really is made with fresh ingredients and top of the line toppings. I don't mind paying for quality. This is high end artisan style pizza. While I never thought this pizza would overthrow old school italian pizza as my favorite, it's slowly doing just that.
(5)
Benjamin D.

Alas, their soft serve ice cream sundaes are no more. My soul is crushed. Pizzas and cocktails are good but I really miss the sundaes. :(
(3)
Kathy C.

Just got the breakfast sandwich today, and it was amazing! The english muffin was fresh and soft and pillowy, and is a hybrid english muffin-biscuit. I thought there was a perfect 2:1 egg to savory maple sausage. It was a great pairing with the iced coffee!
(4)
Mindy S.

Awesome place! A little pricy, but delicious pizza and great atmosphere. I love bringing people here!
(5)
Julie B.

What a great spot in Kendall! I only wish my place of work was closer so I could eat at Area Four more often. I went to Area Four with a few friends for Sunday brunch. We sat in the restaurant, the ambiance of which can only be described as "cool". The open kitchen sits in the center of the restaurant and huge chalkboards line the walls listing out the drink options and the idea behind the restaurant. We were starving when we arrived so we decided to order the trio of special baked goods and the sticky bun. OMG the sticky bun. I'm not usually a huge fan of breakfast pastry but I would swim a bathtub of these sticky buns. No joke. Do yourself a favor and order one. This thing was large -- we easily split just one between 6 people. The other pastries weren't as memorable, but were baked fresh and tasty (albeit the banana bread was a bit dry for my liking). For my entree I ordered the Kitchen Sink Salad. This baby was filled with lettuce, radicchio, thin sliced salami, fontina cheese, pickled banana peppers, roasted mushrooms, asparagus, chick peas and green olives. I loved it, but my friend who also ordered it picked around the banana peppers. Across the table people ordered a few different pizzas, the mac & cheese and "the hot mess" aka delicious breakfast items piled in a skillet. Everything was enjoyed although the mac & cheese was a bit too bread crumby and not cheesy enough. Overall it's a great spot for the area! Certainly perfect for the 9-5ers or anyone who happens to be in Tech Square.
(4)
Tracy B.

The food (pizza and garlic knots) is very very good, but I have to be honest, I think the front desk staff's behavior is horrendous. Additionally, the high top seats are beyond uncomfortable. So uncomfortable, that out of our table of 4, 2 of us moved the stools and stood...for the entire meal. While they were busy for lunch service, the host and hostess clearly saw this and allowed the two visible patrons (as this seating area is right inside the door) to stand for the hour long meal. They never approached us and said that they could see it clearly wasn't a comfortable arrangement and could they move us....nope. Just continued to ignore it. The management of Area Four need to re-think the seats and find something that looks equally "cool" and can be comfortable.
(1)
Sarah B.

My friends from out of town make fun of me and my local friends for spending altogether too much time at Area 4. I would counter that there is no such thing as too much time at this restaurant. It is the local place those of us in Central, Inman and Kendall Square wished for a long time. The space is well thought out - there is an open kitchen and lots of seating. The low table tops are on rails so you can configure 2-8 tops depending on the size of your party. The high tables are seated family style and that works just fine. The overall vibe works just as well for me (I think I was 28 when they opened?) as it does for hipster college kids. NB: I had a business lunch here once ... and realized too late that's too casual for that occasion. Most importantly, the food is great. I mean really, really great. Over the past few years we have tried everything, so here are the hits and misses (miss? There may only be one): Brunch: + I have spent many a hungover morning here and the Hot Mess is just the absolute best thing ever. It's everything you want/need in a little skillet (bacon, eggs, potatoes and cheese - just the right size). I've never tried the Veggie Mess but my friends like it. - Kastrie's Basket of Goodies is fine, but it's not their best offering. I'd skip it unless they're offering the huge cinnamon bun that you can split with five of your friends. Lunch: + The garlic knots are crazy good. + The trio of spreads is also a good choice - ask for extra pita. + The roasted chicken salad is great if you're not in the mood for pizza. Dinner: + The mac n cheese is solid. + If they're offering the shaved brussels sprout salad you have to get it. It's one of my favorites. + Same with the beet salad. Pizza (all day): + You can't go wrong with any of them. I'm usually all about the sauce when it comes to pizza, but the crust here steals the show. My favorite is the bourbon caramelized onion and gorgonzola - add bacon and it's even better. Finally, the staff is really friendly and a) every one of them will thank you for coming as you exit the restaurant and b) remember you if you they've waited on you before. Every once in a while they will misquote your wait time, but if you are aware of that going in it's still worth the (many) trip(s).
(5)
Sonia D.

I was here Monday night for a friends going away dinner and I loved it. I've never been for dinner but have tried their croissant from the cafe and it was heaven so I wouldn't think anything less from the restaurant. We sat outside which was perfect. I ordered the margherita pizza and added mushrooms. I am a tomato sauce snob but this was definitely great and it was cooked perfectly. I haven't had pizza this good in a while. I am a thin crust pizza cooked well done type of girl and its hard to come by these days unless you are in Southern Italy. The crust was thin and perfect. I definitely enjoyed my pizza and can't wait to go back. I also had a glass of barbera which paired well with my pizza of choice. We also shared dessert which was Take 4 chocolate-peanut cake, cream cheese mousse, caramel sauce & pretzel bits. I'm not a big fan of chocolate but it was good and very rich. The pretzels were different not ones you would think of. If you are in the area of just looking for some good pizza and wine/beer definitely check it out. I can't wait to go back and try out other things.
(4)
James L.

This is my new all-time favorite pizza place!!! Today, was the first time I ate their pizza. I ordered a carnivore's pizza, and shared it with a friend. It was FABULOUS. As a result, I need to down-grade Pinos, Pinocchios, and santarpios a star. The crust and sauce are perfect, and the toppings are expensive and made perfectly. Just a bit pricey.
(5)
Gabrielle B.

Went here for dinner recently, and had a great experience. The service, food, and drinks were great. Will be back!
(5)
Margot H.

Area Four is my favorite place to eat in Cambridge. I love pizza and this is truly great pizza -- it has the benefits of "fancy" pizza with toppings like funky sopressata and bacon & clams, but it also has the integrity of a classic pie -- crust is chewy and flavorful, toppings and sauce are not too heavy. Along with the great pizza, Area Four is just a fun place to visit, with friendly service and a modern atmosphere. Logistics: somewhat annoyingly, no reservations for parties of less than 6. You will have a wait on weekend nights, but times quoted are accurate and there is a bar area to wait in. Food: Along with the pizza (my favorites are the sopressata and the mushroom), don't miss the garlic knots with marinara sauce (these bear no resemblance to what you get from a New York slice place i.e., they are delicious, not dry), the brussels sprouts salad (crunchy!) and the banana split (bruleed bananas!). We also tried a great braised duck entree special last time we were there -- if you have non-pizza eaters in your group, they will find something here. There is also a nice selection of beers, wines and an alcoholic cider on tap. Service: I've had very friendly and competent waiters here. Last time I went, my friends and I held down our table for about two hours before the manager came up and said she would buy us a round of drinks at the bar but needed to take our table for a reservation. While it's usually annoying to be asked to get up, she handled this so politely that we really didn't mind. I respect a place that gets its reservations seated.
(5)
Amy D.

Coffee, Bakery, Bar, and Oven are the components that make up Area Four. We recently spent 36 hours in Boston, and didn't really want to venture out to Cambridge, but upon stumbling onto this restaurant, we changed our minds. We came for breakfast and their menu isn't huge, but there are some tasty selections. It seems that everyone these days including fast food restaurants are making breakfast sandwiches, so i was apprehensive ordering one here. It was by far the best breakfast sandwich i have had, each individual component was hand made. The homemade English muffin was pillowy and the perfect vehicle for this sammy. There was melted old cheddar, a scrambled egg ring, and the most delicious sausage patty. The sausage had wonderful spices and herbs, and had so much flavour without being greasy. Overall if you are looking to eat at a restaurant where they take pride in their food and offer it to their customers at a fare price, then come on down to Area Four. I cannot wait to come back and try their pizzas.
(4)
Chas K.

Had a business lunch here last week and was underwhelmed by the portions and service, and surprised by the high prices. My host and I split a small Putanesca pizza, mozzarella appetizer, and arugula salad. Toss in a lemon soda for me and the total was $37. The mozz appie ($10) was very good. The pizza was tasty and I liked the doughiness, but it was tiny and, at $13.50, not exactly a value. The arugula salad was crisp and the Crimini mushrooms added a welcome earthy counterpoint to the spicy greens, but it was small for the $9 price tag. Add those numbers and the soda was expensive, too. Our sallow, disaffected youth of a server was slow and inattentive. His Morrissey demeanor was a downer. I wouldn't go out of my way to return, but when in Kendall again and with someone who wanted to go there, I'd tag along. Please let me know what you think of this review by clicking a button below. Thanks!
(3)
Carrie S.

Totally average. Wasn't overly impressed with the pizza, and the brunch that I had was pretty lame. That being said, the kitchen sink salad is great! I have had mixed experience with the level of service. When I saw that Area 4 was awarded best restaurant in Kendall Square I was very disappointed because there are so many restaurants in Kendall that I would rather eat at.
(3)
Karishma R.

Okay food and so-so service. Nothing to write home about. I came here with a couple of friends on a Saturday night. They don't take reservations, so we had to wait for a table, which took about 40 minutes. Once we were seated, we put in our orders right away. It took 45 minutes for our food to come out. Thankfully, we had ordered an appetizer, the dip trio. All three dips were good, and the pita was fresh and warm. When our server asked us if we wanted more pita, we said yes, thinking she was being nice given that the food was taking so long. Turns out, however, that she was upcharging us without telling us, which in my opinion is a very dishonest practice. The pizza itself was alright, definitely not worth the wait, though. Service was slow and mediocre. Even the drinks took forever. Would like to try their coffee at some point, but wouldn't return for dinner.
(3)
Jack C.

The swanky but casual atmosphere of this place is pretty cool, and brunch on a Saturday was busy, a good sign. For these reasons, I was a happy camper at first, which is a hard thing for me to be when I'm ordinarily very cranky when I am hungry. I think I became crankier when communication on part of the hostess failed; she said we could use a table, once it was set up, but we then stood around for a good 10 minutes until we pointed out that the table was not going to miraculously set itself. Once we did get situated at the table, the bartender gave us very prompt service. Unfortunately though, the food was terrible. We got the French toast bread pudding, the hot mess, and the hot veggie mess. The hot messes were not very original: they were small, shallow, and discordantly seasoned. The French toast bread pudding was a failure: while it was a nice soggy/solid texture, the presentation was uninspiring, the flavors were flat (I think they forgot cinnamon), and there was literally nothing sweet about it. Maybe the pizzas would have been better.
(2)
Bobbie W.

All I've had here are the pizzas and they are good! They get the sauce and the crust right: both taste great and add something to the mix. Ingredients on the pizza are tasty too. My only wish would be for the whole to be a little less salty; but maybe that's easier said than done with a pizza, where you can't just add salt to taste. Very good and I'm looking forward to my next visit to try some other things on the menu.
(4)
Marilyn C.

My brother was visiting from out of town this past weekend and having had a previous good experience at Area Four I figured it was a safe bet for a decent meal. The experience started off well. We found seats at the bar and got drinks while we waited for an outside table. The wait was less than the 45 mins. they quoted so that was good. Previously I would have likely given Area Four 3 stars, maybe 4 on a good day, but what provoked me to only give 2 stars was the horrendous service and the only ok food. Our waitress came once to take our order and that was it - no water refills and a looong wait for the check. She walked by several times and not once stopped to check in or see if we needed anything. I can't recall the last time I had such poor service. As for the food, the menu seemed more limited than I remembered. Not really a problem, just an observation. Small menus are fine with me I can always find something and in this case I wanted to try a flatbread/pizza - which seems to be more of Area Four's focus now. I got a sausage pizza that was pretty greasy and the crust was a little off, a bit cardboardy/homelessnessy. My brother got mac and cheese which was decent and we got a squid salad which boosts this review to 2 starts as it was pretty good. I enjoy eating outside and I think Area Four is pretty reasonably priced, but there is no excuse for poor service.
(2)
Mel C.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE KITCHEN SINK SALAD? Kinda disappointed with that menu change. It was the perfect side dish to A4's amazing pizzas. Hopefully they get that back up here. The sausage & banana peppers is my go to. Their crust is chewy, not too salty, and not soggy. If you're looking for something a little heavier, go with the clam and bacon.
(5)
John L.

Good food, but it took very long to get a bill. Price- kind of high for the portion size. A "hot mess" is $12 and is hot too big. Quality- food is very good. The breakfast pizza and hot mess are very tasty. Quantity- hot mess is a bit small. Atmosphere- modern and love the outdoor seating Staff- very kind, but we waited about 30 min to get out bill.
(3)
Marie W.

Came here for brunch on a Sunday. Had about a 40 minute wait. The food was decent though a little pricey for the amount of food that you get. I got the hot veggie mess, which was actually pretty good. They got my order wrong the first time but corrected it quickly. My husband got the special, which was BBQ beef version of the hot mess, which was also good. The ambiance is pretty nice. Also, I would recommend NOT sitting in the area with the bar height chairs. They were quite possibly the most uncomfortable chairs I have ever sat in! There is no place to rest your legs if you are on the shorter side, and not deep enough to really be able to sit back and relax--a definite downer when you're looking forward to a nice brunch. We are glad we tried it since the hot mess is something different, but probably wouldn't go back again for brunch.
(3)
Brian L.

We shared three pizzas: the carnivore (sausage, meatball, pepperoni, bacon), clam & bacon, and mushroom & fontina. Overall, pretty tasty, good-quality pizzas in a nice-looking spot with a pretty sleek interior. Brags (+): Loved the clam and bacon! Really nice combination of salty and seafood, works nicely together. I also found myself eating a lot of the crust even though I'm not normally a crust-eater, so props for that. Service was good as well. Beats (-): Somewhat disappointed by the carnivore pizza. I'm usually a huge all-meat pizza fan, but for some reason this just didn't do it for me. I think there was too much meatball, which basically tasted like a mouthful of ground beef (bah). Also the large pizzas aren't very large, but I suppose that is a matter of perspective... I guess for $25 a pop I just wanted a tiny bit more than 6 medium-ish slices. Variance (~): Funny signs that direct you to the bathroom. "You're cold, go behind the bar," "Getting warmer," etc.
(4)
M. N.

Area Four has always been on my "to visit" list for a long time. Unfortunately, though I was excited for my visit to Area Four I was turned down by the light colored hair women with glasses (the receptionist) at the restaurant portion of Area Four today. Rude, arrogant, moody and plain horrible. Due to her rudeness, we decided to leave the restaurant and go to Tatte bakery instead. It was well worth the walk. At 3pm on a weekday, the restaurant portion was empty. The cafe portion was pretty full! We wanted to go for the restaurant portion since we had invited friends over. Was she bored? Was she upset that the restaurant was empty? I don't know, but it's no excuse to be rude to a customer. I asked her a simple question: "What's the difference between the cafe and the restaurant?", her response was unhelpful and unprofessional. She also wanted to us to wait by the desk for our friends to arrive while the restaurant was EMPTY. I repeat, EMPTY. Too bad I couldn't even try their food because of the receptionist, the barrier to entry.
(1)
Greg S.

So much awesome, especially the pizza, cafe and pastries. Staff are superb, coffee and espresso are a dream. Will edit with more details. It is my staple and goto cafe joint. Even if I didn't work and live a mere few blocks away, I'd travel here for the purity of espresso (cortado! latte!), the special single brew coffees and the pastries (almond croissants, savory croissants, bagels, breakfast sandwich!). For dinner, the pizzas are king. Clams & bacon, as well as mushroom, are standouts.
(5)
Harry H.

Bakery/Coffee only: The craquelin, as evil a creation as it sounds, is a hybrid of a croissant and a popover, courageously studded with divots of brown sugar. The cinnamon pecan sticky bun unleashes just as diabolical an assault on the teeth (& hands, espec sans napkins&utensils). The GF Almond Citrus Corn Cake encapsulated my unfounded assumptions about the cuisine, texturally offensive but acceptable flavor-wise, topped with an uncandied (or poorly candied) orange segment and packed with some very (i.e., unappealingly) moist berries/compote. The chocolate croissant was far from pedestrian but nothing I'd grab again. -1 since nothing in the morning incarnation* was craveable, and no pastry is a keeper if you don't find yourself thinking about it again. -1 since the clientele skews snobby**, though the staff is pleasant enough. *If in the area, I would strongly consider a return for the bar/oven section for the Neapolitan pizza, bacon & sea salt nuggets w/ pimento cheese dip for the companion, an ice cream sundae, and the olive-oil chocolate cake that's universally lauded. **Rather than spring for a single $2.50/$3 pastry, I capitalized on the $10 Amex Foursquare checkin special and dropped $11.75 (aka $1.75 after the deal, not a bad haul for a buck-75).
(3)
Mo M.

We love the Somerville location when we want a quiet, dark and cozy atmosphere. Unlike the Kendall restaurant, they have a romaine and anchovy salad which is delish. Both locations are excellent and you can eat happily (salad, sides, roasted veggies) without having to eat pizza if you're avoiding carbs. If you are here for the pizza the margarita is simple and wood fired to perfection! The wait staff are friendly, cool, efficient. I'm so happy there's an Area Four in my hood - you guys rock.
(5)
Tammy K.

Four points to note about Area Four: 1. Lattes are good 2. Baristas are nice 3. Buy 10 get 1 free 4. Pay with your phone (LevelUp)
(4)
Jamie Y.

The ICED COFFEE is strong! I've been to the restaurant a couple times and I was a regular in the coffee house all of last year. I really like the coffee, if I feel super tired in the middle of the day, I drink their iced coffee, I'm instantly feeling better! The pastries in the cafe are good too. Note: If you're trying to grab and go, the line in the morning can be pretty long! Give yourself enough time.
(4)
Jennie P.

A very nice culinary addition to a somewhat sterile, once chain-dominated section of MIT/biotech land. Despite the stainless exterior, the wood-fired ovens alone invite with a homey touch to a neighborhood of huge research buildings, you can smell the wood smoke around the block. And once you're inside, there is more rusticity of warm wood well integrated with the rest of the dining room's modern industrial design feel. Area 4's salads are all great, but the shaved brussel sprout and kale salad wins. One of the best salads I've ever consumed, perhaps even the best. Trio of spreads accompanied by warm homemade pita with zaatar spice is the bomb. I actually got it to go for lunch the next day; it is enough for two meals. So good. Never knew I liked eggs on pizza until I tried the Carbonara - excellent. Pies range from refreshingly light to comfortingly rich depending on your mood. Interesting and innovative menu, but not overly so, and not pretentious. Local ingredients a plus. Great bar menu, good selection of beer and spirits especially. Table service friendly and prompt. I haven't been to the bakery/cafe side, but have heard great things and look forward to checking it out.
(4)
Meg R.

As a native New Yorker, I've been searching for brick oven pizza to satisfy my weekly pizza cravings. After failed attempts at Cambridge 1 (too crunchy, bad service) and Posto (too much hype and techno music), I am so pleased to have found Area Four! It was crowded when we arrived--always a good sign--and told that it would be a 30-40 minute wait. So we squeezed in at the comfy oak bar, ordered some wine and beer which were both on tap and reasonably priced. The beers were all from New England and they though the liquor selection was limited, they offered MA-distilled liquors including Berkshire Mountain and Bully Boy. My husband and I split a puttanesca pizza for dinner. The crust was thin where it was supposed to be thin and pillowy-soft on the outer crust; the toppings were sufficiently flavorful without being heavy; and the large size was more than enough for both of us, so we had leftovers to take home. For dessert, we had the olive oil chocolate cake which was like a ganache--very rich, very delicious! They offered a full array of decaf coffee drinks, which I appreciated. Overall--prices are consistent with other Cambridge eateries of comparable quality; the ambiance is pleasant (chill music, modern decor); and there are plenty more pizzas to try on subsequent visits! Next time it'll have to be the caramelized onion and gorgonzola...There's also a weekday early bird special that may just pull me in sooner than later (pint & margherita for $12)!
(4)
Damien S.

Oh, the daunting task of reviewing one-half of split personalities. And with an allegedly polar experience in the dining area, I'll obviously update with resto feedback when I indulge. Until then... CAFÃ‰ REVIEW There's not much character to the quadrilateral that is A4's counter-service side. Walk in, sit communally (either next to a centrally static support structure or alongside the window wall), drink your drink and begone. Some places make this stark emptiness their own, wearing the monochromatic like Andrew WK (Kendall neighbor Voltage comes to mind) but there's no ferociousness to Area Four. It just feels... there. Initial impression aside, I ushered past the post-morning display of baked goods and ordered while staring at the overhead menu. Don't you hate that? Everyone does it. You know what you want, but you just can't take your eyes off the menu - as if something, at the last minute, will convince you to change your mind. It's why we scan what else might be on when we find our favorite movie on cable, or scan other stations when that Pitbull hit starts up... I'll stop there. The oolong (they haz it!) tea is served at the right temperature (if a bit hot) in a "go steep yourself" kettle, and adequately warmed the cockles of my heart. What a weird phrase. Cockles are actually clams. This tea warmed my heart clams. Quote that. The star of the morning was the pistachio-orange scone with bits of white chocolate. Perfect consistency and sweetness, the right size and even the Swedish judge gave high marks on the "crumble factor" (she's tough). Honorable mention: my snacking buddy gushed coma-inducing praise upon the Ã¼berdense breakfast sandwich, which I may have to order next time I'm in the hood/preparing for nuclear fallout. Genuinely 3.5 stars, and in the spirit of the holidays, a round up to 4.
(4)
Tamara W.

Went here last night with my father for dinner and it was delicious! They do not take reservations for parties that are less than 6 or something so that is sort of annoying, however if you called 15 minutes before than you can put your name down. We were seated immediately and our waitress Allegra was wonderful. We ordered a small appetizer to start with the fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese and it was so yummy. I had the monk fish for my dinner & father had the hamburger. The pizza is probably the best thing they offer here, however we are not big pizza people. Regardless the food was FANTASTIC. The portions were small which I like (no one wants to leave dinner thinking they need to unbutton a pant button) although we were perfectly full and had no room to try dessert. POSITIVES: -great parking in the area (all metered but does not need coins after 6pm) -not very loud AT ALL (you would think it might but it is is not) -unpretentious, everyone is very friendly when you arrive and when you are leaving (the beauty of coming to a new restaurant that is working hard to establish themselves. -Has that San Francisco-hipster vibe which reminds me of when I lived there :-) Great for anyone longing for the vibe of SoMa neighborhood in San Francisco. NEGATIVES: -expensive. Our meal for 2 was 60 dollars. The monk fish was a 25 dollar meal however if you order pizza, beer not cocktails, and ditch the dessert you can save yourself a lot of money and still get a wonderful meal. In the future I'd suggest them have more options for entrees that were non-pizza and making them more reasonably priced. Enjoy! ~Tamara
(5)
Vanessa G.

I should give it four stars if only because it costs me 8 damn dollars a day to feed my addictions of gluten free citrus almond cake (sometimes a crunchy end and sometimes a soft middle piece, they always ask) and an iced latte which is seriously a sweet nectar of highlawn farms milk and espresso. plus I have to tip the lovelies that work there. Everyone morning. But I will go with five stars. This is in my top two favorite places to get my morning coffee in Boston/Cambridge. The staff is always chipper and helpful and I ashamed that I don't know any of their names (except I think I overheard that it was Michael that made my espresso this morning). Each drink if crafted one at a time and worth the wait. I promised I would write about the fact that one of the staffers chased a woman down the street with her oatmeal that took a little longer than usual. She caught up with her so the woman didn't miss her breakfast at all plus they reimbursed her for the delay. Love this place and these people.
(5)
Tharathorn R.

Though I'm a regular at Area Four, I have only tried a few beverages on their menu (latte, espresso macchiato, hot coffee, and recently bicerin). The other day one of the baristas has opened another door for me into wild world of caffeinated beverages. She recommended one of their individually brewed pourover from a local roaster (Barrington). It is quite a bit more expensive than their regular coffee, but if the price is paid for the intensity of flavor and the aromas that pour out of the full immersion slow brewed method, then this individually brewed goodness is totally worth it. They are serving two highly rated beans as individually brewed right now: Ethiopian Nekisse ( coffeereview.com/review.â€¦ ) and Ethiopia Yirgacheffe ( coffeereview.com/review.â€¦ sure about the second one). I tried both and love them both (the Nekisse more than the Yirgacheffe for me).
(5)
Elena E.

Been here for lunch and dinner. Both times I had the pizza so at this point I've tried 4 different pizzas. Overall, they're fine but nothing special and overly greasy. The clam and bacon was only one really disappointing. Also shared a kitchen sink salad which was very good. The restaurant itself is a cool, casual and fun place. And it's nice to have the outdoor seating in the summer.
(3)
C R.

A great pizza and brunch place! I have been here multiple times and I am always impressed with the quality of the food, the wine selection, and especially the service.
(4)
Hijo d.

Had lunch here and it was decent, not the best thin-crust I have had (Spacca Napoli in Chicago is gold standard). It was a pretty perfect day in Cambridge so I sat on the patio. I had the arugula salad, which was really salty. Not sure if it was in the dressing or they put salt on top with the pepper or the pecorino or a combo of the lot. It was not a very good tasting salad but looked nice. Imagine without the salt overload it would have been just fine. Unfortunately, the salty salad made my pizza choice seem even saltier than it probably would have been. I ordered the Puttanesca (suggest the small for one person and you will like have two/three slices left) and it was pretty good. The crust was pretty decent, but still not quite what you get at Spacca Napoli or Pizzeria D.O.C. in Chicago or Cibo in PHX or Oven & Shaker in PDX. The service was good and friendly. I looked inside and it looks like a really cool space. I like the location on Technology Square -- probably really nice in the summer if not humid. The patio on the main road was not all that great as you are looking at traffic but it was so nice out that day that I will take it. There were some tables along the side of the exterior facing the green space, and that would probably have been a better choice. I will give them 3.5 stars. If I lived around there, I would go back because I may have just had a off experience. I probably won't seek it out next time in Boston unless I happen to be right in that area and am looking for known entity. Oh, and if you are not from the East Coast or Boston, the Notch Session Pilsner was pretty decent. I have never been a hugh fan of east coast microbrews (let the comments begin) as they are often a little sweet to me but I thought this was pretty good.
(3)
Shea H.

Love this place for weekend brunches! The Hot Mess is your own personal skillet of deliciousness! If you get there at a reasonable time and they still have some split the Giant Cinnamon Roll, SO GOOD! On another note; their wood fire grill pizzas are really good. Its my number one place for take out pizza!
(4)
Kiran B.

I love this place for brunch. The Hot Mess is one of my favorite tired Sunday morning breakfasts: home fries, spinach and mushrooms covered in cheese, with two eggs and runny yolks on top, baked in a cast iron skillet. The pizza is also excellent. I'm a huge fan of the gorgonzola + caramelized onion pizza, as well as the carbonara. They're both rich, delicious, and unusual.
(5)
B G.

Food is great, and the waiters and waitresses are great, but my god, the hostesses are real bitches. They should work on training their hostesses for customer service. It is not acceptable to yell at customers when they mistakenly take seats on a busy Saturday morning. This has happened multiple times before - hostesses should be welcoming customers, not deterring them.
(3)
Lilee N.

chill and very casual atmosphere to grab late night dinner with friends. pizza was great and the ribs as a starter. hold off on the salads-- they'll leave you hungry.
(4)
Huong P.

Just went back yesterday for the pizza. The Carbonara was not on the list anymore (shucks!) so we made do with the Springs Vegetable pizza, which had a green onion sauce topped with arugula, peas, asparagus, pickled onions, cheese, and farm eggs; and a dark and stormier drink. The pizza came out fairly quickly but I was fairly disappointed. Rather than crack the eggs on top and let it bake naturally, the pizza had eggs that were pan fried separately and then placed on top. The taste of the pizza was light but I found that this pizza was a little too wet and too difficult to eat with hands. The experience this time around compared to my first one left me wishing it was better. The Dark and Stormier is like a regular Dark and Stormy, with the exception that, instead of ginger beer, they use their own ginger syrup. For me, it lacked the spiciness and bubbles that I love so dearly so the drink was just okay. Overall, Area IV is still a great place to eat if you're around the Kendall/MIT area.
(3)
Guillermo M.

Delicious croissants and really good cafe au lait. Avoid the oatmeal, yuck.
(4)
Hilary S.

The pizza here is very good. If not for the too-high prices and lack of delivery, this would easily be a four star. My husband and I just spent nearly $40 on two small pies... This may be one of the better pizza options in the neighborhood, but it always feels like we're getting ripped off.
(3)
Nick S.

Stopped by Area Four on Saturday night; called ahead to put our name on the list and we were seated after around 10 minutes of being there. They placed us in the cafe in between two other parties on a communal table. I didn't mind; there was plenty of room for all of us. Looking around, I really liked the ambiance and cool touches (i.e. making a growler and a french press into light fixtures). They had lots of local beers on tap (I got Pretty Things Jack D'Or, girlfriend got BBC Steel Rail). For our party of four we ordered the garlic knots, A4 mozzarella, and two large pies: A4 Fennel Sausage & Pickled Banana Peppers and the Carbonara. The mozzarella was delicious, especially with the fruit compote. Definitely needed more of the crostini though; one crostini for 3 slabs of mozzarella is not sufficient. The garlic knots were just ok, they weren't that garlicky. In terms of the pizza: it must have been good, since I ate 5 pieces. The dough itself was great. Since I got my baking steel I've been making dough and cooking pies more often, and am beginning to appreciate a crust with a nice toothsome chew. The Area Four pies had this, along with nice browning on the bottom of the pizza as well. Where it fell flat a bit is the center; I'd say the first third of both of the pizzas were not crisp, and verging on soggy. As you ate more towards the crust the crispiness was there, adding much more texture. Both pizzas we got were tasty: the carbonara was unctuous and delicious, with the gooey egg being the centerpiece. Could have used a bit more bacon, though. I actually liked the sausage and banana pepper pizza better, which I was not expecting. The pickled banana peppers were spicy! This coupled with the flavorful sausage made for some great eating. All in all, A4 is probably one of the better pizza joints I've encountered. The pricing is reasonable (100$ for all the food above plus 4 beers), and apparently you can get free validated parking if you park in the technology square garage (wish I had knew this going in...). The service was good, and the food was certainly worth the trip.
(4)
Eva L.

I just love love love their latte. Starbucks should learn something from them. This is a very pretty spot. Huge window makes me happy. My boyfriend and I ordered a small all meat pizza and the "hot mess" brunch dish. Both very delicious. but at the same time I'm a bit worried the calories haha! The service was great too. I'll probably go again next time at MIT
(4)
Stanley S.

If you know pizza, this is not good pizza. I can see why people think this is good pizza. They copied all the ideas of good pizza places without being able to execute. They cook with the right ovens, temperature, but clearly the pizza is not right. The dough has zero flavor. Meaning they don't either let it ferment long enough or there isn't enough sugar content. Personally I prefer a dough that has fermented for 3 days before cooking. The sauce is terrible. I noticed immediately when we got those stupid dough knots they were touting. Really terrible. Why would you charge me money for trying your crappy dough and sauce? Uncooked sauce is the way to go, but this one was bad. Try using a higher quality tomato, garlic, olive oil and herbs. That's all you need. Avoid this hipster wasteland of crappy pizza, and did I mention this crap is expensive? Ugh. If you need a real pizza in the area try posto. They do it right.
(1)
Julia M.

- Spilled beer. - 50 minute wait to get a basic meal. - very poor Gluten-free options -- I left hungry - gyro of the day that is made out of swordfish! Gyro is traditionally made out of some meat. If you are serving "gyro of the day", and plan to give som
(1)
Luis V.

