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Name: Border Café
Address: 32 Church St, Cambridge, MA, 02138
Telephone: (617) 864-6100
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.69

Border Café

32 Church St, Cambridge, MA, 02138

(617) 864-6100
Store is closed

Border Café Menu

Appetizers

Border Sampler

Guacamole Live

Empanadas

Firecracker Stuffed Jalapenos

Chicken Flautas

Grande Fajita Nachos

Fajita Quesadillas

Original Queso

Ultimate Loaded Queso

Guacamole

Avocado Fries
Soup & Salads

Sizzling Fajita Salad

Grande Taco Salad

Citrus Chipotle Chicken Salad

House Salad

Chicken Tortilla Soup
Tacos

Brisket Tacos

Southwest Chicken Tacos

Dos Xx Fish Tacos

Grilled Fish Tacos

Street-style Mini Tacos

Pork Guajillo Tacos

Achiote Chicken Tacos

Tacos Al Carbon Especiales
Burritos & Chimi's

Shredded Beef Or Slow-cooked Pulled Chicken (classic Burrito)

Seasoned Ground Beef Or Slow-cooked Pulled Chicken (classic Chimichanga)

Three-sauce Fajita Burrito

The Big Bordurrito

Classic Burrito

Classic Chimichanga

Three-sauce Fajita Burrito

The Big Bordurrito
Fajita Grill - Create Your Favorite Fajita

Grilled Vegetables

Mesquite-grilled Chicken

Mesquite-grilled Steak

Pick Two

Pulled Pork (carnitas)

Seasoned Sauteed Shrimp
Fajita Grill - Otb Signature Fajitas

Monterey Ranch Chicken

The Ultimate Fajita
Hand-rolled Enchiladas - Classic

Enchiladas Suizas

Ranchiladas

Tres Enchiladas
Hand-rolled Enchiladas - Grilled

Avocado With Red Chile Pesto

Pepper Jack Chicken

Smoky Beef Brisket
Hand-rolled Enchiladas

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Shrimp & Crab Enchiladas

Barbacoa Enchiladas
Fresh Grill

Chicken Salsa Fresca

Jalapeno-bbq Salmon

Carne Asada

Tomatillo Chicken

Queso Chicken
Delectable Desserts

Border Brownie Sundae

Kahlua Ice Cream Pie

Sizzling Apple Crisp

Sopapillas

Healthy Meal suggestions for Border Café

Appetizers

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

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

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

Firecracker Stuffed Jalapenos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Grande Fajita Nachos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

Ultimate Loaded Queso [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Avocado Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soup & Salads

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

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

Citrus Chipotle Chicken Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Chicken Tortilla Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tacos

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

Southwest Chicken Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dos Xx Fish Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Fish Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Street-style Mini Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Guajillo Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Achiote Chicken Tacos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tacos Al Carbon Especiales [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Burritos & Chimi's

Shredded Beef Or Slow-cooked Pulled Chicken (classic Burrito) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seasoned Ground Beef Or Slow-cooked Pulled Chicken (classic Chimichanga) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Three-sauce Fajita Burrito [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

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

Three-sauce Fajita Burrito [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Big Bordurrito [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Fajita Grill - Create Your Favorite Fajita

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

Mesquite-grilled Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mesquite-grilled Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Pulled Pork (carnitas) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seasoned Sauteed Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Fajita Grill - Otb Signature Fajitas

Monterey Ranch Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Ultimate Fajita [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Hand-rolled Enchiladas - Classic

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

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

Tres Enchiladas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Hand-rolled Enchiladas - Grilled

Avocado With Red Chile Pesto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pepper Jack Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoky Beef Brisket [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Hand-rolled Enchiladas

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp & Crab Enchiladas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Barbacoa Enchiladas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Fresh Grill

Chicken Salsa Fresca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jalapeno-bbq Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

Queso Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Delectable Desserts

Border Brownie Sundae [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kahlua Ice Cream Pie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sizzling Apple Crisp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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Write An Anonymous Review

Vijay N.

Being from Texas, I do agree that this is not the most authentic Tex-Mex out there, but its certainly among the best and most consistent you're going to find in Boston. Margaritas are good, service is solid, and you'll get stuffed (with a buzz!) even on a budget. On weekend nights, it's definitely a fun place to go and a get a few drinks with friends.
(4)
Elizabeth M.

SIT AT THE BAR! Don't say I didn't warn you. The service is much faster and friendlier from my experiences there. The drinks are ok, nothing to write home about. The food is certainly not Weight Watchers approved but it'll certainly cure a hangover! Free all-you-can-eat chips and salsa doesn't hurt either.
(3)
Lala L.

Haven't been here in a while because the last time I dined here, there was a roach on my table! But don't read my stars literally, I do have a friend who eats here everytime he's back in the east coast.
(2)
Laura J.

it is loud in here, but it's a great atmosphere for a fun dinner with friends or a birthday dinner. the chips and salsa are great to start the meal. the queso dip and guacemole are also tasty. my friends and i always split the fajitas. once you're done eating here you will be majorly full. it's a lot of fun to just go and have some margaritas and some laughs. very friendly, speedy, service. my favorite mexican place in the area.
(4)
Kza W.

common place for my mom and I. just great all around.
(4)
Sean L.

Fun place with great decor and Mexican setting. I didn't eat much probably because I was too busy at the bar. The staff was exceedingly friendly, awesome bartender and really nice waitress. Tequila ended up defining this night.
(4)
Flora B.

If you order a soda they will bring you a one-liter glass. At least that's what it feels like. The food is not so hot (not so appealing, not so heated, and not so spicy) and the lines are usually long... but given the fact that the Mexican food options are limited in the Square, it's not a bad choice.
(3)
Mystery S.

HUGE portions & a good value for the wallet. Food hits the spot, but it's not spectacular. Works as some goooood comfort food, though. It's a busy place, so be prepared to wait. Service is ok--depends on who you get, but you can't expect too much because the place is usually packed & people are shoulder to shoulder. This restaurant is a good place to people watch, get a good buzz, much on tasty meals, and have a good time chattin' people up.
(3)
Jackie M.

When I have a craving for Mexican food, The Border Cafe is NOT my first choice, or even my second. It's just so blah, nothing special at all about their food. I very much prefer On the Border or Margaritas or even Anna's Taqueira over Border Cafe! There just isn't anything authentic or original about it. Every time I go I swear it'll be the last time I go, I'm always disappointed...
(2)
bex g.

ICK with a capital EYE-CEE-KAY! i have given this place more than one chance, and every time i am not surprised. the first time -- a leaking pipe dripped on my, my table and my meal...and there was no apology or deduction from my bill. the second time -- overcooked meal and my special request of no onions was not listened to. i grudgingly went a third time, and while nothing jumped out at me (bugs, rats, etc....) nothing made it shine either. my vote? there are PLENTY of other good tex-mex places in beantown much more worthy of your time, money and tastebuds.
(1)
ChianWen T.

Cheap drinks, cheap food, and big crowds. Seems like a very typical chain place. It's an okay place to meet friends if you are already in the area, but I wouldn't go out of my way for this place.
(3)
Angela L.

If I want to eat during normal eating hours, the wait is always enormous (an hour), it is very crowded, noisy, and hard to get seating, and they don't take reservations. But for this, I only deduct one star BECAUSE the food and drinks are amazing. Best frozen strawberry margaritas anywhere, the chili con queso is to die for (and I often get this as my meal, consequently), and the fajitas are perfect as well. Honestly, I have not found queso as good anywhere, except maybe Rudy's. It is the perfect consistency, perfect spiciness, no weirdness like adding beer (which chalks up a good queso, IMHO). I live in California now, and I can't seem to find queso *anywhere*, so this is my favorite place to return to when visiting Cambridge, if I have the patience to wait in line.
(4)
Peter P.

The food is great, but concidering I don't find it any better than the Forest Cafe, or Rudy's, or Picante, it's not worth standing in line for. I don't know if it's just because it's the cheapest sit down place in Harvard Square, but there is always a line, like I said, the food is great, it really is, but my other favorite Mexican places are just as good or better, and never have a line. Why is the Border Cafe in two sections? I reviewed it twice, does that make my oppinion count twice as much?
(3)
Jud P.

Border Cafe is a rather large Mexican joint in Harvard Square. It can get busy and loud, especially on the weekends. Be prepared to fight a big crowd to order a drink at the bar while you're waiting for your table. There is a lot of seating downstairs, and it is a good place for groups, although I don't believe they take reservations. The food is tasty, my favorite is the taco salad, which is HUGE and delicious. The margaritas are also decent, but I find there can be a lack of consistency, probably because the bartenders are so busy trying to make so many of them. Border is a really fun place to go, the food is good, the price is right, but there are better places in the area for authentic Mexican.
(3)
Stacey S.

From the outside you may think it is an abandoned building but once you walk into Border Cafe it comes to life...and it was packed on a Monday night but I didn't wait. The homemade chips and salsa are fabulous. They serve you very large drinks so you don't have to keep asking for refills and the food is awesome. I believe they have festive events throughout the year too, fat Tuesday, cinco de mayo, etc. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Gening L.

This place was a really interesting combination of tex-mex and creole flavors. My dish probably didn't fit into either category, but all I have to say is it was damn good! Beware of the chips in the begininng.. they are addictive and a basket of them disappears immediately. Right when you think you can finally take a break before your actual meal comes, another basket arrives, hot fresh and crispy. The salsa's good, and the guacamole is one of the best deals for guacamole anywhere! For two bucks you get a big bowl of it. Usually in DC the guac is like $4 for a tiny sample cup. Anyhow, I ordered the eggplant baked with bubbling cheese on top.. it's not really waht the menu makes it sound like.. it's more like eggplant cutlets with a cheezy sauce.. still good though. Don't hold your breath on the side of mixed vegetables, but black beans are good and the dish overall was great. :) And the whole meal for 3 people.. at this restaurant.. was only $30!!! Usually in DC a sandwich that gets thrown at you whlie you run by costs $10. This was a nice sit down, and the waitress was really nice. She hooked us up with all this extra stuff and none of it cost extra. Thanks Bonnie!
(4)
Katie G.

I LOVE Border Cafe. The atmosphere is a little hectic with it being the busiest hot spot in Harvard Square, but if you end up having to wait, I would definitely say it is worth it as long as you don't mind lots of loud and hustle and bustle. The food is delicious, hot and fast. I would highly recommend the cajun catfish fajitas that come sizzling on a mini cast-iron skillet with a basket of warm fresh tortillas. Their margaritas are DELICIOUS. I love their frozen fruity ones, but they have a wide variety for you to choose from. The waitstaff is young and can seem a little snooty, but are always tentative and ready to answer any question. The best part is their prices! in an expensive area like a Harvard Square where you can't buy a stuffed animal for less than $20, their food is amazingly priced and the servings are heaping (so don't fill up too much on the fresh chips and salsa they give you when you first get seated!) Great to go on a very casual silly date or with a bunch of your friends. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Chris O.

i've been going here since i was 6 years old and it has never disappointed ... interesting thing ... i've only had alcoholic beverages here twice ... they ask you when you enter if you'll be drinking alcohol tonight ... once we said no, then after we were seated, decided we'd like a drink, apparently they ask you that question because it's a cambridge ordinance to have a certain area alcohol free, and our table was right at the line!!
(5)
Melissa C.

Okay. I went here for margaritas, so this is how I felt about it while I was getting liquored up... and I'm a particularly happy drinker. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun. It was super crowded and we still got seated and served right away. My waitress came off as a little harsh at first, but she was actually quite pleasant even after I dropped a margarita on the ground. What I don't get is the food, though. I needed an app and I was a little thrown off my the cajun/mexican thing, I figured I probably wasn't going to get the best of either in that situation. However, I saw crawdads popping up all over the menu and I love crawdads. So, I order a dish that was chock full of crawdads. My neighboring friend also got like a crawdad quesadilla or something. I got to poke at it all night and no amount of sobriety or drunkeness made those crawdads taste like food. I can't even imagine what was wrong with them. My neighboring friend noticed it too. They almost had a chemical taste to them. I have had prepared/packaged crawdads before, and I assume that's what they use rather than fresh ones, and I can deal with packaged crawdads out of the freezer. This was something more than a lack of freshness. I thought it might be the seasoning on mine, but the same odd aftertaste was in my friends crawdad quesadilla too. I'm starting to think that Boston is too far north for Mexican or Cajun food. Anyway, good drinks, good service, bad crawdads.
(3)
Ellie L.

Why do people love bad Mexican food? The dishes here look like ithey come from a recipe off the back of a Kraft Shredded Cheese package, and honestly, are generic brand tortilla chips such a hot commodity that you need to come here to snarf them for free? Try Casa Mexico on Winthrop for something more authentic, or check out the assembly line burrito joint right by the garage, but please, just say No to Border.
(1)
Natalie G.

These people could be rude to me every day of my life and I would still drive 2 hours in one day in order to eat there. Seriously. I ate there twice last week, which in total is 4 hours of driving, a lot of stress looking for parking, and a long amount of waiting for a table. But it's totally worth it. I love you, Border Cafe.
(5)
Jennifer M.

Unfortunately this place is no secret in the middle of Harvard Square, so it's often very crowded. You're probably better off going early if you can or on an "off" night like a Monday or Tuesday. The food is really tasty, they stuff you with unlimited free fresh-cooked tortilla chips and salsa until your meal comes, and they have very tasty margaritas. There is actually a good selection of mixed and frozen drinks here.
(4)
Anonymous P.

One of those places that students will look back on later in life and think...YUCK. And yet, it serves its purpose, and the blackened chicken appetizer is actually worth eating. Amazing how salty this food is.
(2)
Joel G.

Birdbath-sized margaritas (~$6). I recommend the frozen strawberry, manliness be damned (sorry, harvey mansfield). The food is underpriced relative to the rest of harvard square, perhaps due to the killing this place makes on booze. The blackened chicken fajitas ($11) and tostada grande salad ($8) are my mainstays, and provide padding for several rounds of drinks. This place is damn good, and people around here know it...minus one star for the hour-long wait you are sure to encounter on weekends.
(4)
Rebecca Y.

Enchiladas. Mmmmmm. This place is full on south of the border. Huge drinks and meals. The bar is great to sit at while you wait for a meal or just pop in for one of those big drinks. Good for groups or a fun date.
(5)
Susan J.

Similar to Sunset Grill and Cantina, this Tex-Mex restaurant in Harvard Square has the standard margaritas and chips and salsa. Nothing too exciting, but also no unwanted surprises. We took my friend there for her 21st birthday, and she LOVED it!
(3)
Melissa B.

I would only step in here for cheap beers, nothing else. Good if you're meeting friends nearby, but don't waste calories on the food. Just not worth it and the margaritas are just all sugar and mix. I'd rather go to Forest Cafe if I'm in the Square. This place is really popular with students.
(1)
Esther L.

The best mexican food I've found in MA so far (and this comes from a girl who went to school in texas, where you eat tex-mex at least once a week). Their chips are good, and their fajitas are really tasty. Share a plate if you don't have a huge appetite because the portions are really big. And be aware that they have a yellow line drawn on the floor in the downstairs dining room, which means if you sit on the wrong side of it, you aren't allowed to have alcohol (restaurant rules).
(5)
So S.

Good Tex Mex in a fun enviroment in Harvard Sq. Great free chips and salsa which comprises 75% of my meal 'cause I can't get enough of it! Everything else is pretty standard tex-mex. Known for its huge margeritas which everyone gets. The cheap prices is the draw here. Can get really crowded.
(3)
Geoff T.

Not too expensive, it's your run-of-the-mill tex-mex place. This isn't to say it's not good. It's decent food and well worth the price-- a fun place to meet after work for some fajitas and margaritas with co-workers (if you actually want to hang out with your co-workers after 8 hours of starring at them...shudder). It does get very crowded, and it's nice if you can get seated downstairs where it's not nearly as loud-- you might actually be able to hear your dinner companion!
(3)
Melissa A.

Well, where should I start?!? I looove the Border Cafe...enough that I'm there atleast once a week and the staff all know me well;)! I think they have the best margaritas in the Boston/Cambridge area (try the Texas or 1800 marg!) I've tried every mexican place in the area and for the price - you can't beat Borders! The hot chips and salsa are free and most entrees are only about $8 (the blackened chicken is amazing!) Swing by on a weeknight if you want to miss the crowds and sometimes long wait for a table. Mmmm...
(5)
Angela H.

Border's was a childhood favorite. I remember being at once horrified and enthralled by all the people milling around the raised bar, a couple steps above the area I ever used set foot on. Now I'm proud to say that they have one of the best Margarita's around, although I'm easy to please in that department! They have good tortilla chips and I'm informed that the cheese enchiladas have nothing to complain about. My only problem is that every time I go in, I peruse the menu and the only thing I can envision ingesting is the empanada and then it comes smothered in cheese sauce (which they refuse to replace with anything from a cow)! I suppose I should branch out, but leftover emapanada with REAL cheese is yummy. Rob says to stay away from the Cajun because the shelves display all the zatarans etc. cardboard boxes you can pick up at a supermarket. All in all Border's is a great place if you're in the area and want a cold drink and some everyday mexican.
(4)
Karolina B.

If you're in the mood for cheap better-quality (well, better than Anna's Taqueria and Qdoba) Mexican food and good BIG margaritas, this is the place for you. This is my favorite place for Mexican in the Boston area - it's T-accessible - right on the Red Line - Harvard stop. It can get very crowded on weekend nights so be prepared to wait especially if you're with a large group. And make sure you remind the host staff you're still waiting as sometimes they um, forget to seat you. But once you're at your table, enjoy the huge margaritas and unlimited salsa and chips (served nice and hot - temperature wise). You won't find much above $12 - I recommend the enchiladas, but my friends love the burritos! And they range from like $6-8 and you're full! The only downfalls are 1) the service CAN get questionable - they may forget to come back to your table and refill your drinks and acted rude when checking IDs, but overall it's ok for the price 2) no desserts but there are plenty of dessert places in Harvard Square so it's ok. But for the price, it's definitely worth a shot going - it just gets very crowded on the weekends so be prepared to wait! Oh, another bonus point for anyone very detail-oriented - the decor is very colorful so if you're taking group pictures - this is the place to go - the pics come out FAB!
(4)
Lizzy M.

I've been going here since like third grade and it's always so good. Really authentic- food and decor. GREAT FOR: cheapness, atmosphere, chips and salsa.
(4)
Emilia D.

As much as I enjoy sometimes getting an okay cajun-Mexican meal at a crowded spot, I wouldn't reccommend the Border Cafe for everyone. its quite packed, and a bit overpriced...but the atmosphere is fun. Lots of cute, young, fun folks ready to mingle and send over drinks.
(3)
Michael G.

The food is typical Mexican, and you really can't go wrong with any of the dishes. The drinks, though, are awful. The margaritas taste watered down and are definitely not worth it. You're better served by ordering beer instead, which is fairly inexpensive compared to the arm and a leg charged by some restaurants for a single bottle.
(3)
Joe b.

AHHH! SO GOOD! the most delicious tex-mex food around. Plus it's dirt cheap! free salsa and chips which are delicious come w/ every meal even if u get a 3 dollar cup of gumbo, plus their 1.50 drinks are HUGE and free refils! so you can get a full lunch for like four bucks and it's delicious. Amazing resteraunt, great for dates ;-) noisy tho, so not like romantic or anyhting.
(5)
Brandy S.

I am a huge Mexican food fan and have been very, very dissapointed with the selection of Mexican food in Boston. Most of it is crap (the fact that no one has even heard of green chile makes me want to cry), but I rejoiced when I found the Border Cafe. While they still do not know what green chile is, they do offer really tasty tex-mex and cajon items with actual flavor. The fish tacos are superb and the prices are not bad. The margaritas are good. The place is always packed, but worth the wait.
(5)
Tom P.

i cannot live without the commemorativo marg or the chili rellenos. the plantains are just icing on a delicious mexican cake.
(5)
Greg S.

The Border Cafe is yet another average Tex/Mex place in the Boston area, I've tried just about everything on the menu that I would at any such establishment and nothing seems to really blow me away and yet it's still a good place to get your Tex/Mex needs fulfilled. They have bottomless fountain drinks (in large cups) and chips and salsa, which is good especially when the chips are still warm. Their Margaritas are in the same size glass so you get a decent size drink for the price. Service is usually fast and they have never messed up an order so no complaints there.
(3)
J B.

It's not mind-blowing or amazingly inventive but if a cheap margarita and fajita is what you're after, you could do worse. I have a soft spot in my heart for this always rockin spot in Harvard Sq. It's fun --food is good, it's inexpensive. It is what it is, and if that's what you're looking for, than it's just right.
(1)
Akilesh A.

Fun food, great prices. Loads of chips and decent salsa. Decent margaritas. Lots of relatively tasty if not gourmet or authentic entrees. If you're vegetarian like me, try the chili relleno or the crunchy and addictively cajun vegetable jambalaya. Monster drinks. Fast service and prompt seating (the place is two floors and quite large) -- though I haven't been there on Fri or Sat nights.
(4)
Travis G.

Very average neon-lights-in-Texas theme restaurant supplying bland but tasty Mexican food. Slightly indifferent to somewhat surly waiters, gets very busy late in the week, drinks are alright. I happen to like the fajitas myself. Used to be a good value, but prices have increased within the last couple of years. Now, it is just an ok place to have lunch, and not worth it if you are going for dinner with friends.
(3)
Scott B.

i have been going to border since i can remember - the food aint top notch but i will always go there - way cool place for hanging out with your friends and you get what you go there for - some nachos and booze -
(3)
Amy B.

I am reluctantly giving Border 4 stars. I really think the place deserves more like 3.5, although the food was good the overall experience just didn't warrant 4 stars. I went this past Saturday night with 6 friends. We got there at 8pm and we were told it would be about a 20 min wait, which wasn't a problem until it turned in to an hour wait. 3 margaritas a piece later and our vibrating beeper thing finally went off. We were sat quickly, but our waiter was slightly aloof. It took him a while to get to us. When he finally got around to taking our order he did a decent job and even asked if I was a vegetarian when I ordered the black bean and corn empanada because he could substitute plain white rice for their chicken stock laden Cajun rice. Our food arrived quickly and correctly and the table agreed that everything was good. I was surprised by my empanada because it looked more like a chimichanga, but it was at least good. We informed the waiter that one of the people in our group was celebrating a birthday and we wanted to order a birthday dessert. We were sadly informed that they don't serve dessert. The waiter did improvise and brought a frozen drink with a straw and a lit candle sticking out of the straw. We agreed we would take care of the singing and he seemed relieved about that. The bill came and it was less than $20 per person which to me is pretty amazing. I am used to $65-$100/per person dinners. So with that said, I don't think you can beat the value of Border, but I wouldn't take anyone here that prefers real Mexican food, doesn't like noise/a big crowd or is looking for a romantic dinner. Save the Border for a night out with your co-workers, buddies, or a low key double date.
(4)
Kellie S.

I go here once in a while with my roommates. I'm not a huge fan of spicy food but I enjoy the food here. The service is usually pretty good and the food takes no time to come out. Prices are cheap too, which is a plus. The atmosphere is fun- but loud. I wouldn't really recommend this place for a first time date. Unfortunately I can't order drinks yet, but they did look good!
(4)
John C.

Good food, cheap prices (many entrees ~ $10), big margaritas, and friendly service. Great spot for a casual meal.
(3)
Heather Q.

It's just OK. The food makes me think it should be part of a chain. Think Chi-Chi's or Olive Garden level of cuisine. Large portions, heavy on the dairy. The atmosphere is good if you want some place high-energy, and, if you want to hole up at home, their take-out service is really fast.
(3)
Roshni R.

i actually liked the border cafe before i moved to cali. after trying real mexican food, i realize that the food at border cafe is crap. it's a decent place to go with a large group of friends out in harvard sq though, and it's always bustling (but you may have to wait in line forever).
(2)
John M.

Cheap. Stiff margaritas. Crowded. Can these three things help you overlook the roaches? Your call.
(2)
erin e.

Lighten up, folks! People don't come here for the authentic Mexican. They go to El Pelon, in the Fenway (or at least I do...). People come here for drinks and salty, cheesy Americanized psuedo-Mexican food that ain't too expensive - and that's just what they get. There is always a wait for a table, the homeade chips and salsa fills most people up before they even get their entrees, and it's right in the middle of Harvard Square. Very young crowd, good place to go on a college or even high school date (provides distractions if you want to be distracted from each other, provides distractions if you want everyone else to be distracted from paying attention to you. works both ways - isn't that beautiful?). If you want to take someone on a cheap date in that area, go to the wine/pizza place across from the Brattle theatre. They have amazing gourmet pizzas and a great wine selection...and the whole operation ends up being pretty damn cheap.
(3)
Kevin W.

Fish Tacos Baby!
(4)
bella c.

anyone know if they are connected to border cafe in saugus? they are i just checked out their website. ahhh shit, i heard nasty things about this one (Cambridge)ROACHES from the exterminator-eeeeeekkkk!!! but i love the one in saugus, ut oh, never seen anything gross there though!!
(2)
Kiki B.

honestly, i just don't quite understand this mix. bf and i went and had delish margaritas after we waited a long time (like 30-40 min on a friday night, which we knew would be a long wait) for our table. we had the fajitas plate for two with half steak and half chicken. it was good, just odd that it was flavored with cajun seasonings rather than something more typically mexican. the side rice and beans were similarly cajun-oriented. fun atmosphere though, and at $30 for a stuffing dinner and two large drinks, not a bad deal.
(3)
Jim C.

Awesome food, good drinks. Although it really isn't a place I would go just for drinks. If you are planning on going there. Go there for Dinner it is really good and at a really good price (after a few drinks and an entree only about $25/person).
(4)
A B.

I've been here twice about 6 months apart and enjoyed it both times. The first time I tried the corn and black bean empanadas and fell in love with them, they are delicious!! The tortilla chips and salsa were great too...the chips were warm and fresh and the salsa was a perfect mild spiciness and blend of flavors. The only disappointment was the strawberry margarita which was weak. Just went again last night and couldn't resist having the empanadas again, I have been craving them since I was there last time. They did not disappoint...I'm pleased to say they were once again delicious, just like the first time. Chips and salsa were excellent too. This time I upgraded to a gold margarita but it was still weak and disappointing. My dining companion said his gaucho chicken was good (tender) and the fries are good too (but they give you way too many!). I preferred sitting on the downstairs level which was not as noisy as upstairs.
(4)
Orina B.

I've been coming here for years. The food is cheap (for Harvard Sq.) and good - not great - with large portions and lots of extras. One of the things I appreciate is that if you go here as a single diner, you're seated as quickly and your meal arrives with the same speed (fast) as the part of ten beside you. I don't know how they do that but they do and I appreciate it. It's a loud place but that's fine. The waitstaff is wonderfully trained and extremely efficient. They work together and if one server is busy elsewhere, another brings your drink., another brings your chips and -- finally -- your meal. It's possible to be in and out in 45 minutes at lunch time. It's not a fancy place at all and there are babies crying and people screaming but that's the way it should be for a Mexican restaurant. My only complaint is the food can be very salty and / or greasy. If you order an enchilada, take my advice and ask for it to be light on the cheese; it will still have way more cheese than you want but you won't have to scoop it off. I usually get the gumbo and chicken fajitas. The fajitas are grilled and served on black iron skillets that are still sizzling from the oven when they get to the table. .....now I'm thinking about going there again.
(4)
Andrea C.

If your starving this can be both a good and bad place to go. Good bc you get tons of delicious chips while you for you food and bad bc the wait to get a table can take up to 45 min. or more. Always in demand because it's always good.
(4)
Holly M.

Border Cafe is known for it's tasty and affordable margaritas ($6-7), but that is just the beginning. The steak fajitas ($10) are certainly the most common order and for good reason. The iron skillet comes out steaming with marinated steak slices and onions. You can't help but watch the waiter carrying the platters above his head to the empty place setting in front of a grinning guest. The chimichuri steak ($11) is also a great meal, though it takes 15 minutes to cook, so enjoy the chips and dip while you wait - they are free and you can get all the refills you want. The atmosphere is loud and celebratory, the tables are packed, and the walls are lined with Corona ads, chalk drawings, year-round Christmas lights, and lots of bumper stickers, street signs, and promotional material. It feels like the local tex-mex place that has always been on the corner. Service is prompt and they work really hard. They won't linger in conversation at your table because they have so many guests to get to, but the staff - and I've been here 35+ times - is very helpful in explaining orders and accommodating requests. While the margaritas rock, I think the sangria is lacking. Also, there is always a 20+ minute line on Thurs, Fri, and Saturday nights. They will not seat you until your whole party is present, so you cannot grab a table and wait for your buddies to arrive. It's a hot-spot for undergrads, grads, and local people - a true mix of Cambridge residents. If you have a 30-45 minute wait in the winter, pop over to Starbucks across the street or to The Market down the street for warmth. The drawback is that there is usually a short wait to be seated during dinner hours and it can be very loud on the weekend - not the place for whispering sweet nothings. But, my date and I can get loosening-the-belt full, and pay tax and tip for about $27 total, which is awesome in Harvard Square. One of my favorite parts of all Boston! Two thumbs,...nay, I'll grab a stranger's hand and give it three thumbs way up!
(5)
Joanna S.

probably the best place to get mexian food in the cambridge area....but it's not great. i lived in san diego for four years so i've had great mexican food so i had to try out this place since it's got rave reviews from my friends. i was disappointed. it's definitely more cajun than mexican. be prepared to wait for over an hour on a busy night.
(2)
Tom R.

It's a fun place to meet friends or bring kids. You can be noisy here. The food's serviceable.
(3)
Anna S.

Their food, though not authentic mexican food, is quite good. Far from, the setting was a tad crowded and the price was not right. The service was efficient though and it is a great place for a relaxed meal if you are looking for ameri-mex food.
(3)
L S.

What can I say? I love love their quesadillas - my friend and I go for lunch and SPLIT the chicken quesadilla appetiser.... which is like $6... does it get any cheaper? We split it not because we are psycho dieters but because its HUGE! drinks are huge also (could be dangerous...!) - perfect for a famished shopper that spent way too much at urban outfitters...! did i mention the free chips and salsa?
(5)
Juliette V.

Fun and boisterous Mexican in Harvard Square. They have good salsa, fajitas and margeuritas. Nothing fancy but it does the trick. There are usually long lines though so go early.
(3)
Melissa B.

I love to go here & sometimes drive in just to eat the cheesy goodness. I love the eggplant royale and all of the fajitas. The corn & blackbean empanada is also yummy. Have I mentioned the margs here? Yump!!!
(3)
Amy C.

This is probably the loudest restaurant I have ever been in. The food always surprises me. Border Cafe seems like a money making factory, but the food and service are good. I had the eggplant with crab meat and it was excellent. Nice portion size, too. Not too much. My wine was good. Except for the fact that we had to yell to be heard, we had a great time.
(4)
Anya H.

Tasty, and large portions. But, we got our appetizer when we were halfway done with our meal! The wait staff was very apologetic about that though so the border cafe gets a nice three and a half stars in my mind.
(3)
Morgan H.

Ate here with some people from grad school for a funded event - chose a salmon salad - was DELISH - a marg - also delish - and enjoyed some chips and guac. The service was also prompt and very friendly. My only gripe: NO DESSERT MENU! We had extra budget to spend and no dessert to spend it on. However, this can be made up for by simply buying more alcoholic beverages, which we did.
(4)
Jenny C.

To be honest, I really don't know why my friends and I keep going back to the Border Cafe. We can easily get better Tex-Mex, and even more delicious authentic Mexican food. Plus, we wouldn't have to wait until everyone in our party arrives to get seated. It's pretty much like our booty call when it comes to restaurants. We never plan to go here, but when plans backfire and we get lazy, we know that we can always resort to our trusty Border Cafe. And also, endless chips and salsa. The guacamole is inconsistent; sometimes, I've had really delicious avocado-y guac and other times, the guac was just not edible. I really like the fajitas, especially the chicken and catfish fajitas. They come out sizzling and the whole experience is just so exciting! For vegetarians, my friends really like the empanadas. The fish tacos with mango salsa are also very good. I tried the crawfish and shrimp quesadilla and was just really disappointed...and bloated afterwards. There was too much heavy sauce and cheese; the crawfish wasn't fresh; overall, I kinda wanted to throw up after eating 1/4 of my quesadilla. Like all booty calls, there are reasons why Border Cafe isn't my first-choice option. The food isn't outstanding, just like booty-calls aren't mindblowing, and there is an inconvenient wait. It isn't even consistent all the time, unlike booty calls. Come to Border Cafe for the experience and to be able to say, "Yeah, I've been to the Border Cafe!". Go elsewhere for authentic Mexican food.
(3)
M G.

This is a great place to go if you're in your early twenties and have never experienced Mexican food. Or what a real margarita is supposed to taste like. Otherwise, avoid. Greasy food (and greasy floor and walls, too, ugh), and not good.
(1)
Chantal G.

Yummy, yum, yum... Never ending chips. What's not to like about that? That's what I look for in life.... I love their seemingly health salads in a fried bowl that, obviously you have to eat all of as well... Their drinks are potent and delicious. Next time I am in Harvard Square, I'll be back.
(5)
Ryan M.

A couple friends and I decided to make a trip to Harvard Square a few weeks ago in search of a recovery from our Friday nights and some delicious food. While brainstorming I remembered that I had recently come across the Border Cafe on Yelp as having some of the best blackened chicken in town. Our decision was easy. I hadn't been to Border in quite some time and forgot how huge this place is inside. Easily accessible from the T and just a few steps away from Harvard Square, Border Cafe has some of the best Tex-Mex food in the area. Free chips, delicious guacamole, and blackened chicken that lives up to its reputation can all be found here. My friends ordered quesadillas and were both impressed with their meals. Overall this place has reasonable prices (the three of us ate for around $40 combined with tip) if you stay away from the margaritas, which look like they can add up fast (didn't want to start that at 1PM). Definitely would recommend this place for a casual meal with friends, date night, basically all the above.
(4)
Ainura B.

Love their margaritas and home made salsa and chips! During the weekend it can be super busy and you have to stay in line for awhile (30-40min) but it worth it, great food, fajitas are my favorites. Service is also nice never disappointing, I go there to hang out with friends and its a great atmosphere, however it can be very noisy as well.
(5)
Shawn P.

What a gem. This was the first time I've stopped in for a meal as opposed to just drinks. The menu is a bit all over the place. They don't have nachos for some reason. Our waitress was super nice. She was fast && friendly. You can't beat the $6 margaritas served in a large glass. The complimentary chips and salsa go great with the queso. The food came quick and was pretty good. It can get a bit noisy which is only a problem because then you can't hear the awesome music they play. It's a place I'll visit every time I find myself in Boston.
(4)
Andy G.

Love this place! Classic margarita and fajitas for two is my go to.
(5)
Annabel T.

Border Cafe serves a mix of Mexican and Cajun cuisine, which I thought was quite interesting. Don't expect "real" Mexican food! They certainly don't lay claim to being authentic, anyway. I put my prejudices aside and paid the place a visit on a Sunday night (night before Labor Day) at 7pm. As expected, it was pretty crowded. But we, as a party of 2, only had to wait 10 minutes for our table. The service was very quick for such a crowded place! Our waitress attended to us almost immediately with chips and salsa -- the best way to start a meal. Servings here get you a real bang for your buck. We got the queso dip, cajun popcorn (fried battered shrimp with dip) for starters. The queso dip contains, well, a lot of cheese and tortilla chips. I would only advise getting it if you are at least in a party of 4. I got the blackened catfish fajita, which was amazing as it came with salsa and was charred perfectly. My partner had the shrimp and crawfish enchiladas, which came with a really rich cheese sauce. Personally not my favorite; I liked the blackened catfish! Overall, great value for money (our bill only came to $44 for ALL THAT FOOD), and a perfect spot for a casual night out with friends or a low key date.
(4)
MaiLinh H.

I got here on a saturday night and the place was crowded, people were lining up outside. The vibe is typical of a mexican restaurant. In terms of food, high recommended the Shrimp and Catfish quesadilla - so flavorful and huge portion!!! The sangria is fine but not too impressive, there is so much ice the flavor is diluted. Overall the place is decent and it doesnt hurt that its located in harvard square too!
(4)
Amy Y.

Came back here with a group and actually had the disgusting food here. Way too much salt, and food in general was horrible. I had the half-half fajitas - meat was so dry and salty, I could not even finish half of my food even though I was starving. Seriously, I do not understand the appeal of this place.
(1)
Avi G.

This is the place to go if you want fajitas that taste like motor oil. Or if you plan to have so many margaritas that you will have no idea whether you're eating burlap or food. Otherwise, stay away. I went for the first time in 1997, it was terrible then, and have been back because of foolish friends a few times over the years. Run away.
(1)
Damien S.

Quality, potent margaritas and warm, crunchy chips with thick salsa, the latter pair unlimited and replaced with the quickness. Particularly disconcerting when you consider I, like a dog, will eat myself to death on good chips and salsa. Seriously, we're talking the Gluttony victim from Se7en. Danger Danger. Service is supremely friendly, and Z was on point for all requests, matters of timing and a brilliant smile. The Cajuxican menu is interesting, while nothing is done to combine the styles and flavors. They're solely made to be neighbors. Jambalaya with your fajita? Why not, both end in A. What I can't get past is how incredibly, absolutely, and undeniably SALTY every dish is. My fish tacos, black beans and rice, along with Laura K's enchiladas and aforementioned jambalaya, bore so much sodium, a family of deer started eyeballing our table. Scram Bambi. Scrambi. For a six spot chain, Border is certainly better than average. I'd gladly bust a gut over their comped chips & salsa, and dull the pain with powerful $7 Tradicional margs. The entrees, though, should skip trips to the beach.
(3)
Kimmy R.

I took my friend to see the Harvard campus and remembered this place from a previous trip. Since I love Mexican food and can't get it where I live I suggested this place. Boy, am I glad I did! We wondered in on a cold Saturday afternoon. We waited about 10 minutes were seated downstairs. Our waiter was a little slow in getting our drink order. My friend had an amazing Sangria and I had a Margarita. I ordered the Beef Burro. It was amazing and one of the best Burritos I have ever had. I could not finish the whole thing. The best thing? it was only 7 bucks! You can't even get Taco Bell for that these days. My friend has the Chicken Soft Tacos. My friend loved them. They looked really good. The chips were served warm and the salsa was tasty as well as the rice. It was probably the best rice I have had at any Mexican place. It was fresh and didn't taste old. The beans were amazing! Lots of flavor. We walked out paying 28 dollars for lunch and drinks! What a deal! I can't wait to go back this summer and take some other friends. My friend and I both decided this was the top five Mexican meals we have ever had. You have to try it!
(4)
Nicole P.

I came here with a guy that I really liked, so I'm not too sure if I am rating this place based on that guy or if it was truly legit. Let's just say "it didn't work out," but that won't keep me from Yelping! Visited here last Sunday for a late lunch. No wait. Yes! Gorgeous day? Yes. Outside Seating. Yes! Nobody else sitting next to us? Yes. Wait. I don't know about that one. This place was good. It was certainly tasty and beats the mundane flavors of Boston I'd been having lately. It reminding me of a little Tex Mex place called Chevy's, which is from back home, wherever that national chain's home was. I ordered the chicken fajitas. Tortillas looked to be made on site. And there's a little cup of jumbalaya that comes with every dish. The chicken was cooked pretty well and was flavorful, but the salsa and guac were clearly from a package, possibly Trader Jose's. The drinks were tall, which was good because then it meant we could bother the server less. And apparently they don't serve Harpoon anymore... so that's a negative for some. About $20 damage for my share, including tip. It is located in Harvard Square, but far enough to have a little privacy from the hustle and bustle of the metro stop. I don't know if I'll be back -- I can't tell if would have worked out.
(3)
Devin B.

great. A lot for your money. I'd come back with friends
(3)
Romulo R.

The food here seems like someone got lost while trying to put the menu together. I think that the cajun/mexican blend does not really work. I mean there are a couple of good dishes but seems unfocused. However when you come here to Harvard Sq for the food right? The drinks are decent. However the staff is extremely unaccommodating. My then gf and I came in on a slow night and honestly I just wanted to enjoy some margaritas and chips and guess what? Some rule that you must order food to get a table even if the place is dead. So we left and went to Park, where our money was welcome and we got to sit where we wanted go figure.
(2)
David R.

Tons of decent food for a pretty reasonable price. The downside are the crowds. Expect it be loud. The thing is, going to Border with a big group is sort of a time-honored tradition in Harvard Square, and it's worth checking out. Stick to the basics. The bar area tends to be particularly crowded and difficult to navigate on a Friday or Saturday. Also, if it looks like it's going to be a while to get seated (which is normal), consider the other time-honored tradition of ditching your plan and trying to get a table at Cambridge One across the street instead.
(3)
Ross H.

Border Cafe is a solid Mexican joint. Super crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. Food is good, not stellar. Margaritas were pretty good. Price is totally right. I went with a few friends about two weeks ago on a Fri night and waited about 1.5 hrs for a table. The manager/hostess were pretty rude to us, but the waitress was on top of things. Definitely not worth a 1.5 hour wait unless you've got nothing better to do. The vibe was great though. Food - 3 Service - 3 Vibe - 4
(3)
Justin H.

This place has some great food. The portions are gigantic, which for me is a bad thing, as I prefer smaller portions at a smaller price. But the quality of the food is quite good. Be prepared for oil! The sauces they use are heavily oil based and you will get a nice phlegmy throat eating here. They have a broad variety of margaritas, so you can choose your mix and tequila. You'll find cajun, tex-mex, and some seafood here. So if that sounds like your bag, I say go. You'll enjoy it.
(4)
CM G.

I love Border Cafe! Its always on stand-by if we're feeling like some delish Tex-Mex. The margaritas are great and I tend to order my old favorites: Queso dip and Black Bean empanadas. Both are great. The BEST part about Border Cafe is that it is cheap, cheap, cheap. You can't beat their prices for what you get. The only reason I didn't give Border Cafe 5 stars is because they don't take reservations and in general there is always a wait. On the plus side, you can easily grab a marg while waiting and they are super generous with chips and salsa. Also, the food comes out really fast so they do try to turn the tables over quickly. One helpful tip: Avoid wearing anything that holds onto smells! Wool coats, winter coats, sweaters, scarves, etc. You WILL need to dry clean these after dining at Border Cafe unless you don't mind the lingering smell of Texas/Mexico border and fried chips. You could negate all the cheap prices with a hefty dry cleaning bill.
(4)
Jen R.

I like Border Cafe' very much. I am always happy with my Margarita and the food is very consistent. I have never had a bad experience. I would not walk in expecting real mexican food but it is food you can count on. The guacamole is exactly what guacamole should be.
(4)
Priyanka R.

Cheap tex-mex? Def win. The food is alright, but the portions of food are pretty large, so you leave with a full stomach. It's in good location, quite close to the Red Line Harvard Square T Stop. With the all the space, the two floors are busy, but it never takes that long to get a table. Great for groups and drinks as well! Looking for a cheap fun meal? Look no further! If you got nothing else from this review, I have three words for you. Insanely delicious margaritas? Hells yeah. Git it.
(4)
Allison F.

I've been here a few times, and the food has always been impeccable. I'm fond of the swordfish tacos which were perfectly cooked and deliciously seasoned. The free chips and salsa are also a big plus--I have to really restrain myself to save room for my actual meal. My only complaints are that once when I asked for a few more minutes with the menu, it took a while (close to 20 minutes) for him to return, and the bartender once served me sangria garnished with a discolored orange slice covered in brown spots. The prices aren't great, but they're not atypical for a Harvard Square restaurant.
(4)
Ian Y.

I love restaurants that give you complimentary (albeit basic) appetizers, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that this restaurant provided free chips and salsa. I ordered the swordfish tacos and felt that the price I paid was definitely fair given the amount and quality of food that I got. This place can get pretty crowded and loud around dinnertime (I went on a Saturday night). This was probably the only downside.
(4)
Shea D.

Cheap prices. *Loud* environment. Fairly decent food and good sized portions. And no ability to make a reservation, yet they managed to seat our party of 8-9 fairly quickly. All in all? "A-OK" One of Margot's law school friends was having his going away dinner here last night, and when we arrived a person who'd gotten there before us had one of those little buzzy lighty-up thingys but was told they wouldn't actually start the search for a table until all of us arrived. I'd estimate we waited about 20ish minutes once we did. During that time we opted for a drink at the bar, which on a Saturday night was sheer madness. Seriously, I don't envy those bartenders having to deal with that crowd. A flavored margarita on the rocks will run you $6.50, and while decently sized, I didn't get much out of it. It was fine, but forgettable. After we sat down the turn around on the food was very quick, which was appreciated because I was starving (what else is new?). I noticed that the menu seemed to feature an equitable amount of "tex-mex," "cajun," "burgers," "pasta," etc; however, the surroundings are very "look at how southern we are here in the heart of New England complete with blaring 'she thinks my tractor's sexy' song in the restroom." I commented on the lack of options for Tex-Mex/Cajun food (being used to full menus back in NYC) and Margot reminded me of where I was. Oh, right. I ended up with the enchiladas with marinated chicken, black beans, and rice, which were decent but nothing to write home about and rang in at a comfortable sub-$10 price tag. Margot went with a closer to $10 Cajun recommendation by the server, and that was probably better than what I had. Price-wise we each had 2 margaritas on the rocks and 2 entrees for under $40 after tax and tip. This is why it's fun to eat out in other cities when you're used to NYC! P.S. There's some funky smell going on in here. I noticed it immediately when I walked in and couldn't place it (still can't). The next morning I could still smell it on the sweater I was wearing last night, and it's really not the good type of residual smell. What is that?
(3)
Olga Z.

I come here 4 times a week. LOVE this place. Get fajitas and margaritas!
(5)
Hasan B.

My friends, a group of 9, waited for me to be seated while I get back from a bike ride (unfortunately, a century. In is case). When I got there, I asked the manager if it would be possible to help me secure my bike, as I did not foresee needing a lock when I left in the morning. the manager was fairly rude, and did not help accommodating a request as simple as parking a bike in their back space. It seems that despite the restaurant being more than half-empty, they don't seem to value customers. I will defer to other reviews on the quality of the food....
(1)
Sarah S.

Excellent cajun inspired tex-mex! I'm a big fan of the blackened chicken fajitas, enchiladas, swordfish tacos, blackened salmon caesar salad, and the guacamole is a must! All the margaritas are delicious, but my personal favorite is the Patron margarita. Once you are seated they will get you in and out as fast as possible especially if it is after 6 PM. Be prepared to wait if you are going for dinner.
(5)
Trent T.

A monument to the mediocrity of eateries in Harvard Square. If this were to be served on Alaska Airlines it would pass without note. No reason any restaurant should be this bad. Lots of simple, unimpressive tex-mex restaurants that are a joy. This is not one of them.
(1)
Johnna M.

Loud. Messy. Tacky. Fun. Cheap. This is how I would describe the type of crew with which I generally roll. This is also how I would describe The Border Cafe. You know what? The Border can totally be a part of my crew. We have a long and complicated history involving many a date night, my first interaction with Yelpers and a late night two hour singalong with a bunch a strangers (including a man peeing outside of his car) and Laura K. Throughout it all, the Border has been consistantly awesome. Cheap and strong margaritas, great fajitas and tacos, endless chips and salsa and the option to enjoy delicious jamabalya instead of rice and beans. Never changing, always great. So when the time came to enjoy a quiet birthday dinner with a few of my closest friends, I totally called my crew, had the Border call their crew, and we could rendezvous at the bar around two. By this I mean, I snagged table for twelveish. Because my friends are never calm and quiet and neither is The Border. Provided it was a not so busy Monday but their ability to handle us astonished me. The tequila shots were flowing, the chips were being devoured, and the group was growing (my crew rolls deeper than planned). The staff remained friendly and sometimes downright sassy in the best of ways. Oh and my one tee-totaling friend got to witness the madness over a gigantic non alcoholic beverage. Seriously, their cups are bigger than Pam Anderson's. All to a fantastically cheesy country/1950s soundtrack.
(5)
Pete J.

Love the concept - Cajun/Creole mixed with Tex Mex. Someone was definitely drinking a whole bunch of those $5.50 margaritas when they came up with that idea, but you know what? It actually works. Who wouldn't want a crawfish quesadilla??? Nobody, that's who! We had to wait at 6:30-ish on a Thursday, but that's no biggie. Grabbed a couple of drinks at the bar and 15-ish minutes later there was a buzzing in my pants - (un)fortunately it was just our table was ready. The chips and salsa arrived promptly. The chips were hot and fresh and while the salsa wasn't fabulous, it was free, so now it becomes automatically fabulous. We got the shrimp and crawfish quesadilla (told you!) and the crawfish etouffee, both were excellent, and good value for money. But the ultimate high spot for this visit was our server Dave. The place was packed, he was slammed, but he was there when we wanted him, fast with the margaritas, knowledgeable of the menu. And maintained a smile on his face throughout - a true professional.
(5)
Wayne M.

THE BEST CHIPS AND SALSA IN CAMBRIDGE FOLKS ( and the margaritas worked for me too !!) Great atmosphere...reasonable prices ..... Go there once and you'll be back...TRUST ME !
(5)
John O.

Just had a great dinner here. Noisy, but not unbearable. Great chips and salsa, food was excellent, service (Erica) was even better! I thought the prices were very very reasonable. Rarely do I get food to go while I'm eating, but between the great prices and taste of the food I did. Most importantly, everything looked and tasted fresh to order. Great time...I will be back.
(4)
Amy B.

It seems like you either love or hate Border Cafe. I'm firmly in the former camp, having enjoyed nothing more than a delicious Border Cafe burrito since my high school days nearly 20 years ago. Border has a couple things going for it: 1. Fun, casual atmosphere. This is a place where it's totally ok to be loud and have fun with your friends. 2. Really inexpensive! Most menu items are under $10 including sides, and very generously sized. In the Boston area, this is a great deal. 3. Tasty food. I agree with other reviewers that Border Cafe in no way serves authentic Tex-Mex or Creole food. But that doesn't mean it doesn't taste good! My favorites include the aforementioned burrito, enchilada, and quesadilla, as well as the lemon-pepper chicken. I have several friends who swear by the fish tacos. And if you want a delicious heart attack in a skillet, try the chorizo flambado appetizer. Plus, the hot tortilla chips and salsa served complimentary are usually pretty good too. 4. Tasty drinks. Good margaritas, fairly good selection of Mexican beers. If you're not drinking alcohol, the soft drinks are ENORMOUS with free refills. 5. The crowd. This location of Border (as opposed to the one on Rt. 1) caters more to the college and young professional crowd. While you do see kids at lunchtime, the evening crowd is primarily grown up. The Rt. 1 location caters to families and has helium balloons, coloring books, etc. I appreciate the more grown-up atmosphere here. 6. Even waits are not usually ridiculous. They don't take reservations and so yes, I've had to wait to be seated, sometimes as long as 45 minutes if I'm with a bigger group. But you can always snag a delicious margarita at the bar, pop over to the Starbucks across the street for a pre-dinner coffee, or window shop at some of the stores on Church St. (not too far or your beeper will be out of range). I also find they usually seat you before the estimate provided. On the negative side, parking is tough (but that's why God invented the T!). Is this gourmet food? No. Is it a fun, affordable place to enjoy tasty food and strong drinks with your pals? Absolutely. Do it.
(5)
Z R.

Excellent margaritas. Very good service. The food is pretty good, too, but I have a sneaking suspicion the drinks make it all taste better than it actually is! I prefer the upstairs to the downstairs, as it feels rather dingy in the basement without windows.
(4)
Josephine L.

The giant margaritas are a huge steal. Tasty and cheap--just the way I like all my drinks. Recommended: Strawberry margarita. The guacamole and salsa are disappointingly bland. The Blackened Chicken Fingers are fairly tasty but overall forgettable. The Louisiana Gumbo is incredibly flavorful, hearty and delicious. I recommend getting a few dozen cups of these while the interminable winter continues....
(3)
Joe C.

I disagree with the previous review. This place is very mediocre. I've never had an amazing dinner here. It's a reasonably priced chain restaurant that caters to the masses. Their unique in the fact that they serve both Mexican and Cajun food, but this is a hindering quality, since they do neither cuisine well. Go to Jose's in Cambridge or any mexican restuarant in Waltham and you'll have a much better dinner. The location is nice from a public transportation point of view, but parking is a pain or expensive, your choice. They are very busy on weekend evenings given their location...so expect a long wait for your ho hum food. Owners: I recommend that you improve your menu selections. Until then, you're nothing special in my eyes.
(3)
Alex M.

I ate here the other day and really enjoyed the food and experience. The server was very accommodating about my gluten and dairy dietary restrictions and she made sure to double check with the chef before placing the order. I got the blackened salmon with vegetables and it was a very large portion and it was delicious. It was also only $15 which I found to be a great deal. I liked how the vegetables were lightly seasoned and weren't greasy at all. I couldn't get the beans because apparently there's gluten in them, FYI. However, the best part of the meal was the margarita... Their normal ones are 7 bucks which is a great deal, but I got a watermelon one (for 9) which is only available in the summer and it was AMAZING. And they use fresh juice for their margaritas so it's not the sugary crap they sell at the store/serve at bars. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Rebecca H.

This is probably one of the most popular places in Harvard Square. It is a fun, kitschy place to come if you aren't looking for the best Mexican food around. The portions are large, the prices are decent, and the margaritas are pretty good.
(3)
Ariana Z.

Nothing wrong about this place- just average. The chips were bland. But in our wait to receive our meals, we kept munching on the chips and were full by the time it came to dinner. The portions were HUGE (in a good way) but there was no way we were even going to get to the half way point. It was decent, and had a hint of authenticity. Service was great, and everything went smoothly. It was ok enough that it is a safe bet to go to, but it's not the best I have ever had.
(3)
Sunday T.

Yummy! It never ceases to amaze me how good these burgers could be. Well, I guess I only get their burger and fries combo thingy cause its like, the best thing on the menu in my opinion. So I like it a lot! yaya!!
(4)
Mike I.

Best margaritas in town!
(4)
Markus A.

Staff is friendly, pretty mediocre food, but a great place to hang out with friends. I would come back if I needed a quick, moderately priced bite with friends.
(3)
David W.

Being from Cali, I have exceptional standards for cheap good Mexican food. It's hard to find that in Boston/East Coast, but Border Cafe is not too shabby... The free chips and salsa keeps you happy, and the portion size is huge! This place definitely keeps me happy whenever I have a Mexican food craving.
(4)
Louis B.

Went there today for a class lunch and was absolutely impressed. Even though we had almost 90 people in attendance, the service was quick, friendly and efficient. First thing that came out was the Hot chips with salsa and you could stuff yourself silly with those. Then we had the popcorn shrimp and they were out of this world good. Well, in Mass. language, "Wicked Good".... The fajitas that came afterwards were awesome. There was more food in there than any of us could eat. The staff, again, did their very best to make sure we were happy. And they had very happy customers. Encore in the making~!
(4)
Kathleen F.

We took my friends from Ireland here while they were visiting because they were craving some good american style mexican food. Ordered the guac which was good and had chunks of avocado which I really like. Catfish fajitas for my meal, catfish was spiced well and really good but the tortillas came out feeling like they had been microwaved one too many times which I was disappointed by. Overall it was good and very filling though. For drinks I started w' their classic margarita grande which did not taste like it had much alcohol in it. So I told the waitress that she needed to kick it up a notch and she made me a "special margarita" using her favorite tequila. That was one amazing margarita!!! This place is really good for groups though so I would recommend it for bdays and large parties. The food isn't a 4 or 5 star experience but there is good atmosphere and if you don't like something i'd recommend just asking the waiter or waitress to fix it for you, seemed to work for me!
(3)
Shuo W.

Very friendly
(3)
Lauretta L.

Sit outside on a nice summer night, sip on a good margarita, try not to feel guilty when you and your man/lady finish the entire basket of fresh tortilla chips and 2 bowls of salsa, enjoy some delicious blackened catfish, and stroll around Harvard Square to work some of the aforementioned off. Good times.
(4)
Leslie C.

You get free chips and salsa just for getting a table or a seat at the bar. The chips are always warm (sometimes a bit too greasy and salty but hey, they're free) and the margaritas are delicious. Most of the time. I've gotten a few that are a bit heavy on the pours (read: entirely tequila.) I would have been fine with that if I was 21 but... I digress. Their bar leaves much to be desired but as long as you go in wanting a Corona or a margarita you'll be fine. I've always had prompt service at Border, even when it's jam packed and busy (which is most evenings) and that's something that I appreciate. I'm willing to wait and wade through the masses to eat some pretty good Tex-Mex for dirt cheap. And it is cheap, chicken soft tacos, queso and chips, enchilada and taco combo, a beer and a soda generally comes to something ridiculous like $22.00, so...
(3)
Michael C.

Service is horrible. If it wasn't so convenient I would never come here. The food is okay, quite cheap for the price. The portions are huge. Nice atmosphere, though it can be rowdy at times. Did I mention that the service and hosts are terrible?
(2)
Ran L.

Usually, I don't dig Mexican food this much. But, here, I always kill two whole dishes in minutes! The ambiance is quite exotic for me, yet lovely. Very nice place for parties. However, I really hope it can be less crowded.
(5)
Breanna J.

Delicious! Me and my two friends spend our last night in Boston here. We were not disappointed! So so good!
(5)
Elizabeth G.

Come here for Tex-Mex/cajun-creole food that is solidly OK. Like what Chili's would be if Chili's were good. The chips and salsa won't knock your socks off. Eating the enchiladas won't be a religious experience. But in general, the portions are generous and the service is solid. Your food may not wow you with unusual ingredients or flavor pairings, but the texture, temperature, and taste will be right on. So snag a table, grab a Corona, and enjoy your chips and salsa and fajitas for what they are. I probably wouldn't come here on a weekend for dinner (not worth the wait). But for a workday lunch or drinks and snacks after work? Heck yes.
(3)
Mike M.

One of my all time favorite spots. Doesn't matter which location, I love them all. I been going to Border Cafe for about 8 years now and have never had a bad experience there. Gets a little crazy and hectic during the dinner hours on a Friday or Saturday but what place doesn't? Couple drinks will keep you busy until your seated. From the service, to the drinks to the chips and dishes, it's all superb. The chips and salsa alone make it worth the trip. When they serve them nice and hot and covered in salt with salsa, it's quiet the treat. I've had countless baskets before even getting to my dish. The drinks are all great. They have great flavored Margs and they always seem to be well poured, which I am a huge fan of. Melon Margarita is my favorite. The Sangria is good, but not great. Homemade Sangria is the only way to go if you ask me. They are decently priced to at around $6. The food is great. My favorite dishes are the Cajun Burger, and the Blacken Chicken Salad. Cajun Burger is great, rubbed in Cajun Spices w Poblano Jack Cheese. Being Irish I find the least spiciest things spicy. My date made fun of me last week b/c she took a bite and said it wasn't the least bit spicy. Whatever. The Blackened Chicken Salad is also a great dish. The chicken is perfectly marinated with a nice spice. The tacos are also very good. The seasonings they mix with their meats are very good. So if your in the Harvard Square, Burlington, Route 1 area, be sure to check out Border Cafe. Good food, and cheap!
(5)
Paul S.

3 stars because of the vibe, the service, and the fact that it's the only place in the square ideal for big groups. Portions are way too big! Food is ok. Margaritas are great, prices are good. at this point, I try to steer away from the place because I always leave feeling like I ate too much. Also, although the food is good, there is better in the square. Nonetheless, this is a go to place for the harvard square area.
(3)
Nicole D.

Good prices for authentic tasting Mexican and Cajun foods...very spicy, bug they serve big waters :) Their margaritas are awesome and very fairly priced, or at least they were the last time I was there a couple years ago. Loved this place in college...always a very fun time with great drinks and spicy eats.
(4)
Alma C.

Tex-Mex standards, large portion sizes, decent flavor, fair pricing. Good margaritas.
(3)
Michael D.

I have to admit, being from california, I was a little skeptical about a "TEX MEX" restaurant all the way up in BOSTON. I thought this place was a little bit confused.. they claimed to serve tex mex, but they had cajun shrimp and NOLA-style food on the menu... but i digress.. The portions were all pretty big, and the prices weren't bad considering we were near hawwvawhhddd. My friends thought their food was just mediocre.. I sampled some of their fries (which were BOMB and super crispy even at the end of dinner). The cajun shrimp was just whatever.. too much batter and were cold by the time it got to my table.. maybe it was my mistake ordering cajun food at a texmex joint.. As for the drinks.. they were slightly better. My margarita grande was a little watered down and full of ice, but my friend's was stronger. (hmm, maybe i just had bad luck that day..) The hurricane on the other hand, was pretty potent considering that it was under 7 bones. Anyway, this place wasn't bad, but it's not good enough to return to.
(3)
Susan C.

The food and service here is good for the price, but if you're looking for something more authentic or to blow your socks off, this isn't it. This is basically a sit-down version of Qdoba with a bar and waitstaff. Decent food, large portions, and low price. Would I be back if I were in the area? Likely. But I wouldn't make a special trip to Cambridge for their food.
(3)
Jonathan L.