WOW! If you like eggs for brunch, then you got to try The Hot Mess! The presentation is great and the taste is even greater! If you like chili then you'll like the Messy Rachero! Great price for the level of deliciousiness! Definitely coming back with family and friends.
(5)
Heather W.

To help those confused: Area Four encompasses two things. First, a coffee shop; second, a full restaurant connected to the coffee shop. At the coffee shop you can order "real" food -- pizza, salad, breakfast stuff, etc. but my understanding is the menu is more limited (e.g., I'm pretty sure you can't order biscuits and gravy). That said, if you're hankering for a coffee, sticky bun of dreams, and a sausage egg "mc" muffin the way the gods intended it, I'd stop by. Sticky Bun: Seriously it's amazing. I mean amazing. But the key is to get to the coffee shop early, like at opening, so they're still warm when you get 'em. That's really the key to the true money shot. Morning Sausage Egg Biscuit Sandwich: Words cannot express the deliciousness. Like, that sausage is the best sausage I've ever had. Ever. Sometimes they're a little inconsistent with whether they seem to really toast the biscuit part but otherwise absolutely perfect. Coffee: Solid, splenda available, and strong. No wifi from Area Four but you can get on (at your own risk) to a public network from a nearby hotel. Oh, and there are some plugs. Enjoy!
(4)
Sarah S.

One of the best places in the world. PERFECT Croissants. AMAZING espresso beverages. I can't even get mochas in most other cafes anymore because the espresso in most other cafes SUX! Their pastries are all deadly fantastic.
(5)
Sarah G.

Good thing a place named for the area in Cambridge in which it resides is pretty much awesome. Otherwise it would be giving that whole area of Cambridge a bad name! But clearly they know exactly how to make some pretty amazing pizzas here. Matt J. and I split a small clam and bacon pizzas that had some peppers and this white sauce and fresh parsley and it was just downright delightful. Nice and thin crust, you can tell they just took it out of the oven and it has that hand made feeling to it as well. The flavors were all balanced just right and Anna B. also very much loved her caramelized onion and gorgonzola with peppered walnut pizza too. She hardly every takes her leftovers home, but she definitely wanted these last two pieces! Then there was the thai squid salad with this faint flavor of peanut and curry and cilantro and it just tasted so incredibly fresh and definitely motivated me to try and make it at home because it was just that good. It isn't the cheapest in the world ($12 for the salad and small pizzas around $15), but for a place that uses local stuff I am down even on my grad student budget. Oh and did I mention they make a mean cappuccino? They do. In fact they have a separate cafe area in the front with free wifi even and all of the coffee drinks you can think of and what looks like very tasty muffins and pastries too. The whole ambiance is just great. They have a full bar with creative cocktails, and it is a very open and modern feeling space. I definitely want to come back here at night for some drinking fun since it seems like such a fun, open and free space. Way to go Area 4.
(4)
Tom M.

I'll keep this simple. I went here for brunch with 5 friends. We arrived when they opened at 10:30 and didn't get seated for 20 minutes because they were still setting up tables. The pumpkin spice sticky bun was amazing. The breakfast sandwich I got was good. What really knocked this rating down was (1) the extremely slow service - We didn't receive our food until 11:45, and (2) The waiter thought it appropriate to add 20% gratuity to our bill. I've never heard of this for a party of 6. Next time we'll just wait for A Friendly Toast.
(2)
Jamie P.

YUM! I went for dinner after work and ate an entire pizza myself. Every bite was so delicious I didn't want it to end. Overall a very pleasant experience. I sat outside. Staff was very attentive and friendly.
(5)
Jetson L.

Good design, nice cocktails, good coffee, and baked goods that are tempting but not overly so. They have strong wifi and a lot of indoor seating. Outdoor cafe seating is unshaded and gets rather hot. Overall, a good place to work and have a cup of coffee with convenient location in Kendall Square.
(4)
Jane H.

Just okay. Listen up folks, I was OVERHYPED from seeing pictures on Instagram of brunches at Area Four but the execution? I'm not impressed. Sure my review will be buried amongst all the one star/five star reviews but to be brutally honest, it's overpriced for what you could seriously make at home. Not a vast amount of choices, but their pizza is pretty good I guess. Tip: they'll let you split half/half for two pizza choices I'd rather save my money and traveling somewhere more worthwhile. Eh.
(3)
Neechi M.

I think I was too generous (or too drunk? who knows) with the first review. I wish I could give 3.5 stars because Area Four deserves: - 2-3 stars for dinner - 4-5 stars for lunch Long story short: - Go for lunch, not for dinner - Expect issues with your order not coming out right (2/2 visits so far) - The pizza (esp. the Carnivore) is not as great as Food Network would have you believe (i.e. don't feel obliged to get it -- if there's something else on the menu that interests you more, go for it) - Price is fairly high for what you get - 1 large is enough for two people (no need to get two smalls) -- do half/half if you want to try more than one menu item Longer story: I made the mistake of going on a dinner date here the other night and will never do that again. The SO didn't want to sit outside due to the temp so we sat inside but were seated in their bench seating right next to two dudes (you basically share a table in this section although there is a small gap). I asked if we could take one of the million available separate tables in the other section but the hostess said they have to reserve them for people that might show up in groups of 3 or larger. This makes sense ---- until you realize that it was 8:30pm on Monday in Kendall Sq and NONE of the tables were taken at this point. Are you telling me a hoard of rebel MIT zombie kids is about to show up and claim ALL of the empty tables? Something tells me the chances of that are pretty slim. So we sat where instructed and for some strange reason it was way too cold inside (middle of summer here) so I was borderline shivering. Needless to say, the ambiance sucked for dinner and it was not made up for by the food (the pizza was just ok this time, maybe the cooks were getting lazy towards the end of the day) or the fact that not a single person came to claim the seats that we were so adamantly denied. The server would disappear for long spurts of time and all in all it just wasn't a great experience. Coincidentally I am going back later today, but for lunch. I'd highly recommend the place for a nicer lunch (and more expensive then other options in the area) but just not for dinner.
(3)
Raina B.

Garlic knots. Get them. Warm, buttery, garlicky, and cheesy, with some herbs and a tomato dipping sauce. We also had the margherita pizza, which had a chewy thin-ish crust. The tomato sauce was the slightly tart, true tomato flavor kind of sauce - not the kind you can get out of a bottle. Service for lunch can be quite slow - this isn't a quick "let's do a 45 minute lunch" kind of place. The cafe has great scones and looks like a nice place to sit and get some work done.
(4)
Sarah E.

I came here with a large group for weekend brunch. The brunch menu looked creative and intriguing, but since this place is known for pizza, my bf and I decided to split a large pizza. We got Gorgonzola and caramelized onion pizza, which came with walnuts and green onion on it. I don't know who came up with this idea for a pizza, but it was very very pungent and there were no sweet flavors to distract from the Gorgonzola cheese. This is the type of cheese that can add interest to a regular cheese pizza, but it should not be the only cheese on the pizza. For that reason. even as a Gorgonzola cheese fan, I didn't really love the pizza. Also there wasn't much caramelized onion. The crust was good though. I have to give them that. Also, the ambiance of the place was nice. I enjoyed the casual decor and open setup of the place. During the morning/ afternoon there was lots of natural light. The service was great too, although the water cups smelled kinda funny to me. Maybe they were not washed correctly... who knows.
(3)
Alexandra M.

Probably shouldn't say this, but I'm told if it's slower when you go they'll try new things, like mac n cheese pizza....which I thought was on the menu so that's why it came up. We had the margarita and a mushroom pizza, both of which were amazing. We were convinced into garlic knots by our server saying 'any aps? garlic knots?' so I guess we're easily persuaded... Great beer selection and they'll give you samples as well if you can't choose.
(5)
Glenn H.

I stayed in Cambridge near here during business and had a couple of meals there. I really loved the semi industrial look and decor of this place. Yes it can be a bit hard-edged but the warmth of the service and the great food was a treat for the business traveler. Here's what a business colleague and I had a few months back there. it was very fresh food with great flavors and quality. You could tell that this is a place the prides itself on excellent food. "Kitchen Sink": $13.50 Romaine, Radicchio, Tomatoes, Fontina, Squash, Green Beans, Green Olives Banana Peppers, Roasted Onions & Lemon Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette Not Pepperoni:| Large $22.50 Sopressata, Mozzarella, Tomato & Pecorino The menu does continue to evolve and it appears that the Kitchen Sink Salad (under the wonderful "Not Pizza" category) is not there now. Very good service, with a fun atmosphere, I will return each time I visit Cambridge.
(5)
Kayleigh S.

This is my favorite pizza in the Boston area. This is where I go when I'm in a f-the cost and f- the carbs mood and simply want the very best. This place knows that pizza should not be bland, should not be a grease ball, and should not be boring. Oh, and definitely SHOULD be served with excellent apps and sides. Today I had pizza at another place in Boston that was attempting a similar style to Area Four, and I kept noticing all the things they were doing wrong that Area Four does right. For example, the famous garlic knots. Area Four's knots are garlicy, olive oily, and available with cheese. But, what makes them truly outstanding is the hint of acidity (i think a little lemon juice?) in the herbs atop the knots and in the tomato sauce that comes with them. Likewise, the "not pepperoni" pizza has a salty, slightly sour crust, a slightly acidic sauce, and spicy meat. All the flavors together in each bite make Area Four's pizza better than other spots that might have just a great sauce or a great crust. They're the complete package. We've also tried short ribs and other meat appetizers here that held their own beside the carby menu options. It's not a cheap place but if you're looking for the best, this is it.
(5)
Doreen C.

Three stars for everything but the pizza. Tried the salad appetizerand Mediterranean dips which were really good! However the pizza was kind of disappointing. Been here many times for group lunches so I've tried nearly all the pizzas on the menu. It is good for large groups though. The pizza toppings are so overwhelming its like eating just the topping all jumbled together, they don't really go well together. Even simple margarita pizza had large chunks of cheese that isn't that appetizing. Also, came into the cafe for pastries as well-zucchini bread is delicious and quick for breakfast.
(3)
Alan G.

Came here with my sister for lunch around 1pm on Thursday. The place is usually packed, but since it was a bit chilly, there were open tables outside and so we were seated right away, after being asked if we had any preference for indoor or outdoor (we said no). We shared a small Margherita Pizza and a small Carnivore Pizza with 2 Farm Eggs on top. Both pizzas were great - the slices were not too flimsy, the toppings were very flavorful, especially the meat on the Carnivore Pizza, and the dough was chewy. The pizza was a tad pricey however. The service was friendly and prompt. So far, this is the best pizza I've had in Cambridge.
(4)
Jacqueline P.

The pictures made this place look delicious and the rustic-modern interior decoration caught my interest. I made a reservation for 7PM on a Saturday evening and the place was pretty full. Upon being seated, the first thing I noticed was that the AC was BLASTING! It was a summer evening, but literally I was shivering while eating because it was so cold inside. This even effected our food; if we didn't eat it fast enough everything got cold. TURN YOUR AC DOWN AREA FOUR. In addition to the super cold AC, I was a little disappointed with the service. Our waiter took our order without writing anything down. I mean that would have been impressive if he didn't forget some items that we order. He only came around to check on my party once after our food came out and wasn't proactive with our drinks. Moscow Mule didn't come in a copper cup and the ginger beer was way overpowering. (not a big deal, but presentation was knocked down) Tried to order an IPA and they said they ran out of it already. (keep in mind it was saturday at prime dinner time) Food: -corn soup: comes in a small cup. The description didn't mention it was chilled, so when I tasted it, it was a great surprise. It was very flavorful with an authentic corn flavor. -local salad: Decent sized salad. Shared within 3 people and was finished. NO flavor stood out to make this salad amazing. -supreme knots: Mouthwatering description, but this was the biggest disappointment of the night. The knots were huge and super filling. The knots tasted like blocks of very dense bread instead of dough. The cheese and the marinara didn't help enhance the disappointing knots. NOT WORTH IT, in my opinion. -Margherita pizza(small): Standard. It wasn't bad, but there was no element that stood out. The small size is good for 2-3 people to share. -Not Pepperoni pizza w/ added mushrooms: Pizza was okay. Some of the pieces were burnt on the bottom. I would say the large is a good size to share amongst 3-4 people. Overall, I thought the food was WAY overpriced for the taste/experience. The pizza dough wasn't outstanding. Because my party didn't eat fast enough in the blasting AC, our food got so cold that we just chose not to finish it. Also, there was no toilet paper left in the woman's restroom. Notified the front workers and nothing was done about it. Parking: it is really close to MIT. There is metered parking. 0.3 miles away from the red line.
(3)
Ellie W.

Kendall square, you saucy minx. You've been hiding all these little tasty gems behind all those TI-84's and derivative calculations. Also known as, MIT land. Area Four is nothing short of incredible as a brunch spot. It's got a fairly simple, industrial ambiance, but the food is to die for. It's known for the pizza, but I had the Hot Mess, which coincidentally, most of us are after a Saturday night--disheveled, groggy, hangry, you know the drill. This was a smorgasbord of pretty much every farm animal you could possibly fit onto a plate: 2 sunny side up locally farmed eggs, home fries, bacon, breakfast sausage, caramelized onions, cheddar, scallions, and pickled banana pepper relish, served on a cast iron skillet. It sounds like a lot, but somehow mixes beautifully, like Mardi Gras on your palette. No more simple omelettes for this gal, I've upgraded to the Hot Mess, befitting of the hangover it'll likely help cure:)
(5)
Klarissa L.

Came here with a group of 8 and we had to wait an hour and a half for brunch on a Saturday! We knew the wait was going to be long, so we sat and had coffee and pastries to tie us over. I like the feel of this place, casual but nicer, a little trendy. I like the open feel and the kitchen right up front - I'm a big fan of being able to see the kitchen, reassures me that everything is clean and sanitary. They have one long bar stool table (good for groups - but hard to talk to everyone in your group) and many regular tables. Love the beer selection as well as mix drinks here! Bloody Mary was fantastic! We ordered the breakfast pizza, best idea ever!!! Potatoes and eggs on pizza, seriously amazing!! My husband and I got the LARGE pizza to share, it was A LOT of food. The server said it was a good size for two people, but the small definitely would have been sufficient, but it was no problem because it got eaten later that day. A few people at the table ordered other things and they really enjoyed it, I went for the breakfast pizza, and loved it. Would go back again just for the breakfast pizza, not even to try anything new! Definitely recommend this place to others and would come back here!
(4)
Caroline F.

Cool atmosphere, oldies and classic rock playing in the heart of MIT's technology square. I needed somewhere to spend my carb cheat day and had recently read that area 4 had made bet of Boston for pizza. Great thin crust, very natural chewy with a bit of charred crisp- but none of the char taste. The pickled banana peppers added pop to the soppressata and everything was fresh and delish! I'm not a pizza snob and enjoy really any kind of pizza, so I will say the sauce isn't my favorite- sweet and tangy, but I'm certainly not kicking it out of my mouth! BLT salad was delicious and they let me get a half portion, yes!
(4)
Kim B.

I love venturing to Cambridge. There are so many different flavors, and so many different atmospheres. Gster had wanted to try where his boss, "Obama" had eaten. Obama notoriously finds the "best" pizza in the city, and he chose area 4. It had to be good right? And we were craving good pizza. At 10:00AM. We made sure to double check their hours, because they do close for a random time in the middle of the day. It is a little odd, but they also are just "that good" that they can get away with their own special rules. The inside is funky, chic, and a young vibe. You feel like you want to be seen there, you feel smarter being there, but also more hip. The energy is just very positive. We ordered the french toast, the pizza, and a lemonade. It was raining, but we still sat outside. The pizza was absolutely one of the best in Boston I have tried. The crust was so fresh, doughy, thick, and flavorful. Definitely one of the better crust's i have ever had. The french toast was covered with a delicious berry sauce, and was very thick. It melted in your mouth before you even put it in your mouth. Breakfast/Pizza= 10 stars out of 5. Absolutely delicious.
(5)
Maria D.

Area Four is decent, but it's not on my top list of celiac-friendly eateries in Boston. They have very few gluten-free options; you could always get a salad, but even their salad options are bleak. I had the gazpacho, an unpronounceable rosÃ© (Greek), and a side of chicken. They don't usually do those sides of chicken, but there was very little I could eat, and I anticipated that the place I would go next would have *nothing* I could eat. (Good call, Maria.) It has a bar atmosphere, which is nice, since it has 'patio' seating outdoors as well, but it's able to manage this without compromising what it is and turning into a beer garden (think: less Charlie's Kitchen, more Grendel's). The wine was decent; it was definitely not the best rosÃ© I've ever had, but it did its job, and it paired well with the odd combination of things I chose to consume. The gazpacho was okay, but it tasted and felt more like a salsa than like the gazpacho I've become accustomed to eating. This, alone, made my tiny bowl feel very overpriced. I applaud them for how well they do what they promise to do, but I wish they had more options for the medically restricted dieters out there. I don't want a gluten-free pizza, but I wouldn't mind a few more salad options. Nice location, right in the heart of Kendall. You know how everyone says they live in Kendall Square and then you visit them and realize they actually live a mile away?...or how the theater is Kendall Cinema, but is actually on Binney Street? You won't have as hard a time finding this place if you just hop off the T. It actually *is* in Kendall Square. You -eat-anything-people will undoubtedly love this place. All of my non-allergic, non-celiac friends love everything about Area 4. Trust them; they're usually right. If you're a celiac, you've done your job and at least now you know what you can and can't eat when you show up.
(3)
Lizzie B.

I love the outdoor patio. It is a perfect place to people watch - and check out all those sexy entrepreneur types- I mean, if that is your thing. The wind can be a bummer - but decorating your table with a few, well placed solid objects - can protect you from the dreaded fleeing menu issues. Indoors is nice as well- although it feels a bit more cramped. I, however, enjoy how much natural light is bestowed upon us, and the informal tables and table linens add to the un-fussiness of the experience. I've tried most of the pizzas here- but my favorite is the carnivore, which I've been told, our very own President has also endorsed. See: bostonglobe.com/lifestylâ€¦ For those not in the know- the carnivore consists of Sopressata, Sausage & Bacon. It is not for the faint of heart. Carry antacid. A small will set you back approximately $18- and can feed two people. A large is about $10 more, and I am pretty sure can feed an entire football team (the meat is piled high and very filling). Another favorite was the special "Spring Pizza" which was composed of asparagus, English pees, pickled onions, no sauce but some splendid olive oil as a base. A leafy salad was the placed atop the cooked pie. It's pretty great, but it takes more like a flat bread then a pizza. It's good for people eating alone, or who are desirous of something light. Service is generally friendly, and always knowledgeable. Jack's Abby always on tap. Hooray for beer lovers. I recommend getting a rez during dinner times - especially later in the week. Oh, and the garlic knots, get them.
(4)
Tuli S.

I LOVE their sticky bun (Bakery). Sometimes when I come at the right time they are still warm from the oven. It's like eating a piece of cinnamon heaven. I also come here for coffee a few times a week. Breakfast. So MEH. I've had the hot mess and also the A4 way combo. Nothing special, there isn't enough flavor in the hot mess and it's not worth the price for a tiny breakfast bowl. Their breakfast sandwich is good but be prepared to feel guilty after it's gone. Their biscuits and pizza are DELICIOUS. Worth getting. If you are here late into the night you may receive some garlic knots for getting rowdy at the bar ^_^.
(4)
Jenn S.

This last time I came to Area Four we waited a bit too long for our table and the Manager (Tyler I believe) was very attentive and expressed how sorry he was that we had to wait so long. We didn't really mind because we were chatting in the cafe but it was really great customer service on his part. He also surprised us with a taste of a few of the pastries when it took even a little longer for us to sit. And that is why my review is being updated.... THOSE ALMOND CROISSANTS!! So, so good! I haven't tried any of their pastries because I always fill myself with the Veggie Hot Mess but I will be adding this to my order every time now. Tyler also entertained us with some cards to draw on which was fun since we were a table of artists.
(5)
E. L.

High Quality Food. Nice Setting - Tables decent but are a bit weird because they're all connected high-school cafeteria style. For a completely uncrowded night the service was surprisingly slow - particularly simple things like Beer. The primary reason this only gets 3 stars is because the portions were laughably small - in all seriousness, when the food arrived we looked at each and laughed.
(3)
Katherine M.

Yum! It had been a long time since I had a really good, 'creative' pizza. Places around I live stick to the pepperoni, margarita etc. recipes that all places do. This place knocks it out of the park with really good toppings paired together amazingly. The crust is amazing. They will tell you all about it (or its written on a blackboard on the wall) but its like a sourdough crust that is super fluffy and crisps up nicely in the oven. I go to try the mushroom and fontina with sopresseta added and the pizza of the day - a spring pizza with a green onion sauce, arugala, peas and cheese (not sure what I could not hear it all). The toppings were all amazing and the pizza cooked to perfection. A nice surprise as Boston, apparently, isn't known for having great pizza. Service was excellent even with a large group at lunch. Really enjoyed this place and would come whenever I visit Boston.
(5)
Renee L.

I really dig the ambiance of the restaurant. The space is bright and inspiring with a nice view of Technology Square (grassy courtyard.) It's modern, sleek, and clean without being pretentious. Their metal chairs are a bit uncomfortable, so get ready for your skin to stick to them if you're sporting short shorts. Their bloody mary cocktails are the perfect mixture of spice and tomato without being heavy-handed on the vodka and their mocha lattes feature latte art albeit in a glass cup. Area Four has phenomenal pizza-this says a lot as I'm not even partial to pizza! I'm embarrassed to say I don't recall the specifics now that I'm thinking about it...but my pizza was topped off with not one, but TWO sunny side up eggs. Twas' the special breakfast pizza of the day, and it was large enough to bring home leftovers. I've got my eye on their Clam & Bacon pizza next! The only issue with my last visit was with their Baked French Toast. I think it was wrongly advertised. it was literally a bunt cake sitting in a cast iron skillet with rhubarb compote dumped on top. I'm a sucker for good french toast and had most definitely been led astray with this order.
(4)
BostonBestEats X.

Traditionally, Boston's pizza scene has been pretty weak (IMHCO--in my humble Chicagoan's opinion), so in the past 4 months that I've been back in town, I haven't bothered to order a single pizza, not even to visit some of my old standbys like Pizzeria Regina on Thacher, Santarpio's, and Emma's (with an occasional Upper Crust slice re-crisped in the oven thrown in). But it does seem like there has been a lot going on in Boston over the past 5 years, particularly with Neopolitan-style pizzas, probably matching what has been happening at the same time in Philly and the rest of the country at large. So perhaps it's time to give Boston pizza a second chance... Anyway, I had hearing a lot about Area Four on Chowhound and elsewhere (and not only because Obama ate there a couple of weeks ago). According to their website: "12-year-old starter [curious...does how old it is actually make any difference?] + flour + water + salt. No oil or sugar. Ever. Over 30 hours of fermentation. Handcrafted cheese. 1 wood-fire oven." Hmmm...sounded promising. And I was duly impressed. It's an excellent Neo-style with great crust, not too heavy, not too chewy, not too crispy, just about right, with a nice degree of leopard spotted to know they have a good oven, but not so much to turn anyone off. We shared two large pizzas among the four of us: CARNIVORE (apparently Obama's favorite!): Sopressata, sausage & bacon mozzarella, tomato ($26.50 for a large is not exactly cheap!) ~If you like meat, this didn't skimp, and I gather they use Moody's in Waltham, so you know it's good. All together, perhaps a bit salty, but you kinda expect that for this sort of pizza. Excellent, obviously fresh moz too. CLAM & BACON: Clam Sauce, Pecorino, Hot Pepper & Parsley ($26.50) ~Don't laugh, but this was the first white clam pizza I've ever had (LOL, I'm not form around here). I enjoyed the liberal amount of chewy chopped clams, and the contrasting salty bacon. Excellent, and my fav of the two pizzas. Service was good (although no reservations, which I hate), and seating outside on the patio was pleasant despite being fairly close to a busy road. We also enjoyed a few great cocktails, like a delightfully tart Jack Rose (Applejack, Grenadine, Lemon) and a Falernum Daiquiri (Old Monk Rum, Lime, House-made Falernum). And some refreshing Downeast cider on tap as well. And they are only a couple of blocks from Toscanini's too boot (in fact, what's the point of having a dessert menu?). Things are definitely looking up in Boston...
(5)
Judy K.

Super busy and reservations are recommended, but worth the wait. Once you come in and realize that you have to wait, you can grab a cup of coffee and a pastry at a cafe that's linked to the restaurant. It's such a neat idea! Or you can grab a beer/cocktail at the bar while waiting. Either way, they have some great options if you know you'll be there a while before ordering. I ordered the margherita pizza and the hot mess. The hot mess was savory, sweet, gooey and delicious. The sausage and big pieces of bacon worked pretty well with the sweet relish, even though I'm not a huge fan of banana pepper relish. It was a bit small, but with the pizza, it was enough to keep me full. The pizza was fresh and the cheese on top was super super stringy. I loved it. It does droop because the dough can't sustain itself in the middle, but overall, a pretty good pizza. Not the best, but still wood-oven style good. The beer flight was a great way to sample different types of beer. The waitress recommended the Spencer Trappist and it was super super smooth. Out of all the beers that we got, it was my favorite! I'm so glad we took her advice! She was also pretty quick about everything. Refilled our waters immediately and got our drinks to us in a quickie!
(4)
Marie C.

Great find on an early weekday morning! In the AM hours, this place is a fully functioning coffee shop complete with a large assortment of pastries, as well as yogurt and breakfast sandwiches. I had the yogurt with berries and granola, and a hot coffee and were very pleased with both! Definitely worth stopping in if you're in the area!
(5)
Janet H.

So I came here because President Obama ate pizza here. And then took a box of pizza to go. So, of course, I had to give this pizza joint a try! But meh... I think the food was just okay, especially for what it costs. A large pizza average was $22.50. Ouch. We ordered a large banana pepper/sausage pizza which was pretty good. I wasn't exactly wowed away, but it was solid. It was surprisingly pretty spicy, too! Our server was really awesome though! I can't remember his name but he gave great drink recommendations, and he was hilarious. However, I was pretty disappointed with the dessert menu. They need to bring back that sundae that Yelpers have been raving about!
(3)
Woody B.

I know that everyone can get on the pizza train. What's not to love about pizza. Hot delicious cheesy goodness- need I say more? Anyways when pizza is done right and the ingredients are high quality it is pure perfection. That is the case at Area Four or as they call it A4. So freaking delicious. This is my second time here with my wife as this is one of our favorite pizza spots in the area. This time we got the special corn pizza (with added caramelized onions and bacon). The savory corn sauce and roasted corn with the salty bacon and sweetness of the caramelized onions was a perfect combo. The other pizza we got was the Hawaiian which is a menu regular. This is definitely the best Hawaiian pizza I have ever had- the ham is so fresh, the pineapples so sweet and then the cilantro adds a great bite. Finally we got the chocolate cookie dessert. Let me tell you. This was so f'ing amazing (no swearing!). The chocolate cookie was piping hot and ooey gooey with the crunchy macadamia nuts and perfectly finished with some fleur de sel. Ya it's fancy and delicious. I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Mo m.

Pepperoni and their spicy pepper with meat option are tasty. Lite on the sauce but full of flavor. Beers are tall and staff are helpful. Sit outside of at all possible as it is chili inside.
(4)
Adam T.

This place lives up to the hype and there is a reason it was featured on the Food Network's "Best Ever." From start to finish we were blown away. The meatball is a must to start, and even though we didn't get the beef skillet appetizer, our dining-neighbors did and we were jealous. Reasonably priced wine. The pizza speaks for itself and you can't go wrong regardless of what you pick. Vegetarians have great options too. In short, definitely worth the trek to Cambridge area and will make a pizza-lover out of anyone!
(5)
Jane L.

I had a 2nd visit to A4 for dinner. This time we ordered two different pizza dishes that we haven't tried before which were clam & bacon and not pepperoni. These were really nice - crispy outside and soft inside. This is definitely one of my favorite pizza restaurants in Cambridge. For me, the mushroom pizza is the best dish here.
(5)
Shaina P.

It's the dough. And for those of us who just want dough, get the garlic knots. You can supreme-ize these (sitting in the sauce with cheese all over), but I love being able to just use my hands to rip through the crisp, thin outer crust, and get a hold of the soft and doughy, yet not undercooked nor greasy, warm, and soft, and airy, and delicious dough that's been perfected by yeast and rising time and the heat of a wood-fired oven. Put some toppings on this dough and you have pizza. I think I prefer the knots, but their pizza concoctions aren't too shabby, either.
(5)
Jake L.

Night and day! Came here a second time after the bartender sent me a really nice, sincere email apologizing for the less-than-stellar experience I had last time. This time, I started out with the chartreuse smash cocktail, which was fantastic. Honestly perfect - one of the most refreshing I've had in a while. The tartness and the mint were a great combination. The pizza was also fantastic today. Much better flavor, and didn't even really need anything on top (though some crushed red pepper worked really nicely as expected). Finally, I had a really nice conversation with the bartender Sasha and the other guy working the bar (I apologize, I can't for the life of me remember his name!). Very kind and attentive. I really respect this place for how they handled my first review, and their impressive showing the second time around.
(5)
Sophie P.

BREAKFAST REVIEW ------------------------------- + Breakfast sandwich: This sandwich is what an Sausage McMuffin from McDonald's in the commercials looks like. So the real deal. This sandwich is hearty with a sausage patty and egg grilled to perfection. It's oily, crunchy on the outside, and soft on the inside. It's the greatest breakfast sandwich you can get around the Kendall Square area, in my opinion. + Almond Croissant: This croissant is perfectly crunchy, has the right amount of almonds, and is not a complete mess when you try to eat it. + Oatmeal: Their oatmeal is not real oatmeal because I love it. They put a variety of nuts and cranberries on top of their oatmeal which make it so interesting, but also the oatmeal never runs dry! It's really good. Americano: This baby is rich. It's so strong and rich it's like drinking a dark hot chocolate. I'm not much of a coffee connoisseur, but you can tell this coffee is serious. If you work around the area, definitely give this spot a try for their breakfast!
(4)
Manya C.

A good choice of Brunch in Cambridge Central and Kendall square area! Hot mess is a must-order. Stir the fresh eggs with the mixed sausage with bacon. The tiny scallions and pickles inside keeps you feeling filing but "want more" instead. If you are a vegan, you could try the vegie hot mess! Drinks are open all day. Want a refresh drink in the morning? Try the mimosa(although there is a tiny typo on the menu)!
(4)
Audrey C.

Came here with some friends at around 8pm and we were seated right away. I like the atmosphere of this place, it's dimly lit with relaxing music and not too busy either. Pork ribs: Standard ribs with good flavor that reminded me of an asian twist, came with about 8 pieces. Mushroom and fontina pizza: MUST TRY! This was my favorite pizza by far, the flavor tasted kind of like they put some truffle oil in it (explains the deliciousness) and I loved the sauce that they used too. The thin crust that they used complimented the truffle/mushroom flavor perfectlyyyy. Sausage and banana peppers: This was good, but I thought the mushroom pizza outshone this one by a landslide. The banana peppers are a good kick to the pizza but the sausage is kinda sparse. All in all, I definitely want to come back to try more of the flavors of pizza...and more of the mushroom pizza
(4)
Megan K.

I was in town visiting friends, and they took me here. We split a couple of pies, a sinful appetizer, and had some drinks. I wish I could remember exactly what we ordered... I know there was one pizza that came with some kind of nuts on it... walnuts, maybe? We ordered it with the nuts on the side because some of our group thought nuts on pizza was weird. It was WAY better with the nuts. Also, we had whatever the knot appetizer was and upgraded it to be covered in cheesy goodness. Do that.
(4)
David B.

One of the best places to eat near MIT. Insanely good pizza choices. Very crowded at lunchtime though. Good beers on tap.
(5)
Tanya C.

I came here with coworkers to get a quick bite to eat. We had a reservation, but the restaurant wasn't too full for dinner. Our waiter was nice and answered our questions. I decided on the Carmelized Onion & Gorgonzola Pizza. My coworker ordered the Mushroom & Fontina, and once it arrived I traded a slice with her. Although her pizza was very tasty, mine was delicious. Full of flavor and very heavenly. I ate a little more than half and took the rest to go. Although i was staying at a hotel with no microwave, the pizza was still just as delicious cold the next morning as breakfast. Best place I ate in Boston.
(5)
Kate L.

I would go back here for the food and ambiance. BUT, I had a pretty raw experience at brunch this past Sunday. I will also preface this saying the manager was SUPER nice and hostess as well! So thanks for being so nice! The server was pretty unfriendly and mentioned once we were ordering they were OUT of the cinnamon rolls and french toast. TWO OF THE REASONS I EVEN MADE PLANS TO COME THERE!!! The pastries and wine took kind of a long time to come out.. which was frustrating. Then 3 people in our party of 7 got their meals and FINISHED eating before we even got our food! Nobody even told us about the food being delayed until we ASKED! Not ok. Fortunately they comped the meals. The veggie hot mess was a little spicy for my liking and was to clear in the description... so that was a bummer. Also the potato to veggie ratio was off.. Mostly all potatoes.... but the description sounded like I would get more veggies. The pizza was GREAT. Large, fresh and tasty. All 3 pastries I tried were basically perfect. Fresh, flavorful and unique. All in all a so-so experience but great food
(3)
Thomas C.

Trendy pizza/brunch place right in a biotech neighborhood that wasn't nearly as thriving just a few years ago Ambience/service: I like the layout of this place. Lots of seating in these unique tables that are connected by beams that can make them one continuous table or separate smaller tables. Also outdoor seating. Plenty of light pours into the restaurant. Service is prompt and polite. There is a small bar near the front with TVs playing ESPN. Luckily we had reservations making this an easy outing before heading to the airport. Food (I'm vegetarian): they have a lot of good veggie options for brunch with their pizzas as well. I got the Veggie Hot Mess which was essentially a small skillet with a ton of stuff in it. They cooked this thing perfectly with runny eggs on still-crispy hunks of potatoes. There was a very flavorful sauce mixed in that really made the whole thing delicious. It came in a small cast iron skillet on a round wood plate. My friend got a clam and bacon pizza which he really liked. Great brunch place that takes reservations was a plus. I'd come back again many times if I was in town.
(5)
Heather A.

It's to busy to tell how great the staff is, the guy that took our order seemed like he was okay to happy with serving us and had a smile but I'm not sure. Food was to the table within 10-15 minutes. There were two pizzas and a grass fed meatball plate. The pizza was okay and looked burnt in some areas. The meatballs had some sauce on them and cheese on the top surrounded by sauce. By themselves they really didn't have any flavor and the cheese was over powering. No one really seemed impressed with the food and I don't think I'd eat here again unless I was with a group and they wanted to try eating here.
(3)
Elizabeth H.

On the cafe: A coffee shop in a restaurant. The look and feel was very minimalistic. I'd never seen anything executed like it before, at least in Boston / Cambridge area. You can walk into the coffee shop from the street or walk in through the restaurant. It is lined with 2 picnic-table tables, parallel to each other. I had the cold brew coffee. The barista was really great in differentiating iced coffee to cold brew for me. Bonus points. I wish I'd given in and tried the brownie. Guess that means I'll be coming back soon!
(4)
Rachel N.

It was recently suggested to me by WL that I theme my Yelps after a genre of literature - you know, YA, thriller, erotica, in the spirit of an RKelly song, etc - and when the time is right, that I will, but as it's late and I'm on call tmrw AM, I have a poor man's offering - a dedication - to Will, this Yelp, in the month of his 27th birthday. I think. Numbers have never been my strong suit. It was a Sunday. An ordinary Sunday. The type of Sunday made of air with the subtlest hint of warmth, around which our winter-hardened bodies eagerly curled as we wandered in with empty stomachs and minds full of whatever useless musings we carry with us. It was supposed to be a casual nosh. Little did we know what revelations the night had in store. We'll be 5, I said, though at the time we were no more than 2. The hostess, aloof, replies "I'm sorry. We only seat full parties". Could she not see the hanger glimmering in my eyes? As time has its way of moving along, before I knew it we were crowded around a table and I was telling the waitress "eff yes" when she asked if we wanted a beer flight. Do not skip this step. It was then the night took a turn for the interesting. "What tattoo would you get if you could get anything, anywhere?" I asked, as we rhapsodized over the trio of dips (tzatziki, beet/horseradish, white bean/garlic hummy), brussels salad (shaved, with tuscan kale, pecorino, salt/pepper hazelnuts), and a smoked fish salad. I said the Rockies, lateral ribs 6-8. Maybe a line from Orlando. Or Roth. Animals were considered. As was the face of Drake. "Oh, that's easy", one who shall remain nameless replied - "I'd get murder. On my forehead" - silence ensues, allowing us time to mull over our white anchovy (fresh mozz, green olive, capers - salty enough to make a tongue curl, but nevertheless, ab-so-effing-lutely order it) and sopressata pizzas - the chewy, charred crust unparalleled to anything else I've eaten in Boston moving quickly through our eagerly parted lips. Our hungry rapture broken by what the only appropriate retort, as this is how good the pizza was, "Or. What if we all get mini-pizza face tats, you know, a tat for each slice we eat. Like the way ppl get teardrops for the number of ppl they kill. I have temporary tattoo paper at work,". Problem solved. I have the best friends. While I may still be waiting to receive this exact facial decoration, if all pizza was as stellar as it is at A4, my face would happily be covered. Service, hip, absent, friendly though not nearly as flirty as we all wished. Starters, $8-14, pizzas $11-17.5 for individual sizes, $18-26.5 for something large enough to feed three. Absolutely worth a trip.
(5)
Vanessa R.

Great beer selection. Stopped off on our way to the Commonwealth market. I had a beer from Maine beer company out of Freeport maine, called peeeper ale. An American pale ale at 5.5% poured in a sniffer glass. Very nice clean grapefruit taste, hints of chardonnay. It reminds me of Orpheus peace love and truth. Great beer taken a random suggestion from the bartendar. Selection of pizzas looked good from a distance but they were not ordered.
(4)
Cathy S.

Checked out this place for dinner on a Saturday night, and the restaurant was surprisingly not very busy so we were able to be seated right away. We shared a large clam and bacon pizza, a small mushroom and fontina pizza, and the mac and cheese amongst 4 people, which worked out to be a reasonable amount of food. Both pizzas were great with well balanced toppings. I was a fan of the crust which was pretty thin on the bottom with a light, soft, and chewy outer edge. The mac and cheese was mediocre and something we could skip next time. Would recommend this place for the pizza and could be a good spot to go to on the weekends since it may be less busy than some other restaurants located in more bustling neighborhoods.
(4)
Simon L.

An awesome spot with a completely ridiculous bartender who clearly didn't have a handle on how to understand her customers. This particular bartender didn't know what making a squiggly signature motion in the air with one's hand across a loud bar means. Well, please allow me to inform you: it's basic restaurant etiquette and it means that your customer wants the check. No, it's not rude, demeaning or uninformed. It's a simple signal to any person that has ever worked OR eaten in a restaurant or bar to bring over the check, please. Very, very simple. Now that we've got that out of the way, on to the food. Excellent sesame marinated soy ribs ($12). Tender meat, little smoke but plenty of flavor. A half chicken ($20) roasted to a juicy tender texture with a crisp skin. Served on a bed of leafy greens. Sausage bananna pepper ($16) for a small with mozzarella, tomatoe pecorino and parsley adding two eggs ($3) is a uniquely delicious combination. Quick service in the dining room, skip the snooty bartenders.
(3)
Kelly J.

The vegetable hot mess was great, free coffee refills, the sticky bun was delicious, and our server was really nice. Big portions!
(5)
Lauren S.

I recently visited Area Four for the first time after hearing rave reviews. My friend and I split a margarita pizza and an order of the garlic knots. Both were delicious! The dough stands out here in comparison to other artisan pizza joints in the Boston/Cambridge area. The ingredients all tasted very fresh as well, from the garlic on the knots to the mozzarella globs on the pizza. A very well-balanced pie! As a young professional, I did consider it fairly pricey for even a small pizza though (especially the ones with fancier toppings), so it might not be a bad idea to split with a friend. Plus, then, you may have extra budget room to try one of the beers on tap. The menu even included a local Somerville Slumbrew IPA during our visit.
(4)
Murielle D.

I've had a lot of pizza, and this is honestly one of the best I've had. Get the sausage and banana pepper!
(5)
Abby R.

As I've said before, the Sausage & Banana Pepper pizza is da bomb. Not so much that I'd say it's better than a specialty pizza at Flatbreads or Otto, but definitely on par. Although the sausage was a bit grisly this last time. Enough that I brushed a few crumbles of it onto my plate. I tried the mac n' cheese this time and it was exquisite. I'm kind of picky about restaurant mac n' cheese because it's best served piping hot and sometimes you can tell it's been left under the heating lamp too long by the rubbery texture. Not so with this mac n' cheese experience. First of all, they're shell-style macaroni, which is perfect for this type of cheese sauce, because that's what it was- a cheese sauce instead of just a thick melted blanket of cheese with some milk added in there. There was plenty of sauce, enough to dip some of my pizza crusts in the skillet for some extra cheesy goodness. The flavor was just as good as the texture, and the little croissant flakes on top were delightful, though I'd advise not to breathe in as you bring the bite up to your mouth, or you'll inhale some of the crumbs down your throat and have a coughing fit like I did. And you will not look cool. The garlic knots I had the first time were gross (see previous review) unmelted cheese, cold. But I did see that they at least include sauce at no extra charge now. The desserts though. I tried two of the different cookie skillet things, the butterscotch one, and the chocolate walnut one. First of all the chocolate walnut was definitely oatmeal chocolate walnut because there was hella oatmeal up in there that was not listed on the menu. I'm also unsure if there were even walnuts because the oatmeal was so aggressive (giant oat flakes everywhere). Oatmeal and I are friendly acquaintances so it was cool, but if you're mad at oatmeal beware! Now, it might sound like I'm describing some yummy desserts I had. This is not the case. They were both disgusting. Why? SALTY. SALTY COOKIES. Not like, "ooh let's sprinkle a little pinterest-y salt on these caramel cookies to kick them up a notch and make me look like a real baker", more like "the recipe says two cups of sugar. hmm which one's the sugar? I guess it's this one" *adds two cups of salt*. That salty. REALLY EFFING SALTY. I mean... if you like verrrry salty sweets then mayyybe? But trust me when I say it was totally overwhelming every bite. I couldn't even taste the chocolate. Also the staff were rude to us about our reservation both on the phone and when we checked in and they told us to try back "closer to our reservation time", as if we'd arrived there 40 minutes early instead of 4.
(3)
Maureen D.

Perfect place for a pi day brunch. The space is open, bright and airy, but kept cozy by the glow of the pizza oven. Host and severs were uncommonly friendly, and accommodating of our party requiring 2 high chairs. I enjoyed the caramelized onion pizza and Brussels sprouts salad. My dining companions had breakfast pizza, bfast sandwich and the hot mess; all tasty. Bottomless cups of coffee and a bathroom with a changing table were unexpected plusses. 5th star withheld due to the slightly overpricing ($12 salad) and "inability" to make a scrambled egg. Will return to try out the draft beer sampler some time after noon.
(4)
Anthony L.

I have walked, biked, and jogged past Area Four more times than I can count (and the new A4 in Somerville) and have always wanted to stop in, but never really did it... until last week! It has for long been my general rule that I do not order things at restaurants that I cannot make at home. Friends, I believe I have recently mastered the fine art of pizza dough making, which is so great! Anyways, enough about me, my friend invited me out and I suggested Area Four... part to be a spy to see what great pizza is all about and because I really wanted a damn good beer. Ambience: The ambience of Area Four is really cool! High ceilings, cute signs (especially about the location of the bathroom), many windows, and modern tables and chairs. Perfect spot for a first date, lunch with friends, or a place to drown your sorrows (isn't every place that serves food good for that?) The pizza: The pizza was a delight! I ordered the caramelized onion & gorgonzola pizza and it was a solid four-star. There was too much concentration of gorgonzola in the center, wahhh. However, the dough was perfect! Perfect! Beer menu: While the beer menu is not the largest I have seen, they have quite the range of beverages. Not one compliant from me! I'm a fan. You should be a fan.
(4)
Tiffany F.

This place is such a gem! It reminds me more of restaurants that I'd find in San Francisco or downtown LA. It's modern yet rustic and the space has great light that makes for a beautiful ambience during the morning/daytime. Their skillet brunch dishes particularly stood out to me. We had The Hot Mess and The Messy Ranchero, both served with sunny side up eggs that were runny to perfection! And of course, no brunch place would be complete without a solid coffee offering. I went with a simple drip coffee out of curiosity for their roast quality (which definitely impressed) but will definitely try the cortado and flat white on my future visits.
(4)
Sarah R.

The food was excellent. However, I noticed going through my bank statements today that they had augmented my 18% tip by $2, which is completely unacceptable. So I will not be going back.
(2)
Shane M.

Really cool spot, great brunch!!! Started out with the pizza special of the day potatoes,cheddar cheese, egg... It was awesome! I got a cocktail flight which was a great deal. For my main course I got the The Hot Mess *: $12 2 Sunny Side Up Local Farm Eggs, Home Fries, Bacon, Breakfast Sausage, Caramelized Onions, Cheddar, Scallions & Pickled Banana Pepper Relish. It was so good. The place had a great vibe and I'll definitely be back next trip to Boston!
(5)
George S.

You must try their delicious pizza's :)
(5)
Reyana F.

came here for both dinner and brunch- and it's pretty good! MUST GET: garlic knots- they are super bomb. pizzas are decently solid, the a4 pizza was the best, but the other people at the table also enjoyed the gorgonzola & caramelized onions. beer menu is decent, but the cocktails left a little to be desired. overall, good find in the middle of cambridge!
(4)
Jen D.

Came here yesterday for brunch with two friends a half hour after they opened. 45 minute wait to be seated. It's a popular brunch spot apparently, so hey, it happens. We were hungry and ready to eat when we were seated. Good menu, lots of tasty-looking choices and good list of brunch cocktails. We placed our drink orders and I got the $10 Irish coffee which is iced and comes in a pint glass. Well, I should say I got it eventually, over 20 minutes after I ordered it. While tasty, it gave me neither a coffee nor whiskey buzz. Would not get it again for that price. Our server left us alone for over 25 minutes, so we flagged down another server and asked if we could order; he obliged. A little over 5 minutes after that, our original server came to apologize with a sour face and flat tone and comped us a basket of the baked goods assortment. These were excellent and varied enough for us to try each. I don't expect abject apologies or anything, but a simple reason and an apology sincerely delivered would be nice. Our food arrived (two hot messes and the huevos) and everyone was happy with their food. Very tasty and seemed like quality ingredients. I do think the portions are kind of small for what they charge, but it was enough to satisfy. I understand sometimes a place is understaffed for whatever reason (people call in sick, etc.) but despite the very nice gesture of the pastries, the way they were presented cancelled them out. I wouldn't NOT come back if I were in the area and it didn't look too busy, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here again.
(3)
Michael C.

Long overdue update of Area Four. While I have been to the restaurant side I do strongly prefer their coffee shop. The staff here is always friendly and remembers generally what I like to order. Area Four has the best Iced Mocha I've ever had... There I said it. The pastries are all excellent. The Almond Croissant, Savory Croissant, Danish, Gluten Free Bread, and Daily Scone (which are always very creative) are all excellent choices. The Breakfast Sandwich is pretty much farm to table. I'm a bacon guy but can't help but order it with their perfectly crispy sausage patty, which is made in house as is the english muffin it's on. Since this is in a robust technology district I feel like this coffee shop might be the equivalent of the 9th hole on the golf course. It's a hub of intellectual activity, meetings and deals seem to happen here regularly. Enjoy your coffee!
(5)
Megan M.

I've been to both the bakery and pizza sections of this fine establishment and have thoroughly enjoyed them both. I usually visit area four to satisfy my post lunch sweet tooth and have never left unhappy. I usually get the daily special which is always different and exciting! Today was a plum cream cake which inspired me to write this glowing review. It was perfectly sweet with the texture of a flaky buttery croissant, I highly recommend it to anyone. I've only had their pizza once but was equally impressed. Service is either hit or miss but the food is worth the visit!
(4)
Ryan K.

First time here and first time in Boston. Yelper didn't disappoint. Had the breakfast sandwich and the biscuits and gravy. Both awesome! And the short blonde hair bartender Sasha made every drink that much more pleasurable. Definitely come try if you can!
(4)
Shilpa T.

The Margherita pizza here is hands down one of the best pizzas I have ever eaten. I have been here for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and just recently grabbed this pizza (Large Margherita) on our way home from a long trip and it was just as good as it is in the restaurant. We even made pizza eggs the next morning with the leftover pizza slices. If you are in the mood for a simple, delicious, pizza, swing by and grab it from here. For other meals, the food eaten in is really good as well. My favorite is the breakfast pizza and the home fries, paired with the La Pistola. I think it can get pretty busy, but call ahead just to make sure, sometimes they have many open tables.
(5)
Dragana N.

A must go to restaurant in Boston! Their breakfast pizza is out of this world, made to perfection and absolutely delicious. It's probably their best item on the menu and it's only available on weekends. They offer amazing coffee as well. This is the only restaurant we visited twice during our short stay in the city. Would definitely come back.
(5)
Ryan B.

"The Hot Mess" may very possibly change your life. & the staff are all rockstars. I can't fault this place on anything. **Remember to make a booking in advance so you do need to stick out a 30 minute wait like me ;)
(5)
Leigh H.

Had brunch here this morning- they take reservations, which was great for our larger group. We were seated promptly and our server was great- funny, friendly and very tolerant of our (numerous) questions. The food was all very good and prices were reasonable. We all had breakfast dishes but the pizzas did look great. I especially liked the sausage, blueberry scone, and home fries, but the cinnamon roll was enormous and delicious!
(4)
Audrey T.

Came here for a quick coffee/snack whole meeting with a friend in the area, so please note that his review is not for the actual restaurant. The cafe has a nice vibe, with large communal tables. I had their fruit cake, which was reasonably decent, but perhaps a little small. I guess at $4 I can't really complain? The husband also had a cup of regular coffee which he enjoyed. This place seems like a good spot to hang with friends and do a bit of work whole drinking coffee. Good luck finding a spot though!
(3)
Joy Y.

I've been here three times now and have yet to be disappointed. I've had pizza and apps and wine, but today was the first time I checked out the cafe. I have to say that I am impressed. It's not easy to do so many things right, but they seem to nail all of their food and drinks right on the head. I got a cafe latte, my usual go to espresso drink, and it was delicious. I also had a bite of my friend's chocolate croissant, and had he been more generous, I definitely would have taken another. Alas, I was left to eat my egg and cheese sandwich, which was good, though definitely not mind blowing. THe only downfall? Man that line moved slowly. It was a Sunday morning, and though it was busy, it still felt like we standing there for quite a while. Thankfully it was worth it. Will definitely be back soon. Oh! One very cool thing I noticed? Their lights are made out of french presses! Check them out the next time you're in there. Pretty neat.
(5)
Vivian H.

A bunch of pretty traditional stuff done well. Coal-fired pizza is hot and loaded with stuff, and the crust tastes nice and plain, with a perfect texture. The brunch skillets are full of grease, cheese, and potatoes. There's an adjoining coffee shop I'm also quite fond of. Definitely a nice place to bring visitors to Cambridge. I'll be back!
(4)
Sonia B.

Just in town for the night and a friend took me to Area Four and it was BOMB. Had the mushroom fontina pizza with the garlic nights and I'm totally a happy camper now. Highly recommend this place for some delicious pizza and great environment.
(5)
Suzanne L.

The toppings are delicious (we had the sausage and banana pepper pizza), and I like the layout and look, but I wasn't a huge fan of the crust. It was just too floppy to support the weight of the toppings. I saw a kid at the table near me pick up his slice of pizza, and everything slid right off. The look on his face was pretty devastating. I do love the chewy texture and charred flavor of the crust, though, so win some, lose some.
(3)
Tancredi B.

Totally overrated. The menu is pizza or meat. Pizza is average, Gran Gusto would be a better choice
(2)
Tess C.

Best pizza in boston, maybe even the world. There was quite a wait when we arrived for brunch on Sunday, but it was totally worth it. The Hawaiian was a nice 9.2 (no one is perfect), but we had to pick off some of the pineapple because the distribution was uneven. The caramelized onion and gorgonzola pizza is a delicious combination of sweet, rich and tart flavor that cannot be missed. The hot mess was just that. The idea of it was great, but once we tried it, it was mediocre. Stick with the pizza. Ambiance was edgy and we liked it.
(5)
Lucy E.

Oh my goodness, such a great addition to the area. I can't really say what my favorite thing is about this place, the beer, the pizza, or the brunch! I'll start with the pizza, the crust is thing and crispy, the toppings are fresh and inventive and I love it! The beer is cold and crafty, I can often find some of my favorite craft beers on draft here that are hard to track down anywhere else. Finally, the brunch - oh my god. The cinnamon bun is sticky goodness and the breakfast pizza could outshine they're regular pizzas. A must try for brunch in the area. Oh PS if you can find room for dessert, it's absolutely worth it.
(5)
Miriam S.

Pros: Delicious food Fresh, flavorful ingredients Great beer selection Tasty cocktails Casual atmosphere Cons: Pricey There can be a long wait on weekend nights Loud If I were just rating the food, I would give Area Four 5 starts. However, as a grad student, Area Four is cost-prohibitive. Also when I went to Area Four on a Friday night, the wait was 45 minutes. This wouldn't have been all that bad, except when they took down my phone number, there was a mistake, so I didn't get the text saying our table was ready. Luckily I checked in with the desk, but I could have been seated at least 10 minutes sooner if they'd gotten my number correct.
(3)
Tony R.

I frequent this wonderful coffee shop (and pizzeria + bar) because it's en route to my work. Katie Kimble is an extremely talented pastry chef. A sign affixed to the pastry counter proclaims "If you're going to order more than eight pastries, please look into catering, otherwise what will be left for the person behind you?" It's true, the pastries are so divine, you'll want to order eight. Seasonal specialties like the Pumpkin Cheesecake Danish (flakey, fresh and full of robust pumpkin flavor) will have your tastebuds singing. Staple pastries like the Chocolate Croissant (dark chocolate enrobed in divinely-browned bread) and the craquelin will have you visiting this amazing coffee shop every day. Expect gorgeous latte art and deceptively complex espresso-filled beverages. For lunch, I recommend the garlic knots. These people what they're doing with bread, guys. Seriously.
(4)
Seamus B.

Came with a few friends for an evening dinner. Had the Carnivore in a large size and the Carmelized Onion & Gorgonzola in a small size. The Carnivore was a meat lover's-style pie (delicious) and the other one was a creative pizza with a lot interesting textures (walnuts added crunch...). Perfect amount of food for 3 guys. Awesome location in Technology Square--service was prompt and attentive as well. We'll be back soon!
(5)
Laura A.

They don't accommodate for any allergies or large groups bookings. Got the "we are too cool for you" treatment. I expected slightly better customer service.
(1)
Christina V.

My fellow foodie and I have been dying to come here for brunch. We finally made it over yesterday at 1:30pm and were told there was a 1 hour wait! But.... we were able to sit at the bar immediately - YAY. I had my heart set on the Almond Brioche but was told they just sold out. Instead I got the mixed green salad which was fresh and delicious and the yummy Clam & Bacon pizza, also very good. My friend got the Mushroom and Fontina pizza with fried eggs! The bar was cute. The seats weren't the most comfortable but it was the bar. Drinks were good. We'll try to come earlier next time :)
(4)
Julia K.

Overall, my first experience here was better than my most recent visit. I think this place is a little pricey for pizza that comes out with a fairly burnt bottom. The caramelized onion, gorgonzola, and walnut pizza tasted as expected -- the gorgonzola was overwhelming and masked all other flavors. The carnivore pizza came with a good portion of meat which inevitably is quite oily. I'd stick to the margarita or the sausage/banana peppers combo. For apps, the kitchen sink salad is large and can easily be shared among 2-3 people. The order of ribs comes with three pieces, each with two rib bones. These are juicy and come with a nice sticky bbq sauce.
(3)
Christine J.

delicious wood fired oven pizza! perfect char-ness and the cheese on the pizza stretches a millllllllle long. the mozzarella anyway. divine... 4.5 stars!!! they're called area four bc of their 4 ingredient only DOUGH. damn yummy! *drool* the small will feed 2 ppl and it will be plenty! the green beans app is good but I wish it was warm instead of cold, just my preference. have to try more of their apps and other types of pizzas. will def be back. the dough is so fluffy and just enough chewy, making you want more!
(4)
Terry P.

Wow. Great food. If you like wood fired, this is the place. Had a breakfast pizza and a skillet. Outstanding! Wait staff was excellent. I'm coming back.
(5)
Nina S.

Came here for brunch this time and was pretty disappointed. Started with the service. They were really slow to seat us (took 15 mins) when they had half the upstairs area open. Tried the hot mess amd the almond corn bread. They didn't have the cornbread but some other kind of scone substitute which was really over done. The blueberries and cream it came with were good though. The hot mess was alright but it was way too salty with the bacon. I had to get an English muffin on the side to continue eating it. The banana pepper relish was nice though. Maybe it would have been better if I was hungover but I thought it was over rated. I'll prob just stick to their pizza.. And English muffins (it was actually my favorite part of brunch).
(3)
Eunice E.

On my flight back to CA, I was struck with a pang of nostalgia while flipping through my iPhone notes... I found a list of places I had yet to review, and this was one of them. Thinking about Area Four makes me miss MA... and crave pizza. Really good, garlic-infused, wood-oven, thin crust pizza. Like crunchy crust topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, sausage, banana peppers, pecorino and parsley pizza. With these amazing melt-in-your-mouth buttered garlic knots on the side pizza. With a giant glass of whatever's on tap cuz it's all good pizza. So, yes, it's not ALL about the pizza, but it's definitely a MUST ORDER when you're here. The flavors are fantastic, the ingredients are fresh, and their options are fun... including their desserts. When I was here last time, they had these awesome bacon-infused sweets, which, I mean, hello? I know there's this huge Boston vs. Cambridge divide, but with gems like these in Kendall Square, I'd gladly hang around this side of the bridge for a night out on the town. Whether it's a casual bite to eat with a girlfriend post-yoga, or an easy night out with a date, I wouldn't hesitate suggesting Area Four (and wouldn't say no to a suggestion, either)!
(4)
Maura L.

The pizza was great! I also enjoyed their Craft Beer Selection. I have had better pizza at a lower and more expensive price point. For the taste, quality, and portion size this place is right on the money. Would I go back? YES.... I have been dying to try their brunch. Lets see what the weekend brings! :)
(4)
Skip B.

Pizza 2.0... Some pizza places claim to be the next big thing but pizza from Area 4 in Kendall square is it. The combination of fresh ingredients and unique flavors makes for some remarkable food. We chose 2 distinctly different pizzas and both were amazing. The white anchovy pizza was amazing and not overly fishy. You could still taste the green olives and capers in the sauce. The second pizza was the grilled eggplant ( special of the day) which was paired with Mint in a caramelized finish which was also amazing. The staff and servers were great, the whole experience was amazing. Use open table to reserve, they get very busy.
(4)
Chiraag B.

We ordered the hot mess (it's a little spicy) and not very filling if you are coming with a huge appetite. I would recommend going for the pizza instead. We also ordered the cornbread - but they had a substitute available - almond cake with raspberry and whipped cream - and this was fantastic. Overall a great brunch place with medium sized portions will leave you satisfied. Oh - and come early since they don't do reservations for less than 8 people.
(4)
Audrey G.

Came here to try their pizza, and it was delicious! We ordered a mushroom + fontina pizza and added chicken, and it did not disappoint. Very flavorful, and also quite rich so you don't need many slices even though it's thin-crust. And the crust is great! Not the bland, flavorless crust a lot of pizza places have, but rather an airy crust with just a slight char. Mmmmm. We also ordered the garlic knots, and while they were tasty, the portion was HUGE. (They were more like garlic rolls) It could easily feed a group of six, and was definitely too much for just 3 ppl. I wish they had a smaller portion available... The hostess and waitress were also super friendly, and very attentive!
(4)
Dan G.

Been wanting to try this place for a while and finally had the opportunity. We went on a Saturday night; due to the restaurant being full: we had to wait 25 minutes. We decided to go for a short walk and when the table was ready they texted us. Once we were seated our waitress came over and came us a brief overview of the menu in addition to the specials. Upon looking over the menu several times we decided on two small pizzas. The small pizzas had six slices versus the large size which had eight slices. Between the two of us were were able to finish the two pizzas. We ordered the carnivore pizza and the special for that night which was arugula, garlic and a fried egg on top. It was light and delicious; a fried egg on top was the perfect choice! The Carnivore was Mozzarella, Tomato, Sopressata, Sausage & Bacon. Very cool and sleek ambiance. The tables are very close to each other so if you're going on a first date, might not be a great idea. Prices were a tad expensive, a small was $17.50 for each. Pizza was delicious though! Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. I would definitely go back, especially if I was in the area looking for some za.
(4)
Ian C.

The food was great, we had a wonderfully executed brunch this morning. The service however was I'm sure what they think is casual, but to a couple with industry experience, seems kind of lazy. We arrived and asked for a table for two, and there was a 30 minute wait, unless the host pointed to two people at the bar - who were supposedly about to leave and if we hung out there we might get their seats. It would have been enough to say spots at the bar might open up soon, but to single out two diners felt unprofessional to us. When we returned, the hostess shared with us that people were just "hanging out" so they didn't have a table for us yet. Again, we don't need to be told why we didn't have a table, particularly when we might want to linger after our meal. We were seated at a long table with multiple diners, but the service was leaving seats in between diners. We would have happily filled out this table if given the choice, and the restaurant would have opened 8 more seats at least. Our food runner opted to bring out sausage and bacon alone, then a cold salad - which we split up onto our share plates and started eating, and then soon after our hot egg skillets came out. The server hadn't asked if we'd like the meal coursed, and the runner brought out our sausage and bacon to suffer alone; I would have much preferred them under the heat lamp. This meant 3 visits to the table in rapid succession. To boot, our empty split salad plate wasn't cleared when our skillets came so we were left rearranging the food ourselves, particularly the dangerous skillets. Management at Area Four may feel that a haphazard service is OK at their price point, but others are able to offer better.
(3)
L T.

One of the best places for coffee in the area. I always take cappuccino, and it's very well done. The food is delicious especially (for my taste) the almonds croissant. Most of the time I go to the second location at 215 first street. Outstanding coffee!
(5)
Robyn B.

The kitchen sink salad is sooooooooooo good. As is the pizza, all of it. The coffee shop is $$$ and not that special. Come here for the pizza!
(4)
Arthur T.

Wheelchair accessibility OK, does have a lift to get to the dining area. (Hot tip: when leaving, the 'emergency exit' near the back is not alarmed, and allows access to the street while bypassing the lift) Bathrooms not checked. Pizza was EXCELLENT in flavor, but the extra wide crust means that you pay for a 'large' while only getting a 'regular' worth of toppings... The crust is really good, but I am more interested in the toppings. (this is the only reason I'm not a 'fan' or better) Good selection of beers. Service was excellent.
(3)
Stan C.