I've been here probably about a dozen times or so over the past few years. My recent visit was as consistent as ever. We were immediately seated and our server Brendan(?) was great. He gave us pretty much the best service we've ever gotten in a restaurant. Chips getting low? Here's some fresh hot ones. Eyed our drinks getting low from across the room? Fresh one's brought out BOOOOOM that's service. Never overbearing or pushy. + stars for great service. Food: Typical. The food is what it is. Caj-Mex cheap fare in a Kitchsy Margarita-ville. It is tasty though. Shoestring fries hot and crunchy. My Burger was overcooked but I ate it just fine. I love all of the "inedible" comments. I ordered my burger medium and received it welldone. It was not super dry and I ate it just fine. -1 star but that's that. Everything else was as expected. I didn't come here wanting a Michelin meal. I wanted a meal where i could get a burger and fries and my old lady could get some enchiladas. Our choice worked out perfectly for the day. In Summation: Taco Taco, Burrito Burrito. Take that Ben Affleck!
(4)
Silvia V.

I've been going to Border Cafe for the past 11 years. The food is okay (not great), the portions are pretty big and everything on the menu is inexpensive. The margaritas are very good. It's a unique place in Harvard Square.
(3)
Matt K.

Really solid Mexican food. Living in LA for a couple years I wasn't sure a somewhat authentic Mexican food experience would be possible in Boston, but once you get past the college bar/restaurant label on the Border Cafe the food is really good. Besides just the food, the margaritas are cheap. A couple people could go get dinner with a couple margaritas each without breaking the bank. Usually there is a line if you want to go around 7-9 so grab a drink at the bar and don't get uncomfortable with the fact that you literally have no room to breathe. Burritos, tacos and margaritas await you...
(5)
Brian L.

Great prices, great atmosphere, great service! Very local to Harvard U. Just went on an open house there with my son! Stumbled on this little gem known as the Border Cafe walking back to the car! We'll be back again! Yummy! Got the shredded steak Burro! A side of rice, side of jambalaya! Doesn't get better than that! With great company of my son Brandon too!
(5)
Evelyn C.

I am here at Cafe border and apparently they are not family friendly. The chicken quesadilla is on overkill with the marinade. They couldn't make a plain quesadilla for my grandson. That makes me think that the food is not fresh and they are not flexible with their menu. No kids meal and yet people come here with children. Too bad I am Latina and I have never seen a quesadilla like that. Not going back. Not even worth a star
(1)
Isabel C.

I hold this place near and dear to my heart. This is where my parents went for dinner after their no guest list, justice of the peace, backyard wedding and it is a place that just always reminds me of my dad and how much he loves it. I came into town for Chicago with my boyfriend and as soon as my parents picked us up we headed over to Harvard square from Logan airport. The food was good as usual. I had chicken enchiladas and a steak taco and they were both amazing! My parents and boyfriend loved their food as well. The decor in here is fun and our waitress was nice and attentive. The free chips and salsa is always a plus too! I loved coming here after years of being away and it was a real treat!
(5)
Anirudha B.

Tasty. Huge portions. Affordable. Pretty waitresses. Great place to meet up friends. And of course- the BOTTOMLESS CHIPS is such a win!
(5)
Jasmine C.

I don't know why this restaurant has any less than 5 stars: it's most definitely my favorite Mexican restaurant. This was the second time I'd returned, and in large part it's because of the incredible guacamole: the portions are HUGE but the tortilla chips are so crispy and wonderful. This time I went I ordered the swordfish tacos, and they came with delicious mango salsa as well as grilled avocado which worked so well. Their Cajun food is definitely worth it.
(4)
Sanya B.

After visiting New Orleans I was longing for Cajun food here in Boston and that's when I ended up at border cafe. I love the whole feel of the place maybe because I have an affinity for blue interiors. I had the vegetable jumbalaya and it was really good! The service is good, girls at the bar are very friendly!
(4)
Shreya S.

I love this place. They have best quesadilla in town. You got to taste it when you visit this place There margaritas are too good
(4)
Geoffrey M.

Pretty good and cheap place to grab Tex-Mex in the Square. I regularly get the quesadilla with chicken or the fajita, and have also had the buffalo strips appetizer that was very good. Family orders the chicken Guadalajara and have not yet been disappointed. The chips served with salsa at the start of meals are hot and delicious.
(4)
Aditya R.

A nice hip Mexican restaurant. I like the location and atmosphere. And the food is good too, I mean best bang for the buck! I had the corn enchilada and it filled me till my mouth! I do feel the service could have been better, but if you got to wait 30 minutes on a normal weekday to get a seat, then you know this place you have to be for a fun dinner!
(4)
Christina V.

I love this place. I've gone many times over the years and can't think of a time I was disappointed. I especially like their late night menu. Last night I had Pastelitos, guacamole and a strong Watermelon Margarita. We were greeted with hot salty chips and salsa that had just enough spice. Delicious! Their chips are ALWAYS hot which I really appreciate. The guac was good. Not great but definitely worth $4 and change. The pastelitos were hot and flaky, very tasty. They were a bit on the salty side but otherwise great and I love the chimichurri that comes with it. Service was also pretty good, quick and friendly. Every time I go here I tell myself I need to come more often. I probably wouldn't go during peak hours as parking is tricky and it often gets crowded and loud.
(4)
Jen J.

One word to describe this restaurant....SALTY!!! We had the fish tacos and we couldn't get passed two bites, salt was the only flavor.
(2)
Dan C.

To start with, this is not the most "athentic" Mexican / Tex-Mex whatever food you will find. Also, don't bring your friends from California, as they will drone on and on about how good the Mexican food is back home. Oy vey. If you do come here (and you should), what you will get is pretty good tex-mex, an endless supply of tortilla chips, tasty margaritas and very good service in a fun atmosphere. Over the past 20 years, I have been here more times than I can count, but the quality experience has remained consistent throughout that time. My last visit was just to the bar for a margarita and some chips and salsa, but the bartenders were quick with a drink and friendly, too. One heads-up is that this place is a zoo on weekend nights with very long wait times, so plan ahead.
(5)
Janhvi C.

My go to place for Mexican food and for hanging out with friends! Great food, cheap booze, amazing ambience and love the free fresh and crispy chips!
(5)
Phil B.

Great food, good service, great prices for the value
(4)
Meg K.

Love it for what it is: cheap, rowdy and delicious. It's not some sophisticated culinary experience, there are no surprising dishes. BUT there is consistently great, inexpensive food and fast service. My husband and I make it here about once a month, and we are always blown away by the bill (in a good way). My favorite dish is the chicken fajitas. I also love their black beans: well-seasoned and strangely addicting. Be prepared for a wait, you'll almost always have time for a margarita at the bar before you're seated. It's a bit of a zoo. (Tip: don't wear your dry-clean only dress-- there's a good chance someone is going to spill margarita on you before your time in the bar area is over.)
(4)
Purva J.

So delicioussss and tastes clean/not heavy ! We ordered the guac, veggie enchiladas and veggie burrito. I've been to 3 other mexican places, maybe not the right ones in Boston and none have hit the spot because they all lack flavor ! Full house and they were still extremely fast and efficient :) Yum Yum
(5)
Heather L.

Large portions + cheap prices + unlimited chips and salsa = the dream I've been here countless times throughout the years. Are you going to get the best food here? best service? probably not. But that's not really why you would come here. You come here because you're craving a large, cheesy, chicken quesadilla, and want to gorge yourself in all the chips and salsa your stomach can hold (bonus if you also get guac and queso, which cost additional, but are worth it). Maybe that's just me... This place is great for a group, but they don't take reservations and will only seat your party if everyone is there, so if you are coming here on a weekend during dinner time, expect a long wait. With that being said, they have tons of seating on two floors, so the turn around time isn't so bad. My suggestions on what to get: frozen strawberry margarita, chicken quesadilla, or the blackened chicken.
(4)
Harsha V.

Blackened salmon one of the best I've had. chicken bandera was good too.
(4)
Abel F.

I really liked this place, with really good service and really good mexican food to be enjoyed in big groups since the bar can gmfit many big groups due to its tables. We order several margaritas, the burrito in my opinion was really good, maybe too heavy dor dinner but we finished it. The environment is pretty authentic and to be repeated when i am nearby, definetely woth to try it.
(4)
Joaquin X.

Awesome food! Great margaritas! Good service. Very hip decor. Sometimes they play good country swing music. Whether dining downstairs for tasty tex-mex food with a group or chilling upstairs drinking a beer and watching the game there is nothing at all to complain about. I've visited often in the last 20 years or so and always look for reasons to go back. Consistently solid all the way around!
(4)
Cindy W.

This was my first time eating in a Mexican restaurant and i gotta say I LOVED this place! The Food We ordered our food and while waiting, the waiter gave us like nachos with the salsa and it was fresh nacho chips!!! YUM! The waiter also offered whether we would like to order some margaritas, and I did. It was my first time and the waiter ask what sort of flavor i like and she suggest the watermelon margaritas! It was a god margaritas but still much of the alcohol for me as i am not a big fan of alcohol but as for some of you i'm sure you are going to love it! I ordered the enchiladas with pulled beef, it comes with Mexican rice and beans! It was delicious!! best enchiladas i have ever had! The beef was tender and it goes well with the mexican rice and beans! JUST PERFECT! My boyfriend ordered the Chimichurri Steak and he said it was okay. He said he preferred my dish. Price was decent it was not pricey , i think it was on the right market! Atmosphere The place is quite huge and is not bright. They also have a bar stand inside. A casual mexican restaurant and service was excellent! Overall! I will definitely come back and try more of their menu!!! i totally recommended this place!
(5)
Fatima K.

We really really loved this place. The food was delicious and the fries OMG. Soo good. We were so surprised by the prices. Compared to NYC prices this restaurant is so cheap. I wish we had here in Manhattan. 5Stars
(5)
Doug K.

This was the best meal I've had in the Boston area!! The tortilla chips are fresh and hot. The service was OUTSTANDING--very attentive and enthusiastic. The grilled chicken was out of this world. So juicy and flavorful. I ordered the fajitas, which were one of the more expensive dishes on the menu at about $15. The prices can't be beat for such quality and value! Do yourself a favor and eat at Border Cafe now!
(5)
Colleen M.

Our favorite Mexican, Creole restaurant. Everything we have there is great. Great food, great prices.
(5)
Izzy D.

If you're looking to snag a margarita the size of your face, Border is the place to go. My suggested method for consuming these drinks is face-first and lapping it up like a cat. The Margs contain fresh lemon and lime juices, which are tasty, but I didn't find mine to be particularly strong. Still, you can't complain about the size for $6. I enjoyed it and might come back if I'm craving something citrusy and a tequila-infused night I won't remember especially clearly.
(3)
Dal C.

I have been eating at The Border Cafe for 5+ years now and I am finally getting around to writing a review. We went here for lunch yesterday and I got the Swordfish Tacos and they were GREAT! My wife Diane got the Tostida Grande which is (from their menu) "Our special chicken or pulled beef with black beans, cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, red onions, mushrooms, and peppers piled into a crispy tortilla shell. " And there were 4 other people there and I heard no complaints!!
(5)
Parth S.

Really good vegetarian jambalaya!! Margaritas are excellent as well. Would recommend it and go again
(4)
Shana S.

Catfish nuggets is bomb. Homemade guacamole is bomb. Margaritas are real. I'm always there for the shrimp and crawfish quesadilla. I can never eat it all. Reasonably priced.
(4)
Matt L.

Border Cafe's MAIN DRAWBACK is that there is generally an incredible wait time. That said, if you can stand the wait, the Border Cafe is a must go if you have a good amount of time in Harvard/Boston area. They have some really great food here, and all of it is offered at a very reasonable price. I personally recommend the burgers, but they have a lot of different options. I would recommend going when the weather is a little bit warmer, as the long wait means that you may be hanging outside for a while.
(5)
Lisa H.

The food was good. Margaritas were really good. We did have a little trouble with our waiter, he was a little dude and we felt like he was rushing us out the door, however, I left a generous tip anyway, and once we paid and he picked up the receipt, he was very good after that about bringing us refills while we stayed around chatting.
(4)
Victoria G.

I love this place. Great free chips and salsa (unlimited) to start, margaritas, fajitas, enchiladas, and much more. I love love love their blackened chicken fingers - they are very spicy, with a nice marmalade dip to temper the spice - I order these every single time I'm there. I'm not even a big fan of spicy stuff, and my boyfriend can barely tolerate spicy stuff but he also loves these. Also great are their Crawfish Etouffee, Border Chili, and Catfish New Orleans. Definitely get their Strawberry Margarita. Everything is reasonably priced - I think everything on their menu is under $20, with a majority under $15. They have great service, great food, and a great lively atmosphere. Portions are huge. My only complaint from my most recent visit is that they need to stop being so rigid with their menu. This is a new change on their part - they used to always be so accommodating. We used to like upgrading the meat in the enchiladas to the blackened chicken, and they were always so nice about it. I mean, we'd pay the full amount to use blackened chicken fingers instead. Now, they're telling us no substitutions can be made on any order. That's not fair. I would give them 5 stars if they changed that silly rule.
(4)
Colleen L.

Went here this afternoon to sit outside on their ity-bity patio and enjoy some cheap margaritas and chips and salsa. Note: some kind of weird Cambridge law that you must order food while sitting on the patio and consuming alcohol (so if you are like me and just want the chips and margs, go inside so you are not forced to order un-wanted chicken tacos .. although, they were very good). I am giving them 3 stars, as the service was not great. There were 3, yes 3 host, all of whom talked to us about our table, but never communicated with one another. They were all over the map. Once 2 tables opened up outside, we continued to wait, until my fiance' went inside to tell them the tables had cleared. It certainly didn't turn us away, but the service could improve. The cheap margaritas are delicious, but are cheap b/c they need more booze. All in all, not bad, just not great.
(3)
Sara J.

While one can't complain too much since they are probably the cheapest cocktail in this city, I wholly contend there is no alcohol in their margaritas. Zero. I know because I am a nursing mother who only occasionally imbibes and therefore the minute any alcohol passes into my bloodstream I feel it. I drank half of a frozen strawberry margarita the other night and felt nothing. How have they not been called out on this? Otherwise, you know, it is what it is.
(3)
Michelle S.

Border Cafe will be a fond memory of college after I graduate. Being from California, I constantly crave Mexican, and Border always delivers on flavor. Their staff is so friendly and always are prompt in bringing chips and salsa to start, and providing refills when need be. Highly recommend the chicken fajitas - they have amazing flavor!
(5)
Corinne D.

I love everything about this place. The food is ridiculously good, margaritas are delicious and a MUST every time I visit (even though a tad expensive) and the vibe is very welcoming and warm. The staff is friendly and attentive at the best times (drink is empty and mouth isn't full, so I can actually speak when they ask how everything is) and there's a pretty diverse crowd. Definitely a 5 star. My only wish would be more margarita flavors to try!
(5)
Andrew D.

If you eat here prepare for a big meal! We always enjoy ordering their queso, which is warm and delicious. My wife and I usually order one entree for the two of us. We've found their burros to be both tasty and filling.
(5)
Kevin M.

Was a very nice place just back a street from the Harvard gate. Food was surprisingly good and I would give it 5 stars but my waiter was not very polite. He even dropped my fajita tortillas on the ground and then left them for me to pick up. Margarita was pretty decent too.
(4)
David T.

My wife and I love this place....we usually go to the Burlington location but were in Boston and thought we'd try to the Harvard Square location. Big plate of beef enchiladas with beans and very tasty rice for less than $8, how can they do it that cheap? My wife had a salad with chicken and a few frozen margaritas for $6....beers are $4. The food is excellent and served piping hot. The servers appear somewhat overdressed in white coats but that's ok, it fits the high end food and drink there! I was excited they offered to validate my parking as we parked in the lot right across the street but parking was still $11 for less than an hour.....ouch. Park in a metered spot if you can find it. According to the manager, this is the original location and has a different feel than the Burlington spot as this one was two levels.
(5)
Ryan H.

Pressured us into ordering food, and then they split a drink on my friend. Fuck this corporate dumpster of a "restaurant". I'm never coming here again and neither are my friends, it's cheap but so is the service, and the quality of food and drink.
(1)
Brittany D.

The goddamn best enchilada of my life. Great wait staff- attentive and engaging. Managers addressed our table as a courtesy. My margarita could've been better but maybe I order wrong in that regard. Fun, semi tacky Mexican atmosphere. I will be back! Good business etiquette.
(5)
Lindsay M.

This restaurant is a great spot for quick and really great Cajun/Mexican food! My friend and I thought the service was great; on time with placing our orders, refilled chips immediately, food came out fast and our server was very considerate. I got the shrimp and crawfish enchilada and my friend got the chicken fajitas. Delicious!! Even though the tortillas for both dishes were cooked a little too long (were kind of hard), the flavor and portion size was very good. I loved the sauce on top of my enchiladas. Yummmmm :-)
(4)
Alex M.

I went here four years ago. I got seriously wasted with some friends on their margaritas. Cut to today. I remembered it existed and was hungry. The food still stands up. In all honesty I don't know if you'll find a better Tex-Mex restaurant in Cambridge. Maybe even Boston. They have damn fine margaritas. They are the American-style. Full of booze and sour mix. They have good chips and ok salsa. Their salsa could use some work. The food is delightful Tex-Mex. I got some enchiladas off of their vegetarian menu and went to town. Even their rice and beans are tasty in a way that they normally aren't. And the fact that this place is always packed must be good.
(5)
Katie R.

Food is your average American Mexican cheese fest for reasonable prices. This place gets crowded and the margaritas are insanely unpredictable. The first time I came I had two and didn't feel buzzed. The second time I came I am pretty sure I just had tequila in a margarita glass on the rocks with salt. So I guess it evened out. The chips are really good because they make them there.
(3)
DoubleYouPee D.

I'm not a foodie but I do enjoy decent tex-mex. The chips are hot and salty, the food's always been tasty (and salty), the wait is always short, and my buttons are ready to pop every time I leave this place. Love it!
(5)
Michael S.

The bar is where it's at. The bartenders were very attentive and friendly. Such a difference from the last place I was at just down the street. Food was great. Get the jambalaya side instead of rice and beans - you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Simon L.

Don't know what to say. If there's a wait, you get a buzzer beacon so you can wait at the bar or outside. When the buzzer vibrates and flashes, go to the host, your table is ready. Been here so many times it's hard to write a compilation of things I like. Before you ever get your food, order a margarita gigante ($6). Reposado tequila with an ample rim of salt and plenty of lime and ice. Wow. Ask for tortilla chips ($free!!). Hot and fried about two minutes before they hit your spot at the bar. A spicy salsa with green onion and plenty of chili powder with help soften the crisp beauties. The chicken enchiladas ($7.74) are spectacular. Chili shredded chicken in a flour tortilla with melted cheese and sauce over the top. Fresh spiced rice and black beans. The rice is tender and seasoned with adobo and chili powder and small pieces of jalapeÃ±o and onion. The beans are firm but not with too much liquid. A small dollop of sour cream ($.75) and a similar sized scoop of fresh made guacamole (.$95) complete the taste sensation. The fried catfish is also amazing. The chimichurri steak ($11.96) is a whale of a piece of meat for this price. Served sliced and perfectly medium rare, the tender beef almost doesn't need the help of the chimichurri sauce that comes on the side. Sit downstairs if you can. It is cozier, slightly quieter and definitely more fun. The Service is always spot on and the drinks are wonderful. It is a perpetually busy spot so don't be intimidated when they say you table will be ready in 35-40 minutes, go enjoy a couple margaritas at the bar and before you know it, you'll be vibrating!!
(4)
Jessica A.

I'm probably a tough critic because I am from Texas, so keep that in mind. Overall it was ok, but I probably wouldn't go back unless they changed a few things. It's definitely more Cajun than Tex-Mex. I will start with the good--the fajitas were tasty! They actually served them on a sizzling platter how fajitas should be served, along with pico, fajita veggies, and guacamole. The spices made it taste very Cajun, which was different and I liked it. We had the shrimp and steak fajitas. The frozen margarita was pretty bad. It tasted like water with a splash of cheap mix. It seems that they made it in a blender. You pretty much need a margarita machine to make a decent frozen one. The salsa--the reason you go to Tex Mex restaurants-- was really, really sad. It reminded of Pace picante or something out of a jar that you would get at the grocery store. It could be so much better! I want to fix it.
(3)
Tessie M.

Fantastic margaritas! Huge serving sizes! I've had two times when I've experienced bad service (keep in mind, I'm a regular at this place, so the fact that I've only had 2 experiences with bad service is telling). Both times the management went above and beyond to make it right.
(5)
San W.

3.5! Been here a few times with a friend who loves this place. Can't say much that hasn't already been said in all of the other reviews so here are the bullet points: - Free, unlimited piping hot tortilla chips and salsa - HUMONGOUS glasses of water (To pick it up, I need both hands like it's an adult sippy cup) - HUGE portions of food, which is nothing amazing but decent, at reasonable prices - HUGE (see the theme here?) margaritas at cheap prices although the alcohol content can be hit or miss - Loud, festive ambiance - Friendly service
(3)
Boston ..

This place never disappoints me. Whether it is food, service or anything.
(5)
Kelly R.

The most important rule at Border Cafe: If you (like me) lack self-control when it comes to chips and salsa, do not bother trying to order an entire entree for yourself. Good drinks and a fun atmosphere make Border the perfect place for an end-of-the-week celebration (excellent for large groups). My personal favorite is the blackened catfish. Quesadillas are pretty good, too!
(4)
Kevin G.

Sauces were very salty, however drinks are fairly inexpensive. Had a decent experience, not too bad for a Tex-Mex/Louisiana style restaurant in New England.
(3)
L D.

This place is big, noisy, casual, and crowded. And I love it. No, it isn't a gourmet restaurant, obviously, but there is a reason why you may have to wait for a table, especially on weekends. It is fun, friendly, satisfying, reasonably priced, and, incidentally, a great place for children. On a recent visit, my son ordered a chicken dish which he found too spicy. The manager kindly allowed the lovely, bubbly waitress to exchange it for another, plainer version, and both the waitress and the manager couldn't have been nicer. I think this is the sign of a well-run, hospitable establishment. The popularity of Border Cafe is well deserved.
(4)
Carly S.

Don't come here if you just want drinks on a nice day otherwise you will be embarassed and asked to leave
(1)
Morgan L.

Very popular place to go out for Margaritas. Food is solidly generic, drinks are normal price and normal quality. Good atmosphere and enough room for larger parties, but overall nothing to write home about.
(3)
Stevie P.

My friend and I ordered enchiladas. They were really good. We are used to getting big platters because we always order the fajitas, but our stomachs didn't have enough room this time. Our waiter, Shawn C., unfortunately took away things we weren't even finished with! He didn't bother to ask if we were finished with it before doing that. I understand that things need to be cleaned, but please ask us first. My unfinished guacamole among other things. Every time he checked on us he took something away. He brought me my iced tea then took away my sugar?
(4)
Eric R.

In town from chicago,and stopped in today after taking a Harvard tour. We got the name from a local concierge,and lemme tell you...excellent..the food was great,drinks were great,and more importantly......the service was fantastic...we haven't been treated so nicely in a while..our waitress was great and the gentleman(manager perhaps) by the front door was beyond nice as well..wish I lived here to visit this restaurant more often.
(5)
Adam G.

Great place for a quick marg. not the best but it gets the job done. The food is slightly better than chipotle.
(3)
Ashley Z.

Pretty good mexican, with large portions. This place is almost always really busy. It's packed, and pretty noisy. It is a fairly large restaurant however (2 floors of seating) so I do think it does work for groups: we went with a group of 12 people once, and they put together three long tables to seat us all. You'll often have to wait ~20 mins for seating when you show up if you're going there for dinner. Their free unlimited nachos and salsa are really tasty and regularly replenished, which proves to be a problem for me :) I often find myself full before the entrees arrive. Their entrees have pretty sizable portions as well. Highly recommend their enchilladas and mojitos.
(4)
Katy C.

Excellent food, huge portions, all you can eat chips and salsa, massive margaritas, friendly service! Very busy and loud in Friday and Saturday night! Well worth the wait for American style Mexican! Yumm! Fantastic margaritas!
(5)
Stephanie A.

This place is great for a fun dinner/lunch with friends. The food is cheap, and in my opinion you can never go wrong with endless complimentary chips and salsa. My favorite dish the jambalaya, its about $8 and I always end up taking some home.. talk about a deal. Not the most authentic "Tex-Mex" food.. but you can't complain at the prices the food is offered at, and it's a fun atmosphere!
(4)
Mary P.

Literally, have never been disappointed. Service, price, food and drinks are always on point. This is a go-to when in Harvard square.
(5)
Melissa H.

The first really nice spring day calls for a margarita! Had a tasty one here and it smelled so good, ordered dinner. Big portions of well seasoned food. Guacamole was great, very fresh and avocado heavy. Sat at the bar and had great service. Definitely will go again! My non Mexican food eating beau even found things he liked.
(4)
InÃªs L.

Accommodating, tasty, affordable. Nothing out of this world great but a good option for lunch. Service was fast and nice.
(3)
Brian C.

I love this place. Great value. Good food and great atmosphere. My wife lives the catfish. I usually get the fajitas or else the fish quesadilla. Everything I've tried is pretty good. For the price, thus place is definitely 5 stars.
(5)
Ryan B.

I ate here on New Year's Eve with a group of friends we were visiting and we had a very good time. Being in Harvard Square they definitely cater to young adults, as such, it can get a little noisy, but that was what we were looking for that evening. I ordered the vegetarian fajitas and frankly they were the second best fajitas I've ever had--number one was after walking three miles in 80+ degree Fahrenheit heat and high humidity from my docked cruise ship in Cozumel, MX to the nearest beach, because I was too cheap and too stubborn to pay for a taxi or rent a scooter, so understandably that meal would be hard to beat, but Border CafÃ©'s fajita came close and fed me admirably. Ditto on the huge portion sizes! I would definitely come here again if I lived in Boston. That's all!
(4)
Max Z.

Mediocre. Typical place that rakes in its business as a product of its large portions and affordable prices. There's a reason their margaritas are only 7 bucks.. bleh Complimentary chips and salsa was probably this place's only saving grace. The food is salty and greasy - from the burritos and the quesadillas down to the salads. Then again, what did I expect? Won't be returning. If you're a college kid who doesn't care about what you put in your body and want to eat out without breaking the bank, join the masses at Border Cafe.
(2)
Sandeep S.

Lively place, fantastic food. The staff are really very busy, but they still make it a point to attend to your wishes. We loved this place and it came highly recommended by friends. I must emphasize on the quality of food. Simply, sumptuous, is all I can say. Drinks are value for money too. I know, fellow yelpers have reviewed this place as being really loud. It is loud, but that only means one thing, you can be loud too! Mostly young crowd, so I might have felt a bit out of place, but perhaps, that was only me, wishing I was younger, being surrounded by such energy that the youth invariably bring to a place. Highly, highly recommend. PS- Blackened Chicken Fajitas, Quesadillas with marinated chicken, Crisp Bacon Hamburger and Mesquite Grilled Fajita salad with many a Margarita Grande are what we ordered.
(5)
Jim S.

Very loud but good place near Harvard Square. Good value. The eetoufee I had there has yet to be topped in New Orleans. Friendly staff. Just off Harvard Square.
(4)
Lorenz S.

The pluses: The location is great, they have plenty of space (although it gets crowded on weekend nights), and the place works great for groups. The minuses: The food is really nothing special, and, most importantly, it lacks good healthy options -- even the salads are heavy. Overall, I sometimes end up going here with a larger group, but I certainly don't come here for the food.
(3)
Kaleigh H.

Free homemade chips and salsa! This is a welcome change for Harvard Sq. if you're looking for big portions, quick service, and good prices. My boyfriend and I ended up here after unknowingly going into a fancy Tavern, but only wanting some standard food to go with a drink (not the Steak Tartar). We were happily surprised coming across Border Cafe, across from Starbucks on Church St. Plate-sized quesadilla, with big scoops of guac, sour cream, and salsa on each. Our waiter was like lightning, predicting our needs.
(5)
E L.

Awesome place. Great atmosphere. Lots of fun if you want a nice casual dinner with friends or family, or for a fun date. The margaritas are great, the burgers are amazing, and the enchiladas are delicious. The food is super affordable, especially with it being in Harvard square. The service was so fast both times I've been there, and the chips they give you for free are so good, always served nice and warm with yummy salsa. Giving this four stars only because the portions were slightly small. Otherwise everything was great and delicious and fun!
(4)
Lisa T.

Great food, drinks and atmosphere in the heart of Harvard Square. Patron margarita was amazing! Prices are great and portions are huge. Share the fajitas!!
(5)
Kevin R.

This is a very good tex/mex restaurant in Harvard Square. I have been here several times and have enjoyed the food, drinks, and service each time. The food is delicious and comes in good sized portions at a reasonable price. I'm yet to have something I don't like and I generally try different items each time I visit. They also bring over fresh tortilla chips and salsa immediately when you sit down. The biggest differentiator of this restaurant is the quality of the margaritas. You can tell they are made with high quality ingredients and they are strong and reasonably priced. All around great restaurant.
(4)
Meg K.

This is the most affordable place around AND has a big menu! I love the guacamole with homemade chips, the vegetable quesadilla, and the salads. They're always fresh and not too greasy. I wouldn't exactly call it Mexican unless you say "American" first. I like the sangria, personally, but be prepared for some serious ID checking at the bar if you're from out of state. I've had mixed experiences with servers. Sometimes there will be someone waiting to open the door for you like you're the queen, and other times they are standing there but are too busy chatting to notice your crown. That's fine (I prefer to open my own doors, thank you), but when the server brings you the check before you even get your fork to your mouth, something's off. Didn't you want to ask how everything is or if we needed anything? Definitely coming back more than I care to admit, but I won't have high expectations of getting a waiter with some personality. Do they ever smile? Maybe they should wear sombreros to lighten their mood...
(4)
Mamta P.

Absolutely love it. Their vegetarian options are complete bliss !! Serving portions are BIG :) And price is wonderful. What more can you ask for.
(5)
Jashank B.

I wish I could give it 5 more stars. The best Mexican food in the world. Have the veggie quesadilla if you are a vegetarian. It's crazy good
(5)
S S.

I went here yesterday for an early dinner with my boyfriend and as soon as we walked through the door we were greeted and seated. Immediately after sitting down we were asked what we'd like to drink and we were presented with complimentary chips and salsa. Our drinks came fast, and soon after our entrÃ©es were ordered. The waiter we had was undoubtedly the best waiter I have ever had. Without asking, he always refilled our drinks when we were halfway through them and replenished our chips with warm ones before we had hit the bottom! I ordered the vegetarian quesadilla and my boyfriend got fajitas. We were very impressed with how quickly our food came, the food itself and the quality of service. I'd definitely go here again and try something different, the menu is loaded with amazing choices. And from what I observed by the people around me, the margaritas are good too. Oh and the best part was that the prices were great! Dinner for two was only $26! I'll also add that the bathrooms are nice too. This was an all around 5 star experience! Just a side note, I believe my waiters name was Blair, and he was awesome and as a teen you never get a good server, he really was the best. Thank you border cafe!
(5)
Mario N.

I'm probably biased because I'm Mexican and from Texas, but this food was terrible. The waitress didn't know that enchiladas could be both green or red, and the food was just gross. They try to blend Cajun and Tex-Mex and it doesn't work. The rice tasted like jambalaya and it doesn't work with the dish. The atmosphere was fun and cute, but it doesn't make up for the terrible food.
(2)
Alfonso R.

They won't take my perfectly valid international ID to drink. It is the only bar in Cambridge where I've had trouble. Too bad that a "mexican" restaurant treats internationals like second-class people.
(1)
Two Guys I.

We went here for Monday happy hour. A solid place to get sloshed on cheap margs. Not sure what kind of food it was. It seemed Mexican, but it also seemed Indian (the type with the tomahawk, not the forehead dot). They had pictures of Geronimo or some shit on the wall. They also had pictures of a skiing parrot and an alligator. B was into the alligator. He's going to get a pet alligator and keep it in a tank in his basement. I wonder what you feed those things. Probably burritos. The only downside to this place is they only have a couple TVs. Probably hard to watch the bruins. But I'd probably go to a bruins game with the waitress here if B was busy getting his B on. B edit: I think this place started as some bayou voodoo but the guy couldn't quite commit to doing a wholly Cajun thing so then just said fuck it and went for Mexican. I totally felt the lack of commitment - but the skiing parrot was legit.
(3)
Tater M.

Wait wasn't bad at all if you get a seat at the bar. Blackened swordfish was dry but I semi expected that to happen, looks like fajitas are more of their specialty here- sizzling, with flour tortillas to wrap it up with and ton of shredded cheese and sour cream. I have to say the highlight of the meal was the service, they come and switch out the salsa and drinks without you asking. Which is great because their tortilla chips are Reaaally yummy- I think they make them in house. How crazy is that? Warm crunchy salty chips with fresh tomato salsa. Mmm.
(4)
Shia G.

Great place for tex-mex. I now prefer this location over the Saugus one. For two reasons closer to home and more walkable places to visit after. When we arrived we waited about 20-30mins for our table which was no problem at all since we made it over to the bar and had the house margarita ($6-8) which was perfectly sweet, sour and lime-y which a slight kick. The bartender was fast and friendly! Once seated chips and salsa graced our table immediately, I mean as I was taking my blazer off. They were warm, crisp with a hint of salt and the salsa was nice. We ordered the guacamole as an app which was good but by no means of Rosa Mexicanos caliber (and definitely not made table side but hey it was only like $6). I ordered the Mesquite chicken and substituted the fries for beans and rice it also came with a green chimichurri-like sauce which was AMAZING, overall the entree was delicious and the portion was huge. My table mate had the swordfish which was described as really good. Our server was attentive and fast, great experience!
(4)
Yara F.

I'll admit, waiting 45 minutes for a table for 2 seems a bit ridiculous, but the food and drinks here are so worth it. I would honestly wait 1:30 for a table here (especially because you can walk around Harvard square while you wait) This restaurant has been a staple for me since I was in highschool, it's a great location in Harvard square, very close to the T stop, and there is also parking right across from it if you want to drive in. The decor of this place is super fun, it's very upbeat and the crowd is pretty young. You could come here on a date, with a big group of friends, or even with your family and you would have a great time. The prices are also great for the quality of food, everything is very fresh, they are super busy all the time so they have a great turnover rate for their food. The chips and salsa they serve at the beginning are delicious and they always refill even if there are only 2 people. My favorites are the enchiladas, the burro, and their fajitas. I bring everyone to this restaurant because it's so fun and yummy, I recommend it to all!
(5)
Jay L.

I went to this location on friday. I went to the host stand with my friend. Obtained a pager from the host, then we proceeded to the bar and Grabbed drinks . We hung out by the bar bought a few rounds as we waited for a table. I watched as two parties (2 or 3 ppl max ) of people came in, and were immediately sat down. We asked the manager and host what was going on they completely brushed us off *waiving hand gesture* and said we'll get you a table in a minute . I know I know. This is mostly a college crowd, this location is always slammed because of the location so customer service isn't that's important to them. The restaurant is overall dirty and poorly ventilated. My friends and i were hungry and weren't going to watch another group of guest be sat while we were left waiting. Off to another restaurant. Cheers! This is exteremely disappointing because i frequent the burlington location where I've received exceptional service. Should have gone there.
(1)
D J.

One of the best caesar salads in the Boston metro area. These are the best tortilla chips in the state. The chips spirit me away to Texas with every bite. The juxtaposition of cajon and Tex-Mex is really odd though. But all of the meals are palatable nothing close to the gulf coast but new England good. The fresh squeezes orange juice is a must as well.
(4)
Mariya V.

3 stars for mediocrity and inconsistency. I've been here twice, was pleasantly impressed the first and sadly disappointed the second. The location is cute and fairly sized. The place seems to get pretty busy, so you might have to wait 20 mins or so -- no biggie. First time I went, I shared a bunch of appetizers. Fell in love with the frozen strawberry margarita and flavorful side of jambalaya. Guac was bad, I would recommend skipping it, calamari was okay, and everything was the same..nothing to rave over. Service was also very pleasant! The second time was bad, a 1-2 star experience. Came back just for the strawberry margarita and jambalaya only for both of them to taste far worse. Margarita wasn't as icy and delicious as before, and jambalaya rice was hard! It's a shame to be disappointed with such a simple order. Anyways, don't think I'll ever be craving border cafe. If the second visit had been better, I would've definitely changed my mind though. Give it a chance, I guess?
(3)
David T.

A classic college hangout in Harvard Sq. Low cost, large portions, good tasting tex mex/ creole food.. Loud, busy, fun place with long waits to get in. There are now two other Border Cafe's in the burbs, the original in Cambridge is still by far the best with regard to a fun atmosphere.
(4)
Matt Q.

Border Cafe is your average touristy, loud, large portion, heavy dished, packed, college town Mexican place. It is what it is, and if you're looking for a place good to take your family after graduation or simply hang out with friends who need nothing more than to hang out with you, this is the place. Choose wisely, and you can find dishes that will happily surprise you. I found their Corn and Black Bean Empanadas to be surprisingly good. Choose poorly, and you could end up with a whole lot of nothing, like their "homemade guacamole," which was little more than four tiny scoops of *meh guac that cost about $4. Buy hey, lets face it, you don't go to Harvard Square for Mexican food. But if you do...Border Cafe is there for half-way decent food and all you can eat chips and salsa. Keep your expectations low and your party on and it may surprise you!
(3)
Liz C.

BEST Tex Mex ever. I will always compare Tex Mex to this place. The strawberry margaritas, the chips and salsa, and most of all the cheesy ridiculous chicken quesadilla (to be shared) with guac (not to be shared) and salsa. Only complaint is that I have to wait for it. This place is so popular on weekends and they don't take reservations, but they'll let you drink margaritas and eat chips and salsa at the bar until your table is ready. And the food is so affordable. Soooo delicious!!
(5)
Veronica R.

Always packed, always a massive line for dinner so get ready to wait. The food is delicious and indulgent, though it borders on Taco Bell levels of grease and self-hatred post dining. They have giant margaritas, though!
(3)
Blaire O.

I have been to Border Cafe a few times. The drinks are really good. I went for dinner last night with a friend. It was a 35 minute wait so we decided to grab a drink at the bar. The strawberry margaritas were delicious! Finally, we got seated and started off with chips and salsa with a side of guacamole. I wanted to get the vegetable quesadilla with protein (chicken) added. I was able to order that last time but was not allowed to this time. I ended up getting a side of chicken to add to the quesadilla myself. I don't know why that would be so hard for kitchen to put together. The portion was really big so I brought home the other half. I like how it is cheap.
(3)
Clay N.

There are two types of people in the world: those that love unlimited chips and salsa and those with no souls. Which one are you? Try to get in ten minutes before the hour when the line is short. Yes you are okay with waiting at the bar. Yes, you are thirsty and will have whatever margarita of the day they recommend. When you get your table, take your time ordering. Somehow the waitstaff have a sixth sense - some kind of Nacho based super power - and will refill your chips and salsa just as you are about to run out. Order anything on the menu that is blackened or comes with jambalaya. The Fajitas come with high recommendations, as well. Net-net you'll be okay: Somehow every dinner comes out to $15 per person (including drinks.)
(4)
Natalie D.

Great food and service. Good size portions. Fun decor -relaxed and festive with a big dose of tex-mex kitsch. The food has great flavor and our server gave a great recommendation. I have no idea why they don't have more stars. My boyfriend used to come here often with his friends when he was an undergrad at Harvard and they all love this place. I think most unpretentious good natured people would be more than satisfied with Border.
(5)
Kishan M.

I arrived to the hostess station, with my guest, and the manager there (behind the desk) didn't acknowledge us (male in blue dress shirt). No greeting, no smile, no eye contact... Real inviting, right!? Our meal was fine, nothing great, as expected. When I wanted to pay, I did have to wait 5-7mins, to spot my waiter. He was to the side, with the other waiters, leaning on the hostess station (not cute)... I had to holler at the doorman, who then had to signal my waiter, to take my credit card (I didn't even care to see the bill at this point). The Men's room needs a severe upgrade, or cleaning at least!
(3)
Dina C.

It was crazy awesome to have a taste of the New York tri state at school. This place is where Jose tejas on route 46 started. James was nice and staff was friendly...sometimes a black girl like me gets the #slackjaw from staff in New England. So now I've got a go to joint in Cambridge....I had been going to Au bon Pain all semester.
(5)
Ariel A.

Pros- You get a lot of food for the price. Cons- it's not fantastic mexican food, but it's better than what you usually find on the East Coast.
(3)
Nandanie S.

Need a margarita or a fat glass of sangria on any given night of the week after a long day? Want tortilla chips and salsa to go with that cold one? This is the place for you. Their quesadillas are HUGE. Share them if you want to. If you don't share, no one will judge you because they are pretty dang yummy. Things to try: Pastelitos - my husband is a vegetarian, and we share the veggie quesadilla cuz it's huge! I get these on the side, and they are so good. They're kinda like Mexican chicken samosas. Chimichuri steak - No comment. Just order it and your taste buds will thank you. Fajitas - Again, no comment. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night, be prepared to wait. Any other night works :)
(5)
Maya T.

This was my first time trying Border Cafe. The food and service were excellent. The chips were hot and the salsa was thick. I got the soft tacos with chicken and tried the jambalaya which was really good. My cousin got the black bean empanadas and she liked those to. Our waiter was nice and he kept checking on us. I'd return.
(4)
Zack H.

Located right around the corner from the Harvard Square (Red Line) T-Stop, Boarder Cafe is easily my favorite restaurant in the Boston area. I dare to say, I've been about 20 times, and have sat at almost ever table on both floors. The Margaritas are top-notch, refreshing, and about $6. They're sneaky-strong, yet delicious. Endless free, warm (sometime crazy-hot) tortilla chips are dropped at your table throughout the meal. The real challenge is not filling up on the chips, which is not easy to prevent. It's next to impossible to have a bad meal there, and the options are plentiful. My go to is the Blackened Catfish Fajitas. Other choices guaranteed to leave you happy and stuffed are the Swordfish Tacos Veracruz, any of the fajitas, Blackened Chicken plate, and Seafood Enchiladas. This is a very popular spot, so come prepared to wait for 25-45 minutes (sometimes on weekdays too). They don't take reservations, but it will definitely be worth the wait.
(5)
Casie Rachelle R.

Really great atmosphere. Funny menu, kinda a Mexican with Mexican and New Orleans maybe?! But really good. Huge portions. Cranking out margaritas. The guacamole is house made and delicious with the fresh chips.
(4)
Kate M.

Very standard choice for a sit-down Mexican restaurant in the square. It gets insanely crowded on the weekends, especially at the bar, so be prepared for a wait, especially since they don't take reservations. The unlimited chips and salsa is definitely a plus, and their guacamole is ok (not the best ever, not the worst). The chopped salad is really good (a massive portion, and it includes avocado), but definitely ask for the dressing on the side. The must fun thing to order, though, are the fajitas-- they come out on a hot iron platter with tons of toppings, and you make your own!
(3)
Frank B.

Monta Zuma's revenge is what this place should be called. Thank god Starbucks bathroom was close by, this place ripped my guys apart with there horrible food. I ordered steak fajitas. Now I've eaten steak fajitas all over the place, but these were season with Cajun spices. Who spices fajitas with Cajun spices ? Avoid this place like the Ebola virus.
(1)
Paul B.

Very very delicious and definitely the best for your money right by Harvard Square. The drinks were well priced and well portioned.
(5)
Anna M.

If you're looking for a place to get delicious Mexican food, then look no further! I'll flatout say that the one downside to this place is how crowded it always is and mos times when I've been there I've had to wait at least a few minutes for a table, even on random weekdays. BUT if you can overlook the crowded noisy atmosphere then you're definitely in luck. They bring the most delicious chips and salsa to the table and I'm telling you that these tortilla chips are addicting, it takes the ultimate willpower not to eat the entire basket full or throw them in my purse for later. The margaritas are literally the same size as my head and they taste so good. My favorite dish there is the veggie quesadilla which comes loaded with various veggies and cheese and is so large that it barely fits on the plate - seriously the portions could easily feed two people. Everything is so ridiculously cheap too and I've never had a problem with the service being too slow despite how many other people are dining at the same time!
(4)
Jessica F.

Had margaritas and a quesadilla and it was a really fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon
(4)
Jolene S.

Well, maybe the mgmt changed since my last review. I have been back many, many times in the last few weeks. The chips might be oversalted, but the salsa is tasty--and this is a free, huge portion. I paid for chips and salsa at Verdad and couldn't stop thinking about what you get at Border Cafe. I had to come back and try them again. Guacamole and big margaritas are good additions. I also enjoyed the marinated chicken/pulled pork taco/enchilada option. (Enough for two meals at half the price of Verdad)...hmm, I'll be going back to Border...
(3)
Minh C.

Border Cafe is a nice joint. The freshly baked chips are just perfect to go along with the salsa. I also got the guac, which I devoured. For my entree, I picked the blackened salmon, which was charred to perfection. I like char on mostly anything, and with a squeeze of lime on this, I was absolutely satisfied. For the food, Border Cafe gets four stars. However, I have to ding the restaurant for making me and my clothes smell. I've been to many Mex / Creole restaurants, and never have this issue - the dense, invisible layer of vaporized oil and odor permeates deep into your clothing, which means a trip to Border = a trip to the laundry room (coats and everything).
(3)
Lisa R.

Me gusta! This is a casual and fun place to get some margarita, Mexican beer, and relaxed but yummy food. The chips and salsa are free and abundant. I had a steak dish and it was yummy. Boyfriend's fajitas were delicious too. Portion sizes are large and menu is appropriately priced. My only complaint is that they took away the chips and salsa when our entrees came out! (but he was probably doing me a favor)
(4)
Analissa L.

Went here yesterday and had a food coma. I ordered the vegetable quesadilla which was the size of my head and they too up your drinks faster than you can drink them. Definitely worth coming but expect a wait because it's just that good
(4)
Alex Y.

When I go to restaurants with nachos on the menu, I always order them. Not this time. I decided to take a leap of faith and order something different. It made me nervous. It made me jittery. It made me feel, frankly, insecure. I ordered the empanadas. And everything worked out OK. That was an understatement. Everything worked out GREAT! These empanadas are a crispy deep fried shell tightly hugging a filling of corn, black bean, peppers, and cheese. They come with this roasted red pepper sauce that was both sweet and tangy. I am a steamed dumplings type of guy. Empanadas are liked steamed dumplings pumped with human growth hormone and steroids... oh and Mexican seasoning. What's not to love? This place is often crowded, and the servers can't seem to attend to all their tables properly. The food is the trump card here though. They give enough tortilla chips (thin and crispy, yum) and salsa to make you forget you're not getting enough attention. Come for the food, not the service.
(4)
Christopher M.

A friend of mine really loves coming here. I'm kinda so-so on the place, but since I don't hate it and I enjoy hanging out with him, I just come order and have a good time. I honestly don't see anything special about Border. They have big drinks. So do other places. They have "mexican" Other places serve it without the quotation marks. . . and their Cajun section? Not really Cajun. . or creole. . . or even close. The etouffee is bland, the blackened catfish is so-so, and the shrimp appetizer, while kind of tasty, is pretty much what I'd expect from an outback or red lobster or any one of a number of chains. Like I said, I have fun when I come here, but it's because of the company, not the food.
(3)
Howe L.

Three stars only because of the value. Large portions and the cheaper end of Harvard sq. Not a huge fan of the margaritas (watered-down), and the fajitas were overly spiced/salty. The place was packed and doesnt give much breathing room - people were hitting my drink left and right. Admittedly, I had good service. Loud and fun with a group of friends, but not an place for the food.
(3)
Diane D.

My best Tex-Mex friend wanted to go to Border Cafe for her birthday with a few of our friends. To me that says something about the food right there. Let's face it - any of us who have spent time in the south are on a constant mission to find even remotely comparable food on the east coast (mission may never really be accomplished). But on the whole, Border Cafe does a nice job! While Mexican food generally is just the same 6 ingredients combined in different ways, they have found a way to have an interesting selection of dishes and still include everyone's favorites. Don't fill up on the starter baskets of tortillas - it's a cheap trick! But have some if you're gonna drink - I've never had a margarita here that wasn't overfilled with tequila, and I don't care if its good tequila or not, cuz I'm feeling it, it tastes good, and its not breaking my paycheck. It's best in the summer when some of the college crowd is away and there's slightly more room to move around...but generally the place is busy so get there early if possible! They won't seat you until your whole party is there so get your cool late-shower friends to get themselves together!
(4)
Jenny M.

Loud, nearly impossible to get into, and the fajitas?! What the heck happened there!? I'm a native Texan, and my favorite dish to order to test a Tex-Mex restaurant is the fajitas. What arrived before me broke my heart: the pieces of beef were smothered in completely unrelated and uncalled-for cajun spices. CAJUN FAJITAS!?! What?! It was a complete flavor clash, and I didn't eat more than one bite of that meat. The sadness and homesickness this caused were enough to keep me from returning. That said, I know some people that really like the place. I just doubt they're from Texas.
(2)
Mike H.

This place is pretty damn good. I don't usually drink mixed drinks at bars (I like to see exactly how much booze I'm getting) but the margaritas here are damn good. I did get another margarita after ordering a tequila shot, though, but not a big deal (they did bring me my tequila, complete with salted rim and sliced limes, after I alerted them). The food was filling and pretty good. I did like the atmosphere, but the place was pretty crowded for an early evening mid-week. I'll probably go back next time I want a margarita. Which might be a while.
(3)
Juli W.

This place is great for lunch or dinner (same menu). They've got additional seating downstairs, but upstairs is far better. Their homemade chips are always served warm with their spicy salsa - and it's easy to fill up on that before your meal arrives. I love their beef enchiladas, beans and rice - all that with a soda for under $10. Service is usually pretty good too. They do get the crowds, so be ready for a wait at times - especially on the weekends..
(4)
Jill H.

I'm definitely biased in reviewing Border Cafe, because a family tradition of mine is SundaylLunch after church at Jose Tejas in NJ (It's the same restaurant, different name). That being said, I'm still giving it five stars. Yeah, you definitely have to wait a long time. And you really should think twice about driving because parking is an absolutely nightmare. BUT if you love Tex-Mex, you'll realize it's worth the wait. Border Cafe is an experience in itself - and the price is definitely right. Border Cafe is a theme restaurant, and is definitely casual. Again, I judge on a bias because I love theme restaurants. You'll probably hear some mariachi bands, you'll probably hear some Jimmy Buffet. I don't even like Jimmy Buffet, but I still would sit through Cheeseburgers in Paradise just because Border Cafe is THAT good. The complimentary chips and salsa are absolutely delicious. They're warm, they're salty, they're crisp, and they're bottomless. The salsa is simple, but it compliments the chips really well. If you finish your basket before your drinks get to you - which is possible- don't worry! Ask your waiter/waitress for another basket. It happens to the best of us. Just be careful. It's definitely possible to fill up on them - so try to moderate your chip intake. As for the entrees, they're all quite good. My family orders everything from fajitas, to blackened catfish, to tacos, to burgers, to the eggplant royale. It's all good, really. My personal favorite, however is the Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad. It's huge for one, so it really is more of an entree than an appetizer. Also, I don't know what makes this Caesar dressing so tasty, but it's a perfect combination of zing and cream - and compliments the spices of the Blackened Chicken to a T! Definitely delicious, definitely something that you want to bring home if you can't finish. Two margaritas and you've sufficiently warmed yourself up for an evening at Tommy Doyle's or Hong Kong or wherever your post-dinner destination may be. Although I'd say make sure you have some Aleve ready for your inevitable hangover the next morning :)
(5)
Richard M.

I worked at 50 Church Street for 3 months and I ate here a couple times a week during that time. I am a big fan of Mexican food and Cajun food, but I'm not sure they ever belonged together. But I have only eaten the Mexican here, and that is all my review covers. And it was great food. The price was cheap, it was a great location. I would have liked to have the chance to eat there other than for just lunch. I tend to like my food hotter than most, and like most commercials restaurants, I wish they have an "En Fuego" entre, but it's nothing some hot sauce won't fix. They did run my card twice for a $50 meal, but when I went back to complain it was sorted out and an apology was offered. All in all, I love this place, especially for a work lunch.
(4)
Samantha E.

Crazy packed almost every weekend but the food and drinks are reasonably priced and the atmosphere is kinda fun. I would definitely recommend the guacamole (got a bit of a kick to it!) and the chicken soft tacos (sounds generic but they're ultra tasty!!!) The jambalaya side dish ain't bad either.
(4)
Katie L.

Okay, so perhaps Border doesn't have *authentic* mexican. Yes, the decor is cheesy. It is almost always crowded. And you will smell like Border cafe until the next time you wash whatever you were wearing there (including your hair, generally). But the tasty, inexpensive drinks, warm chips, and a bottle of "hot" sauce to add to the basic salsa always make for a good time. The meals are pretty big for the price - I have never left here without leftovers! My bf and I split the blackened chicken fajitas almost every time we come here and have more than enough food for both of us. The service is almost always great - your food arrives pretty quickly and they bring you more beverage than you can possibly consume. I'm still not sure why they insist on taking away your half-drunk soda/water/lemonade and replacing it with another (giant) one, but they do this without exception, it seems. Overall, a good place for some not-too-expensive comfort food. This place gets five stars because it ALWAYS makes my bf a happy man. Can't ask for more than that!
(5)
Samantha M.

Ma ma ma margaritas! Mmm, delicious. Love their salsa and accompanying chips, enchiladas & the cajun burger. Great atmosphere, it always seems to be busy here.
(5)
Ken M.

This was an off night for Border. The waitress was not up to par and they were very inefficient at clearing the table and giving us room. Inexcusable was the waitress taking the queso when I had a chip half raised to my mouth, how did she know I wasn't going back in for more?
(3)
Matthew T.

Maybe a Saturday night was not the best time to check this place out. Especially since I live in Jamaica Plain and have tons of authentic Mexican joints to go to, but I read rave reviews of their margaritas and really wanted one, my mistake. I ordered the Texas Margaritas and it was so full of oversized pieces of ice it should not have been considered blended, but on the rocks. The food was blah, I'm all set. Thanks anyway.
(2)
rewan a.

I have been going to border cafe a lot lately after moving to the area. Every time I have been there I have had a great experience. I haven't ever had to wait for more than 5 minutes. As crazy as this sounds, they have awesome burgers. Crazy, I know... and why did i order a burger in the first place? Not sure, but I definitely don't regret it. I like their drinks, I can't complain. They are on the stronger side but they're good. I really like their big taco salad. I think it's called tostada grande. It's like a massive open face taco salad with either beef or chicken. Also, the servers are great. It's the perfect place if you want to be in a fun atmosphere and not spend too much money.
(5)
Raja S.

The food is really good, really big, and really cheap. It's a cluster on weekends, expect to wait 45 min. But worth the wait. edit: contrary to Yelp, they do not offer take out.
(5)
Cornelius V.

this is as good as it gets for cheap tex mex. i'm not even going to bother getting into it considering the other 659 reviews. and the opportunity to upgrade your margarita to tradicional for a $1 more? uh, yeahhhhhhhh! while back home, all i can do is wish they even sold tradicional here.
(4)
Kevin M.

I always have a good time and enjoy good food/drinks when I come here. I recommend the French Quarter chicken or the burros... the margaritas are always good... the only down side is that you will smell like Mexico when you leave.... but small price to pay.. And acutally on that note, the prices are pretty good $6-$10 for most entrees and appetizers from $5-$9 ... can't beat that. (And bottomless chips/salsa to start.. come on, what's not to like??)
(3)
TJ S.

Eh. Every city has a few of these. "Mexican" restaurants within proximity of major universities. They become popular with the gringos because they serve corona and this crazy food called a fajita..Typically this genre of restaraunt will have low grade food, production line service, and some wacky theme decor...commonly a mechnical bull..... For some reason every time I go I get garlic on my breath for days. Apparently the border believes that garlic is a main ingredient of Mexican cuisine.
(3)
Matt S.

There are quite a few yelpers that come down hard on The Border Cafe. To each their own, but I've consistently enjoyed it for quite some time. In fact, I'd consider it one of my favorite places to go with a large group of people. The food is solid, though the name of the place is somewhat misleading. There's as much Louisiana-tinged food as there is Tex/Mex, but everything I've ever had was tasty. The Corn and Black Bean Empanadas are delicious, as are the Catfish Fajitas. One thing that people always enjoy are the chips and salsa. The tortilla chips are homemade and arrive at your table warm and salty - and the minute they're gone another basket always seems to appear. I've brought people from the Southwest here and they've had nary a complaint. Sure, if they dug to find a gripe they could, but I think it's a testament to the Border Cafe when someone from the area(s) of it's culinary origins can actually take it seriously. And it's in Harvard Square, so it's a great place to grab a bite after walking around.
(4)
Michelle C.

Border Cafe is what it is, and it's damn good at what it is. Tex-Mex usually means kind of bland and watered down attempt at Mexican, but maybe it's the Creole infusion that makes Border Cafe so damn tasty (tasty is my favorite word, by the way). They also get major bonus points for the fact that nearly everything they serve seems to be heaped with garlic (my favorite condiment). Meals start with chips and salsa which are so good and I can shovel into my mouth at amazing rates. There can definitely be a wait, but once you get those chips, any frustration melts away. Service can feel really rushed and food comes out fast, so I like to keep the drinks coming so I don't so much feel the need to be in and out in 20 minutes. Everything is garlicky and tasty, and I always leave feeling like I really got my money's worth because the prices are SO cheap. Aside from the rushed service, this place is a STICKLER for carding (probably owing to the close proximity to Harvard), which can seriously suck if you happen to have forgotten yours. But seriously, I'm drooling here thinking about some chips and salsa.
(4)
Tracy K.

For those of us from California: It's like Acapulco or El Torito with a few Cajun options, too. For everyone else: I can't think of another place around Boston that serves Mexican plates like Border does (not saying it's the real deal, just saying that it's tasty). I love love love places that serve warm tortilla chips with salsa! Border Cafe does not disappoint. Usually. Unless, of course, you go during Harvard's Parent's Weekend and every damned family wants to eat there with their precious ones, causing you to wait 2 hours for a table even though they told you 45 minutes when they handed you the pager. I'm not bitter though, because they felt bad for us and gave us $40 off our bill and gave us 3 Dinner-For-Two certificates so that we'd come back again (there were 6 in our group). Go if you're looking for a place with a fun crowd and good food. Also open late.
(4)
Mark O.

I can't say anything for the food, and the service was fine (I sat at the bar). But it was the worst margarita I've had in Cambridge. I sucked it down because I had to, dammit. Don't venture here for that reason, and maybe I'll go back again and try an enchilada just to say I did.
(3)
Josh M.

I really don't understand all of the Border Cafe hate. Sure, it's pretty far from authentic Mexican or Cajun food (the fact that they serve both should be a bit of a hint), but that doesn't mean that it's not good. While I've never had an amazing meal here, I've also never been disappointed. The fajitas are particularly good, as are most of the Cajun dishes that I've tried. They make a solid burger, too. And, there are other things to like, too - cheap prices, huge cups for drinks (because nothing is worse than running out of water while eating spicy and/or salty food), delicious freshly-made chips and salsa free with every meal, an extensive menu, and friendly, efficient service. Really, unless if you come here with unrealistic expectations, there's nothing not to like.
(4)
Sun Y.

The atmosphere here is exceptional-- you'll be greeted with a fun, friendly wait staff, along with some country-pop-folk fusion music, and top-notch margaritas. The food is tex-mex, wouldn't really call it "authentic"; however, a great place to grab fajitas (they'll come out sizzzzlin), shrimp orleans (spicy pasta), or finger food (cajun poppers). I've been going to this place weekly since freshmen year and would definitely recommend it for a casual night out with friends.
(4)
Van T.

This is one of my favorite place to go to, i recommend all my friends to go there, but I had one of the worst hostess at Border Cafe tonight. She should not be working at the front since that is the first impression as soon as a customer walk into your restaurant. Very rude and unprofessional to customer not just to my guest but to others. I hope this message will work its way to whoever in charge, because as much as i love the food there i probably will not go back. Such a bad reason to dislike a restaurant.
(1)
Wendy L.

The food is decent and the margaritas are awesome. I know people hate on it, but the Border is fine....you will definitely be full at the end of your meal. The place can get super crowded (including the bar) which makes the ~1 hr wait tough. I typically have the typical combo plates...or sometimes the fajitas; I would probably go with a combo plate. There is this weird part of the downstairs where they can't serve alcoholic beverages - apparently, when they got the alcohol permit, that part of the building wasn't part of the buliding yet, so it's not covered. My friend and I tried to talk the waitress into serving us, but she was having none of that. So, when they ask you if you are going to have any drinks, be truthful...because you may end up in that part of the restaurant! Also, another time I was there with my friends, the fire alarm went off... We weren't allowed to finish our food or drinks but the waiters were chasing us down for the money for our checks. I thought that was pretty lame since most of us didn't even have a chance to finish our food...
(3)
Jennifer F.