I'd give this restaurant top ratings, except for their kitchen management. A wood fired oven is a competitive advantage when you are a pizza establishment. It produces a quality pizza that cannot be replicated by a conventional oven. However, it can also produce a disaster if not used properly. These ovens need to be managed properly. Area Four is weak on this point. I have noticed that when the restaurant volume goes up and they are not paying attention to staff training, the kitchen staff merely throws more wood into the oven. The end result is poor heat distribution. You get burned product. This is what is happening here. It happens as well in other places I've been. No customer wants burned product. If this happens to you, send it back. If they say it is supposed to be like this, ask to see the manager. If you don't get satisfactory service, don't eat the food and tell them you will leave. Fortunately, I didn't have to go this far, but they were unable to make a pizza for me without burning it. The didn't charge me for the pizza, and I just paid for my beer. Area Four needs to manage their oven better.
(2)
Rebekah C.

I feel like Area Four has really embraced its surroundings and speaks to being part of the MIT / Kendall Square area. There is just something potentially very Warhol about this place that I find appealing. They do a small menu of mainly pizza's using fresh ingredients. The 3 stars, is because - while their pizza is tasty, I feel this place way over salts their food. They also have some great salads and craft beers.
(3)
Kelsey R.

When I was lying on a couch, sick and unable to eat anything, the only food that sounded good was the soppressata pizza that A4 sells. Something about that sourdough crust, the right blend of flavors, the toppings... ahh this place knows how to make pizza! Yes, it's expensive. But yes, it's amazing. The cafe makes delicious (and STRONG) coffees and chai teas, the restaurant portion rocks the pizzas and garlic knots (apparently they make good salads and other items, too, but I stick to my favorites), and the decor is pretty minimalist in the coolest way. I could myself lucky I work nearby and can spend a great evening with coworkers here on occasion!
(5)
Jamie P.

Great atmosphere and really good food, most of the time. My favorites: - Trio of Spreads (Tzatziki, Beet & Horseradish Puree, Sweet Pea Hummus, Pickles & Pita)! - Mushroom and Fontina pizza - Kitchen Sink salad - Downeast Cider (on tap) - one of the few places I've found with Downeast on tap - try it! You won't be disappointed. Warning: I got the Kitchen Sink salad one day for lunch thinking it would be a nice, light lunch with the yummy veggies Area Four is known for. Oh, it was light, alright. It was side salad size for $13.50. Still a delicious salad, but don't go thinking it's a lunch portion salad - it's really a side salad. Be prepared to wait. If you hit it at just the right time, you won't wait long. If you're during peak times, you'll definitely have a long wait.
(4)
Adam M.

I live near by and I love coming to the bar to have a drink afterwork or on the weekends going to the attached coffee shop. The staff are very nice and attentive and are keen to recommend a favorite if you ask. The food changes often enough to keep things interesting and to reflect changes in what's available. Overall, this is a great place to go to in Cambridge, and I highly recommend it.
(5)
Anika G.

This place has a reputation for artisanal, fancy food (Obama ate here a few weeks ago) and it is spectacular. I got the tomato soup for starters, and it was amazing. The tomato had a slightly smokey, almost bacon-esque flavor going on (even though no bacon had been added) that totally upgraded it from boring tomato soup territory. I also shared a pizza with some friends. We got it with arugula and poached eggs on top. I know what you're thinking - "Poached eggs on a pizza? How can we trust anything you're saying anymore??" Suffice it to say that this was an absolutely spectacular idea. We all loved it. The eggs added an intense, rich flavor to an excellent thin crust pizza. We ordered a large pizza and it was large. Fed three people with ease. I would absolutely recommend this place if you're in the area. We went at lunchtime on a weekday and they had tables open, even though we had a reservation. The one downside to this place is the price: they are not cheap, although on par for nicer spots in Cambridge.
(5)
Minju K.

I would def come back if I have visitors. This is probably the first restaurant that comes into mind when I think of a good sit down pizza place. My absolute favorite is the garlic knot. GARLIC KNOT is a must.
(4)
Johnna M.

Dinner review-When in Kendall Square, keep it Kendall Squarian. Area Four follows this age old adage and this is where they succeed. Atmosphere is geek chic-sleek, simple, and...silver. Menus come on granite slabs with dorky puns litered everywhere. Definitely a unique atmosphere that works for the crowd and the area. My only complaint is I am never a fan of sharing tables with people not in your party. I'm in Kendall! I want to talk about computers or cell phones or whatever and not have to worry about being antisocial to the stranger in my lap. The food was completely average. While I have no real complaints, nothing really set me off either. I had both the mussels and the corn cakes. I enjoyed the corn cakes better than the mussels (tomato accompaniment was fantastic!) but neither would I make a point to try again. My friend said his gazpacho was so-so but he gulfed it down too quickly for me to try so that says something. Margarita pizza was well cooked but slightly boring-then again, it is margarita pizza. My favorite part of the experience was definitely my cocktail (how unusual for you, Johnna M.) I can not find mention of cocktails on either the website or yelp but the small selection is indeed interesting. I had a gin martini like thing with a tad of iced tea-delicious! I look forward to trying their bakery and coffee and hopefully that will prove to be a tad more innovative-big things are happening in this area.
(3)
Judy L.

The place seemed like a hip place. :) Servers were nice and the decor was nice. We ordered pita with hummus for appetizer, and 3 pizzas to share within the group. The pizza choices were: bacon and clam, mushroom, meatball All the pizzas were pretty good. Flavorful, with a chewy and very delicious crust. My complaint would be that the pizzas were too oily. But that's probably what made it extra flavorful too.
(3)
Kyle V.

Great coffee and a few good brunch options. Sausage and banana pepper pizza is amazing.
(5)
Jill S.

Delicious brunch! Innovative and exciting meal specials. Greek yogurt is a MUST TRY absolutely out of this world. Friendly and extremely helpful staff
(5)
Shan H.

Nice coffee place. Small, good for morning charge before heading to work.
(4)
Skimmilk K.

Interesting place. The place seems like a pizza place when you first step in but the things I loved were actually some of the appetizers. I definitely recommend the garlic knots. So delicious. Also, I was surprised by the trio of dips with the tsaziki and the beet horseradish. The clam pizza was a bit too salty (the waitress we had mentioned that some people do find it salty). But the mushroom pizza was good. I also love brussel sprouts so I thought the shaved brussel sprout salad was a nice light addition to the meal. We also enjoyed the dessert. The banana split had brulee like bananas so slightly crispy and ripe. I personally could eat a few more bowls of the soft serve. Definitely would go back here...in fact, I've already been back a couple times.
(4)
Gillian C.

I like this place. It's closeby and pretty good for dates. The bar area is kind of small and in the winter the door keeps opening and it's a bit too cold right there, but overall I really liked it. Would DEF go back for the pizza, which is delish. My order: Some type of rosemary mixed drink, amazing. Pizza, amazing. Pork and beans, disappointing.
(4)
ack c.

Five stars for the restaurant -a few just for serving great pizza and beer, 'cause those are staples in my mind. Three stars for cafe- Coffee is another staple and I'd love to be all about area four cafe, but i got the idea that they served Barissimo, which they don't. The line seems disorganized, the staff curious ton!non-regulars. (i assume there would be no positive comments if this were not true.)
(4)
Jessica W.

Area Four is my second favorite place to get pizza in Cambridge. (Top honors go to Otto in Harvard Square, but they have no seating.) It's all about the crust. Crispy, but not too crispy--it's got to have just the right amount of chew. I'm not that in love with the Margherita here; it was a little drippy from either the tomato sauce or the cheese, or a combination of the two. But I fancy the mushroom and fontina pie after our first rendezvous together, and I usually prefer red sauce over white on my pies. The mushroom sauce and the gremolata make the pizza pop, especially the freshness of the lemon and parsley. Make sure to save room for dessert, and order the soft-serve sundae of the day. While the chocolate and vanilla twist I had seemed simple enough, it was delicious, with nice, subtle touches, like cinnamon in the chocolate ice cream. I haven't tried the brunch items here, but the sticky bun/cinnamon roll special I've spied is as big as a small cake. Tempting, but I think I'll always save room for the sundae.
(4)
Rhianna C.

I cried over La Molisana's untimely demise and passing of the owner, selfishly because I loved their breakfast sandwiches and was happy that there were cheap breakfast options near work. THANK YOU, OWNERS OF AREA FOUR FOR FILLING THE BREAKFAST VOID IN TECHNOLOGY SQUARE. I know there's Beantowne, which I also adore, but it's not across from my building. It's a bit of a further walk, and science doesn't always allow for walks. 7-11 Breakfast sandwiches? Hurl. I've been in twice so far-- first for lunch, where I had a tuna sandwich, orange juice, and rice krispies treat. Second was for breakfast of an almond croissant and lemonade. The food has been EXCELLENT. The baked goods have been awesome, and the sandwich was perfect. I was skeptical when I was handed a pre-made sandwich, but it performed. A friend got the asparagus (or was it artichoke?) soup and that was also fabulous. I also really like the service. I agree totally on another Yelper's post that there isn't the "I make coffee, therefore I'm better than you" douchebaggery that exists in some of the local coffee shops. The staff has been awesome with their recommendations, and I'm so excited to continue trying things. I think the coffee is next on my list, despite the justification to never buy another coffee out somewhere if I bought the Keurig. I can't wait to try the full restaurant.
(5)
Misty S.

I was going to wait until I ate at the restaurant to review, but after what I had at the bakery yesterday I HAD to write a review. Nutter butter. Best thing I may have ever eaten. EVER. I almost can't even process it in my head. Other things there are also amazing- the whoopie pies, the coconut bars, the ginormous snickerdoodles the size of my head. The espresso is amazing. But the Nutter Butter. OH my GOD.
(5)
Rachel C.

I've been to Area Four a few times now. This review is from my first visit. Two friends and I met up for dinner around 6pm on a weeknight at Area Four and had a great time. The service was attentive and the decor was a nice mix of trendy restaurant/bar and old-fashioned pizzeria. We sat all the way in the back inside. I had the pizza with gorgonzola cheese, caramelized onions, and scallions. I think it came with walnuts, but I had them leave the nuts off. The pizza was awesome and I mean AWESOME. I still think of it from time to time...le sigh. Prices were reasonable, so I'd definitely recommend.
(4)
Patrick L.

I really wanted to like this place, so I've been back enough times that some of the waitstaff recognizes me. The service in general is quite good, but everything else is a bit off. The portion sizes are downright tiny, normally that would be okay if the flavor was spectacular, but nothing really was. Of all of the smalls that I had, the only one worth it was the tongue crostini, and even that was poorly executed in my opinion. Most dishes suffer from having one ingredient over power the rest. I found it unacceptable that the octopus medium dish was almost entirely parsley, almost laughable... Even the "larges" are pretty darn small. 26+ bucks for a tiny ass plate of fish limp spinach with cream cheese on top? The beer and liquor selection is alright, they have Pretty Things Jack D'or on tap... but so do many places in this area. I've uploaded some pictures of dishes that I've had, but less than half of them since I don't really feel the need to glamorize food that I think is sub par.
(2)
Kiley S.

Great atmosphere! The garlic knots were great and the margarita pizza was flavorful. My friend and I shared a large pizza and each had a piece to take home. We were seated at a long table that was shared with others. We had seats between us so we weren't directly next to our guests, but if you're opposed to this you might want to check with the hostess before they seat you. Would definitely come back and next time try a dessert!
(4)
Bos G.

By day Area Four serves people who work in the labs and technology offices in the neighborhood, but by night it attracts a young, hip crowd. Following a popular trend, Area Four strives to incorporate a sustainable model, serving locally grown food which causes it to change its menu regularly. However, the menu always includes a fair number of small plates, salads, and pizzas as well as a few main dishes. Area Four has a full liquor license and beer drinkers will be happy to see a number of tempting locally crafted beers. Dinner for two including two shared small plates / salad, pizza and a shared dessert will cost approximately $50 (drinks and tip not included). For our meal we started with the arugula salad with apples, beets, candied walnuts, and a cider vinaigrette, which was crisp and delicious. The meal followed with a decadently rich and creamy mac & cheese topped with croissant crumbs (mmm)...The two starters were my favorite part of the meal, but the thin crust pizza served from the restaurant's wood fired oven was delicious too. We opted for the mushroom and fontina pizza. I normally skip dessert, preferring to imbibe my calories but on this visit we splurged and tried the sundae made from homemade soft serve ice cream with marshmallow and candied nuts as well as an olive oil chocolate cake with creme fraiche, salted caramel sauce and cookie crumble and some deliciously rich coffee, which comes from a local roasting company called Barrington Coffee. Reservations only available for parties of 8 or more.
(3)
Nam L.

I've been here for brunch twice. The first time, I thought it was okay, but not really impressed. I had the hot mess and found it a little too greasy. My friend had the calamari, and we didn't care for it. The biscuits and gravy were pretty good though, as were the sticky buns we bought for later. Second time, it was delicious, and helped cure my hangover (no, I did not overdo it the night before, just didn't do it right). Try anything incorporating baked goods, and you can't go wrong; we had a bakery sampler, and I had a bagel. I also had the house-made breakfast sausage too; it might be the best I ever ate. My friend got the summer squash salad; I was highly skeptical, but it ended up being tasty, with a good balance of pine nuts, pecorino, and vinegar. I want to come back again and try their pizza now. As for portion size and value, I feel like the price is right here. You don't want to end with way too much food, IHOP or Denny's style. There's a time and a place for that, but I don't think Kendall Square is it. It's very easy here to order small if you're still working up an appetite, and add stuff if you end up wanting more later, such as eggs, bacon, or breads. The check at the end will still be very reasonable (for Cambridge). Also, I found the service here to be good, but we didn't do anything unusual. And it was brunch. To add to Marilyn C.'s experience, my friends came here for dinner on a weeknight, and they also had bad/slow service!
(4)
Jennifer W.

It's really 3 1/2 stars but rounding up to 4 because service was friendly and efficient. I like their food truck so thought it was about time to check out the restaurant. We went during brunch, which I think is a great time to go because they have brunch and lunch food, and pizza! We shared a bourbon caramelized onions and Gorgonzola pizza plus a hot mess. The pizza was delicious, a lot of good quality Gorgonzola, rich and decadent. I didn't LOVE the crust though, I prefer as little un-topped crust as possible, and this one just had too much of that. The hot mess was good, but not as amazing as I thought it could be in my mind. I think it lacked salt or some other kind of seasoning. The real winner of the meal, that I will be back for....was the sticky bun, OH MY GOODNESS, seriously if you go there you MUST try the sticky bun. It could probably cause a heart attack but oh so worth it!!! We shared it and devoured it in under 5 minutes.
(4)
Brooke L.

One of the best and worst decisions of my life was trying the Area Four chocolate chip cookie. It's earth-shattering in the most simple way -- the perfect cookie. Best decision for my taste buds, worst decision for my hips. Oh well. Made a GREAT decision for both when I tried the restaurant portion of AF and had the shaved brussels sprout salad. Yum, yum, yum. Again, super delish yet so wonderfully simple when you think about what goes into it.
(4)
Steve M.

The pizza is great! Went here for lunch. and the food and service were fantastic. This will be my go-to pizza choice from now on.
(4)
Derek W.

*disclosure - this is my old neighborhood where I began my career, I may be a bit partial to awesome places like area 4. Yes great name, the unknown area of cambridge is what I use to refer to it as. Checked this place out on a thursday night, was there a live hippie band in the courtyard right outside our window you're god damn right there was. I mean this is still Cambridge !!! Start to finish deliciousness... we had many apps, about 9 to be precise. smoked local blue fish, mozzarella / smoked tomato w/ spicy fennel vinaigrette, and eggplant caponata all were amazing... Meals...so apparently this place was a coffee house or someshit prior ? Well glad they flipped the format because the pizzas were great. We had 3 but my favorite by far was the exotic mushroom I believe it was called. It's a white pie made with fontina cheese... I'm fat It's okay!!! We ate like fat stoned kids for desert...we literally ended up with 4 of the 6 on the menu and annihilated them all. The cookie one was different and awesome !!! Oh the soft serve was great as well... I think it was blueberry.. Ice cream is my enemy !!!! Decor - cool trendy People - It's cambridge I mean of course it's awesome !! Servers - EXCEPTIONAL !!! well versed on the beers.... Oh I also learned this is some sort of (green) restaurant... Glad I didn't take my gas guzzling SUV that night.... yeah no bottles - Drafts only !!! Um yeah it's close to MIT so you should be wicked smaht kid when you are done eating here, it's like Osmosis or some shit.... How you like them apples !!!!!!!
(5)
Margaret C.

Really, this place has 4.5 stars out of 5, with more than 30 people reporting back so far? I went on a Thursday evening with a friend. Here's the deal: FOOD: Not bad, but not great, and so overpriced. Small plates $5.50, or 3/$15? Sure! Except here's what we got: (1) beef tongue crostini, well-cooked tongue totally overpowered by capers, on crostini that was chewy (generally happens to microwaved bread...just saying); (2) green bean and potato salad with a tasty pesto and green olives, about a 3/4 c serving; (3) minted whole grain salad, mostly grain, and definitely less than 3/4 c serving. Five. Dollars. And. Fifty. Cents. For. A. Plate. The. Size. Of. My. Hand. I eat a lot of small plates/tapas--love the meal experience it provides--and this is way overpriced for what you get. PIZZA: (Yes, I know this is also food.) The big draw of this place is the wood-fired oven pizza. The crust was nice, though not so thin nor crunchy as I expected from such a rig, and the $14 pie was barely enough for me and my friend even with our measly 3 small plates. We had the fennel sausage and hot pepper pie--sounded delicious, and it was okay, but was sooooooooooooo cheap with the main ingredients. Good (not too sweet) sauce. DRINK: Area 4 in Cambridge is the most diverse section of the city. It is also the poorest. I find it *offensive* that not a beer on the tiny list costs less than $6/pint. Also, when I ask you, Waiter, to describe one of those eight or so beers to me, I don't want to hear "I haven't tried it". I mean, I don't want you to lie. I want you to have tried it. Because there are literally fewer than TEN BEERS on your effing beer list. If for some reason you can't do this, offer me a sample. It's on tap. Seriously. SERVICE: Inexplicably hostile hostess. Seated at a long "common table" when it soon became painfully obvious that most other, private, tables were empty. Nice waiter, but the beer issue bothered me. Also, when we made a comment about how totally capered-out the beef tongue was, he said, "Oh yeah, the chef really likes capers." Yeah? So do I. But I also like beef tongue, and I get peeved when I can't taste the $2.50 morsel I ordered. That would buy me a whole JAR of capers. AMBIENCE: I love parts of the decor (the exposed kitchen passthrough that doubles as chopped wood storage is gorgeous), but at a high-top table that seats like 10 people, in a brand-new place with custom furniture, you couldn't swing bag/coat hooks anywhere? Really? With backless stools? Also definitely has a little personality disorder viz. cafe/bar. In sum: I may check it out again in a few months...but I may not. There's a lot of awesome places to eat around here, and they gave me zero reason to go back.
(2)
Clark M.

I just don't get the hype this place gets. The pizza is decent, but that's all it is, and this place would get four stars if it was only trying to be a pizza shop. But move outside of things that are "not pizza" (menu language, not mine), and things are much less then overwhelming. Very tiny, "small plates" for the price. I mean, the mac n cheese for 12.50 was served in one of those tiny cast iron skillets. It was average, but it would have tasted better for 8 bucks (I mean, it's mac n cheese!). The Hoisin ribs (also 12.50 for four) were over salted, as was the kitchen sink salad, both of which were also just barely able to reach the average level in terms of taste. Back to the pizza, it was nice and chewy, but also on the salty side. And, other than the edges, the crust was not crisp (sort of a doughy mouth feel), which is a no no for the NY style pie which they serve. I've never been for breakfast, and so I can't speak to the quality of that offering. Wait staff was nice and efficient, but, for the money, one can do a lot better for food in Boston.
(2)
Rina L.

Brunch: More options would be good. As it stands there's really nothing special besides the hot messes. The vegetable one was good. Pricey though and rather greasy. Mocha: WHY IS IT SO GOOD? WHY? I had one a few months ago that was quite pleasant. Then every mocha I've had anywhere else since has been inexplicably subpar. So when I came back I had to get one, and it didn't disappoint. It's actually more like 4.5 stars just because of the mocha. I could just drown in a sea of it.
(4)
a.c. b.

I have had dinner at Area Four several times, but this review is for a private party we had there in early May 2012, which was a HUGE success. Food was great and ample, service was excellent, and price was totally reasonable for a memorable meal to kick off a symposium we hosted at MIT. Details below, but in a nutshell, if you want a private party for up to 25 people with a more casual and hip atmosphere but refined food, look no further! From start to finish, Meredith was a pleasure to work with. She offered us advice about the menu, accommodated the dietary restrictions of a few of our guests, and helped us pick wines that would keep us within our budget. We had the cafÃ© / front room to ourselves, and the low lighting made for a lovely atmosphere. Dinner was served family-style at long tables, which worked very well for our group. The service was great -- new dishes were always coming around, glasses were filled promptly, and the staff were lovely. The food was terrific and was way more than we could eat! The pita and dipping sauces were delicious, the roasted vegetables wonderful, and the pizzas solid. We also had an arugula salad, which was good, but in retrospect overkill because both main dishes were served over salad. The mac and cheese also went over well (a more "refined" mac and cheese with peas in it and croissant crumble topping). Our main course, a deconstructed fish gyro (no pita to avoid a wheat allergy), was really delicious. It was served on an arugula salad and the fish was cooked perfectly. I would order it again in the restaurant. There was roasted chicken as well, which the group enjoyed. The desserts were lovely -- cookies and bars. Simple and light, which was what we needed. The gingerbread cookies were fantastic, and the caramel-soaked rice crispy treats also were popular. The chef made a special dessert without eggs for one of our guests, which we greatly appreciated. Coffee and tea were available by request. In the end, we were under budget and over-fed. They let us take home the leftovers, and we were very happy. I can't recommend this place enough for a private party!
(5)
Jen C.

so good I came here twice- in one day! Started off the day before going off to the MIT swapfest and had an iced mocha and a lemon blueberry scone. Both were delicious. Ended the day back in the cafe for another mocha (this time hot) and an amazing s'mores bar. The chocolate was decadent, the mochas (both iced and hot) were awesome. The orange juice and lemonade were also big hits among my friends. Definitely a go to in the cambridge area for breakfast or lunch.
(4)
Sean L.

The pizza here is good and nicely portioned, but it's a bit overpriced. Also, the service was very slow when I was here. It took 30 minutes for us to get seated after the hostess told us it would take only about 15 minutes. Once we were seated, I kept having to remind our server to refill our drinks and bring us the bill. If you have a lot of time, are in the area, really want to eat pizza, and want to sit in a casual but classy-looking establishment for lunch, consider it. If any of the above does not apply, I'd go somewhere else.
(2)
Manisha P.

Incredibly rude, hostile service at the cafe. Woman at the counter slammed our coffees down in front of us, sloshing them on the counter, scowled at us and walked away. Not sure what we did wrong, other than, you know, ordering coffee. The service at the actual restaurant, by contrast, was terrific, and so was the food.
(3)
Nicole M.

I'm still getting used to the fact that Kendall Square is now an "it" place to be, and therefore I continue to be very impressed at what I find there. We wanted to go for dinner here before heading down the street to catch a movie. So many places to choose from, but I wanted a new, on-the-casual-side spot as opposed to the fancier places that are on my list. Area Four met the bill. Love the atmosphere - friendly staff, cool, industrialized decor, and lively, without an obnoxious wait time. The cafe room looks like a great spot for breakfast and for daytime laptop working, as well as a place to hold a dinner for a large group. The bar area is cozy without being cramped, and I absolutely love all the piles of wood when you head upstairs to the dining area. Chalkboards are one of my favorite touches. Small, but great beer selection. We got the Baxter and the Slumbrew. We ordered the trio of spreads for an app and a small cheese pizza for dinner. Everything was excellent. Next time, I might opt out of the spreads - not because they weren't enjoyable, but because it was too filling to have both, with all that delicious bread. The pizza crust was right up my alley, but I wish the sauce was more flavorful. Thankfully they give you fixins at your table to doctor it up to your liking. Great first impression. I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Jeremy Y.

This was my favorite restaurant in Cambridge until I discovered Hungry Mother. But Area Four is more affordable and probably more unique in the dish they serve. I would definitely recommend getting their entrees and pizzas. The best croissant I ever had was from here!
(4)
Kenny C.

Had lunch at the restaurant section of Area Four. Big windows with tons of sunlight and high ceilings (the metal beams lacked some character though). Service was great (quirky girl at the front found us a table in between pirouetting). The lunch menu wasn't very extensive. I wanted a full meal and needed my protein, and nothing really tickled my fancy. The menu was also a bit confusing (divided into cold, hot, and entrees). My friend ordered the mac and cheese and she thought it was great though she couldn't finish it. I took a gamble on the pulled beef sandwich. Side note: I did not know you could pull beef the way you pull pork before this. Anyway, it was great. Very tender and juicy, and definitely hit the spot. Luckily, I was there before school was in session. My friend told me that the place gets swamped by MIT students/staff during the school year, so good luck!
(4)
Samuel F.

The cafe: Is good. Really, really good. The coffee is _amazing_. The food selections are quite tasty. If I was rating this alone, four stars, but mainly because I'm annoyed they don't have longer hours. The bar: Decent beer selection, good (if a bit expensive food). Still need to try the cocktails, but they look promising. If I was rating this alone, three stars.
(4)
Jason A.

Can't believe I have not been here yet!! Went here for a staff meeting, beer list was very tight and very local. Local is the whole point here right? Beers are priced to the area but it was great to see they offer 1/2 pours, perfect as our group rarely drinks beer to beer at the same pace. About 12 beers and a cider on tap / no bottles and all of the beers ordered were poured properly and to the top. Ending up order some small bites, Garlic Knots were great ... all flavors meshed well together. Simple Margherita pizza was delicious. They have a full bar and have a 2am license!! Food stops at 11pm. Will be back more often for beers, cocktails and actually sit down for a meal.
(4)
Jason P.

The spousal unit and I were doing that meandering "we're really hungry for brunch but don't know where to go" hike today, and remembered that we'd been meaning to try Area Four. Really glad we did. Almost don't want to tell people about it because when we got there around 1 p.m. it was full, but there was no line. And we don't want there to be a line because we were very impressed with the place and would rather not have to fight to get a table on some lazy Sunday in the future. I had sausage and gravy, plus a couple of sunnyside eggs and a latte. She had the puttanesca pizza and coffee. All very fresh, tasty, and well prepared. Then we asked our server if there was some kind of fruit dessert, and were informed they had a fruit crisp - fresh blueberries, peaches and raspberries with granola on top browned in their wood-fired ovens. Great stuff. Homemade and locally-sourced like pretty much everything else on their menu. Service was great. Prices and portions were just fine - despite some relentlessly stupid trash reviews on those points below. More overfed Americans expecting the typical strip mall feeding trough, I guess. We'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Emily L.

I am a fan of Area Four and am not ashamed to say it. It is one of my go-to places for the cafe, the cool baristas, and their pizza/beer combos. I've been here countless times and although I don't stand behind everything on their menu, I love what they do well. CAFE My husband and I discovered it very shortly after the cafe opened, and before the restaurant portion was up and running. We've been exploring the city's coffee places and soon realized Area Four would become our favorite coffee date place for their espresso drinks (they serve cortados! and know what they are!) and the not-too-sweet chai latte that converts easily into its soy relative for those of us who are lactose intolerant. The baristas also are very friendly and make every visit fun and pleasant. Note: They serve Barrington as their house coffee, which I find a bit on the bitter side, but I am always intrigued by their guest options. The perfect breakfast lies in the breakfast sandwich. Where else will you find homemade maple sage sausage? It also comes with eggs and sharp cheddar, all on a homemade English muffin. It is greasy goodness that will leave you satisfied long after you leave. I disagree with other reviewers about the baked goods: I find them to be better than Flour's with a tasty homemade feel. Their scones in particular are yummy (try the ones with ginger if they come through rotation). In addition to the food, I have to say that the layout and acoustics of the cafe make it an even pleasanter place to sit. Unlike some other neighboring cafes/bakeries that get maddening loud and claustrophobic when crowded, Area Four still somehow keeps its calm atmosphere even during busy hours. RESTO / OVEN For those who visit the restaurant, the pizzas are really the best deal. My favorite is the sausage and pickled banana peppers one, although the mushroom and gremolata is a very good vegetarian and non-tomato-based option. And if you like beer, they have a ton on tap. I especially appreciate the local varieties. The next perfect breakfast is their "hot mess." We took the parents out to brunch here and we all ordered some variation of it (comes in both meat loving and vegetarian renditions). The fact that it comes out in a 6" cast iron skillet is a huge plus. The other fact that it is a combination of many great flavors layered with pickled banana peppers on top brings it even higher on my list. The rest of their menu is very good taste-wise, but not so friendly on the wallet in terms of cost vs. portion size.
(5)
Branden E.

My favorite local cafe. Very friendly staff and delicious coffee and lattes. During the summer you gotta get the Cold Brew! You don't even have to ask what the scone is, it's always going to be amazing.
(5)
Kay J.

I enjoy the the Kitchen Sink Salad - and the Hot Veggie Mess & French Toast Bread pudding for brunch...but my favorite dish ever was the Bananas Foster French Toast.
(4)
Dave S.

This place has a coffee cafe side and a restaurant side and both offerings are great. The selection of local and regional beer on tap is excellent (around 15-20 taps with original stuff and old favorites) and really good food with many house made ingredients. The brick oven pizzas are very popular for good reason. Excellent brunch too.
(5)
Erin C.

Cafe area: This actually gets 5 stars! The service is always friendly and the coffee (even the decaf) is delicious!!! The decaf latte and decaf iced americano are really incredible--compares to the best caffeinated coffed I've had. Pastries are also really good and reasonably priced. There is always an interesting, changing variety of sweet and savory pastries. The nice long work benches and the free wifi also make this the perfect place to do some work! (if you don't mind the chatter around you) Lunch and dinner area: This gets 4 stars. Some things are really delicious like the house smoked bluefish, pulled pork sandwiches, anything on the brunch menu with eggs, and their homemade sundae desserts. Their selection of local beers on tap is also good--not a huge selection but the perfect variety for every beer preference at the table. Other things are pretty good but nothing special (pizza, salads, etc). They used to have a TON of appetizers on the menu and I always liked those more than the main entrees, but I've been back a couple times in the past few months and I don't see the tapas style menus anymore so I don't know what happened! Btw, if you are deciding between going here or to Catalyst next door, I would say Area 4 has a more casual vibe while Catalyst is more stylish and loungey with good cocktails. I used to say that Area 4 has much better food than Catalyst but now I'm not so sure, now that the Area 4 menu seems dominated by pizza...
(4)
Stephen Y.

Lately this has been where I go when I want quality coffee. They always have an interesting selection from local roasters like Barrington and Barismo. The restaurant side is quite good as well, lots of interesting ideas using local food, plus some pretty good pizza. When I need to take someone out for lunch in the Kendall area, I often go here.
(5)
Zev X.

I wish this place was in Boston and not in Cambridge. *** I went here for a function/event and not for dinner. We had the Mushroom & Fontina Mushroom Sauce, Pecorino & Gremolata Pizza and the Caramelized Onion & Gorgonzola Peppered Walnuts & Scallions Pizza. This has to be some of the BEST pizza that I have ever had. Seriously, I never thought about the quality of pizza dough before, however the dough was so fresh and so tasty. It's definitely not store bought. Everything was so fresh, flavorful and delicious. The Trio of Spreads - Sweet Pea Hummus, Tzatziki & Tahini Salata, Pickles & Pita is phenomenal! The pita was homemade and just came out of the oven when it was put on our table. The spreads were filling and delicious. YUM, YUM , YUM!
(5)
Vanessa P.