Hot basket of free, fresh chips when you first sit down? Loves it. Boozy margaritas for $5.50-$8? Extra loves it. Super crowded and you have to wait outside on the street corner down an alleyway on busy nights? Poop. But, whatever. Border is cheesy (country music and unfinished wood, tacky knick-knacks that make no sense and ugly wall murals galore) and not the worlds best Mexican food, but I love this loud-ass place and it's always a fun fallback when you have no idea where else to go and you're not a millionaire. You don't go to mingle with the clientele and pick up hotties at the bar - you go to get pre-smashed with your girlfriends before you go get regular-smashed at a concert or a house party later on.
(3)
Derek W.

Restaurants that have a limited "late night" menu are a pet peeve of mine. The food is the same as the other Border Cafes, which is to say good, cheap, and unhealthy. I must say our waitress was fantastic, which was definitely the high point of a visit that was otherwise disappointing.
(3)
Jamie G.

I am SHOCKED I have never reviewed this place! I used to come here all the time for drinks with friends when I was at Harvard, and I still visit every once in awhile when I'm in the area. It's not my fave mexican restaurant (I'm partial to Margaritas) and this place has an interesting cajun flare, but this place has decent drinks and food. I almost always get the frozen raspberry margarita with a sugared rim... and it's almost always delicious... but this past time, it was not mixed well--- all the raspberry syrup was on the bottom and the ice was on the top-- it was this weird white-ish purple-ish color, not the usually smooth pink deliciousness I am used to... I was very sad. The chips are a bit too salty, salsa is good, guac is good, queso is delicious, fried crawfish are delicious, and when I eat entrees here, I usually split the fajitas with someone- which are pretty good. Service is usually very friendly, the restaurant is spacious, two floors, and a few outdoor seats, and a nice bar area. Lots of young people here... and they always card here. I'll most definitely be back, usually a top choice for Harvard Square area, but not top compared to what else is out there in the Boston area.
(3)
Kylie S.

Good margaritas, excellent spicy chile rellenos, quick friendly service, and lively colorful atmosphere--definitely a repeatable experience. It was on the loud side but luckily we got a table along the window that was quieter. I'm looking forward to going back and trying their enchiladas. update: the enchiladas are fantastic. I am now definitely a fan of this restaurant.
(5)
Katie A.

If you want authentic Mexican food, go somewhere else but for Tex-Mex food in Cambridge, Border Cafe if a great place to go. It has a pretty fun atmosphere and is great for a group, provided you are all there because they won't seat you if people are missing. Since you get a big basket of chips and salsa as soon as you get here, it is especially good to go with a few extra people. The food and alcohol are both cheap, especially given its location in the square. It does get very crowded, especially on the weekends so don't go when you are super hungry. I have also been here at times when the service itself is pretty slow. They have a pretty good selection of margaritas and I can say that their frozen strawberry margarita is excellent. The menu has both Tex Mex and Cajun items and they have a special vegetarian section. They give large portions and are willing to do some substitutions. I usually get their vegetable fajitas and they are always very good. Lots of different veggies and they give you plenty of accompaniments. The portions are large and they are very vegetarian friendly.
(4)
Rachel H.

More tasty than delicious. Good enough food for when you need an excuse to drink margaritas. Somehow food is a bit unappealing (ingredients are cheap) but very edible (and at least they don't charge you much for it). The atmosphere is fun--which is great because you have to be prepared to wait awhile.
(3)
Chrystina S.

Awesome fajitas!! Friendly and fun atmosphere, great place to go with a group of people. The wait can be long especially on weekends, but is worth it when you sit down and are immediately served fresh, warm chips and salsa. They also have great margaritas and sangria. Overall, a great Tex-Mex restaurant.
(4)
Ellen B.

I was surprised my brother came jere since he doesnt eat mexican, buy he said he eats the "creole" food. (I put it in quotes bc it was just chicken that he ordered: didn't seem very special.) Dinner on a Friday. Ridiculously noisy downstairs, esp bc of the screaming toddlers (srsly, what kind of parent allows babies to run around in a crowded restaurant? So dangerous!). Fast, careless service. I had corn & black bean empanadas that were pretty good. They came with rice & beans, & I was able to eat a lot & still have 2 (of 4) leftover for breakfast. (they reheated better than I'd expected.) my brother & his girlfriend ate most of their boring chickens. I couldn't wait to get out of there; I won't return.
(3)
Eric K.

Hey guys, that place ALWAYS has a huge line... LETS TRY IT! Mmmm I like this place, oh I really do. Has a very "New Orleans" atmosphere and it sucks you into its vibe. Of course with long lines there is a long wait but I personally think its worth it. The waitering service for the most part is fast and attentative. Right when you sit down BAM homemade chips and salsa, its MAGIC (okay not MAGIC, but its pretty quick.) The prices are fairly cheap, you definitely get more than your moneys worth. I HIGHLY recommend the catfish. I usually shy away from seafood in general but this catfish is GREAT. Its breaded very nicely so crunchy on the outside but the inside melts in your mouth. WORTH IT. Oh and its HUGE. The only bad thing I could say about the food is that the rice that comes with the beans and rice side is too salty. But that could be just me. ... hey are you still here? GO NOW
(4)
Carolynne M.

I am thrilled to see the Border is still around and doing well. I started going in 1989 (whoops, showing my age a bit!) when it was still a relatively new joint and the menu was not as varied as it is now. Even then it was a great place and a good time out. It was really my most favourite restaurant while going to school in Boston as you could get a great meal for not too much $$$. Spent my 21st birthday there and got way too drunk with everyone there finding out and buying me a drink. Ahhh, memories. I still compare every warm tortilla chip and salsa that I get to the Borders. Theirs will always be the best, and man, I have been to some seriously hard core authentic Mexican places since then. And yay! They still offer my dish, the Cadillac Fajitas. That along with a margarita with salt brings a sting to the old eye remembering how good that is. I havent been back to Boston for a while now but just reading the reviews and scanning the menu makes me want to book the next flight out from Priceline. Border Cafe you rock.
(5)
Amanda B.

"Meh. I've experienced better." Sums it up perfectly. First of all, let's get something straight: this is NOT mexican food. It is TEXMEX. There's a difference, people. I lived in Southern CA. I know my mexican food. I just don't see what the big deal is. This place is always packed. Lines out the door. The food's...ok. Nothing to write home about. In fact, the last time I went there, I'm pretty sure what I are made me sick. I got the Shrimp-Crawfish Cajon Caesar Salad and it tasted good, but not so much later. The service is respectable considering how many people they've got in there at one time. I guess I just don't think this place is anything special. Meh.
(2)
Heidi B.

aside from the place being crowded and pretty loud, i thought the service and food were good. we had fairly generous portions and the margaritas were ok. do not go to this place expecting amazing mexican food as this is not what you will find. rather, check this place out if you want something other than an irish pub, pizza parlor, and/or a cafe in the harvard square area.
(4)
Renee G.

While chefs and foodies may contend that seafood and cheese do not belong in the same dish except under the most carefully culinarily engineered circumstances, I cite the Gulf Coast Seafood Enchiladas as proof otherwise. Slosh some guacamole on top and I am a happy, happy girl. Also, traditionally speaking, I prefer my margaritas dry, on the rocks, and with a fine aged tequila...but try reminding me of that when I'm gleefully slurping down my third or fourth slushy, blended, well tequila-filled version. And they even play country music. Call me a redneck, but that's a surefire way to my heart.
(3)
Alena D.

Sigh the Border Cafe. Ever other Sunday or so, I attempt to go to Mr. Bartley's in Harvard and because it isn't open on Sunday's I make my way to the border cafe. Why? Because they have decent margarita's. Sunday mornings are just a long process of finding the hair from that particular dog. The food is crap on a plate. Shrimp were rubbery overcooked, fish dry, paselito's greasy and kind of disgusting. The best to hope for is biting into something moderately bland that doesn't overpower the wash of alcohol that you need to get it down. Update: I had a mesquite grilled burger from here the other day. I asked if it could be cooked medium rare. The waitress came back and said that it couldn't be because the grill was automated and set to medium. Glorified Taco Bell.
(2)
Nick P.

Best deal in Harvard Square. First a warning- the fresh, hot chips and salsa is incredibly addicting so try to avoid filling up before the food comes. When the food does come the portions are large and the taste is delicious. Tex-Mex and Cajun sound like (and is) a weird combination but somehow it works. The drinks are good and reasonably priced as well.
(5)
Abdulrahman B.

Been there twice. I love their seafood Enchilada. Its a dish that makes me wantta come again. I want to try their fajita coz it looks so good. I like their decoration and the staff are friendly.
(4)
Hannie L.

Lets face it, Tex-Mex is pretty hard to mess up. Border Cafe clears this low bar, and it's campy and impersonal ambiance alone would garner at most 3-stars. However, there are at least three reasons I can think of to bump Border up to 4-stars: 1) The restaurant is so huge it can be totally packed and a large group can still get a table in a pretty reasonable time frame (~30min) 2) The prices are reasonable 3) The margaritas are strong
(4)
Joseph G.

Very good place to eat. They are wonderfully accommodating of Gluten free needs. Even making up french fries in a separate to avoid contamination. They were great. My girlfriend was really into the cheap but tasty margaritas. As a beer drinker, I was sadly disappointed by their beer options. But great place will definitely be going again.
(4)
Stephen Y.

One (or two word): Tex- Mex.... Super- crowded and super- crazy We were so hungry and were fed baskets of free nachos.... fueled by Coronas... that we were pretty stuffed by the time the entrees arrived... We were led to the basement where it was hot and steamy and our waiter was pouty Food was OK but hey... It's Tex- Mex... kinda like a Schnoodle... cute and kinda novel at first but will bite you in the ass at the end....
(2)
Jamie L.

"Cadillac fajitas and Cajun popcorn, we have a date Friday night!!! Don't make me wait too long, ok?" I've tried just about everything on this menu and have never been disappointed (except for one time bones came in my catfish, one incident in over 5 years of yumminess hardly counts). Especially for the prices! Unlike many restaurants I frequent, this is one of the few places I'll experiment. Generally I go to the same establishment for the same thing. Indeed many places all over town could probably recite an order of mine. This Friday, it'll be what has come to be my favorites, but truly many things have satisfied me here!
(5)
Brian M.

I had heard a lot of not very good things about this place, so had never checked it out until last night...and I have to say I was reasonably impressed. The first thing to note is that it gets very busy, esp dinnertime Saturday. It's loud, crowded and a little on the cramped side. That said, our group of 8 was seated within 20 mins at a round table - always good when it's a group that size. They brought plenty (3 servings) of chips'n'salsa to the table to keep hunger pangs subdued until food and drink orders were in. Both were mild in flavour but pretty good for all that. I got the beef and chicken fajita. The Beef was great although it teetered on the dry side. I did think the chicken was a little over-seasoned. The salad/cheese/salsa was fresh and crisp and the dirty rice was excellent, although the authenticity police might have had questions about the latter. I'm not a fan of black beans but they seemed decent. The gf was very enthusiastic about her salad. She liked her Margarita but noted it was not as impressive as it first appeared due to the large amount of ice. The place is very loud; I could converse with the two people either side, but those across the table were lost to me. Considering how crowded and loud the place is, I thought the service was excellent - it must be a headf*ck place to work but they were v prompt with drinks etc. So, is it authentic? I wouldn't know - Ireland is not a noted enclave of Tex-Mex cooking. I thought it was v tasty and I would definitely go back, although maybe not on a Saturday.
(4)
Nicole P.

I am surprised there are any negative reviews for one of my staple week night dinner places! Let's not fool ourselves, Border Cafe is the Ground Round of Mexican food, but it is pretty damn tasty! The chips are rarely stale, the salsa actually has crack in it, the sodas are larger then my head and the ritas are perfect! On week nights it is pleasantly crowded but you always get seated right away. What else can you ask for? Try the corn and black bean empanada- one of my favs or the basic fajitas are always good. Get a side of guac and you should be full and happy!
(4)
A V.

My coat had a cajun stench for 2 weeks after leaving this place, but it was worth it.
(4)
Eugene D.

Some of the best Tex-Mex in the Boston area! One of my favorite restaurants for years.
(5)
Greta K.

Still love the crawfish, jambalaya, the strawberry margaritas, and the chips. I also dig the fact that it wasn't a long wait on a busy Friday night. If only I didn't live almost forty miles away, I would come much more often.
(5)
Vanilla P.

If you walk into this place expecting authentic Mexican food, you will leave sorely disappointed. If you walk into The Border Cafe expecting hipster servers to be bringing you mild Creole-Mex food, you'll leave happy. Who thought up the Creole-Mex mix anywho? That's like creating a Buddhist meatloaf. We came here on a chilly Sunday night, after perusing Yelp for a decent place to guzzle margaritas. Food wasn't a consideration, since we wanted to get wasted. ...It was merely a coating for the stomachs we were getting ready to pour booze in. Halfway through my margarita, I was drunk. I'm not a light weight, but this margarita? Definitely not made with primo tequila, but whatever moonshine mix they put into it burnt the hairs off my tongue and made me feel loosey goosey. I ordered the Black Bean Tostada salad, which was a taco salad vegetarian style. i asked for a side of ranch dressing and extra jalapenos, and wow. The ranch is home made, and the jalapenos were fresh, spicy, and crunchy --which means they weren't from a can. Hubby ordered some kind of burrito, which was fine and mellow, but his Mexican rice side was not Mexican, or even Spanish. I'm thinking the chef went to Italy, became enthralled with risotto, and whipped up a batch for hubby's dinner that night. All in all, it was tasty... just not Mexican. Waitress was nice, and dinner plus drinks was under $30. The interior was all painted with old-timey ads and murals, so it had the feel of a big box Mexican restaurant (coincidentally know as "On the Border" that is located mostly in the mid-west and west USA ... HMM). Bathrooms were clean, but confusing for me, since the stalls have real doors on them, and if the doors are closed, you cannot tell if they are occupado. I stood outside one of the stalls for a few moments until a girl who was washing her hands said, "Oh, this one's open." Duh, Vanilla. Drink more.
(4)
Cara P.

Two stars for their drinks. Well, because they have tequila and a ton of calories= yum I have ventured here before to be met with a really long wait, crowded and loud atmosphere, bland and mediocre food chain line food, and really biatchy servers. I heard a few people in line say they couldn't wait to eat real "mexican".......I had to laugh to myself.............or maybe I did because, well I was waiting in a line for this..... Will not come back unless forced
(2)
Beth E.

It's been interesting to read some of the other reviews. They seem to run the gamut. So I'll add to the middle. I've been a few times, and haven't had the waiting issues that others have. I must go at odd times. Food is cheap and edible. No, it's not authentic, but really, this is Boston. It's good enough for what it is.
(3)
Crystal C.

While I lived in Boston for 4 years, this was hands down my favorite place to go. There was always a wait, but it was always worth it. Good atmosphere, good service, good food, good prices. I recommend the fajitas and frozen sangria!
(5)
Michael L.

"Tex-Mex"...ehh More like Bayou Mex. It was late and we wanted to get some food, and I had never been here and wanted to try it out. I was hoping to find a place for a quick meal where the game wasn't on, (it was the night they lost 7-8 to the Yankees) but no dice. Drunk morons shouting in the restaurant like they were at Fenway: "LET'S GO RED SOX" clap clap clapclapclap They only serve from their late night menu after 10:30, which is basically just the appetizers. I got a bowl of chili, she got a chicken quesadilla. Each were $5-6. They also have chips and salsa on the tables for snacking, and both were EXCELLENT. Warm tortilla...salty tortilla. YUM! The chili was too cheesy, but they gave me so many chips that I sort of ate it as a dip. I felt sick after, it was just too much cheese. Her quesadilla was absolutely scrumptious. It makes me want to go back and try some more of their food. The meat had the consistency of pulled pork, and was marinated in deliciousness or something. Very very good, very big, and still tasty when I popped it in the oven the next day to heat it up for leftovers. It was better than what I paid for it. The decor was a little strange. The Louisiana meets Mexico thing didn't have an authentic feel of either place, it was just kind of weird. Plus there is not a single wall in the place without a piece of Corona promotion on it. The music was good though, a mix of bluegrass and big band oldies.
(4)
Jess K.

The chips are so delicious and warm that it makes it tough to stay hungry for dinner! I recommend ordering a Hornitos because it is the best margarita on the menu. When I go here with friends we will order an appetizer, a few drinks each, and a main course and still only spend about $20 each. That is hard to find in Boston (or Cambridge). I love going here and don't think I will ever get bored with the margarita choices. This place is crowded in general but you will get seated fairly quickly. The portions are a decent size and you will leave full (and hopefully tipsy) at the end of the meal.
(4)
Rachel B.

I don't know, yo. I know some of you's all dislike Border, but I's kinda likes it. The margaritas are big and yums. The chips are hot and the salsa ain't bad. The walls are wooden. The waitstaff is wait-y. I always get the same dish every time I go, because it's cheap and because I really like it. That dish being the Chicken Fajita Salad, which is huge and chicken-y and served with warm onions and big ol' tomatoes and oh man, it's only $6.79. Although it seems to have been recently zapped by the Economic Downturn Shrink Ray, and was perhaps 1/3 smaller the last time I was there.
(4)
Ronan O.

This place has very good Mexican food! It's always packed and it amazes me how cheap it is! Highly recommend!
(5)
greg m.

One of my favorite places to go for dinner in Cambridge, especially with a large group of friends. It's loud and crowded? Perfect. The service has always been fast and friendly, the food is good, and most importantly - the salsa chips are hot. The salsa's just ok but whatever. Scarf down some chips and salsa while you get tanked on a couple margaritas, dive into dinner in a drunken stupor, then stagger over to the Brattle for a movie. Good night.
(4)
D M.

Holy Mother! I guess everyone has been to the Border Cafe, and I'm part of that, too. I went here a few weeks ago with Dorian for a hot girl dinner date, because we were both too tired to cook and needed margaritas. I was pleasantly surprised. This place is huge, and our bill was really cheap, which is awesome. We ordered a side of guacamole with our chips and salsa, and the guacamole was good, even though I didn't really dig the onions in it, and the salsa was so so. I channeled my inner sorority girl and ordered a blended strawberry margarita, which was yummy. For dinner I got the steak and blue cheese salad, which was killer for like $7. The service was a little slow, but they still had a packed house. Jesse and I came here the other day for margaritas for lunch, which is highly recommended, in my book. Added bonus? The movie theatre is right next door, which is amazing. What's better than getting a mid day beverage and seeing a matinee? Not much in my book!
(4)
Neha Y.

Perfect for a drink after work with the girls - the margaritas truly take the edge off of a bad day. Perhaps its because I'm a self-admitted salt addict, but these margaritas are perfection though there were a few in my group who complained that they were a bit tooo salty! For the really bad days, I highly recommend the chille relleno for some fried goodness. Ofcourse for those of you who have better resolve than I do - the fajitas are perfection as well.
(4)
Mabel N.

This is a great place. It's also very afforable and you can really get some good mexican food there. I love their Fish Taco and Sangria. Best combination. They have great margaritas. One thing i dont' like about is the wait. I always go there on the weekdays!
(3)
Tracy B.

I know I know... This isnt "Real" Mexican... but I just love it... I most often went to the "old" one on Rt 1 in Saugus but have been to the Harvard Sq location several times & for years would only try one thing (The Veggie Quesadilla) because it is fabulous... But I was pregnant recently & my cravings for mexican food increased 150%, so I was visting the Burlington location several times a week (I worked around the corner)... I decided to get something new, I had the enchiladas & the Burros.. Oh my good... What was I doing not ordering these all along... The shredded chicken was soo flavorful & the portions are huge & CHEAP... Free Hot & sometimes too salty chips right when you sit down & the Guac is to die for here... I know other people ripped this place but if you dont mind chain mexican & know what to expect its truly worth it, My BF who eats burgers everywhere we go even liked this place, and that doesnt happen often!
(4)
dave b.

Everything on the menu is above average I've been going here since they opened. popcorn shrimp/sweet horseraddish sauce yes! service is outstanding.
(5)
Lauren S.

The chips are great- they come out hot and fresh, almost too hot to eat. They also bring out more of them before you even finish the first bowl. Anyway, I'm a picky eater so when we go to lunch there aren't that many things I'll get. The first couple times I got the cheese enchilada- it was good but felt like I was just eating cheese so for me it wasn't worth the money. Then I learned they had french fries for 95 cents, so I ordered them and a side of cheese for the nachos. Both were delicious- and I got more fries than at places where they cost 2-4 times as much. I thought the cheese would be melted- it wasn't, but it still tasted good with the chips. E: since I wrote this, the price of fries has gone up, but only to $1.50
(5)
Sarah R.

I went here last month, and for some reason I haven't reviewed it until today. Curiouser and curiouser... At any rate, no, Border is not authentic Mexican. It's a crazy tex-Mex-Cajun hybrid. At any rate, the margaritas are decent (and that's saying a lot, because I'm not much of a margarita fan). Shannon and I split the shrimp (?) quesadillas, which were cheesy and wonderful. I got the shrimp and crawfish pasta, which was tasty but I had to abandon halfway through because, well, my lips were on fire. Our waitress was very friendly and fast, and I dug the lively atmosphere. I'm not one for really spicy food, which is why I seldom go out for "Mexican", but I really did enjoy Border Cafe. It's also reasonably priced. I'd definitely come back.
(3)
rosann s.

The place has the BEST chile con queso ever!!! They have amazing fajitas as well. I love, love, love it here!!!!! The only thing is parking, as there is not really cheap parking around. If you are not from the city, go to the one in Burlington, as it is free parking. I like the atmosphere of this one more, but it can be a hassle to go into Cambridge.
(5)
Stephanie H.

I have been here a couple of times. I go back for sentimental reasons. My now husband and I had our first date there. We went there again last night. I love the margaritas. The food is ok. Nothing great- tex mex and canjun kind of mex. Not the authenitic kind of food but good and filling. I love the chips and salsa. Warm and salty goodness. If you go at the right time you can get seated right away (before about 5:30 or 6 at night) otherwise expect a wait. The waitstaff and mgmt has always been attentive.
(3)
Marcelo B.

The food is good for the price. The drinks and guacamole are ok. The chips are definitively very good (most of the times). The big problem for me are the hostess and the wait. Some days those two are not an issue, other days is just a big problem. Today for example we came to Borders to celebrate that my sister just closed on her first house. We weren't that hungry so we told the hostess that we were only going to order one dish, the guacamole and some drinks (4 people)... I looked around and they had several tables open (it was 10:30pm on a Friday but the place is big). There was no waiting list. The hostess didn't sit us because we weren't all having dinner. She was just rude about the entire situation. We left the place angry and disappointed with the service. Borders is one of those places that you can have a good time one day and bad another. If you want to risk it, this is your place. If you want to make sure you are going to have a good time, don't go there.
(1)
Vanessa K.

Even after reading some discouraging reviews from other Yelpers, my friends and I decided to give Border Cafe a try one Friday evening. It was one of the few dining places in Cambridge that was open past midnight and since we were in the mood for a chips and salsa snack, we went in. The place was almost empty (perhaps because it was around 1AM when we got there?) so we were seated right away and the waiter was amazingly cheerful and nice despite the late hour. We got our chips and cheese dip and someone ordered a chicken quesadilla, which was pretty tasty. The never-ending chips were a major plus! The place isn't too great if you're searching for "authentic" Mexican food, but if you're in the mood for a place that has nice drinks and baskets full of warm tortilla chips and salsa, Border Cafe is a great bet.
(4)
Meredith K.

Saturday night around 9pm we decided to head over to the Border for some dinner. We figured since it was a holiday weekend most people would be gone and there would be no wait. We were wrong. Even on Memorial Day weekend - we still had to wait. BUT the good thing is - the hostess said it would be a 40 min. wait and it only ended up being 15-20 min! Thank god, I was getting hungrier and bitchier as the minutes progressed.... :P It's always really loud in here, decor is cheezy, and the food is ok, but the margaritas really are tasty. Although they do limit how many you can order in one seating (I think it was 3?). Yes - I've been cut off here before. What I find kind of interesting is that the food is much better here than their other location in Burlington. How does that happen with a chain? Anyway, if you don't mind waiting a ridiculously long time (normally) for so-so food and tasty margaritas - this is the place.
(3)
Irene F.

I think Border Cafe is the best bang for the buck in Harvard Square. I won't even try to pretend it's authentic Tex-Mex or Cajun or whatever kind of food they claim it is, but it's always a good solid meal that leaves me full and satisfied. I usually get catfish, and I like the beans and all the cheese and sour cream and guacamole they give you. Mmmm, heart attack. It's a mystery to me why there's always a wait at the door, but there is. Once you are seated, though, you can pig out on the chips and salsa, and it's never long before your food comes. 3.5 stars
(3)
Andrew A.

Great location near a red line stop. Fantastic shops surrounding. The only problem with the Border cafe is the long waits on busy nights. So long as you don't have much to do and you expect it those long waits can be turned into good times. Go to the Border with some friends, put your name down and enjoy a stream of some of the best margaritas I have ever had. Once your table is ready you'll be pie in the sky happy. Hands down the best Mexican restaurant in the Boston area. The food, amazing and cheap. The drinks strong and not too expensive. The service very attentive. I recommend the Gumbo, it is one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted. The Cadillac beef fajita is also pretty awesome.
(4)
Lady J.

looooooooooooooooooooooove it!!! Everything I have tried is amazing. I have been going here for years and years
(5)
Josh C.

I KNOW, I KNOW..YOU DISAGREE WITH MY 5 STAR RATING. I gave them coz 1. good service. 2. Cheap N' Jumbo size Margaita (for only 5 bucks?) 3. Non - stop Chips and Salsa 4. BEST OF THE BEST - Creole and Cajun Dishes. "Border Cafe for Cajun and Creole dishes"? Yep, yelper. I went to New Orlean for a week for my thirst for Jazz and Southen cuisine, especially Creole and Cajun food. I ate Gumbo two times a day there as well as 3 times a day Creole and Cajun dishes. If you don't know what they are, I will be happy to explain it to you.... All I can tell is eversince I came bacl from New Orlean trip, I went to everywhere in search of my perfect cup of GUMBO, Crawfish Estouffe and Jambalaya. I still have not found a place that can cook these 3 dishes at best. But Border score two of my three favorite. Border Cafe cooks THE BEST GUMBO and Crawfish Estouffe in Boston but their Jambalaya is not authentic at all, taste and look like dirty rice. Not the dirty, dirty one. It is a southern dish as well. I personally think their Mexican food are cheap but not great and authentic....more of Tex Mex. If you love spice, they are to die for. Try them- Gumbo (cup / bowl) in appetizer section. Crawfish (no shell) Estouffe is listed in Entree section, top of the right page. They serve meal late and always crowded. They don't take reservation so go early or late at night, not for Mexican but for dishes I recommended. GO for Grande Size Margarita....It will make you happy..and smile like you just smoke pot (I never did smoke one)...trust me, you will order more than one. EDIT (Aug 07), Border cafe in Saugus is a great place as well. Service is always great here.
(5)
.amy E.

The best experience I had at Border was that one time when I finished the last final exam for the semester that was also my last final exam ever as an undergrad that was also the same day as my birthday. I don't really remember a lot about that night because my friends took me to Border Cafe to celebrate and get me right trashed (mission accomplished!). But I guarantee you that I liked the food that night, because in all the years I have been going there, I have always loved the food.
(5)
Dimitri S.

Best Mexican for CHEAP! Also yummy chips with refreshing salsa.
(5)
Meg M.

This place makes me wanna slap on a sombrero and cha cha through Cambridge. We came in on a Wednesday night at about 8:30 and we were seated right away by a smiling hostess. Yummy margaritas, and delish taco and enchilada combo. Fresh salsa and warm tortilla chips on the table makes me a happy gal. The server was chill and took good care of us. What a great place for a Yelp Triple Date! The only thing I can tell them that would improve this place is to expand their whiskey inventory to include Jameson. I will definitely be back... soon.
(4)
Toni D.

Tex-Mex Creole mix. I probably wont go back for dinner. If I do go back it will probably be for drinks and chips & salsa.
(3)
Dana B.

I kinda feel like this is The Olive Garden of Mexican restaraunts. Really long wait, crowded, loud and mediocre food (but seriously, why do people love The Olive Garden so much!?). Nothing on the menu really jumped out at me. I didn't find it to be creative or tasty. I found it all to be bland. The portions are good sized and they have never ending chips and salsa, but other than that I don't have too many other positive things to say. Overall, I wasn't really impressed and don't really understand why people crave it the way that they do.
(2)
Pirate B.

This place is crazy! No matter what time of day I go here, it's ALWAYS packed! Friday and Saturday nights have pretty long lines, but they do a good job of moving them along. The ambience is garish over the top tex mex, which is fine for a place that serves really strong margaritas and high quality mexican food. I live on Commonwealth Ave, so when I need a mexican fix I SHOULD go right up the street to Fajitas & Rita's, right? Well no, I hop on the train and make the trek all the way to Harvard Square for Border Cafe. Yes, the food is THAT much better! The fish tacos are amazing as well as the chicken enchiladas. And the price is right. 3 of us ordered meals and the total was $34 with tip and tax. (No alcohol). I only give 5 stars to places that really deserve it. Great service always and great high quality food. Well done!
(5)
Shari J.

We got there around 6pm on a Saturday night, and it was just starting to get packed. Fortunately, we only had to wait about 20 minutes...not so bad. The food is great, and very reasonable prices. I had the Gaucho chicken which was seasoned just right (not too spicy) and the shoestring fries were so addictive, I even forgot about the salty chips on the table! I had two glorious strawberry margaritas (I'm a sucker for a good margarita) which were brought out quickly. It's a little busy and a little cramped inside, but it's a nice place for a delicious dinner (even if you don't remember most of it after the margaritas start to kick in).
(4)
J R.

This place is AMAZING!!! Enchiladas are incrediable!!! Atmosphere is terrific and food is very reasonable. This is a great place to bring out of town guests for some great mexican food in the heart of Harvard Square.
(5)
Jessica P.

Now I know I can't get good mexican or TexMex up here in the northeast. The food and the margs were just alright, but I was mostly dissatisfied with the service. The waiter was extremely unfriendly and tried to rush us off. We wanted to order a round of beer following dinner and some dessert and he instantly brought us the check indicating it was time to leave. So we left and went down the street for some chocolate cake and then for some brews at John Harvards. I doubt I'll be going back to Border Cafe again after the poor service we received.
(2)
Algert S.

Chips are fresh and really good. Salsa is weak and food in general is really salty. It seems they rely on adding a lots of salt to make the food "tasty" and personally I'm not a big fan of that. Drinks are descent. Would recommend for drinks at the bar but NOT for dinning.
(2)
Rune W.

Man alive, there's a lot of love for this pedestrian and expected Harvard Square establishment. Misplaced? I do believe so. While the latest trip was just two night ago (a Friday), it's pretty well in line with about a half-dozen prior experiences. The most memorable part of the whole evening was a couple of similarly-clad Spanish-speaking youths (employees? I don't think so) dancing wildly in front of and opening the doors for incoming and outgoing patrons. They were having a hell of a lot more fun that I would and, yes, I resent them (slightly) for that. It needs to be said, first and foremost, that this is a generic Tex-Mex joint just like every other one you've ever been to. There is absolutely nothing to set it apart. The menu is the same. The margaritas are the same. We waited at the bar for about thirty minutes (just shy of the 35 the kindly hostess had estimated) before the buzzer did its little shimmy. In that time, I put away two Bacardi (that's as good as it gets at Border Cafe, rum-lovers)-and-diets, getting carded twice (the first one's a compliment, the second is just obnoxious) by the same inefficient bartendress. When ordering the second, I encroached on an empty seat (just straddling beside, mind you, and having never considered resting my ass on) and the plus-size companion of the vacater (that should really be a word) gave me a sneer among sneers and informed me that 'somebody's sitting there'. Ugh. She couldn't possibly think I was going to plant myself there and try to seduce all of her 250 pounds, could she? At any rate, a comely waitress was kind enough to deposit warm tortilla chips and a serving of third-rate salsa for us to nibble on while we imbibed and waited for the table. When the glorious moment arrived, we were banished to the basement. Initially insulted, I accepted the move when I came to find other attractive sorts had been handled similarly. Then it all went to pot when we were assigned (with a 3-in-1 chance of having a reasonably attractive and thereby entertaining waitress) a woman of at least forty-seven years. She may have grandchildren. I respect that she needs to earn a living but -- come now -- three young men (and one an handsome as Rune) pulling Grandma? They need a better system. The entire experience was tainted by the douchebaggery of the Big Man seated at the adjacent table who made a grand scene of paying for his entire party (it's low-end Tex-Mex, pal) and by the a never-ending chorus of roars and shrieks from a crew of over-served jackasses just around the corner. Bouncer, please? The food was as expected. Not good, not bad. Extracting the age/attractiveness issues, our service was pretty decent. What it boils down to, ultimately, is that the Border Cafe is a completely forgettable and generic Tex-Mex experience located among any number of more exciting options.
(2)
Kyle C.

Love Border Cafe! Definitely my wife and I's favorite Mexican spot. The food is consistently good...love the Guac. The service is usually really good. The only complaint I have is with one of the Male bartenders. Not sure of his name. But definitely did not get a good vibe. It seemed like I was bother to him because I was taking him away from the girl he was trying to flirt with. Annoying. But other than him great place!~!!!!
(4)
Peter W.

Great Tex-Mex place with great margaritas, nachos, & food! This is not authentic Mexican but who gives a crap when it's this good. Be warned: there is a very long wait most nights, but it's worth it.
(4)
L D.

Holy crap, alert the media, The Border Cafe does not serve 'authentic Mexican' food!! I've been fooled all along!! Listen folks, I've said this about other tex-mex-icana restaurants and I'll reiterate here: never do they claim to be 'authentic' Mexican. And guess what, burritos and tacos covered in sour cream and cheese aren't 'authentic' either (not even in California). It's about as authentic as hot and sour chicken at a Chinese restaurant. Get over it already. I've been going to the Border for longer than I can remember. The key to a good Border experience is in the arrival time. Do not go there during the dinner rush (or during any kind of major Harvard event). Go in the late afternoon, between 2pm and 5pm, and you'll be seated almost immediately. Get yourself a delicious and affordable margarita with top shelf tequila and order a big ole plate of fake Mexican food. I've rarely been disappointed in anything here, from service to food and drinks. Sure, I've seen a cockroach or two and maybe even a mouse but even the nicest of city restaurants have encountered these issues at some point. When I'm paying less than $20 for a few drinks AND a tasty dinner I don't complain. Take note, the standard rice is not vegetarian but they now ask everyone if they would like vegetarian rice in substitution. Want authentic Mexican food? Go to Mexico.
(4)
Casey H.

Margaritas are 90% ice. Queso appetizer was really just bad. Steak fajitas were burned and poorly seasoned, hardly edible. Only acceptable part of the meal was the pulled beef enchiladas which were tasty and plentiful.
(2)
Eve L.

Same thing I said about Forest Cafe: I am very suspicious of Mexican restaurants where the staff are all White. They certainly aren't good enough to warrant the long lines. However, their booze is pretty good.
(2)
Bryanne R.

Dear Border Cafe, I love burritos. Probably too much for my own good, but if you had them you'd earn another star probably two to be honest. I really like that you have gigantic drinks for cheap, endless chips, large portions and a waiter willing to take photos. I just had a hard time picking out something to eat without the option of burritos, alas I did enjoy my fajitas. I'll come back - hoping to order a burrito. Bryanne
(3)
Shawn W.

The Border cafe is probably the best Mexican-ish food I've had in the area, and it's pretty cheap to boot. The interior is pretty appropriate, although if the lights were turned on, I bet it'd seem incredibly trashy. The Border cafe is definitely a place that's meant to be experienced at night, and I'm not the only one who thinks so, as there's always a wait to be seated in the later hours. It's also the only place in Cambridge where I can stand to listen to country and Jimmy Buffett, both of which suit this place very nicely. The food is very tasty - I usually go for the pulled pork enchiladas, always with extra guacamole. The chips they serve while you wait are wonderful also. I was suprised that they didn't serve mojitos. I settled for a gin & tonic instead and wasn't impressed - no lime slice or anything. Next time I go, it'll be either a margarita on the rocks or a beer. Another important fact pertaining to the Border Cafe is that after you eat there, you WILL smell like Border Cafe. At the one-hour anniversary of your meal, you'll probably start to notice. Just a warning!
(4)
Tony R.

Trendy restaurant that tries to be casaual/hip. Not so. Food was OK. I had the fish tacos and jambalaya. Tacos were satisfying; jambalaya was hot without flavor. Never a god idea to order Cajun cuisine in a Mexican restaurant.
(2)
Brandon B.

Been here twice and the second time was better than the salty first time. Margaritas are super good, but the food is just ok. Not really mexican but propabaly the best you will get around Cambridge.
(3)
Jenny F.

Great Margaritas! The free chips and salsa are tasty, but I've noticed all their food seems especially salty (maybe to keep you drinking those margaritas). Fun place overall with tons of space upstairs and downstairs.
(4)
Theresa J.

I have been here a few times and I must say that I really like the food here. The first time I came I found everything I ordered to be a bit on the salty side but since then I have been happy with my entrees. I went here with my mom, fiancee, and lil sister for dinner last night. It was my fiancee's first time meeting the family so I wanted to go somewhere pretty casual and not too adventurous at all. The salsa was okay with the hot chips...I did think they had a lil too much salt sprinkled on a few of them but whatever....not a big deal. We had the tejas chicken for an appetizer...which is basically a chicken tender on a stick. It was alright but the chicken was a lil stringy. My sis had the shredded beef soft tacos. She really liked them which is saying a lot because she is 8 and very picky. My mom had the creole chicken which she raved about. She also had the house salad which was large enough to feed the entire table...and it was just $3.95. My fiancee did not enjoy the chicken enchiladas she ordered. She said the chicken was tasteless and the beans and rice served on the side was lousy. I ordered the seafood enchiladas which were chock full of shrimp and crawfish and covered in a creamy cheese and crab sauce. I LOVED it. I thought I had died and went to heaven. The atmosphere is pretty loud but not annoyingly so. We enjoyed ourselves for the most part. I will be back to get some more of those enchiladas and to try their margaritas.
(3)
cliff G.

great food and good atmosphere cliff
(4)
Rachel S.

eh. so-so. I don't think I'll ever wait on line for this place. I went with my roommate for my birthday since I hadn't been there and I always hear people gushing about the yummy food there. Where's the yum? The frozen margarita was good but I felt like I could get that at any "Mexican" (or even, non-Mexican) place. Not so special. eh.
(3)
Crystal K.

I actually quite like the Border for Tex-Mex (when it isn't too busy) but we never go here anymore because when you leave you feel like you need to rush home and shower because your hair and your clothes reek of tortilla chips... Hate that.
(3)
Ashley S.

Love the atmosphere, location, service and food! Always a wait for a table, though.
(4)
Meg K.

Cheap, warm chips, good margaritas. The fried catfish is wonderful. The only really terrible thing I've had at Border Cafe is the sangria. It's really just frozen red wine. I think they do cajun a bit better than they do mexican, but they do both well.
(4)
Mischa I.

It doesn't claim to be "authentic", high-class, or traditional. They do claim to be a great time, offer a fun variety of good value food, and have a great margarita selection. All three a true and them some! You'll find more than just your usual Tex Mex, many dishes offer that Cajun twist or some other fusion inspired variety (grilled Tuna over fresh salad with spicy mango, YUM). They are very accommodating to larger groups, their menu offers incredible value and is affordable to anyone's wallet. It's not quiet in there, so be prepared!
(5)
Eric S.

Reminds me of Chilis, but with a more local feel. Very friendly and good-looking wait staff, happy to bring us more fresh chips & salsa. Prices reasonable, lots of space inside. A great restaurant for friends, terrible restaurant for dates.
(3)
R F.

i love this place. there's a lot to choose from on the menu (tex-mex/whatever) it's friendly, fun, original, and cheap. i can't believe people don't rate this place higher
(5)
dan w.

BLASPHEMY these reviews are ridiculous. crowds? i didn't realize we were senior citizens. Border Cafe is hands down my favorite restaurant ever. I have nothing bad to say about the place. between this one and the one on rt. 1 I have probably been there about 75 or 80 times. every time I go out to eat I subconsciously compare it to border. I have tried a lot of salsa and their salsa is perfect. the chips are warm and make a great crunch in your mouth. The entrees are smothered in cheese with meat marinaded until it melts in your mouth. even the black beans and rice have strong flavor when they are usually bland at other places. then when the bill comes it is a fraction of what it would come to at other restaurants. I would still come here if the price was double or even more! suggested plates : enchiladas, burros, chicken Guadalajara. to sum it all up, great food, great drinks, fun crowd/atmosphere, good/fast service, cheap! ****EDIT - reading other people's reviews made me want to clarify something here. I absolutely do not think this is authentic or quality Mexican food. has anyone on yelp heard of the phrase guilty pleasure? you don't have to be a snob about food and only eat at places that qualify under your definition of "real Mexican food". can't a man have some meat smothered in cheese once in awhile?
(5)
rishi h.

I took my parents to dinner here. Despite the thirty minute wait time, it went alright. Food's good, atmopshere is busy with that sorta cheesyish mexican decor, prices are very reasonable. Nothing special but if you're in the area and want some texmex it's worth checking out. Probably a good place to bring a group if you make reservations. I still order their black bean empanadas to go once in a while. Good deal.
(3)
Joanne B.

I keep thinking if I go back again, I might have a better time. Everyone I know loves this place. I have tried it twice. The drinks were very good, the food was average. The silverware was not very clean on my last visit. The waiter was very apologetic and gave us free drinks and clean utensils. There must be something I am missing, everyone else seemed to be having the time of their life.
(2)
Stephen J.

The Border Cafe: unathentic and rather bland food but large portions, house margaritas that have way less tequila than they should for $5.50 but that somehow keep you ordering more, and an atmosphere that is all too loud but still crowded and fun. I'm not really sure why I keep going back because really the "Mexican" food hardly resembles anything from south of the border. Yet the inside decor is fun and colorful, and despite the lines to get in "Border" can be a great time with the literally hundreds of other college students who will be there on any given night, furiously drinking margaritas and munching on the free chips, which in all fairness are extremely addicting and well above average (as is the salsa).
(3)
Laura A.

i cannot believe that people are giving border cafe multiple stars here. i don't even think i have the words to enunciate just how much this place sucks, but as this is yelp, of course, i'll give it a shot. if i could give border cafe zero stars, i would. i first became acquainted with border cafe in college, since it's a chain and they have one in new jersey (but it's called jose tejas there). the food always sucked but we'd go there for margaritas and chips, because alcohol + salty = delicious. (the salsa is unimaginative and tastes like it came from a jar.) i went to border cafe here not knowing it was the same chain, but i have been equally as disappointed. the food here is "mexican" just as much as subway qualifies as being called "subway restaurants". you know what i mean? everything here is fried and shitty and gives me heartburn and tastes burnt. the vegetarian options fucking suck and most of the rice/beans is made w/lard. i think the reason why it has such a high rating is because people drink way too many of the massive margaritas they offer and lord knows when you're drunk, everything tastes good. what does it tell you about a restaurant when the alcohol is the main attraction? oh, and did i mention the state of the bathrooms? mom always said that you can tell a lot about the cleanliness of the kitchen of a restaurant based on the bathrooms. if that's the case, this place's kitchen is even worse than the dirty boca in lechmere (and that's bad). if you're in the market for going somewhere for drinks before a movie down the street, this is the place to go. but if you're looking for actually decent mexican food, i'd suggest ole in inman/zocalo in arlington, taqueria la mexicana in union square, casa romero in boston..
(1)
William H.

Okay, this place is vile. I'm sorry to everyone up here in the northeast, but you don't load your "tex-mex" with so much garlic that you can't taste anything else. Even without the whole garlic thing, the food just is soggy and plan disgusting. I've had better "Mexican" style food out of the freezer section at Shaw's.
(2)
Tim B.

Delicious fish tacos! Pretty good food otherwise.
(4)
Chris D.

The Border is a great place to eat and drink-I have been going there for about 16 years and it never disappoints. The margaritas are amazing and I love their cajun menu, you HAVE to try the French Quarter chicken with Jumbalaya, words just can't describe how good that is :) I really like the atmosphere, it makes you feel like you are in a roadside cafe in a dusty Mexican town somewhere. Not to mention the prices are right, especially for the portions you are getting...
(5)
Nat L.

Went there for lunch and it was, as expected quite busy. My friends and I were however, seated almost instantly downstairs. I had the blackened Salmon salad -which was massive! The salmon was pretty good and tasty. My friends had a fajita serving for 2, of mixed meats. It looked and tasted pretty good too. I have never seen cups of water so big...you could swim in them!! Th service was really good... and amusing. Our waitress was very attentive, yet felt that she needed tell us a story everytime she came to the table...she meant well!! If you are in the Cambridge area, and feel like Mexican - give it a try.
(3)
Rina R.

This very popular spot in Harvard Square is always busy, but fun. Arrive early or else wait a while. Grab a Corona and order yourself some tasty Tex-Mex style food.
(3)
Carolyn B.

4 stars for the margaritas, 3 stars for the food. i didnt love the salsa which is a big deal to me, but the tacos i got for my dinner were tasty. lots of guacamole and good flavor on the chicken. fun atmosphere and very large glasses of water. not the most authentic mexican i have ever had, maybe because of the cajun influence (i didnt get that?).
(4)
Genie B.

I love this place! I went not too long ago with eight friends, and the bill was like $130 bux! That's a steal for the amount of food and drinks we got. The food was super. I had the salmon ceasar salad and it was perfect! The atmosphere is loud and festive, (a great place to go for a birthday or with a large group of people) Its usually pretty crowded, so they give you a pager for your table wait, but that doesnt bother me at all cuz I go right to the bar and start on my first margarita! The service was quick and attentive...Ole! I'll definaltey be back!
(4)
Nik O.

Always fun and always a good meal, despite the wait and parking issues. Don't wear your favorite jacket though because it will smell like Mexican food for a long time after. And go easy on the free chips, they are addictive and filling!
(4)
serra s.

Loud. Boring. Crowded. Sanitarily questionable. Last time I was there, I watched a waiter walk under a pipe with a tray over his head. The tray brushed the pipe and smeared sour cream off one of the dishes onto the pipe. Two other waitstaff were watching and just started giggling and pointing at the pipe with sour cream on it. I'm sure someone ate that meal. How mature is that? The chips are the only saving grace, really. The lines are NOT worth it.
(2)
K. F.

The food is good, but if it is supposed to be considered "Mexican," it is far different than the Mexican food one can get in Southern California. I consider this to be more Tex-Mex--which is fine. Just doesn't satisy the craving for Mexican when the craving strikes. I do want to comment that Lane is the nicest waiter I've encountered in Massachusetts. Ask for Lane and you'll taken care of. 5 stars for Lane!
(4)
Miles H.

My favorite sit-down spot for Tex-Mex cuisine, EVER. Located in Harvard Square, this is great place for dinner after a long week, dinner before a movie/concert, or just dinner in general. Considering how much food (GOOD food) is brought to your table for a little price, this place is practically a steal. The chips and salsa are better than most, and the drinks are towering, but the best menu item has to be the fajitas, the meat brought to your table still sizzling and cooked in spices which are out of this world. The service is great, and the interior is very cool and rustic. HIGHLY recommended.
(5)
Mike H.

Great margaritas, a fun atmosphere on weekends, and delicious mexican food. More of a laid back crowd than some places, but this is harvard sq afterall. A great place to grab a bite or a few drinks anytime of night.
(4)
Allison B.

border cafe is one of those places where my selfish vs. hippie internal conflict really rears its ugly head. 1. Cups that appear to be roughly the same volume as a half-gallon of milk - are they incredibly useful, for eliminating the need to worry about refills (especially at a place that serves spicy food), or are they incredibly wasteful (is there anyone outside of the competitive eating set who can really fit a super-big-gulp sized drink alongside a full tex-mex meal)? 2. The fresh chips are awesome - hot, salty, delicious! the salsa, on the other hand, sucks - too watery, no flavor, mushy tomatoes (straight outta the can?). but right after we plowed through the basket, my bf was mentioning that it was a good portion, and that no matter how good they are, if he ate any more he'd have no room left for dinner. 1 nanosecond later the waitress brought over another full basket of chips and bowl of salsa. ahh! i hate seeing food go to waste :( i think their workflow is to blame for this one. this place runs like a well-oiled machine - there are completely separate chip & salsa people who exist solely to run around "refilling" the tables when they run low, but i'd much rather they ask if we want more, then have to wait for them than live with the knowledge that you guys probably throw a metric ton of tortilla chips out every day (and that i contributed in any way to the waste). 3. on a positive note, i love places that separate out vegetarian options on their menu. here, they actually double-list them (each item shows in its respective regular category of appetizer, entree, etc AND on the back of the menu in a list of veggie stuff). in fact, i wasn't sure if i was going to even be able to have a vegetarian meal here, but they have some great options (stuffed poblano pepper, black bean & corn empanada, etc). i ordered a black bean tostada (which, it turns out, is actually not a tostada at all, but really a taco salad). it was pretty good, but there were raw mushrooms in it. what? since when is tex-mex famous for its use of raw mushrooms? they were distracting and inappropriate, and i ended up picking them out in distaste. anyway! bottom line is that this is an awesome place to go for a lotta stereotypical tex-mex for a little money. we escaped after chips & salsa, two fat-ass entrees, and 2 coronas for about $12 pp w/ tax. sweet.
(3)
S Y.

I can't remember what I had here, so basically the food isn't too memorable. Fajitas are the dead giveaway that this is an attempt at Tex-Mex and since I don't live in the South, I'd really rather prefer my Mexican left alone the way it is--good. The wait wasn't too bad considering it was a weekend. The (loud/lively) atmosphere makes me think it might be better in a group setting. Preferably with enough cocktail drinking to make you forget why you came here instead of some other better restaurant.
(2)
FoodGir L.

Margs and Red Sangria thats all I have to say.
(5)
Kyle L.

I just vomitted in my mouth.
(1)
Hilary J.

Let me tell you a little story about my Border Cafe experience(s)... So I've been known to enjoy throwing back a margarita or three now and again. I've also been known to enjoy a sizzling fajita. Want to know what else I enjoy? Friendly service. Want to know what Border Cafe doesn't have? I'll give you a hint... it's not the margaritas... they have those. And it's not the fajitas... they have those too. You guessed it! The service is lacking. I have to say the food is pretty good here, the margaritas are OK (though there was something funny floating in my second one and there wasn't any salt on it. You bet your ass I sent that puppy back, much to the dismay of my unfriendly/zero- personality server). I don't need to be entertained by my server. I'm not asking for a juggling act, or for him to pull a rabbit out of a hat. I am asking that maybe he smiles, maybe he apologizes for the red floaties in my margarita, maybe he at least PRETENDS to care, and not make it so obvious that he's trying as hard as he can to turn this table as fast as he can, and that's all he cares about. Guess what? We would have stayed and had a third, maybe fourth round, which would have hiked up the bill, which would have hiked up his tip. But he didn't give us that option. Maybe we wanted dessert? Nope. Not an option either. I've actually had this particular server twice now and had the same experience with him both times. Too bad. But... I'll go back because it's convenient and not half bad. It's nothing to write home about, but it's there and it does the trick. I enjoyed the mural of the Mexican prostitute, and the "Don't Mess with Texas" bumper sticker, and the overall "cantina" type feel. For real Mexican however, I suggest you visit Tu Y Yo. Yummmmmmm
(3)
Jen X.

Pluses: *so-so food *big portions *cheap to very cheap, depending on what you order Minuses: *so-so food *too crowded, especially on weekend nights *the worst margaritas i've had anywhere-- hardly any alcohol, and EVERY time salt IN the glass instead of ON it... (the first visit i thought it was a fluke, but by the third visit i realized it must be the recipe.) who wants salt dissolved in their drink? gross.
(2)
Amaker L.

Okay. This place is okay for food. BUT Bostonians REALLY need to stop saying that this is a Mexican restaurant. It's not even close.Eggplant with lobster sauce although good - definately not mexican.
(3)
Mats K.

Decent restaurant. Promises Mexican and Cajun food, which is tasty, but not particularly authentic. Seems to attract a good deal of the international community in Cambridge. It can get very crowded, but if you just want food and are not interested in drinking, ask to sit "behind the line" a separate area in the restaurant where they don't serve alcohol, and getting a table is much quicker. Be prepared to smell like tex-mex/cajun spices when you leave.
(3)
Summer S.

My boyfriend ate here on Saturday and spent 12 hours with insane food poisoning. Watch out, food poisoning alert!!!
(1)
Seraphine K.

From the reviews I see, maybe it was just a bad day. All my coworkers love this place, so I finally checked it out... Well, the best part was the XXL water I got. The waiter was.... out of it, to say the least. we waited 10 minutes to place an order after he greeted us [he stood at the server station next to us with his back to us the whole time, its not like he was off dealing with a nightmare int he kitchen or something and it WAS NOT busy - lunch during the week - medium busy]. I got a combo, pork taco and chicken enchilada. The pork was tasty, but it was runny and very messy. The chicken was awful, dry and flavorless and waaay too much cheese -- AND I LIKE CHEESE!. My dad got a salmon steak, he said it tasted like something frozen from the store. OH AND CAUTION the very enticing parking lot across the street costs $9 for the 1st hour with only one dollar off with validation on the first hour, ouch.
(2)
Andrew B.

A definite favorite of mine, Border is a great place to grab some cheap eats or grab a fruity Margarita with some friends. You can't really go wrong with any of the choices, but I love the beef Churros, Chicken Guadalajara and the El Pueblo. Take advantage of the endless trays of freshly-made, warm tortilla chips and salsa. Curiously, they didn't have any hot sauce besides Tabasco and this weak concoction already on the table. I would expect them to have a decent selection of hots for those interested patrons, but when I asked the waiter he suggested Tabasco. I can forgive, though. It just bumps them down a little bit. Best cheap eats in Harvard by far.
(4)
Fareed M.

In the words of Denny Green, "It is what we thought it was." No surprises here. This is bad TexMex. But as far as bad TexMex goes, it's pretty good. Oh and pretty cheap. Chips are warm and fresh and salsa is good. Food is fine. Margs are bad - watered down, poorly salted. Will I continue going here? Of course. Will I ever expect much? Nah.
(3)
Fred S.

I am so happy to be back in Boston and living so close to Border Cafe. This place can not be beat on value. The food is inexpensive and very good (not just mexican, cajun as well). The drinks and atmosphere are also great. Now if only I could convince my wife to come here every night . . .
(5)
Wendy K.

We tried out this restaurant with our kids and found the food good, the service very efficient and the prices reasonable. Plus there was a great vegan option (vegetarian jambalaya).
(3)
Courtney B.

Good service, good drinks, good food and cheap.
(4)
Jennifer K.

Waiting stinks, because the bar areas get packed. But after waiting.. it is perfection. The super salty chips, the home made not-too-chunky salsa, the cheessseey cheeeseeeyy quesadillas, the frozen drinks. If I died and went to heaven (yes.. if that is where I ended up...), I would hope there would be a Border Cafe there.
(5)
Ira H.

The Border cafe is a great place for cheap good eats. It's tex-mex not Mexican food. Great Margaritas, fajitas, fish tacos, fresh made chips. There are huge waits on the weekend. Service is usually excellent. Atmosphere is fun. This is a good place for a large group as they have some big round tables. Some tips are: If you are in a rush and there's a wait, ask for the no alcohol section. You can usually sit right down. The mix chicken/steak fajitas are a great deal. Lot's of food.
(4)
Larry B.

I'll leave the authenticity for others to debate, because for me it's all about the vegetable fajitas. A gigantic plate of yumminess, that goes well with the (somewhat salty) jambalaya as your side dish. Yummy chips and salsa, and ridiculously inexpensive for a sit-down restaurant.
(4)
Ajitha N.

Yummy! I used to come here regularly a few years ago for the vegetarian corn and black been empanadas...they look a little different than they used to but they sure are good!
(5)
Katia M.

I don't see what people sees in this place. The margaritas didn't have enough tequila, and I've definitely never had worse fajitas. Plus I've heard horror stories about the sanitary conditions, so I'd definitely skip this place. UPDATE: Okay, I went back with some prodding. Cute bartender, free chips and salsa, and the margaritas were head and shoulders better than I remembered. But that may have been due to the fact that my friend made nice with the bartender earlier in the evening. I'll up a star, but the crowd was annoying and I still won't eat there again after having had the worst fajitas of my life here.
(2)
Chris W.

If you can go when its not prime time and avoid the line and wait its great! Like many people have already said the large portions of food for the price are good and the service is too! And the chips & salsa I think really make the place! I haven't anywhere that comes close to theirs! I find it to be the perfect place bring friends from out of town when they come to visit.
(4)
Fiex T.

As soon as I walked in, customer service was an A+, they kept the chips and dips coming before the meal might I add filled us up before dinner lol. I would return anytime price was great, meal was delicious, place was nice and well busy place with customers. If anything try and park elsewhere then Cambridge then commute on the Red Line, parking is very hard to find.
(5)
samatha r.

Go during the night, you will get the best. I went here again and again.. I love Mexican.. & enchiladas are great here. I love this place.
(5)
Lucien D.

This place is great if you are in the area and the people you are with want to have cheap drinks of the Mexican variety. The food isn't terrible but there are better TexMex places to go to a short hop on the T. If you are a fan of Border's the one in Burlington is bigger, cleaner, and tastier (I am talking about the food not the building)
(3)
Angelo S.

One of the disadvantages of having lived in LA is that well... eating anywhere else is kind of depressing. :) But this is the case especially for Mexican (and God knows Persian) food. We have a Chinatown... is it too much to ask to have an L-A-town? ahem, Menino? But back to our topic at hand. If Taco Bell was somewhat high class, involved sizzling plates, and a liquor license, it'd be Border Cafe. This is "Mexicano" for the Harvard set. Not memorable, but soomewhat satisfactory for a night.
(3)
Sam M.

Bottom line: if you come from a city that has good authentic Mexican food, you are going to be disappointed with Border Cafe. The food reminds me of what you would get at a chain restaurant, like Chilli's. With that said, if you come here on a weekend it is always lively. This is an okay place to come if you just want to grab a bite and a few drinks with friends. The food is not bad, it is just very very average. And in my book, that gets two stars.
(2)
Mabel C.

This place has good fish tacos. Their other food is good as well. However, I wouldn't say that I'm wowed by the food; just that it's conveniently located in Harvard Square (walking distance to my home) so my friends always want to go here.
(4)
Dave K.

I think they mean the border between Canada and Alaska... To be fair, I didn't have the cajun food. The Mexican food is like the kind you make when you're 19 and making your girlfriend/boyfriend a meal in your first apartment. Not bad, but as I ate it I felt like I should have moved beyond this kind of food by now. The guac. is good and they serve alcohol, but not even the margaritas were good enough to warrent a trip back. Cheers, d I should point out that my fiance is sitting next to me and telling me that it was good, and that I am being harsh. She worked in restaurants for a while, has a chef for an ex-, and probably is worth listening to.
(3)
Ashley S.

i sort of love the border cafe. i've been twice. got the fish tacos and a margarita both times. the fish tacos are flavorful and really salty, but in a good way. it gets loud in there when busy so don't go if you're looking for an intimate, quiet date night. the atmosphere is laid back, fun, colorful. affordable, too!
(4)
Dan H.

Great prices, fun atmosphere, tasty food, excellent margaritas (top shelf for under $8 and mixed to perfection), and friendly service. They do push to turn tables, however, so you can feel a little rushed out the door, which I suspect is why there are no desserts. Also, you can't get a table just for drinks during dinner hours, which I think extends to 9pm on the weekends. As others have said, it is loud, public and you come out smelling like their freshly fried tortilla chips, but all in all I love this place.
(4)
julesmary p.

ok...funny that y'all are knocking this place for being "not-authentic..i'm from california and of course bostonians just DONT KNOW good mexican food" shut-up. they're certainly doing something right: it's always super busy. it is what it is...cheap, quick and easy. i think the food is good, who cares if it's not true tex-mex. we are not in texas or mexico. love the border cafe. blackened chicked fajitas..great guac..queso...etc...
(5)
Tom W.

Great cheap eats. The Tex-Mex basics--chips and salsa, enchiladas and fajitas--are good, but take a chance on the Cajun and Creole half of the menu for the real treats. The Catfish Mardi Gras is a classic, and I can never get enough of the popcorn shrimp. The loud, busy atmosphere might not be for everyone, but when you've had a few Conmemorotivo margaritas, you're going to be all set.
(4)
Ashley J.

Edit** So I went here the other night and I wasn't really super pleased. The drinks had no kick. They where really stupid about ID's. Dude, I am 30, give me and my friends a drink. I dont even look 21. One person served us, one wouldnt, ummm ok....The food was pretty blah and I think at a mexican restaurant to charge someone extra for a side of sour cream is really really cheap. I would think alot before I came back here again. Initial review*** To review one is to review all of them in this chain. There is pretty much no difference so I picked the one closest to me. This location is pretty big which is good cause it gets really busy. The food is adequate. Much better than most chains. I like their margeritas. It isn't the kind of place you go if you want this really great night out but definitely a fun place to go with a bunch of friends, eat some good, affordable comfort food and kill some cocktails.
(2)
Rob P.

This place as a strange effect on people. They come and line up and crave some of the poorest Mexican food created anywhere. Now I am from the West Coast so I have a bias going on, but the attraction of this place is unreal. You can get way better Mexican food at Trader Joes. Go up Mass Ave to the Forest Cave. It is worth the effort.
(1)
Karlis B.

Alright, for some reason I did not know this place was so...theme park. I was up on the Tex Mex/Cajun bit, but when I walked into this place, I thought I was at South of the Border (road trippers know what I'm talking about). Not to mention all the friggin' kids running around, bless their hearts (at age 23 I don't frequent many family dining places, so seeing kids at restaurants is notable. If I saw a kid drinking a Brubaker and playing Big Buck Hunter that'd also be notable). Anyway, this place gets 3 stars because: - Service is very quick (maybe too quick. Don't you always wonder about the quality of food when it comes out not 10 min. after you ordered it?) - The mural on the wall behind our table featured a chick with her titty hanging out (don't know if that's good or bad) - Never ending salsa and chips (homemade chips!) - They don't have butter! Bf wanted some for his cornbread and dude just shook his head and mumbled...but never brought out any. Paula Deen will tell you if you're not using butter in your cornbread - thus having some to be spread on top of the cornbread - then you're not making cornbread! Bring me my butter! - Drinks come in a bucket - lessens the number of refills required. Refills are free, just in case. - Food was just OK. Fish tacos were good, but not as good as Lower Depths. Jambalya was....not jambalaya. More like rice with sausage and stuff. No one really said much about what they are eating, meaning it was average. I'm just not thrilled. And not really planning to go back.
(3)
Paul L.

This place is truly yummy and cheap. I love the queso and the guacamole. Don't stray from ordinary dishes like burros and enchiladas. Ordering a New Orleans "specialty' rewards only those who enjoy ten pounds of batter or ten years on the toilet. Otherwise, a safe bet.
(4)
Tina P.

College Daze: Visiting my good friend at Harvard...being his first year and all, this was a great choice for dining. Cajun influences and Mexican mixes to make your stomach churn for more...
(5)
Corry B.

I so want to loathe this place- the ultra cheese ball early 90's tex-mexicana all over the place, the heaping plates of pretty average cheese and grease- but I give it 3 whole stars because the margaritas will knock you the f*ck on the floor. Beers & margaritas are both $5 a pop- so it makes more sense to go for the licks. If you are cheap you can sit at the (not terribly exciting) bar and get loaded on the yummy margaritas and the pretty decent homemade free chips and salsa and just skip dinner altogether. Also, the staff is really friendly, a plus in any establishment. Friday & Sat. nights this place is packed (why????) so if you want to sit at the bar and booze get there early, but be careful when you finally roll off the bar stool.
(3)
Sam S.

I just ate here for the first time in years. Had the catfish and mango salsa fajitas. SUPERB. The chunks of mango were fresh and sweet, with a hint of chili. LOVE IT, I miss this place.
(5)
Rob C.

Sometimes you're looking to go somewhere interesting for dinner, sometimes you're just looking to eat good food. There's a reason places like this are called an old standby. Yesterday, i'd had a few pints and was likely to drink a few more later, and was hungry after a morning bike ride. While there are few things i like better than trying new stuff, sometimes you just want a pile of free fresh chips and a gigantic, bottomless glass of ice cold coca-cola. Best to get there earlier in the evening, as it can get very crowded very quickly. On the other hand, it's large and processes folks quickly, so it's not too bad in any case. Everything i've had there is tasty, and the portions are more than ample considering the price (it had been a few years since i'd eaten there and i don't know that the prices have even gone up), not just cheap for harvard square, but cheap period. I've no sense for authenticity, as far as tex-mex food is concerned, but my tummy says screw it, it tastes good.
(4)
Jason C.

Good enough to make me cross the river just to eat here. Cajun or Tex-Mex are hard to find for a good price and good quality in Boston, but this place has them both. Brilliant. For the average price for some of the entrees, you would expect to pay two dollars more for Americana entrees and/or french fries at other Boston restaurants e.g. Sunset. The interior decorating is great too. Reminds me of Razoo's, which we have in Texas, except with more authenticity. I ordered the seafood enchilada, and it was chocked full of shrimp. For the same price, you would get maybe 4 shrimp in a Pad Thai at a mid-grade Thai place. Unfortunately, the enchilada sauce was less than ideally good and in my opinion shrimp should not be in an enchilada. Because of the sauce I don't give them 5 stars. Another downside is that they don't have a Poblano pepper stuffed with anything but chicken.
(4)
alex l.

I really like border cafe, i have only been there twice but both times i had 2 margaritas and left the place giggling like crazy-which is a good thing. I really like the chicken enchiladas here and my husband had some fish that was surprisingly good last time we went.
(4)
Kathleen A.

Catfish was very good. The jambalaya looked almost exactly like the rice and beans. Rice and beans were bland. Tortillas for my fish tacos tasted old and were extremely chewy. Margarita was watery. And I can't help but be weary of the quality of my food when it is served super fast.
(3)
Jill C.

Awesome place to get together with some girls and margaritas. Great ambiance- not giving it 5 stars because the wait is sometimes long and the food is good but not great.
(4)
Charles L.

Border Cafe was a sporatic but satisfying experience this weekend. Went out with a group of prolly 8 of us... First stop was up to the bar which was overflowing with drunks... I mean it was 8pm Fri and I was suprised. I was casually sipping a Negro Modelo while my crew was throwing back oversized margaritas... The party moved downstairs into their underground dining room, which was hot and loud (that was prolly my table tho) and also full of drunks. SO the food? Bottom line, CATFISH... We got like 5 different versions and all of them were real good. I got fish taco's which went down smooth baby... Yeah, not the best but fun time none the less...
(3)
E M.

The Border cafe has excellent mexican/tex-mex food, and the prices are great for what you get!
(4)
Dachary C.

I've been to the Border Cafe on weeknights, weekends, late night... and there is one consistent fact: always crowded, always noisy, bordering on obnoxious. The food is alright. The style could best be described as Southwestern and Cajun - although I'm not sure who decided that was a good combination. The prices are reasonably what you'd expect in the area and for the type of food. There's nothing particularly noteworthy, except the fact that everything is spicy (although some to lesser degrees.) Pros: Frozen Sangria. Very yummy. Also open late. Cons: Noise, average food quality, and no desert. The service is nothing out of the ordinary, either. I haven't had any problems that stand out (except when dining with a large group, which can be expected), but it's neither particularly quick, nor pleasant. On the whole, my feelings about this place are pretty bland - if you want that type of food, hit it. Otherwise, nothing out of the ordinary to recommend it. Parking in Harvard Square is a nightmare, though, so say a prayer before you leave home or take the T.
(3)
Jules N.

So much fun to go to! One huge minus - gets very crowded, so you have to wait to get seated for a while. Other than that, have lots of margaritas, beer, and fun eating there! Their skirt steak is very good.
(4)
Tracy H.

The decor is kinda cheesy, but the service is good, the food comes out quickly and the prices are pretty good. I haven't had much luck with their margaritas - weak, and tasting vaguely like doctored lemonade crystal light. Asking for some extra liquor didn't help it out. But I've been having frozen margaritas, and most people around me seem to be having them "on the rocks." Maybe that's the key. Chips are pretty good and the salsa is heavy on the cilantro, which is how I like it. It's not authentic mexican by any means, but it's good for tex-mex.
(4)
Jessica R.

I have been going here for years, and I love this place!! The food is always fresh and delicious. I especially love their guacamole and sangria...yum! Plus, it's a fun atmosphere, especially for groups.
(5)
aaron t.

Fun, vibrant, lively place to eat. Great free chips and salsa as well. Wide selection of drinks. Ideal place for large groups to kick it! Friendly staff. Food is good, but nothing out of the ordinary. just one of those, great places for college students to eat. Weekends are crowded, so expect a wait.. If you get there though, and the lines too long, cambridge 1, and veggies planet are right next door as options.
(3)
Amy M.

i'm not trying to be a judgmental, california food snob. the chips were toasty goodness (hence 2 stars). other than that dear border cafe, all i feel is homesick for my san francisco mission street taquerias....
(2)
Christina B.

An authentic Tex Mex restaurant with great ambiance, great food and LOVE the classic country music being played. I'm very satisfied with the wait staff; I've been to all of the Border Cafes (In Cambridge MA , Saugus MA & Burlington, MA). Every time i get there with my group of friends, I ask "OK. when are we coming back here we need to plan this FAST!" :) I am always satisfied. You have to go there on an empty stomach to please your wonderful TEX-MEX appetite. A nice large menu and everything on there is 5 STAR***** The quesadillas are so delicious, the fajitas are to die for and the Cajun Catfish Bites are addictive. :} The wonderful thing about the food at the Border Cafe is that it is like Tex Mex food should be, well seasoned, SPICY & oh so awesome. Bring on that hot sauce & wash it down with their famous Margaritas! REALLY, i have not had a better Margarita than the Border Cafe! Go there today! You will want to go again! :) ENJOY!
(5)
Isabella R.

When my friend suggested border cafe for a sunny saturday lunch, I was game. This is the spot where I'd try to order 'ritas as a young lass (and failed miserably, mind you)eat food I thought was Mexican and where I bought my first 'rita legally. And its a 'festive' atmosphere. The chips and salsa still fill a craving but I should have known better than to get the fish tacos. Not much can compare to nicks crispy taco in san Francisco, but the garlic salt lick that was my fish taco plate was something I shall remember with each passing belch. And the whole "lightly fried"thing was kind of a joke as well, these were greasier than a Texas pig Roast. And sadly her mango salsa didn't really help, the mangoes were kinda hard and unyielding to mangoness. The rice and black beans were good in a covered-in-cheese kind of way.and the 'rita? Delicious.
(2)
Kiley f.

The music is on an annoying loop so, every time you go there you will hear the same snippets of "Boot Scoot Boogie" and that is the reason why I took off one star. All 4 stars go to the chicken fajitas. Now, I see that a lot of you have commented that: "this is not authentic Mexican food" but, I don't think it claims to be. One good look at the decor and you know it's supposed to be "Tex-Mex"... Now that that's clear, I will say that after spending time in South America, the food at the Border more closely resembles the food I had while wandering through Ecuador for 3 months. It's reminds me so much of really good street food. Cooked with fragrant wood, salt and not much else. The chicken fajitas here are as close the to the real thing you will ever get in Boston, they taste like they were slow cooked over a mesquite pit for hours. Just one word of advice, don't eat here more than once in a one week time span, it will make you feel digestively kind of awful.
(4)
Christiana R.

I've only been here twice but the food and service each time were equally awesome. The second time I ate at this restaurant, I ordered the creole chicken and my sister got the catfish. We also got a chorizo dish as an appetizer. The chorizo dish was...HEAVEN! Honestly, I can't even describe how amazingly delicious that dish was!! Oh snap I'm getting hungry just writing about it. ::must not think about chorizo:: Anyways, the restaurant is in a convenient location, right off the red line (I think) and there are a lot of shops in the area. It's right by Harvard University. I would definitely recommend this place to a tourist (like myself) visiting the area.
(5)
Cate K.

The food is pretty good, but let's be honest: the real reason for the food is just to have something to eat while you're chugging margaritas. This is a good place to get rowdy since it's always loud and bustling. If you feel like picking someone up, you could probably do it here.
(3)
sara m.

This place sucks, drinks are horrible, crowd blows. I think I would actually rather go to chili's than this place. I mean at least chili's makes sense, its usually next to a mall and other sucky food, not in the city surrounded by food you want to eat.
(1)
Amanda B.

This place is great! Their menu offerings are aplenty and we have never eaten anything bad (and we've been here at least six times). Their margaritas are always great as well. Another thing I love is that we have never had bad service - as a former waitress, this makes me very happy! The atmosphere is always fun and the place is always hopping (if you go on a weekend night, expect a good wait).
(4)
Kip J.

First time I came here it was phenomenal - strong margaritas, spicy cajun dishes, great service. So I brought some friends here last night... and was a bit disappointed, though it was still good: Pros: the cajun food and decorations of the place. I got the shrimp and chorizo etouffee which had good flavor and came in a generous portion, though it was not as spicy as I would like (would recommend the crawdad etouffee instead). The catfish nuggets were unique and had a nice crispy cornmeal breading. Friend got the seafood enchiladas (shrimp and crawfish inside) - good flavor and very cheesy. Cons: the salsa was very mild and almost looked store-bought. The original margaritas lacked both flavor and alcohol.
(4)
Jason S.

I was in town visiting some friends, and we went out to Border Cafe for some margaritas and food. It was pretty delicious, nothing amazing, but good food at a good price. I'm not from Boston, so I think I would check out other places when I come back, but that's not to say that this place shouldn't be on your list if you are looking for decent food, cheap, and a fun atmosphere. The waitress was extremely nice, prompt, and courteous. I had the 1/2 steak 1/2 chicken fajita, which was flavored really well and cooked just right. The chips and salsa were great, although I would have preferred a slightly spicier salsa. Drinks were okay, but not too strong which was a tiny letdown, but nothing drastic--maybe I'm just an alchy at this point and can't taste booze.
(3)
John Q.

I love the chips and salsa and have NEVER had a bad meal there before. The drinks are HUGE and you'll certainly go home full. Only "bad" thing is the wait. You will wait for a l-o-n-g time at dinner as a walk-in. I suggest trying them for lunch some weekday if you can.
(4)
Jeff B.

I've never had a bad experience at Border Cafe. The closest I've come is abandoning hope of getting a table before midnight and dragging my self and friends to John Harvard's. If you do get in, you're in for a treat. The decor and atmosphere are bright and lively, it's loud and the servers and patrons are usually in high spirits. The menu covers southern cajun and tex-mex, offering appetizers like Chorizo Flambado and Crawfish Popcorn. There's a good selection of entrees and even the vegeterian dishes are flavorful and filling. They could easily charge a lot more for what you're getting, there might be one thing on the menu for over $15 (and I think it serves two!) but most of it's under $10. If you don't love it, at least you didn't break the bank trying it out.
(4)
Doug W.

I'm a big fan of Border. The prices are reasonable, the food is great (love the blackened catfish fajitas), and the service is quick. I'm not much of a Margarita guy (Sol and a lime for me) but I've been told they do a pretty good job with those too. And they don't skimp on their ice water, which is kind of important when you're eating spicy food. What's not to like?
(4)
Gordon G.

Your average Tex-Mex/Cajun fare. Pretty fast, pretty friendly, pretty good price, very good location. It's a nice lunch spot if you're in the neighborhood, but I wouldn't suggest going out of your way to go to border Cafe.
(3)
Diane I.

when i think mexican i think pancho villa burittos, but border cafe is definitely not the typical burrito place. and tonight i was happily surprised. i had the corn and black bean empanada... and only wish i hadn't devoured the chips and salsa so i could have had more empanada! i'll definitely be back. the downfalls - long wait and small veggie menu (at least for me).
(4)
Megan M.

Fun atmosphere, yummy food, and good service. I come to this place for the Friday/Sat night vibe. It's usually busy so expect to wait, but hosts are efficient and the line moves as quick as possible. It's usually pretty noisy and the bar is small so it's hard to find a place to wait. That said, I think this place is great. Service is good so once you sit down, you know you'll have food in front of you quickly. Will continue to go to Border Cafe for solid food and a fun night out.
(4)
Ashley A.

Oh, the endless torture of the meat coma is still upon me! After the gastric warmup of a bucket of guacamole (and salsa, of course) it was decided that fajitas for two would be prudent. It took me two hours of satiated moaning and groaning, two cigarettes, and a half mile walk just to be a functional, coherent human being again. This speaks highly of the cuisine, trust me. The serving staff seems a little green, and the decor is tacky as hell (are the bottles of hot sauce lining the walls for consumption or decoration?) but the size of the standard soda glass (1 liter, by the way) had me grinning like a little kid. And every drop was necessary for extinguishing the happy fire in my belly.
(4)
Kristine M.

It surprises me that so many people like this place. I think it's disgusting. I've gone here more than once, just because a friend likes to celebrate their birthday there, but everything I've gotten was sub-par. I'd be so thirsty afterwards that it felt like I downed a container of Morton's Salt. It's got a fun, festive vibe, but the food is just gross. I've never enjoyed anything I've eaten there.
(1)
Mary M.

We had a party of 14, and waited about 35 mins to be seated on a Friday night, so not so bad. The atmosphere was fun and the staff was friendly. Lost a star because several of us thought a lot of the items were really salty but otherwise would have been good. Even the margaritas we ordered came out salty...I'm used to having salt around the rim of the glass, but not all in my drink. The waitress was was great though and switched it to a sangria for us.
(4)
Kim L.

After 1.5 years in the Medford/Cambridge area, I'm surprised I never popped in here. The place is large (upstairs and downstairs) and serves a good amount of food for the price (blackened chicken for $8.92). Sangria was pretty damn good-I left in excellent spirits. This is not an upscale place by any means, but it's fun and good value. even tthe water cups are ginormous!
(3)
Kate P.

My roommates finally got me to leave my Boston bubble and dragged me over the river to Cambridge sq to eat at their favorite restaurant, the Border Cafe on Saturday night. Let me tell you, this place was packed!! Total mob scene with over a 30 minute wait. We carved out some space at the bar and indulged in some margarita racing, I lost, my roommate Chrissy killed me. Anyhow, it was totally worth the wait because Bob the manager is the best and got us a great table and made some great appetizer recommendations such as as the GAUCHO CHICKEN, CHILI RELLENO and BLACKENED CHICKEN FINGERS. I had a STEAK BURRO for dinner which is their take on burritos, my roommates both got the TOSTADA-GRANDE salad which comes in those large crispy tortilla shells!! My roommates made me a believer and I will definitely be venturing back to Border Cafe sooner than later
(4)
Jay H.

We literally ran into Border Cafe accidentally on our way to Harvard since it was just opposite the parking garage on Church. We were a bit unsure what to expect, but the food was excellent. We are vegatarians, however everything they serve from chips to bean burro, enchillada, tostada were delicious. We were in a hurry and the waiter was super fast and very friendly. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good place to eat in Harvard square. I wish I had tried their margarita, but it was not really a convinient time for alcohol.
(5)
Daniel L.

The food here can be a little expensive, but is well worth it. Great for a date or special occasion. Keep in mind this restaurant is always busy.
(4)
Amy P.

I WAS a big fan of the Border-having been coming here for years with my (then) boyfriend and (now) husband. The food is consistently good (fajitas,quesadillas, and jambalaya all solid) but honestly the best reason for coming here is the hot chips and salsa AND (of course) the margaritas! The atmosphere is fun (when your not being pushed around while waiting for a table-which happens quite often) and the staff, 95% of the time is extremely friendly and accommodating. I do have to say their demotion from a solid 4-star status is primarily based on being hugely disappointed today when I tried to arrange a birthday dinner for my husband and about 30-40 of our friends in a couple weeks. They take reservations under no circumstances! What can I say-I'm bitter. But thishas seriously been a drawback when choosing a location for social gatherings. If you've gone there on a weekend night you know how crowded the extremely small bar/waiting area can be. If you haven't experienced the holding pen-BEWARE. I was told we could stand around and they would seat us as soon as the entire party arrived but frankly the thought of that arrangement completely stresses me out! In any case, I know I'll get over it and once my arm is twisted- return again!
(3)
fred n.

Only for happy hour or a quick appetizer and cocktail. Queso is an absolute must, or else you're missing the sunset of the restaurant. Busy and active means its more of an upbeat social place, not for one-on-one dates, but good for casual outings.
(3)
Kim S.

I love this place. It's not 'real' mexican food per se, but for what it is it's great. I was born and raised in California and know my Mexican food. Their chips and salsa will fill you up, bonus points when the chips are piping hot. I love their tostada salad with beef....always yummy. Their enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos, and Creole entrees are all great. Come here hungry or you'll barely make a dent in the dish. Totally packed on the weekend, especially when school is in session.
(5)
Lisa O.

Whenever I get a Tex-Mex craving, Border Cafe is the first place I go. No, it's not "authentic" Mexican. No, I don't care. I actually think it's pretty damn funny that all these Bostonians get their panties in a bunch about how "authentic" Mexican food is. As long as it's good, who cares? Although Border's margs will never live up to the king of all margs (anyone who's been to the Rio will know what I'm talking about; anyone who doesn't, book a plane ticket to Denver right now) but they're a good substitution in the meantime. And CHEAP, which is one of my favorite qualities in a drink. Warm chips and good salsa are a perfect way to start a meal, in my opinion, and I usually have to stop myself before I fill up completely on chips. I think the salsa has a good kick to it, but I'm kind of a wimp. THE FAJITAS. I always get the fajitas with chicken, beef and shrimp. What can I say, I like variety!! I also ALWAYS split them with someone else. Even the fajitas for one are freakin huge; we always have enough left over for 2 extra meals. Burros are good too. The service ranges from really good to kind of lacksidasical, but it's never been bad. Overall, I leave the Border Cafe a little tipsy, very full and happy, with a meal for the next two days, and all for about $30 (two people, 2 drinks each). And that makes Lisa a very happy girl.
(5)
Jennifer C.

Yummy fajitas and strong margaritas, what more could a girl want?
(4)
Etta M.

if mexican restaurants served real mexican food where would i get my guac and sour cream fix? border cafe can be an infuriating experience if you have a table of twelve, spent 30 minutes looking for parking only to pay a million dollars to park in a lot and have to wait out in the freezing cold forrreeevvvvvvver!!! the food is good. filling to the point of explosion, but good. the margaritas a cheap and tasty and they give you not only chips and salsa but WARM chips and salsa.. come to think of it, maybe that's why i am so full always.
(4)
Branson L.

Kind of a hit or miss... Some of the food is pretty good though. Last time I went I was truly happy with the cajan fried catfish... although some of their dishes have been too heavy or processed flavors. The chips and salsa are mediocre and the margaritas are good but overrated. Despite my bickering, this is a pretty good place everyone should try... If you like a little cajan spice, try something off the texican menu... The food prices are very reasonable, and the service is usually pretty good (fast). Anyhow, make a run for the taco bell and try the border.
(4)
Josh K.

Surprisingly good Tex-Mex food lives here! I wouldn't expect good food from a large, overly-crowded, inexpensive place with tacky decor, but my taste buds don't lie. I usually get fajitas, and the margaritas are quite good as well when you're in the mood for a drink. And the free chips and salsa are a nice perk.
(5)
Corey L.

I can't say that their food is something to write home about, but its has been consistently good. Everything I've tried is great. The vegetarian options are good and fulfilling. It gets crowded as hell on the weekends, be warned. The staff has always been great as well.
(4)
J E.

I have mixed feeling about this place, because on one hand, the margarita's are great, as is the guacamole, and the complimentary chips and salsa. However, everything else I orders was horrible. I felt like eating a small snack and getting a drink, which is a pretty good way to spend part of your afternoon. Unless you came to this place. I ordered the chicken appetizer, and I was shocked that any executive chef would allow this to exit the kitchen. Now I am all for spicy food, but not *over spiced* food. In fact, I could barely taste the chicken over whatever salty rub the lathered it in. It was spicy, which I enjoyed, but I also like to have flavor. It basically tasted like i was eating spices from a bowl. The salad I ordered, which meat on it, tasted like it had been run over but some dish washing soap. But, the rest of the salad was quite good. The margarita was great. I had two. The guacamole? Delicious! I ordered a side and it was the best part of the meal. The food the other patrons had looked good, but I don't think I'll be coming here for a return visit any time soon.
(2)
Jennafir E.

Ok, I can understand the love of this place for margaritas, but unless you plan on only getting that one drink (because the daiquiri's suck) I would suggest finding any location other then this one for Mexican. Hell, even Anna's may be better. The real question remains, how can you mess us a drink? A blended, ice ridden, daiquiri was what I was served. The salad, not bad, until the meat came, which was like a sponge with jerk flavoring that was too spicy for human consumption (unless you burned them all off at the ripe age of 5) Second, the rub put on the chicken makes it impossible for a human to recognize food underneath the blackened mess. How it is served I will not know. I do know that the drink came in handy after a taste test. The reason for those 2 stars, the staff was nice and it was fun to look at the walls, the drink, even lacking in luster wasn't bad, the best par:, the salsa (try it sometime with a drink, but nothing else). However, it was a waste of time and I think taco bell would serve better mexican.
(2)
Joshua S.

I mean, the food isn't spectacular and I've had better margaritas at John Harvards. Still, I love the country music and my favorite entree, the blackened chicken fajitas, is pretty solid. It's a good place to go with a group and you can definitely share entrees to cut down on expenses and calories. Oh, and I do love me some of the crawfish bites.
(3)
Jack N.

The customer service at this place is junk. I don't expect much when going to a place like this, but they're just terrible. We had a party of 12 meeting for dinner on evening. 11 of us were there ready to be seated, and they WOULD NOT seat us until the 12th person showed. Funny enough, after the 12th arrived (after they made us wait 45 minutes for her), they squeezed us into a 10 person table. Simply put - don't go here if you want to have a decent time or better. Only go if you like to get slapped around. If you really like the food, go to the new Burlington location. Much better service, and the same menu.
(1)
Deepa C.

so my best friend's birthday was last thursday and when she got all excited about border cafe, i couldn't help but roll my eyes and think "again?". after four years of college and countless birthdays held here, i was done. the chips and salsa can't be beat, but i feel like all the goodness comes from cheese or oil, not the actual spices and cooking. if i had someone to do all the shopping and chopping, i could probably do just as good a job. i don't like feeling that way when i pay for food. granted, it is good for big groups, the service is solid, the taste is consistent, and the prices are decent. i am well aware of how horribly stuck up this sounds, but i think i just grew out of this place. screaming children and groups of college students are not what i am looking for in a night out.
(3)
Sweet T.

Nice atmosphere, good, cheap food. The chips they brought to our table were nice and warm, and they brought a refill as soon as we finished the basket. Nice. I would recommend.
(3)
Patrick B.

My favorite restaurant in the Boston area. Great atmosphere, very relaxed, very inexpensive, and VERY cheap. I took my parents here a few years ago, and now it's the only place they'll go to in the city. They love it. My favorite dish is the seafood enchiladas, with an appetizer of cajun popcorn (the dipping sauce is phenomenal) and/or crawfish bites (they pretty much taste the same, but I figure why not mix it up?), with a Negra Modelo to wash it all down. That said, you honestly can't go wrong with anything there. I've been there enough times that I've sampled just about everything on the menu, and everything is great. I've never had a bad experience at the Border, either in regards to food or waitstaff. Just a great place.
(5)
Graham W.

As a life-long Mexican food lover, I have been driven to write my first review after the third time in a row that Border CafÃ© gave me serious digestive problems. The second star is only because the people are nice and the drinks decent. But don't eat there.
(2)
Scott S.

The food here isn't horrible, but I wouldn't call it good, either. As others have pointed out, it isn't in the least authentic, but that's hardly unusual in Boston. They have a couple decent vegetarian entres, and so-so service. Overall, a decidedly mediocre experience. I would give them three stars, but I have to deduct one for their policy against taking take-out orders over the phone in the evening. It's a pain in the ass to go there, fight your way to the bar to place the order, and then wait 15 minutes for them to make it. My suggestion: dine in or don't bother.
(2)
S S.

I first heard of Borders , eight years ago, in regards to some immigration raids! (weird). I have been there a number of times. The decor and ambiance is very Austin, TX. Well, it is a Mexican resturant, so i guess appearing like Texas isn't bad!! This is a fun place. Dont get it confused for fine dinning please. It is really loud on weekend/Friday nights-you get traditional chips and salsa as you wait for your food. Nice!! The margarita's are fun..and a gazillion calories, but who is counting!!! The servings are humongous!! I can never finish my food there. Its cheap, loud, fun..if thats your type!!
(3)
Jeremy S.

One of the few mid-priced dining options in Harvard Square. Has your basic cajun and tex-mex options. Nothing to get excited about.
(2)
Colin B.

Our go-to place for margaritas. First of all, they're cheap. Second of all, they're delicious. I opt to add the Jose Cuervo for an extra $1, so that you know you're getting at least a shot's worth of booze, and not a cup full of sour mix. And I'm pretty sure, it's still only $6 -- which is craziness. The food is pretty good too. Chips and salsa are addicting and we've never had a bad meal. It can get busy, but sitting at the bar waiting is not at all unpleasant.
(5)
Melanie C.

No nonsense, reasonably price, very satisfying margs and mexican. What more could you ask for?
(5)
Kate B.

I know this is a favorite among many Harvard Square residents, but Border Cafe served up one of the worst margaritas I've ever had. Their nachos were mediocre as well. I can't speak to the rest of the cuisine, but I'm not terribly enthusiastic to try it.
(2)
Raj S.

I'm obsessed with this joint! I've gone there for dinner 3 times in the past month. Its right at Harvard Sq. so easily accessible by the T. The wait for a table can be long at times but that's a great excuse to get margaritas at the bar. The gran gold is my favorite and if you chat up the bartender, you can ask him/her to make it extra strong! 2 of those and I'm more than a bit buzzed... Anyway, the service can be hit or miss. Some waiters are very friendly and chatty while others are down right cold! But the food more than compensates for it. The fresh hot chips, salsa and guacamole are a good start. I almost always alternate between the camptown shrimp and blackened chicken. I've tried the blackened catfish which was good as was the eggplant royale. The corn bread is an excellent end to a delicious meal. Ignore the average service as the potent margaritas, and cheap but delicious food will win you over!
(4)
Christine C.

This place is pretty great. While admittedly being the food snob I am, I scoffed at their claim of being "authentic," but the food was still good! Even if it isn't truly authentic, the flavors of the dishes were good enough for me. In addition, the mix of offering Cajun along with Mexican food...??? Weird!!! (Hint: their tex-mex stuff is infinitely better than cajun.) This is straight up Tex-Mex inspired goodies. Once you sit down you are welcomed with friendly service and super hot n fresh chips and salsa! The margaritas are at fair prices and delicious! And don't hold back the liquor. Sip on one for sure, it'll do you good. The soup special was a Portuguese Shrimp, very nom-tasting! And kept me warm on a snowy day. Beef enchiladas were quite tasty. Meat was flavorful, it wasn't too cheesy, and the whole package was filling and delicious. Unfortunately I picked a side of Jambalaya, which was not good at all. If I come back next time I'd definitely stick to their Mexican foods. Atmosphere is also pretty great, and while some of the food wasn't that great, the things they did well were quite good. And the service can't be beat!
(4)
Michael M.

I really, really, really like this place. Everything is reasonably priced and they could easily charge more money if they wanted to given the portions and the location. The fried eggplant dish is phenomenal. So is the blackened catfish. And the margaritas are good and damn cheap. Chips and salsa are great. But by far the best thing on the menu is the gumbo.
(5)
Sidney A.

Border Cafe is pretty delicious and it's original. There isn't much else like it. Their food is great, where else can you get Tex-Mex and Cajun? They also have wonderful Margaritas! The only downside is you leave smelling like your food. I highly recommend Border Cafe but it can get VERY busy some nights so plan accordingly.
(4)
Julia F.

I used to like Border Cafe a lot more than I do these days. I've been going there with decent regularity for the last... 5(+?) years now, and the past few times that I've gone, it just wasn't fantastic. It's a place that suits me better for large groups of people who are getting all rowdy and drinking a lot - then they put you downstairs and your bill is outrageous, no matter how average the pricing seems upon arrival. The last time I was here was in the summer, we sat upstairs, three of us. The AC vent dripped all over our drinks and our food... we didn't get moved to another table, nor did we get our soggy food comp'd... uh. Brilliant. They must scrub those 12" ducts every night, so there's nothing to fear, right? That was a huge turn off. The portions are large and the food is pretty good, the chips and salsa are good, the wait can be a bit overwhelmingly long --- at which point I usually choose to leave, cause, american tex-mex can be had elsewhere with a shorter wait time, kids! I don't have time for silly pagers.
(2)
Nicholas F.

I'm from California. No, that doesn't make me an expert on Mexican food, but I can't help but feel significantly familiar with it, having eaten it every other day for most of my life. This place doesn't serve Mexican food. This place, in fact, is confused about what it serves. It's a Tex-Mex restaurant, similar to the ones you'd find in places even more unaware of the nature of Mexican food than Massachusetts, like Berlin, Paris, Madrid, or Japan. But the unnecessary conflation of food characteristics doesn't end at the not atypical alliance of Tex and Mex. Cajun is added to the mix. Great! A triple entente of cuisine mediocrity! There's something to be said about spreading oneself thin.... Their saxophone-playing , sombrero-wearing crayfish logo insults me as it doesn't incorporate enough token Texanness to satisfy my superficial needs in restaurant theming. (see my photo) OK, now I'm off to review my favorite California-Nevada-Arizona-Mexican themed restaurant. Oh no, wait: that's too stupid to even exist.
(2)
Meredith M.

I felt like I was home. This is a chips and salsa-bold colored paint on the walls-warm twinkle lights and tequila smiles-kind of a place. And I will certainly be back. It's probably a good thing I don't live near here. Because I really don't want a bodyByborderCafe. The waiter was friendly, attentive and prompt. Maybe we got special treatment because he knew I was a Southern Girl. But I'll take it! Beef fajitas and jambalaya were delicious! The steak fajitas were a little over cooked and rough, but still tasty. The little chunks of sausage and chicken were not as cajun-spicy as I'd prefer, but it was still yummy. They were busy, but let us linger over drinks for a bit without feeling rushed. (They also get extra points for me for the country music playing in the background.) (sigh) I found a little slice of home in Boston. At last.
(4)
Jared S.

Border Cafe is a 4 star place if you go in with the proper expectations. I've been here a bunch of times (doesn't help that I work right around the corner) and never left unhappy. Creative, masterful, authentic food? No Stellar beer and tequila list? No Spotty service? Yes Cheesy southwestern theme? Yes Accommodating of a large group of people? Yes Enormous tasty portions at the right price? Yes (As long as you don't mind drinking mixto tequila in your margaritas...if you're a tequila snob like me, the next best they can do over Cuervo is Sauza Hornitos, and it will cost you twice the price) Will you leave drunk, full, and happy? I always seem to. Would this review be any different if it was a Chili's instead of Border Cafe? Probably not.
(4)
Matthew P.

Sadly I have only been here once. But what an impression it made. It was a nice Friday evening and there was a big crowd and a long wait. We decided to grab a few margaritas at the bar while we waited for our table. The margaritas were perfect; one of the best I've had at any restaurant. We knocked down a couple of those before we sat at our table. Fortunately, we were able to procure a nice seat next to the window! This has been hands down one of the best Mexican/Tex Mex food in Boston. I come from an area that has PLENTY of Mexican restaurants that Boston is so sorely missing, and this stands up to them on it's own. I personally got the seafood enchilada. Wow. I had never had one before but I keep getting them now at Mexican restaurants when I can... nothing has compared to the one I got here. This is a solid five stars. Cheap, Fun, Exciting, and Delicious!
(5)
SinÃ©ad M.

I LOVE THE BORDER CAFE! And, yes I'm totally biased. This is one of my top five go to places. The food is always great; bottomless chips, homemade guacamole, and so many amazing entrees to choose from (I personally love the vegetable and chicken fajitas). The drinks are amazing (strong and cheap!). And everyone who works here is hilarious and incredibly nice. You really can't find a better and more affordable place in Harvard Square. It's always consistent and no matter what time of year or how busy it is you're guaranteed to have a great time.
(4)
Allison R.

Border Cafe generic review #384: I'm sure the margaritas are big and strong(like I like my men), but as much as I love tequila, I hate the citrusy concoction. I like the latin american-style beer options, i.e. Dos XX and Lone Star. I enjoy the chips and salsa, and also found the veggie empanada to rock my world. The other food is pretty decently okay, and this place is always warm, which makes for a pleasant winter evening. Sometimes there's a wait, sometimes not. Also, parking in Harvard Square sucks, so I'm more inclined to hit up Ole. Just sayin.'
(3)
Colette H.

When it's freezing cold and dreary in Harvard Square, the first place I head is Border Cafe! I am greeted by warmth, light, celebration, and the delicious smell of greasy chips. And there is no place in the Square or on campus that I'd rather be. CHEAP. FLAVORFUL. FUN. I adore their fajitas for 2, their chimichurri steak, and their cheesy chorizo appetizer. This is all after I down a gigantic, potent marg and atleast one basket of chips. No, this is not the best texmex to walk the planet, but it's great for what it is! Especially amidst the austerity, pretension, or expense of many places in the Square. Come here to escape winter and/or the doldrums. So worth it!
(4)
Jess M.

I liked Border Cafe a lot. Up on arrival I headed straight to the bar and ordered a Sauza Margarita - probably the most amazing part of the meal. Delicious, frothy, and strong, these margs will make the perfect tart and salty addition to any mexican meal. The bartender was almost too friendly and pretended to recognize me, which was a little off-putting as I'd never been there before. But the margarita more than made up for it. We got our table and we greeted with their chips and salsa, something many people have raved about but I found a bit lackluster. The chips were super greasy and the salsa was kind of, bland. But a nice touch all the same. Unfortunately, we were told that the were out of guacamole (!) and when I asked for sour cream it never made it to the table. I was still excited to try their taco/enchilada combo so I sucked down my marg and ordered a beef taco with a cheese enchilada. Both were very good, but I wasn't blown away by any means. I do like they they come with beans and rice, which were both delicious. When I finished my meal I was excited for some flan or fried ice cream, but our sever told us that they don't offer dessert! Disappointing. What's a meal without something sweet afterwards? We went somewhere else but I would have liked to finish our meal there. Our server was sweet but we waited a long time for our beverages, and the sour cream was not the only item that remained undelivered to the table. They were very busy, as usual, but it took away from our experience at Border. Overall the food was solid and the drinks were awesome, but I wasn't blown away by this place. Will I go back? For sure. I hope to remedy this 3-stars soon!
(3)
Alana H.

This place is busy on Friday night! Their fountain drink cups are particularly big and the same goes for the margaritas. The prices here are really reasonable but I must admit that the food is a bit more greasy than I would like. The chips were warm and fresh out of the fryer and you get a lot of them for the table. Once again I got the empanadas and the person I was with for the blackened swordfish, which I admit looked really good. Coming in the evenings it gets really loud here and expect a wait on a Friday night.
(3)
Anastasia R.

If you are having one of those days where your racing thoughts about paint swatches and when you will possibly find the time to paint your 10 foot ceilings before winter, go to Border Cafe. Why? Because it's cheap, filling, sloppy, terrible for you, and LOUD! Between your date having to yell to talk to you, the other patrons yelling to talk to each other, the sound of the free tortilla chips crunching in your head, and chewing the ice from your margarita, the sound of your worries will be drown out and washed away in no time. The service is always great, especially Meagan (sorry if i got the spelling wrong) and i always know exactly what to expect when i walk in. I would probably eat baby seal if boarder blackened it and served it with jumbalaya. Good dirty tex-mex fun.
(3)
Christian H.

I've been to this place twice before. The first time I remember it was a pretty decent experience. I think I might've gotten a burger, but I do remember those shoestring fries. Delicious town: population shoestring fries. The drinks, ie the margaritas were pretty good as well. The 2nd time I went I was terribly disappointed. I got I believe some soft tacos during the lunch hour. It was very sub par presentation as everything was kind of just put on the plate. Granted, it was Tex Mex so I wasn't expecting anything extravagant, but still it would've been nice to see some effort. The food wasn't that good either. It wasn't by any measure memorable. I pretty much vowed never to go there again. Since this departure, I couldn't imagine going there again. Fast forward a year and a half. I decided to give it another chance when my roommate and I wanted to grab lunch. I was skeptical but I figured Id give it another chance, thinking that one time was just an off day. We were seated rather quickly, even though it was a pretty busy crowd at the time. The place was of course loud but had a positive energy, with painted walls of various western scenes and characters, creating a nice rustic feel. Combined with the typical Tex Mex/hacienda feel, it was kind of nice and chill. The chips we got were served all nice and warm-like which I appreciated. The salsa was really tasty as well. It was a nice blend of thick and thin mix. Our server was very friendly and I soon found myself ordering the Gaucho Chicken, while my roommate ended ordering the Guadalajara Chicken. It was a short wait for the food, and I think when I saw what I had ordered I realized that it was in fact and off day the last time I went. The chicken was cooked nice and blackened, with two slices of tomatoes, over a bed of shoestring fries. Granted, the presentation was simple enough, but the food was pretty darn good. The tomatoes were a nice compliment to the chicken. It was really well cooked and I really liked the grilled taste. The sauce that it came with was nice and tasty. It had basil and maybe cilantro. I wasn't sure. It was really good. The fries were, of course, awesome. They were well done and I was a fan of the crunchiness. However, this experience was nothing worth fawning over, of course, but with this kind of place, you know what to expect. It was good for what it was. The food was solid and it hit the spot. I think all in all, it was a good place to eat, but it's by no accounts an amazing place to eat. I didn't have a bad experience and I definitely encourage people to give it a try. The food is decent enough and it's probably better suited for larger groups and families. I will probably be heading back to sample more of their beverages and meals, but for a good time and nice atmosphere, Border Cafe is a good place to check out.
(3)
Dan O.

Blackened catfish + margaritas= delish.
(5)
Mike L.

I made the initial note after done eating at Border Cafe: "Fantastic steak fajitas and the best service I have ever had." This place could spoil other mexican restaurants for me. The only con, I could see (and this goes for a few places in Harvard Square) is that it can get cramped. We had a small table in a corner and people were about two arm's length from me. If you're looking for a quiet place to enjoy, this may not be your first choice, but of all the places I've eaten around Boston, this has been my favorite.
(5)
Bill H.

Border Cafe is my favorite place to eat in Harvard Square. I said it. Here's the justification: - Great margaritas. Large, salty, five bucks. Can't beat them. - Quick, no nonsense service. Yes, you have to wait for your whole party to show up before you get the table pager. Big deal. Once you're seated it's a waiter/waitress every 5 minutes until you're out. Love it. - Ever-lasting chips and salsa. Warm chips and cold salsa can't be beat. Except maybe by the margaritas. - Great, cheap eats. I'm generally more impressed by the Tex-Mex entrees than the Cajun ones. The fish tacos are to die for. Actual, identifiable fish meat (catfish!) - The place feels fun. It's usually packed, but it's not loud. You can have conversation. Love it.
(5)
George K.

Best TexMex in Boston metro!
(5)
Brian D.

There's no one thing about the Border that's a 5 star certainty. The margaritas are good, but I've had better. The location is good, but parking is so-so. The service is decent, but a little unpredictable. The food? Well, that actually is pretty good, but it could probably be healthier and a little less greasy. I'm not giving the Border 5 stars because it's the best restaurant I've been to. I'm giving it 5 stars because it's my favorite restaurant. The Border is all about the intangibles. The atmosphere is warm, entertaining, raucous and welcoming. The chips they serve are usually hot and greasy right out the the fryer and liberally salted. I usually require a big, icy Coke with my favorite meals and they never disappoint with large glasses that get refilled with no prompting at all. And the food is tasty! Especially the Shrimp and Crawfish Quesadilla, the Jim Bowie Filet Mignon and the Fish Tacos. In fact, for many years my favorite Sunday afternoon involved a "brunch" of a Quesadilla at the Border followed by a Malted Vanilla ice cream cone at Herrell's (R.I.P.). When I think of the Border I think of a little piece of home. Of long debates with friends over the queso, of confusing out-of-towners by convincing them this is authentic New England cuisine, of nights in the Square and brisk fall days. I remember the good meals I've had there and the bad, and I think of all of them fondly.
(5)
Annette A.

This is basically as fantastic as a Chili's with much more food and less upcharge. Their fajitas are fantastic, and they bring all the ingredients over to you sizzzzzzzling hot in an iron pan. They give you more than enough fajitas to wrap with and they're very generous about the condiments and sides. The price is perfectly fitting. Their margaritas, holy crap. Very strong. Not bad, but I think I may have liked to enjoy the margarita itself more than the tequila. Hoo boy. Two of these and you're on your arse. The service is fantastic, the servers are prompt, courteous and attentive. This is a place I'd love to show off to friends.
(4)
Abigail H.

As a Texan going to school in Boston, Border CafÃ© is a haven for me. Whenever I'm craving some good Tex-Mex, I make my friends come with me to get my fill of home. It's pretty cheap which is awesome for students. Their reservation system is pretty rigid, so make sure you have your whole party there on time or else you won't be able to take your table. Service is nice, sometimes they are somewhat aloof but it's a loud place and you shouldn't expect intimate service. Man, I'm craving fajitas after writing this...
(5)
Steph C.

I visited Cambridge for the Harvard-Yale game, and while I would give the town 2 stars (for the record, New Haven only gets 3), I definitely enjoyed Border Cafe. I didn't order food, as this was maybe the third or fourth restaurant/bar we hit up after the tailgate, but I mooched some delicious chips and a few bites of a friend's empanadas, which were maddeningly tasty. The vibe of the place was really fun. There were a ton of people, and we had to wait around 20 minutes, which sucked, but they gave us a buzzer thing and we made a pit stop at Starbucks across the street. What also sucked was that when they finally did seat us, they put our party of five at a square table meant for, hey, squares have four pretty non-negotiable sides, so four. I got stuck at a corner, but it worked out okay since I didn't have a plate. Anyway, though, Border Cafe was hopping and seems to be a sort of hub for students, or at least I ran into a ton of people I knew in the couple hours I was there. We sat downstairs and it was cozy, which was great because Cambridge was about as warm as an igloo on the moon. It was comfortable enough in there that I felt compelled to swallow three fruity margaritas, two in frozen form. Our server (who, by the way, beer goggles aside, was whoa cute) recommended the raspberry, so I ordered that first. It was definitely good, but the strawberry I ordered next was much better. I would've ordered another, but decided last minute to go with the melon, which cute server said was better on the rocks. I don't know if I trust cute server, because this last one was the worst of the three, though still totally gulpable. If I ever visit Harvard again, I would definitely pay Border Cafe another visit.
(4)
Yolanda Y.

The food is alright, I got the chicken bandera with the baked avocado and fries. Service was alright too. They messed up one of the things in our order, quickly fixed it, apologized for it, and then took it off our check! The margaritas - pretty damn strong! I'd leave this at three stars, but we came on a Friday night with a party of fourteen! We only had to wait a few minutes to get seated. I was really impressed with that.
(4)
Kelsey P.

I think I've been spoiled by too much excellent Mexican from living elsewhere (San Francisco and -- don't laugh -- Atlanta), but I find Border Cafe kind of blah. Don't get me wrong -- I haven't gotten anything there that's been particularly bad, but since I figure Tex-Mex is pretty hard to mess up, merely meeting expectations isn't enough. Basically, Border Cafe will get you what you'd expect from a chain restaurant -- slightly-too-salty tacos and enchiladas, refried beans and Mexican rice, and margaritas. It's good for satisfying a craving for Mexican, but I wouldn't recommend it for much else.
(3)
lizzie b.

I know it's sad that I'm loving a touristy place, but I really think Border Cafe is excellent. They have the best chips, delicious grilled chicken fajita salad that I could eat any day, and amazingly large soda and water glasses. The waitstaff is friendly, and the atmosphere is fun. Despite my food snob tendencies, I just can't help loving it here! :)
(5)
James B.

So this place has gone down hill I remember when I first came here I was impressed at the cost/tastiness ratio. However, my last couple trips have been disappointing. My friend and I decided we wanted to get some appetizers around 9pm on a Monday. We head to Border Cafe, find some miracle parking and walk in. The hostess was pretty robotic but what really disappointed me was our server. The dude basically ignored us most of the time and one of the other servers (really nice lady) had to make sure we had enough plates/water etc because she saw we were being completely neglected. Our actual server was just chilling with his friends and talking the entire time. Lucky he got any tip at all. On top of the bad service (aside from that one lady who wasn't even our server) the food was mediocre at best. The pastelitos have gone way down hill and the quesadilla was so salty you couldn't taste much else. I can forgive bad service once in a while but never sub par food. But when they go hand in hand the only result is disaster. 2 Stars: 1 for the free chips, 2 for that other server who tried to make things right. Go here if: You are a college kid and on a budget... otherwise don't bother.
(2)
Julie B.

I always go into Mexican places with a little apprehension; it feels like I just always end up being disappointed. Embarrassingly enough, I have never been to a Mexican place that was able to live up to Taco Bell (pathetic, I know). Until now! I went to Border Cafe to celebrate a birthday with 6 friends. We were sat at a big round table - love it, no one sits on the end! - and served with HUGE glasses of water (I'm in heaven) and like 10 baskets of chips and salsa. A couple people ordered margaritas and we all ordered some variety of enchiladas, burros, tacos, and fajitas. I ordered a pulled beef soft taco and cheese enchilada with beans & rice and a diet coke. The diet coke also came in a gigantic glass and came with free refills (I literally think I drank 2 liters worth of soda...)! The taco was REALLY good, and I was so happy that it was able to stand up to T-Bell. The enchilada was pretty good, basically a pile of cheese. The beans and rice were also good - but the spiciness levels across the table seemed to be a little inconsistent. Some of my friends could barely eat their meals because they were so spicy, meanwhile I was dowsing mine in hot sauce. Overall, the place was fun and the food is cheap and filling. The t ride from Boston to Cambridge is annoying as hell but I may just do it again for Border :)
(4)
Kim B.

Border Cafe is pretty decent. I love coming here for their beef quesadilla because it is swimming in delicious, melty cheese. Their chips and salsa are also fantastic. The price is right and the portions are HUGE. It's not "authentic" Mexican though, not by any stretch, so if that's what you're looking for, look elsewhere. I've also been less than impressed with their drinks. They're pretty light on the alcohol and leave a lot to be desired for the price. If you want something quick and decent that hits the spot, give it a try. If you want a great tequila drink and authentic Mexican, maybe try The Painted Burro over in Davis.
(3)
Laura S.

Who doesn't love a fun atmosphere designed for large groups to congregate, drink tequila and stuff themselves with delicious Mexican food? Up until this fall, I loved the Border Cafe for these very virtues. Fabulous, not overly-sweet margaritas, oh-so-fresh deep fried tortilla chips, amazing corn and black bean empanadas with red pepper sauce that makes me drool even in a fleeting thoughts. Kind staff. Efficiency. Everyone leaves happy and full. This fall, a group of friends met around 5:30 PM at the Border Cafe bar, ready to celebrate a birthday. In our quest to arrange a table (which, for the record, took over 2 hours), my dear friend was introduced to the new owner of the restaurant chain. He explained his quest to "healthify" the restaurant. Most noticeably, the chips were of a lower quality (less deep-fried, which is indeed healthier) and the margaritas went from a quality crafted drink to what tastes like a melted frozen margarita bucket. They were so sweet I could hardly finish my first drink. The bartenders receive props for this evening, because as we spent over two hours waiting for a table at the bar, we requested less sweet margaritas and they crafted a finely fresh-lime squeezed margaritas. Who does NOT receive props is the new owner. Upon making the comment to him that we weren't fond of the new drink mixture, he said, "well, maybe you should drink more then it wouldn't really matter, would it?" Inappropriate? Unquestionably. I'm still in mourning of the Border cafe of past. The corn and black bean empanadas with that mouth watering red pepper sauce are still blessedly the same, but the spirit of the restaurant is gone for me, with leadership prepared to take advantage of what he assumes is a clientele with apathetic tastebuds, only patronizing the restaurant to get drunk.
(2)
Anita D.

As you can tell, I'm am now super lazy with my reviews... -unlimited chips and salsa. Comes out piping hot and fresh. -ordered a burger. portions are huge. came with the skinny fries. this was only about $6.50. -drinks are moderately priced. -our waitress was friendly, even though she walked by when my friend and I were saying grace.
(4)
Matthew D.

This place to me is inviting to a glutton. Everything is about indulging. The over sized glasses, the never ending chips and salsa, and the dinners that are good sized portions. I go here fully expecting to leave regretting eating all that I ate. So, to me, hands down best meal in here is the enchiladas. I'm partial to them for some reason. They have never let me down, it's my fail safe. I've tried other meals here, but none has made the impression on me the way those enchiladas have. The melted cheese, shredded beef, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, and a little bit of hot sauce is where it's at. Top that off with a couple of magaritas on the rocks and you're strolling out this place in a wheelbarrow. The service here is slightly above average for a place that is usually pretty busy. They get your food out quickly. Usually I've had people checking on my meal before I even get my first bite down. But whatever, it's always a good meal. The price here is reasonable too. I can remember the last time dinner for two has cost more than $30.00. Only if we get extra drinks, but even then, it's a good deal. Compared to other mexican restaurants (Margaritas, Acapulcos, etc.) this place always comes out on top. Unless of course your eating authentic.
(5)
Madhvi S.

Are you a poor undergrad/grad student looking for a cheap place to eat and drink? Are you a well-paid business person looking for some fun and friends? Border Cafe has it all! I don't even like margaritas and I could drink 4 of these (but I'd probably have to get carried out after the 2nd one). The food is irresistibly good! I'm vegetarian and if I think the veggie options are the kind of stuff I dream about, then the meat stuff muuust be delectable. As gross as this might sound, I could probably eat the guac with a spoon and no chips. I always get the cheese enchiladas which are yum. They come with a side of rice and beans, which are also great AND vegetarian (sometimes they put pork fat/juice/slobber/whatever in the beans and that really pisses me off). My friend ordered the corn and black bean empanadas, which are my new favorite. Everything tastes so good and is so cheap! We all ate to our full AND had a good amount of leftovers and only paid around 8 dollars each. This place gets really busy at night and they don't take reservations. Be prepared to wait 30-40 minutes. It also gets really really loud, so it isn't a bring-a-date kind of place, although how many Tex-Mex restaurants are? If you haven't gone to this place...GO!
(5)
Ojus P.

The only reason to downgrade this place is to keep other people away because it is too popular, especially on weekend nights. The food is awesome at a really affordable price. The quesadilla is amazing. Prices are really reasonable. Alcohol selection/ price is decent. Did I mention really big proportions?
(5)
Heather -.

The food was fine. Not great, but not bad. I'd go there again for the food if I was in the area. But I'm swearing off this restaurant. Why you ask? They treat groups HORRIBLY! I went with a group of 11 and they were polite enough at first. The restaurant was nearly empty, so we didn't foresee any problems. It was OK for 5 minutes. However when we sat down things went downhill. 2 more friends came to join us and the waitress started yelling that we couldn't have ANYONE else at our table, because the table is only for 11. So we tried to have our friends sit at the table next to ours and she said no way. That table isn't authorized for them. She forced them in the corner until another party left. Then they could join our table by pulling up a table the same size right next to it? The restaurant wasn't that full. Then after awhile two of our friends had to go, and she started freaking out. Then a few people didn't want to order food, just drinks and she said we can't do that (most people at our table were getting food). Her manager would fire her and she needs this job. Things like this kept happening. We'd ask for a minor small request, like hey could we get another beer and she'd freak saying we need to order more food. People were eating, I don't get it. Maybe the manager really is this strict, but SERIOUSLY! I used to work in food service and am seriously SUPER tolerant of bad service, but this was so bad I couldn't bear it. It was the first time I considered talking to a manager and never coming back to a place again. I also don't get why people like their margaritas. Mine tasted like the surgery pre-made margarita mix. It was bearable, but I mean I wouldn't go there for one again. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE SERVICE. NOT RECOMMENDED! If this place can be so rude, why do we tolerate it? There are so a few great small businesses in Harvard Square, e.g. Cambridge 1 and Charlies Kitchen. Neither of these places have ever been so rude! Both have great service!
(1)
Andy L.

I've been going here my whole life, and this is where I'd barricade myself if WWIII broke out. This is the only restaurant where my family can take me and we will have a somewhat upbeat interaction. I'm emotionally distant with my family. Free chips, here they come. If you're a newbie, you will fill yourself up before your meal, because the waiter will refill them ad infinitum. The pints of soda you can order seemed larger than life when I was a kid. If you finish one, you will be peeing very soon! Come to think of it, in the decades I've been coming here, I've only really ordered the enchiladas, burritos, or fajitas. I love the cheese-melted enchiladas the best, because whichever meat you put inside there will be well-cooked. Mix up the cheese, meat, beans and lettuce on the side to give yourself a different-textured forkful each time! Given how popular and crowded the place is, the service keeps it all together pretty well. I have never witnessed a waiter tripping and scalding an elderly couple with a fajita platter, for example. This is my end-all be-all dining experience. If you dine downstairs, the beaten-up wood booths and tables let you pretend you're in the hold of a ship, if you so desire. I can imagine it being pretty romantic.
(5)
Dor Z.

Border Cafe seems like a decent place to go for drinks and cheap food. I got some sort of creamy seafood enchilada. The portion was HUGE and I needed a bit of help to finish it. The boyfriend also got an enchilada dish and our bill was less than $20 (awwwesome!) I can't speak to how authentic the food is but it was tasty enough. Our waiter was chill and witty while maintaining a level of professionalism, which made us feel very comfortable and welcome. Just watch out because it gets really loud in here. Also if you're headed over at some peak hour (after work, weekends) be prepared to wait 20+ minutes in line.
(4)
Kelly M.

Margaritas, bottomless chips and salsa, and a sort of mysteriously inexplicable menu of Tex-Mex and Creole creations. Heavy on the sauces and melted cheese-over-everything; light on breathing room. If you can manage to get a table outside, take it and linger while those in line or trapped indoors give you the side-eye. You've earned this. Enjoy it.
(3)
Lars F.

Very good Mexican and Cajun food at really great prices. I can never finish the entire meal. Every time I go there, there is a long wait, but well worth it. The service is pretty good and the bar is great for hanging out while you wait.
(4)
Hugh R.

Man, what more can the 753rd reviewer say about an establishment that others haven't already said? The chips and salsa are bottomless, which, if you're like me, means you'll likely have to take home at least 1/2 of your delicious entree, and the service is out of this world. The attentiveness of the waitstaff never seems to be an issue at Border Cafe. It's as if their ears are trained to distingush the volume of liquid in your glass by the sounds eminating through your straw, even from the far reaches of the kitchen. Never have I succeeded in reaching the bottom of my beverage before being presented with a refill...and trust me, I've tried. Nor will you be forced to endure that long, frustrating post-meal "where the hell is my check?!?" lull. You've eaten, it's there, and you can be on your way and off to the rest of your business.
(5)
Esther G.

I'm a Southern Californian native. Ergo, a love of good Mexican food has practically been bred into me. Inclusion of cajun food in the menu? Random, yes. But since I have yet to try any of their cajun selections, who am I to judge? I've only had one thing on their menu so far- the shrimp and prawn quesadilla with guac on the side. A generous portion of cheesy goodness for a very reasonable price. It was enough that I could save half of it and re-heat it for another meal. That's pretty much like getting your meal for half the price, right? Right. And how can you argue with hot chips and salsa? It's like the Mexican version of your Italian bread basket, only better (well, that's arguable. Hot bread out of the oven is pretty darn fantastic). My only woe is that my dish oozed of oil...well, everywhere. I'm not sure if this is characteristic of all the dishes and It wasn't /too/ huge of a deal, but I do generally like to pretend that the food I'm consuming isn't clogging my arteries. Nevertheless, this is one place I'll definitely try again. I have more than a few different dishes and drinks I want to try out! The service was fantastic as well. My friend and I were greeted out the door multiple times by multiple employees on our way out. It was like walking through some kind of celebratory procession where they shouted "Thanks, have a great day!". It kind of made my day.
(4)
D C.

DISCLAIMER: If you're looking for a quiet, romantic spot to enjoy a polite dish and uncomfortable getting-to-know-you banter, then just go somewhere else. Seriously - go away now! If you're out to have fun, enjoy some great drinks and food, served with love, then RUN, don't walk, RUN to the Border! This place has become the go-to spot over the last dozen years, for friends' birthdays and hope to keep it that way for the long haul. It's the perfect blend of excitement, loud decor, tasty margaritas and wonderful food that really brings out the festive side in us all. If Patricia is your server, then you're in doubly good hands! If it's youre first time then follow these guidelines: Repeat after me - Gold. Rocks. Salt. Ok, good. Drinks are set. Appetizer: Crawfish popcorn (order two!) Entree: Fajitas. The Cadillac fajitas are definitely worth the extra couple bucks and if you're feeling saucy, go with the shrimp. Careful not to make the fatal mistake of filling up on chips y salsa! Since you're most likely going to, don't feel bad - it's inevitable. The blackened catfish, chicken waco and cajun ribeye are all must-haves and if you really want to pull out all stops, but I highly recommend fajitas first time around. There are solid vegetarian options too, so any freaks....er....non-meat eaters, please take heart there offerings available for you. God put The Border Cafe on this earth for a reason and that reason is to make our lives a better place. I mean, why else would you want to lick salsa off the menu?
(5)
Bansi V.

I must say I really love Border Cafe. Even though its constantly crowded, waits are long, and its hard to have a conversation I love the atmosphere and the diversity within the restaurant. The service is always fast once seated and drinks are brought promptly. I always get the cheese enchiladas and a classic margarita on the rocks with lots of salt and I've never been disappointed. The chips and salsa are delicious too!! Definitely try it if youre in Harvard Square around lunch/dinner time.
(4)
Jess L.