I went with a big group of about 12 colleagues. The restaurant has a very casual but modern feel with high ceilings and a lot of stainless steel. Even with so much space and metal they manage to make it feel comfortable and personal with their layout and details. We got a couple orders of the Garlic Knots with pecorino & gremolata to share. These little orbs were soft, chewy puffs of garlicky heaven. They were smothered in garlic so I encouraged everyone at the table to try them as not to isolate any one person who would quickly feel like the only vampire at the table otherwise. As the server went around the table taking orders everyone was trying to match up pizzas to share. Shockingly, no one wanted to share my Wellfleet Cherrystone Clam & Bacon pizza which came with clam sauce, pecorino, hot pepper, and parsley. Everyone seemed a little disturbed by the thought of clams on pizza but after having the memorable pizza with mussels at Trade I was up for it. The pizza was good! Not to sound surprised but everything worked really well together. It was fairly salty between the bacon, clams and cheese but the hot pepper, which wasn't overly hot, cut through the saltiness and the parsley added a layer of freshness. The dough was also very good - a thin crust with puffy soft pockets. It made me want to order a side of ranch or something fatty to dip it in to but then I reminded myself that I just ate an entire pizza by myself. Overall, the service was great and I love the atmosphere. They know how to take care of a big group although I am sure it would be a great place to go to with a smaller group as well. The food was all above par, I'd definitely go back and likely will. Often.
(4)
Alan S.

Area Four is one of my favorite places to go. I'm always looking for a casual place to meet up with friends and this place is perfect for that. It features a lot of my favorite food items. Garlic knots (some of the best I've had), great pizza, fantastic coffee and ice tea, and soft serve! I'm not a drinker, but a lot of my friends like the craft beers and whiskies. I've been here many times, but I was here last Wednesday at around 6:30pm and it was packed! Had to wait 45 minutes for a table. But most of the time, I don't have to wait for a table.
(4)
Ruth P.

I have eaten here several times, and each time, it is consistently great.
(5)
Alisa K.

Fun restaurant with good outdoor seating options. Loved the mushroom pizza (which had fancy lovely mushrooms), the mint limeade, and their beet salad. They also had a yummy ricotta cheesecake with passion fruit something something. Yum!
(4)
Yan Z.

I made a catering order for 15 people, which was completely forgotten. I called about 10 minutes after the scheduled delivery time; they apologized, brought the food about 20 minutes later, AND DIDN'T CHARGE ME FOR IT. yay for customer service. Also, the pizzas were incredible: crisp, flavorful, and sophisticated without going too haywire with the toppings. I usually don't like cheese, but I was a huge fan of the mushroom & fontina and the caramelized onion pizzas.
(4)
Amy S.

coffee is good! it's a nice space inside and has a separate area for eating so that's pretty cool. there are big open windows and bring in so much sunlight. i love it. the inside of the store makes me like it so much more. it's a good place to come and catch up with friends or to get some work done.
(4)
Maria R.

Terrible service. Who's managing this place??
(1)
David P.

Disclaimer: i think it is a 2-star review however, because it is in Kendall square and we all know that they need way more "things-to-do" so it gets an extra star for setting up shop in an up-and-coming place. Now comes my review. The staff was friendly,nice and attentive particularly the hostess and bartender. i ordered the pretzel bites and they were warm and good but nothing you wouldn't expect. i then ordered a 10" pizza to share with my friend the pizza was good and a great consistency however, it was just on par with what you would expect from any decent pizza places. The beer list was just way too short and unimpressive considering it is located in a place known for its hipsters, micro-brewed beer lovers and finally its wordly patrons. i'll go there again but only because it is one of the few places in Kendall square
(3)
Hayley M.

Two businesses in one? YES! I went in yesterday for the first time, sampled both sides of the business, and am already kicking myself for letting this joint be open for eight whole months without a previous visit. The decor is hip and modern, but not off-putting for non-hipsters. It's the perfect blend of minimal and crisp. I went in with the owner/chef's cousin (to the restaurant side), and while the owner wasn't there, the wait staff certainly took care of us. We ordered drinks; a sangria for me and a beer for him, and a Margarita Pizza. Yes, it was a tad on the boring side, with so many outrageous pizzas to choose from, but being a non-pork eater has its disadvantages in pizza places. The waitress, who was so nice from the beginning AND was wearing an LSU t-shirt (LOVE!), told us that it really was the best. The came the parade of insane apps. They brought us the house-made mozzerella. It had a golden raisin chutney and a lemon vinaigrette, and had the perfect blend of sweet and tasty. Then they brought the Goat Terrine, a liver with fruit blend on top of toast. Awesome, even though I usually don't care much for liver and my friend ate most of it. THEN they brought us the swordfish pate, which had chopped onions and came over crostini. Holy moly, I could barely believe how unique and tasty each dish was. While at first we thought they just do this to everyone, it turns out being with the chef's cousin was lucky. Then, after all the apps I could ever imagine eating, the pizza came out. Perfectly thin, with the perfect blend of pecorino and basil. I wasn't even hungry and I scarfed down two slices. After the amazing meal, we just had to see the bakery side. We picked a ginormous oatmeal, pecan, and chocolate chip cookie for later. The pecans were salted, and it was the perfect blend of sweet and salty. I have used the term "perfect blend" in this review a bunch of times... see a pattern? Perfect blend of bakery and restaurant, perfect blend of unique and tasty food, and perfect blend of decor, service, and affordable prices. I can't wait to go back!
(4)
Dessa R.

Finally, the opportunity to eat here presented itself this past weekend, when my brother was in town. My brother and his friend split a pizza, and I ordered the mac & cheese. I love mac & cheese, a treat I reserve for special occasions, but this mac was practically inedible. It arrived in front of me so hot that I had to sit patiently for about 10 minutes while my dining companions dug in. After a while, I decided to just start eating and it scorched the hell out of my tongue (a wound I am still nursing). It was supposed to be topped with croissant bread crumbs, but it's fairer to say that it was immersed in these breadcrumbs, piled on to such extreme that it made my dish sandy and dry. The waiter recommended I add on bacon for $2-- seemed like a fair deal. I was heartbroken to discover that my bacon add-on was just torn pieces of the white chewy part of the bacon, no meat. Given, some people like that chewy part, but I think a majority of people (myself included) prefer the meaty part of the bacon, or if you MUST use the fat only, at least make it a bit crispy. It's kind of hard to mess up mac & cheese, but Area Four did it, and then I coughed up $13 (plus tax and tip) for the experience. The service and space was fine-- IF I went back, I would probably just order a pizza.
(2)
Jason S.

A comfy place to have tea and get some work done. If I lived in Cambridge, I would probably be a regular.
(4)
Emily S.

The coffee they serve here is amazing. It is pricey to take home a pound, but they clearly know what they are doing.
(4)
Kuidaore Sensei X.

Average food, abysmal service. If you need clarification, dine there.
(2)
meghann m.

Area Four seemed to want to reinvent the wheel. My husband and I went for brunch, hoping to find a good new spot in Cambridge other then the Friendly Toast to hit up on the weekend. Upon walking in, we were told by the hostess that we would have to wait a few minutes to be seated as they seated "others ahead of us outside" even though the hostess proceeded to chat with the other hostess and no one seemed to be being seated. Even though we were seated only a moment later, I found the excuse odd. We were seated at a high top communal table. Usually I don't like communal tables, as I prefer some privacy eating out, but the restaurant was rather empty so we had our space. If the restaurant had been full, the space would have been tight next to strangers (a la Bartley's Burgers). We ordered some iced lattes which were really, really rich - really creamy, little froth... Left something to be desired. I ordered the breakfast sandwich, which actually was delicious. Area Four's English muffins are homemade and a cross between a buttered English muffin and biscuit - Really tasty. The homemade sausage patties are also great. It didn't come with any sides, and would have really been nice accompanied but some fresh fruit but the available sides were sparse and mostly unhealthy -- bacon, home fries, etc. and also were rather pricey for what was being offered. My husband got the Messy Ranchero which looked like messy breakfast soup and really unappetizing. He requested scrambled eggs with the dish but was told eggs can only be done two ways, either sunny side up or frittata style. Last I checked, scrambled is about the easiest way to cook an egg, but whatever. This dish also came with no sides, and seemed unbalanced without something to sop up the soup-like consistency. Service was friendly, but unaccommodating. I wasn't overly impressed, and wouldn't rush back. Sorry Area Four, but you don't need to reinvent breakfast to make a good and interesting meal or experience.
(2)
S T.

I had the kitchen sink salad and the egg plant pizza. The pizza's crust is super thin...I'm surprised they can even sauce it/bake it that thin, type of thin! I asked if I could order half/half of a pizza, but they said only with pizza's that have the same sauce base. Geez, how hard is it to cover half a pizza with one type of sauce, and another side with another? Overall, pizza's have about two- three toppings...if you want to customize, such as add carmelized onions, that's additional $$. Pizza was good, on the salty side though. The restaurant has tall ceilings, large windows.. with a great airy feeling...the only minus is that it can get a little bit loud. Good for groups, drinks, and a casual meal.
(3)
Wendy B.

I like Area Four. It's like three different eateries all rolled into one, but not entirely. I keep telling myself I will be back to sample the cafe, but I always end up in the main restaurant for lunch or a late afternoon tea. My recent lunch mate who was eating there yesterday for the first time said it best. What is this place? So what is it? I don't know- the wine on tap, the pizza from their awesome pizza oven, the salads, light and tasty, the techno, but not skinny pants, hip feel of the place, the whole leaf tea? I can't decide, but know this, if you hang with me in Cambridge, you will be experiencing Area Four at some point in your life!
(4)
Michael K.

Unfriendly hostesses. Made me wait outside in the cold rather than giving an open table. No respect for the customer. Go to Catalyst next door. Much friendlier and better food.
(1)
Nan A.

This place is very vibrant with group business meetings and solo laptoppers. Love the minimalistic bathroom signs "W" and "M." Wish the cafÃ© area had the full lunch menu. Moderne yet warm West Coast ambiance with steel, glass and wood. The salads are artisan quality, yet a little pricy and spare.
(4)
mike y.

Parking : metered so that's kind of a pain not good for groups. a better place for leisure lunch or small group / impromptu dinner. don't like the seating setup..not very comfortable. Ate: chicken ...which was very good meatloaf burger ... was missing something ...lacked flavor i think i will have to try it one more time..and this time the pizzas cuz i think that's what they are known for. or at least their focus. but looking at the menu..nothing really entices me. We also went to the cafe part... I don't see them lasting. I've had better cafe experiences elsewhere. Setup is not so great. Ate : lemon curd cupcake / muffin ...it was okay ginger molasses cookie... was okay..tons of ginger in it.
(3)
Steph K.

The mushroom pizza was life changing. The base is a delicious mushroom-y, earthy sauce, topped with cheese and more mushrooms. It definitely gets a spot on my list of favorite pizzas ever. As for the restaurant itself, Area Four has a really cool and almost futuristic atmosphere. But lets be honest, I would eat that mushroom pizza no matter what the restaurant was like on the inside.
(5)
Yaka M.

Pretty good ambiance. Modern interior and It's quiet (at least when I went there) so it makes a good work/study place too. Can't say much about their food/drink because I just had a lemonade (which was pretty good and refreshing) and a bagel (nothing special).
(4)
Daniel F.

Excellent service, excellent ingredients, and simple menu. You will never be sad that visited Area Four. They use their wood-fired oven for many of their entrees and appetizers to great effect. The pizza is perfectly crispy. Their pita has a vague hint of hardwood smoke. The salads use local, fresh ingredients. Lastly, try the banana split. Simply outstanding.
(5)
Nick H.

One of my favorite places for coffee in the morning and certainly some of the best food in Cambridge. Coffee: They have sugar syrup which is key for iced coffee unless you enjoy choking on a gritty granulated slurry (cough cough dunkin). I don't eat much in the morning but the bakery stuff looks super tasty. The people who work the coffee are friendly and not moody which I appreciate in the morning. Dinner: Homemade pretzel nuggets fried in bacon fat with pimento cheese dip? YES SIR. Solid salads and great entrees. Portions aren't huge and the prices are about $5 per item more than I'd like to spend. Dessert: Olive oil chocolate cake is stupid good. Honey panna cotta is the best thing I've tried. Don't skip desert or you will be crowned king idiot.
(5)
J. P.

Lunch for 3. We were seated at the far end of the looong communal table - tall aluminum chairs were a bit uncomfortable. High-ceilinged, open, attractive space. Started with the garlic knots, which our pleasant, slightly brusque server upsold to a "not on the menu" version in a cast iron pan, baked over tomato sauce and under a stretchy white cloak of melted mozzarella -- good. Followed with the shaved Brussels sprouts and kale salad with toasted hazelnuts: a definite winner. Finally, we split a large clam and bacon pizza. This was a bit of a letdown: the crust was soft, pillowy and Boboli-like, and the clams had an oddly mushy texture and semi-muddy flavor. Prices on the high side for what you get. I'd go back to try some of their other pizzas, though.
(3)
Suzanne M.

Finally - awesome pizza that we don't have to travel for! Wish I had tried it sooner!
(5)
P B.

Since moving to Cambridge a few months ago, I've struggled to find that perfect, go-to restaurant. Though I've had some good meals, few have wowed me and most have depleted my bank account. Then I ate at Area Four. This is exactly the restaurant I was looking for - great food, quality ingredients, nice atmosphere, and reasonable prices. It's just pricey enough to make it a "special" meal, but affordable enough to make it a regular spot out. Two of us stopped in at Area Four on our way to a movie mid-week. It was busy, but we were able to get a table pretty quickly. The mood of the restaurant is modern-rustic. Located in one of the many Kendall Square corporate buildings, it was a pleasant mix of contemporary concrete/steel and vintage style. The menu is small, but accessible - a few appetizers, all under $10, three salads between $9 and $12.50, and a handful of pizzas, from around $12 for a small and $22 for a large, depending on the toppings. Apparently at lunch there are some sandwich options as well. We shared two small pizzas, the gorgonzola caramelized onion and pepperoni, and the garden salad with spices walnuts, golden beets, apples, and a light vinaigrette. The pizzas were perfectly cooked - crisp and chewy at the same time with a mild, sourdough flavor. The toppings were perfectly balanced, all topped with house-made mozzarella. The gorgonzola pizza especially surprised me for its balance. The salad was excellent - nothing extraordinary, but a nice side of fresh produce to balance the rich pizzas. The total bill? $36. Some of you may think that two small pizzas and a moderately-sized salad isn't enough for you, but let me say that my dining partner and I are huge eaters, and we walked away with a takeout box. The pizzas are generously sized, and a small is more than enough for each person. The dessert menu looked wonderful, but we didn't have room for another bite. I guess we'll just have to come back! One thing I really appreciated about the restaurant was the alcohol menu. There is a long list of beers, a moderately priced list of wines, and extensive list of whiskeys. A personal pet peeve is when restaurants have a full bar, but don't provide patrons lists of their alcohol offerings and prices - are you going to charge me $5 for that shot or $15? Thank you, Area Four, for listing your alcohol prices on the menu. I also appreciate the commitment to quality, local food. The restaurant lists its food sources (cliche, yes, but very helpful) on a large blackboard in the restaurant. So yeah, I'm a fan. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
R P.

Trendy pizza! If in the Kendal Square area, this place should be on the list to check out!
(4)
Heather G.

I think I'm the first dinner review, so pardon me for waxing poetic for the entire character limit. The Reader's Digest version: 3.5 stars Better for an alfresco light lunch than an actual sit-down dinner Stellar service Something for every appetite, budget, and palette The I-obviously-love-the-sound-of-my-own-voice version: Wait time: They don't accept reservations for parties fewer than 8 or 10, but I arrived at 6:00pm on a very lovely Tuesday night to see many outside tables and nearly all the inside tables empty. I got my prime choice of outdoor seating with no wait whatsoever. Atmosphere: This is enough off the beaten path that the street-noise is minimal, the foot traffic (for people watching) is ample with MIT students, and the restaurant borders a gorgeous, green quad to stare at. The inside of the restaurant has more a modern/industrial/sleek feel to it, while the outside wrought-iron-like patio tables and chairs set the mood for more casual and nondescript dining ambiance. Service: From the second I walked in to the minute I left, the service was absolutely phenomenal. For a place this reasonably-priced, they sure do offer service like a top-tier joint. Attentive, friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, apologetic for substitutions the chef had to make that day, professional. Water glasses were filled in a timely fashion, and things appeared and disappeared on the table gracefully. Drinks: The beer list is short, yet a lot of the small, local, craft favorites are present. There's not a huge selection, but a non-beer snob could find something good. They also have a reasonably-priced wine selection. Water for the table is your generic tap, but they also give you the option of sparkling or still - an interesting detail for such a casual spot. Food: The bread on the table is squishy like focaccia but tastes like sourdough. It's also served cold (not warm-bread-thats-been-cooled-a-bit-while-sitting-Âout, but actual cold bread) without spread/butter. While the bread was dense, chewy, and delicious, something to accompany it would have done wonders for it, especially at the temperature it's served. The menu is broken down into small plates, medium, large, pizza, and sides. We sampled three small plates for $15 (normally $5.50 each): Artichokes, potatoes, green olives, lemon and mint: DO NOT MISS THIS. This was the best dish of the evening, in my opinion, and was light, cold, and satisfying. It had a lemony bite to it, and the artichokes somehow had the consistency of mushrooms (chewy and firm), a sign that they were served very fresh. House-mad mozzarella with smoked tomato and spicy fennel garlic vinaigrette: the mozzarella, house-made daily, was just as you'd get anywhere - dense, chewy, mild. The smoked tomato salsa-type topping is what makes this dish flavorful and interesting. Not your grandma's caprese salad, that's for sure. I don't think i'll be dreaming about this dish like i long for the artichoke/potato dish, but it's certainly a nice, funky take on a classic. Striped bass ceviche: this was just chewy, bland chunks of bass mixed with halved cherry tomatoes (perhaps they were grape tomatoes, no matter), topped with what seemed like a cilantro-laden, watery guacamole. The dish tasted of little more than cilantro, and was overall very watery. Baked egg with bacon and leeks (a substitution from the sausage and cheddar that was listed): this was $8 and, though it was on the "medium" menu, it was the size of a small-plate. If you're a volume-eater, you may not want to shell out the extra $2.50 for this, but I will note that it is extremely rich. I was happy to have someone to share it with, because just that one little egg with some bacon and leeks and cheese really packed a whollop of creaminess. I would recommend ordering this to share, and have a few decadent, creamy bites. Wellfleet Cherry Stone Clam and Bacon white pie ($14): came out flat, thin, chewy, and hot. Though the thought of seafood pizza normally gives me pause (seafood+cheese+heat = questionable), this came out piping hot, flavorful, and not at all off-putting. In fact, as it came to the table, I got the distinct smell of ocean - not FISH, mind you, but OCEAN - the briney, salty, crispness of ocean. It was delightful and I have absolutely no idea how they did it. However, it smelled delicious, felt crispy and chewy, tasted very flavorful with its addition of chili flakes. As my dining companion so eloquently stated, this place offers a "foodie menu on a college budget". All their seafood is caught same-day by some Rhode Island fishermen (so I was told), everything is local (here's lookin' at you, Locavores), and they even have their wine on tap for waste-minimization (here's lookin' at you, Sustainability Green-Freaks). There are enough "nontraditional" nibbles to make the adventurous eaters shut their traps, and ample "safe" options for those picky-folks!
(3)
Dasha B.

Ending my Yelp hiatus to review Area Four for dinner this past Saturday night. Everyone was kind and helpful, from the hostesses, who took care to seat us comfortably to the bartender, who offered samples of the wines on tap (!), to the waiter who chatted with us about olives, to the owner to ran out into the rain to grab a cab for me. I loved the decor of this place: urban rustic, which is on trend now, but still so lovely. Empty french presses, growlers and jars cover exposed hanging light bulbs, dark wood and iron pop up throughout the split-level space, and huge chalkboard menus with good handwriting (key!) look over the main dining room. I got three small plates for $15: smoked bluefish salad with scallion (SO delicious, if you liked smoked fish!), zucchini and farro salad (with basil, I think, and a substantial dressing that was not oily -- very tasty), and marinated mushrooms with sliced almonds, peppers and a dressing (again, not oily, but very flavorful). The foccacia is as another user described: very doughy, and a little sour -- I thought it could have used more flavor. Dipping oil infused with Parmesan and herbs. My friend had the mussels, which she adored, and green and yellow bean salad. This salad had very mild olives. The small plates are small, but three were plenty for me, as we also shared the olive oil chocolate cake with creme fraiche and cookie crumble. Delicious!! Quite rich and not what I was expecting: I thought this would be more like a pound cake, but it's a lot like ganache. No olive oil flavor. Creme fraiche was very mildly tangy. Cookie crumbles were gingery. I honestly cannot wait to go back!
(5)
Denise C.

I was really looking forward to trying Area Four because it's been on my list for a while now. *Note - they do not take reservations for less than 8 people. Thankfully we got there early so no wait for us. As a local Bostonian this is the first time I've ever actually walked around Technology Square. I've drive BY it but even driving AROUND the area looking for parking I felt like I was in a totally different city (technically it is since it's Cambridge, but ya know what I mean). This is definitely where all the MIT kids work after graduation if they don't make the move to the Silicone Valley. We ordered family style because that's how we Asians roll. And here's what we got: Broccoli - the broccoli was a little too tender for my taste but the flavors in this dish were my liking Garlic Knots - this was a disappointment because I was expecting super garlicky knots. They were barely garlicke'd. I want to walk away thinking I could scare off any vampire that even tried to approach me. Sadly this wasn't the case. The marinara sauce that came with it was very fresh but a bit too tart for me. Clams - This the my second favorite dish. The flavors were perfection. It came this a hardy piece of toasted bread but I actually preferred dipping the not so garlicky knots in the sauce. Mushroom and Fontina Pizza - recommended by our waitress and it did not disappoint. This was my favorite. The crust is pillowy, soft and chewy. The main part was pretty thin, though no the thin crust crunch thin. I don't usually eat the crust but I killed it also using my crust to dip in the clam marinara. The service was great - friendly, timely food and drink delivery, always refilled water, checked in with us every so often and we never felt rushed even with a growing crowd of people waiting for seats.
(3)
Alex B.

This review is just for the coffee half of the restaurant: Whether you're getting espresso drinks or regular drip coffee, this is a great place to go. I would recommend getting the espresso drinks though. You could easily just buy the same coffee beans and brew drip coffee yourself, but unless you're willing to spend 5k+ on the espresso machine they use, you're not going to be able to replicate that amazing flavor. All their espresso drinks are one size, which is basically a "tall" at Starbucks, and come with two shots. You can get extra shots added to your drink if you need an extra jolt in the morning, however I wouldn't recommend it. Their drinks are designed for two shots and adding more throws off the balance of the coffee and the other ingredients. Just a warning to keep in mind... if you previously enjoyed going to Starbucks, this place will ruin it for you.
(5)
Miriam L.

After two visits, I can safely say that this is the kind of establishment I'd like to open had I the funds. The interior is modern-homey in steel and shiny dark wood. A large chalkboard behind the menu displays drink and food prices, and through a glass panel, you can see copious tasty, in-house baked treats. Visit one: we sampled the red velvet whoopie pie which was amazingly comforting in a "I know who made this" kind of way and - much to my delight - sans overly sweet filling. The iced green tea is fresh and, well, green, and Area Four's coffee is as good as my home-brewed, Burr-grinder, French-pressed coffee snobbishness. (Which means it's pretty wonderful.) Today, they offered samples of a Mexican sweet bread dessert with a crunchy cocoa crust. We returned for lunch and had a wonderfully made tuna salad sandwich with olive oil aioli and their daily salad - a small tub of hummus, wonderful, amazing, brilliant, sparkling etc. etc. homemade pita bread, grilled veggies and a faro, asparagus and barley salad. For me, everything needed a little salt, but that's just because I"m crazy with low blood pressure. I put salt on salt if I can. Anyway, the food was fresh, light and delicious. I am eagerly anticipating their liquor license coming into effect after peeking at the beer/wine lists. Finally! A place that offers more than one, very good $6-per-glass wine along with extremely good beers. Usually, it's one or the other and wine is jacked up to kingdom come.
(5)
Cecilia L.

This new place in Technology Square is really two places: there's a pretty serious-looking coffee shop, and then next door there's a restaurant and bar. This review is for the industrial-chic bar side, whose menu is creative enough to have a date or nice meal, but casual enough to just drop into for some drinks and snacks. Good job hitting that balance. They have a good selection of local beers and wines, pizzas, and small, medium and large plates. The small plates are $5.50 each or three for $15, so we got smoked local bluefish salad, caponata with salted pistachios, and beef tongue crostini. The bluefish was seriously one of the best appetizers ever, with creamy, salty, unctuous pieces of fish accented by sharp pickled onions. I was raving over it. The beef tongue was a rich, mushy terrine studded with capers, which resembled fancy cat food just enough to turn me off. Husband loved it so he ate both. The pistachios in the caponata worked extremely well, but it was salty and also had capers, which didn't really work for me because we had a puttanesca pizza coming next. The pizza, cooked in the restaurant's wood oven, was pretty solid. We had also ordered a salad of roasted squid and chickpeas, which was the dud of the night. It was way oversalted, and I felt the squid and chickpeas remained disparate elements rather than fusing into a cohesive salad. All of our food was really salty, and many of the dishes also make use of olives and capers. I love olives and capers, but I don't want them to be a recurring flavor through the meal, especially if someone already has a heavy hand with the salt. If they could tone it down and let the natural flavors shine more, the food here would be excellent. Except don't touch the bluefish salad - that's already perfect.
(3)
Nicole K.

Went on a casual two-girls' night out dinner here - it was a nice bustling, intimate atmosphere! Probably better as a date place rather than a friendly meal, but either way it was a good experience! While the dinner we ordered was quite good (Mushroom and Fontina Pizza!), the dessert was not worth the price we paid. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the dish (Oatmeal-Almond Crumble), but it wasn't good enough to the point that the price didn't put a damper on my tastebuds. Wonderful setting and friendly staff, but the price is a bit too much and the restaurant would probably be more well-enjoyed if you're on a date.
(3)
Jia Z.

Good pizza. The kitchen sink salad is great. Friends always love the soft serve sundaes. Growlers of beer or cider to share are great. Do not love the other dishes that are not pizza as much. Also had bad luck with some of the special daily pizzas. I go about once a week or so for lunch or dinner, always good. and also stop there for good coffee and baked goods in the mornings - a strangely delicious breakfast sandwich that they seem to make in a microwave(although I am not sure, it just appears from under the counter).
(4)
Erika G.

What is Area Four? A secret government mission? A name for Jupiter's fifth moon? Nope! Its my new favorite place to get coffee in a little neighborhood called... Area IV. (coincidence?- I think not) Most people just glaze over this area skipping straight from Kendall to Central Square- but if you walk along Main St. you will be happy to encounter this gem along the way. Stopped in today for a coffee and treat after lunch. We were immediately greeted by the amazingly friendly staff. Seriously they are SO NICE. Definitely not the- I work in a coffee shop so I'm indie and cooler than you. More like "we are a local business and we love our customers!- Come sample some treats" :D The coffee was a very smooth flavorful blend- although the small was a little too small for me- will remember to get a medium next time. Now for the hard part- choosing my dessert. I learned that all of the goodies are baked in house, twice daily- so you know everything is fresh as could be. And they all look fabulous- whoopie pies, cream cheese brownies, NUTTAH BUTTAH, I tried the cinnamon bun: a perfect balance of cinnamon sugar to soft buttery dough, with an amazing icing glaze. I heated it up a little when i got back to the office and everyone was SO JEALOUS when they smelled it. My only gripe is that the front door is really heavy.. but maybe its a good thing.. I certainly could use a little bit of a "workout" in preparation for stuffing my face with baked goods.
(5)
Amanda C.

This place is amazing. It was only open for breakfast and lunch but it is open for dinner on select days. First off, the service is really great. Our server was Carlos, M and he was so nice. He presented everything in a professional manner. I do not think my water glass ever went empty. He also did a great job describing the menu. The inside is very modern. There is just something about coming into a dinning room and seeing perfectly shinny utensils on the table. The place made me feel like it was sleek, but not imposing. There were whimsical touches in the dinning room as well. A Craftsman Tool Storage box as a waiter's station was funny and the Dry goods and Office doors made me laugh. You have to love it when a door says, "Dry goods, not the bathroom and "Office, also not the bathroom". The food was excellent and the prices were reasonable for dinner. They have pizzas, small plates and large plates. I had a little kid moment and ordered the mac and cheese. It was SO GOOD. It came out in a cast iron skillet, filled with creamy cheese, shells and topped with croissant bread crumbles. My friend got the fennel sausage and banana pepper pizza. I also judge a place by crust and the crust here is light and crispy. My other friend got the sweat pea hummus and the squid salad. The hummus was perfectly seasoned and not overpowering. The squid on her salad was cooked to the T, not chewy at all. As a frozen diary lover, this place may be heaven to me. They make their own soft serve at this place. We got the cherry tart with vanilla buttermilk soft serve on top. So flippin good! The tang from the buttermilk was toned down by the sweet vanilla. The drink list is wide and covers a variety of price points. Beers start out at around $4 and glasses of wine start out at $6. I had a FingerLakes Riesling. It was light and refreshing. Our group split of liter of it for $32. Group drinking of wine is easy here because I believe they have wines on draft. If you like whiskey, I was impressed by their list. I hope to try some of their drinks soon. I cannot wait to try the cafe portion next!
(5)
Melissa T.

This place brought with it the best news (and the best coffee) since... well I don't know when since. Possibly since Flour, although that establishment has more acclaim in the sandwich-and-sticky-bun domain. The coffee is possibly the best in the area (saving perhaps that *one* coffee shop in the area which will always remain dearest to my heart), but the best news - well there are two "best" newses. Number one: it has a bar/restaurant attached where there will be PIZZA. Number two: it is right across the street from my building. And also the conjunct: now there will be good coffee AND pizza right across the street from my building. Everyone is friendly! Free wi-fi! Plugs for your pluggables! Scones for your scone-ables! Errr... something like that :).
(5)
Mason T.

My roommates and I were all walking down the street, heading back to our apartment, when one of us noticed a new cafe where an Italian restaurant used to be. "Should we try it?" That's when we all noticed the blonde woman excitedly beckoning us inside. We couldn't say no at that point. The interior was beautiful, with a lot of natural light and plenty of interesting furnishings. They serve Barrington coffee, which is a local roaster, and had a modest selection of pastries (homemade, I believe) on display. On top of all of that, judging from the conversation I had with one of their employees, they really, really love coffee and espresso. I got an iced coffee, which was delicious, with none of the acidity or bitterness that typically accompanies an iced coffee. The roommates got a regular latte (fruity and buttery, with a very pretty bit of latte art on the froth), and a lemonade. I'm very excited to start patronizing this new cafe and trying out some of their other offerings.
(5)
John R.

the cafe: average coffee, not that tempting pastries. i have to dock them points for killing off their lunchtime sandwiches (they used to be great!). nice decor, and usually enough seating. the secret cafe: five stars for their off-the-menu breakfast sandwich. $6 for the best in cambridge (english muffin, sharp cheddar, egg, perfect sausage.) the resto: the stars are their appetizers, like the pretzel nuggets and the garlic knots -- guilty carb-heavy pleasures. the pizzas are fine, but i haven't had any killer topping combinations from them. like the cafe, i love the airy, lively, modern ambience. (also nice beer and bourbon selections, though that's de rigueur in cambridge.)
(3)
Angelos K.

The hot mess I had for brunch yesterday converted me from a skeptic to a believer. I hadn't been back for almost a year and the wonderful kick of the banana pepper relish in the hot mess blending with the smoothness of the egg yolk and the sausage/bacon/home fries reminded me of what I was missing. Yum. Coming back for dinner shortly.
(4)
Herb D.

Not a fan. High prices and small portion sizes. Maybe it's the lunch rush, but everything here felt small and informal, like it had come out of a microwave, even though I know it hadn't. Over $50 for two for lunch wasn't really awesome either. The food was good but it didn't blow my hair back. I had breakfast another day and the sandwich seemed ridiculously high @ over $5, and came out just as greasy and unappetizing as something that sat under a heat lamp at 711. The coffee is great, but I just can't see the appeal. I can't see going for a cocktail or drink, either.
(2)
Jared W.