I come here mainly for the margs and the beer - and good times. There's lots of room, fun (albeit borderline tacky) decorations, and good service. The wood decor is a nice touch. The margaritas are tasty - varying levels of strength, though, depending on when I order them, apparently - and the guac is good. Beers are reasonably priced. The vegetable fajitas are plentiful, but the eggplant royale was too rich - more cheese than eggplant.
(3)
Joseph Zsolt T.

feels cheap. margherita was awful. food was tolerable. cajun + mexican? kitsch.
(1)
Marie E.

Stopped by before heading down for the July 4th fireworks. It wasn't busy and we got seated right away outside. The server was super friendly and funny. I ordered the tacos ( beef) with black beans and rice, my friend ordered the chicken tacos with jambalaya. Both were ok. Not bad, but nothing to write home about. This is average Mexican food.
(3)
Joan C.

This is the SECOND bad experience for me here, and I have to just voice my ire. The food is good, not my complaint. It's the wait staff. I was here with a friend having dinner, when our waiter disappeared! We ate, and waited for 1/2 and hour, no waiter, when we finally spotted our server, he was talking and laughing with another server. Completely oblivious to us waiting. I figured it was a one off, let's give Borders the benefit of the doubt, and that's what I did. Today I wanted a quick dinner and sat near the bar, a server came took my order brought my food, DISAPPEARED AGAIN. When I find him he's behind the bar, fine. I try to get his attention, nothing. When I finally do and tell him I want the check he's incredulous. "You want your bill for your margarita?" No, I want my check for everything. "We'll I'm a bartender!" I'm sorry, but aren't you the same guy that took my order? "Yes but I'm a BARTENDER." I got up at this point and spoke to the manager because getting a bill should be the easiest part of the whole food service transaction. I appreciate the manager trying to make it right, but I won't be going back.. I shouldn't have to track down the folks that serve the food and I CERTAINLY don't need to pay for a bad attitude.
(2)
Carol C.

gross mexican food.wanna heartburn?
(1)
Angie G.

Really? I've never reviewed this place? How silly! I.LOVE.BORDER. Oh, do I love it! Border Cafe, ya'll got something right. Let me tell you how effing good the salsa is here. The chips are fresh and piping hot. Their atmosphere is nice and loud and, from my experience, it's good casual service. Every time I come here, I get the same thing: Chicken Burro. Nothing else. And when I get it, I always try to split it with whoever I'm with. Why? Because that thing is deliciously addictive and way too big for one person. I was literally stuffed to the point of illness on more than one occasion. This place makes me want to wear stretchy pants just for a meal. Good god, it's filling! (I know, I know. That's what she said.) But, forreal. This is the best tex mex place I've been to in Boston Metro. If you haven't gone, I don't know what you're waiting for. Cheese covered burro? GET ON IT!
(5)
Lauren W.

Cheap, yummy mexican food, and margaritas. The hour long wait was negated by the margaritas we had in the bar area. And the service was good and quick for such a huge restaurant. I was told to get the fish tacos and they did not disappoint. They were so good. I left super full, for not a lot of money. I think they should open one in NYC..soon.
(4)
Alexis K.

One of my favorite restaurants in the area. I bring everyone I know here and it is always one of the first places I suggest when people want to go out for dinner. It's definitely great for college students, though all ages can be found here. Primarily because the food is cheap, good and comes in large portions. This place is usually packed so expect a wait if you are coming at dinner hours or anytime on a Thursday-Saturday. BUT it's totally worth the wait, especially because they make AMAZING margaritas. A down side is there is not much sitting space at the bar, so you will probably end up standing while you wait. The free, warm chips and salsa are delicious and the food is really great quality. I would suggest the Burro if you ever go and don't want something spicy. One other thing to note, because it gets so packed this place is LOUD and it can be hard to talk and/or hear.
(5)
Nick C.

I'm in Los Angeles right now wishing I was in the 02138 eating a Border Cafe burrito (I'll pay anyone willing to ship me one). Border Cafe is so good, I used to eat there by myself at least once a week. The chips are ridiculous. And I mean ridiculous. It gets to the point where I've eaten two basket of chips, haven't started my entre, and still can't stop grabbing more and stuffing my mouth. They should be illegal just for their addictiveness. Every thing else is good. I'm pretty borring and usually just order a chicken burrito, but damn, that burrito is delicious. Border Cafe: probably not too authentic, but worth the visit. Oh yeah, and the prices are great. My meal (including tax and tip) is usually just $10 dollars.
(5)
Molly A.

Food was delicious! Service was great! We had gumbo, Margaritas, filet, catfish and chicken ... we'll def come here again!
(5)
Natalie O.

This place is great! Not only does it serve consistently good food, but the prices are incredible. You can get a whole entree for around $7-10. The mixed drinks are huge! I love coming to eat here!
(5)
Zachary S.

Ok, I'm giving this place 4 stars strictly for the excellent service. We only had 30 minutes to eat before a movie started next door at Loews. We told the waiter our time constraint and instead of rolling his eyes and being disapointed...he stepped up and got it done. Our drinks, salsa & chips and food were all there in a flash. He even brought the check as be brought out the final dish. The salsa and chips were filled twice in the 30 minutes we were there as were our drinks. The small sample of food we got was good and I'd like to go back again when I have more time. Kudos to the waiter...he was excellent and you earned a loyal customer.
(4)
Bao Anh N.

Fun, casual dining...a nice fusion restaurant where you can order cajun or tacos! It was really busy and rowdy when we went, but Border Cafe has a livelyy atmosphere if you are with friends.
(4)
Leah K.

Wow, I love The Border Cafe. Interesting menu involving cajun food I've never seen on a menu before. Interesting spices and flavors allured me. The first time I went, I ordered a cheese and bean enchilada (enchilada's are my favorite). The waitress asked me if I was a vegetarian, and I said yes, and she changed the rice on the side (which apparently used chicken stock or something) to a vegetarian rice. So nice! So thoughtful! Plus, the waitress was a delight. The prices are VERY cheap, about $6.50 for an enchilada, beans, rice, and some lettuce and tomato salad that is very filling. I have been about 4 times in the past year, and love it every time. The cheese and bean enchiladas are my favorite, but another tasty dish is the cajun fried cheese (basically triangle shaped spicey mozerella sticks). The catfish taco is also very good, a little spicey for my taste though. One of my favorite dishes there is the Steak salad with blue cheese. It's HUGE and the steak is very tasty, as well as their salad dressing. One of the last times I went was at a strange time, I think around 3 in the afternoon, and while the restaurant wasn't chock full of people, the waiter was very slow. I think it might have been because my boyfriend and I were there, and were obviously poor college students, and not a family with five kids. :( sad. All in all, I love this place. The decor is fun (neon and string lights, murals on the wall, fun decorations), the plates a perfect size, and the food and staff are great.
(4)
Adrienne M.

This was one of our go-to places to eat out in college, so I have fond memories, but I think the food is actually pretty decent. I'm a huge fan of the chips that they start your meal with - I think they are just perfectly greasy and delicious, and I've never found chips I like anywhere else quite as much. The entrees themselves are mostly standard mexican fare - fajitas, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas. It's nothing innovative, but as others have said, the portions are big, the price is low and the food is pretty good. Also, love love love the frozen sangria here! Some friends took me here to have it right after I turned 21 and I didn't even get carded (only time that's happened before or since, by the way)! So that was disappointing, but the sangria itself is amazing. It's slushy and smoothie-like, not just like sangria on ice. Atmosphere is loud but fun, and I recall really liking the music (I think they played a lot of country). It's not a good place to go for a quiet dinner, but its an awesome place for groups.
(4)
Christine D.

Just updating to say that Border Cafe is still my favorite restaurant in the world! I miss the smells! I miss the best margaritas i've ever had! I miss the ambience! I miss the amazing options- specifically craving chips and chille relleno. Can someone send me some in New Orleans?
(5)
Andrle W.

Tasty chips and salsa! Giant sodas & water! Flavorful and delicious food! I didn't really know about Border Cafe until I'd lived in the Boston area for about four years. Impossible! Uber convenient right in Harvard Square, Border Cafe fits my need for tasty and reasonably-quick Tex-Mex. I've now been there about four times and I've never been disappointed. Word to the wise: if you can, go on a weeknight - like a Monday-Wednesday. I've mostly only ever gone then, and have never had a problem getting a table, no matter the size of our party. But when I've walked by on weekends, I often see people waiting inside and out.
(4)
A. D.

Mediocre "Mexican" food. Awful service, with pretentious attitude. They refused to seat us simply because one person was missing. By the time that person arrived (a minute later), they gave away the table to another party (who came after us), and we were told to seat at a table of 4 (despite being 6 of us), or wait half an hour -- despite the fact that there were at least *two* free tables for 8. The food is the generic American-Mexican type -- excessive amount of low quality cheap rice and beans.
(1)
K C.

Good food for not that much money. We had the catfish, the crawfish quesadilla. They also have quite a few vegetarian options. I wish they were not in the basement (maybe they have seating upstairs, I am not sure)... the service is rushed. But overall it's ok. WIsh they delivered!
(4)
Meg H.

Border Cafe is one of my go-to places when I don't know where to go for dinner. The food is super yummy, the margaritas are fabulosas, and I've never really had a bad experience here. Only kind-of complaint? It's loud! And I think I've been sat downstairs every time except once. I'd like to be upstairs where there are high ceilings and windows!
(4)
Emily C.

Great margaritas - cheap food. Perfect combination!! Love the queso dip and the corn and black bean empanadas!
(5)
Suzy L.

Border Cafe is one of my favorite places around Harvard Square. Huge portions, good prices, and a mean margarita... what else do you need? Oh, yes... chips and salsa. And they're plentiful and tasty here. I have a couple friends who are vegetarians so we end up at Mexican restaurants a lot since they tend to be pretty veggie friendly. Border Cafe is up there as one of the best with lots of options. Oh, and did I mention the margaritas? :-)
(5)
Steven F.

I love the Border Cafe for all its greasy, Tex Mex goodness. I don't usually need or specifically seek out large portions at a restaurant, but I don't mind the epic sizes they shell out here. I mean, sure, getting through a glass of water results in about seven trips to the bathroom, but hey, it's good to keep hydrated. What may not keep you hydrated, but certainly happy, are the ridiculously large margaritas. I've tried most of the ones they offer and love each of them. The sangria is a tad disappointing, but whatever, the margs are the star from the bar. The chips and salsa are sublime, I once saw the vat with all the salsa ready to be portioned out and I wanted to swim in it because I knew how good it would taste. The rest of the food gets a solid A-. I used to always get the corn and black bean empanada, but they've changed that dish twice in the last year, so I've been encouraged to branch out. The eggplant dishes are both amazing. The fajitas are, unsurprisingly, delicious. I won't bother saying much more, because I know raves are kind of annoying. A word of advice, if you want to go to the Harvard Square location for dinner, build in a half hour wait on a weekday and an hour on the weekend. You'll just get grumpy if you show up starving and expect to be seated right away. Good luck with that.
(4)
Mollie W.

eh. eh.... It was so 'eh' that I don't feel compelled to say much more. The catfish was eh, the salsa, eh, the margarita eh. Oh.. oh.. but our waiter was as dumb as a burrito. Actually I would have preferred to be waited on by a burrito, because maybe the burrito wouldn't have looked like they smoked a fatty before their shift and might have actually been able to figure out that my friend wanted the birthday girl's drinks on her tab, instead of charging the birthday girl's tab for all the drinks, thanks estupido!
(2)
Mike R.

Overhyped by generic 15-30 somethings who wait in line too long for this place's bland Mexican food. Large portions, large menu: beware.
(2)
Julia M.

I would say that Border Cafe is the best Mexican Food in Cambridge. And it's a pretty chill place to take a large group. Strong drinks are highly appreciated - staff is not stingy with the tequila when it comes to their margaritas. And the chips and salsas are top tier. Let's face it, Mexican food is Mexican food. The booze at Border is the differentiating factor here and that's enough in my book.
(4)
Jeffrey K.

Harvard Square on the (whichever) Red Line! I'd file this one under "completely generic, unimpressive, americanized TexMex." This place must get all its business from the tourists milling around Harvard. It's pretty hard to screw up mexican food -- it's meat, with some beans, veggies, and cheese, wrapped in a tortilla -- but this place managed to scrape the bottom of the barrel. Lame, yellowy, crowded, atmosphere. They screwed up a two-chicken-soft-tacos order by bringing out one-chicken-one-beef-taco. The salsa was uninspiring, the chips were cold and stale. I'd say this place is not worth the trip. Go to Sol Azteca instead.
(2)
Claire M.

I LOVE Border Cafe. This place is the perfect spot to go with a bunch of friends of you're looking to have a great meal, good time, and not spend a lot of money. First off, they have unlimited tortilla chips and salsa- but like really legit housemade warm tortilla chips. But don't fill up on these because portions are huge! An entree per person is more than enough food and sometimes I even share with a girlfriend. Drinks are great too. BIG margaritas are delish and only $5-7. If you want to get real tipsy, real fast, order the Hurricane, its 3 types of rum and a bunch of juices. It tastes like a tropical vacation. My favorite dishes are chicken fajitas and the empanadas. You really cant go wrong though. All in all, you can get a meal and a drink for about $20 including tax and tip. You will leave totally full and probably even a bit tipsy. I'll be going back again and again!
(4)
Timan G.

The first few times, you'll be impressed by the prices. Entrees for under $10. The food is pretty tasty. But after many visits you realize that you're just eating tons of salt, cheese and cream and that the food really isn't all that amazing. It's the kind of Tex-Mex food that you'd expect a college student to love. The catfish dishes are pretty tasty if you like your fish soaked in oil. Service here is extremely quick and the menu makes a point of informing you of the 1 or 2 dishes that may take over 10 minutes. Perfect for when you're starving and impatient. Weekends get pretty packed though.
(3)
P'raka ..

Normally I would have given this place 4 stars for just being cheap and tasty mexican. The five stars is from my recent experience here. I went with a friend who has several dietary restrictions and not only was the waiter extremely patient and friendly, he also sent over the manager who spent time going over the menu options that were available for my friend. I really was not expecting that level of accommodation and it just blew me away. I've been coming here since my college days and I'm glad they seem to be getting more awesome as time goes on!
(5)
Rachel C.

:: Sign :: That's what I say to myself every time I get an invitation to someone's birthday at Borders. Maybe it's because I have only been here with a big group and experienced their famed "wait for your whole party" routine. I understand it's purpose, but when you are meeting up for drinks and dinner after work with an unknown amount of girls... well, this is not the place for you. One particular occation will always sour this restaurant for me. I understand that when we were seated with what we thought was our full group, it was annoying that more people kept showing up and eventually we couldn't keep adding more chairs. I get that it is a pain in the ass to switch tables and thus switching waiters. However it was a Monday evening and the place was empty. It was annoying that you made us wait half an hour to be seated in an empty restaurant. Seating issues aside, my biggest problem was the food. While tasty enough, I only physically had three bites before it was taken away from me. It took us so long to get our food that I had to excuse myself to use the facilities after a mediocre margarita and several glasses of water (that to their credit, were filled promptly) very early in the meal. By the time I got back from waiting in line and using the facilities. My nearly untouched plate was gone. When I asked about my food the waiter just said, "Oh, we've already thrown it away," and walked away. They cleared the table so quickly that none of my dining companions had a chance to stop them. No apology, it was not taken off the bill I had to pay for the meal I didn't eat. I wish I could say this was an off night, but I have had for too many similar experiences here. The drinks are just O.K., the food is average and the atmosphere is soured by the often surly wait staff. If I want "Mexican" near Harvard Square I will look elsewhere.
(2)
H T.

Dear friend- Sorry I took your phone and started a text argument with the girl who stood you up time and time again. Yes, I don't know her, but I was on my second sangria. I was feeling bitchy too. I really liked the sangria much more than the margarita. It went down smoothly, and so refreshing on a hot or rainy day. Except there's just way too much ice in it. For food, I'd rather go for a slice at Pinocchio's and then come here for drinks, than to eat here.
(3)
Purvi R.

I took my own advice and came here for 'ritas, chips/salsa/guac on a rainy Saturday after seeing a movie next door. Perrrfect. Try to get a seat at the bar which enables easy game-watching, people-watching, and drink-ordering all at the same time. +1 star because if you only come here for all of the above mentioned things, you will not be disappointed. And still CHEEEEAP!!!
(4)
Jamie B.

I've been in the Cambridge/Somerville area for a little over two years now, and have long ago lost count of the times I've eaten at the Harvard Square Border Cafe (note that there's also a location in Saugus that is also quite good). This is truly just a reliable, fun, hangout with a definite "young" vibe, that is perfect for dinner, when there's the possibility that dinner might turn into "dinner... and drinks." Margs are cheap and tasty (frozen strawberry is my favorite), and everything I've gotten on the menu has been delish (enchiladas, chicken quesadilla, chili, catfish bites, etc.). I don't know that the dishes are "authentic" Mexican, so those from elsewhere in the country might be a bit disappointed, but for New Englanders without much else to compare to, Border Cafe is tasty and a lot of fun.
(5)
Jennifer Y.

I have been here several times for birthdays or just social gatherings and I have to say the food is so good. The catfish, jambalaya, beef burros, corn bread all so delicious. The service is excellent and you can be as loud as you wanna be with whistles and all and if it's your birthday that have men who play guitars and sing to you ;) Rasberry Margarita's on rocks is so good for good price!
(5)
Brook T.

I loooooooooooove me some Border. For any occasion my first thought would be "It's a good time to eat at Border!". The food & drinks are delicious, fast and cheap. The are able to sit large parties comfortably and the staff is always on top of everything and friendly. The taco salad is what I always go for. It is what every taco salad should be. Don't get me started on the chip bowl it comes it. You could just eat that as a meal. The chips and salsa always come out warm and fresh. They are so yummy that I always fill up on them before my food even arrives. The only thing holding me back from 5 stars is that fact they don't do reservations and they don't seat (usually) until you whole party has arrived. I understand why this is but it still kind of sucks. Good thing Border is worth the wait because on a Friday or Sat night you WILL be waiting.
(4)
M S.

Great restaurant that's always worth the wait. Their margaritas and jambalaya are my favorites! Also an often neglected item on their menu is the half and half fajitas. You get half chicken, half steak, and all amazing!
(5)
Heather G.

This place would be a harvard-square staple for me if there wasn't a GIANT line all-the-freaking-time to get a table here. All time time. It's unreal. However, on the occasions we *do* get a table without an insane wait, I think this is a solid, cheap choice for some decent tex-mex without breaking the bank. Border Cafe is consistently decent, and given that the Mexican food in Boston is generally mediocre, this is a better choice than most others by way of Tex-Mex. Going in, you know you'll always get crunchy chips with unlimited salsa, giant soda glasses with refills if you're patient enough to flag down your server with both hands (see the first comment, it's REALLY BUSY in there), and the standard-fare menu. do try the pastelitos as an app - pastry filled with a chicken and cilantro mix (sort of like a mexican samosa) with dipping sauce. Greasy but tasty.
(3)
Glutenfree G.

I know people complain about Border Cafe because of the long waits or the lack of authenticity but I wouldn't let that perturb you from going in. Its one of my fav places in Boston and I bring people who visit me here always. They have great food and the value can not be beat. I'd wait all day long for a table to be honest. And I can't comment on authenticity because I haven't really had "real" mexican food. I do love their food. And who can complain about the unlimited nacho chips and salsa they bring out while you wait for your entrees. The drinks can be a bit on the light side though so I'd recommend getting doubles! If your celiac, your in luck because they can make your enchilada's gluten free!!! (the soft taco's are naturally that way)
(5)
Casey C.

Love it love it love it. Miss it, miss it, miss it.
(5)
Tim D.

There's a reason the Boston area doesn't have a good reputation for Mexican food, and this place is it. I had the world's saltiest, most watery margarita and the blandest enchiladas I could possibly imagine. I figured from the crowd that it couldn't be that bad. I was wrong. Save yourself the time.
(1)
Zoe P.

It was lunch time and we were deeply, truly thirsty. Unbeknownst to us, this place has the largest sodas in the entire world. It was sort of cosmic. But the meal went down hill from there. Chips and salsa were fine. I had the catfish tacos and I was pretty much horrified by a dish of deep fried fish nuggets embedded in cheese and folded in flour tortillas; I think I read the menu too quickly. But the fish was nice and fresh (and upon biting I found it was whole big pieces) and I removed the cheese and placed it in the do-not-eat pile, with my sad jumbalaya and the rather "special" sauce that came with the tacos. Next time I'd watch my step, but there's not likely to be a next time.
(3)
Can D.

Ay yi yi! This place is amazing! Since I moved to new england I have been on an all-out hunt for a decent Mexican or Tex-Mex place. Border Cafe FAR surpassed my expectations. I ended up here for some after work drinks and dinner, and got some chairs directly at the bar. The place was crowded but no so much that the three of us couldn't find somewhere to sit. Ordered Margaritas that have just the right amount of booze in them (i.e. enough so you can taste it) and I ordered the blackened rio fajitas. These fajitas are like nothing I've ever tasted. If anyone asks me I might have saw God when I tasted them. They don't put onion in everything (SCORE!) unlike most mexican joints in New England and they know just how to spice everything right. My only complaint? There was a single ring of green pepper on top of the chicken when the fajita plate came out. Dude. Peppers are supposed to be 2/3 of the dish! Thumbs down! But the chicken was so delicious I got over it quickly. Overall? 4.5 stars because there wasn't enough veg in my dish. And I round up, so 5 stars!
(5)
Patrick F.

I now officially have little use left for the Border Cafe. They took the Crawfish Popcorn off the menu. They have lost their damn fool minds. They also got rid of the tasty biscuits for crumbly and oversweet cornbread. I will not be excited to go back anytime again soon.
(2)
Cory B.

I am obsessed with this place. I am from Mississippi, so my favorite food is Mexican and Cajun (besides regular Southern/Soul food). This place combines the two perfectly! The chips and salsa are a little different, but still good. Everything on the menu is awesome. The empanadas are delicious and so are the Gulf Coast enchiladas. My dad loves the salad (I forget the name) and the shrimp in brown sauce appetizer is great as well! I really have nothing bad to say about this place. It is our go to restaurant in Boston!
(5)
anthony L.

I go to this place all the time. My favorite thing here is actually one of the appetizers -- Churizo Flambado! If I could have that for breakfast lunch and dinner I would. It's greasy, it's meaty, and it's melted-cheesy. What else could you want?! Also the margaritas here are top notch. This really is a great place to go whether you're looking for a meal with friends or just a few drinks.
(4)
Lena N.

I love Border Cafe. Not for its food. Its food is salty, overly greasy and mediocre. So why do I keep coming back here, you ask? Their margaritas. They are the perfect excuse to make bad decisions for the night. They're good, cheap and usually strong. And free chips and delicious salsa if you are just drinking at the bar. Bonus points. Border is good for margaritas. If you want good Mexican/Cajun food, please keep searching.
(3)
Nina N.

I love this place. The food is great. The prices are super reasonable, and the service is great. It's a great neighborhood go-to for dinner any night. Although Fridays are always a complete and total shit show. The place is PACKED. The margaritas and guac alone are worth going for. Although-- you might have to burn your clothes when you leave. You'll stink to high heaven.
(4)
Sara S.

For an easy, cheap way to satisfy a margarita and Tex-Mex craving, Border Cafe is perfect! It's seriously right off the T, has super-cheap and super-huge margaritas, and they cover all the standard Mexican food bases. No, it's not authentic, but everything I have had is delicious! I suggest their chicken quesidillas, but ask for BLACKENED chicken rather than the standard chicken! Bar staff are some of the nicest servers/bartenders I've met in a long, long time! Very talkative and made great recommendations. Their on-the-house chips are delicious but need a little more salt. The salsa isn't fabulous and too watery. Looking forward to coming back!
(4)
Alex B.

My favorite mexican/cajun restaurant. Great fresh nachos and salsa. Amazing bottomless iced tea. Favorites are the $7 enchilada plate with all the goodies, Eggplant Royale, and the Chicken Guadalajara(be ready for a full-belly-ache on that last one but it is AMAZING)
(5)
Jazzie F.

Scenario: Put a mexican / mexican inspired / tex-mex sort of place in the middle of a busy shopping area, and you'll make money. Have a bar then it'll get busy. Money making, total crap shoot of a place w/ rude servers, dumb hosts, and total cramped up uncomfortable spot. I hate this place. I never really liked it, it existed and I walked by it cuz I have had better and I am not desperate. I used to work across the street from it years ago and I never went in and now I know why. Anyone who knows me, should know, I really really really really really HATE places that don't seat you if your party is not there AND the restaurant is NOT BUSY! If its Friday night, crazy happening and people running around and "your party is not complete" okay fine, don't seat me but don't pull that shit on me, when I am there on a freakin Tuesday, not busy, plenty of empty tables and me saying, "party of 2, my friend is 5 minutes away." REALLY... I feel bad for the waiters because the tip is going to SUCK if the hostess is RETARDED; the restaurant has dumb rules such as these. TWO PEOPLE, ONE PERSON IS THERE WANTS TO GET A TABLE, WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO SEAT ME. GET A freakin Margarita and have chips and salsa. REALLY!!! I would much rather put up with Fajitas and Ritas in downtown than this bullshit at least their margaritas contain good amount of alcohol and are cheaper! The waiter was rude to me and my friend because the table behind us, the girl couldn't sit in her seat because they didn't have enough space. What the hell? I really did not appreciate these people at all and the tip was exactly 15% because I was being cordial. Suck it Border CafÃ©. ------- 2 stars ONLY for the generous amount of club soda for 2 dollars.
(2)
Andrew G.

Great service, great food, great drinks, and great prices. What more can you ask for? We walked in around 7:00PM expecting a large after-work crowd, but we were promptly seated and served some complimentary chips & salsa. After we ordered we began to chat, but our food arrived so fast that we were actually confused as to how it could have been prepared so quickly. I had the Corn and Black Bean Empanadas and my friend had the Chicken Fajitas. Both were phenomenal, and I would definitely recommend either. If you're looking for good Mexican food in the Greater Boston area, I highly recommend that you check out Border Cafe.
(5)
Christina R.

Fantastic food, but be prepared to wait because this place is very popular (even their Saugus location gets busy Thurs/Fri/Sat evenings). Specialized in Tex-Mex and Cajun dishes. The guacamole, chips and salsa are REALLY GOOD and margaritas are decent. Quesadillas are gigantic and hearty. Blackened catfish is a must-try for anyone who likes things spicy. Crawfish etouffee is also perfectly spicy and hearty on the crawfish. Also has many good options for vegetarians. Don't expect to find authentic Mexican food here, but what they make is a tasty Americanized version with good flavor. Their Cajun style dishes are outstanding. Open late!
(5)
Susan N.

Can't decide between Mexican or Cajun? Well then, Border Cafe is for you. As soon as you sit down, the waiter brings you free chips and salsa. Yay free. But unless you like the salsa on the runny side, it's just ok. It was spicy too, which I like, but if you don't, you may skip it entirely. Now on to the food. The boy and I ordered a chilli appetizer to split. He ordered the blackened cajun chicken while I ordered the waco chicken (which I was tempted to pronounce as whacko). The chilli was fine. Made with black beans instead of kidney beans. Nothing special about it but it was fine. I didn't try the blackened cajun but the boy had this look on his face that said he'll eat it but he doesn't exactly love it. My waco chicken was pretty good, not fabulous good, but it had cheese so it couldn't be bad. Though I really don't understand what a piece of cornbread was doing on my Mexican dish. It just didn't make sense. All in all, the food was very generic tasting. It wasn't bad. It just wasn't great either. The service was excellent, though. And from having come here prior to this just for drinks, well, those are outstanding too. Just don't come here expecting top notch Mexican. Or Cajun.
(2)
Emily J.

My FAVE! I will always find an excuse to go to this place. Delicious and affordable. And unlimited chips and salsa while you look through the menu!!! The shrimp and crawfish quesadilla is highly recommended. It's just under $9 but i ALWAYS have leftovers. The only bad thing about this place is that it can get super crowded, but usually only on friday and saturday nights.
(5)
Maria M.

mmm mi estomago! I went here years ago and loved it so when I stumbled upon it again on my once in a decade trek to Cambridge I was beyond thrilled. Thank god this place runs like a well-oiled machine and we did not have to wait long to sit and get our fix. First up the complimentary chips and salsa. Damn if only I had brought a bigger purse to take home some of those yummy chips. Margaritas, fajitas and quesidillas were quickly consumed, partly because they were so good and partly because they serve you so quickly there. You all should go! But not all of you because I don't want the lines to get ridiculous
(5)
stephanie c.

Friendly Spot in Harvard square but honestly...everything was just soso. The mexican and cajun food was disappointing, not all that authentic-just really salty. I was really excited to try it too. My blackened catfish wasn't even spicy nor was the jambalaya or gumbo! Granted the one good thing was that the catfish was fresh and the chips provided were good...but everything else we had including the Fajitas, Gumbo, Blackened Chicken was subpar. Service was soso. It seems like a big after work spot, but I personally wouldn't come back. Ive had much better food that doesn't leave me thirsty for the next 4 hours with higher cholesterol for non-authentic flavors.
(1)
Tara G.

My bf took me here because he knows I love Mexican food, and this is by far one of the greatest restaurants I've ever been to, if it's not my absolute favorite! Ordered the blackened chicken fajitas.. Incredible, best tasting chicken I've ever had! And our waiter was so great we left him a 50% tip! Also very inexpensive for the quantity and quality! We had leftovers for dinner tonight! We'll be back next week!! :))) -Also, the steaming hot homemade chips with salsa are deliciouss!
(5)
Shawn H.

Isn't it odd that no one reviews the food here? Everyone's like "yay, chips and margaritas, indulge!" They have an extensive menu, but I get the feeling everyone settles on one burro or other dish they like and just has it over and over. Which is fine, but here's a little dip into the menu, which is half mexican/half cajun: 1) fish tacos: used to be shrimps in a cream sauce, now are catfish bites in a kind of chipotle aoli. Easier to eat, but a little dry, definitely needs some sour cream or guacamole on the side. 2) Catfish new orleans: giant piece of fish, deep-fried (only undercooked once, and I get it often), get it with jambalaya. Used to come with a great biscuit, now comes with an okay cornbread square. Dotted with shrimp in cream, tasty! 3) Chicken enchilidas; this is the smaller portion when you don't feel like a giant big burro, nice sauce, very tender chicken, soft corn tacos. Get the rice and beans rather than the jambalaya (neither are that distinctive, but black beans really hit the spot sometimes). 4) Steak or half-n-half w/chicken fajitas: VERY spicy, meat generally overcooked, sauted onions, no peppers (why not?); only okay tacos, but the cheese, pico de gallo and sour cream are included. Add guac for more flavor, it's more about the quantity than the quality here: NOT subtle. The hot cast iron pan they serve the meat on is a nice touch. 5) Quesadillas, with whatever meat: not for the faint of heart. More like a mexican pizza, TONS of food, but the tortillas end up soggy and there's not the usual cheese overload you expect. 6) Popcorn shrimp: delicious, plentiful, yummy battered bites with a little mustardy dipping sauce. Sometimes I just get this and a bowl of guac (remember, chips and salsa are free) for my meal, the are perfect with your margarita of choice. 7) Speaking of which there are like 9, plus they'll make whatever you want. I always go rocks/salt, but you can have frozen and flavors easily, the price point is really about the quality of tequila or sweet liqueur. 8) Gulf coast seafood enchiladas: creamy with shellfish, a smaller portion than the bloated seafood quesadilla, sides of your choice. So there you go, those are my go-to meals, I try to go once a week for lunch as a treat, alone or with friends, the drinks and the country music always cheer me right up!
(4)
Scott P.

This place is like the significant other who puts on a few dozen pounds and gets some wrinkles. You're still in love with them, but the spark might not be there anymore. That's kind of how I feel about Border after living in Boston for a few years and visiting a few dozen times. I love the chips that they bring out for the table, but the salsa is pretty bland and flavorless. The mains are average - again, seasoning is lacking in a lot of dishes. The service is generally pretty good, given how busy this place can get in the evenings. The margaritas are cold and tasty, and definitely fan favorite. Definitely will always have a special place in my heart, but hoping that they shape up and improve the food quality in the near future.
(3)
Alicia J.

Surprisingly good! I know exactly 4 cities very well, and would not want to leave the choice of a restaurant to someone else, but Boston is not (yet?) one of them. After falling in love with Grafton Street, we haven't really tried out much else, so we were happy to get recommendations for the Harvard Square area from friends. Apparently they have been coming to this place over and over, and I can see why. It was a mildly busy Sunday today, but our party of 5 was seated pretty quickly. While waiting in the entrance area, we thought it felt pretty loud, but after we sat down (further into the restaurant but not in the basement), it was a perfect mix of lively atmosphere and audibility of your conversation. It took a little while for our food to come out, during which we hopelessly overate on their chips and great salsa. But when it finally arrived, it was actually hot and surprisingly well-made. Certainly this place is "not special" as other reviewers said, but I appreciated how these were the type of "simple dishes well made" which I love so much in home-cooking. Personally I think there is nothing greater than that. We had a blackened chicken fajita with rice & beans, a blackened catfish fajita with jambalaya, and something else which I have now forgotten. Both fajitas were delicious - the tortillas are soft and warm, and the meats well-seasoned and juicy. I had guacamole for my fajita but sauces were totally not necessary because everything else tasty enough on its own. Only the jambalaya was a little bland, but that is alright. It also appears that their lemon margaritas are pretty nice. Service was average, but it's not like you would come here for that. It's a no-frills place whose food is much better than the casual atmosphere suggests. I think this is a great place to come with friends, especially if they don't want to spend a fortune at a restaurant. I look forward to coming here again.
(4)
Kathleen H.

Hey, it is what it is, and if you want to read a couple real Mexican words on the menu but not actually have any real Mexican food - well, this is the place for you. They also play up the Cajun thing. . .I didn't order any of it, but it all felt very Friday's -ish to me. Well, I hadn't been here in about 10 years, but went last night because I was attending another event in Harvard Square. They did seat us quickly, our waitress was great, and actually listened when we said we were in a hurry - she took drink and food order at once, and brought the tab with the food as requested. My chili was tasty and full of cheese and sour cream, gooey and fatty - two of my favorite things. It was nothing remarkable, but good and solid. The salad was way too iceburg-ey and the herb vinaigrette dressing was like snot with green things in it and a little vinegar. I'm still trying to figure that one out. My margarita was large and strong, and tasted pretty good too, though clearly there really wasn't lime juice in there, but some sweet and sour mix. It is fine - I can see that the line was HUGE by the time we left at 6:45, and I think I'd be annoyed to wait a really long time for what is served here. Good place to meet friends early if you are doing something else in Harvard Square.
(3)
Tyson F.

Definitely the go-to spot if you're looking for good quality, inexpensive Mexican. I can't say I've ever been blown away by anything on the menu, but the prices and portion sizes simply can't be beat. The insanely-addictive, complimentary chips and salsa appetizer is almost worth the trip by itself. Being in Harvard Square, It gets pretty packed, so make sure you give yourself enough time, call ahead, or be prepared to wait a bit for a table.
(4)
Karen K.

So this review is of my 20+ years of going to the Border Cafe. Prices are reasonable, food is good, wait staff is usually very attentive and friendly. This is my go to birthday place. I love the Cajun Popcorn Shrimp, the huge Taco Salad (that I like to refer to as the hat salad - get it you will understand) or the burros, If this review was of my last visit it would only get one star. My friend and I went for lunch on 8/14, we were very excited had been talking about it for three days beforehand. OMG the SALT on everything was beyond gross - we immediately left and bought water pills at CVS and two giant waters each. It was like nothing I have ever tasted before and hopefully nothing I will taste ever again. Oh and our apps arrived before our margaritas, and it wasn't because our apps came out super fast.
(4)
Sarah D.

The food here is pretty good. I like the chips a lot, extra greasy/salty, but the salsa isn't great. I feel like no matter what i eat here i always wake up tasting the same weird garlic-y taste in the morning despite a hearty tooth-brushin'. The food is pretty good though, decent fajitas and the "creole" options are nice. The menu is pretty small though; i've been coming here for like 8 years from time to time and it's never changed, so i pretty much have to be craving a specific thing on their menu to be moved to go there, and that rarely happens since none of their food is THAT good. margaritas are okay, i remember they had a weird foaminess to them that freaked me out a little. i usually get beer, and they're selection is standard bad lagers and any bad mexican beer they can order. it's not a beer bar, so i don't hold that against them. i just feel like, with such a limited and static menu, they should have perfected the few items they do make. ps: if you go after like 6:30pm, expect to wait. it is a huge place but it is always hopping for dinner, and they won't seat you until your entire party is there.
(3)
Dannie W.

This place is popular! Sometimes we have to wait for about 45 min to have a table at night. The catfish fajitas is the best! And the strawberry margarita! Service is good too. The tortilla chips are freshly made! What's more, the price is pretty reasonable and the food amount is huge for me. Usually I can only finish half of what I order. It is a nice place for social with nice music as well.
(5)
John H.

I went here for lunch. The place was busy but not too busy. They give the table a big bowl of chips and salsa to snack on before the meal comes. I got a pulled beef burro which came with beans and rice. The rice was a bit spicy but really good. The burro was covered in melted cheese and stuffed with pulled beef which could have been pulled better but I do like chunks of beef. Overall a great meal. The server was very nice and refilled our drinks as soon as they got low.
(4)
Jules C.

Total landmark and gem. If you can overlook the no reservations, long waits for a table on busy nights, and THE TOTAL LACK OF CHOLULA, then this is a 5-star place. Solid food, margs, chips, etc. The staff is great, the value can not be beat. Sure it's not the best mexican or tex mex in the world, but overall it's a 5 star place I've been passionately recommending for a decade.
(5)
Shaina P.

Expect a long wait on Thursday nights, but to hold you over, go to the bar for some warm nachos, standard salsa, and fabulous margaritas. Food is cheap. Good place for big groups. Local favorite. One of my favorites is the Chicken Guadalajara: moist and flavorful but not too spicey. A surprising new favorite is the Fish Tacos: tasty red pepper salsa.
(4)
Peter G.

For someone who lives so close to Harvard Square, I've only been to the Border Cafe less than a handful of times in the past year. It's always busy and packed and I feel like it's a tourist hotspot, so I typically avoid it. On this particular occasion my dad came into the city for lunch so we decided to go into Harvard Square and, since he is a simple man, I chose the Border cafe. The last time I was at the Border Cafe I had a DELICIOUS shrimp etouffee that was on special. I have been fantasizing about that particular dish (and their margaritas) for months. Well it just so happens that they have a chicken and chorizo etouffee on their regular menu! It was quite enjoyable and filling, but I found that there was an overabundance of chicken and a severe drought of chorizo. Oh well. I think my dad had an enchilada or something dull like that. I wasn't really paying attention. The guy who waited on us was a little absent-minded and somewhat negligent, as he didn't seem totally engaged. He wanted us to order, eat and leave. I know it was hopping, but come on now. Border is a good place to go every once in awhile if you're craving a little spicy Mexican or a margarita and happen to be in the Harvard Square area.
(4)
Steve S.

A really good tex-mex place place with one of the worst web site info available. Really confusing menu on-line. Can't you just show a menu instead of 25 different categories ?. One would think a Harvard Sq. rest. would be a little easier to describe menu selections.. Hire a local kid to do ity right !!! I'll go anyway but it would be nice to see menu options with a blittle more clarity !!!!
(4)
Tiffany N.

I'm moving away from Boston and I just had to leave a review before I left of Border Cafe. I have probably been here more than 50 times and am consistently impressed with the quality of the food, the fun environment, and the great music (if you like country...). The beef/chicken fajitas with black beans and rice are enough to make you want to unbutton your pants to be able to eat more. The prices are unbeatable and the chips and salsa are addictive. Guacamole and margaritas are a must. Don't wear anything you don't want to smell like Mexican food for a few days!
(5)
Stephen W.

Border CafÃ© is not a place for food. Border CafÃ© is a place where you get cheap margaritas and talk with the nice bartenders who despite their jacked and shaven appearance, are really truly good people. The free chips and salsa are also delish, but again Border CafÃ© is not about the food. It is a kitschy establishment with big screen TV's that are appropriate for watching the Sox or the Pats. They have mildly offensive Tex-Mex murals on the walls depicting giants sombreros and cacti. You can get crunk and be yourself, and be as queer as you wanna be. It is the campiest thing in Cambridge and I love it.
(5)
Sage K.

The Good: Mounds of Food for short money Can accommodate larger groups Good bathrooms Fun atmosphere They have organic beer on the menu. The Bad: Incredibly salty food = weight gain the next day Margaritas seem weak - usually one drink makes me goofy, but very little happens with Border Margaritas leading me to stick with the beer there. I'm a serious lightweight with alcohol (like 1/2 a beer can impair me) but I can drink their margaritas like fruit punch and I'm lucky if I feel any different. YMMV or you might enjoy the sugar rush instead. Sticky tables Lots of free greasy, salty chips. Some might consider this a good Conclusion: go for fun, not for the food and stay away from the free chips and watery margaritas. And whatever you do, do NOT order the Sangria.
(3)
Paula J.

I like Border Cafe. They have great food, and very good service. I sat at the bar once with a friend, and asked for a non-alcoholic drink, and the bartender made me the best citrus-y drink ever!!! I didn't get the name of it, but it was still good.... Big fan of the bartender, Richard!!!! GO BORDER CAFE!!
(4)
M H.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. 1. The food is awesome, filling, and pretty cheap. I always get the combo plate and one enchilada, one taco, and extra rice (no beans). 2. The margaritas are the best. I like the flavored ones and they are a good strength and reasonably priced. 3. Although they don't take reservations, they are pretty accommodating for large groups. I went once for my birthday and because we ended up waiting so long (mostly because people were late/searching for parking) they gave us a bunch of free appetizers as soon as we did get a table.
(5)
Dave G.

Rule 1 when going to Border Cafe: STAY NORTH OF THE BORDER - make sure to tell the host you want to stay upstairs - If you don't they will always try and seat you on their basement level, which takes quite a bit away from the experience. They do a great job with margaritas and serve up quality Tex/Mex fair. Order on the lighter side as the bottomless chips and salsa will prevent you from finishing a big meal. Also to consider if you're driving here is the parking situation - it's in the heart of Harvard Square, which means you will be hunting for a spot or paying to park in a lot across the street from the restaurant.
(3)
Jonny S.

This is the Best Tex Mex food that I've had outside of Texas! My girlfriend and I brought her mom and all of her friends here, when they were visiting the New England from Texas. They were so impressed by the food here! They loved it. I try to go here anytime that I'm back in the City. Go Celts!
(5)
E. A.

One of my favorite places in Cambridge. The fresh fried chips are awesome, and the boat-sized drinks are delicious. I've mostly ordered from the Mexican side of the menu - all pretty solid options. I tried the corn and black bean empanadas last time I dined here....mmmmm. Service is usually quite good. The one thing that bugs me is that I always leave with that fried food smell lingering on my clothes.
(4)
Emdadur R.

One of the few decent places for Mexican food in the area and the prices are very good as well. It does get busy there so prepare to wait for a table if you get there after 7pm.
(4)
Emily O.

Honestly, this place is so fun to visit that I end up caring way less about what the food tastes like and way more about catching the waitress for another margarita. But the food is rather yummy. I have visited New Orleans and can tell you that the food is not really Creole, more Tex-Mex with a few Cajun flavors tossed into the frying pan. I love their chicken & sausage gumbo, but is NOT authentic by any means. The sausage chunks are too small and the volume of cayenne used is too little. That said, it tastes good. Chicken fajitas are super delicious. They marinate the meat, so it is always moist and tender. I like that it arrives sizzling and smoking. Guacamole is iffy. Don't bother filling up on it. Do get a margarita, they make 'em well.
(3)
Karen K.

Considering I'm going through a mexican kick these days, I decided, at long last, to try Border Cafe after neglecting it in the last 9 years since I first set foot on Cambridge, MA. I was not disappointed. I was starving when I arrived, and the chips landed in front of me. As I chomped down greedily, much to the dismay of my date, our waiter (who, despite a very full house, was very attentive) came to take our order. I went for the fish tacos with jambalaya and we ordered a guacamole appetizer to complement the chips. I was in guac heaven. If I could subsist on chips and guac from Border Cafe for life, I would. It was the perfect consistency: not too lumpy with the perfect blend of spices. Clearly, they had perfected their guacamole recipe despite not having access to California avocados. I could never resist fish tacos. I fell in love with them on a trip to Mexico and have never really strayed away from them whenever I go Tex-Mex. The ones here were definitely tasty. The sauce that came with it had a good amount of kick although I wasn't so in love with the taste of it. The prices were reasonable. Having to pay under $20 for a meal in Cambridge is pretty awesome in my book.
(4)
Erica P.

Any place that you can get two entrees for under $20 is perfectly fine by me. Border Cafe is more than fine, however. The fresh tortilla chips and homemade salsa that comes with every meal are addictive (I'm pretty sure I saw them sprinkling crack on the chips). I've tried a couple of the things on the menu, but I always come back to the Chicken Burro. Chicken and cheese, stuffed in a tortilla and smothered in...MORE CHEESE. You really can't go wrong. Unless you get the frozen sangria. Minus one star for that yucky drink. The wait can be brutal, especially on a Friday or Saturday night (plus it always smells so good in there - but I always leave smelling like I rolled around in a tub of smokey ground beef). Totally worth it.
(4)
Doreen X.

For anyone who had Border Cafe as his or her first Mexican experience, I don't blame you for avoiding Latin food. In a word, this place is disgusting. Maybe Border Cafe suffices as Tex-Mex in the strip malls of Middle America, where no one has been outside their home state, but it has no place in a thriving collegetown with students from all over the world. However, if you must serve plastic cheese and dog-food quality meat, can you at least make it taste okay? Border Cafe pales in comparison to Taco Bell. Anyone considering walking in should turn around and head straight to Felipe's, Chipotle, or even CVS for a frozen burrito.
(1)
Jess K.

OHHH my god, I can't believe it took me this long to review Border CafÃ©!! This is literally my favorite of all favorite eateries. Seriously, no lie, faaaavvvv!! It is pure love!! Let me tell you why: First, their tortilla chips are soo delicious! They cook them fresh on the spot, so when they get to your table they are piping hot. Careful, you might even burn yourself on the first bite they are sooo freshy fresh! The salsa is a tiny bit thin, but also made with fresh ingredients, so I'd take that any day over nasty bottled stuff (that I have unfortunately experienced at a couple sports bars in town. blech!) Okay, so to go with the amazing chips is the guacamole dip! Also freshy fresh fresh, and no, it's not made at your table, (but I've had that kind before at ZÃ³calo and it was too limey) but it sooo wonderfully mixed and spiced and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! I recommend getting at least the dip to start, AND maybe adding it onto your entree as well if you're big on guac. For entrees there is a decent selection of Tex-Mex fare. I recommend doing the chicken quesadilla (over chicken enchiladas) because it is a similar chicken and gooey cheese mix, but the quesadilla is so big, you'll have leftovers for lunch the next day! (Esp after chowing down on the chips...) I also recommend fajitas. They are a little pricier, but again, the portion is very generous. I am all about bringing a little Border Home. The salads are good too, and the dressings are all homemade. Probably the best part about Border is that everything is from scratch. I remember going somewhere for Mexican and ordering enchiladas. I asked if they could be made without cilantro and my waiter informed me that the enchiladas were pre-stuffed. And frozen. Seriously? Never at Border!! They should be called Border Fresh CafÃ©, actually! So last are the margaritas. Which should be drunk profusely throughout the meal. They have some really yummy ones! Sometimes they come out a little foamy if you get them frozen, but I have always had great success with the strawberry margarita. They also do sangria frozen or on the rocks. YUM! I would highly recommend Border CafÃ©!!! Sometimes it is crowded, but the service is super fast and the waitstaff is awesome! And while you wait you can always start with a margarita at the bar. They are pretty cheap, starting at $6. So go now!! And get 2! (One for me...)
(5)
Mel V.

Wonderful atmosphere even for a weeknight, makes you feel like it's a Saturday night! As my sister puts it, the chips are addictive. As I put it, the margaritas are the size of your face and the alcohol content in them is more than plentiful. You must be prepared however, because some of the meals have a spicy kick to them. But then again, why would you be at a TexMex/Cajun restaurant? They don't make mojitos though, which surprised me a bit.
(5)
Corey L.

Typical Tex-Mex place. Margaritas and the food are all fine. Fajitas don't have guacamole included and the meat is on onions, no peppers. Sub-par.
(3)
Matthew H.

Fajitas are good, albeit a bit of a departure from "authentic". The margaritas are fantastic, and the warm tortilla chips are a great way to start the meal.
(4)
Cindy O.

This place gets 2 stars simply because of the employees (as most of you have mentioned). Ryanne (my waitress for my most recent visit) had absolutely zero desire to work there that night and it was pretty apparent from the minute we sat down. The hostess was nice enough to let three of us sit sit down (eventhough the management has this bizarre rule about not seating people until all the party shows up which I never understand since that means I'm going to need to order more drinks and more food which = more $$$ for your business...whatever) while we waited for our friend Ryanne decided it was now her job to tell us the hostess shouldn't have seated us. Well guess what Ryanne we did tell the hostess, multiple times, so calm yourself down. You are allegedly our waitress, not the manager (and not our mothers either). We then had to ask 2 times for our first set of margaritas and 5 times for our friend's beer. While we were still eating and drinking (again more $$$ for your business) Ryanne decided to bring us the check without even seeing if we wanted more food or drink (again more $$$ for your business down the drain). Bravo to the cooks and bartenders since you were the only good part of our experience.
(2)
Q S.

Wow. The portions here are humongus. I got the seafood enchiladas with crawfish and crab sauce. It was pretty decent. When you arrive, they shower you with fresh tortilla chips and salsa. The guacamole here is fresh and yummy.
(4)
Chuck L.

The food is consistently good and they bring you fresh, warm nachos with a salsa dip to start. The margaritas are usually good, although last time, they were a bit watered down. The only real drawback of this place is that it gets really crowded, loud, and might take around 40 minutes to get a table. Nevertheless, its a fun place and well worth the wait.
(4)
Alex K.

Border cafe is pretty good if you like burritos or fried catfish. Luckily I'm a HUGE fan of both, so I try to get here whenever I can. If you like burritos or fried catfish, get to Bordercafe.
(4)
Ron U.

If I hear another person tell me how great Border Cafe is.... Fajitas - not tender, too salty, not flavorful. Tortilla chips - not fresh, not delicious Platters - Just so-so The mix of cajun and tex-mex strikes me as something bizarre. Seriously guys, there is much better tex-mex at Cantina La Mexicana and if you want to go authentic Mexican then Tuy y yo. Reserve Border Cafe if you can't make it away from the Red Line.
(1)
Betty P.

What can I add that hasn't been mentioned 100 times already below? Two words: FISH TACOS! I have never had them elsewhere, but they are definitely my favorite thing to get here. I am drooling just thnking of them. Two more words: Frozen sangria . . . just try them and thank me later!
(4)
Michelle S.

Oh border cafe. The last two times I've given you a chance to woo me you've left me wanting more. I came here with a group on a week night before Christmas and again last month with a group if 5. At Christmas I called the week before to ensure you could take our group of 13, and the operator assured me the it would be no prob on a thurs night. I arrive at 645 to put our party in at 7, and am told 'great, let us know when you're all here'. Little did I know I should have lied and told them that yea all of out party is here now, put out name I for a table. When 12 of the 13 of our party had arrived at 705, I informed the server that we were nearly all here and could be seated. When I asked again at 730, they made it seem like they were doing me a favor for seating such a big group. Food was good, waiter service was good, front end service left a bad taste in my mouth and I won't be booking Border Cafe for another large outing, ever. About a month ago, I went to BC with my husband and three friends. When our food came out my dh excised himself saying he needed some air. I followed shortly thereafter with a glass of water and a half a plate of fries in case he was hungry. As soon as I stepped out the door, an over zealous host stopped me from taking the water and fries to my ill husband. (he prob wouldn't have wanted the fries, but whatever). When I explained the situation, the guy kept repeating that they'd had stuff stolen and literally yanked the items out of my hands. When I asked him to take the items back to our table, he asked for our table number- as if I know their table assignment system. I was able to speak to the general manager, had fresh fries brought to our table, and took a glass of water outside to my ill husband. Before the fries were brought to our table, I approached another seater asking that the fries be brought, to which she replies, 'I don't know what's going on, I'm a little busy here.' Seriously, I'm trying to remove an ill person from your restaurant, and you're trying to claim you're too busy to get the rest of my food to my table so I can box it up? Not my type of place. I'll protest whenever a group of friends wants to go to BC, won't bring any group or friend to the restaurant. The food is descent, the waiters are good, but the front of the house service is incredibly poor. I hope that they don't share in the servers' tips.
(2)
Justin N.

Cheap n' cheesy! Side note, isn't claiming to be "Authentic Tex-Mex" saying you're authentically fake? Ahem, anyway. The food is plentiful, tasty, and cheap, especially considering the other options in Harvard Square. It has also improved since I ate here several years ago, and the margaritas seem to be bigger and tastier. One problem is that this place is always packed at dinner time, often with irritating students and/or their irritating families. But if you come at times other than the dinner rush, you're good to go. Bottom Line: Cheap, tasty eats, but not GREAT and the atmosphere can tend toward annoying. Good margaritas. 3 stars.
(3)
AD S.

Probably my favorite margarita place. Tasty, not too sweet, not too alcoholic-y--the right blend. Also, hard to beat for $6! Food is good too--maybe not perfectly authentic Mexican, but I'm more into good tasting that authentic. Plenty of chips and salsa helps too. THe folky western music playing out front is always fun, and I like the newspapers posted above the urinals in the men's room. Always have fun at Border!
(4)
Kirs P.

Any five star review of this place is inexplicable. I'm guessing the five stars are from either morons, idiots, or people trying to be "ironic." There is a special level of hell for perpetrators of this kind of garbage. They'll be taking laps in Satan's Olympic sized pool o' flames, fire and brimstone along with the owners of Cheesecake Factory, Applebee's, and Dick's Last Resort. Let's begin the hatefest, shall we? The official laundry list of why Border Cafe might be hell on earth: 1. It's about 85 degrees in there at all times. I like 85 degrees, when I'm on the beach or on vacation or when I'm in a sauna, but not when I'm getting ready to try to choke down what passes as food at this joint. 2. It's so fucking crowded with douchebags, people with babies, women trying to pick up douchebags, and Harvard undergrads trying to get a margarita without getting carded you can't breathe, let alone move. 3. The margaritas are really sub par. Not well mixed. Not salted properly. And I'm pretty sure they use the same margarita mix you can pick up at Stop and Shop. 4. Hey waiter guy- do you really need to check our IDs again when 1) we are all clearly in our late 20s, early 30s; and 2) we are still carrying around out shittily mixed margaritas? No, not really but thanks for making us dig those out again for the umpteenth time that night. Really appreciate your thoroughness and attention to detail. Too bad you didn't extend such skills to actually getting the drinks we ordered to us. C'est la vie. 5. The food. Any place but Boston and this shit on a plate would not be tolerated. I don't get it. Bostonians are generally known for a few things: being assholes, liking the Red Sox, throwing tea into the harbor, and being wicked smart 'cause we all go to all these fucking colleges in town. The last item on the list (and heck, even the first) does not compute with Bostonian love of all bad Mexican food. It's like we have a complex- we don't think we deserve good Mexican food so we go around eating this shit thinking it's the best we can do. We have low Mexican food self esteem. Can't we all just agree to go cut ourselves, take the angst level up a notch, and then demand a fucking good TexMex place in Boston or Cambridge city proper? 6. I've cracked the recipe for their queso dip. Go to the Stop and Shop (so you can also recreate their margaritas), head to the processed cheese aisle, pick up a pound of Velveeta, throw in a bottle of ChiChi's salsa and set it to nuke in your microwave for five minutes. Voila! Bon Apetit! 7. And don't get me started on their Creole/Cajun offerings. It's even more offensive than the Tex/Mex they throw on your plate. 8. My husband, while trying to push his way to the bar to get us drinks, hears this: "Hey Brah, watch it dude." Brah. For realz. It appears that Brody Jenner and the Bromance crew hang out in the bar area of Border Cafe on Friday nights. 9. There is an hour long wait to eat in this hell hole. A full 60 minutes. Longer if your group is on the large side. You can count on 90 minutes for your standing pleasure. 10. There's a Tom of Finlandesque cowboy mural on the wall in the basement. Oh wait. That's kinda awesome. Two stars it is!
(2)
Julie A.

After 300 some-odd reviews, I'm thinkin' brevity for Border Cafe. Four stars, four words: Bustling. Margarita. Value. Delicious.
(4)
Andra Z.

Every now and then I say to myself, "Self. We need some homemade tortilla chips and dip. And maybe some guac. And a corona." When this is the case, Border Cafe comes in handy. Granted, it only really comes in handy when I feel this way in Harvard Square. The food here is good, a little on the confused side--are we creole, southern, mexican...what? But generally the stuff is nom. The wait staff seems to both know what they're doing and have absolutely no idea. And, the hostesses do NOT, I repeat do NOT want to be nice about it. I've come in here just asking basic questions like "how long is the wait for a table" just to find a beeper shoved into my hand and no answer. I understand the crowd they must cater to, being in Harvard Square and all...I'd probably have an attitude to, but have an attitude with the right people! Finally, the prices are pretty amazing. Not going to lie. Entrees starting at $5? In Boston? Yes, please. All in all a good place to go just to hang out with friends. If you ignore everything else and tuck into that chip basket and your Corona, you'll do just fine.
(3)
Thiago O.

Great prices, great food! So busy it's hard to get a table. Does not take reservations, if you bring a large party you're bound to be waiting for up to 40 minutes for a table. Good margaritas, festive decorations. Recommended!
(4)
Winnie Y.

When I first got here, I thought oh its just another typical restaurant like tgi friday's or applebee's. But no, the food is pretty good. They first serve you chips and salsa which were warm and crunchy. The food I ordered was catfish with jambalaya and corn bread. I also had the popcorn shrimp as an appetizer. The catfish was cooked just right- not overcooked or undercooked and was crispy too with the flak of crust. The popcorn shrimp's crust was also good- it definitely did not taste like the ones from KFC or applebee's. It was much better. The jambalaya I thought tasted similar to chinese fried rice. But maybe that is just my interpretation. From all the places, I've been to so far- the food was inexpensive and good. Good meaning that it tasted like a home cooked meal and not mediocre. The service was good too, the waiter kept coming around to ask if we needed anything. I guess the bad part is bringing it home and reheating it. The food definitely changed then lol. And we also had to wait in line for a bit, but it wasn't terribly too long. I would definitely recommend it to other people.
(4)
Stephanie S.

Reasonably priced Tex-Mex, noisy and packed with patrons, but a good time. The chips ARE amazing!! Some places you'd try not to fill up on the bread, chips, etc.... Forget about it. Fill up!! Ordered a chicken enchilada and it was okay. My socks weren't blown off or anything but for a entree under $7, that's not bad. Friends ordered a fajita plate for two and a burger. They were all happy. Maybe I'd opt for some fajitas next time too. Of course I feel obligated and deserving of a margarita when the location allows. The $5.50 house frozen margarita was acceptable but again - my socks - not blown off! I love a place that offers waters without needing to ask for them. Big tall glasses and I also saw their sodas came with free refills - score!! A big plus in my book. So next time I'll have a big diet coke and fajitas. Oh and the music?? What's with the 90s Top 40 on rotation??
(4)
Luyi H.

Of the many many times I've been here, I've always enjoyed Border! The food is great, huge portions. Fajitas are NOMMY. I've never been able to finish my share. The chips are always toasty and warm. And the salsa tastes fresh (to yours truly, a New England girl). Quesadillas from the appetizer menu are huge and great to split when you're drinking and munching on food with friends. Jambalaya, though, is spice-less...so don't bother. I recommend the fruity margaritas. You can specify whether you want it blended or on the rocks, or with salt on the rim. I don't really recommend the Hurricane? Or Blizzard? It's the drink highlighted underneath the margarita menu... it just tastes like alcoholic fruit punch. Unmemorable. You should go for the margarita instead. The red sangria has sometimes been good, sometimes been not as good. Hit or miss. And if you're bringing men to a girly night at Border, they can order Dos Equis or some of the other types of manly beers available. Or, they could just MAN UP and just order a margarita!! Because they're just so delicious, we won't judge! And of all the times I've been here, service has been spot on, even when we just want drinks and chiiips. Attentive, not annoying. Friendly. And they keep feeding you chips! That being said, if you're by yourself, and get stuck in a dark corner in the basement, well, say goodbye to your waiter or waitress. You ain't gonna see them again. Yeah, the wait is long, but they give you those electric buzzer things. And who knows? The wait might be shorter than you think. They also don't give out tables until everyone in the party has arrived. But, if some members of you party happen to arrive later...well, they're always good about trying to squeeze you guys all in! :D Best kept secret. This is an awesome spot to go late at night. If you want drinks and munchies. Because boom, you got the chips and salsa. And all you gotta order is the margarita! They also have a late night menu too.
(5)
Malcolm M.

Gross. Burnt cheese on everything. Smarmy (bitchy) management. Have the short girl manager put to sleep before she can breed.
(1)
Lily F.

I arrived at Border Cafe around 7.30pm on a Friday and it was already slammin'. The bar was packed and a few of my fellow diners ordered a round of strawberry frozen margaritas which were delicious (& cheap! $6.50) along with some complimentary chips and salsa. I had a somewhat positive review in mind until we received our entrees since we were seated within 40 minutes (for a party of 12) and I had delish drink in hand. Then my sad enchiladas arrived and my opinion began to change... The enchiladas were soggy, and while the chicken had a nice flavor it was a bit stringy and dry. I should've ordered the cajun fries instead of the rice and beans as the rice was most certainly of the Roni (The San Francisco Treat! Toot!) persuasion. I had a bite of my neighbors fajitas and they were yummy, so maybe if I swing by this place again I'll order those. All in all it wasn't a total waste, especially since our tab came to $200 for 12 people with about 10 drinks. Not bad Border, not bad.
(3)
Dee P.

So it's not authentic. Isn't that kind of obvious, anyway? But I know of few other restaurants where you can get a PILE of tasty food for like $7. I almost always order the beef burros (get it, a burrito is small and this is not! Ha). I ask them to go easy on the cheese though, because otherwise it's smothered... the shredded beef is just too yummy to order anything else, although I can say good things about the blackened chicken as well. Everything is preposterously salty, especially the house black beans and rice. So drink a lot of water. But you'll get out of there for about $15 including tip and sans booze, and the chips are freshly-made and usually still warm (and always free and unlimited). Great food for hungry poor folk, maybe not so great for gourmands.
(3)
lyndsey F.

YUM! Great Tex/Mex/Cajun food. I think that I have sampled just about everything on the menu here in my years in Boston. Everything is heavily cheesed (in a good way) and full of things to soak up all the tequila you are injesting. The decor is ridiculous. You feel like you are in a wyliECyote cartoon. But it's fun. It must be fun, there are at least 100 people waiting to get in at any given minute between 5P and midnight on Saturday...The city of Cambridge even has cops positioned outside...in case someone steals your buzzer. Yes, the line is atrocious...but in the months that aren't 5 below, it's a nice place to wait...and who knows? You might meet your new best friend standing outside of the greatest mexican fusion restaurant that Cambridge has to offer. Magic. xo
(4)
Meaghan W.

I have been going to this place since high school and I keep coming back. It's pretty consistent. It's not the BEST cajun/tex mex food I've had (that would go to a hole in the wall in Springfield, MA) however it is GOOD. You get a lot of food for the price, so you'll always walk out full or with left overs (but who really has that self control?) I'm a big fan of the margarita's. The on the rocks ones are pretty big and delicious. If you are there on a very busy night the service can be spotty, but they are still very friendly. I was there recently and it was just about closing and despite the fact we were probably the waitress's last table of the night she was so friendly and sweet. She seemed to genuinely enjoy the food too and just made the experience a little nicer with her warmth. It's an annoying place to meet people who are often late or flaky, because they won't seat a party until they've all arrived. However that's fine, it makes sense. Just make sure if you're going with a large party they all show up on time or you'll end up waiting around until they show up. However there is a bar area so you could just wait there.
(4)
Q C.

Best Practice Alert! Excellent food and service. Highly suggest you order the cheese queso. The chips are hot and bottomless.
(4)
Samantha T.

Not a huge Tex-Mex fan, but was pleasantly surprised to find out they offer a Cajun/Creole section of their menu. Selection is decent, nothing to write home about but definitely good for satisfying the Cajun craving I had after coming back from New Orleans. Prices are reasonable, and portions are huge; entrees can easily be split among 2 people. I ordered the Eggplant Royale, which came with a creamy crab sauce on top that had a lot of flavor. It's not 100% authentic on the Mexican or Cajun front, but it gets the job done.
(3)
Jeremy F.

Border cafe you're $5.50 margaritas make me as happy as a young lad on christmas morn. went here on friday to pregame and get food in my "about to be full with booze" belly. everyone was reasonably friendly, considering that the place was pretty packed/chaotic. I mean i wouldn't say it was the best texity mexity i've had but it was decent. i went with the soft tacos with chicken and i thought they were good - like i said not AMAZING, but still i'd get em again if I was in here and hankerin for more than a rita and chips. two things i noticed: (1) they love to card in this place. carded me at the bar, carded me at the table, carded me in the mens room, carded me while i was being carded... just an observation. (2) the waitress dropped an ENTIRE frozen-raspberry margaritta on the table, floor and my friend's lap due to its exploding into a million glassy, raspberry coated pieces. the poor woman looked like she was going to cry and apologized SOOOOO many times. I always think it ends up worse for the people who do the spilling in those situations. so in closing food good, margaritas cheap n' good, people friendly, atmosphere = cool wall art. give it a whirl.
(4)
Amanda L.

While this does not warrant any star removals, I still want to get this out, especially if you are considering going with a lot of people. This is what I don't get.... Originally was suppose to have a party of 8, was told the whole party needed to be there in order to seat us. That, I am ok with, I respect that. So, come to find out that 2 of our party members wouldn't be attending, and I know for sure 1 is going to be late, and 1 may not show up. I ask the host if they could possibly seat us since I know for a fact one is showing up late. Here is my conversation Him: Well, I can only seat complete parties Me: I understand that, but 1 is going to be late, and we are going to order food right now Him: Ok, well I can only sit you at a table for 4 people, not 6 Me:...Ok, well, can those two people still order food when they get here? Him: Well, if they can squeeze into the table sure they can Me: Ok, well can you seat us then? Him: I have to ask my manager first Me:...you do that I don't get it. What am I missing here? It's not like we were going to take up the table for HOURS and not order food. What is the problem? I understand if there is only half of the party there, but when I specifically tell you one is joining us later and the rest of us are here, WHY are you making my life more difficult? You know what the funny thing was? He sat us at a booth that fit 6 people...so try to figure that one out. My pulled beef quesadilla was alright, but it did leave me with a tummy ache afterwards. Those chips are still amazing though and the frozen sangria still tastes like there was no alcohol in it. Por que?
(3)
Armando C.

Great place for mexican food,clean,great food,good serivice
(4)
Fanasha D.

Yummy margaritas and beer. Chicken fajitas are yummy too. I love the complimentary chips & salsa. Other dishes can be really heavy and make you feel bloated. Pleasant servers and bartenders. Sometimes there can be a long wait to get sat
(4)
Ellen C.

The Border Cafe is okay- but that's all I'd give it. I've been there a couple times now, and the food has always been fine. It's not nearly as good as Taqueria Mexico in Waltham, but it's just fine. Mostly- it's loud, there's usually a wait, it reminds me of being at Chichi's or Chili's or some other type of Mexican chain. I haven't actually ordered the margaritas, so I can't point that out. Last time we were there our server forgot a drink, and hilariously moved our hot sauce around. There was apparently a shortage of hot sauce and he just moved it between tables when different people wanted it- and since he was slow about it, it never seemed to be there when we wanted it. This seems to be the place that everyone ends up when no one makes plans, and it is good for that, but I'd definitely think about going somewhere else.
(3)
Brittany L.

Great food, great atmosphere, and great location (right off the redline T in Harvard Square). Frequented this place many a time. Favorites include bottomless chips and salsa, huge drinks, delicous fish tacos, and seriously good cheese in their entrees (any of the quesadilla's are my second fav, behind the fish tacos). Also, total bang for your buck - huge servings and cheap prices.
(4)
CJ B.

Hit or miss here. Great margaritas and chips! I always get the fajitas though. Parking is an issue in Harvard Sq but a fun time always.
(3)
William M.

Border has a good atmosphere, very tasty food, and it's incredibly cheap! Definitely a good choice for a casual night out.
(5)
Kinjal S.

They say there's always a first time...... This was mine... I've never had mexican food for dinner, two times in a row..... for multiple reasons.... 1. I am not a big fan of mexican food 2. It is soo cheesy and fattening (or at least so I believe) 3. Living in SF-Bay area, there's always a wide variety of different cuisines to choose from, so there's never a time when Ive had the same type of cuisine twice in a row unless I cook @ home :D Anyhoo, while visiting Boston, we were at that time at Harvard Square, so since my friend loves Border cafe mexican food and every time she is at Harvard Square she tries to have dinner there....and this time for both of us, even though we had had mexican food for dinner the night before, we still decided to go here.... and I was game for it, coz the place she took me to the night before last was good....too. Our server was nice and friendly...and the atmosphere was lively, lots of ppl around talking, laughing and margaritas flowing around.... the mood was set for fun and the appetite for some yummy empanadas and jambalya..... yep!! that's what we ordered... and it was really flavorful, the sauce was so rich and tasty....a hint of smoky along with it....
(4)
Lee H.

I've been to the Border a number of times over the years. I used to think that it was kinda like soul food. Simple, satisfying flavors, fresh salsa and chips, great margaritas. The last time I was there, though, the flavors were suddenly rather thin, everything just a little less satisfying. Maybe I was just having a bad day, or the Border was having a bad day. I'll give it another chance at some point, but until then, 3 stars is all I can give. Prices are low. Service is food. There's usually a line unless you go off hours. Parking really sucks - it's Harvard Square.
(3)
Toodles K.

Went there last night after work with a former boss. Twas okay overall. My waitress was attentive with a great attitude which is always nice after a long day at a mind-numbing job... The heated and free tortilla chips they serve while you wait are outstanding. The watery, bland salsa? Not so much. Their sangria was bitter. Yeah... I don't get that either (the best sangria I have ever had was many years ago at Sol Azteca but I digress). And seriously there was maybe 1% alcohol in that entire glass and 90% ice. I ordered the chicken fajitas. The strips of chicken tasted fresh and were grilled nicely. Onions cooked with were seasoned well and big and round. But no other sauteed veggies. Would it have killed them to throw in some red or green peppers? The tortillas they served to wrap the fajita filling were perfectly toasted and wrapped nicely in cloth napkins. The add-ins: cheddar cheese, sour cream, shredded lettuce (does not count as an added veggie), and cold tomato and onion chunks (alright I'll count that but NO guacamoli! CHEAP!) tasted nice with the black beans and rice (my personal taste is to just have the grilled chicken and sauteed veggies in my fajita). The helpings were good and I took home a lot of the grilled chicken and sauteed onions. The atmosphere is great and it's nice to glance out the window and people watch.
(3)
Joojie R.

I've never been a fan of chips and salsa. Until I came here. They serve nice warm, salty chips while you wait and the salsa is incredible! The downside is you have to eat them standing up because there's no place to sit and wait.... pretty bogus. Anyways, the prices are so cheap. Last time I went, the husband and I got two appetizers, two main dishes, and 2 sodas for a total of $34 (shut up, we were really hungry). The PASTELITOS are so bad ass! The Blackened Chicken Tenders were meh, but the sauce was awesome! Go. Believe me, I got some major belly intelligence. I know what's up.
(5)
Kaella C.

This place has become a regular hangout place for my group of friends and I whenever we want to get together collectively. We first came here on a whim and haven't looked back. I'm not a fan of Mexican food, but they have a great burger for people like me. It's never NOT been packed when we've gone, but we've never had to wait TOO long to get a table (or we're just really patient). The portions of food are amazing and the quality is even better. Their tortilla chips are fabulous as well. Everyone leaves there happy and satisfied. The staff is wonderful as well. The prices can't be beat, either. I've never had a bad experience. The only bone that I have to pick with Border Cafe is that it seems... unstable. Especially downstairs. You walk on the wood floor and it seems as though you might just fall right through the beams. The chairs can also be very wobbly and uncomfortable. Time for an upgrade? I think so. It can get very cramped as well because the tables are so close together.
(4)
Jillian Y.

Margaritas and guac = two of my absolute favorite things. Okay, so the margaritas I could do without but Border CafÃ©'s guac? No way! That stuff is amazing! Also, let me just state my appreciation for the service here. Not only is it timely, but the waitstaff is really friendly and their crisp white uniform shirts just rock.
(4)
Emily P.

When I was a tiny kid, the here bartender would always make me a huge virgin strawberry daquiri with a heap of whip cream, and the kitchen would come out with all-cheese quesadillas with nothing in them. I had about six different birthday dinners here with my friends over the years. Hasn't changed a bit in twenty years. Same kitchzy Mexican murals, same too-loud Johnny Cash, same everything-blackened menu, same jolly service. Don't change, Border Cafe! Hatas need to relax. I don't like crowds either; go on a weeknight.
(5)
Emmy S.

There was a bug in my margarita, and the waiter and manager argued with me for 20 minutes and accused me of being drunk when I suggested to him that they comp the faulty product. Being charged for dead bug tequila cocktails? Umm eww. Also, the food is just okay.... and if you really want CHEAP Mexican, go down south, the Mexican is authentic, and a $5 margarita is king-sized and insect free. Plain and simple, Border Cafe is overrated. Nothing about this place impressed me. I get my burritos at Anna's.
(2)
C R.

Love this place but i wouldn't really call it Mexican. Everything I have had oozes cheese which usually I am not a fan of but it works here. Portions are huge.The only negative is that they stopped serving takeout.
(4)
Wendy K.

My boyfriend and I probably frequent "The Border" more than any other restaurant in the Cambridge/Somerville area. Aside from the fact that when I leave Border Cafe, all of my clothes smell of deep fried everything and Cajun spice, I love going there. It has a fun atmosphere, it's cheap, and the food is great. I know it's a chain, but that's probably why it's so good. Consistency, my friend. The tortilla chips are made fresh in-house, and are still warm/hot when they get to your table. They aren't too salty, and can be dangerous, because when your basket is empty, the bussers bring you another full one, and another...and another. The margaritas are fabulous. One turns into three pretty easily, but the house margarita is so cheap, you should have at least three anyway. My favorite meals are the Blackened Catfish Fajitas, any of the fried catfish dishes, and surprisingly, the Eggplant Royale. I love Cajun/Creole food, and that's what I go to the Border for. There's better food out there, I'm sure, but I'm perfectly satisfied every time I go. There is a server there, a Latina whose name I forget (she sort of looks like Salma Hayek) who is the best server I've had there. I hope you are lucky enough to be assigned to her. Have fun!
(5)
Goku D.

As long as you've never had true tex-mex, this place is adequate. Pico de gallo was flavorless, as were the chicken tacos.
(2)
Rob M.

good burger fun place but never seen a busier place same with their other two locations tried to come at 7 and couldnt get a table had to come back after 10. Tried to bring my fiancee here twice and cant get a table always an hour wait.
(3)
Raj L.

Nice atmosphere
(4)
Dawn E.

Turns out they make a hell of a Strawberry Margarita (which isn't normally my thing) and even the chips passed out around the crowded bar were hot and fresh.
(4)
Josephine P.

I think this place is AWESOME. Free salsa and chips right from the get go. Their drinks are Super cheap. I recommend the slushy variation for a more girly, less alcoholic experience. The hurricane is good if you really want to taste some rum. Their Jambalaya sides are delicious, so I heard. Taco salad is HUGE. Vegetarian Burro was delectable. The portions here are amazing. They accommodated 2 tables of 9 for us within 15 minutes of waiting. My boyfriend accidentally spilled his drink, but the servers were really nice about cleaning it up and even gave us a free replacement... which brings me to service. I loved our waitress! I will definitely be coming back when I get another craving for Mexican food. Also, to all those people who cry and moan about how there is no authentic Mexican food around here. You probably wouldn't like authentic Mexican food if you tried it anyways. The real 'authentic' stuff is made with lard and greasy corn meal.
(5)
Laura C.

Ok, update from tonight: Another fun time with great Tex-Mex, though not *everyone* in our group was thrilled (but they took his meal off the check in the end, so props for that). Great margaritas, cheap and GOOD food, and friendly service as always. This place is definately moving up from a 4 star to a 4.5 in my book!
(4)
Ryan S.

I finally got Yelp and I just have to review my favorite restaurant of all time, Border Cafe. I went to school at Harvard, and I cannot count the number of times I have been to this gem of a place. Having moved back west, I often long for the fajitas and the burros -- and I am from Los Angeles, where I can get the best Mexican food around. Sure, it's Tex-Mex, but I've never tasted anything as good as what Border Cafe conjures up in their kitchen. Yes, you will wait a long time on a Saturday night. Yes, you'll have to put up with a few servers that maybe need a skills test, but you'll make up for it in atmosphere, and most importantly, the food. I have more nostalgia for this place than any other in Harvard Square (and after a few years there, there are many). Next time you are there, get the steak and chicken fajitas for me. You will not regret it.
(5)
Emily P.

I am from Texas so the food here was on par with a decent Tex-Mex chain restaurant. The service was good, the atmosphere was fun, and the food was cheap and filling. I guess you couldn't ask for much more than that in a restaurant.
(2)
carmen l.

Fun place Margarita's are really good and food is definitely good quality. Guacamole and chips are really good. Fajitas are good--- but enchiladas are not my favorite. I would not really dare to call it a Mexican restaurant--- Place is good for what it offers, and the staff is nice and service is quick.
(3)
Dan C.

If I was in prison on death row and I had to order a last meal--Border Cadillac (filet mignon) fajitas, a chorizo quesadilla, and a gallon of frozen strawberry margarita (New Orleans' style). This place is amazing, wooden tables on two floors keep the conversation going with free chips, salsa, and a mix of music that is eclectic as it is fun. The margaritas are great, though the fruit flavored ones lack a lot of alcohol. Kick them "New Orleans'" style with a Cointreau floater, perfect to get over that first date awkwardness. I tend to stick with the tortilla affair: burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, etc. When ordering Fajtas here are some simple tips that regulars know: 1)You can customize your "cold-set." Usually this is tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream over lettuce. I tend to do ", Two cheese and one sour cream." 2)Jambalaya, awesome. Black beans and rice, more food but less awesome. You decide. 3)Bayou sauce, a sweet tangy sauce, goes great in the fajitas, but you need to ask for it.
(5)
Wayne D.

Nothing calms the soul like green tea and honey but I was not in the mood to stay at home last night so I rode over to Border Cafe in Harvard Square for some midnight margaritas and guacamole. Mmmmm... The bartender, Suzanne was her name I believe, was so accommodating she would have given me the sombrero right off her own head in the rain had I forgotten my umbrella. She made me a few amazing Anejo-style margaritas that are so memorable I am still sipping on them. I do wish this place had a bigger tequila selection because aficionados would be disappointed. I tried a chicken quesadilla and that was very tasty as well. Also, you gotta love the complimentary warm tortillas with salsa. Great spot and a must try!
(4)
Jules H.

Noms. Food is distinctively Tex-Mex, a rarity around here (where we usually get true-blue Mexican), and the atmosphere is very casual-fun. (Plus, if you are a Revels fan [Boston reference only???] they come and hang out here after shows and do singalongs!)
(4)
Natasha A.

I heart the border cafe. No, it is not "authentic" mexican food, but so what? Some authentic food can be appaling. The food is great and it does not pretend to be only mexican. They serve great cajun dishes with staples like catfish and crawfish. The place is cheap and great for large groups and an after-work margarita. Food, fun and a festive atmosphere.
(5)
Julie T.

Three things keep me coming back and if I don't make it back, I drool and cry in my sleep until I go. First thing: the gumbo It's really hard to find some good gumbo and in fact, I have yet to find a place that makes gumbo at all. They do it and they do it well. Topped with a nice mound of rice, it's so hearty and awesome for a bad-weather day. Second thing: the chips and salsa Yum. The chips are freshly fried from all of the tortillas that they don't use and they are so crisp and yummy. The salsa is so fresh and light and is the perfect contract to the lightly oiled chips. *drool* Third thing: the fish tacos Oh my gosh, this is, by far, the number one reason as I why I return. Their tacos are so freakin' good and they have this spicy sauce on them that is incredibly good. It adds such a nice kick to the taco and I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. This place is awesome and I highly recommend it.
(5)
Michelle L.

A southern-raised girl, I've been coming here for years to enjoy the warm glow of neon lights, country music, hot chips & salsa and cheap eats. Ah, warm weather... Recently the quality of their food seems to be going up. The hot chips are still rad but the guac tastes homemade now, the mango salsa is perfectly diced, the jambalaya has a lot more to it, etc. Even the portions are presented better. Overall, I notice that more care and precision is going into the preparation and presentation. Now, start fresh-squeezing the margaritas and I'm all over it. Thought at this time I would hardly call this place "legit" Mexican or Creole, it's fun, friendly, loud, and warm-- all great for friends who want to hang out over dinner on a cold winter night. Just be warned, there is usually a wait so arrive before you're starving and grab a Margar at the bar. Four stars because this place is fun, affordable and welcoming.
(4)
Michael G.

Yes, I've had Mexican food in places like Texas and Arizona. Yes, I understand this place isn't as authentic as any random mom-and-pop shop in a border state. I don't live in a border state though, and I'm OK with it not being 100% authentic. It's fun, has good food at great prices, and I never fail to have a generally good time here. I've been going to one Border Cafe or another since the late 80's and after 20+ years I still get that happy feeling when I walk in the door. Warm, salty chips and spicy salsa. The best damn fajitas in the area in my opinion due to their simplicity: A sizzling hot skillet, a pile of skirt steak strips, an even bigger pile of onions, and paprika sprinkled on top. Damn near perfection. They taste like meat and onions, not like a ton of overpowering sauce or guacamole or whatever else comes oozing out of the fajitas you get at some random place in a suburban mall. And the "jambalaya" (actually dry brown rice with chunks of "andouille" and chicken in it) has me totally hooked. I don't think I'd even like real jambalaya anymore. If you're looking for someplace that serves tamales just like your great-grandma used to make by hand this probably isn't the place. But if you want to have a good, filling, Tex-Mex style meal at cheap prices in a fun and relaxing environment, this one's a winner. Plus, outdoor seating (if you're lucky enough to score one of the maybe 5 or 6 tables). Rock on!!
(4)
Lauren G.

Border is a good place for a large group and everyone can (probably) find something they would like to eat... but it is a bit loud and the wait for the table can be mind-bogglingly long! Great choice for a large group- very fun for a friend's birthday. The chips and salsa flow freely and are frequently refilled. The menu is pretty standard Tex-Mex fare... nothing spectacular but decent quesadillas and fajitas. Downstairs is better than the first floor- basically because you can actually hear the people you are at dinner with. The wait for tables is also a strange situation. So I went with a group of 12, no reservation, and they were able to seat us right away... even though there were at least 20 people waiting for tables... seems a little strange. It also explains why I have gone a couple times and waited over 30 mins for a table when people who arrived after me have already been seated. Overall a reasonable choice- nothing spectacular but if you need a fun place for a group of 8 it fits the bill!
(3)
Joan B.

Gluten-free wise, the staff takes dietary requests very seriously. I've only ever had the chicken enchiladas - you have to request that they be made gf. They are really good and cheesy, tex-mex style. I'm not sure that anything else on the menu can be gf - every time I've asked, I've been encouraged to stick with chicken enchiladas. The free chips are not gf - the oil is used for wheaty things, so buyer beware. If you don't like noise, try to eat early - it's usually pretty crowded. Update - I've been informed that the chips are gf. I can also attest that the enchiladas can be made dairy free and gf and they are still delicious.
(4)
Kar M.

Cajun meets Mexican??!?!?!?! Ok...had to go just to say "Ive been there" Indeed...everything from blackened catfish to quesadillas on the menu. Mexican Beer and many many Margaritas....even a Hurricane... Surprisingly good!! One thing...wait time could be long...and this is a kiddo UBER friendly place...so if youre not into having dinner surrounded by kiddos...um...may want to think twice... Otherwise...worth a try :)
(3)
Haley S.

I've got a solid shoulder shrug, hands palms up in the air "ehh" for this one. Let's put it all out there folks...Mexican in Boston is bad. Along with crazy cabbies, late commuter rails and seasonal college students....Boston's truth's include bad Mexican food. It's slim pickin's in this east coast ciudad. But Border's does have one saving grace....the margarita's. I'd come here for an after work margarita with chips and salsa. But for the main course? Hop a cab and head to Ole's in Inman Square. Actually.....if you're headed to Ole's (and if you're shopping for Mexican you should be headed to Ole's) they do have amazing margarita's....and food...and dessert. Never mind folks...just go to Ole's. Tell them I say hola!
(2)
Courtney B.

Every time I enter Border, I feel as if I've actually gone south of the border because of their festive decor and music. It feels authentic- like what I would experience in Mexico. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for their food. It's very Tex Mex. Not bad, but not authentic Mexican. I've tried their salad, fajitas, and empanadas. The corn and black bean empanada's are pretty good, but what continuously draws me back is their frozen Sangria. I've heard rave reviews about their Margaritas as well. If you plan to check this place out, be sure to go early, as there is always a long wait.
(3)
Tiffany Q.

As a new resident to the city of Boston I rely on Yelp reviews as gold! So far they have done me good. My best friend was in from Florida and we were totally in the mood for mexican when we came across the listing/reviews for Border Cafe. So on a Friday night we headed over to the Harvard hotspot. As the reviews stated we would have to wait, which we did. The wait was approximately 20-30 minutes in which time we enjoyed a LARGE margarita which was $6.50 and pretty damn good! The place was packed and had a great atmosphere and the music in the background playing was great. By 10:30/11 it slowed down but people were still coming in the door. The food was great and reasonably priced. We both ordered the burros, one without the enchilada sauce and one with. The sauce was spicy which I enjoy. The only reason I give it 4 stars and not 5 was that I wish there was more of a selection and when we asked for a side of sour cream it was literally a teaspoon and were charged 75 cents for it.
(4)
Jj D.

The burritos here are AWESOME!!!! not only that but the beans and rice that accompanies it are excellent as well and for around 8 bucks. The fried catfish is also something to try, very good. It is a nice change between the normal Mexican restaurant it has a added Cajun flare that I love. They do get rather busy and I had not the best experience with the hosting staff the most recent time I went. But the waiters are always on top of drinks and fresh salsa and hot chips. The margaritas are around 4-5 bucks and you'll feel great after about 4 of them.
(4)
Amanda J.

Props to my mom for picking this place out. We had some things to do in Cambridge and as she was telling me about all the things she used to do in the area when she went to Lesley we came in here for lunch. Now I'm a big fan of Tex Mex food. A BIG fan. I got the seafood enchiladas, and what arrived was a plate full of the most delicious food in a portion fit for ten of me. Literally. I cannot wait to dig into my leftovers. The enchiladas were not lacking in seafood, the sauce was amazing, there was a kick to it, that's for sure. The rice/pico de gallo/guac were all also fantastic. My mom chose the steak fajitas and they looked amazing! We were both very happy with the meal. And this place means business with soft drinks, they brought me the largest soda that I have ever had and when it was about 2/3 empty she brought a new one. Our waitress was overall such a sweetheart, very friendly and patient (I take forever to decide!). When we asked to take the leftovers home she was good about splitting them up since we live in different houses and when I asked if I could take the rest of the complimentary chips (hey, I'm broke and in college and it's a football Sunday!) she was totally cool with it and even got me a whole new container of their yummy salsa! All this amazing food and great service for only $30 before tip!! The drink prices looked very reasonable, so I may be back soon - I love me a margarita!!
(4)
Nate H.

So yeah its no secret that this isn't the best mexican restaurant in the world or even in Boston but it is what it is... A lively place with decent food and big drinks all served up at very reasonable prices. I've always been satisfied with my food and service and I'll continue to eat here from time to time as long as things continue as they have been on my past visits.
(4)
Rachael N.

This place has... potential. The food came extremely fast. The staff was friendly. They had good chips and salsa. Everything else was bleh. The food was greasy and all the food just seemed... off, like there is too much of a spice on everything. There was hokey country music in the background and that mixed with how hot it was in there just gave me a headache. I decided to try their iced sangria and as my friend so wonderfully put it, it tasted like iced dimetapp. Just gross. We both left with stomach aches and I myself couldn't bare the food and only ate about 3/4 of a taco. Not a good experience.
(2)
Jeffrey K.

I typically go here after work when my boss suggests it. He went to college in the area so I think that's where his fascination with Border came from. That said, I like the place alright and have no problem with anything in particular about it. Food: Good. Nothing out of this world. There are a couple of Mexican places I would rather go before Border though. Jose's comes to mind but that's not conveniently located in Harvard Sq. The chips and salsa are solid. The prices appropriate for what you're getting Drinks: Generally strong and tasty can be hit or miss. One round can vary greatly from another. Atmosphere: Eh, its a college place so the scenery tends to be decent. They're certainly a factory pushing through that volume of people though. Service: Good. The staff seems to really hustle. There has almost always been a wait when I've been there so the staff seems to be able to make a lot of money by getting things done. The system they have for delivering food works well as the food comes out promptly. All in all, A-OK
(3)
Kelley B.

It's probably unhealthy how often my boyfriend and I eat here! I either order the Black Bean and Corn Empanadas or the Gulf Coast Seafood Enchiladas, both dishes are wonderful. As a native Californian, the salsa is in no way life changing, but their guac is pretty fantastic. The chips are most often served hot and crispy. Yumm. I'm a huge fan of their margaritas and they are usually incredibly prompt with their service...the second I take my last sip, someone is usually right there to ask if I'd like another. And yes, I would. However, last week, the service was shockingly slow as our server was new. I hope he's a quick learner! :-) The walls are covered with art, posters and decorations celebrating all things Southern, Cajun, Southwest. The music is an awesome mix of oldies and classic country.
(4)
Ryan H.

I had been here once before probably 5 years ago and i didn't remember anything about the experience. Going in, I didn't think i would like border cafe. i was pleasantly surprised. The margaritas were a bit weak but they were only 5$ which makes sense. The guacamole and the gumbo were both delicious. All three entrees we ordered were above average flavor wise. The service was good and the decor inside is different than most places around Boston. I would definitely revisit Border Cafe again!
(4)
Justin T.

My favorite faux-chain restaurant. Nothing spectacular about the food, but I can't say I've ever had anything bad off the menu... especially the fajita salad. Try the frozen sangria -- cheap and tasty.
(4)
John C.

Really cool spot for great drinks, good food and a lively, upbeat atmosphere. A "must do" when in Cambridge.
(5)
Linda L.

Tasty and inexpensive. Love the Gulf Coast enchilada. I like to go here for food, but the drinks are watered down which annoys me. Go for a good meal.
(4)
Erin M.

I have personal bias for this review, because it reminds me of hanging out with my friends from high school eating chips and soda, and it's the place I had my first margarita. Nostalgia! That being said, I went here last week with a friend and it confirmed that Border Cafe is still one of my favorite TexMex places in the Boston area. Border Cafe is ALWAYS busy, but we went on a Tuesday and relatively early so we didn't have to wait in line. I had the black bean empanadas, which were so delicious I ate all FOUR of them! You get a ridiculous amount of food for the price. There is also an unlimited supply of free chips and salsa, although guacamole is extra. I recommend any of their Mexican dishes, their jambalaya rice, and a frozen margarita!
(4)
Juliet D.

Western sized portions at a western price. I live in Harvard square so I'm a definite regular at the Border Cafe. I seriously eat here about once a week. This is why I'm a regular: Value. Portions are HUGE. You can easily share any number of dishes between two people without going hungry. I often order the fajitas or chicken enchiladas to split with my fiance. Total price with tip (if we don't get beverages) is $10-12. Just TRY eating fast food at this price point that is this quality. The guacamole is my favorite. Fresh big chucks of avocado. Could almost be table side made... All the tex-mex dishes are pretty good. Chicken enchiladas are yummy! Not so much a fan of the creole options but to be fair I've only tried one creole dish. Chips & Salsa Always on the table immediately when you sit down. 60% of the time chips are really hot, having just come out of the frier. If I'm really hungry it's a god send to able to have a snack while I"m waiting for my food. Quality & Consistency I eat here about once a week so have a pretty good sampling of the quality. With a few exceptions (like one or two times) the food has always been hot & great. HUGE glasses of water You never go thirsty. I originally swore this place was actually from Texas (where the water glasses really are this large). Turns out this is local but they had me fooled for awhile with the water glasses and friendly staff. Customer service I've always had good service from both waitstaff and managers. People here are actually NICE to you. This was shocking to me b/c I'm originally from the west coast where you really do get friendly, customer centric service. I've slowly adjusted to East coast standards where the customer is not king so it's refreshing to have west coast service again. The few (two) times I've had issues or have given suggestions (I once put a comment in the suggestion box) the management actually noticed and came right over to make sure everything was ok. One last tip - If you don't like to wait avoid this place on a Fri or Sat night when it's swarming with crowds. Weekend lunch though is usually a great bet. You can get right in with no wait.
(4)
Alicia W.

Delicoius! I love this place b/c the drinks are reasonably priced (although not heavy on the alcohol) and the food is plentiful. I love their vegetarian salads and empanadas. The caveat, this place is always busy so you have to get there early or show up expecting a wait.
(4)
Mushhoor A.

Seriously one of the best places to go if ur starving and broke. I usually order the fajitas which is absolutely beast. (chill with all the garlic tho) A piping hot skillet with the most tender strips of beef sauteed in onions 4 fajitas, salad, rice, beans and cheese. YUM forget the fact that they give u free homemade nachos. this place is a must. All that I think cost me about $9
(4)
Tom M.

This place is amazing - Really affordable for what you get. Margaritas are huge and made from scratch. There's no use ordering anything other than the fajitas. Again, huge portions and made with really tasty marinades and garnishes. I recommend the catfish or the steak. Both are outstanding. Really lively environment which I think contributes to the experience. Based on my Mint account, we've been here 41 times since 2010 - we've NEVER had a problem with service, which speaks to the consistency and quality of the staff and management.
(5)
Jamie F.

This place is usually a hit or miss for me, in terms of the drinks and service. Some days, my sangria margarita would taste awesome, other times, too watery. Be safe and order a beer with your meal. I tried the Jim Bowie steak after a friend's suggestion and loved it! It comes with three pieces of filet, a shish kebab, an overload of thin, crispy fries (much like potato sticks), tiny little shrimps, all drowned in this delicious, mouth-kicking flavorful, creamy sauce! It's the reason I come to Border CafÃ©. Ok... I come here for the free chips & salsa too, though I've had better. My bf complains about this place b/c the wait is so long (esp. for groups), and he thinks you can get better burritos & quesadillas at Boca's, Felipe's, etc. I guess I'll have to agree. But I keep telling him, you can't get the Jim Bowie filet at those places!
(3)
Annie C.

This place is so good. You know why? AMAZING chips and salsa and tasty margaritas. Plus - HUGE cups of ice water. I like this attribute so much I blogged about it: annamariechen.com/2010/0â€¦ !!!! Go here. Try a weeknight or early-ish though because it's always packed.
(4)
Sharky P.

Went to Border Cafe in Harvard Square tonight on Christmas Eve. They were open until 6. They informed us that they were closing at 6 but would be glad to seat us at 5:30. With appreciation and respect, we ordered really fast and were eating and drinking really fast. The waiter was great and really nice! The problem was the manager on duty. He was a fat jerk who started telling everyone to hurry up and finish up and get out. I am in the service industry as well and totally understand wanting to close up and get your workers home on time on Christmas Eve! So how about not seating seating people past 5:00 if you want people out by 6! Don't seat people at 5:30 and then make them feel like a piece of crap for finishing their food and drinks! He was so rude! He kept yelling out, 'alright, finish up!' Seriously??! Unbelievably unprofessional! I wouldn't go there again just because of him!!!
(1)
Brendan M.

Even though this place is a chain, I still miss it sorely. You have to love the never ending chips and salsa, and the drinks that are bigger than your head. You should be prepared for salt, especially if you like their chips and are planning on Margaritas. The fries are quite good (sure surprised me) as are many of their entrees. I am a big fan of their shredded beef quesadillas and of course the French Quarter Chicken entree. If that is what New Orleans really tastes like I am so there. As a chain, you'll get what comes with that, average service, loud environment, but you can counter that with consistently tasty food. Not the best I've had - but a unique taste and environment that I crave from time to time.
(3)
Milee S.

Love, love, LOVE Border Cafe! I had the distinct pleasure of dinner here over the weekend with some girlfriends and it never fails to disappoint! The margaritas are the best in town (so good you don't even realize you finished one!) as are the chips and salsa. I could eat that as my meal! I actually ended up ordering the chicken taco and enchilada platter. Others had the fajitas, catfish and some sort of giant taco salad. My meal was pretty good, the beans were perfect and I would order it again. In addition to the Mexican fare, there is also some Creole food, which is unusual but not out of the ordinary. Prices are fantastically affordable. We skipped dessert for Finale instead, but it was a relatively cheap meal, given how great the food is. So worth going to, even if there is a wait!
(5)
Karen D.

I've been going to this place for about 20 years, so obviously I like it. Yes, it's not the most authentic Mexican restaurant, but I've been to Mexico and let's face it, there aren't many places that really are. The portions are big and worth taking home if you can remember not to leave them in the back of your taxi. Even small left overs can be added to eggs, pasta, or just to have as a snack. Best Recommendations: catfish fajitas with mango salsa, camptown shrimp, Tejas chicken, and beef fajitas. I've never had a bad meal there and if I had to criticize anything it would be the black beans. They are a bit boring, so I usually forgo them and double up on the yummy Jose's rice. Margaritas are fantastic. I'm too picky for a house margarita and I like to get 1800's on the rocks with salt, especially when made by Suzanne at the bar. The bar staff are great: Suzanne, Elisandra, Dave, and Rich. The best servers are James G., Jackie Au., and Patricia. And let's not forget the best hostesses Pascale and Hadar (who is currently overseas). One very important person there is Ralph who cooks the chips. It's always a fun atmosphere and even though there could be a wait it's worth it.
(5)
Sarah A.

Eh, this place is okay. Yes, the food is totally not authentic. However, it's really not bad. Some of the entrees are actually quite good and the portions are very generous. The margaritas are quality, never watered down and definitely a good value. This place is completely tolerable when it's not crowded but it can easily get loud and obnoxious. If you get there and there's a huge line it's not worth going inside. It will be loud and annoying. If you go during the day, preferably in the middle of the afternoon and can get seated at a quiet table (I'd recommend asking for the downstairs seating as it's away from the bar), it's not bad.
(3)
Tim S.

Being from a part of the country where good Mexican food is abundant, it's hard to find a place that satisfies in this area. However, the Border Cafe has been more than we could have hoped for. The food is great, and the prices are pretty low for Harvard Square. It was about $20 for fajitas and drinks for two. We go at least once a month.
(5)
Julia Z.

Went there on a Saturday night and it got extremely loud and crowded. Servers were fast, warm, and helpful. Tried Steak Fajitas and Blackened Swordfish; both were pretty okay. Great for friends to hang out with good drinks and American Mexican food. But not so much if you are only into real Mexican food or want romantic intimacy, be aware!
(3)
Aditi R.

I can't begin to say how happy this place makes me. Everything from the awesome chili rellenos to the ever courteous staff to the ambience infused with margaritas :) So it's always a great time there! To start off with the core of the restaurant, the food, there hasn't been anything that I've tried that I haven't liked. I've pretty much tried everything on their vegetarian menu and can really say I love every single dish. They give a generous amount with each dish they serve so there are always left overs and the price to food (quality) ratio is great! Plus they serve hot tortilla chips and salsa to start off with and you really can't ask for anything more....actually, I take that back. Definitely ask for their Margaritas! Their strawberry frozen margarita is my favorite, but all that I've tried (everything from the original to the melon) has been great. The mixing is awesome and I can seriously have 2-3 of those in a row and be good for the rest of the night. I've been here a fair amount of times now and it always amazes me how big this place is. It must serve at least 200 people in one go on a busy dinner night and that's not counting the people at the bar. With that many people you'd imagine that having been there 10 times or so, at least once would have been a bad or a not so pleasant experience. Except that hasn't been the case at all. I've ALWAYS had smiling waiters who are ever so willing to bring you anything and everything you ask for. And that too with haste. Really am very satisfied with them. And lastly, the location is easily accessible. It's in Harvard Sq right next to the T near the theater. Plus it serves mainly to the university crowd so the prices are more than affordable - in fact, you can almost get 2 meals out of their entrees. I really wish this place was in Boston - but then I really wouldn't have that much reason to Cambridge..then again I haven't tried many of the restaurants I want to try on Cambridge side anyways, but this certainly is a big reason I make it to the other side of the river.
(4)
Kwan H.

I've only been in Cambridge for a week but I noticed this place almost right away because every single night there are tons of people clustering outside the front door of Border Cafe. Finally, we got to try it last Sunday, when it wasn't so crowded. The portions here are humungous!! even their water cups are like 1L... so we knew our dishes would be the size of a cow or two. I recommend ordering to share if you don't want to take your food home. There were 3 of us, and we ordered a salad and 2 entrees. At the end we still had enough leftovers for another meal for the three of us. The food was good and I heard almost everything on their menu is good. So you can try anything you fancy... Happy hour seems like the best time to be here too. I sure will come back here again for that. The service was slow, however, and their staff weren't quite customer-oriented. The waitress gave us stink eyes for not having our full party at the table and kept asking when they would get there... she looked like she didn't want to be there or maybe she didn't want us to be there..oh well.. all in all, it didn't feel very welcoming there.
(3)
Jonathan A.

This is a fun place with great young atmosphere and awesome chips and salsa. Every time I go, I get their chimichuri steak, which is absolutely delicious! It's an Argentinian skirt steak topped w/ a lemony sauce for $11 (pretty hard to beat that value). Also, I highly recommend the margaritas there! Overall great place to go.
(4)
Yishai M.

A Festivus of Tex Mexivus for the Restovus All I can say is that they should teach a class to other restaurants in how to do it right! Consistent good food, service, and value. Seriously, how often can you actually say that about a place? I first went to Border 15 years ago - the Harvard Sq. one, and I had no idea there were other locations. I now go to the Saugus location mostly, but it's still the same great combo platter of good. You'd think i would have had at least one bad experience considering i've eaten there many dozens of times for over a decade - alas, I have nothing to report. Every time I get the food I'm pumped, because you know it's going to be good. Service is fast, and seems somehow to be even faster when they are busy - which is most of the time. I don't usually get alcohol, but the enormous ice teas and sodas are constantly replenished by the servers, which is great if you need to rehydrate. Perhaps the biggest stand out about 'Border' is the raw value for the food. Not to say I would go there if the food sucked and it was a good deal, but the food doesn't suck and it is a good deal. Win/Win!! Like I said - other restaurants out there - check it out, you might learn something. (if you can get a table, that is)
(5)
Michael G.

Probably one of my absolute favorites in Boston. I have been here on several occasions and it is always packed so make sure that you plan on that. All the food is delicious and they have great drinks and the prices of the food and drinks are reasonable. I wouldn't recommend the queso... its pretty expensive compared to the guac. Definitely get a drink at the bar while you wait..... they will give you some chips to tie you over.
(5)
Maria M.

Had lunch here last week with the BF and his family. It was a-ok, but nothing to call home about. We tried to go there for dinner the Friday night before, and that's just impossible during peak dinner hours. We had some vegetarians in the party, and their options were predictable. I did try the black bean and corn empanadas and the portion was out of control. Could only get through a quarter of it. And the house margarita was bland - - I could not taste the lime or tequila in it, and they could have used more salt around the rim of the glass. It was just, EH.
(3)
Me Iz S.

Jambalaya and melon margarita I miss you come to San Francisco
(5)
Jennifer H.

Love this place! Great Guac, reasonable prices, good rita's, One of my favorite restaurants in the city!
(4)
A. B.

I have dreams about their chicken quesadilla. I don't know what they marinate the chicken in, but I will pay anyone willing to find out for me.
(5)
Julie C.

i love this place. came here on a busy Saturday but after you grab a rita from the bar, the wait is not so bad. even with the crowds that gather here, i think we must've waited only 20 mins till we got seated. fab! of course by the 2nd rita i am tipsy since i was very hungry! they had a soup special which was sausage and shrimp, omgosh it was soooo gooooooood. if they have this, you must order it! the taste will blow you away with just enought spiciness to kiss you! i order the beef enchilada and taco and bf ordered chicken enchiladas. of course when our dishes arrived, they gave my bf the beef and me the chicken..hah! our server was awesome, he was attentive and very cool. we gave him a good tip cuz he was soo cool. i love this place and whenever i eat here, i craved mexican for a few days.
(5)
Kate T.

4 stars for their sangria. Nothing too special otherwise, typical tex mex food. 3 stars for only 6 outdoor tables. A half hour wait on a Sunday afternoon- bogus!
(3)
Chris F.

Very nice. When I eat here, it reminds me of my days as a boy being raised by wolves in the turquoise-lined caves of New Mexico. We had to hunt at night by the light of the moon because the merciless sun would scorch our backs. Our food was scarce, but we appreciated what we could get.
(4)
Liz H.

My roommate and I always forget how much we love Border Cafe until the next time we're there and we say "damn this place is awesome, why dont we come here more often?!" The food is solid (delicious) tex-mex and cajun (I dont eat fish or meat so I can't speak for any of that). I LOVE the black bean and corn empanadas and the black bean tostada salad. I also love that there is a separate vegetarian section on the back of the menu so you don't have to skim every dish description checking for meat. My roommate is a huge fan of the Chicken Guadalajara, and really every time I've been with groups large and small everyone leaves very full and very happy. The margaritas, though nothing special, are cheap and big which satisfies me. In terms of atmosphere it's fun and noisy and kind of tacky, definitely not somewhere to go for a nice date or romantic night out. It's perfect for large groups and they have even FINALLY realized they can seat parties before every single person has arrived and it wont kill them. I just love that I can get an endless supply of warm tortilla chips and salsa, a margarita, and a yummy dinner for $13 (with leftovers to take home).
(4)
Randy S.

So you find yourself back in ye olde college days and are getting together with some of fraternity brothers - where to go? Well, since we used to party at the Border Cafe, why not try it again? It was cheap and average then and nothing has changed (except cheap is a relative term, it's working man cheap now as opposed to college cheap)... A couple of margaritas and several chips n salsas later, my burger came (burger at a Mexican place, you're thinking) and it wasn't half bad. Lively environment though, perfect for a rowdy group of men, or girls or both. Didn't take that long to seat our table of eight. Good for parties or get togethers.
(3)
Leighann F.

To every rule, there is an exception. Today, we explore the case of Border Cafe as the exception to "You get what you pay for." Exhibit A: Tex Mex yumminess in fairly large portions. It's true. Border Cafe does have food that could very well be the closest thing to tex mex in yankee country. I am not talking pinstripes here. The portions are large and the spices are just right. Exhibit B: Huge glasses of water/soft drinks (I am talking bucket-sized, people!) This may sounds like a small thing, but having water at all times at the table is crucial for me to enjoy my food. I drink a ton of water and waiting for the waiter to come over and refill just detracts from the enjoyment of the experience. Exhibit C: Decent yet inexpensive margaritas. I got the least expensive one, for $5.50 and no complaints from me. It's not the greatest margarita, but you can't argue with that price and a ton of salt on the rim. Exhibit D: A bill totaling only $40 for two people. Drinks, two entrees, free ships and salsa. A full belly. No complaints here. Conclusion: Theory disproved. Sometimes, you get more than what you pay for. And you get it at Border Cafe.
(4)
Stephanie W.

It saddens me to see all the reviews of this place proclaiming it to be "good mexican food." For the location, yes I believe it is the closes one will get to good Mexican food, but it's only slightly more authentic than a taco bell. Their salsa was fine, though too mild. Their guac was bland, and their chips were crisp and delicious. It was strange at first seeing a Tex-Mex/Cajun menu, but I was intrigued. They did not do either type of cuisine justice, but having a fajitas appetizer with a bowl of jambalaya totally hit the spot on some late afternoons while I was in the area. But really, the fajitas aren't much better than freezer ones. This would not be my first place by a long shot and it would get 1 star if it had been anywhere in California. Yet I still came to this location multiple times with study groups to order hot wings and stress over papers/midterms. Ah the joys of experiencing college life while one is in high school.
(2)
Sidanshu G.

This place is open till 2 AM! They serves good margaritas and the empanadas and fajitaas are great. The complimentary chips n salsa are OOOK. Were a bit salty though. Street parking only or expensive parking lot just opposite. Harvard square T station is just a block away.
(4)
Tamar A.

Seriously, how do you not love this place? Okay, so it's a little loud and zooey, and you have to wait a while for a table, but you know something? It's never as long as I think it will be. The bottomless chips and salsa are merrily washed down with rather reasonably-priced margaritas, and the fajitas sizzle with the sputter and drip of a Greek god. It's really quite cheap for its status and popularity, which is a boon in this square. Never change, Border Cafe.
(5)
Cy K.

Packed, noisy, and delicious. For Mexican food in Boston this is as good as it gets. My favorite here is the blacked fish tacos - quite a treat. Just avoid this place during the dinner hours on fri/sat as the wait can be long and noise level is through the roof (couldn't hear more than 1 person away from me at our table).
(4)
James B.

The standard for tex-mex cuisine in Cambridge / Boston is the Border Cafe. Pescetarians and vegetarians are very well accommodated, and the guacamole and margaritas (try the Texas with Cointreau) are top notch. Instead of listing superlatives and suggesting various dishes, I will instead finish this review by noting that I have been to the Border Cafe at least once a week since moving to Cambridge last year, and have never been anything less than totally satisfied.
(5)
Min Y.

Border Cafe is usually very very crowded luckily they have a downstairs for more seating. However, the bathrooms are only on the first floor. The overall resturant decorative themes were creative. We went as a big group on a Tuesday night, and the wait wasn't too long except my friends were late --; (7mins.. hehe) then we were seated within 5 minutes. The guacamole I had was good and chuncky especially I could taste the fresh tomatoes.
(4)
Jen K.

Chips and salsa from Border Cafe had me at day one. Then I fell in love with their guacamole! MMM delicious!!! I've been frequenting this place since I was a young teenager and it never disappoints my cravings. The food is spicier here than say, Cactus Club. I've had everything from the burrito to the enchilada to the tacos to the fajitas. All are delicious, with decent portions for their pricing. The sides can be a bit on the weaker end (jambalaya and beans) but they are still tasty and mix well with the actual entrees. I've noticed items come and go on their menus but for the most part, everything that I like to eat has been a mainstay. My drinks have never been weak but frankly, I am not too big a fan of a margarita with a strong tequila bite so to be honest, I cannot really judge on drinks. I am a huge fan of the strawberry marg, however. If you drop in on the weekends, definitely be prepared to wait. Even though I gave it a 3-star rating, it is a very high 3-star rating. I definitely recommend this place... mostly for their chips and salsa. To die for.
(3)
Sarah L.

I love border cafe. Mmmmm just thinking about the margaritas makes my saliva get going, and I'm pretty sure they have reasonable amounts of alcohol in them. You guys, fish tacos, guacamole, and strawberry margarita. Happiness every time! The wait does get kind of ridiculous, and I did have the most awkward birthday dinner of all time there, but for some reason all the standing around out on church street just endears border cafe to me even more.
(5)
Christopher B.

Maybe 10 years ago when I was in college, I liked coming to Border Cafe. I ended up there again for dinner during a late night power outage last month, and things have changed. They used to do only Tex-Mex, with a good selection. Now they also do Cajun, and as a result they do neither Tex-Mex nor Cajun well. Oddly, they also don't do dessert. I guess there are other establishments in Harvard Square who will gladly take your money in return for yummy goodness. I guess I'm now in search of a new favorite dinner spot in Harvard Square. For good Mexican, I recommend Maragarita's if you're in the suburbs, or Rudy's in Davis/Teele Square if you're on the Red Line.
(2)
Mischa T.

The place was packed on a Saturday night and we were still seated immediately. Our server was amazing. Only had to wait 10 mins for the food to arrive. Great vegetarian selection and SUPER cheap. The food was also really good especially for the price. My strawberry margarita wasn't very strong, but it was still very yummy =) The bill for 2 people was only $27!
(5)
Jillian Q.

The Border Cafe is honestly one of my favorite places for being exactly what it is - maybe not authentic Mexican or fine dining - but consistent in their food (very important to me), drinks, and service. This is what keeps me going back to the Border over and over and over again. (Especially since they added their limited time special - pastelitos - permanently to their menu.) My husband and I usually get the chili con queso and ALWAYS the pastelitos (amazing friend pastry triangles stuffed with chicken and cilantro and served with a flavorful, oil-like dip). The cheese and green chili enchiladas are one of my favorite and they let you substitute veggies for rice & beans. My husband gets the cadillac fajitas and I am definitely guilty of stealing a few off his plate! They make the best melon margarita and I will only order it when I go there. Warm chips and salsa keep coming as well. This might sound a little silly, but I really like the fact that they give you huge glasses of water (or soda). I drink a lot of water and I feel like I have to ask for a refill every 5 seconds at other places, but the glasses are gigantic at Border. The prices are really decent (I think my enchiladas are like $7.50 or something?). The food always gets to the table fast and servers have always been quick with meal suggestions. The down-sides to the Border include: limited amount of street parking - but it is Harvard Sq we're talking about so I'm not being unrealistic and there is a parking lot if you want to pay for it across the street, huge lines on the weekend, when it gets crowded there is no where to stand inside and you constantly feel like you're in the way - practically impossible to get to the bar. Also, very much NOT a fan of the red sangria, I've had much better elsewhere. No matter what I will continue to go here - I already have dinner plans with friends for Sunday night. ;)
(4)
Cecilia L.

This is fun place to meet sloppy sorority girls and drink lots of ritas and beer so you can chow down the nasty food and think it is good and then tell all your friends how great Border Cafe is. Is there a culinary equivalent to beer goggles? To be clear, I don't care about authenticity. I love a good Tex-Mex. But the food at Border has no Mex component. It is not tasty. Every bland dish is covered in a half-inch of broiled cheese. In summary: Loud, cheap and lively. And yucky.
(2)
Jade Y.

Coming from CA, I love my Mexican food and when I read about this place, I was skeptical, but after eating here...I AM IN LOVE! This place has the most delicious food, it's inexpensive and has great margaritas. The staff is super friendly. Their fajitas are amazing along with their chicken tacos. mMmm :) Their bottemless chips and salsa is very fresh and tasty. Love their homemade guacamole!
(4)
Shaun G.

OK ambiance. I gave it an extra star because I can not hate on the service, it was good. The food was horrible. Are we sure this is authentic cuisine? The website said Cajun and Mexican, more like Mexican't. Maybe the one on route 1 is better, they are always packed, but the Cambridge location left a bad taste in my mouth and a hole in my pocket. I would like to go back to Border Cafe because I liked the hype but uhh, not anytime soon... or maybe Im just a stickler for good food, a lot of the reviewers here like the drinks it seems... Tip to the wise, if you're looking for an authentic restaurant that serves a particular country's cuisine, at lease one person eating at the restaurant should be from country, it just makes sense.
(2)
Kim N.

This place seems to be one of the Cambridge hot spots, it's always super crowded, and friends who live in Cambridge usually end up taking us here. Their motif/menu is part Mexican and part New Orleans style. The food here is pretty good, though I have had better Mexican elsewhere. Last time, I was introduced to fried crawfish, MMMM!! The margaritas are awesome, definitely worthy of a hangover. The servers are usually nice, but last time we encountered a particularly snotty hostess. First she told us she couldn't seat us until our whole party was here--fine, I get that. Later in the middle of the meal, an unexpected friend decided to come impromptu just to chat. We asked for another chair and the hostess gave us attitude saying we were supposed to wait for our whole party. Whatever honey, the food is good, but not THAT good. Again, the place is always crowded, and I've seen lines out the door at times, so come early or be ready to chill at the bar.
(3)
Numberhead N.

My boyfriend likes this place, which is saying something 'cause he doesn't like to go anywhere for dinner, really. I did like this place until our most recent visit. Here are the reasons: 1. First bug (roach?) found on the table. 2. Second bug (roach??) found IN MY LAP. JESUS. 3. Third bug (which may also be second bug.. which may also be a roach..) found on the floor by my chair. 4. Fourth bug ( which could be third bug if second bug was the same bug found on the floor.. also probably a roach) found on the wall near my head. All found within the span of about 10 minutes. Manager was very nice and didn't make us pay for the meal. Also said these bugs (which didn't look like wood beetles.. they looked like roaches) may have come in with the wood they get from Texas for their mesquite stuff. Mmmmmhmmmm.
(1)
Taylor H.

I love coming here. You can get away with a margarita, entree and tip for all under $15 but I can never stop at one margarita. Try the Patron Margarita ($9). It's not on the menu but you can ask for it. Thank goodness we only waited for 20 minuted on Friday for a table of 4. There's always a long wait on the typical Friday and Saturday evenings. To the bar it is. When we were seated, piping hot chips were served. I love me some free unlimited chips and salsa. Each bite was so crunchy and hot that you know it's fresh. I never had authentic Cajun Gumbo before but the Gumbo here are good. It's somewhat spicy. They are really generous with their portion. I had fish tacos and only finished one. The batter was crispy yet the fish was juicy and delicate. I couldn't get enough of the red pepper sauce. Our server was a sweetheart but she seems a bit stressed out. We all left the place completely stuffed. You definitely get your money worth here! BTW, this location is better than the Saugus one.
(4)
Mike L.

I called Border and asked if they could tell me what the wait time was right now for a party of six. Not what it would be in ten minutes, not in 30 minutes, RIGHT NOW. "I'm sorry, we can't tell you the wait time unless you are in the restaurant itself because we don't want to set false expectations." What? No way, she must not have understood me. I clarify for her, and explain that I will set no expectations, I just want to know what it would be if I were in the restaurant right now, hypothetically. Nope. She understood me. She just wasn't going to tell me. Forget this place, anywhere that treats their customers like this doesn't deserve my business. I'd rather go to Qdoba, Chipotle, or Felipe's anyway.
(1)
Kerry G.

i LOVE border. it's insane, crazy, loud, wild, but worth it. (if you're going for a quiet romantic dinner, think again.) crazy cheap and crazy good. the vegetarian selections are delicious. i love the corn and black bean empanadas (the sauce they put on them is so addicting). the chips that they serve hot, their salsa, their ridonculously cheap guacamole (and a huge portion at that) are great. the fact that the margaritas are so cheap is obviously a bonus also. i've been coming here since i was young and i don't plan on changing that...
(5)
Shuan L.

Aside from the fact that I think it's weird to fuse Mexican and Cajun food (enchiladas with a side of jambalaya, anyone?), Border Cafe is decent. The food is cheap, the free chips 'n salsa are key, the frozen strawberry margarita is solid, and the atmosphere is vibrant (probably because everyone is drinking margaritas). Given the dearth of places in Harvard Square that are open late at night and are fun to hang out at, I'm glad that Border is around.
(3)
Shannon S.

I love Tex-Mex and I love Texas Style Margaritas and I love the Border Cafe. For some reason, I never went to the Border Cafe because the name was really misleading for me. This entire time, I expected a cafe --simple, small and unobtrusive. When I found out that the Border Cafe actually was a tex-mex restaurant and quite a good one from what the Phoenix reader's poll kept insisting, I decided to try it out. First off, it's in a fantastic location. Right in Harvard Square on Church Street--perfect for meeting up with friends. Secondly, I met up with 8 people at 8pm and got a big round table within 10 minutes of being there. The restaurant is spacious, lively, the waitress was nothing but nice and helpful and QUICK and though I've had a lot of Tex Mex in my day, i'd have to say that I heart the Shrimp + Crawfish Quesadilla, the warm chips and spicy salsa and the chicken fajitas were A +. Also, they kept those margaritas comin' --which I appreciate, though my liver doesn't. I wouldn't come here and expect anything but comfort Mexican, but I'll admit that Border Cafe is somewhere between your typical chain restaurant and a unique food oasis. It's comfortable, everyone was pleased with their meal, and the food was served up extremely fast. If you crave margaritas, cheese, beans, and warm tortilla chips and a super short walk from the T, Border Cafe is the perfect place to go.
(4)
Paolo D.

Hora de Fiesta! Ole! Great margaritas, great food, lots of Harvard coeds and wannabe Harvard coeds, a busy, fun atmosphere that never fails to disappoint....Great place to get hammered and make wild claims while enjoying your meal, and you can join the revolution going on at the Harvard Sq T-Stop.
(4)
Stefanie K.

Why (WHY?) is there always a line around the block for this place?! I mean, it's fun and lively and festive and all; the margaritas are huge and pretty good and some of the food is fairly tasty--but really, I don't get the hype.
(2)
Kim W.

The food is a pretty good tex-mex variety that everyone I know seems to love, the margaritas are quite good, the atmosphere is pretty nice and clean... but it can be a bit too much of a busy-boozy place if you go at certain times. I saw a woman throw up all over the (otherwise) very nice bathroom and promptly pass out. It makes me wonder if they served her when they shouldn't have. Also, they have takeout that you can order at the bar, but the bartenders are really good at ignoring you if you're not there to drink.
(3)
Aristophelius M.

This place isn't cheap for the quality of food. It has good sangria. It's alright. I'm surprised at how large it is.
(3)
William M.

Great spot to eat some Americanized Mexican food. Can't beat the painted walls (vintage beer, old west icons) or the still-sizziling fajitas served on a skillet. The tortilla chips are nothing short of amazing; you'll be glad to know they're served in moutainous quantities.
(4)
Jim K.

One of the few places in the area that is totally worth a wait. And while you're waiting, grab a cerveza or rita at the tiny bar and watch the Sox game. Excellent chips and salsa, and the food is always consistently solid melty cheesey beany beefy.
(5)
mickey l.