Good food, very casual environment. Come with family or friends. The pizzas are very good as well as the garlic knots. Mid price range, but good food.
(5)
Paula A.

hip & trendy.... this is where the cool kids go for iced coffee & snacks. 3-words: nutter. butter. cookie. named for the cheap, pre-packaged version, but oh-so-much more. a smidge of salt on the outside of each perfectly crisped, yet chewy peanut butter cookie which are bonded together with fat smear of frosting. so good! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UPDATE: I've been informed that the nutter butter cookie, of which i spoke so fondly, the cookie that inspired me to walk to Area Four during 90 degree heat & humidity..... is no longer available. I think we should all have a moment of silence.
(4)
Harriet P.

My girlfriends and I headed here on a Saturday night for a fun evening out and great food. Area Four did not disappoint. We did not have a reservation so there was a bit of a wait but we enjoyed some drinks and chatted. We got seated and loved the ambience--industrial chic. Our server was terrific from start to finish--when the coke I ordered was flat she came back and apologized that their carbonation was off. About 10 minutes later, she arrived back at the table with a can of coke and a glass of ice. Someone had left and gone out to buy a coke for me and they served it free of charge. What?!? The food was outstanding. We loved the garlic knots and were crazy about the brussel sprout salad (we ordered a second). We also enjoyed the carrots which had a tasty cumin spice rub. We enjoyed 2 pizzas--Margherita and the one with carmelized onions and gorgonzola. Both were a hit with our group. For dessert, we enjoyed two--the daily special sundae and ice creams which were great and a chocolate almond thing. Overall, we were there for nearly 2 hours and enjoyed every minute. It is a great buzzing atmosphere, great service, and tasty food.
(5)
Smash F.

Mixed reviews on this one. Overall recommended for the food but be warned.... I was always frustrated that they didn't take reservations for parties of fewer than six, but now i know why! The clientele is generally a young, casual crowd that REALLY likes to linger. There would be no way for the restaurant to be able to honor reservations when the previous sitting refused to leave. When I was there recently for brunch, I waited about forty minutes to be seated and when i was finally seated I was shocked by what i saw around me. Tables of two, three, four, five and six of people just sitting there sipping tea or coffee for literally an hour. They had either finished their meal long ago, or never ordered food and they just sat there totally unconcerned with the impact that would have on other customers waiting to eat or the profitability of the restaurant! I'm not advocating for being rushed through a meal but this was bordering on ridiculous. Not to mention Area 4 has a lovely cafe in the same building for people that just want to sit with a drink and chat or read. I was also pretty disappointed that an old favorite of mine (the Carnivore pizza) had been changed with the previously delish pepperoni being replaced by a fattier, oily, salami with a very aggressive gamey/meaty taste that lingered on the pizza after i removed it. I also have to say the service seems a bit lackluster but I noticed that my waitress was covering tables at literally opposite ends of a very long room, so not necessarily her fault but still not a great experience. I want to like this place more, because when you actually get the food it is pretty good, but overall not worth the wait or experience. Take out is probably a great option. I highly recommend the "breakfast pizza" served at brunch.
(2)
sasha h.

I was sad I discovered this place right before my office moved out of cambridge so i only got to try it a few times. Good place for brunch or coffee, chill hangout spot. Their menu is limited and a bit heavy (pizza, mac & cheese, meat mains) so you have to be in the mood for that type of food. As others have suggested, stick with the pastries.
(4)
Elle J.

And just when I thought that I knew the very few places in the Boston area that make a great cappuccino, I discovered Area Four! What a way to start the day. Their cappuccino is the closest, if not as good as cappuccinos in many parts of Europe. Their pastries are excellent and not ginormous. The staff is very friendly and after a few visits already know what I want. I ate lunch at Area Four for the first time on Tuesday. I loved their menu. I had their soup of the day (mushroom), which was quite good. I also had their Shaved Brussel Sprouts, Candied Hazelnuts & Pecorino, Lemon Vinaigrette salad, which was excellent! I'm glad that they are only a ten minute walk from my work!
(4)
Charlie D.

After stopping by Area Four restaurant and having a beer and dessert at the bar a few nights ago, I finally made it back for dinner. (Note that there is a coffee shop in front which is open during the day, and a restaurant behind it which is open later.) The decor is very modern and clean looking, with a mix of metal and wood. It's got kind of a warm industrial feel to it, very appropriate for Kendall Square if you ask me. The cocktail and beer selection is very good. They definitely have some unique cocktails, and the beer list is relatively small but contains very distinctive selections with a wide range of beer styles. I had the beef tongue crustini, squid salad, and sausage and banana peppers pizza, followed by olive oil chocolate cake for dessert. Everything was very good in my opinion, not spectacular, but quite tasty. The beef tongue crustini was quite flavorful, although the bread was warm and the beef was cold, which as a bit odd since it is supposed to be a cold appetizer. The squid salad was tasty, and the flat parsley as the main green was unexpected but good. The pizza was quite flavorful. I really enjoyed that the crust was not greasy and a bit less dense than in many other places. I was debating dessert, but very glad I chose the olive oil chocolate cake. It was very dense and moist and super chocolatey. The crumbles and caramel sauce surrounding it only further enhanced the flavor. The prior time I was here I had their sundae made with home made soft serve, which that day was raspberry. I would definitely recommend the soft serve, as it was rich and creamy. Overall, Area Four is a solid choice for a meal out in Kendall Square. I would definitely go back, even if just for beer and dessert.
(4)
Samantha H.

I got a reply from Area Four arguing that they were following the laws not letting customers to sit in the outdoor area, by posting the city's regulations on "alcohol consumption" in the outdoor area. The funny part is, my husband and I didn't want to order any drink. We simply wanted to have some coffee and desert. I am not sure if desert is counted as food or not in Area Four, and I am definitely sure that regular coffee doesn't not include any alcohol. Again, the reply exactly highlights the problem of the restaurant: the service people have all the assumptions but do not really listen to the customers.
(1)
Jaimie M.

Mmmhmm! After one visit to A4, I am already thinking I need to go back. While definitely on the pricier side, everyone in my group really liked their food. The pizzas, the mac & cheese, the chicken entree, the salads. Good portions on everything as well. The dining area in the restaurant is a bit cramped, but I didn't mind the decor. The food was quick to come out, and the staff generally took good care of us. Definitely a place to try out if you're in the area!
(4)
Daniel G.

I remember I was pumped when Area 4 opened, mainly because I didn't have travel to the north end for great pizza. The pizza was fresh, creative, and the service was on point. BUT Area 4 has been slipping. I no longer taste the love in the food and the service has gone way down hill. Each time I've gone back the experience has been worse and worse. To top it off they have changed the clam and bacon pizza recipe, such a shame it was a classic. Area 4 stop cutting corners and step up your game. You're on notice.
(2)
Kaitlyn S.

Great iced coffee, am looking forward to trying food items
(4)
Amy T.

We ate lunch here on a Saturday, when the restaurant was quite busy. We didn't mind waiting for a table, but once seated, waited 15 minutes before anyone said anything to us. In the meantime, a couple seated after us had their orders taken and received their drinks. Once our waitress arrived, he demeanor made us feel like we were more of a burden than customers. After that, we honestly felt rather uncomfortable and the service did not really improve (I know this sounds paranoid, but have you ever gotten the sense that a server believes he or she has already blown the tip, so just stops trying?). The only time we felt welcome was as we were leaving and the guys working the line said they hoped we had a nice time. We both ordered pizza, I had the caramelized onion and gorgonzola and my husband had the carbonara. My pizza tasted mostly of salt. The caramelized onions were almost completely lost. My husband's pizza lacked in the egginess he was hoping for, was spotty in terms of bacon, and oddly, seemed to have more caramelized onions than mine did. Between the pizzas, a glass of wine and a beer, our check came to $50. While I have no problem spending $50 for lunch, this meal was not worth it. As an aside, this was my husband's fifth time at the restaurant (he works in the area) and his feeling was that the food (less so the service) was typical of prior visits.
(2)
Eric F.

Been here just once so far in the cafe area and I enjoyed my latte that came in a tall glass...nice change-up from the usual mug. The design's modern and minimalist, almost hipster...almost. Will update the next time I'm back to try the food!
(4)
Suz G.

This is a review for the coffee shop part of Area 4 -- I have yet to try the restaurant proper. First things first, I feel teleported to Portland, OR when I go into this place. Not that I need to compare everything to the magic that is Portland...but hey, they know how to do coffee shops right in OR. This place appears to hit the mark. Good coffee, in fine New England tradition, good iced coffee (something Oregonians don't know about), and a nice selection of good bakery items. Their bagels are very good, though not of the NYC variety, more like the Montreal or Canadian style (like a croissant). They also have nice/cheap baguette sandwiches to go for lunch (me like!). Hit it up coffee lovers: it's good!
(4)
Meredith C.

This place makes the best cafe mochas in Boston (that I've found so far, and I've tried about 30 different places.) Rich, smooth, not oversweetened, and subtle enough that you can still taste the bitterness from the espresso. I'm not a coffee snob, or even a connoisseur, but their mochas do something to me. If a Starbucks mocha is the Hershey's Signature Dark of coffee, this is that $30-a-lb stuff they keep in the pricy supermarkets next to the artisanal cheese. Their baked goods aren't bad, either. Knocking down to four stars for two reasons: the price (though for $0.50 above Starbucks and $1.00 above Dunkin's, it is totally worth it) and the amount of time it takes to get your order filled. If they reengineered the perfect coffee and cacao beans from wild seedlings via generations of artificial selection, their coffee could not taste better or take longer to prepare.
(4)
Jason A.

Good pizza with a fun and attentive staff. Simple, but interesting atmosphere.
(3)
Zak J.

Maybe the best pizza in the Boston area. Great cocktails and nice staff.
(4)
Jeff M.

So I am writing an update to comment on the bakery/coffee shop. Best coffee in the area and the baked items are made on site and do not disappoint. Muffin doughnut, how can you go wrong with that ?! Oh, and they actually make a cappuccino - when your order a cappuccino some places just give you a latte.
(5)
Steve F.

I went to Area Four and enjoyed it. The restaurant has a modern, energetic vibe that's really unusual for Boston/Cambridge. I felt like it was in Silicon Valley which I guess is appropriate for Kendall Square. I had a cocktail that was infused with perhaps a little too much rosemary but it was enjoyable. The bartender seemed to be reading a recipe which was amusing to watch. I had a mozzeralla appetizer with green olives and walnuts that I really enjoyed...I'm going to be stealing the idea for summer barbecues. The menu is dominated by pizza. There are a few nonpizza offerings which I thought seemed a little out of place. I'm not a huge pizza fan but none of the other entrees appealed to me. I think I would rather see a few pasta dishes. I ended up having pizza anyway and I enjoyed it. The individual pizza was a generous size. If I have one complaint that is, upon entering, the hostess was tied up on the phone taking a to-go order so we stood there unacknowledged. And stood there. And stood there. By the time she was off the phone, there were three parties waiting at the door. It would be my suggestion that the bar take telephone orders, or someone from the bar come over to acknowledge guests. There were three people at the bar and they didn't seem too busy. Guests should be greeted the second they come in the door. Overall, I enjoyed Area Four and I'll probably go back.
(3)
Adam F.

Loud but vibrant atmosphere. All the food I have tried here has been pretty good, but had not wowed me to the point of a higher rating. They have a friendly staff that are attentive to the customers. I haven't tried the coffee shop portion, but that area seems to get higher reviews.
(3)
Lisa J.

We actually had New Year's Eve dinner here and really enjoyed it. My husband and son got Pizza (very good) and I had a locally farmed roasted chicken which actually caused an eyeroll of happiness. The waitresses were adorable with my son and we really like the atmosphere, especially the lights, they're very cool. Would definitely go again, the only downside, it was chilly in the restaurant, those huge panes of glass keep it cold.
(4)
Alana H.

I love that I work in walking distance to this gem! Perfect fall weather aided in a wonderful lunch I had here today. I ordered the mac and cheese which while some may argue was a small portion, it was just enough cheesy goodness for me. It felt rich but not too overwhelming and the crunchy croissant bread on top was a nice touch. I also loved that it came in a little skillet so I knew it just out of the oven when it came to my table. The mac and cheese was enough for me and I didn't venture into dessert land but I will definitely do so the next time I come here (because let's be honest there will be a next time) Our server was pleasant and awesome. She didn't breathe down our necks to order and there were moments when I realized she had refilled our water without ever having noticed she was there. If ever there was a place to become a regular at this should be it. Also you'll get to schmooze with really smart technology folk.
(4)
Jolene S.

This place blows Stata and Sebastian's out of the water. I was surprised--I actually liked the chicken skin sandwich. It had great flavors (but a lot of bread:filling). I was really impressed with the service--they were polite, offered tastes/drink combinations, have NYT and Globe papers. The tables were clean. A very good place to read, study, work over good food. Great location/design too.
(3)
Jenan A.

the place is a real hidden gem. I go past it every day but never think to go there because they predominantly serve pizza I shared an Arugula salad and a veggie pizza with a friend and I can you, both were done to perfection. This was topped with apple cider "home made" ice cream - and despite not being an ice cream fan, it truly was delicious - subtle flavors of apple, creamy smooth texture - YUM
(5)
Robert A.

Three friends and I came back to Area Four for a second time. We wanted t give it a proper review. Our first time was very good, and we wanted to see if it was consistent. I am happy to say that it is. The staff are friendly and professional. The menu is constantly changing. The atmosphere is very modern and airy. They have some communal seating. Being surround by MIT your bound to engage in some real interesting conversations. Today they had a special sticky bun with pecan nuts and extra frosting. It was a great dessert to start of lunch/brunch. It could easily be cut into fours. Yes it was that big! Two friends ordered the Egg and Sausage sandwich. They were very accommodating with eliminating the sausage part for our vegetarian friend. Our other friend order a small pizza with her choice of toppings. I stuck to the brunch menu and had the French Toast. Three of us agreed that it was a great brunch/lunch. My friend with the pizza said that she just chose the wrong combination of toppings and that was her fault, not theirs. The drink and liquids menu is small, but are clearly chosen that day to correspond with the menu. We loved our second experience and we will be back. Thank you.
(4)
Ana B.

Ate here yesterday and everything was off the charts excellent. The service was great. We were undecided between the smoked swordfish pate and the grilled squid salad, so we ordered the latter and our waiter brought us a taste of the pate - both were amazing. Then we ordered the Margherita pizza made in their wood-fired oven with homemade mozzarella. It was divine - best pizza in Boston, in my humble opinion. The draft beer is all locally brewed. What a great idea! We will definitely be back to try more of this yummy pizza. Loved the atmosphere. Loved the food.
(5)
Marianne C.

Beer + Mac n Cheese = Goodness. Stopped here twice during my recent stay in Cambridge. Had two types of beer - one an Allagash? black stoudt and the other some sort of coffeehouse porter that was AMAZING. I ate at the bar, and there was an awesome, young bartender. He was friendly, but not overbearing. He was willing to try to make a Moscow Mule despite a lack of ginger beer. The second bartender made a go of it, but I wonder if the first one would have been more successful.
(4)
Jacqueline D.

Area Four is amazing. It's a great cafe in the morning. It's a great bar to go to for a couple of beers. It's the best pre-Kendall theatre dinner spot for casual dinner in the neighborhood. The beer selection is always great, the pizza is phenomenal and they have one of the only dessert menu's I'll even bother looking at in the city. The supreme garlic knots and salted caramel ice cream are must haves.
(5)
Adam B.

i am told that the Sunday menu does not accurately reflect the restaurant's ability to create meals. So i am judging it only on the Sunday menu. Everything had a lot of flavor and was fresh but nothing was amazing. The service was average. This could survive in New York, but only in midtown or union square. Overall, I don't mean to be insulting by describing it this was because I got the vibe that they do a better job every other day and this was the 4th Sunday they have ever been open but I would equate this meal to a level above Cosi. (hope that was clear)
(3)
Chris B.

Some of the most delicious garlic knots I've had. Pizza crust is perfect combination of soft, chewy and crisp. Any time you add clams and bacon on a pizza you will win.
(4)
A W.

Crazy good sticky buns!
(4)
John G.

Never been disappointed here. Great pizza, great beer, great salads. The butternut squash soup I had last time was superb (possibly a seasonal offering, but try it if you can).
(5)
Andrew M.

This place is chic without being cheesy and manages to be modern and warm / inviting at the same time. The menu has options for almost anyone though I'm a big fan of the pizza. What I really like though is that you can order beer in three different sizes -- great for when you want to try quite a few offerings without going overboard. I'd say this concept is a welcome addition to the area.
(4)
Julie R.

I've been here for dinner and brunch and both were amazing! The Margherita and Clam and Bacon pizza are awesome. As well as the biscuits and gravy and the Hot Mess. Service was great as well. No complaints...only praises
(5)
Amelia M.

A nice place with pretty good food. But, for dinner, their menu is a little sparse with not too many options.
(3)
Elise P.

Area 4 had been on my "List" of new restaurants I have been wanting to try. I had been hearing really positive things about the restaurant, that it had a pretty casual vibe, good beer selection, and good pizza-does it get much better than that? I was also in withdrawal from not having seen my good friend Jenn for a few weeks, so I asked her on a friend date to Area Four. Jenn lives in Central Square, so Kendall Square is a good midpoint place for us to meet, as I'm coming from the South End. We met at 8:00pm on Friday night. We were a bit confused about where we were supposed to enter the restaurant, as there are two different entrances on Main Street. We ended up entering through what I believe is the "main entrance", since the host stand was right there. But I'm not sure what the purpose is of that other entrance, and the restaurant may want to consider putting some sort of sign on the doors indicating which door is the official entrance. If they already have signs up my apologies, sometimes I have "blonde moments", but Jenn was confused too, which made me feel somewhat validated about the confusing nature of the entrances. We put our names in at the host stand, and were told it would be about a 20 minute wait. The place was definitely buzzing, but not annoyingly packed like some other restaurants that I frequent (ahem, Toro). Jenn and I were able to find 2 seats at the bar with ease. I was struck by the bar chairs. More specifically the size of the actual seat, which was very small. Like, maybe 12 by 12 with a very uncomfortable and small back attached. They were metal, and if I remember correctly they were red in color. These bar chairs were strikingly odd looking, and both Jenn and I looked at them with confusion as we went to sit down. Once we had a seat at the bar we had a chance to look around. The place has a cool industrial feel. The beer list was written on a chalkboard above the bar. The vibe reminded me of a bit of The Salty Pig in the South End/Back Bay. Kind of a minimalist approach (hence the minimalist bar chairs), but still sheik. Area Four is known for its beer selection, but truth be told I always feel lost when ordering beers that are not "well known" since I know so little about beer. Area Four's beer selections hail from the New England region, primarily Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, and I can definitely appreciate the emphasis on the local beer scene. We asked the bartender what he recommended for someone who likes a wheat beer, and he recommended the Slumbrew Happy Sol from MA. I LOVED this beer, as did Jenn. Soon after we ordered beers at the bar our table was ready. Once we were seated Jenn made a comment that she was not a fan of the chairs at the table. They were different than the bar chairs in that they were lower and the seat was bigger, but they were still uncomfortable metal. But they definitely fit in with the decor of the place. I suppose beauty is pain, form over function, etc. We were both hungry, and as soon as we sat down we perused the menu and started to make decisions about what we wanted to order. Jenn is a vegetarian and I definitely don't require meat in my meal for it to be satisfying. We decided to start with the "Trio of Spreads": Sweet Pea Hummus, Tzatziki, & Tahini Salata accompanied by pickles and pita bread. The Tzatziki, a greek cucumber yogurt dip, was FANTASTIC, pita bread was not required to enjoy this. It tasted like a sour cream dip only better and more awesome. When we ran out of bread I wanted to lick the mini-skillet clean (I restrained myself). I also enjoyed the Sweet Pea Hummus and the Tahini Salata, but the Tzatziki stole the show. The pita bread was also really fantastic, doughy on the inside and crispy on the outside with a nice buttery taste to it. For our main course we decided to order two different types of pizza, with the hopes that we could do halfsies with a larger pie. Unfortunately this is forbidden at Area Four, so we ended up getting two small pies: one Margherita pizza with "A4 Mozzarella, Tomato, Pecorino, & Basil", and one Mushroom & Fontina pizza with "Mushroom Sauce, Pecorino & Gremolata". I will say that Area Four turns out some gorgeous and tasty woodfired pizzas. I particularly enjoyed the Margherita pizza, but the Mushroom & Fontina was good as well. I liked this place. Good beer. Good pizza. Our bill totaled about $45 for the two of us for 2 beers, 1 appetizer, and 2 pizzas, not including tip. I would definitely recommend it to friends if we're meeting up in the Cambridge area.
(4)
K T.

One of the best coffee places in Cambridge. I go there almost everyday. They've got a stock house blend and an ever changing visitor blend. Lattes, mochas, etc. are great too. If you're a newcomer, make sure you get a member card and start racking up those coffee purchases - one free drink coupon after every 10 you buy. Only downside about the place is it can get really busy and you may have a decent wait for your drink. But it's generally worth the wait.
(4)
Olivia v.

Lunch: Ordered the 5 small plates that were most recommended by the waiter- bluefish, mozzarella, beef tongue, pea hummus and mushrooms. Perfect meal for two light appetites. Mozzarella: simplicity made hedonistic Mushrooms: ideal for those who have a love affair with sesame oil Bluefish: fresh, scalliony, delectable. Pea hummus: good, not awe-inspiring Beef tongue: ...meh, guess I'm not addicted to capers. Dessert: olive oil chocolate cake: not noticeably olivey at all, but luxuriously dense/moist and paired quite well with unsweetened creme fraiche and caramel-cookie trimmings. Drinks: Decaf latte was small but surprisingly yummy - I suspect it was actually caffeinated, but maybe they just make an outrageously good decaf :) Fresh milk was just a decent glass of milk, nothing special. Four stars for affordable and inhalable small plates.
(4)
S. M. S.

Why don't we have someplace like A4 in the South End??? Great menu, friendly service, fair price. Don't know what I was thinking to order the burger at a pizza joint (burger was 8/10, pizza looked better). I'll be back for pizza soon.
(4)
Sheila B.

Came back for brunch long overdue and awesome service.. Brought a toddler and two gal friends and we were so impressed loved the hot vegetarian mess, delicious and presentation was great, the margarita pizza with fried egg on top yum, and friend got the meatloaf burger with delicious pickles and caramelized onions so ridiculous good as was our service.. Hands down the best bean buzz in Cambridge. I love you area 4 !
(5)
Qichen Z.

Went here for dinner and ordered the macaroni and cheese. It came in an iron skillet, so that was pretty cool. Tried two different types of beers, the Slumbrew and the Jack's Abbey, both excellent. Waitress was really nice and friendly, quick and excellent service. Sat outside, the al fresco seating was nice given that there's a huge grassy expanse right next to the restaurant. Overall, a great experience. A little pricey considering their food options aren't that expansive and innovative, but you're paying for the atmosphere and not a gourmet experience. Plus, I give them kudos on a unique foodservice, combinatory concept. Definitely looking forward to coming back here to try their bakery.
(4)
Jamie M.

We liked this place so much, we went back the next day for lunch to try more salads and pizzas. We were in town for business, wanted something quick, casual, and surrounded by MIT wonks. Waiters and waitresses (a whole bunch helped out, but not overwhelming) were friendly, helpful, nonintrusive. Pizzas (especially the one with caramelized onion and gorgonzola!) were delicious, salads were generous without being gut-busting. Even the iced tea was just right. Overall a great place for lunch - I look forward to returning when I come back to Cambridge.
(4)
Katie K.

Always amazing food and brews. Great place to bring a large group (they take reservations for parties of 8 and larger).
(5)
Ginnette P.

love it! our workplace just moved near here and I love to go and get coffee, tea, pizza and the pastries! Especially monkey bread. Can't wait to try the dining room side!
(5)
Jeff W.

This place was an extremely pleasant surprise and definitely one of my favorite places in the area. On top of the food, the prices are reasonable, the staff was friendly and has a nice modern but comfortable atmosphere. We went for brunch and everything we had was amazing. Every dish that went by our table we wanted to try and will be going back frequently to taste the rest of the menu.
(5)
Caitlin R.

My favorite restaurant in Kendall Square! I go here frequently. Good beer selection, delicious garlic knots, in-house made mozzarella, and great service. Menu items change based on local ingredients availability.
(5)
Alex N.

Only have been here once, but the hawaiian pizza was really amazing. I thought the service was nice too. Also, good atmosphere.
(5)
Steve C.

Great for brunch! Just get the specialty pizza and leave the "heuvos rancheros" where you found them. The pizza they make for dinner is overpriced and really low on value (and good flavors). If I could divorce all the negative experiences I have had here from dinners and lunches and only be left with brunches, I would give it 5-stars. BUT as I cannot... it's just okay.
(3)
Celin W.

Great atmosphere for casual dining, especially since light comes through during the day. Service was also very efficient and friendly. Did not try the pizza here, so this 3.5 star rating is only for the dish "the hot mess" - which was good, but nothing too special. Two eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, very decent, quite delicious and filling, but nothing I would crave and be dying to go back for. Again, the pizza does sound good so maybe I should have gotten that instead.
(3)
Ana V.

Is it wrong of me to not love this place? I've been here twice. First time I had a margarita pizza and the other time it was a not pepperoni. It was okay...I didn't hate it. P.S. Their mint limeade is too bitter!!!
(2)
Lauren G.

I went here a few months ago for brunch on a weekend with my older brother and boyfriend. It was easy getting a table - no long ridiculous brunch lines like at some other restaurants in Cambridge (e.g. S&S, City Girl Cafe, Veggie Galaxy) and Brookline (e.g. Zaftigs). The restaurant is really light and fresh, and a feeling of nonchalance permeates the place. No stuck up, hurried waiters, just real men and women who make you feel comfortable and allow you to enjoy brunch in peace. The coffee was superb and the cream was fresh. Both men got the famous hot mess (served in individual pans), which they were pleased with. The hot mess was a fine size, but not too big that it made them feel like a mess. I ordered the "kitchen sink" salad, a surprising choice for me as I usually go more for omelettes, pancakes, and other yummy only-for-brunch treats. However, I was not disappointed with a typical salad, but was surprised and satisfied with a large bowl of various colored lettuces, cheeses, chickpeas, and more, all covered with a light, zesty, lemony dressing. A4 is no bargain basement (if you are looking for both quality and affordability try the Brookline Diner in Central Square), but the prices were certainly nothing above what one pays at most other area establishments. Now I must go back to try their pizza!
(4)
Jen M.

We were looking forward to trying this place tonight. The manager would not let our kids sit at the table closest to the door because it was in the bar area, although not connected to the bar at all. The thing is, there was a kid sitting at the table right next to it! The manager said that it was ok because she was "significantly" older than our kids. She might have been 12, ours are 7 & 8- my 8 yr old was reading a book while waiting. A policy is a policy. If you aren't going to follow it, you are discriminating against us. It's a real shame. We will follow up with a call to the general manager too.
(1)
Meg C.

Came here on a Thursday with one other person.The food is excellent but the service is a little spotty. It was crowded and we were told it would be a 20-30 minute wait. No problem. We went to the bar and grabbed a couple of drinks. About 5 minutes later the hostess told us our table was ready. We proceeded to stand at the hostess stand for 5 minutes being totally ignored by her until we asked if she actually had a table for us. Once we sat down we waited another 5-10 minutes for a menu to appear and another 10 minutes before the waitress came to take any type of order. The food is excellent. We ordered the meatballs which were amazing. They had a different taste and texture than the typical italian meatballs, not really sure how to describe it. It tasted as if they used short rib for the bulk of the meat. Highly recommend if they have it on the menu. The garlic knots were also delicious. Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, which the perfect amount of garlic and oil. We ordered a the "not pepperoni" pizza and it was delicious with a perfect crust. The cheese was perfectly metled and tasted fresh. And the Sopressata was a nice change from typical pepperoni. Area Four is a great place for pizza. While the service isn't great they make up for it in really delicious food.
(4)
Anuj V.

I was hesitant at first to go here because of the very small menu. The prices seemed high for what they were offering but upon arrival both of those qualms were nullified. The ambiance is great and the place is best suited for small to medium sized groups. The service is good and the food comes out fast. I shared two pizzas with a group of 6 and that was just enough food. We also ordered the garlic knots which were probably my favorite part of the meal. I would say that this place offers good food but I would not return for the pizza. At $23 the pizza was not worth it. Check it out but don't expect to want to return again and again!
(4)
Cristina R.

Cool space for a cold, craft beer and crispy, crave-able pizza in Kendall. There was a 20 minute wait for a table for 2 on Thursday night. But no worries, we can drink while we wait! Scanning the variety of craft beer names on the chalkboard behind the bar, we're intrigued by a few but don't know what they taste like. No worries, you can ask for a sample! The stout didn't taste like much, but the wheat ale was delish. 2 please. Once seated, the waitress went over the specials, and we peruse the menu. Every single thing sounds appetizing (and I don't think it was just the hunger talking). We opt to share the Kitchen Sink salad and a small pizza. The clam & bacon or the sausage & banana pepper? We ask for the waitress's expert opinion. "They're both really good. Just different." Not very helpful. "The sausage and pepper does have a little kick to it." Great! We feel like getting kicked tonight. That one, please. The salad comes out first, and as its name suggests, it contains everything you would want to put on a salad (veggies, cheese, meat). The boring leaf to tasty topping ratio was on point while still feeling fresh. The pizza arrives a bit later, and was a great size for the 2 of us since we each got 3 slices. This place prides itself on its fermented, sourdough crust, and I can't blame them. The dough adds a special sour element which blends amazingly with the charred tones and toppings. The mozzarella blanketing the crust was freshly fallen snow, the tiny chunks of sausage and rings of pepper happy skiers, and the flecks of basil aromatic evergreen trees on Mt. Delicious.
(4)
Jillian R.

I've only come here for brunch on a Sunday, but OH BOY, am I hooked. I always order the biscuits and gravy, and for $5 I wouldn't order anyhting else. They are delicious and creamy and 100% worth waiting for a table for 45 lines. A friend ordered one of the skillet egg dishes, also incredibly delicious. I think it was a special but the breakfast pizza, OOOWEEE. Delish!!! I also went to the little cafe attatched and ordered a chai latte, absolutely delicious. The servers are great, but since the place is packed, can sometimes forget about you for a little bit. But like I said, totally worth it.
(4)
Andrew R.

Really, really good toppings. More on that later. The crust is good for about two bites, then it loses its crunch more or less. The sourdough taste is subtle and is very nice while it lasts. It fades from the taste buds before a second slice is started upon. Picco has a better overall crust. What Area Four excels at are the toppings. Phenomenal toppings on both the Mushroom & Fontina and the Caramelized Onion & Gorgonzola. These are so rich and every bite is a flavor explosion. The downside is the crust is all but lost, and you may wonder, "Why does it exist?" I just want to eat bowls of the toppings, going back and forth between the two until my stomach hurts. FYI, even if you drink tons of water before, during, and after your meal, you'll still be thirsty; there must be a crazy amount of sodium in those pizzas. Prices are more or less the same as other upscale pizza joints, though the size might be slightly smaller.
(4)
Steve L.

Cool space - very sheik and streamlined. Average beer list; was referred to this place to try the beers. Didn't really find anything super outrageous or unique, but enjoyed the place.
(4)
Sarah-Mei E.

I was running an errand in Technology Square and noticed the sign for Area Four. I've never been, and was curious to how it was, so I completed my errand and headed right back to Area Four! The cafe was packed! It has long community tables, and some bar seating by the windows.LOTS of people doing work, talking about work, collaborating, etc., etc. I ordered a cortado (a coffee enthusiast friend had long recommended I try one since I like lattes) and found a spot by the window. My impression? Definitely enjoyed the cortado and the cafe seems like a great spot to meet friends/coworkers and have a chat (just make sure you can get a seat!)
(4)
MJ A.

Came for the pizza but ended up ordering a salad. Fortunately, these guys do their salads right. The salad special for the day was a finely chopped brussel sprouts and kale concoction that I ordered with two eggs which made all the difference to the dish. Extremely tasty and light.
(4)
Melissa L.

Clam and bacon pizza, so good! We need to bring this back to the Midwest. It was a delicious balance between salty, briny, and bacony. The Hawaiian was nice in a bland sort of way. I would not get that one again. Cute space with a lot of light. It was kind of homey and modern, in a hipster sort of way without being too obnoxious. I also appreciated all the signs indicating all the doors that weren't the bathroom, and whether we were getting closer to the bathrooms. It got pretty busy by the time we finished but they let us finish out our card game, which was decent of them. I'd definitely hit this place up again the next time I'm in Cambridge.
(5)
Steve L.

A bit expensive, but really succeeds on the pizza front. Hit Area Four with a large group of friends, and proceeded to order everything off the pizza menu. Good call! While toppings were certainly high points - particularly the clam/bacon, spinach/egg, blue cheese/onion varieties - pizzas succeeded due to a killer crust. Flour, water, salt, and a sourdough starter is all that's advertised; the stretchy, chewy, crunchy, flavorful product serves as proof of concept. Certainly wouldn't want to throw away any crusts here! Environment was certainly hyper-hipster, with a geeky twist. Imagine a Williamsburg pizza joint, if it were located in the front lawn of Novartis (which Area Four is). Beer menu was above average, but certainly no Meadhall in terms of pure variety.
(4)
Noa C.

I've been here multiple times and am always very happy with the food (sometimes with the service). I have gotten their pizza and it's lovely! Perfectly crispy crust, melted cheese, sauce that isn't too sweet and the right combination and amount of toppings. I also had their sticky bun of the day - almond joy: with chocolate-coconut center and an almond joy icing - YUM, though it could have been warmer, especially in the center. They have very limited cocktails for brunch, but the beer list is always rather impressive.
(4)
Jake F.

This is strictly a brunch review. Disclaimer that I wasn't particularly hungry when I came in so I didn't get to sample as much as I would have liked. Area four has a really nice feel to the inside. The woodburning ovens make it seem very cozy in the winter. The rest of the interior is fairly modern with a lot of fun signs and facts on the walls to look at. Hipsterish music playing but not at an unreasonable volume. Great place for a date. I got their version of juevos rancheros which came in a neat little cast iron skillet. The eggs sat on a bed of black beans, cheese and a hybrid smokey salsa/tomato sauce. Surprisingly filling. Pizza looked amazing so I will be back to try that.
(4)
L B.

Let me preface this review by stating that it is based on the reputation of this place on Yelp and within the general Boston area restaurant community. I was very underwhelmed by the food here because it was so hyped. We started with the garlic knots and meatballs for the whole table. While the knots were tasty, I felt as though they could have been baked just a bit longer for an additional crusty texture. The positive was that the roasted garlic really improved the overall taste of this dish. The meatballs were just meh! Once again, I think they could have stayed in the oven a bit more because the texture was way too mushy for me. Maybe they were rushing the cook time to get items to the table since it was a Saturday night dinner crowd. With respect to the pizza, I was expecting a pretty good pie, but I was disappointed by the offerings. We ordered a large Margherita and a small Sausage with Banana peppers. The sausage was a bit grisly at times, but if there had been more of it on my pizza maybe I wouldn't have noticed it as much. The distribution of cheese on the pizza was also not done well. There were areas that had big globs of mozzarella and others that were almost bald. Furthermore, my complaint that the appetizers were not cooked long enough is not applicable to the pizza! The outer crust was a little to charred, which caused us to discard much of it. The only thing that was really positive about the experience is that our wait was not long (10 minutes at most) because we went over the Memorial Day weekend and the crowd was relatively light. I would have been mad if I had to wait for this disappointing dining experience. I should also add that the service was good as well. Hostess and wait staff were very friendly and attentive. If this is considered some of the best pizza in Boston, then I will have to go to NYC or New Haven, CT for my pizza fix.
(2)
Kim K.

Pleasantly surprised by this place! The service was good, food was delicious, and ambiance was really cool. The only down side was the price - $8 for a cup of soup is insane and $20 for an individual sized pizza is ridiculous. Wouldn't rush back but I'm glad to know this place exists in the abyss that is Kendall.
(3)
Michelle C.

Walking up to this place, I was smelling something so deliciously garlic....I had to try the garlic knots + supreme (cheese and marinara). They were loaded with cheese and it was very filling. I think next time I'll get the plain ones with marinara on the side. The weather was nice so we sat outside and our waiter was attentive and friendly. I was so stuffed from the knots that I only had one piece of my yummy mushroom pizza. Their brunch sounds/looks yummy, will have to come back to give it a try!
(3)
Dave M.

The menu, staff, recipes and concept are excellent BUT this is great if you like eating ashes. The pizza crust came out all burnt to the point that they were literally ashes. It wasn't just my pizza. Everyone else around me had the same thing. Why have excellent ingredients when you can't eat it? I've heard so many good reviews about this place, but it's the last time I'm eating here. It's not worth the effort to come here.
(1)
Niv B.

Came here with a group of 6 and we ordered garlic knots (AMAZING) and two pizzas! The pizzas were delicious, especially the mushroom one, but definitely not worth $23. Overall, the place has a great ambience but a limited menu. The staff seemed friendly! Definitely worth checking out but not sure if I would be willing to pay that much for pizza.
(4)
Dan E.

The pizza is good, which is the only reason it avoided a 1-star rating... yes, the service was that bad. The seating is awkward, the salads inedible. Decent beer selection.
(2)
Rebecca S.

Definitely my favorite pizza place in Cambridge! Coming from Chicago, I am always wary of pizza establishments (deep dish and thin crust alike!). Area Four though has never disappointed. The pizza is just so so good. The garlic knots are delicious too! + the pricing and ambiance are on point. I come here quite often with locals and anyone who comes to visit and we all love it!
(5)
Catherine V.

Best oven pizza in Boston/cambridge. The place is cozy and the staff super friendly. It has a small bar in the waiting area. We absolutely loved the sausage and banana peppers. Also, the mushroom and fontina was fantastic. I'm a pizza lover so I'm very happy I found this place.
(5)
Cyrielle D.

Our first dinner in Boston. Such a good choice :) if you want a pizza, that's for sure the place ! Not the cheapest one but maybe the best one.
(4)
Meg K.

I love A4 Cafe with my heart and soul! Everyone who works here is super friendly. The coffee is great. Their specialty stuff is also really good. And I love the pastries.. especially the chocolate ganache peanut butter thing, J Bar, and the chocolate macadamia cookie. And the bagels! The bagels. Yes yes yes, especially the pecorino one :D
(5)
Tooraj H.

Best pizza around Kendall square. Classy ambiance and friendly staff. Highly recommend its kitchen sink salad and margarita pizza.
(5)
Annie S.

I've heard that Area IV is one of the best restaurants in Boston- in fact the 2014 best restaurant list recently came out and this is on it. So that said, I was expecting some sort of epic meal. Didn't quite deliver. The pizzas are definitely tasty, but they lacked that wow factor. The sausage & banana pepper pizza was particularly disappointing, the cheese was not super melted on, it was just sort of sitting there on the crust. But speaking of the crust, it was really delicious. debatably the best part of the pizzas... I probably wouldn't come back for dinner but I do hear great things about brunch as well so I can't rule that out until I've tried out
(3)
Francesco R.

We went there last night with a group of friends. As Italian I am pretty picky when it comes to pizza but this was surprisingly good. We had the garlic bread, which was pretty good then we shared 2 large pizzas: mushrooms and fontina, which was abs my favorite and a margherita with soppressata, which did not enthused me much. I mean, the dough was in both pizzas pretty good but the soppressata tasted a tad weirdly. We finished with 2 wood Apple crisp, which were ok. I'd have put some vanilla ice cream instead of the whipped cream but all in all a decent dessert. Great service very friendly and warming with a good sense of humor!
(4)
S.B. B.

Definitely agree with President Obama...amazing pizza! Really creative, fresh and tasty. Place was packed on a Wednesday night!
(4)
Si S.

Their pizza is pretty good, although the crust was a little too burned for my taste. I really like the ambiance, lots of open space and it had a nice feel. What really impressed me was their beer/cider selection. Lots of local brews that all looked great.
(4)
Ray C.

Don't get me wrong, the coffee was delicious. I ordered a cappuccino, and I'm usually a coffee snob, and this was above and beyond, and you even got to choose your beans. The environment was much better and less pretentious than Voltage, and you got served much faster Why the two stars? The service ruined the whole experience. I know it's cool and hip to wear an UNH shirt and have one word answers and act like you don't care and frown like this isn't cool; but when you're the barista and I'm a paying customer, not so much. I know this is Cambridge and I'm not hipster enough for it, but #SorryImNotSorry.
(2)
A. D.

It's ok, just ok. Very expensive.
(3)
Sarah W.

How YUMMY! We went for brunch. It started with a special almond joy breakfast bun. Decadence on a plate. Two of us got coffee, one got a beautiful nice tea, and I got a delicious whole milk steamer with honey -- perfection! The brioche french toast bread pudding felt more like french toast than bread pudding, but it was still tasty. The hot mess was AMAZING. The brussels sprouts salad was... phenomenal. I love salad, and I loved this. The service was excellent as well. A fantastic brunch place and I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Britt S.

I get that people have gripes about this place. I can see why and I don't care. I still love it here in spite of these complaints. Sometimes, when it's really busy, the service can be slow. Welcome to any good restaurant ever in an urban setting. Sure, maybe it is trying too hard to be too many different things - cafe, pizza, "high class"but casual, and so on. It's a coffee shop and restaurant and bar in one. Call me an optimist; I'll continue to consider it a triple threat. It's Cambridge and that means there will always be a few voices making thinly-veiled hipster cracks by saying the bartender was acting "too cool" or intentionally inattentive. I've had slow, average service sitting at the bar at Area Four. I've also had lots of great chats with many great bartenders here. Sometimes the world just picks up what we put down. Everyone has bad days. Patience is a part of going out at peak hours. It will cost you a bit. I say again, it's Cambridge. You can expect this most everywhere from Harvard to Kendall and there are far more mediocre places around the area charging similar prices. Aside from all that, here's what is worth knowing...this is the best Bloody Mary in Boston. No contest. I no longer live in Cambridge and still regularly long for it on weekend afternoons. My partner tries to get one every time we go - even if we go on a Friday night. It's that good. The fact that you can choose between a basket of goodies and pizza whilst sipping your Bloody Mary just makes this place infinitely more awesome in my book. I'm a big fan no matter the hits, misses, or moments in between.
(5)
Cliff H.

Steel. Stone. Delicious. Stopped here for brunch a while back and walked away 4 star impressed. Neat cafe area off the restaurant. Steel clean lines. Friendly service. A good stop for brunch.
(4)
Julia C.

Area Four is my favorite pizza place in the Boston area! I love the chewy, thin sourdough (made with 15 years old starter!) crust. I generally find the crust edges on pizzas to be dry and gross, but I'll polish off every bite when I'm here. I also love that they make their own mozzarella in-house, and that the ingredients are locally sourced as much as possible. My favorite pizza is the clam and bacon -- every friend I've brought here voiced suspicion when I recommend it, but once they've had a bite, they love it. Some other favorite pizzas are sausage + banana peppers, sopressata, and the gorgonzola + caramelized onions. Unfortunately their pizza doesn't reheat very well, which is fine, because there rarely are any leftovers to take home anyways :-) The cocktails here are fantastic, and the cocktail lists are updated seasonally. My current favorite is Doctor Robert's Fix (with Citadelle gin, mmmmmm) and the Frost Biter (with a medieval fruit syrup called shrub). They also have a great beer list, making it super hard to pick a drink whenever I visit. It's a bit more spendy than two dollar signs (most pizzas start close to $20 for a small), but the food is absolutely worth every penny. They are usually full for dinner on weekdays and weekends, but I haven't waited more than 15-20 minutes or so. UPDATED: They're not affiliated with Ward 8. Sorry about the misinformation!
(5)
Ari P.

My first encounter at Area IV was a farewell party for one of my favorite co-workers. Despite the somewhat poignant occasion, the venue was great and the food was also pretty tops. I went with Mainerweiss, and the bartender even let me have a taste before buying. It was a strange one, but I did have full disclosure before taking the glass. As for the food, I decided to have the supreme garlic knots, which were, by all accounts incredibly heavy and delicious. Perhaps a tad heavy on the salt but it is bar food after all. Fun place, the outside square is pretty sterile, but the interiors are great with wood accents and metal chairs. The bartenders are pretty easy on the eye as well ;)
(4)
The K.

It's a little hit or miss at Area Four unfortunately. They've got a good thing going - the coffee-bar-pizza restaurant for the Kendall Sq crowd. The food and coffee are reasonably good if not nearing the most expensive pizzas in the Boston area. But on a recent stop-in, it became clear that not everything operates in the way it should and that service/charm could be improved. Sidling up to the bar sometime after 3pm, we were disappointed when told that there was no food being served until dinner. The server, prompted by one of our incredulous members, proceeded on a rather ridiculous soliloquy about how this was a "high-class" place which as she spoke made less and less sense, since high-class and pizza aren't two concepts that you immediately put together. Then at the end of this rambling, she said she would find out from the kitchen if it was "possible" to make garlic knots, which of course immediately conjures up "high-class." Seriously - just consider a bar menu and when customers seem disappointed by a lack of food, it's only because they want to spend money and eat at your establishment - please avoid defensive speeches. My enthusiasm for stepping back into Area Four fell significantly that day and what with the prices of high-class pizza getting close to 30 bucks these days, it's an easier decision. My hope is that given all of the success they are having they could find the motivation to address some of these deficiencies.
(2)
sherrie s.

Every Pizza is burnt, ordered salad: $12 one string bean + a dozen of small leave, totally not worth it. The pork rib plate only has 3 small pieces. The pizza sauce is supermarket canned kind, so salty, not original. Very disappointed, so does our neighbor customers.
(1)
Jon S.

I've had better pizza. And definitely better salad. Was it terrible? No, but there are better and cheaper pizza places around. We split the Kitchen Sink (or something like that) salad and a large Hawaiian pizza. The two of us were concerned that we would have too much food, but we both ended up leaving a little hungry. The Kitchen Sink salad just looked sad on the plate. I know it contains some fancy toppings, but it legitimately looked like it came out of some hospital cafeteria. The Hawaiian pizza wasn't bad. The quality of the toppings were far better than the typical fare of Domino's or Papa John's, and the pizza was covered in cilantro (major plus in my book). But the crust was a little too thin, and the center of the pizza was a little soggy. Bottom line: avoid the salad. It's mediocre and terribly overpriced. The pizza's are okay, but don't expect to leave full, and definitely not stuffed. Come if you must, but it's not on the top of my list.
(3)
Tiana C.

My new favorite restaurant. This place is my kind of atmosphere. I need to venture to Cambridge more often for eats I think. I didn't know A4 was famous for their pizza and I went around 11 AM. I had the Kitchen Sink salad half portion and the Mac and Cheese. Best Mac and cheese I've had in Boston at a restaurant. Somehow very light and very delicious. The salad is also probably the best restaurant salad I've had. It literally had everything in it making it awesome. I will definitely go again and get pizza. They really make everything homemade and it shows. Plus, as a Pacific Northwesterner, the craft beer selection was a huge plus. I recommend this place!
(5)
Gabriella R.

Wanted to like this place. Great vibes, music, staff. The Hawaiian pizza was average tastiness which was disappointing considering the $26 price and how hungry I was. We also had the trio dip, which was nothing to write home about, but was devoured considering the hungriness level. After a $70 tab which consisted will of two drinks, an appetizer and a shared large pizza, I was upset we hadn't spent our money somewhere else.
(3)
Chloe B.

I was here with three friends a couple of weeks ago and can't believe I've managed to wait so long to come here. Two of the fours of us are what I would call seasoned Area Four experts so they knew just what to order. We had the garlic knots, the mac 'n cheese (plus bacon) and a Margherita pizza as well as the one with caramelized onions. Those items plus a couple of good beers made for a great, reasonably priced dinner in Kendall. I'll be back to try out the brunch in the next few weeks, and I hope this perpetual MIT favorite is just as good then as for dinner!
(4)
Liliana C.

Been here many times now. The pizza is awesome, but that's something you'll find out right off the bat if you come here. A more well kept secret: their banana split is the shit.
(5)
Angela D.

At around $15/person, this is a splurge for students, but if you're up for it, it's well worth it! When you enter, the vibe is hip and cool, everything you'd expect in the Cambridge student-centric neighborhood. Be warned, you have to be in the right mood if Area Four is going to satiate your hunger. This is not a "I'm-so-hungry, let's get pizza" kind of pizza. It's more of a "Are you hungry? I could eat" kind of pizza. The large will feed a party of two with average appetites. Regardless, the delightfully crispy thin crust topped with fresh, delicious ingredients is a party in your mouth. I have yet to try the beer/liquor here, but it seems like they have a decent selection. Would I return? Absolutely. On a college budget though, it probably will be later than I hope.
(4)
Erik S.

Been here 4-5 times. The wood fired pizza is excellent. The dough is exceptional. We shared the caramelized onion/Gorgonzola pizza, the sausage/banana pepper pizza and a special (pesto/goat cheese) pizza. Pick any pizza. You can't go wrong. We also had the garlic knots (supreme - adds sauce and cheese). The knots are more like small biscuits rather than what I usually expect as for knots. They are also delicious. There is always a great selection of beers on tap. The only negatives are: 1) Ambiance - lively crowds and hard surfaces (glass, concrete, steel and aluminum) make this a really LOUD space. It's not ideal for quiet conversation. 2) The menu is actually kind of limited. It's pretty much all about the pizza. The garlic knots are basically a deconstructed pizza. There are a couple salads but, a bunch of non-pizza-like apps would go a long way toward broadening the selection.
(4)
Joanna F.

The hubby and I came in on a Friday night around 5:30 pm before seeing a movie. We were seated immediately in the back of the restaurant by a window. Love the sleek upscale atmosphere. Our waiter was prompt and helpful. We ordered a brussels sprouts salad and a pizza to split. Both were great. The brussels sprouts salad was amazing (kale, brussels sprouts, parm, hazelnuts, with a great lemoney dressing). I could have eaten five of those salads on my own. We went for the caramelized onion and gorgonzola pizza which was definitely good but REALLY overwhelmingly gorgonzola heavy. I love gorgonzola so it was a huge issue for me, but I could see how it would be. The sauce also appeared to be simply caramelized onions. I would probably try out a red sauce next time. Either way good food, good service, good drink selection. I would come back for sure!
(4)
JF S.

I continue to love the food here. And I always say please and thank you because I'm just that kind of person, but JFC would it kill the broads that work in the cafe weekday mornings to crack a smile and be nice to the customer? Sheesh.
(4)
Frederick S.

Drove to Union Square to get two pizzas, a Fennel Sausage/Pepper and a Margarita pie. Pizza are not huge, but what is lacking in quantity is definitely made up for with the quality of the ingredients. There is a lot of crust which I though could of been used for more ingredients, but the crust was some of the softest and tastiest with the bottom having some small oven cooked black marks on the bottom. Delicious! Want to go back and eat it at the restaurant while it is piping hot, with a draft craft brew. Yeah baby!
(4)
John B.

It's good. But not THAT good. The service, ingredients, and drinks are good. But it's not as nice as it makes itself out to be. I had the garlic knots (ok) and not pepperoni: again it was good but not great. My problem is this place is all about image. The service was really fast, we had drinks and app and a pizza in about 30 min. They might have rushed us out because we didn't have a reservation, ooooo even though there were plenty of seats. Basically Emma's is much much better.
(3)
Tim D.

3.5, really. I liked this place when it opened--the pizza was just a step down from Posto (that's a compliment), but it was cheaper and the wait wasn't as bad. Well, now it's just as expensive and the wait can be equally atrocious. I still enjoy going there, but it's not my go-to pizza place anymore.
(3)
Patricia G.

I fell in love with their pizza the first time I went there. I had the "Not Pepperoni" and it was amazing. However, the second time I ordered the onion/Gorgonzola pie and could barely get through the first slice. It was incredibly salty (likely because of the nature of Gorgonzola cheese) and the flavors did not balance each other out. So long story short, their pizza rocks but don't get that one. Maybe pull an Obama, and get the mushroom-fontina :).
(4)
Emily R.

This place was awesome! Went there on New Years Day with some friends. Little bit hard to find, but once we got there we loved it! The atmosphere is fun and eclectic, the service was wonderful, and the food was great! Clearly I have nothing but good things to say, highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun brunch in the Cambridge area.
(5)
Andrew C.

Been coming here since it opened. The menu continues to evolve and the prices are reasonable for this area. Great beer selection and not bad cocktails. This is a great place to go during any time of day. (as long as their opened of course) Very chill place, not too big, but can accommodate fairly large groups.
(4)
Wayne L.

Saw this on food network's best pizza show for the carnivore pizza and it was awesome. Started out with garlic knots supreme style let me describe, they take marinara sauce, fill the bottom of the skillet, add garlic knots, cover in cheese melt and add basil, a dish full of greatness I want more right now. Wait can be long and they do take reservations. Also they bring food as it is done so if you want an app order it first with your drinks before ordering your food. Will return whenever I am in Boston.
(5)
TinoX T.

Good food,good Mood,
(3)
Ramzy K.

Located in the up-and-coming Kendall Square/MIT district, Area Four effortlessly embodies the best of this locale: a young, professional atmosphere gives way to a hoppin' bar scene, a creative menu, and fresh food, all served by cool, student-aged staff. A4's dishes are mouthwatering, whether it's the baked and juicy chicken or pulled-pork style, grass-fed meatballs. Most of the dishes are app-sized and great for sharing, tapas-style. The main attraction, though, is the pizza, which is thin crust and freshly topped with original combos, like caramelized onions and Gorgonzola. The bar and the atmosphere complement the food well. The beer selection is great, and the seasonal cocktails are unconventional and refreshingly tasty. The customers are enjoying their time, making the mood vibrant and comfortable. A few gripes are worth mentioning. The staff may be, at times, too young and inexperienced, leading to occasionally poor service. Also, the menu is a little limited; returning customers might find it hard to branch out. Yet these smaller issues are largely overshadowed by the simple fact that A4 is a great restaurant. The mood is not too fancy, and not too casual. The prices are not cheap, but not too expensive. The place is not too small, but not too big. The flavors are not too bland, but not too rich. Perhaps this is A4's best quality: it's just right.
(4)
Danielle W.

Stopped in for lunch while in the area and was pleasantly surprised! The waiter was very knowledgeable about the beer selection and describing their local brews. I tried the gyro, and it was absolutely amazing! The flavors melded together perfectly. I highly recommend this eatery for anyone in the MIT area.
(5)
Amanda G.

The pizza at Area Four is something to write home about. Damn, so good. The flavor profiles of these pies are innovative. Happy I ignored the cognitive dissonance brought on by the idea of combining bacon and clams because that pizza is something special. More please! Also tried the homemade sausage and banana pepper pizza which also delights taste buds. I'm in Boston three more nights and it will be hard not to revisit Area Four each one of these. Wish we had one in Chicago, which has not been the same since Great Lake closed up shop. PS: Lovely local beer selection too!
(5)
Kristin G.

Relish pizza. Best that I have found so far in Boston!
(5)
Zoe P.

We waited for an hour with no service. The servers had no hustle. If you're going to have a busy brunch service, learn how to manage the crowd.
(1)
Sebastian N.

This is my favorite pizza in Boston. Simplicity done well. Their crust is amazing. Any of the pizza combos are killer. Plus, they make their own Mozzarella, how crazy is that! The pork ribs are dynamite, and the banana split is amazing.
(5)
Cassie S.

Area Four was our go-to in Kendall when I lived there for about a year. Interesting menu items (kitchen sink salad and Hawaiian pizza were my faves) and great drinks Bantam cider!) A fun atmosphere and the wait isn't usually too long. Their brunch is really good too!
(4)
Eilif M.

Great food, fresh ingredients, fantastic service. I don't come to Cambridge a lot but I'd come back for this place.
(5)
Brynn S.

BRUNCH REVIEW Most of my Sunday mornings start off contemplating where to eat. Relying on Yelp, per usual, I searched brunch within a 20 mile radius. Area Four looked promising, so across the bridge I went... I made the right call! Local farm eggs and the BEST BACON I've ever had. Great housemade Bloody Maria by a professional modern bartender. Solid Margherita pizza too. It's popular (for good reason) so I'd recommend making a reservation, but we got a seat at the bar right away. I'll definitely be back for the buttermilk biscuits...
(5)
Gina M.

The fifth star arrived a long time ago. Area Four actually did step up their wine program, which is great. Service and food continue to be outstanding and consistent. My favorite restaurant in the area for the past couple of years (well, favorite place where i can afford to go often!). Please bring the food truck back! I cannot accept that it is on "sabbatical" in TN this summer. No no no no.
(5)
Patti K.

Visited for the first time today for lunch; was somewhat busy, as expected it would be. As I'd already read, it was pricy, but overall it was great. We didn't have to wait long to be seated, and we got a nice "patio" table in the shade (great for people watching.) Our server was warm, attentive and apologized for the slowness of the kitchen (not a big deal). Too often of late it seems servers just brush off slow food, but this time we were pleased that the wait time was acknowledged so genuinely. My salad, though delicious, was not worth $12, although the peppered hazelnuts were a refreshing addition. The shaved mushrooms were a nice, eatable touch. Our Martguerita pizza had unbelievably elastic mozzarella, a real treat, though $13 for the small was overpriced. It seems all the pizza crusts are intentionally served with burnt spots which is puzzling; though it was tender and tasty. Overall, a good visit, but only for an occasional "treat."
(3)
Jorge R.

Awful service! The hostess didn't have control on the waitlist at all. Not even an apology.
(2)
Itay M.

A bit overpriced
(4)
Katie C.

My boyfriend and I went to Area Four for brunch yesterday and it did not disappoint. The decor is fairly modern and simple with both a bar and coffee shop when you walk in with the seating area towards the back. We had great bloody marys the hot mess, ranchero mess and the "not peperoni" pizza. I can't say enough good things about the flavorful delicious food, friendly service and great laid-back atmosphere.
(5)
Debra Z.

Seriously amazing Southwest flavors in the Hot Mess and breakfast pizza!!! I've spent lots of time in the southwest and typically disappointed with New England attempts to replicate the flavorings. Area Four hits a home run! Make sure to get a reservation because this place is packed during brunch, and rightfully so.
(5)
Kushal M.

Came here for brunch. It's a really nice place with really good food. The portion sizes are also normal - not as big as they seem on the menu. Definitely try: The Hot Mess - for brunch. Orange juice - freshly squeezed with pulp :)
(4)
David C.

Brunch Review! Although I didn't get to try any of the raved about dishes that led Boston Magazine to proclaim Area Four one of Boston's 50 Best Restaurants, I still rather enjoyed my meal there. Unless you're in the mood for pizza, Area Four's menu is quite limited as far as brunch options go. I opted to get a nice fall salad with arugula, candied pumpkin seeds, and roasted apples, butternut squash, and chicken. Ever bite was like a taste of autumn, and the portion size was generous. What was even more generous was the size of the sticky bun Andrea B. and I decided to split for dessert. This thing was a $6 monstrosity (see attached photo) that nearly gave me diabetes and a mouthful of cavities after only one bite. It's not listed on the menu (we just happened to see a waitress walking by with one for another table), but you'd be crazy not to ask for it. Awesome service coupled with a fun, lively atmosphere make Area Four a great dining destination for just about anyone. I will most certainly be back for dinner.
(4)
Michele H.

Apparently I need to come here for pizza. So far, I've only had baked goods. What I can tell you is to sink into a ginger molasses cookie. They are spiced with fresh ginger, but not too potent, and offer just the right amount of chew.
(4)
Kacey R.

Went here for brunch with a friend on a hungover morning, on the way to the Garment District (which, by the looks of it, is what most people seem to do in Kendall on the weekends!). My friend and I were pretty hungry and glad there wasn't a wait. We were seated immediately! Yay! The service was a bit slow, but I think that's because they seem to cook everything in one, huge, wood-powered oven. So scrambled eggs are not an option (for anyone hoping) but the Hot Mess is a hangover breakfast dream! I got the veggie and it was wonderful. Just the right size, the eggs were done perfectly, and the relish on top was just the right amount of flavorful without being too spicy. Mmmmm. Their lemonade was also probably some of the best I've had in Boston. It basically tastes like you're sucking on a lemon, which some people may not like but I LOVED! Very natural, not a lot of sugar, and made with carbonated water. The people next to us got a sticky bun which looked ah-mazing, but alas, I am gluten free and cannot consume such wonders. The only 'off' thing about this place was the still water. It tasted like maybe it was infused with something but not all the way, and it was a little carbonated. I took a look around and not a lot of people were drinking plain water, so I assume they were just as weirded-out by it as I was...
(4)
Melissa W.

Been here for dinner twice. The pizza is really great - the dough makes it, which is why on my second trip I ordered the garlic knots. They're addictive, especially with the awesome red sauce for dipping, which there definitely isn't enough of on the pizzas. I also got the shredded brussels sprouts and kale salad with added bacon, which was one of the most hearty, filling and scrumptious salads I've ever had. Was definitely full after those two dishes! Can't wait to come back and try the brunch.
(4)
Allie M.

Not impressed AT ALL. We came here for brunch with five people. The food was pretty decent but the portions are way smaller in comparison to what you can get for the same price in the same area. And the service was pretty terrible. The hostesses were completely incompetent and kind of rude. Seriously, if I had acted like that at any of my restaurant jobs, I would have been fired. We got there right when it opened when the whole place was basically open and it took THREE of them to seat us in a silly amount of time. Our waiter wasn't much better. He brought us coffee with no milk or sugar and proceeded to take other orders until we had to go find him and ask him ourselves. And it took over forty minutes for our food to come out. I mean really the service was embarrassing. I won't be going back.
(2)
Nikki C.

NYC was all out of pizza so we decided to drive to boston. Our car ran out of gas right outside of Area Four- luckily Amy was there and guided us through amazing menu selections. Clam bacon pizza saved our lives. We couldn't pay for the meal so Amy cut us a deal and we drew her some cartoons. Area 4 is not a government coverup. The truth is out there.
(5)
Kalia C.

if this restaurant is any indicator, i need to fly up to boston more often. coffee/bakery/???/oven is what i recall was sprawled across the top of our menu. the more formal eatery part of the shop just opened a few weeks ago or something like that and i'm so fortunate to eat here on this trip. i went with three friends - bless their hearts, being older and working folks they paid for my lunch: 'when you're a student, you don't pay', 'but you're always paying!', 'that's cos you're still a student every time you're back here!'. we decided to go for their special, five small plates for 23$. we had: 1/ artichoke, potato, mint, green olives 2/ sweet pea hummus + pita 3/ shrooms, tomatoes, goodness 4/ barley salad + something else... 5/ house-made moz cheese, smoked tomato, fennel and garlic topping of the five, five were delicious. oh hey, 100%. and that's what i'm expecting from here, and what you should too, as it's excellent food. they also brought out unlimited portions of a sourdough like bread that's been lightly drizzled in olive oil or butter, this definitely helped fill us up as we split the five dishes among four adults. and smoked tomato is the new roasted tomato. that shiz is the awesome. we finished off our lunch with the macchiato sundae, topped with marshmallow sauce (what? where has this been all my life?) and chocolate jimmies. mmmm so tasty, so good, so creamy, so nicely homemade and dense. overall, the bill came out to something like $33 between four people - a fantastic price for a top-quality lunch. the decor is also cute and charming - predominantly wood + metal with black accents, and they definitely seem hip and ster and whatever else. i really loved the big metal ovens with roaring fires (smoked tomato sauce, if they serve over their pizzas i may consider moving back to boston permanently) and the transparency of the kitchen and stacks of porcelain white dishware. i hearted hardcore the stacks of firewood with 'AREA FOUR' branded at the butts of the logs and especially when they brought out the check bulldog-clipped on slices of branded butts (hah say that one quickly). and seriously, above all, i really loved the back doors with labels such as "dry room - not a bathroom" and "office - also not a bathroom". for dorks like me, it keeps us focused on the food and not meandering around the place, looking for the potty room.
(5)
Michelle F.