The Key word here is FUN, go to have fun. Be surprised by the cheap entrees'. Be a glutton for the freshly fried chips so light and crispy. Do add a dollar for a margarita with higher quality ingredients and two types of alcohol. Zippy and Happy service. Why did I avoid it for almost two years??My bad. Fajitas came out sizzling. Veggie Empenada was quite tasty. Too bad their rice reminds me of microwaved minute rice by Uncle Benito.
(4)
Maryn H.

This is a really fun place. A good place to bring people from out of town. They make a good margarita, and the food is decent. And of course with any Mexican/Creole (?) restaurant, you get FREE CHIPS AND SALSA!!! Yay! Good for hungry bunches, servings are BIG! Always busy, but usually quick seating.
(4)
Andrea D.

I absolutely LOVE this place. By far this is the best mexican food around! You can't go wrong with a place that gives you unlimited chips and salsa for free and mixes some of the most delicious margaritas! The portions are huge and fairly inexpensive. I'm a fan of the chicken quesadillas with their homemade guacamle. On a good day I can eat maybe half of my dish because it's so big. It's also nice that they don't mind if you share plates of food and there is no additional charge to split the plate. Sometimes the wait can be a little long and they don't seat you unless your entire party is there, but I have no problem sipping on margaritas while waiting! I'll definitely be back sometime soon.
(5)
Tracee D.

Que es lo bonito de esto? I came here when I didn't know any better. Nice wood plank floors. The margaritas are allright...but how does one mess up a Margarita? Then we came in for a work party.....why? oh I remember because "the man" really liked it there. hmm. I'm not into chains. Not even sure if its a chain...but it feels like one. Mexican food is notoriously cheap...(unless its some latin fusion extravaganza but this is not) so yes its inexpensive but big deal. I think I just don't love hanging out in Harvard Square....and I also don't think middle of the road quasi mexican fare is excitment.
(2)
Joe R.

After eating here, I felt as though I had been licked clean through at least 10 square miles of Utah's Great Salt Lake. I have to say, I like a bit of salt here and there throughout my diet, but border cafe took it to a new level. I started with a magarita: salt is to be expected here. No surprises thus far. Next were the standard Mexican-cantina chips & salsa. The chips were fantastically skewed in the salty direction, but again - not a huge surprise. Finally, my fajitas arrived, completely putting me over the edge. From that point forward, I retained every sip of liquid I had over the next 36 hours. It was ugly. The atmosphere was nothing to write home about, either. I wasn't disappointed by the margarita, though.
(2)
Amie R.

From the free chips and salsa, to the perfect margaritas, to the heaping portions of food, this place has it all. Fun Mexican decor and relaxed atmosphere make this a great place for a party of 2 or a party of 15. There can be a decent wait on the weekends, so get there before the dinner rush....Even if it's not totally authentic Mexican, I still love it!
(3)
Mike D.

Tired meats and dirty seats.
(2)
Kevin B.

I really love it here. I have been here countless times with a various friend groups and I have never been dissatisfied. The food is delcious, inexpensive and they always keep my margaritas flowing and that, my friends, earns my eternal gratitude. This is the perfect place to go with your friends for a cheap, tasty and booze-y night out. And let's face it, who doesn't need more of those nights?
(5)
Whitney W.

Regardless of how authentic or not authentic the food is, The Border Cafe is simply not a good fit for wanting to eat something, period. Foodstuffs here are either far too bland or overzealously spiced with a bad combination of spices, and frequently, your supposed-to-be-warm food comes out all cold or room temperature. However, if you want a seriously delicious and potent frozen sangria, this is the place to get one. So for the incredible frozen sangria alone, I give The Border Cafe 3 stars.
(3)
Ja H.

I think it's bland, over-salted Tex-Mex. I'd rather seek out the Mex-Mex is neighboring areas.
(2)
Andrew K.

I liked the fish tacos and the margaritas, but when you go to the Mission you get spoiled.
(3)
Will R.

A landmark in Harvard Square. Expect: - Long lines weekend and Thursday nites. - To smell like fajitas when you exit - Prompt service - Very good 'tex-mex' (more tex than mex) - Inexpensive - Loud (not a quiet date place) - good + big margaritas Overall a great 'roadhouse' tex-mex feel + great food.
(4)
Kevin A.

Overall I had a very satisfying lunch here. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, this isn't it. However, if you're looking for tasty, tex-mex/creole dishes at reasonable prices, great margaritas, and a lively atmosphere, Border Cafe is a good choice. Try the blackened chicken fajitas.
(4)
Kristin G.

Not great, not terrible. i wouldn't wait at all to get in, though. They put way too much cheese on everything.
(3)
Ryan B.

Loud, dingy and cheep food makes The Border Cafe in Harvard Sq. a hot spot for collegiate crowds and pre-gaming 20 somethings on Friday or Saturday nights. The margaritas are tasty and generous with booze proportions. While the depth of tequila choices is week it makes up for that in speed of drink delivery and serving sizes. Over all the place can be crowded and noisy but enjoyable with a large group of friends. I find the food very average but reasonable priced.
(3)
Audrey R.

As a California native I am accustomed to great Mexican food. Since I moved to Boston I have been hard pressed to find a great Mexican restaurant that has all my favorites. Although the Border cafe is technically Tex-Mex, they still have classic Mexican dishes like enchiladas. In my opinion, no other Mexican restaurant in Boston gets it quite right. In addition to having great food, they serve endless chips and salsa, and have great margaritas on the rocks or blended. To top it all off, this is some of the most affordable food in Boston. Without alcohol, two can eat for under $20 and with alcohol, about $20-$30. Great food, drinks, and atmosphere. Good for kids and groups. I guess the only con I could point out would be that it does get pretty loud upstairs and the servers are always really busy, but still attentive enough. If you truly love Mexican food, you will not be disappointed with the Border cafe!!
(5)
Huan z.

There is often a long waiting line for this place. Food is not impressive but good. Good choice of drinks, nice place to eat if you have a group of people. By the way this is not mexican food. This is texas american food, if you want mexican food, go to Cafe Ole or Tu Y Yo .
(3)
nicole p.

i usually really like this place. but has something changed? we went last night and the portions got much smaller (i usually spilt a meal with a friend and yesterday we did that and were shocked how small our burros was). and the burros was essentially inedible - you couldn't even cut through the shell and the filling was SO SALTY! any one else finding the quality change? (i know, many of you are going what quality? but for those who like it, have you gone lately?)
(2)
Giovanni d.

See all those kids waiting outside in the cold at night (by order of the City or the Fire Marshal of the Commonwealth or someone)? MIght make you think you're missing something. . . . You're not. Inauthentic comida mexicana - even for Boston. Service is fine, food OK . . . I will vouch for the margaritas, though.
(2)
Gazelle T.

I've been going to Border Cafe forever. And since I started going, I've been to culinary school and I've stopped going to a lot of restaurants I used to love--Friendly's (shudder), Finale, Outback...these days, you're much more likely to find me at East Coast Grill, or Oleana. But...I still love Border Cafe. All you people who love Anna's Tacqueria? You people are bananas. Anna's is GROSS. Don't talk to me about Tacos Lupita, they weren't THAT good. I love the salsa here. I love the fajitas. I LOVE the rice. I love the margaritas. I love the giant tables full of drunk fratboys and the frazzled young parents who can eat out here because nobody can hear their babies crying over all the noise, and I love the table of ten girls out celebrating--oh, wait, no I hate you girls. You know why? Because you don't shop anywhere other than Urban's and Mint Julep and you all look fucking THE SAME. But I do love that for ten bucks I get a giant plate of food that lasts me for two days. I love the noise, I love the music, I love the decoration. And I think the food is excellent--I've never had better mexican than here. It's all fresh, it's spicy without being overpowering, and it's incredibly consistent. I've never had a bad meal here, which I don't think I can say about ANY restaurant I've been to more than once.
(5)
Rinn S.

If squalor is your thing and you like waiting in line for it, this place kicks ass I guess. If, like me, you appreciate quality Mexican food, do not enjoy the sight of mice running out of the kitchen (happened), do not appreciate pipes dripping brown water on your head (happened, different night) and do not enjoy spending all this quality time with mice and college students and bad food after waiting in line forever... then avoid this place.
(2)
Alison M.

Decent food (good but not great), great prices. However they card everyone at all times - I happened to forget my license and, even though I am much older than 21 (and clearly look like it), they would not serve me. So annoying!
(2)
Brian P.

Dirt cheap and absolutely delicious. 'Nuff said.
(5)
Billy v.

great food and drinks night time gets packed weekends are worse food is good blackened catfish fajita rules
(5)
Sarah G.

Quality is not outstanding but definitely solid and whoa - this place is cheap for a sit-down tex mex cajun whatever they are. Decent number of vegetarian options. The free chips are great - served warm out of the fryer. Bottled beer selection is too small, but they do have Lone Star for those who dig it. Every once in a great while I get a craving for blackened catfish. Border Cafe has the monopoly on this one - haven't been able to find it anywhere else in S'ville/Cambridge. If you like burritos for brunch, you're in luck - they open at a decently early hour on weekends.
(3)
Yelp Z.

Went to Border last weekend with a group of 10 (total). So many things could have gone wrong so many times with 10 people to deal with, and it was a Friday night. We got there a little after 8pm, and oddly it must have been the intense summer heat and everyone on vacation, but there wasn't a huge line outside AND the bar had room for us to wait. Everyone grabbed a drink of choice and waited a full 10 minutes before being sat at a round table. Three baskets of chips were quickly brought over (and devoured) and we were left alone to look at the menu and talk. It was nice to sit at a round table with that many people because it doesn't feel like Christs last meal, and then your stuck talking to Judas all night but I digress...everyone ordered and all the food came out HOT and at the same time. I've eaten here many times and I think I'm stuck on the Chicken Fajitas. I've tried the steak fajitas and the meat gets over cooked and I can't have that. I tried the shrimp but they tasted more like what is used to clean the grill than ACTUALLY grilled shrimp. Totally disgusting, but I still love Border. The b/f almost always gets a steak of some sort and I hear the hamburgers are tasty (for those terrified of fake Mexican and/or spices). The prices are great. For a group of 10 we ate for about $20 each including tip. WITH drinks. I will add though, our waitress was trying to be "fun" or another Boston know it all broad or whatever...she did not pull it off. Using words like "fucktard" at a table, making fun of one of the people paying you to make 8 others laugh, chastising me for raising my hand when asked "does anyone want a drink" and you've ignored me for the entirety of the night and it's loud in the restaurant, pointing out other patrons who are "fucktards" or asleep on the table from being drunk (and you served them) is a bit tacky IMO. We still gave her a good tip, but please shut the fuck up.
(4)
all seeing E.

It was the crappiest day of the year and I needed a warm meal that was Picante. I went into the Border Cafe for lunch and the place was dead. I got a great table by the winows and the nice waitress appeared instantly. There were about 4 other tables so she really din't have anything else to do. She was nice and brought some watery but good salsa and some excellent chips. I looked over the menu and decided on a enchillada and taco combo. The chicken toaco was okay not bad but the enchillada waschessey and wonderful. I made a really stupid error and ordered a cup of coffee. DO NOT ORDER THE COFFEE it sucks but what the fuck was I thinking I was in a tex-mex place. I guess I was expecting sa New Orleans chicory kind of coffe but I got a Boston brown piss in a cup. Thi was the only bad part and it was frankly my own damn fault! The service was great, the food good and not overly pricey. I wish I had re-fried beans but at least they were balck beans the rice was od but i think it was the "cajun" element. I will go back.
(4)
Anderson M.

This is certainly not the best mexican food in the area but it is tasty, they are super quick at seating and service and the margaritas are great. I've never had a bad service experience here. The guacamole is pretty good. And I loooove the guac. Overall, this place is great for groups and a quick meal, but I always feel like they are rushing rushing rushing everywhere and you feel like you need to gorge and then sprint out of the restaurant. There's something to be said for a nice relaxing meal...and you won't get that here.
(4)
Kelly K.

I have been here oh so many times and it continues to be the bf's and my favorite place to go. Our meals have always been unbelievably delicious....I was a sucker for the chilis and cheese enchilladas - until I had the chili relleno and now I'm completely torn when I have to decide. I'm not quite sure what kind of cheese they use, but there must be some form of crack in there because I hoover it as soon as it's set in front of me. They do train their servers on what is/isn't vegetarian on their menu (hint - enchillada sauce isn't - get the ranchero sauce instead), so I appreciate that. The chips and salsa are the freaking bomb and the magaritas....well, they go without saying. There have been more that a few times when "oh hey, lets go grab a rita" after work turned into "holy crap, how is it 11 already...and where'd all my money go?!!". The food is cheap and usually only about 20% of our final bill. As a Louisinna lover, I dig the wall paintings and the southern music...and the bf gets happy whenever Johnny Cash is played.
(5)
Alice G.

I love this place! It's probably less than authentic Mexican, but the drinks are delicious, the chips before the meal are fantastic (really salty, which I love, and they are served to you hot), and the food is really good. This place is consistent, reasonably priced, and tasty.
(5)
Stephanie W.

Homemade tortilla chips, huge drinks, huge burgers, and fun music make the atmosphere really fun and casual. Everything from the burgers to its Cajun food is GREAT. It gets crowded a lot, especially with the college students around, but if you want to eat some good ol Cajun or Tex-Mex food, this is the place. Oh, and the margaritas are delicious I hear. UPDATE: 1/1/08 I should have written this much earlier, but for you non-Cambridge fans, go to the one on Route 1 in Saugus, or the one right by the Burlington Mall. The one in Saugus is pretty crowded as well, but you will always find parking.
(5)
Eric W.

Boston is a tough place for a Mexican food-lover. Say what you will about food in the Midwest, but at least they do that right. My sig. other and I are on a continuing quest to find the best in the area, and this just jumped to the top of the list. The Cajun influence pushes what would pass for a ho-hum, chain-like, Disney Land-inspired nothing to something a bit more interesting. Still, it has enough of the familiar American-Mexican touches to satisfy. Catfish fajitas are certainly high on the list of things to try; basically, if you find something on the menu that you haven't heard of before, try that. Plus, the prices are excellent.
(4)
Stephen K.

I wouldn't come here for dinner, but they do have the best margaritas in Harvard Square and the endless chips that you get (even if you just order drinks at the bar) have probably shaved a couple years off my life. Then again, I wouldn't really recommend anything but the margaritas, chips, or salsa (maybe an appetizer or a beer). It's true that both the "Mexican" and "Cajun" elements fall flat, and there are plenty of better places within walking distance that will leave you more satisfied. This is a place to go later in the night.
(3)
Kate I.

Margaritas here are cheap, refreshingly not crappy, and I think they might use tequila flavored grain alcohol. Or maybe it's that every time I go there I have 3....er... 7 margaritas in a row... hmm.... I don't know one thing about the food here. Other than they have on demand tortilla chips (apropos, I think).
(2)
Emily H.

Sometimes, life is in such a state that I need cheese, tortillas, chicken, beans and rice. That's it. And Border Cafe gives it to me fast and cheap, and often with a tasty tequila-based beverage.
(3)
Tiffany C.

If you're from somewhere with actual Mexican food, this place is so-so at best. If you've never lived in a state bordering Mexico, then you'll probably think it's pretty good. Portions are big, food is cheap, not sure how "quality" it is, but seems fresh enough. Perfect for the college crowd that wants a cheap, fun place to go. Atmosphere is kitchy in that there are bright funny decorations everywhere.
(3)
J. H.

Pretty affordable Tex-Mex and cajun food served up in a fun, casual, LOUD environment. The tuna steak salad is pretty good. The bottomless chips & salsa sate your appetite while you wait for the rest of your food to come. Border Cafe is not a destination restaurant for me but it is a good place for mixed groups.
(3)
Breahna G.

Let me first start out by saying that I am new to the New England Area and I am originally from southern California. I have also been to Texas and Mexico so I know what REAL Mexican food is. That said, I have been on a mission to find a quality Mexican restaurant in the area and Border Cafe was attempt number three. I went with my boyfriend and we got there around 5:30pm on a Friday afternoon. We were seated right away downstairs in the corner. We were the first table in that area and it felt like we got the shaft. However, that's where the A/C was and it was a very hot day so it was nice to be in that area. We got chips and salsa right away and they were great. I ordered the Tradicional Margarita and it was good and strong. I didn't even need another one. Chips and Margaritas are one of the most important things to me at a Mexican restaurant so I would go back for just that alone. However, the food was not that great. I ordered an enchilada and a taco, both chicken, with black beans and rice. My boyfriend ordered a chicken burro with rice and beans. The beans were ok, the rice was not. All three of the entrees tasted exactly the same, despite being in completely different types of cooked tortillas. I don't know if it was the chicken or the sauce they used, but it was not very good. The sauce didn't have any flavor and the chicken was just mush. There was also way too much cheese. I was hungry so I ate almost all of it, but left with a bitter taste in my mouth. The prices are good, but I can see why. Our meal was under $30 with tip. I give three stars for the chips and Margaritas alone , but the food and the service wasn't up to par for me. I will continue to search for a quality Mexican restaurant and keep you posted.
(3)
Fernando A.

I am not a Mexican but I can safely say that this is not Mexican food. It is a good attempt to fool smart people but trust me there has to be better Mexican food in Boston. The irony is that probably Mexicans are cooking this food-think about it. But it does the trick in filling you up and their Margaritas are tasty which will give you a good buzz.
(3)
Ames F.

If you like seafood, you GOTTA try their pecan-crusted catfish. I still dream about it to this day. (*sigh* and *drool*) Mmmmmm, and their chips. Mmmmmm... OK, I gotta go get me some lunch.
(4)
Marie T.

I have an addiction to the fajita salad at Border Cafe and haven't gotten past it to try anything else on the menu. There is always a wait, the place is always packed and parking can be hard since it's in Harvard Square, but I manage because it's worth it. Usually, once I get seated and they place the fresh tortilla chips on the table, I devour them like I haven't been fed in a week. Once I realize I have to stop eating them, I put them at the corner of the table and patiently wait for my salad. The prices are really affordable and service is fast and friendly.
(5)
Lindsay L.

Cambridge is very low on passable Mexican and Tex/Mex food, and while I'm not willing to say that Border's "passes," this is better than alternatives in the area like Forest Cafe. It's always packed with a festive atmosphere, and my friends love coming here for the usually-strong margaritas. I like the shrimp quesadillas or fajitas here, and their tostada-grande salad is decent (if you're not too hungry, I would recommend getting it without the shell because it's intimidatingly large). Overall, it's not great, but can definitely be fun.
(3)
J M.

Although all of my friends in Boston love this place, I didn't see what the hype was about! Maybe I just have high standards for mexican food but I didn't think it was anything special! It definitely was not the hour long wait!
(3)
Nick M.

If you like cheese and chicken and want your chicken caked in cheese, come to Border to eat. The food is basically average mexican, but the margeritas are huge. It is a great place to meet a couple friends and enjoy a long meal.
(3)
Jennifer H.

Mmmm frozen sangria. Not the best Mexican I've ever had-I'd probably give it three stars for being basically middle of the road tasty, but mmmm...frozen sangria. You have found yourself bumped up to four stars!
(4)
Heather H.

Mexican for people who have never been outside of New England.
(2)
Nicole J.

Being from California, I miss having a Mexican restaurant on every street corner. In Boston, the best place to get my Mexican fix on is Border Cafe. Great food (mmm fajitas), great strawberry blended margaritas, and great chips and salsa. Solid, and I never have to wait long for a table!!
(5)
Emily Z.

I don't like to go here because there's nothing on the menu I like. They don't offer nachos with cheese or *any* dessert.
(2)
Jonathan B.

How can you NOT give the Border Cafe 5 Stars?! The place is awesome! Cheap food, redonkulous menu, vibrant crowd, great location. What more can you ask for?! Anyhow, my favorite dish is French Quarter Chicken. Yummy! Sure there's often a wait, parking can be a bitch and sometimes you might have to sit downstairs. But hey Jack, make the most of it! Also, the margaritas are great! Later, Jon
(5)
Vivz C.

I haven't been to Border Cafe in about 5 years, but I dream about it. Especially those homemade tortilla chips they drop on your table to fill you up before you even order. It's a fun atmostphere with a younger crowd. Meet up with your friends for a drink or a Mexican meal. I do have to say that because it seems like such a popular place, sometimes the noise level gets a little loud that if you're in a group, it's hard to hear what the person at the other end of the table is saying. So try to sit around people you want to conversate with or else it'll be a loong night of talking to yourself. =)
(4)
Jay G.

If I could rate on the Fajitas alone this place would get 5 stars. I may be crazy but I submit that the beef fajitas here could be some of the best in the world. They are at least the best I have ever had and at around 12$ with sides, they are an awesome value. What makes the fajitas unique are the mixture of Tex-Mex and cajun spices, and what tastes like home made tortillas, truly a match made in heaven. Having said that the rest of the menu is pretty descent, however being that this is a Tex-mex / Cajun menu a lot gets offered but a little is missing. As an example, the fish tacos are tasty fried but lacking a key ingredient - shredded cabbage. I asked for it and they don't offer it. I often see this with restaurants that have expansive menus, they often miss out on small details. No matter, the margaritas are inexpensive, the chips and salsa is unlimited and the service is super brisk and friendly! This is a "go-to" place for a college budget first date, or to take out visiting family or coworkers! Just stick to the basics, endless chips/salsa, Fajitas, and Margaritas or iced tea. You will leave full and satisfied every time.
(4)
Allyson R.

I **heart** the Border Cafe. It's always worth the wait, the margaritas are delicious (and never weak) and reasonably priced--and the sangria is pretty darn good too. The food is rediculously wonderful and I would say the chips and salsa are quite good--not sure what other people's complaints are about on other posts. And if you love guacamole, order some. They give you a giant bowl of it; I dare you to try and have enough left by the time your entree comes! The only suggestion I have is to get there before you reach the point of starvation--I've never waited less than 30 minutes. The bar is right there to welcome you, but the floor plan makes it challenging to get to it when it's jammed. Still, the small inconveniences are worth the yummyness (I highly recommend the fajitas--my husband and I share the ones for two and still have leftovers)!
(4)
Amy K.

Border Cafe is my favorite tex Mex restaurant ever!!! It is continuously busy, but the wait is quick and entertaining, whether you're inside at the bar or outside watching local Cambridge-ites or Harvard students stroll along. The food comes out very very quickly, the staff is always friendly, and the drinks, alcoholic and non come in generous portions. I usually walk out of the restaurant way way way too full and smelling like burritos, but I highly recommend this place for a fun, casual and glutonous evening
(4)
Jessica F.

SO overrated. Boring, common food. Lines way too long. Beware cockroaches that skitter across your table and under your feet. Shouldn't even get one star.
(1)
r r.

Nice! After the trainwreck that is NYC Mexican dining, this was a fantastic change of pace. Chile con queso is to die for. Strawberry margaritas are great, though not particularly strong. Chips and salsa are delicious, as are the cheese enchiladas. I had a taste of a friend's empanadas - also delicious. The only drawback was the crowd - we waited about 45 minutes for a table, and since it was pouring down rain, we spent much of it crammed in the small entry area with dozens of other people. We couldn't get to the bar because the crowd around it was about 4 people deep on all sides. It's well worth it, but the uncomfortable wait is the reason it doesn't get 5 stars. :)
(4)
Jane S.

Border Cafe is a well-known Mexican restaurant in the heart of Harvard Square. The service was ok, although our server had to be asked 3 times for our chips (He had brought over salsa but not chips). Fajitas were good, although not amazing. The steak was a little well done, but the chicken was fine. The drinks were good -- but nothing special, just your standard margaritas (or gold, grand gold, etc.). The restaurant is always crowded, with a line out the door and around the corner, so go early and be prepared to wait. Once inside, though, Border Cafe is always a fun place to go with friends.
(3)
Karina L.

When my friends and I are feeling both particularly girly and ravenous at the same time, we opt for Border Cafe. Excellent margarita selection (of excellent potency) with reasonable prices. Gun for the frozen ones. I really can't speak much about the authenticity, nor do I care. Border's menu is extensive, but every dish that I've had here has been top notch. It's cheap for Harvard Square standards. I pay under $15 for a main course every time and every time I leave with a doggy bag of leftovers. Endless chips and salsa. Get a thing of guac if you're feeling extra adventurous. Any quesadilla/enchilada will do. My favorite's the shrimp and crawfish quesadilla. It's filled to the brim with seafood and I loved the Cajun spin on something I usually just get at Taco Bell. Smells terrible like the sea, but I suppose that's as authentically seafood-y it could get? Gets wicked crowded by 6pm, and service can be slow at times because of that.
(4)
Lanya O.

I'm definitely a fan of this place. I love the decor and food. Service is always A+ as well. I really enjoy the Cobb Salad, guacamole as an appetizer, black bean and corn empanadas, chicken bandera, and quesadilla. Can't really go wrong on food. You will have to wait a bit if you go on Thursday-Saturday, as they don't take reservations. My only complaint is their margaritas (on the rocks). They are exceptionally tasty BUT either there's not much liquid (all ice) or they aren't strong. So beware.
(5)
Katie N.

Stopped in for a drink and it was a very fun and inviting atmosphere! Margaritas were good and a great price for only 6 dollars! We were served chips and salsa right away in the bar area and ordered guacamole for only 4 dollars. Definitely enjoyed our time.
(4)
Danielle S.

I've heard friends complain about this place, but I think it's pretty good. They keep the free chips and salsa coming and the quesadilla has never let me down. If you're looking for an authentic experience, this may not be the best option. But if you're just in the mood for a healthy portion of decent Mexican food, this is your joint. Lots of seating, so this is a great place for groups. I've been with 20+ people and they've been able to accommodate us no problem.
(3)
Kelsey C.

This is the place to go for inexpensive, big tex mex and adequate margaritas. Very fast service, so great for lunch. I don't venture onto the cajun side of the menu and have no intent to do so. Deserves 5 stars for executing perfectly what it is- a low key environment to pay not much money for a lot of reasonable food- make sure you bring friends!
(5)
Alyssa B.

I absolutely love this place! It's kind of an issue that I've been to Harvard Sq countless times but only tried 1 restaurant...because I can't pass up an opportunity to go to Border! The drinks are shockingly cheap for Boston - $6 for a large margarita. The food is inexpensive too, but huge portions and very delicious. I love the shrimp & crawfish quesadillas. On my most recent visit I wanted something "light" (kind of an oxymoron when it comes to Mexi food, I know). Basically I knew I'd fill up on the free bottomless chips & salsa so figured something that didn't come with rice & beans would be my best bet. Enter the blackened swordfish tacos - 3 generously stuffed tacos served with a tasty side salad and a half avocado grilled & topped with mango salsa. So good! This dish was one of the pricier items on the menu, and still rang up just under $12 - totallllllly worth it. I can't wait to try these again. All in all I highly recommend this place! Definitely gets busy on a weekend night, but you can just hang out in the bar area and get started on a delicious margarita and some of those delightfully salty/crispy chips with salsa.
(5)
Akhila K.

Border Cafe: one of my favorite favorite places to grab a drink & dinner with friends in Harvard Square! What I love most is the atmosphere. The color, decor and crowd is always lively and colorful. It's a fun and relaxed place and always makes me happy. Their margaritas are awesome and affordable, and quite strong also (and huge!!). Definitely recommend trying those. As for food, it's nothing particularly special for mexican food but I do like the enchiladas. It's more about the atmosphere & the margaritas for me :)
(4)
Lindsey S.

First thing....Parking in that area is horrible!! It took about 25 minutes to find one. We were about 3-4 blocks away. Mind you that night was freezing. 2nd...it's very crowded. Noise level is beyond loud. Felt like my girls and I had to shout across thev table to hear each other speak. 3rd. Ordered chicken pastalitos, wasn't that great to me. Taste was awkward to me. I can make my own and the flavor pops out. Didn't really enjoy my drink. I think it was called hornita. Honestly, if I can't remember than my experience was not memorable besides seeing my high school friends in a long time. Price cheap. Food and drinks are okay.
(3)
Imran G.

There is no frikkin way that: 1) This place is 3.5 stars 2) This place is 3.5 stars with 1117 reviews 3) This place is anything less than 5 stars 6. 1, 2, and 3 add up to 6. So I'll give it 6 stars. Let's hold judgement on authenticity for later. No one knows authentic burritos, Tex-Mex, and Southwestern food better than I do having lived in Arizona for 24 years. Actually, let's not make any judgement at all. I've learned that when you're 3000 miles away from the Mexican border, you should just give up hope. But that doesn't mean you can't get really good food here, its just unique in every sense. Feeling like fajitas? They're awesome, and just like my math, the price-to-portion ratio works out perfectly. Want something a bit more unorthodox? Get the taco salad. Or, you could try to answer one of life's more intriguing questions. For example, why do almost all cultures love meat and potatoes? The Canadians have poutine, the French have steak frites (and no the French and Canadians aren't the same), and the Irish have Guinness stew. If you're lucky enough to have tried a California burrito great, but at Border you can get Carne Asada with fries! I guess you can ask for a tortilla and make your own Cali burrito, or you could fake a French accent and try "Steak frites". The flavors aren't going to blow you away like a fine dining experience, but the food is always tasty, hot, and plentiful. You always get chips to start off with, and the service has always been good for me. Despite the ridiculous amount of space it can get quite packed at peak hours with waits around 30-40 minutes, so plan accordingly.
(5)
Chris J.

I've been coming here for 24 years! The quality of food is high, the prices are low, the margaritas are awesome and any wait for a table is well worth it. I promise you won't be disappointed. Oh and don't forget to get the chips and guac while you sip your drink and chat while the kitchen gets your food!
(5)
Soukaina S.

Border cafe is my favorite when it comes to Mexican food :D
(5)
Sushama K.

One of the best Mexican places ever.. Good vegetarian options too. Empanadas I had for the first time and is was too good. Good quantity too. Worth every penny spent
(4)
Eric D.

I've been three times so far and before going have heard nothing but good things before going. They start you off with delicious, complimentary home-made chips and salsa. All of my servers, Justin, Jose, and Alejandro were very helpful, nice, and hospitable. Of course my gf and I got margaritas each time and we've tried nearly all of them, and they are all spectacular in their own way. The service is great, the servers are all very attentive and seem like they're good at working together. The food portions are generous and delicious. We had the queso dip on our last visit and it was amazing! The entrees are very fresh (they didn't seem like they were sitting in a window waiting to be run to the table) and the food that should be hot on the plate was hot and the food on the plate that should be cold. It still surprises me how some restaurants still can't achieve this. In short, great service, great margaritas, and great food! Thanks a lot!
(5)
Mindy S.

Disclaimer: I only ordered vegetarian food. Idk if that matters. Great atmosphere. Shit food. So nasty. So salty. wtf. Made me feel gross. Good drinks.
(2)
David C.

With fast, friendly service and delicious, affordable food (and drinks, of course) served in a fun, lively environment, what more could you ask for? Authenticity, apparently. I see that word bandied about all over Yelp, but who really gives a shit if the food is "authentic" as long as it tastes good? I think that word is a useless descriptor anyway. Order the blackened catfish fajitas with mango and jalapeno salsa (a recommendation from my lovely waitress), and authenticity will be the last thing on your mind. Margaritas have gone up in price in recent years, but they're still pretty cheap. If you're like me and hate the taste of tequila, order the frozen melon margarita with Cointreau. It's sweet, cold, and refreshing, a perfect counterpoint to the salt and spice that dominate the majority of dishes on the menu.
(4)
Perry C.

My girlfriend and I frequent this place for both its price and delicious food selection. The place is busy all the time, but we've never waited more than 20min without a reservation (often only 10). Our favorites are the pastellitos with salsa Verde, Chimichurri steak also with salsa Verde (this sauce is the bomb), steak and blackened chicken fajitas (you can get half and half). For vegetarians, the corn empanadas are really good too! You can also come late at night. They serve a smaller but still awesome menu. Lastly, the margaritas are a must. We love Border cafe and are going to miss it a lot when we graduate.
(5)
Sarah G.

I've been here way too many times! But that's a good sign, eh? This is my "go to" restaurant whenever I have a friend and I'm not sure where to take them! Definitely five stars because the prices are good and the food is consistently good as well. The only complaint I have is the lemonade-it's like too little lemon & too much sugar. But even bad lemonade won't keep me from this place! Be warned, though-this is a busy place and they do not take reservations. If it's a Friday night and it's just you and one other person, you could easily be waiting an hour or so! It's also extremely loud & smells like smoke. Great restaurant overall-even my friend from Mexico said so!
(5)
Danielle G.

One of my favorite Mexican restaurant experiences. Border Cafe is pretty noisy and decorated just like you would expect. The food was beyond my expectations. Instead of pasty guacamole and refried beans, my enchiladas were served with seasoned black beans and real, chunky(er) guac. Very reasonable prices. Definitely looking forward to going back!
(4)
Aanchal J.

This place is not very vegetarian friendly, so I am not a big fan. Having said that, the limited options they have for vegetarians are not bad. The serving portions are huge, and the leftovers are a good lunch. The chips are quite nice, and seem very fresh. The black bean and corn empanadas are my favorite thing on the menu.
(3)
Joseph B.

I've been here a number of times and generally enjoy the food. The place has a distinctive tex-mexy smell and is relatively bustling most evenings, but calmer in the afternoons. They don't take reservations and will force you to wait for your full party to arrive before seating you, so coming here with a large or unorganized party is a real hassle. I tried this place with a party of 8. Four of us arrived early and 4 more would arrive about 40 minutes later. The early group asked for a table for 8 and were told we'd have to wait for our full party, so we asked for a table for 4 and were told that when the rest of the group showed up they would have to wait for their own table, or we would have to leave our table and wait with them in order to sit with them. Fine, we'll take the table and when the rest of our party arrives we'll pay our bill and wait for a new table with them. We sit down, order drinks and appetizers and when the waitress asked what we wanted for dinner we told her we were going to be moving tables when the rest of our party came. Her response was that she "couldn't deal with this," she cancelled our orders and got the hostess to remove us from the table. Not a great experience. With small parties, the place is fine and the food is solid tex mex. I recommend the fajitas (don't get fajitas for 2, just get 2 separate orders unless you want to pay double for 1 serving) and burros.
(3)
Lynda M.

All the food and drinks we sampled were great. The service was top notch and the prices can't be beat! Our server, Yukino, was the best. Our drinks and chips were kept full, and she was smiling and friendly despite the packed house - we were treated like we were the only people she was taking care of. Excellent experience. We will be back.
(5)
Jason E.

This is why you don't let Yankees review TexMex or Cajun. Chilies is better than this place.
(1)
Matheus D.

Blake was the best server I have ever had the pleasure to meet. He was attentive, fast and curtious. Will only be back if he is working and wait as long as it takes.
(4)
Pam C.

Mexican restaurant tucked away on the edge of Harvard Square. It's quite crowded all of the time, so make sure to make a reservation! They have pretty solid TexMex, especially so close in the square. I really like the enchiladas and carnitas. They have a late night menu for pretty cheap - if you're around on the later side of the night, definitely drop by to check out cheap appetizers!
(4)
Brittany H.

Everyone has that one place where you go in knowing full well you'll come out feeling like vomiting. "I really need to stop going here." Border is that place for me. Chips: Like crack. "Is this our third basket?" Guacamole: Crack, again. Pretty much all the food: "This is way too much." OMG. "Is there cheese in, on and around this entire dish?" Yes. If you think eating even half of it is a bad idea, you are correct. All in all, this place is not a good place to keep coming back to. "Please roll me back to the office." Yet I keep doing it.
(3)
Kate G.

This place. Sigh. I love Border oh so much. I grew up on the South Shore and this was our family's go-to spot if we went into Cambridge. Since moving into the city a few years ago myself, I've been countless times. Their warm tortilla chips and salsa on the house are reason enough to get a seat here. Their margaritas are great, though I go for the frozen strawberry daquiri every time. My friend and I don't need a menu anymore, really. I cycle through either the chicken fajitas, soft tacos, or shrimp & crawfish quesadilla. The shrimp & crawfish quesadilla is the best ratio of seafood to cheese, in that you can actually taste the ingredients you are supposed to -- unlike quesadillas elsewhere where it tastes like cheese with some lumps of mush. It comes with the typical sour cream/pico side and guacamole for a little extra. The only thing that kept this review from being 5 stars is their seating policy. They "can't seat you" -- which really means can't even put you on a waitlist -- until your entire party arrives. I know this is the status quo for many restaurants now, and I understand the logic during peak hours, like on Friday and Saturday nights. However, I've been for lunch on Sundays or dinner on Tuesdays when the tables aren't even half full, three of us waiting on 1 friend who got stuck in traffic. They wouldn't seat us, as empty tables stared us in the face. It's frustrating and I'm not sure the logic behind it when the restaurant's so empty -- we will drink your drinks! You will make money! In any case, besides that logistical hot mess, I love this place. You get a lot of really delicious food for a very reasonable price in a comfortable, bright atmosphere.
(4)
Frederic M.

Well, the thing is, you go to Border Cafe for the Margarita's (ask for an iced Margarita without salt)! They are great! The food is ok, nothing more than that. Great place to come with 4+ groups of people. Did I mention the Margarita's? ;-)
(3)
Pat V.

Omg!!! This place is really good and service is super awesome!! Great food!! Our waiter was super nice and really helpful. The Margs were delicious and appys so tasty.
(5)
Annie D.

As always boarder cafe is a great place for a night out, a meaningful lunch, or even just a place to get out. They not only sell great meals but phnominal coustumer service. Even great for people with allergies and ristrictions. I've been coming here since I was born.
(4)
Paul C.

Tourist hub and be prepared to wait. Pricey food given the lock selection in the area. Good for quick drinks if your in a jam.
(2)
Erika Z.

A great Harvard Square staple! The food is consistently really good - not innovative, but fantastic if you are looking for a big plate of Tex-Mex. This place was a staple when I was much younger, and I was happy to return all of these years later and enjoy a $6 margarita with lunch. The prices in general are very reasonable. I have a food allergy, and the server graciously had the manager come over to walk me through the menu and address dietary concerns. Even for lunch, the place was packed and a bit loud. It is a really fun place to enjoy a casual lunch with friends!
(4)
Ana S.

I really can't say enough good things about Border CafÃ©. It excels at everything it set out to be. Are you going to come here and get locally-sourced, organically-grown, pope-blessed ingredients in every morsel? NO. Is a bartender who looks like he starred in a talkie going to mix you a margarita that costs as much as an entrÃ©e? HELL NO. Are you going to get pretty full and very sloppy on about $20? OH YES. A lot of people complain about the wait at Border CafÃ©. Yes, it's a pain to have to wait up to an hour for a table, especially if you're hungry. But if you have a small group, just mosey on over to the bar and get started on your free and unlimited chips and salsa. Free and unlimited, people! God bless this place.
(5)
Jane M.

We came to border cafe and they told us it would be an hour wait, but we were seated in 40 minutes (great start)! Moments after we put our name in, Alejandra approached us and asked if we would like a drink. She was so attentive and pleasant during the time that we waited for our table! John was our waiter and could not have been more accommodating. This restaurant has the best food and service! I would definitely recommend!
(5)
Dexter H.

We love The Border Cafe! The best chicken enchiladas around! Guacamole is super fresh and the tortilla chips are piping hot! Another favorite is the Chicken Guadalajara, so delicious!
(4)
Ece A.

Amazing place! Great margaritas and appetizers. Beef fajita is the best fajita i have ever eaten.
(5)
John B.

OK so last night my friends and I waited for over 45 for a table. That said once we were the manager comped a few appetizers and our waiter Chris wad amazing. Fat. Friendly. Cute which was a plus and very attentive. I left looking forward to going back. And I love 1.5 hours away
(5)
Steven T.

The three of us visited this place last night for dinner before the Donkey Show in Boston. I had the crawfish and shrimp quesadilla. That turned out to be very good. It was a large size monster which I can always appreciate. My friends enjoyed the blacken chicken and another quesadilla. The margaritas I hear were very delicious. Pros: -Good price and value of product here. The food is decent and good for a try. -Service is ok, but nothing outstanding and amazing. -Located in a popular area and is a good sized establishment. Cons: -Horrible bathroom. I'm glad I visited this after my meal and not before. Just saying. Really? Overall, this place did not WOW me or was anything really special. Its an OK for me because its mediocre. Nothing you can't find anywhere else. I for one absolutely love Mexican food and that's why I gave it a shot. Its ok.
(3)
H S.

Never again. I've been coming to the Border since high school, and have always enjoyed my time there, whether it was for drinks and snacks, or full dinner. You can't beat the prices, and the food has always been hot, fresh and tasty. Never again. Met a colleague there for drinks and snacks last night. Wasn't thrilled with the chips, they tasted over cooked and the fry oil clearly needed to be changed. (This is not a guess, I've been in food service for 15 years, I know what dirty old fry oil tastes like.) Fine, it's early evening, and a snowstorm, I'll let it go. We ordered queso, which is a standard for me at the border. It was runny like I've never seen before. It still had decent flavor, and was warm enough, but was unusually thin. Okay, much like the chips, I'm willing to let this go, because it still tastes "okay" and what I'm really looking forward to is my cajun popcorn shrimp, another favorite. And here's where I sadly realize that I'll never be back: it's freezer burnt. As in, some pieces are white-ish gray. We tell the bartender that we don't want it, and she offers to get us another batch. We decline. She is nice enough, and clearly feels terrible. Have I mentioned that it is immediately visible that the shrimp are off color? She takes the shrimp off the check with a void, which I presume means she had to interact with a manager and explain what happened, yet no one swings by. She returned the freezer burnt shrimp to the kitchen, which means that not only did someone let it go out, but someone saw it come back. Still, no visit. There were two managers on, one of whom we had to ask to move out of the door frame to leave, yet no check in. It's sad to lose one of my favorite spots for a meal, but it's gone. Also, it might be worth noting that their website has no contact information for feedback, which, like the lack of contact from a manager, leads me to believe that they don't care to hear when something is terrible.
(1)
Corey D.

This place is such a staple for us. Honestly you can't go wrong here - hence why it's always a mad house. Even as busy as it is, they are very good at approximating the wait time and I've never had to wait very long. The food is always solid. I've only had like 2 so-so food experience out of the 50 + times I've been there. The managers are excellent - they are usually very visible - checking in on tables to make sure you're enjoying your meal, and helping to expedite service - which is something I like to see. The rest of the staff is usually good, too. They are good about checking in on you, getting your food to you quickly and getting your order correct, regardless of substitutions or special requests. Personally any place that gives you chips and salsa for just sitting down and a soft drink sizes of about a liter (with free refills) has to get a high mark. The food is great and I always recommend Border to people looking for something quick, cheap and delicious in Harvard Square. Keep up the good work! Recommend: Queso Dip Cajun Popcorn Chimichurri Steak Blackened Salmon Caesar Any Quesadilla or Fajita
(4)
Krissy K.

I always enjoy Border. I probably came here for the first time almost 15 years ago. It's often pretty crowded, especially when school is in session. I dropped by on the Fourth of July for a pre-fireworks meal, and we got there just before it started to fill up. I had a melon maragarita, filled up on the warm chips and salsa, and enjoyed a quesadilla with a side of jambalaya. If that sounds like too much food, well...it was. I left more than half of the quesadilla and jambalaya behind, and honestly, I was so full that I felt really sick. Sad. If it weren't so inconvenient, I would have definitely taken home my leftovers to enjoy later. I blame those tasty chips - I could not stop eating them. Through the years, I've tried all kinds of things on the menu and have enjoyed them all. The portions are large, prices are cheap, atmosphere is fun, and service is attentive. All in all, Border Cafe is a great spot for both college kids and those of us who enjoy a lively crowd.
(4)
Maria D.

I am not the biggest fan of Mexican food. However, this is affordable, right in the heart of the Harvard Square area, and it's an easy place to find a seat any day of the week. I really like the ambiance and though some of the food is a bit too spicy, I've made peace with what they offer. I'll probably be back when i can't get a seat somewhere else. Until then... I also like that it is very family friendly, which is less than can be said about all of the other Harvard area restaurants. If it weren't for that, I'd likely have given it two stars. Great wait-staff too!
(3)
Devika G.

Awesome Mexican food. U have been here twice and just love the life here its so busy with constant chatter and laughs. Great for large groups. The servers are very friendly and service is very quick. The food is undoubtedly good. Everything I have orders till date has turned out to be great. I specially liked the eggplant thing not sure what it is doh. The portions are very large as well. Great food great service would love to keep coming again n again
(4)
Jason B.

Despite the inimitable Dan C.'s rampant, blistering love for this place, I can't wave the Border Cafe flag quite as high. However, the Harvard Square location does have a few things to recommend it, and if you go in with the right attitude and approach, you can have a fun time. It probably goes without saying that this is not authentic *any kind* of food. This is bastardized, Am-Mex (not even Tex-Mex, really) food that owes more to the amount of cheese and sour cream used than the specialness of the ingredients or the authenticity of any of the dishes. That said, there's nothing particularly *wrong* with what they make. "Cadillac" fajitas are a reliable, albeit attention-whore-y dish of soft flour tortillas, sizzling chicken and steak on flatirons, and fixins to pile on. Enchiladas are huge and gooey, as is pretty much everything else. It's decent, over-caloric, gut-busting faux-Mex food that will leave you in a coma. The restaurant itself is a big ol' party. Expect a mix of tourists, college students/parents and a few locals. It's a good spot for a large group; they keep a few big tables open. It's a good spot in the summer for a beer in the upstairs bar, which remains relatively cool despite the proximity to the kitchen. You can do better in the Harvard Square area, but you can do worse too. If you're in the mood for it, why not stop in for a taco?
(3)
Robert R.

This place rules. Mistook it for a cheesy Mexican place with fluorescent margaritas and uninspiring burritos. Was I ever wrong. Real standout here is the Cajun food. My word. Got the fried catfish. Came with jambalaya and a piece of some of the most scrumptious cornbread I have ever had. Catfish was incredible-crisp and moist and slathered in some kind of light tangy sauce with prawns. Self-replenishing chips and salsa to boot!
(5)
Ashley B.

I came here for dinner with colleagues while we were in Cambridge for a work conference. We love Mexican food and this really hit the spot for us! I got the swordfish tacos which were blackened with just the right spice. The salsas (pico & mango) were delicious! My coworkers also seemed to really like their dishes (burritos and fajitas) and the margs were so good for the price ($6???). Amazing prices, fresh Mexican (well- Mexican fusion?) and good service.
(4)
Julie L.

I'm so disappointed to have to give this updated review, but I am just appalled at the service that my friends and I received tonight. I understand Border Cafe's policy of not seating the group until everyone shows up. However, they take this to the extreme. We got there at 7pm and asked for a table of 7 but we were still waiting on a few. I told the hostess that one person won't be here for another 45 minutes so we can just get a table for 6 and add the extra person when he's here. The hostess put my name down (I guess for 7?) and gave me a buzzer. At 7:20pm, I checked back to ask about the wait and told her just put us down for 6. The hostess told me to come back in 5 minutes and she will tell me what the wait will be. When I did, she told me that because now that we were a table of 6 (and not 7), she put us in the system again and we have another 25 minute wait. I told her that by the time another 25 minutes comes around, our 7th person would be here, so she said we would then have to come back and ask for a table for 7 when he gets there. WTH?!?! This made no sense and she was very unaccommodating. My friends and I were really frustrated with the way the hostess treated us so we left. Border Cafe was my go-to place in the Square for a casual dinner before but I will definitely not come back for a group dinner.
(1)
Mirta S.

It's not the most authentic Mexican food but it is really good for a quick bite. They are super nice with adapting the orders, chips and salsa are delicious and drinks (including margaritas) are fantastic. We got the blackened chicken and spicy quesadillas - all of the portions were super large and we had a ton of food leftover, particularly after the chips. I would suggest ordering 2 portions for 3 relatively hungry adults.
(4)
Ivy P.

Took forever to get a table. Food was meh, as in Chipotle is better. They don't serve pork or pulled pork or carnitas. Margaritas are weak. But, the chips keep coming and the servers are happy to serve. Also, cheap.
(2)
Kate R.

THE BEST Chimichuri steak! Totally must try! Their french fries is extremely tasty. No idea how they make it but it's the best fries I've tried! Additionally, their blue cheese dressing (do they make it themselves?) is also the best I have ever tried. The atmosphere is cool and relaxed, especially downstairs. Of course, the location is awesome, especially for those who do not drive. Last but not least - PRICE! Ladies and gentlemen.. The amount of food+quality for these prices? Simply amazing! Unless you know better, please message me! So far I think nothing can beat that! I am a regular customer and I hope this place will never shuts down!!!
(5)
Tina P.

Border cafe is always a delight. This time, I ordered a vegetable enchilada. Great meal. Wish I ordered the East Coast Gulf seafood enchilada which is just DIVINE.
(4)
Fancypants X.

I've been here three times. -- the first time because I always used to see couples sitting outside (obviously this was before our lovely winter weather) holding hands over some guacamole. So when bf came into town, I,too, wanted to be that sickening couple holding hands over guac (guac good, chips not so good. Cajun shrimp so-so) -- second time because I know some lushy lush people (again, only had chips/guac) -- third time...not only because I know some lushy-ass people, but because I know some freeloaders, too. Gah, I'm so glad I'm not at that age anymore where someone offering to pay for my meal is the highlight of my week...I don't think I was ever like that... (had a salad w/ chicken & southwestern ingredients...3 stars.) Quintessential college bar/restaurant, but doesn't mean it's any good...just loud & cheap.
(3)
Remi C.

Yes. Yes! YES!!!! Was chillin' in Harvard Square before running a half marathon the next morning and was looking for some good, cheap grub. Holy H.E. Double Hockey sticks did this place fit the bill! I had the Jim Bowie Filet Mignon, and it was seriously some of the best cooked (medium-medium rare) meat I've had in a long a$$ time and at $15 there is absolutely NO reason to complain. Not to mention, I didn't want the fries, so they happily substituted a huge skewer of grilled veggies that definitely complimented the meal. Did I mention the fresh salsa and hot toasty tortilla chips they brought to the table when we sat down...for FREE?! I'm not sure I did...'cause they were awesome. Tasty...yummy...:D :D :D Er...can't remember everything i Had, but we also had an appetizer with shrimp in some cajun brown sauce on a few slices of toast/garlic bread. DELICIOUS! I mean, I was dipping the tortilla chips in the sauce. Gots ta get me onw of those! THERE WAS SOOOOOOO MUCH FOOD for less than $20 I also had enough food for a quick protein punch the next morning. Next time I'm in Boston I'm definitely going to hit this place up, and toss back one of their ginormous margaritas too!
(5)
Adam W.

The food is very consistent, and for a chain is quite tasty. I do enjoy the tex-mex / creole menu, but it just doesn't blow me away. With that said, it is a solid choice, and when I'm in a big group and/or there are picky eaters amoungst us this is one of our go to's.
(3)
Umair K.

Brings back fajita laden memories of college weekends. Border cafe fajitas (and more) were among the best I had anywhere including all over California. Amazing value for money. Great ambience, uber fast service and despite being always crowded, relatively short wait times. The original and still the best college town haunt
(5)
Jim O.

There are over a thousand reviews of Border Cafe, what's the sense of writing yet another? I don't have a good answer.... I'm just driven to express my enthusiasm for this place in the heart of Harvard Square. It is consistently good, the prices are quite reasonable, and I've never left hungry. Went with the catfish fajitas this time, my wife the fish tacos. Both excellent. I would agree that the salsa is ho hum, but the warm chips are addictive. My only kvetch was our margaritas were watery and not very strong. Maybe the drink maker was having an off night. You do need to arrive early for dinner... we were there at 6 and the crowd was building. Lot of families with little kids who can be noisy. Enjoy the food.
(4)
Nick S.

Fantastic food, fantastic service, and fantastic prices. The servers are cheery and quick, the food is tasty, and the whole system is efficient. Free chips, big cups of water, and a cute (albeit cliched) decor makes the whole experience highly pleasant... ...if you can get in. Be prepared for waits of 45+ minutes on weekends, because the awesomeness of this place isn't much of a secret.
(5)
Tess C.

Best Mexican place I've had In Boston! I've been searching DESPERATELY for some good Mexican food since I've come here. And Border CafÃ© is the only one that makes me happy. Their free nachos are pretty amazing. Definitely go check it out!
(4)
Sarah K.

Good for groups. Can be a bit of a wait at busy times. Loud, fun atmosphere. Cheap basic tex-mex. Great home made guac.
(3)
Nick F.

Overall great experience- staff, drinks, and food was awesome. Unlimited tortilla chips and salsa at the tables. I would recommend the fajitas- perfectly spiced and cooked.
(4)
Sali S.

Yes I give this restaurant a 5 star rate coz it never lets me down. Whenever I suggest it to new friends in town I get them impressed by the food. I LOVE their Fajitas all sizzling and yummy. They make great Margaritas as well, I always order the frozen strawberry you should try it there if you have not. The one thing that could throw me off ( but never did) is the lighting downstairs it is a little too red and green I dont know it just feels weird the first time you go there but then you get used to it.
(5)
Kavya S.

Mediocre food, but 4 stars for the chips, guac, salsa, and Margaritas! I think you can find better Mexican food even at Chipotle, but the appetizers and drinks are hard to beat. I recommend getting the Strawberry Margarita on the rocks with sugar--it's fruity, sugary, and completely hides the taste of the alcohol! Pair that with guac and free salsa and chips and you are guaranteed to leave feeling satisfied (although you may feel a little gross when you reflect on the number of calories you have consumed...) The service is a little bit slow because the restaurant is always packed, so expect to have to be patient. That being said, the waiters and waitresses are very courteous, and I will absolutely be back soon for more Strawberry Margaritas (note that margaritas is plural here) and guac!
(4)
Roger M.

Food is great and simple...that's what make the Border Cafe so special. Go and enjoy...fine place to hang out.
(4)
Joe S.

Fantastic blackened fish yum yum and the waitress was very kind to give my wife salmon catering for her herb allergies
(4)
Morris M.

Quote from one of the review: You can't beat the prices. Especially at Harvard Square. I have tried Mexican food here and there in the States. This place is on the top within the New England area. Hot tortilla and red salsa. Place is very big, even during peak hour, you don't need to spend too much time on waiting. Plus, there is coop (Harvard stores) besides it, which would help you kill some time while waiting. I have tried fajita, enchilada, quesadila, and eggplant royal. All of them are excellent to me. The margarita on the rock is not bad. It is a good place to try the Mexican food in American style.
(5)
Christine E.

When I lived in Cambridge, Border Cafe was an ideal place to both drown my sorrows and celebrate victories. You can't beat the margarita prices (I always got the Texas margaritas- it's like a buck more than the House and way better) and the food is positively adequate. I rarely would visit during the school year on a Friday or Saturday night (be prepared for a long wait) but loved visiting during the summertime and weekend afternoons throughout the year (low key, no rushing).
(4)
Maryann N.

Portions are good -- noisy, busy, great place to go with a bunch of friends. Love their fajitas and quesadillas. Their chips and salsa are filling -- just stick to one basket! AND **drumroll** please, MARGARITAS!!!! Strawberry margaritas... yes!
(3)
Amanda M.

Border Cafe is a go to for me and my friends. The chips are always fresh and delicious. The salsa is good but if you don't like spicy then it's not for you. On the opposite end the guacamole is pretty solid but could use a bit more kick. I've had a variety of dishes here that have all been very good. My favorite is the catfish fajitas. The mango salsa they add to it just makes it unbelievable tasty. Margarita here are solid. I've had many different versions and they all been consistently good. You can not taste the tequila though which has proven to be dangerous lol. All in all the restaurant is a good stop in Harvard Sq. The one down size in the long wait and the fact that you can not make reservations.
(4)
Jackie C.

The only good Mexican food I have found in Boston. If you are a Mexican food person, I am from Dallas, you should go here. The staff is very nice. The margaritas are correct and the they actually know how to make basic Mexican food with spices!!! If you are in need for some Mexican food - GO HERE!
(5)
Adam S.

Nice mexican place near Harvard Square. I think I've gotten the Burro every time I go and I've always been happy. I usually go there for lunch, which they are great for. At this time they usually have no trouble accommodating large parties. Evenings can be a little tougher though, and I normally don't bother trying to get a table during the academic year--college kids will fill the place up, especially during weekend nights.
(4)
Salman A.

I went yesterday to Border cafe and I ordered catfish with rice. The fish was totally burned. I could not eat it. The tast was horrible. A very bad experience.
(1)
Daniel F.

I've had great food every time I've gone here. The wait can be very long on busy nights, but I'm guessing that is the trademark of good food. The prices are reasonable for the area. A great place to check out when you're trying to feel smart in Harvard Square. If someone was referencing the Border Cafe and said "What do ya think a them apples?" I'd respond "It's a Mexican place, they don't serve apples, you idiot...." Then I would go a buy a Harvard sweatshirt and catch a movie.
(5)
Joel M.

Definitely a great place for groups or dinner/drinks before a show. Margaritas are solid all around, and the price points for everything are quite fair. If you like super salty chips/salsa with your meal, this is the spot for you...
(4)
Becky F.

A little bit country (the music) and a little bit Tex-Mex (the food) is how I might describe my first experience at the Border Cafe. Went on a Friday night around 6:30 and had about a 20 minute wait before being ushered downstairs to an equally large and vibrantly colored space. For how busy they were, our server was pretty on top of things. The wait for food wasn't too long and was made less painful by the basket of warm chips and mildly spicy salsa. I had the fish tacos which were good (apparently also a crowd favorite, I learned). They had a bit more heat than I would have expected due to the jalapeno peppers inside. The grilled and sort of mesquite avocado on the side was an unexpected little treat. We left around 9ish and the bar area upstairs was even more packed by young to mid 20somethings looking to get their drink on and escape the cold Boston winter. Border Cafe will stay on my list, although maybe not quite at the top, but I am sure I will go back. Seems like a good place for a group gathering or casual happy hour or dinner.
(3)
Dixie D.

Great margaritas! I had the tostado salad with beef and it was delicious. Despite being very busy they had excellent service.
(4)
Alex S.

This place serves some of the best Tex-Mex I've had up north. Nothing actually beats real Tex-Mex back at home but they put in a good effort (silly northerners). One of the best parts about Border Cafe is that the food is simple. Their enchiladas are amazingly cheesy and the fajitas are also pretty decent. They also always start you off with some free warm chips and dip. I always over-load on them and never have any room for my entrÃ©e. The best part? It's so cheap. Compared to most places in Boston, it really doesn't get better than this. That is exactly what tex-mex is. Delicious, simple, and inexpensive. Check out my blog (complete with pictures and childish humor) for the full review! thesuchef.org/2013/10/06â€¦
(4)
Susan L.

Really enjoyed the Route 66 Chop Salad, and it more than made up for my tacos, which I found a bit runny and therefore, soggy. The atmosphere was amazing, though, and everyone seemed to be content with their food and enjoying themselves.
(4)
Brett D.

I'm not in a position to say if this place has authentic Mexican food, all I know is that the food is absolutely delicious. Moreover the service is uncommonly attentive, and every employee I've encountered here has been extremely kind and friendly. Expect new glasses of water before your old ones run out, and they even open the door for you!
(5)
Johnson D.

First time around the harvard square area and I found this place. It looks small from the outside but it is quite large on the inside. There are 2 floors (that I know of) and I sat downstairs. When I sat down, I was given a bowl of chips and salsa- i thought it was nice. The food was pretty good here. I got the fried eggplant with a crab sauce and it was amazing. I only give 4 stars instead of 5 because the service was lacking. My server never checked on me the whole time. I had to call the bus boy to get my server for me.
(4)
Ashish K.

Blackened chicken fingers are the best !!!
(5)
Sahar O.

Food here is fine, but beware of theft. My leather jacket was stolen here and they did not help me at all in terms of trying to find it. I was visiting from out of town so I had my mother go in the next day and try to look for it and they pretended like they had no idea what she was talking about. this type of behavior makes me feel like they had something to hide...
(1)
Lulu W.

I don't know why this one has a relatively higher score from yelp. It is not a very good Tex-Mex from my perspective. I always think myself a Tex-Mex lover. I came from Midwest and there are so many good Tex-Mex there. But not in Boston. The environment is terrible for this one, 1hr's long waiting line plus a super loud music. The food is just okay compared with the relatively low price.
(3)
Georgios C.

Everytime I go here the service is excellent. I've been going to the harvard Border Cafe since I graduated from highschool in 2012 and it IS my favorite restaurant. My food is always great and I've never had a bad experience here. Great prices, homemade chips n salsa, and great selection with nothing undesirable on the menu.
(5)
Casey D.

Walk in, sit down at the bar and BOOM - free salsa and chips immediately. Margaritas are delicious and a great size, definitely worth crushing a few if you're out to have fun. Generally I go here for lunch while I'm at work so Margaritas aren't on the agenda but still the food is delicious and plentiful. The bar is a great place to sit, ample seating but always busy. The two bartenders who are generally serving do a great job of keeping pace with the lunch rush and the staff is very nice. I generally have the 66 Chop Salad, Blackened Grilled Chicken Caesar or Tacos and have never had a bad meal. If you're in the mood for an app I would highly recommend the Popcorn style shrimp, great to share if you're with other people and the sauce they serve it with is delicious. I always appreciate as well that when I leave the manager asks how everything was at the door while someone else opens it to let you out. Consistency is key at restaurants like this and they seem to handle that well.
(4)
Oriana G.