Went here the other night with a friend to get a drink on our "tour de Kendall" as I'd never ventured out Here before. The chairs were the most uncomfortable things I've ever sat in! Other than that the atmosphere was great along with the food. It's a modern day take on a brick oven restaurant (minus the brick). Oliver the bartender was fabulous! Overall it was a nice time but they really need to do something about the chairs.
(4)
Kathy A.

Had dinner here tonight. The experience was great, different in a good way. Great service, vibe and of course food. Had the arugula salad, best salad I have had in a long time. Friends splits pizza, I had a piece, very tasty, thin crust, well cooked. The BEST were the pretzel nuggets and the garlic knots! Hot, buttery, soft inside, flavorful, UNBELIEVABLE! Really, get them and change your life. We split a dessert, a few non alcoholic drinks and a caapacino and it was $25 a piece. The cheapest meal out I have had in a while. Metered parking is not a deal breaker, it s in the city, there are no free parking lots. The area is mostly businesses so parking in that area is fine after work gets out. Meters stop at 6, btw.
(5)
Dave F.

Happily recommended after a comfortable and delicious evening meal at an outside table. Personal sized pizzas were tasty and quick to arrive - best pizza puttanesca I've had in a while. Hummus app was rich and creamy-tasty. Wine by the glass or 1/2 liter so two can share and not have to down a whole bottle. Waitstaff were very helpful and always within reach without hovering. We are definitely coming back to continue thru the menu!
(5)
H. A.

I have nothing bad to say about the food- just that the prices are OUTRAGEOUS. I got "three smalls" for $15. When they say small, they MEAN small. The diameter of each plate was no more than 4 inches- no exaggeration. I mean, it's fine, I know that they're supposed to be small plates, but its $5.50 each (or $15 for three) for such a miniscule amount of food. I'd expect that kind of thing at, say, Craigie on Main, but not at a cafe/pub. With that in mind, if you're willing to spend that extra dough, I'm sure you'd enjoy their food and varied beer list.
(2)
Lore S.

Clam and bacon pizza was really tasty and the service was friendly and fast. Definitely coming back.
(5)
Jim M.

I would give this place a five star review if I were only reviewing the bar/oven side, which I love. They have great food, good beer and the staff on the bar/oven side is friendly, attentive and extremely helpful. The Bakery is a totally different experience. I've been three times for coffee, tea, and treats and find the staff to be completely indifferent to me. It's like the bakery, and the bar/oven aren't the same place. Last time in at the bakery, we were ignored, then made to feel like we were trouble makers because we asked for something to go instead of for here (this was before any drinks were made or we finished paying). The staff on the bakery side spent tiem standing around chatting instead of helping us, or cleaning up the tables which were in serious need a wipe down. The coffee is good, and the treats are delicious, but it's expensive and they should treat you as well on the bakery side as they do on the bar/oven side.
(4)
Mary R.

Went with a group for apps and drinks - it was pretty empty for dinner so the atmosphere could have been better. We got pizza, mussels and some small bites- the food was tasty but not outstanding. The portions were also pretty small so apps are good to share for 2 people -no more.
(3)
Maureen M.

I had dinner with a friend here last week. We really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. The waitstaff was great. This is the perfect place to stop in after work to have drinks and sample a few dishes. The food was fresh and delicious. Will definitely come back soon!
(5)
E G.

Went there for dinner. Had a bad experience (food not great; costly). Had been fans of Persephone, but was disappointed. But went again, for a second try, and they seemed to have the initial kinks worked out. Service was good; food was much better. Yah, I'm a fan.
(4)
Sharee P.

Some co workers and I went to Area 4 earlier in the month for a friends going away party/lunch. From jump the menus were a little hard to understand- they just read: Small-Large- and we couldn't figure out where the salad was LOL the service was very alert and almost a little too smothering, BUT I'm not complaining about that. The area itself is a pretty kool warehouse like set up and you can sit on these high stools. Once we figured out where the appetizers were we ordered the chic-pea, curry hummus whichwas deeelicious. one co-worker ordered a BBq sandwich which came with a TINY side of coleslaw?!? It was almost like they were be attempting to go w/ a kool gourmet plate prep, but it just ended up feeling like they skimped you a bit of the slaw ;-( I ordered the bacon and clam pizza w/ the lime tea which was all very tasty. The clam, bacon pizza came out hot, and crispy. The prices were ok and the staff like a said did hover, but it's better than them not being around right? It's a super cute/trendy spot and would be kool for just grabbing a bite, or sitting down and hanging out.
(3)
Chris O.

Only been to the cafe in front but great baked goods and the coffee is fantastic. Excited to try the rest!
(5)
Patrick M.

This review is for the restaurant and we're at maybe the second week. I went at lunch for a `once and a while, it's ok to spend a bit` lunch day. It is a nice, trendy, hip atmosphere with stainless steel, wood, and logs being the dominant decor with a blackboard for a menu. It worked. When we went we were seated at a high table. The area is pretty dead in the evening so I would guess that the majority of its business will be for lunch and happy hour. Given that, the food is pretty expensive. There are small, medium, and large entrees and pizza. The small are very small tapas with enough for three people to have a taste for $5.5 and you could get 5 for $23. They were quite good, particularly the asparagus and the mozarella. A pizza was about $15 for one that is about 12" round. The mushroom pizza would be highly recommended. Overall, I was very happy with the food but disappointed with the amount of food for the price. For 3 people, we spent about $15 each and left still really hungry. I'll have to try the bakery another day.
(3)
Megan H.

While living in France, I learned to simultaneously give in to two of MY life's greatest pleasures, wine and caffeine. Thus, when my friend, recommended a cafe that she knew, I was pleasantly surprised that I could get both of my fixes in one locale. Well, not exactly. The coffee shop, unfortunately, does not serve alcohol, but the dining section does. So, as it was only 4p.m. and two of my friends were short of time, we skipped the coffee and decided to get a drink and some quick bites right next door. I went with a Pretty Things ale and my friends shared a bottle of RosÃ©. The server was really accommodating (she gave me a small sample of the Pretty Things because I told her how I remember it being hoppy, but I couldn't remember just how hoppy) and she let my friends know that if the RosÃ© was too sweet, to just let her know. As I prefaced, two of my friends were short on time, so I can't say too much about the food, but we ordered the Baba Ganoush appetizer, a slow-cooked, smokey half hummus/half caponata textured stew, that was a fine garnish for the warm pita triangles. It went pretty quick, so we put in another order accompanied with two plates of olives and the marinated mushrooms. Sadly, after an hour of lively female chatter (and bantering I assume), my friends were ready to jet. However, I was quite satisfied with the ambiance. Therefore, I headed back over to the cafe for a cappucino. Having now lived with an ex-Starbucks barista (aka Jill F.) for over a year, I've become somewhat of a coffee snob (not pretentious, just snobby) and the cappucino was presented in a simple, white porcelain mug with the frothy leaf-like swirl on top. The best part is that it was not only really good coffee, but really reasonably priced and cheaper than Starbucks I might add. I actually tried to go back yesterday, but they were closed. But I don't give up that easily, especially when I can read pages and pages for school on caffeine and end it with a little buzz.
(4)
Jeremy B.

great pizza and awesome ambience. one my favorite ever
(4)
Jeffrey C.

Love the industrial look of this place. Roaring ovens making pizze and foccacie. I liked the wine selection too. I'll have to try this place during the day and eat of the cafe.
(3)
Vanessa O.

I have to say I'm a little confused by all the reviews below that call this cafe affordable and say that it "won't break the bank". That is my one and only complaint with this place, but it's big enough for me never to return. I went for a late lunch and the service was great - they were even nice enough to feed us at 4pm (which i'm pretty sure was in between shifts). The food was everything we expected with rich flavors (especially the braised beef) and wonderful home-made touches like garlic bread croutons on the salad, which were exquisite, and house made pickles. BUT BUT BUT. everything was just horrendously overpriced! We had: 1) a braised beef sandwich - normal sized on a home made seeded bun (NO side) ($14) 2) arugula salad with chicken which was teeny ($14) 3) a side of roasted potatoes - yummy ($5 or 6) 4) a coffee ($5) grand total including tip: $54! disclaimer: the coffee was french press and really really good, but I am not a coffee officianado or addict. I don't need french press and was not warned that i was ordering a $5 cup of coffee. in sum: pretty standard gourmet food that is well executed, obnoxiously overpriced
(2)
Ben C.

Came in on a Sunday so only the cafe was open. Got an iced latte which was strong and not watered down by the ice like some other places. The owner, Mike, opened the door to the restaurant side to show the bar and dining areas for myself and others who were there. What hospitality! He seems very knowledgable about everything coffee from our short conversation. I'll be back for the coffee and to try the food.
(5)
Doris D.

Me and my co-workers went there for lunch. We arrived a bit after 12:00 and were seated promptly (the place was packed). The server was knowledgeable and attentive. I ordered the mac and cheese which was served in a tiny iron skillet. It came piping hot and a perfect size. The cheese was creamy (small shell pasta was used) and very good and the dish was covered with bread crumbs (which appeared to be toasted). For an extra $2:00 you could also get bacon crumbles but I passed. Judging by not a scrap of good left on many of our plates, we all enjoyed a very good meal. A bit pricy but a good choice for a nice lunch meal. Although I did not order alcohol, they had a small but good variety of wine, beer, scotch and whisky. Although the decor is a bit utilitarian, the five of us could carry on a nice conversation without anyone having to strain to hear.
(4)
Mags L.

note: this review is specifically for the cafe good peoples behind counter - yay! prices include tax - yay! discount for using your own mug - yay! almond croissant - yowza!!!!!!!!!! if you don't know, now you know.
(5)
Marisa D.

Oh, man: there is finally good coffee in Cambridge. These people are the real deal. The beans are from western mass; the milk for the impeccable lattes is from a farm where cows eat grass outdoors; the machine is a classic La Marzocco; the barristas are from.. well, I don't know where, actually, but I'm going to ask them the next time I go because they're that good at what they do. Seriously, this is like New York or Portland level coffee in Area IV. Don't miss it.
(5)
Julie F.

I like it here. The place has an industrial feel, like you're in a warehouse of sorts that just happens to have a brick oven in the middle of it, and I'm glad it does. They have a decent list of beers, and if you're there with friends who like the same beer you do (or if you're really thirsty and can swallow a lot of beer before it gets warm), you can get 64 oz for anywhere between $15-30, which is a pretty good deal for city beer-drinkers... I very much enjoyed our hipster waitress, though I don't know her name. She was informative and pleasant, and actually seemed to enjoy her job. We got the mussels, which were not my fave. They were a little fishier than I like my mussels, but the toasty bread they serve it with was fantastic to sop up the broth - which was decent - big chunks of tomato in it, but otherwise pretty standard. We split a Puttanesca pizza, which I thought was really good - it's super anchovy-y, so don't order this unless you are a huge fan of the anchovy. Yes, that's right, the mussels were too fishy for me, and then I loved my super-fishy pizza. The crust is thin and crispy, and the toppings were all minced into tiny pieces, so every bite had ample olive, caper, and anchovy coverage. The olive oil chocolate cake is sinful and amazing. You'd never know we were almost too full to order dessert by the record-setting pace at which we consumed this dessert.
(4)
Carolyn C.

Area Four opened for full lunch service this week - a little later than anticipated, but worth the wait! The space is light and open, with just the right amount of "hip" for the Cambridge neighborhood from which it derives its name. We sat at a raised family-style table that was a little too cozy to accomodate all our plates, but that I'm sure will come in handy for large groups of co-workers out to lunch or after work drinks. Service was quick and friendly and things seemed to be running smoothly, especially considering it was only the second day they were open and the place was packed. The menu was fairly expansive, with "small" (tapas sized apps), "medium" (salads, etc) and "large" (full entrees) plates + wood grilled pizzas. Michael Leviton has clearly incorporated elements from his other restaurant Lumiere (sweet pea hummus, duck liver mousse, asparagus with sauce ravigote), but this menu is definitely lighter, less formal, and geared more towards the young Cambridge professionals it serves. We tried a bunch of the small plates - pea hummus, farro salad, mozzarella with roasted tomatoes, ceviche, and duck liver crostini, and a mushroom and fontina pizza. Everything was delicious and flavorful, especially the pea hummus and the mozzarella. We really enjoyed the small plates because we were able to have a couple bites of a bunch of things without completely stuffing ourselves or breaking the bank. The only thing I wasn't completely in love with was the farro - it could have used a little more seasoning or perhaps some more acid and a little less oil. Overall, a great dining experience. Can't wait for them to open for dinner so we can check out the evening scene and sample from their well-appointed beer and wine list!
(5)
G G.

Atmosphere is nice, but food options are very limited. We had the veggie hot mess and regular hot mess - both were super greasy and left us feeling sick. Service was awful, they missed at least two orders. prices are reasonable for the area but I would have expected much better food and service. We will not be returning.
(1)
Morgan P.

The staff is very friendly. The restaurant is split into two places, more of a coffee shop half and a restaurant half. The food is pretentiously priced and sized but the being local is great. The beer and wine are more than acceptable, and the bartenders are always very helpful. The coffee half of the places has A- coffee, one of the better in the area and the baked pastries are all tasty and very reasonably priced. I'd highly recommend it, not a ton of room to sit, but more than enough for a quick cup of coffee.
(4)
David G.

This is a review of the cafe area, which I frequent daily, as opposed to the restaurant/bar, which I haven't tried yet. The coffee is excellent - - uniquely sourced, well-roasted, expertly made. The baristas know what they're doing. The fresh orange juice is hidden in the fridge, but it is amazing - extremely fresh and pulpy. Only three dollars for a large glass. The baked goods are nicely petite. I actually prefer this in comparison to the huge oversized things you get elsewhere which make you fat. But in comparison to some places ( Flour), they don't charge you an arm and a leg for these things. Also they have some unique stuff like the Mexican Concha (sweet bread)... and the mini cinnamon buns - very good. The staff is very nice and helpful. Two suggestion/criticisms: 1) The sandwiches are 90% bread; maybe a little more protein on them? 2) The salads are overpriced; perhaps 75 cents of stuff for 7 dollars. Maybe a little better ratio there? Great addition to the area.
(5)
Colin L.

This place is a big win for Kendall. Check it out.
(5)
Aviv K.

Excellent coffee and pastries in a block that has long been bereft of good options. I can see myself becoming a regular. Best of luck in the new venture!
(5)
Amber M.

I have to give this five stars even though all I've had there is the breakfast sandwich, but I have to tell you they are EPIC. Literally, the best breakfast sandwich you will ever eat. A co-worker brought them in for an office birthday breakfast a few weeks back and everyone was in unanimous aggreement that it was incredible. We did a repeat office breakfast this week. You must try! I know I will be back for more and to try more delish bites!
(5)
Esther W.

A bunch of us came here for drinks and dinner a couple of months ago. All I remember from the night is how salty everything was. Not sure if it was just our one time experience, but I think all six of us were in agreement that (1) the mac and cheese was waaay too salty (2) the mussels were pretty good but the broth they were in was waaaay too salty (3) squid salad was salty (4) two pizzas were mediocre (i think we got one clam/bacon (salty) and maybe the sausage? don't remember but it was just okay). I'm miffed because this place seems to have gotten good reviews, so were they just having an off night? Lack of quality control on the salt shaker for just that one evening? Not sure, but don't think any of us will come back any time too soon.
(2)
adam s.

Highlights: The smoked bluefish salad was excellent. Creative and tasty. Order two, you'll be glad you did. Also, Area Four, if you are reading this, our waiter brought up the point that the smoked bluefish would be good served with cream cheese on a bagel from the cafe. I agree. The Fennel sausage pickled banana pepper pizza was good. Excellent crust. Nice and chewy. Our waiter was pretty great. Not too in-your-face, but not too aloof. He and the bartender collaborated on some cocktail suggestions for us. The first one we tried was good, but not what we were looking for, so they graciously swapped it out for something different which was a winner. Needs Work: When I see something as plain-sounding as radishes and butter on the menu, it makes me think that there is a delicious surprise waiting for me if I just take the chance. Not this time. It really is just radishes and butter, folks. The green pea hummus was tasty, but it could use about 4 more pita wedges. Pro tip: If you ask for more pita, there is a good chance they will bring you some.
(4)
Stacy T.

Area Four is an amazing new cafe/restaurant that gives you that trendy yet comfortable feel, without breaking the bank. Most new trendy cafe's that I've been to in the Cambridge area, I feel like I'm paying for the atmosphere as well as the food and drink. At Area Four I feel like I'm just paying for the actual food and drink and getting the cool atmosphere as a bonus! The owners and staff here are amazing, friendly and inviting. I highly recommend Area Four as the new hot spot for great cafe and dining experience.
(5)
Alexi K.

Only been to the cafe, but I love their coffee (although the choice between "house" and "guest" espresso might be a tad bit pretentious) and the croissant I had was great! Minus one star for the awful pecan sticky bun--bleh.
(4)
Deirdre K.

Heard about this place on boston.com and had to try it. I had a small mushroom and fontina cheese pizza with a Smuttynose Jack D'or. I have to say it was one of the best pizza's I have had in Cambridge in a very long time. Their pizza is wood fired so the dough/crust came out charred and hot. The flavor profiles of the cheese, mushrooms and Area Four's special pizza dough made the pizza impossible to put down. I ate the entire 10 inch pizza! The beer I chose worked perfectly with the pizza. The wait staff was nice and attentive. The atmosphere is sophisticated and modern, but relaxed. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for anybody looking for a relax place to get bite to eat in the Kendall Sq/MIT area. Great place to go after work.
(4)
H C.

I literally work right next door to this place and I love it. They have really awesome iced coffee. I also love the fact that this place includes taxes in their prices. I've had a few different of their bakery items. They have amazing croissants. I also had their cheese and jalapeÃ±o biscuit and it was delicious as well. They also have a great breakfast sandwich. The people are super friendly, which is a huge plus. I definitely like being recognized when I come to a place, everyone likes being a regular. I would recommend this to anyone who has not been to this amazing coffee shop and loves a good cup of Joe. It may be more than the average Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts but you get what you pay for. I have not tried the grille part yet but want to. I have only been to the cafe (front end) and all I have to say is amazing!
(5)
Patricia R.

I keep trying to go here and have a stellar experience but it just hasn't happened. The pizza is ok. The garlic knots are awesome. The cocktails are nice and good variety and good beer selection. I personally don't like the overall atmosphere and everyone seems more hipster than thou. I sometimes feel like telling them "Pssst... did you know you're still not in Manhattan?" I just never feel like I get enough quality food that I actually enjoy here for the value but I keep going back because it is in my hood. I've tried a lot of the appetizers... The charcuterie plate was so weird... I tried to like it- but too much liquid meat. The mozzarella/fruit compote was nice but too overpriced for what you get. I appreciate they make their own cheese but it wasn't so amazing. I just tried the pickles there and they were good but not $5 worth of goodness. It's worth a try and you might love it.
(2)
Andy M.

Only been here once to meet friends and grab a pizza. My pizza was great, but my lovely wife and pals were not impressed by the appetizers and salads. Cool spot and trendy vibe, worth another visit in my book.
(3)
sage f.

I used to live in the Area Four (the neighborhood, not the coffee shop) and cannot believe how much it's changed/changing over the last few years. Business is booming. New coffee shops, restaurants, beer halls. Love it. How I wish that Area Four (the coffee shop, not the neighborhood) existed when I lived here. I would have come here all the time for the good coffee, tasty treats, good music, funky atmosphere, and free wi-fi. Makes me nostalgic for my graduate student days... An excellent addition to the neighborhood.
(4)
Amelia G.

Best pizza in Boston. Fun, buzzy atmosphere. Try the clam and bacon pie, you won't be able to get it our if your mind. Brought a choosy NY friend here, she was blown away. Careful with the drinks, so good SO strong. They have pastis, if that's your thing.
(5)
David P.

My wife and her friend went here recently. Unfortunately, the pervasive Bostonian/Cantabrigian problem of inconsistency is showing up in some of their dishes. Their pizza is still pretty good, though.
(2)
Archana V.

This place is great! Three of us came here on a Friday night and had to wait at the bar for a few minutes before we got a table. The layout was interesting, with the cafe in the front, the bar in the middle and the restaurant at the back. There was enough seating outside as well. They had a good selection of beer and cocktails and a pretty extensive whiskey list. We got the trio of spreads with pita bread for appetizers. I loved the green pea hummus and tzatziki and the green olive tapenade was interesting! We split a large mushroom and fontina pizza that came on a very thin crust and it was delicious! Can't wait to go back and try other interesting combinations they serve. Puttanesca? Clam and bacon? Caramelized Onions and Gorgonzola? Yes Please!
(5)
Neva C.

The food is pricey but good. The appetizers are really not big enough to share, but they are delicious, especially the pretzel-bacon nuggets with pimento cheese dip. I like the ambiance though it's very bobo - wood logs stacked artfully and stamped with "Area Four", e.g. But I have to say, there's not a lot of good food in Boston/Cambridge generally, and this fits into the medium price range nicely.
(4)
Gisele M.

Definitely a fan. I came here for lunch on a sunny afternoon and sat outside, which was nice. I shared a pizza with a salad with my friend and it was just enough. The pizza was absolutely delicious and the arugula salad was very fresh. Great service, great pizza, nice place. Can't wait to go back. My favorite pizza was the pesto with capers...absolutely delicious.
(4)
Matt H.

What a great place! I went there with my wife and kids (ages 13 and 11) after a movie at the Kendall Square Cinema. The meatballs are to die for! The pizza was really quite good. And the beer selection was perfect. Best of all...the pizza was just as good the second day as leftovers. Nice to still be able to go some place cool with the kids.
(4)
Morgan M.

Went on a thursday night and it was delightful. Had a glass of pinot noir at the bar and it was delicious. the bartender was very friendly. Then sat down for dinner and shared three small plates with a friend and they were all great. Our server couldn't have been better. I will absolutely be going back.
(4)
John C.

Area Four is the best thing that happened to Kendall Square this year! I really like both the bakery and the restaurant. Bakery has great selection of coffee cake, whoopie pies (mocha and red velvet), brownies etc. The coffee is pretty good and so is the atmosphere. I have dined here quite a few times and the mushroom pizza is the best. Other things I have really enjoyed are the macaroni & cheese, baba ganoush (when it was on the menu), muhammara, a cauliflower small plate, and the olive oil chocolate cake. Every single one of those things were great! I hope they continue to one of the best in Cambridge!
(4)
Liz W.

Area IV is a pleasant addition to Kendall Square in Cambridge. When I first read flat bread pizzas and frozen yogurt I was unexcited but it's an amazing twist. It was a great dining experience all together. The putannesca pizza was exactly what I was hoping for - a combination of capers, anchovies, tomatoes, olives and more. The wine is in a KEG - yes a KEG which is a novelty enough. Great beer list, good apps, and the homemade ice cream - great. I will be back for the service and for the food. A must try!
(4)
Tri U.

There's food and.... There's coffee Area 4 does both in two separate areas under the same name, but they really are distinct shops. So please make it more clear what you're rating here :) I'm rating their coffee shop. I give it 5 solid stars because: 1. The espresso they use is superb and I've spent months in the past enjoying traditional cafes (espressos) in Italy. In other words, Starbucks' espresso doesn't even come close. 2. They use Jersey milk in their beverages, which very rich but no fatter than other milks. It's also slightly more expensive (you can imagine why) but evidently Area 4 has set a high standard for their coffees. This is not to say that it's the only place that uses Jersey milk (I know Flour also uses it). 3. The atmosphere is very.... European. I like that. The shop is very minimal and stylish. Also prices include tax and their espressos are always double-shot. The only thing that's missing is a loyalty card so I don't have to use credit cards/cash every day and pay using their card instead. Because, I do have to visit them every day.
(5)
A R.

Hmmmmmm... That's how I felt while trying to order off the menu - just plain old confused. It is not put together very well and each dish has about 5 adjectives before you find out what it is. For example, the "Lemon, Garlic & Rosemary Roasted Half Chicken, Arugula, Roasted Tomato & Bread Salad." Hmmmm.... Anyways, I am sure this place is good for breakfast, coffee, and drinks. Heck, the food was delicious as well. A little overpriced but you have limited options around Tech Square. Advice? Clean up the menu and make it easier to understand. I would give this place a 3.5 if I could, but of course I can't. It will be interesting to see how business does when the new restaurant Catalyst opens next door?
(3)
C. N.

The very first item I order, a twelve ounce glass of iced coffee, at a counter, is $3.50. It was fine but not exceptional. And you've lost me forever.
(1)
Amy L.

Best coffee in Cambridge, interesting lunch/dinner menu, great beverage selection and friendly bartenders-- what more could you ask for? Outdoor seating, fun atmosphere, easy to park. Will be back often.
(5)
Alexa R.

I can definitely see this place becoming famous and a new hot spot! It is truly a hidden gem. It's located in technology square which I think is becoming more popular. I've lived in Cambridge for 2 months and have already been there several times. I love that everything is cooked in the brick oven, it's incredible! Of course the pizzas are to die for!! The menu changes almost everyday but the dishes are always incredible. I recommend the chicken as well, it is the juciest, most flavorable chicken I have ever tasted in my life. The menu fits everyone's tastes, they have great options. The place has a modern, yet cozy atmosphere. It is not necessarily casual but not necessarily fancy, which is perfect! You can go with friends or on a date. The place is very eclectic which I think is perfect in these times. The service was great! The servers were friendly, the cooks are always up for talking to the customers, and the manager, Mike, is super friendly. I've never seen a manager so involved in everything up front, he serves at the bar and talks to the customers. It's so great! I recommend this to anyone and everyone. No doubt I will be back there very soon.
(5)
Liv K.

I met a friend for post-work dinner and drinks here. We ordered one small gorgonzola and caramelized onion pizza, and one small marguerita pizza with two farm fresh eggs on top (sounds weird, but is surprisingly delicious). The pizza was very flavorful. I would have given more stars except for a few issues I had- we went there on a weeknight and it wasn't too busy, yet we were seated approximately 3 inches from another table, which was pretty awkward. Also, we ordered a pitcher of sangria and the pizzas at the same time, yet the pizzas came first 15 minutes later, with no sign of the sangria. Maybe it's just me, but definitely would have enjoyed a glass of sangria before the food came. I was told the bartender was very busy, so it came out later. My other issue is that two small pizzas (6 small slices each) and a pitcher of sangria came to $60! So, it's definitely overpriced, but it may just be worth it because I would definitely go back for more!
(3)
Liz P.

Amazing! Let me start off by saying I have never been moved to write a review for a restaurant before and that I am (embarrassingly so) very critical of restaurant food. I actually go not expecting to like everything, just cuz I'm hard to please and don't want to be let down. Area Four was so delicious, every single thing we got was simple, yet so sophisticated. Even the beef tongue, YES - beef tongue was one of the best little appetizers I've ever had. The pizza is good enough that they could open their own pizza shop (and I haven't found many pizza shops ever that I truly love!). plus the services is great and the bartenders are adorable and friendly. Wines are really good too AND it's all incredibly reasonable. A MUST TRY Oh, did I mention you can sit OUTSIDE : )
(5)
Brian G.

Really nice meal - fennel sausage and banana pepper pizza was great, as was the pea hummus. Cool interior despite being in a strange location (at least for dinner time). Going back for a second visit in less than a week to try out some more options!
(4)
N S.

I think I set my expectations too high...but also if I pay $20 for lunch I'd like something semi-amazing. Their food is only good, esp for the $ value. That said, their pizza ($20 a pie for what we got) is pretty delicious. Get the gorgonzola caramelized onion one.
(3)
Joe J.

I've only been to the coffee shop so far, but that alone makes Area 4 a welcome addition to the Kendall Square scene. The coffee is great, baked goods are delicious, and the staff is friendly.
(4)
P J.

almost rivals ken's in portlandia. almost...
(4)
Sanjeev B.

Compelled to write this review after one of the best brunches I've ever had in the Boston area. I've been here many times for coffee and recently came a few times (with my family) for dinner & brunch. The decor is industrial but the vibe is kinda warm & comfortable, in contrast with the sterile nature of most industrial-style spaces. The service was efficient, if not warm. (It's not bad at all, just not notable.) The crowd is mixed in a way that really captures Cambridge -- hipsters, a few families, yuppies and people well into their 50s, 60s and beyond. The food + drink is really spot-on. The menus aren't vast but just seems very well put together and well-executed. The puttanesca pizza is just excellent, if a bit heavy on the anchovies (which is great for me but less so for my spouse). The clam+bacon pizza is also excellent. At brunch, the biscuits & gravy are simply memorable -- the best I've had north on the Mason-Dixon line. They are quite different from what I've had in, say, SC or NC (where I grew up) in that the flavors are more delicate but only slight less tasty overall. The French toast is also quite good and and the "hot mess" is solid. Lastly, the coffee (from Great Barrington roaster in Western MA) is also very, very good.
(4)
Austin R.

I came here tonight with a few friends and kept it simple, ordering just a couple pizzas for the table and actually tasting only one of them. The wait was a bit longer than I had been told on the phone, but it was a Friday night so what can you do? We were seated right in front of the wood-burning ovens which was cool. The pizza that I tried was the caramelized onion with gorgonzola, walnuts, and scallions. It was tasty but I definitely thought it could have used some sort of sauce, just to add another dimension to the flavor. I liked the way the pizza was cooked though, some crispiness to it while still being very soft and chewy in the crust. Solid thin crust pizza. If I came back I'd definitely be more adventurous in my ordering, which from the looks of the place would probably pay off.
(3)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Address : 500 Technology Sq
Cambridge, MA, 02139
Phone (617) 758-4444
Website https://areafour.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :7:00 am - 12:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Brunch
Parking : Garage, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

Pizza

Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.

Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.

Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20^th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Area Four

500 Technology Sq, Cambridge, MA, 02139

Area Four Menu

Not Pizza

Pizza

Pizza Additions

Dessert

Brunch Stuff

Healthy Meal suggestions for Area Four

Not Pizza

Pizza

Pizza Additions

Dessert

Brunch Stuff

Kayleigh S.

Doreen C.

Alan G.

Jacqueline P.

Ellie W.

Klarissa L.

Elizabeth H.

Rachel N.

Vanessa R.

Cathy S.

Simon L.

Kelly J.

Lauren S.

Murielle D.

Abby R.

Maureen D.

Anthony L.

Tiffany F.

Sarah R.

Shane M.

George S.

Reyana F.

Jen D.

Michael C.

Megan M.

Ryan K.

Shilpa T.

Dragana N.

Ryan B.

Leigh H.

Audrey T.

Joy Y.

Vivian H.

Sonia B.

Suzanne L.

Tancredi B.

Tess C.

Lucy E.

Miriam S.

Tony R.

Seamus B.

Laura A.

Christina V.

Julia K.

Christine J.

Terry P.

Nina S.

Eunice E.

Maura L.

Skip B.

Chiraag B.

Audrey G.

Dan G.

Sarah-Mei E.

MJ A.

Ian C.

L T.

Robyn B.

Arthur T.

Anuj V.

Stan C.

Rebekah C.

Kelsey R.

Jamie P.

Adam M.