SO much food for the price. A really fun environment but sorta of loud. Its a great place to go with friends and is good for different dietary restrictions and taste preferences.
(4)
Sugar F.

Their food is kinda meh but I love those huge margarita and sangria glasses!
(4)
Gonen M.

This place smells a little heavy. They have okay food and good margaritas. Finding a table could be a problem in the weekends.
(3)
Christina T.

Definitely a college town type of joint. Vibrant and bustling, spacious... and love the free chips and salsa. Grab a couple of margaritas while you wait (and yes, the wait can be 30 min-1 hr). I'm not picky when it comes to my Mexican food, so found everything delicious and satisfying. Great hangout place for friends.
(4)
Vincent M.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! It's inexpensive, the food is FRESH and DELICIOUS! Our waiter was a really nice guy who gave great recommendations. I ordered the craw fish and shrimp quesadilla. It was spicy, tangy, and just terrific- on top of that, it was like $9. You just can't beat this place. Six of us sat down for lunch, each of us ordered an entree or salad (no alcohol- it was 1230pm) and the bill came out to $76. You can't beat that! I will come back to this place over and over again. No doubt about it.
(5)
Eliza C.

I enjoyed this place on my visit las week :)
(4)
H. A.

Take it for what it is. It's not an authentic place, but it's lively, fun, with cheap (but not very alcoholic) margaritas. Bean empanadas are TASTY. Disclaimer: This place WILL be packed to the brim on a weekend night, so expect to put your name down and get a drink while you wait.
(4)
Amanda A.

Walking in, I loved the decor/ambiance. Very eclectic, authentic and enjoyable. We sat downstairs, which doesn't feel like downstairs due to the garage door-like wall where we sat; made us feel like the street was right on the other side. The service was awesome - our waiter, a genuine homegrown Boston-ite, was attentive and provided quick service. We pretty much had a basket of chips for each person at the table, and the salsa and guacamole were pretty good. We I had the Gaucho Chicken for dinner - chicken was juicy and cooked well. The shoestring fries were to die for - very addicting! The grilled avacado was awesome - I need to make that at home. Margaritas were also pretty good - the waiter could have slowed down a bit in an effort to not spill them while trying to distribute but they did their job. All in all I'd definitely go back here next time I'm in Boston!
(4)
Bos G.

The Border Cafe is a local restaurant chain that first opened their doors in Harvard Square in 1987. The Tex-Mex and Cajun menu is very affordable, making it a popular destination for students. The atmosphere is very casual and the portions are quite generous as you can see by my glass of iced tea (below) which is so large you'll definitely need to head to the bathroom at least once. I'll be the first to admit that New England will never be known for their Tex-Mex or Mexican cuisine so I'll defer to food snobs to call me out on my lack of experience, but I've never had a bad meal here. The service is consistently prompt and the waitstaff is knowledgeable - making helpful suggestions. Our (complimentary) corn chips were served warm, our drinks brought over promptly and the food was damn good. On this visit Sergio and I ordered a Chicken Burrito ($8) and Quesadilla w/ a side of homemade guacamole ($9). Both were served as requested and despite the very large portions, nearly finished. I had the quesadilla and had to pull back the tortilla to able to devour all the tasty melted cheese and veggies. I also ordered a side of black beans ($1) because they are so good here and ended up waddling out after I ate too much. While this particular location can be crazy during peak times, it remains a favorite location for quick, easy, cheap eats in Harvard Square and is a place I would recommend for a casual night out.
(3)
Pradeep G.

the server was may be on his first day :) he tried his best to keep us happy...and he did good the first round of margharitas were like drinking through a pitcher of lemon juice...he got it replaced with better ones :) the food was OK...nothing to rave about...the guacamole was also not that great...i have had better table side ones...Chips were nice and fresh...
(3)
Cositas I.

I know Boston isn't known for its Mexican food, but this place is mediocre even for Boston. The atmosphere is fine, but nothing special. Definitely not worth waiting to eat here.
(2)
Kevin C.

Excellent service. Servers are always around for refills, hot sauce, etc. Border Cafe serves huge portions, and starts you off with unlimited, free freshly fried tortilla chips and salsa. The food is good, and you can usually split all of their entrees over two meals. I don't think this is authentic Mexican food, but it is delicious. Same goes for the margaritas, which are made from a mix but are tasty anyway.
(5)
Pamela O.

This is a comfy spot and it isn't bad food for what you are buying, chain restaurant food. Alas, it is very hit or miss. Today we had a miss. I ordered enchiladas and my husband ordered a Mexican burger. Both of our meals were loaded in cheese so thick that we had to peel it off and set it aside. I asked if I could substitute verde sauce for the red sauce and the woman, who didn't seem to quite understand what I was asking if it had cilantro in it. I said yes, cilantro and tomatillo. She said yes, we have that. Well no, they didn't have that. What I received was a thick paste of cilantro that didn't even resemble a sauce. She asked if that was what I wanted and I said no, but that I would eat it anyway. What a waste. My husband's fries were crispy like the fries that come in a can in the chip aisle. Neither of us could eat much of our food and I imagine that it will be a long while before we come here again.
(3)
Kali R.

Margaritas!
(5)
Meredith C.

I went with a group of friends (7 total) at dinnertime on a weekend, and the wait for a table was pretty good. Inside, we were seated in the basement area. The complimentary basket of chips was perfect for a group of hungry college kids, and the only appetizer we ordered was guacamole for the table. I got chicken enchiladas, which were great and filling. The size of my friend's chicken quesadilla was huge--enough for lunch the next day. Our waiter was friendly and funny. The price was more than cheap college kids typically pay, but definitely reasonable and normal for a restaurant. Overall it was a great experience and we all definitely want to go again.
(5)
Giovanni A.

Came here since my sister recommended coming here when she was attending school around here, I would have to say I went to the Bar with my girlfriend ordered a few drinks while waiting for a table and I would have to say I had a great time!! Bartenders were very friendly! I stuck to beer if your wondering but it looks like they have some mix drinks that looks great. I ended up being seated downstairs which is really cool and the plate that I got I know it was burrito with rice and they give you complementary CHIPS!! that are amazingly FRESH! Staff were cool, people around there are cool, I love this place. I used this app for this car service known as "Lyft" I definitely recommend it.
(5)
Trevor S.

Border seemed bustling and awesome when I was in college. A great place to knock back coronas and order up some tacos. Border seems just loud and crummy as an adult. I guess I outgrew it!
(3)
A. Z.

Awesome cajun-mexican style food. Blackened chicken fingers and enchiladas are so good. Chips and salsa come free. 5/5
(5)
Jessica S.

It was really noisy and the steak I had was very dry.
(2)
mike b.

I'm new the area, and I'm glad to have found great mexican (tex mex?) that's not just smothered in cheese. I've been twice so far, trying the swordfish tacos, and the chimichurri steak - both so good; both very reasonably priced. The swordfish tacos come with a full plate of accoutrements - not just the typical generic rice and beans I usually see at mexican restaurants. There was salad! There was GRILLED AVACADO. Everything went very well together, and I feel like I ate very well. I don't like to repeat orders, but I'll definitely get those things again. The jambalaya (available as a side) is also a must-order. Finally, they give you fresh (hot out of the fryer) chips and salsa while you wait! The food consistently takes a while, but the chips help disguise that (they have a lot of tables to cook for!), and the waitstaff is very attentive and nice. All of them. Without exception.
(4)
Samantha S.

I love this place! The atmosphere is so fun and the food is incredible. I have been craving it since I left. Very reasonably price and a great variety.
(5)
Anurag M.

Good ambience, great service and excellent food. The kids enjoyed it as well. The music was loud but fun. The chips came hot from the oven. We tried the quesidilla, the soft tacos, etc. The food quality was good.
(5)
Jim C.

I will keep it short. I am a vegetarian and there was beef in my veggie tostada. Moreover the restaurant handled the issue very poorly. Never going back ever.
(1)
Felix T.

Just ate there last night. It's the second time in recent months that a friend has had food poisoning. This should serve as a warning to other customers AND the management. To make matters worse, another in our party did not get his food for an extra 45 minutes after everyone else. The waiter offered no apology or other communication. Seems like resting on their laurels. I'd be worried about a health department visit...
(1)
Brendan M.

As a disclaimer, I have not eaten here. This is a review on the Margaritas and bar service. Friends got 2 strawberry margaritas. I got a house margarita. They carded us, yet there was no alcohol in the margaritas. Not even by swishing it around in my mouth could I taste the slightest hint of tequila. When we voiced our concerns that we may have been given virgin margaritas, the bartender became uppity and defensive. He told us that if we had purchased a more expensive margarita, then we could taste the alcohol. This seemed suspicious to me, since unless they are watering down the well-tequila...how could this be possible? A house margarita using less-expensive tequila should be more noticeable. More expensive tequila is smoother and more subtle. avoid at all costs. I wouldn't give them another dime of mine.
(1)
Asher M.

Decent Mexican food for this part of the country, but slightly disappointing. The entire meal was a reasonable approximation of Tex-Mex and Cajun styles that they are attempting to emulate, but it leaves a lot to be desired. The acoustics were terrible, and it was very crowded, making it incredibly hard to hear anything, which was annoying.
(3)
Jose S.

The funny thing about Border Cafe is that it's not a Book store nor a coffee place. It's crossing the border to Mexico and coffee in Mexico is MaRgArItA!!! My review is based on numerous visits since 2005. Huge, salty, delicious margaritas and large amounts of food for great price. The Fajitas for 2, all burritos, everything really is good. Fast and friendly service, sometimes you'll have to wait if in rush hour, but I haven't waited for more than 30 min. (bar is always a good waiting spot). My favorite place to eat around Harvard. Sq. Great time here with my ex-roomates. wish I could go back more often.. now stuck in Miami.
(4)
Rebecca R.

Super good mexican/cajun combination. I only drop them down to 4 stars because they took my favorite dish in Boston off the menu: Fried plantains and the Chicken Bandera. But they still have the Chicken Bandera and it is AMAZING! (a bit spicy, though). The vibe on Friday / Saturday nice is awesome for having a good time and they have EXCELLENT margaritas!!! Atmosphere is much quieter in the afternoons. WARNING: chips can get salty sometimes.
(4)
Christine J.

very average, mediocre mexican food. if this is your pick for best mexican, you haven't had real mexican at all. don't know what the hype is all about, go get some real mexican food!
(3)
Britney S.

I really love the food here, however I find it very disappointing that they will not take reservations. I understand on a Friday or Saturday night not to, but I called to make a reservation for a graduation party for my daughter on a Sunday afternoon. They said No, even though I was willing to put a credit card down and a deposit. I gladly took my business elsewhere.
(3)
Stefanie G.

Why yes, I would like affordable, delicious, grilled, fresh, and tasty American-Mexican cuisine!!! This place is the tits! First, the waitress comes around with a hefty container of corn chips and salsa. Order some creamy guacamole for added flavor. I have drooled over the steak and chimichurri dish before, but this time I decided to stick with a regular Steak n Blue Cheese Salad. I actually ordered it without cheese and substituted the meat for grilled chicken strips. The herb vinaigrette was fabulous and the mushrooms added a crunchy texture. Loved it! This is the perfect place to drink with a big group, go on a date, or just meet up with a friend. The ambiance and staff are very friendly. The margaritas aren't too bad either! Just be prepared to yell at the person next to you, especially if you are sitting in the upstairs section.
(5)
Vanessa L.

I've been here with my family several times, and I've enjoyed the restaurant more with each visit. They offer a fairly wide variety of Mexican and Cajun food, and endless baskets of chips! I would definitely try their frozen sangria and guacamole as an appetizer.
(4)
Melissa K.

I would have given this 5 stars about 15 years ago. One cause I didn't have a lot of other culinary knowledge, and two since the Corn and Black Bean Empanadas used to be amazing, back when someone actually assembled it in the kitchen after you ordered it. They changed them up a few years ago and they are now pre-assembled, learned this when I tried to customize them during one of my vegan stretches. You cannot go wrong here though since the food is good and is very affordable. The rise in costs has been very slow over the years and is still a good deal. The vegetarian options are all good, though since the Empanadas have gone down hill I usually go with the Fried Eggplant. The dish is great, can't go wrong with fried anything, and the sauce that comes with it is delicious, I usually get a side of their yummy thin crispy fries (only $1.50) and dip them in it. The vegetable jambalaya is also good especially since it comes with a biscuit. It says something that every once in awhile I will still go here even with all the other options to dine in Harvard. The service is dependable, the food comes out super quick (part of the benefit of pre-assembled food) it is a bargain, and you get crazy full on free chips and salsa. Do yourself a favor and turn down the waitress when she offers to refill!
(3)
John G.

This isn't haute cuisine, but it has no aspirations to be. It's sufficiently tasty, the portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the lines outside are evidence enough. Best balance of value and taste in Harvard Square. Go on a weekday. Get fajitas. Yum.
(4)
Anna C.

Rice and beans just don't make it very high on my must-eat list, so places like this have a hard time impressing me. But everything we ordered was actually pretty good considering I'm not a huge fan of the this type of cuisine in general. We had the catfish fajitas and some margaritas -- it's always good when your food and drink rhymes. Complimentary chips and salsa were pretty good too -- we probably had at least 2 baskets each (they kept refilling it, and the fatty in me just can't stop!). My favorite thing about this place though: it smells like smoky, smoky goodness!
(3)
Jeffrey W.

No more food at bar. This is ridiculous. Don't go there. But drinks and food are good but the new policy SUCKS
(1)
Heidi L.

This is getting 4 stars for being what it is -- a standby for cheap sitdown food (aka great for groups) and late night drinks. Don't expect classy margaritas or mindblowing food (you should know, by the way, that the massive quesadilla gets you the most bang for your buck), but do anticipate the warm chips and salsa!
(4)
Kevin L.

Great text mix food I recommend the beef borro and the quseo dip this is a really good place drinks are awesome also I recommend this place
(5)
Jamie G.

Bar tender and waiter were helpful and good looking. Great atmosphere, price, and tasty cooking! Shrimp and crawfish quesadilla was a great pick for me. Have the traditional margarita- just 1 and you're tipsy!
(5)
Cathy Z.

So I've run the numbers, and I've been to Border more than any other restaurant, anywhere. The food is cheap and consistent, the menu is varied, the warm complimentary chips must be laced with crack, the outdoor seating is limited but great for people-watching, and they make the most GLORIOUS fries--thinner than a shoestring, crispy, and salty, but with the slightest sliver of a fluffy inside. So why only three stars? Also probably the rudest employees I've encountered, anywhere. I don't know whether these guys have carpal tunnel from the monstrously large sodas and margaritas they're constantly refilling, or hearing problems from the twangy country soundtrack, or shallow pockets from barhopping college students' skimpy tips, or what. But don't expect any interaction with them to be pleasant: the host may unceremoniously throw your menus down on the table, the waiter may visibly roll his eyes when you say you may need a few more minutes to finish your meal, the hostess might say "I don't know." and then stalk off when you ask how long a wait there is (and this isn't even during their busy hours--expect a line for dinner). This place is probably managed so badly. But you can't blame them, really, because I will keep coming back for those sizzling fajitas and goopy burros until I can wean myself off of those salty, salty chips.
(3)
Mel C.

The food tastes like a Tex Mex version of TGI Fridays or Applebees to me (salty, buttery, greasy, but somehow the food is still bland and the meat is tough), but the margaritas here are worth it. The free chips and salsa are good. (Hey! Just like at Chevys!)
(3)
Erin B.

They get four stars for warm chips and delicious margaritas that are not over priced! The food is totally average, definitely nothing to write home about but it is flavorful, affordable, and there is plenty of seating. Great place for dinner and drinks with friends.
(4)
Gabrielle A.

This is my favorite restaurant in Harvard Square, (not that I've been to THAT many) and simply what I look forward to when visiting friends in the Boston area. These are the BEST chips I've had, and I love watching them being freshly made. The salsa is good, not the BEST salsa I've had but the incredible chips make up for whatever it's lacking. A recommendation to also order with those amazing free dip? ; CHILE CON QUESO. It's literally delicious and addicting. I can't enter Border Cafe without ordering it. Another must-have is the Camptown Shrimp appetizer from the Cajun section. The sauce is to die for, the shrimp is cooked perfectly, and the french bread is excellent. My favorite entree thus far are the fajitas, half and half with steak and blackened chicken (although regular chicken is delicious too). We got the seafood enchiladas, and they were tasty but a little too heavy and bland for me. They needed some hot sauce or something to kick it up a notch. There is a location of Border Cafe near me in New Jersey and I can not wait to go again closer to home!
(5)
Carl G.

Solid Mexican fare. The side of black beans that came with my meal was actually the most memorable part. They were flavored nicely and were actually beans! Not the refried gray-brown mush from a can.
(4)
Joe T.

Delicious vegetarian burritos and veggie fajitas! :-) I loved that we got a vegetarian waiter! Great, huge, affordable margaritas. Cool decorations on the walls. Cool, weird-colored lighting. Feels like a party.
(3)
Jess M.

The biggest problem with Border cafe is that their chips are so f*ing good that by the time you get your meal, you are full. But then realize you don't want to miss out on those fajitas that looked so good sizzling at the table next to yours 15 minutes earlier when you weren't full, so you eat some. Then you feel super sick. Then, your waiter gets busy and it takes 20 minutes to get your check and you feel sick...So you swear you'll never go back. Til you get a craving for their chips.
(4)
Michelle C.

WTF ...they stopped doing takeout.....what restaurant doesn't do takeout?! I'll only take away one star cause I still love it so....but damn, that annoys me.
(4)
Colleen H.

So, I'll be honset. I don't really know what the difference between (American) Mexican and TexMex. The good news is, I like margaritas. And anywhere that serves me decent chips and salsa and a cheap margarita is a-okay in my book. The portions are huge (maybe that's the Tex part) and you get exactly what you expect. No frills here kids. You're going to get a mixed crowd, some families, some college kids and the young professionals. It's a pretty buzzing atmosphere, not the best bar to stand around - but sitting is just fine.
(3)
Lola A.

Let's be honest. If you come here, it's not for a gourmet meal. It's for a cheap meal of gargantuan proportions that will fill you up and leave you satisfied for the rest of the evening. The food comes out pretty quickly and it's good. If you're looking for the real deal, remember it's Tex-Mex food in Massachusetts. Do with that information what you will.
(3)
Harish R.

Ambience is good. Tried the below menu items. Louisiana Gumbo - 4/5 Tejas Chicken - 2.5/5 Blackened Chicken - 5/5 Blackened Catfish - 5/5 Chicken Guadalajara - 3.5/5 Corn and Black Bean Empanadas - 3.5/5 All margaritas on the menu are good.
(4)
Brittany L.

Border Cafe is WONDERFUL! My Husband and I are new Bostonians and we eat there often. The chips are fresh (not out of a bag) and are endless with really yummy salsa. The enchiladas were AMAZING, like seriously some of the best I have ever had. The chicken was seasoned perfectly, with lots of red sauce and cheese on top. To echo what others have said-the black beans and rice are so delicious. The simply side dish is authentic, and real beans (not canned) mixed with spices and red peppers. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is great. They have decorated it so much that it is maybe even slightly over decorated. It feels very festive and vibrant and all types of people are eating there: yuppy types, grungy college students, families with kids, everyone. Plus, I must admit that there are few things as classy as the bartenders in bowties. The best part about the entire place is that my husband and I can have dinner there, be full to bursting by the end of it and still walk out only spending $15 total for the both of us, tax and tip included. Considering it is so near Harvard, that is an unbelievable deal for really good food. It is salty hot, spiceful, and delicious. I highly recommend it!
(4)
a f.

Good cheap food and drinks! fun lively atmosphere. not a destination for a romantic date night by any means, but a great casual spot to go with friends. decent for moderate sized groups too. I dont think they ever take reservations, so just be aware of that. Also - the college kids flock here. Cheap and not 21+. You know. Tourists abound as well. You will smell like a fajita when you leave. Don't wear nice clothes, especially a dry clean only winter coat - seriously the smell sticks to you. You can smell this place before you turn the corner and see it. But it's worth the trip!
(4)
jun k.

Wow. So, Came here in a group of 5 around 10pm on a Thurs night. Place was not full, there were at least 4 tables open. The hostess had so much attitude. "Are you guys here for food or just drinks? If it's just drinks you have to go to the bar. It's our policy." "What? really?" "It's our policy.. you can talk to the manager if you have problems with it." "Okay fine, we'll order food. Are appetizers okay?" "No, it has to be food items." "Okay fine." "How much food are you going to order? It has to be one per person. Sorry, it's our policy." Are you serious? Okay, i get that it's policy, but did you need to be so rude? Also, it's not like you're super packed - there were so many empty tables. And what are you, the food nazi? I've come here before with a friend and split 1 quesadilla b/c we weren't hungry. Border, I'll still go to get my chips fix if i need to, but please, you're not THAT great. I do not need the attitude. We ended up going to Uno's and it was PHENOMENALLY better. yelp.com/biz/uno-chicagoâ€¦
(2)
Ariel Z.

Pretty descent. Nice twist on Mexican food. Their margaritas are famous for a reason. I had like 3 of their Gold Label ones. Hoppin' crowd on a weekend, so come early if you can!
(4)
Daphnee D.

Yummy, inexpensive delishesness. Parking on street or near by garage. Highly overpriced garage if you ask me. The chips were just right, minus the fact that a good portion of the chips were stuck together which made it inconvenient and difficult to eat. I ordered the chicken enchilada with jambalaya, but didn't get jambalaya just plain rice, and my friend ordered the fish tacos. Large portions, we were both satiated. AND we recommend the hornito to drink. Go for it! Border cafe you get al B+
(4)
Duncan P.

Food is awesome, 'ritas are salty and cheap, free chips n salsa. Almost always packed at night, check it out late afternoon! Even when it's packed though the turnover is lightning fast and your food always comes out sprinting to your table and your mouth. Soft 'cos are on point, burgers are dank with a mountain of skinny fries, 'ritos and 'dillas are money. Just a heads up, the shrimp & crawfish quesadilla is like 70% butter, it tastes delicious but might stop your heart.
(5)
Eugene M.

I cried tears of joy the first time I tasted Border Cafe. The food is delicious, especially anything involving blackened chicken and guacamole. Chips are made in house and are hot and fresh out of the fryer, salty and delicious. Popcorn shrimp was a great appetizer, and the margaritas on the rocks are fantastic. For an entree I get fajitas every time and they never disappoint, sizzling hot and incredibly tasty. I love this place and am excited to go back.
(5)
Amy G.

This is one of my favorite hang-out places at Harvard Square. The food is incredibly cheap and they give out amazingly large portions -- perfect for any college student. My favorite dish here is the pulled beef quesadilla and many of my friends have said that this is the best quesadilla they've ever had in their lives. It's soooo amazingly delicious and I can say this holds true for many other dishes offered on the menu. The fact that they give out free chips and salsa (and continue to enthusiastically refill) is also amazing. It's a true bang for your buck and you never really have to order appetizers. The salsa is also really good and the crispy hot chips also go amazingly well with the guac they serve. The drinks are also given in HUGE glasses which is also a perk. Lastly the service is awesome. If there was one thing I didn't like about the restaurant, I'd say it's the general loudness. That part is pretty annoying but this is otherwise a great place to chill and hang out with friends.
(5)
Robert A.

Unremarkable tex-mex food. Acceptable service.
(2)
Joseph F.

It should be known that I'm from California, the birthplace of Mexican food. In any other city, Border Cafe would deserve two, maybe three stars. But this is Cambridge. Land of crappy Asian food and even crappier Mexican food. If you ever find yourself craving a burrito, where are you going to go, Boloco? Please. Chances are, you go to Border Cafe because it's the only decent option for Mexican food in the area. It's no diamond in the rough, but it certainly does the trick. My favorite dishes are the wet burrito, the DIY fajitas, and the enchiladas (especially with the tasty jambalaya on the side). The chips and salsa that kick off the meal are especially tasty (and those servers keep those baskets refilled continuously - another plus). However, those chips are even more divine with an order (or five) of guac, so definitely don't miss out on that. Everything else on the menu is just meh (especially the tacos, salad, and meat entrees). Plus, their margaritas are weak, the place is always insanely busy, and I always leave the restaurant smelling like beans. (Note: This is definitely not a date place).
(4)
Rouzhna N.

As a Texan, I was VERY suspicious of trying Tex-Mex outside of Texas. This place, for a place outside Texas, is the real deal. I really enjoyed my fish tacos, especially the mangos in them. The chili con queso is also very good. I might not have given this place such high ratings if they were in Texas, but for an outside of Texas Tex-Mex spot this place is not too bad. (plus, anywhere you can get margs is a good place...right?!)
(3)
Nina P.

I love this place. The margaritas are perfect. I just wish the food was a bit more consistent. Sometimes it's great and sometimes it's just ok.
(4)
L. S.

Food: Very yummy, decent size, really good chips and salsa (free refills) Drinks: You can't beat a $6 margarita, and $8 for a really good upgrade. Price: College friendly Parking: As bad as it gets, unless you want to pay $20 something to park in the parking lot across the st. There is some parking on the street but it will take some time to drive around and find a decent spot. There is always good old public transportation which is not the most reliable way to get around but hey worth it just to spare you the outrageous parking rates and enjoy a couple of more delish margaritas at this establishment. Enjoy!
(4)
Will V.

I started eating here occasionally several months ago, and now am a serious regular. The chips are made in house and are hot and fresh and fantastic. The food is great and the margaritas are great. Here's what's truly excellent about this place - They're a college restaurant (with lots of margarita time), but they're in a high dollar area. The prices are excellent if you're a college student & you can get generous helpings of great food for under $7 a plate - or have grilled steak and shrimp fajitas for like $12. They bring your food out VERY fast, but absolutely don't mind if you stick around. It's all around great and the servers are excellent. I have to throw in some serious praise for a server named "Manish" (spelling?), I've had just about everyone in the joint, but he was super-excellent!!
(5)
Olivia B.

Oh, my X. When will this effing place go out of business? This place is deeply, unbelievably, confused (and not in a good way) as far as actual food that they serve goes.Their definition of "blackened" is to just burn the hell out of whatever protein they're serving...And "blackened" ISN'T a Mexican food prep, it's Cajun. (EDIT: somebody added "Cajun" to their description subsequent to this review being posted.) When every review focuses in on the cost, whether or not you agree with my assessment of their plates, you've got to at least admit there *might* be an issue with what actually goes for a meal at this g*dforesaken hole. Save yourself the trouble of wait times and college kids. Go someplace that sources their food someplace other than Sysco. Hell, buy a Taco Bell Taco kit and a pound of ground beef from Johnnys. You'd be better off.
(1)
Frosty G.

Has been good in past visits. Went there today. Walked up to hostess station & there was no greeting & no offer to seat. I was just ignored & they just walked off. Don't understand it. Management better get a handle on this!
(1)
Elena H.

This place is great: unlimited chips and salsa. Order the guac to go with it. Portions are huge and are around $10 Staff is nice Come here wearing loose-fitting clothes, you will eat a lot!
(4)
Simone U.

Our waiter was spot on with everything... He was very attentive to all of our needs... He was very knowledgable about the menu, ingredients, and flavors... Our food was absolutely delicious! Tortilla chips were served piping hot with fresh salsa... As soon as we neared the bottom of the bowl, we had another bowl brought without having to ask! Same with our beverages... We had burgers for our entrees, and they were flat out delicious... Cooked perfectly to order...
(5)
Anna K.

Great margs, good food, cheap prices. They won't seat you until your whole party gets there.
(4)
Nicole F.

I ended up here on a Friday night with my brother and two friends as we wandered around Harvard Square looking for a place to eat since our usual spot was way too crowded. We got there around 6 PM and were seated right away. I was a bit nervous since I like to see the menu before I eat anywhere, but I like Mexican food so I thought it was worth a try. My brother, on the other hand, hates Mexican food but agreed to go here since we were running out of time. I was very surprised by the menu...what a random mix. I ended up ordering a quesadilla because I'm not really adventurous when it comes to food. My brother got some sort of fish, and one of our friends got a burger. I don't remember what the other one got. My quesadilla was ok...messy and a bit too greasy, but nothing terrible about it. I wish I could remember exactly what my brother ordered because he loved it! It looked pretty good to me, too. The warm tortilla chips and salsa were good, but not as good as my usual Mexican food place at home. The service here was excellent. Our waitress was super friendly and attentive and got our order correct (which should be standard but sadly it's not). As far as the atmosphere...it's decorated with a Mexican theme and there's plenty to look at on the walls. It didn't seem like a family restaurant to me, but we were surrounded by tables of families with young kids who happened to be very loud and ill-behaved. Overall, the restaurant was pretty loud, to the point where I had trouble hearing the conversation we were trying to have. As we were leaving, there was a line out the door of people waiting for tables so we must have come at just the right time. Overall impression: Okay, but I probably wouldn't go back for a while. Pros: lots of variety in the menu, quick, fairly cheap, great service Cons: mediocre food, loud, crowded
(3)
Madhura S.

Pretty good place for some neat tex-mex. Love their guacamole and blackened chicken fajitas. Hot chips and salsa as soon as you sit and they are replenished almost even before you are done. Good service, reasonably priced. One star off for the looonnnggg waiting times!
(4)
Joshua R.

Classic tex-mex food with good margaritas and great service, it's hard to go wrong here. I do have fairly high standards when it comes to tex-mex, thus the 4 star rating vs. 5, but I have always enjoyed my meals here.
(4)
Zhichun Y.

I will say food here is okay, since I am a fan of seafood, so I ordered shrimp, however it comes as very little shrimp and taste dry. However, since the price is ok, and the food are all in large portion, I rate it as three stars.
(3)
Amy H.

My mother and I stumbled upon this place accidentally. What a great find! The food was fantastic and really nicely priced. I thought the sangria was excellent. There was a good selection of non-guilt-inducing foods, in addition to all the delicious cheesy stuff you usually get at a Mexican place. I loved the Cajun influence! Maybe my only concern would be that it seemed like a college crowd. We were there on a Monday night, but I imagine the weekends get crowded and a little louder.
(5)
Greg R.

One of my favorite places to be on the planet. Often very noisy and crowded, but that's just testimony to how well-loved the place is. Great food, great drinks every time I have been there...and that's a lot. Excellent service 98% of the time, as well, despite the crowds. Even better, a year or so ago, they changed their margarita mix to something they called "more fresh," which my wife and I both hated so much we could not go back because it ruined the drinks for us. After a while, though, we went again and found they had listened to their customers and changed back. Thank God. Have to love any business that puts their customers' preferences first. My personal favorite is the Gulf Coast Seafood Enchiladas, which pairs with a Gold Margarita the way a fine white wine pairs with salmon at Legals. Absolutely perfect. Getting back to the crowds, for your first visit, I recommend you try a quieter time, like a Monday or Tuesday night. Friday and Saturday afternoons and nights are almost always jammed during the school year and holidays, so if that's when you go, just do so expecting to wait 15 minutes or so to get in. As long as you are expecting it, it's a small price to pay for such a great place.
(5)
Ned K.

Talk about "meat and cheese sweats" (or fish and cheese sweats). Shrimp and crawfish quesadilla is insane, all of their salads are great. Honestly, everything is awesome. It's key to start with their guac as well as one of their margaritas to get things going. The atmosphere is very lively as well. Definitely recommend for a fun date or a night out with a group before hitting the town.
(4)
Julianna C.

Service was good - cheerful and attentive. Atmosphere was lively. The food was ok. Heavily heavily heavily salted....which always makes me a bit nervous. Why add so much salt??? My first thoughts were that the food is either not fresh and therefore needs salt to cover it's "age" or that the kitchen doesn't know how to properly season foods so just takes the easy way out of dumping a ton of salt in. In the end, I was just happy to see my friend. Wouldn't go back to this place tho. Nothing too special - reminded me of chain restaurants like Chevys or on the border.
(2)
Chelz A.

This is my favorite place HANDS down. Great service, HUGE glasses of soda with free refills!, great chips and salsa when you sit, great Tex-mex food (don't go in with false expectations that this is real Mexican food), seats large groups, lots of seating, CHEAP ($10-15 max), and has a really fun ambiance. Best dishes: Fish tacos, fajitas (get the beef/chicken combo), Mesquite Salmon Salad (get it blackened), Chicken Bandera, Seafood Quesodillas, and you MUST get a side of their cornbread! It will blow your mind. The jambalaya is really great too for a side. I like that they have menu items that are healthy, like the Mesquite Salmon Salad and the Tostata Grande (ask w/o dressing or sour cream), yet still SO delicious If you are in Harvard Sq- you MUST stop here for lunch or dinner!
(5)
Eliska A.

The manager is so rude that I would never come back!! The guy almost threw us out even before we finish our dinner
(1)
Lisa R.

This is my got to spot when getting out from a long shift at the hospital. Great margaritas,chips n salsa and open late...what's not to love. When in Harvard Sq make sure you stop by,you won't regret it ;)
(4)
Allison M.

Shocked to see any negative reviews about this place. Sure, you may have to wait a bit for a seat and it may be loud given that it's a great place for people to take their families, but there is no better place for Tex-Mex and Cajun food. I often stick with the simple chicken fajitas. Fajitas-for-one has always been enough for two. They have consistently been prepared very quickly regardless of the wait, and the endless chips and salsa that are provided in the meantime are fantastic. The waitstaff has always been great and the cost--very reasonable. And as a last side note: the iced tea is delicious! This is my favorite restaurant for several reasons. Given the chance, definitely stop by!
(5)
R S.

Great tex-mex, big portions, cheap good margaritas. It's a good spot in it's own way. Back to basics - no Harvard Sq. BS.
(4)
Lauren S.

Is it authentic? When you're a starving student who wants to go and eat something other than the same thing you've been eating since you cooked it in bulk 5 days ago, who cares! Border Cafe serves pretty decent portions--They're huge with a lot of flavor. 1) service is FAST 2) they serve warm chips. I don't know if they're actually fresh, but they taste fresh, and you can eat as many as you want. 3) the margs are good and the bartenders are nice! 4) cheese. there's lots of cheese on most of the food. And the cajun blackened-whatevers are good. I haven't found anything I particularly dislike on the menu, but I don't branch out much. I am a little picky about my beef when I'm out, so I guess I veer toward chicken and fish, and I don't remember any regrets. Not crazy about the jambalaya side. There are a LOT of tables, but since they seat me and give me my food so quickly, I really don't have a problem with that. Try it out! It's not pricy, so you won't be out much by giving it one shot!
(4)
Taylor J.

So I've never been to New Orleans or Louisiana, for that matter, but I have worked as a server for many years in many different restaurants. So when I tried the Etouffee, I was super surprised at how good it taste. It was the best Etouffee north of Maryland! Which might not be saying much but in addtion to great cajun food and Tex Mex, the place has a great atmosphere. HUGE DRINKS! Prefect for groups. And a Harvard Square gem.
(5)
Nashrah R.

PROS: --cheap --cheery and colorful inside --nearby parking CONS --mediocre food (I've been there many time but nothing has stood out) --overrated margaritas (my mind was not blown) --long wait line
(3)
Levian L.

Best Mexican food I had around Boston and Cambridge area. The chips and salsa are the best one I had by far, try the queso and guac, they were unbelievable. I ordered the blacked chicken quesadilla, chicken was very moist and full of flavor, just sooooo good.
(4)
Sarah S.

I was browsing my old reviews and can't believe I had the audacity to only give Border only 3 stars! Maybe it's that I'm not a student anymore and going Border plays the nostalgia card big time, but for what it is you can't beat it. Cheap, plentiful, tasty and FUN. If you're in a bad mood, come to border. I get the black bean taco salad every time. Costs $7, is filling, tasty and not even that bad for you if you don't eat the sour cream and all the dressing. (But you will). The margaritas are also awesome. The wait can be long but it's never more than 45 minutes even at its worst, although if you're going with a big group they refuse to sit you until everyone is there, which can be annoying. For a good time, go to Border!
(5)
Christina C.

The portions here are ridiculously large. Cheap, hearty food. Quality--eh, but you don't come here for that. Though the place is huge, I've had to wait a while in the past. They have a rule where you can't be seated unless everyone in your party is there. The nachos at the table can fill you up if you aren't careful, especially when the wait for entrees is long. I don't get appetizers here because the entrees are so big. Entrees I frequently order include the crawfish ettouffee, tostada grande salad, and the enchiladas. The seafood isn't that great but sometimes you just want something simple and hot. The salad is awesome as it comes in a tortilla shell and has a nice texture. You can't go wrong with enchiladas. One caveat is the blackened catfish. You feel unhealthy eating so much charred food, and it's oversalted. Drinks are just as huge as the dishes. I've always gone with a margarita (strawberry) or mojito.
(3)
Lauren E.

I've been a faithful fan of Border Cafe for the past couple of years. Such a fan, that I have given this place 5 stars on two separate occasions. So it upsets me that I have to write this review, but I felt the service we had tonight was inexcusable. My bf and I went here for an early evening dinner (before the Super Bowl started), and the place was nearly empty. Even though no one was there, we felt rushed tonight. Our server was Samantha H. (according to the name on the receipt). After she got us our drinks, she asked us if we were ready to order. I said we needed a couple of more minutes. When she came back, instead of asking us if we were ready, Samantha seemed rushed and asked us, "So what would you like?" I didn't think much of it then, because we were ready to order. Later after I finished my enchiladas, there were tomatoes and lettuce leftover on the plate. I don't like tomatoes, so I pushed aside my plate to my bf (who was sitting perpendicular to me) because he wanted to finish the veggies. As he was picking on it, she came by and just grabbed the dish and left quickly without asking if we were done. What happened to asking if you're all set with your dinner??? Even if it appears someone is done, I thought it was common courtesy to ask. Guess not. I'm all for fast service, but something about tonight we felt rushed. I would've been slightly more forgiving if it was a busy night, but the place was so empty. I also had another separate incident at Border Cafe where our server forgot about us and no one came to our table for a good 10-15 minutes to take our order. What happened to Border Cafe's service? I've had better experiences. I don't know if I'll be going here as often as I have in the past.
(2)
Ashley D.

*The Yelp 100 Challenge I must say i do love 'getting away' from the standard tex-mex and mexican food of Boston by visiting this little gem in Cambridge. I first visited the Cambridge location in 2009 on a first date, it was a Friday evening and a little loud when we went in as to be expected on a weekend. We got a table no problem, and the wait staff overall was very nice. Granted at the time I was a picky eater the wait staff made some great recommendations and was patient with the fact it took me a bit longer than usual to order. We started off with drinks, chips, salsa, and guac. I had a quesadilla which was great! Not as greasy as I thought it would be or have had in the past, everything was very delish! Overall I try to visit this location as much as possible when Im in town although sometimes due to my rare trips to Harvard Square I sometimes forget this great spot! I would definitely recommend this place, but to come during non rush hours so the noise level is decent, no need to yell at dinner! Overall is good for groups with the exception that all members must be present to be seated, understandable. Although i find that policy hard to follow as theres little room in the waiting section from what I recall on a busy night.
(4)
Celia Z.

It's shocking that this place has nearly 900 reviews; after all, besides its descent prices, loose atmosphere and two-story space, there really isn't much special otherwise. The free nachos were straight out of the fryer, but to me, they lacked taste and seasoning. The guacamole was good but then again, who isn't a fan of guac? Have any event with avocados in the dining hall, and it's gone in minutes. The fajitas (I got the one with blackened chicken) was tasty but then again, I usually am not too picky about my fajitas. When it's warm and sizzling and placed right in front of you with a beautiful plate of condiments, who can resist, even if the taste is just above average? We went around lunchtime and were in and out within an hour. On a Friday or Saturday night, better have reservations or expect an half hour wait. It's a convenient, inexpensive dinner and drinks place, but that doesn't justify the glorified nature of food these days. Sadly, another Harvard Square restaurant missing the mark.
(3)
Morgan P.

Border Cafe is a top of the line, as far as restaurants with a "chain feel" go. Everything is solid, the margaritas are a little sweet but delicious. Expect reasonable prices, good service. If you are cool with bigger resturants that are a little less intimate than this place is really worth the trip. Caution, lines can get a little hectic on the weekends.
(4)
Eric M.

This is 4 stars only within the genre of cheap, fast table-service restaurants. In the pantheon of dining, Border Cafe isn't very great. The menu is a weird mix of things. The dishes are odd. They put (too much) sugar in everything, even savory dishes. But past that, the food is about on par with what you'd get at a Chili's, but a little less expensive. And the drinks are cheap. Inexpensive margaritas, cheap food with large portions. A college students dream, perhaps.
(4)
Richard C.

"Great, lively atmosphere. Large portions." Visited Harvard Square and had dinner here the night before the Harvard-Yale game, it was busy to say the least. 45 minute wait but worth it, after having drinks from the bar. Ordered a seafood quesadilla and a strawberry margarita, both were good. Lively atmosphere, many Harvard students.
(4)
Chrysanthe P.

Don't get me wrong: this place is fine. Decent margaritas for cheap; no complaints about any food I've consumed here. It's just nothing to write home about. So....yea, that's about it.
(2)
Sarah M.

This is a mix of Mexican and maybe Cajun. I'm not sure but it's really good and I love it! I always get the same thing there but according to other people the rest of the options are pretty good, too. There are two levels of seating and it is always crowded, but what can you expect from Harvard Square? When you walk in, it feels sort of like a dive bar but that adds to its awesomeness. Added bonus is the free chips and giant margaritas!
(4)
Howard Z.

Who would have figured that you could get such good tex-mex in such frigid, arctic conditions?! Ambiance of the place definitely reminds me of places I've been to in Texas. Food is well cooked and you have good sized portions. The chips they give with salsa are great too!
(4)
Joey G.

I very much enjoy their food and it's definitely the closest thing to a nice, reasonably priced casual but sit-down dining experience that Harvard Square has.
(4)
Katharine P.

Great frozen margaritas, solid food, good chips and salsa. Was my first date spot so will always have a special place in my heart. Some outdoor seating in good weather. Can get packed so be prepared. Have a drink across the st while you wait or at the bar.
(4)
Abby T.

The food: excellent The drinks: surprisingly not that great. I have some knowledge of tequila's, and I would expect someone working in a mexican restaurant to share that knowledge. However, when I asked for a margarita with fresh lime juice and a suggestion for a blanco tequila, I was greeted with a blank stare from the server. When the drink was finally made, it definitely tasted like a sour mix, and a bad one at that. I would return for the food, but be more cautious with the beverages
(3)
Paul L.

Fun place for a New Orleans flare. Ettufe and French quarter chicken are great. The guacamole and margaritas should be tried too.
(5)
C V.

Meh
(1)
Karolina G.

Great!
(5)
Kat L.

A guaranteed 45-minute wait for no reason - the food is terrible. Who knows if it is real Mexican? Portions are small, drinks are watered down, service terrible. Skip!
(1)
Olga Q.

With regards to the food, eh Tex-Mex food at eh prices. No need to go into anymore detail than that. If you're here for the chips&salsa and drinks, not bad. The location makes it convenient for college kids, tourists, and those coming right off the T. In the Cambridge area, I prefer Jose's (food's a BIG step up).
(2)
Yasa E.

it pains my heart to give this place 2 stars, but i have to... here is why: the good stuff: food is cheap and pretty darn incredible for the price. never tried anything i didn't like. also, the margaritas are BOMBBB!! i'm not a lightweight, but 2 of these puppies got me smashed! the bad stuff: i've been to Border a bunch of times. it seems like it's gotten really run down over the year. last time i went there was water dripping from the pipe in the ceiling into my chips and salsa (no shame, i still ate them, because they were delicious). The tables are wobbly, the service is sporadic. the parking suckssss. that lot across the street is always packed and the guys that work there have the nerve to yell at you. there is no parking anywhere else around. the bar area is not a real bar area. as you are walking up, about 5 people will dump their drinks on you as they are coming down the steps there. bottom line, if you're down for a dive-y mexican experience, go to border, get hammered and get the chicken fajitas (and the gumbo). if you're trying to grab a nicer meal, better luck elsewhere
(2)
Margot H.

As a Californian marooned for a few years in freezing-cold Cambridge, I can say confidently that Border Cafe serves absolutely inauthentic, mediocre Mexican food. Despite that, I have a deep and abiding love for the place and am thrilled every time someone suggests going there. Here's why: 1) Chips and salsa. The chips are light, crispy, hot and truly delicious. Do not hold back -- they are worth it. 2) Margaritas. Huge and fun! And, generously alcoholic. 3) Chicken enchiladas. My go to, juicy shredded chicken, enough cheese to make you forget there is no authentic sauce. 4) Prices. That chicken enchilada meal costs $7! I can forgive a lot of culinary sins for a Harvard Square sit-down meal under $10. 5) Service. I've always had great, friendly service here, even when coming with very large, disorganized groups of semi-obnoxious graduate students. 6) Water. Water (and soda) is served in hilariously large glasses. A nice thing to have when you are downing basket after basket of chips. If you go in to Border Cafe with the right expectations (ie: you are not about to savor an authentic Mexican meal, but you are about to have some tasty food at a fair price in a relaxed setting) you will have a great time.
(4)
Joe S.

Blasphemy to give this a good review as someone who grew up in Texas - but you know what, all of us Texans crave Texmex, and damned if it's not very good, it's still tex mex. And they get the basics right - lots of hot fresh chips, dishes way too smothered in sauce and cheese, cheap (if pretty crappy) guacamole, and strong sugary tasty margaritas. What else can a guy ask for? It almost feels like home. N. B. there's always a wait though, even on weeknights!
(4)
Laura T.

Yummmmm. I get the tostada salad every time I go. Chips and guacamole are perfect. No complaints. Cool Mexican atmosphere
(4)
Annalise F.

Oh Border Cafe- I don't understand you. Cajun & Mexican? What happened? What New Orleans native was inspired by Mexico? Or what Mexico native was inspired by New Orleans? Bah- I'm thinking too much! My brain hurts! Border cafe, while cute, leaves a lot to be desired. As a California native, don't you dare call those tacos! And did you really just ask me if I'd like grits with them? Although the price is right- you leave a lot to be desired. (You're dirt cheap though- and my pocket book likes that!)
(2)
Matt D.

Enchiladas were solid, and the chips were good. I don't have very high expectations for east coast Mexican food, so temper your expectations. Four stars because it's CHEAP. Two entrees, three beers and a boatload of chips, and we got out for under $30 (w/ tax and tip).
(4)
Cherie C.

Jose Creole? Cajun-Creole/Tex-Mex cuisine? No. Just, no. The ambulance removing a patron as I arrived should have been a warning.
(1)
Annie I.

i go here for drinks fairly often and the margs are hit or miss. i feel like they used to be really strong and delicious, but in particular the frozen margs could come out really weak. recently i had a marg on the rocks that was like drinking water. so that sucked. the food is about what you'd expect, sort of tex-mex with a creole flavoring thrown in. also, they are basically always slammed so head to the bar or be prepared to wait 30 mins to an hour for a table.
(3)
Erin W.

i do not understand the border cafe hype. sure, it's one of the only places to grab a margarita in the square, but it's really just sub-par tex mex drowned in cheese. come for the chips and margaritas. don't even bother with an entree.
(2)
Kathy M.

Is it just me or are the margaritas super weak? I'll give them a point because the marg came with a good amount of salt but I was pretty sure my drinks were watered down. I was at the bar with a few people on a weekday evening and we were able to have a few drinks and share chips/chili which was pretty standard.
(2)
Ajay S.

Awesome place for the price.. More tex mex and hard pressed to find anything i didn't like. Definately a popular place for students
(5)
Jordan A.

I recommend this place for inexpensive tex-mex / creole craving relief. It is an interesting mix of things on the menu, but the food is delicious. The beers are pretty cheap, too. I had tacos and they tasted fresh. The salsa and chips are pretty delicious, too! We went on a Friday night and it was very crowded, so I would say either come ready to wait or come early or late to avoid the crowd.
(3)
David W.

As a native Texan I was leery to take the advice of my Yankee coworker from Long Island. However, I was pleased with my visit to Border Cafe. My wife and I got the beef fajitas ($11) and the cheese enchiladas with jambalaya ($7!) instead of rice and beans which was actually a nice diversion. While this place was not up to par with some of the places back home it was definitely well worth a visit and I'm sure I'll be back. I do recommend the beef fajitas if you enjoy mesquite favoring and my wife, who is a big fan of cheese enchiladas, enjoyed them very much. The wait staff was attentive and you could tell that the restaurant was well managed. We went on a Friday night and the place was packed, however, our wait time was only about 15 minutes and the food came in a very reasonable amount of time.
(4)
Janina T.

I generally go to the Burlington branch since I used to work in that area but this one is conveniently in Harvard Square, right in the center of all the MayFair activities (well...maybe not the center...more to the side). Reasons why I love Border: - Doesn't take too long to get seated, even if it's packed (I think the longest I've ever waited was 15 minutes) - Free home-made chips---SO GOOD. Aka you would get full from eating them, they're so good you can't stop - Great food - Great drinks - Fast service Honestly, I have no cons. This place is phenomenal. I generally order either the Chicken Caesar Salad, pulled beef Quesadilla (it's HUGE), or their fajitas. Always so good. Yay for bottomless sodas too!
(5)
Katie D.

This place should have 1 million stars! I go to Harvard Sq just for this place. I've taken my friends for lunch and my boyfriend for dinner, and the service is always excellent and friendly. It's awesome. Unlimited, warm chips and salsa. Their sangria is flipping delish. I absolutely love it there!
(5)
John S.

There's a reason why there are nearly 300 reviews on Yelp and the place is consistently full - The Border Cafe is good at its business. The food is very good and the service is very quick. So long as the place isn't packed, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better cheap meal in Harvard Square. The waiter took my drink order the moment I sat down and returned so fast I didn't have time to look at the menu. For me, I good gauge of service is if the drinks come out before you know what you want to eat. So that's a plus. Also, the unending fresh chips and salsa is so magic I am scared to discuss it further lest it vanish into the ether. I opted for some Tejas Chicken (chicken fingers) and Chicken Guadalajara. Both were excellent, flavorful and dirt cheap. I also got to have a taste of another excellent chicken dish. Everything I've ever had there is good, cheese-filled and served piping hot. All this and a few Diet Cokes for my date for under thirty bucks. Not a bad thing at all.
(4)
David L.

A very popular place at Harvard Square and probably the best Mexican food in the area. The homemade chips and salsa are surprisingly good and the drinks are fairly strong and tasty as well. I'm actually not sure if it's a chain, but the menu and prices makes it seem like it is. However, the food is very tasty and hearty if you're not on a diet. The menu is very extensive and is a great place to go with groups as there's probably something for everyone. The only negative thing about this place is that there is always a wait during any reasonable hour and the place can get pretty crowded, especially in the bar area. Because most people come in groups it can get pretty loud, but overall it's definitely a great place for a good, cheap meal.
(4)
Martha D.

I love Border Cafe! It offers pretty cheap Tex-Mex/Cajun style food, a fun atmosphere, and delicious margaritas. They also do an amazing job handling large groups and are always very friendly and efficient. The last time I went, they even helped us smuggle in a birthday cake and lit the candles in the kitchen to surprise our friend. Make sure to try the house margarita on the rocks (skip the frozen ones to save some cals). It's like $6 and gets you drunk before you can say "how have I possibly finished 6 baskets of free chips already?"
(5)
Ann G.

I find myself returning to Border Cafe again and again, one of the only places in the Somerville/Cambridge area that I continue to visit. The food is really reliable. Everything I've tried is really great. Not necessarily the most authentic, but really tasty. It always comes out hot and fresh. The service is usually quick and friendly. I've never had a problem. The wait isn't terribly long most of the time. They do have killer A/C in the summer so bring a sweater. I mostly return for the bar. The margaritas are delicious, the beer list is good (I love Dos Equis) and there are free chips! My friends have developed a relationship with a few of the bartenders so we have a really great time when we visit. I would recommend Border Cafe as a great place to take guests, a great place for groups, and a rowdy evening at a bar.
(4)
Leor A.

Fun atmosphere, great staff, huge drinks and bigass portions of Mexican food with a Louisiana flare? Yesss please. Only real downside is a couple of the things I've tried here are too salty (swordfish was really salty and so was the Camptown shrimp). Steer clear of the seafood options and I think it'll be a non-issue. However, there is one other POTENTIAL downside- it gets really rowdy at night. If you are trying to enjoy a nice, quiet dinner and/or you wear J.Crew sweaters around your neck...you should prob just keep it moving.
(4)
Cequesta K.

Maybe I shouldn't be so harsh considering that I went here during after-work rush hour. Buy hey, first impressions are lasting impressions! First off, the service was sub-par at best, the waitress only checked in on us like twice, which is a huge NO NO in my book, no matter how busy the place is. Now the food-first off, our food came maybe within five minutes after ordering it, which is a sure sign that it wasn't made fresh. I ordered the craw fish and shrimp salad, which was "meh", the shrimp were TINY and the salad itself was boring. My friend ordered a steak, which tasted just as dry as it looked, plus she complained that it was COLD. She also ordered one of their famous Margaritas, which also tasted as watered down as it looked. The only thing I could say was really yummy were the store bought tortilla chips and salsa they brought out to us-which speaks VOLUMES for this place. Like I said, I shouldn't judge this place so harshly considering it was rush hour, but hey, first impressions are lasting impressions. I wont be back.
(2)
Sean J.

Great food and drinks at a reasonable price. The air conditioning in the down stairs can get a bit frigid and the upstairs can become very loud. Overall not bad though and the food is delicious. Good for a one on one with your significant other or a raucous romp with a larger party.
(4)
Ryan S.

Seafood Enchiladas. Get them. Devour them. Thank me. I don't know that you get much better tex-mex in the Boston area than Border Cafe. The delicious (and free) chips and salsa is a staple down here in Houston as I'm coming to realize, but was such a rare blessing in a place up north...as was the fact that I can get a pacifico or a lone star!
(4)
Jen C.

Unbelievably yummy, fast and polite service PLUS genuinely fun atmosphere. Easily the best Mexican food I've ever had, and considering how close I live the the actual Border, THAT really says a lot!
(5)
Anna H.

To be fair, I only order two things at Border: the guac and the steak fajitas. But after trying them, you will never order anything else again. Diets be warned.
(5)
Aromy X.

Out of 400 and so reviews, what difference will my review make? Well if it doesn't... then on well. But let me try anyway... I've moved to London, and was visiting Boston for a few days. I was suffering from total Mexican food deprivation anxiety. Growing up in Southern California and then moving to a country where Mexican food costs 5 times the amount it should... was driving my taste buds insane. My friend brought me here to cheer me up. Though we both knew the further you get from Mexico the worst Mexican food gets if there isn't a Mexican community, but I seriously needed a fix. When coming to border Cafe, I was happy they also did Cajun food! Something else London seriously lacks. When our food came out, all of it was hot, spicy, and delicious. Unlimited chips and salsa was a total plus! Though it wasn't the kind of Mexican food that I'm used to (carne asada fries/ CA burritos), I was still very satisfied!
(4)
Sarah K.

The best time to come here is during the week when it's raining. We had no wait tonight, but I've waited here for quite a long time on many occasions. It was a favorite destination for weekend dinner when I was an undergrad across the river. I always go for the Mexican food, but I should really try the Cajun stuff. Tonight's meal left more to be desired. My taco and enchilada were ok. The chips were ok, but not great, usually much better. Our waiter was great, very attentive, and on top of replacing our drinks as they became empty, or even a little too soon before they were empty. The reason I still give Border 4 stars is that it's just a fun place to go with a group of friends. It might not be the best food I've ever had, but it's decent, fairly priced, and enjoyable. One bummer is that when you leave you do smell a little like the greasy smoke of the kitchen.
(4)
Walter G.

i got outta here for like $25 the other night including dinner and like 3 beers. and the dinner was great. and the staff had no problem handling my party of 10 on a busy saturday night. how do you beat that? so it's pretty inevitable that if you're meeting up with 9 people for dinner on a saturday night there's gonna be a wait. but here, instead of milling around outside or awkwardly jamming into an entry way, you just tell the hostess what's up and then hang out at the bar, watch the celts, and pound cheap tecates. that's what i do anyway. but you're probably classier than me so you can get a margarita or something. and just a word to the wise - the chips are awesome and if you're not careful it's easy to fill up on them and not have as much room as you'd like for dinner. just go in knowing this and you'll be fine.
(5)
Deanna D.

Great Tex Mex food!!! The Gulf Cost Enchiladas are my favorite. The salsa is very tasty, the chips are very fresh and the margaritas are yummy! Its Tex/Mex not real authentic Mexican/Spanish food--if you want that check out Tacos Lupita, Tacos Locos. But the quality and service at Border Cafe has been consistently good. The cute ambiance, reasonable prices, and friendly staff makes for a good stop while in Harvard Sq.
(4)
Alicia H.

I love this place so much! I have worked at 2 different mexican restaurants and whenever I go out with my friends/boyfriend/roommates its almost always to get mexican. The point is I've tried a lot of rice/bean/margarita variations. I'm not saying Border Cafe is the best at all, but they've definitely got the best combination of atmosphere, location, and original menu options. I always order the catfish fajita but the shrimp crawfish cesar salad is pretty great too. I live in DC now but every time I visit Boston, I make sure to stop by Borders.
(5)
Michael Z.

Amazing place to be. Really makes you feel like you are in Mexico. Food is wonderful, price is even better. It may be packed but its worth the wait. If you want some of the best Mexican cuisine in town without putting even a dent in your wallet, come to Border Cafe. $6-10 enormous margaritas, $5-14 dinner plates, and alot of tortillas to go around! A well deserved 5 stars!
(5)
Adam E.

Once, a girl broke up with me here. At the friggin Border Cafe. Come on! I may or may not have cried. Minus one star for a classless breakup. The rest is pretty excellent though. I always, always get the Chicken Waco, a specialty item that takes 25 minutes to prepare and is ungodly delicious! I don't know why, maybe it's the biscuit, the cheese sauce, the weird rice? I don't care either, it's well worth the wait. In fact, I prefer to wait, drink a margarita, munch on some salt chips and hopefully not get broken up with.
(4)
Vincent C.

Came here with a party of 5 at peak lunch hours and was seated immediately. The food was very good and I was pleasantly surprised by how massive each order was. The amount of french fries (which were amazing, by the way) might have been overkill, but I can't complain too much about more food.
(4)
Bill D.

Man, I love this place. I still remember my first time eating here 20 years ago. It was fun back then as a recent college graduate, and remains equally enjoyable now that I'm a parent. Amazingly, the place seems to have changed very little in the intervening decades, and I mean that in a very good way. The starters and entrees are delicious and fresh. The chips and salsa are the best around, and yes, the margaritas are well concocted. Over the years, Harvard Square may have lost its rep as one of the coolest spots in town, but The Border Cafe continues to produce great meals at student-friendly prices (which is even better when you're not a student any more!). And the staff has been friendly and efficient for as long as I've been going there.
(5)
Sunny S.

We always enjoy the Border Cafe. Such good drinks, food, and a lively, warm reminds-me-of-home place. The New Orleans vs. Tex-Mex menu is genius, but the FREE CHIPS early and often has a way of setting us up for tummy ache. Resist if you can, but we often walk out feeling great and then lousy from over-doing the free chips and salsa. Clearly not the healthiest eating establishment for the compulsive snacking type like me! But yes, I love The Border Cafe and will be back again and again...
(4)
christine c.

Such good and CHEAP margaritas and food... but you already knew that. What you don't know is how amazing the burgers are. How fresh the guacamole is. How many of those goddamn chips I could eat... I've never been disappointed with this place. Portions are HUGE and drinks are great. Go! NOW!
(5)
Adrian D.

Excellent service during busy lunch & fantastic blackened swordfish tacos let me eat healthy and ENJOY! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Sharon D.

I went to school in TX, so I'm a total tex-mex snob. Everything was superb. Excellent margaritas, (enough tequila, not too sour), chips were warm, salsa fresh and spicy, but not painful. But the fajitas were honestly the best I've had outside of Texas. Dunno what they put in the rice and beans, but perfectly spiced and had me sad that they weren't the main course.
(5)
Allison M.

A wonderful Tex-Mex/Creole fusion turns out great food and the quick and friendly service is hard to beat. We had the fish tacos (really good) and the marinated chicken (amazing). The chips and salsa were also tasty.
(5)
Jess R.

If you see "Cajun/Creole" alongside "Tex-Mex," you can safely assume you won't be getting the best of either cuisine. I'm a native Texan, raised on the sweet manna which is Tex-Mex, and I can tell you, this ain't it. That said, in Boston I will take what I can get, and when I'm homesick and queso-starved, Border Cafe is better than nothing. They always seem to be super crowded and to have a long wait, and honestly everything about it reminds me of Dallas-style Tex-Mex, which is to say bland, bland, and bland. The margarita was terrible- watery, bland, weak- and the salsa was only marginal after dumping in a substantial amount of hot sauce (of the Louisiana variety, resulting in an interesting but not altogether unpleasant flavor composition...). As people have mentioned, the chips are free, plentiful, and tasty. The service was fairly uneven, but the space is gigantic and crowded. If you aren't in the mood for eating amongst a din, I would recommend trying to sit downstairs were there are fewer tables and lower ceilings. If you've never actually had Tex-Mex or Cajun cuisines (and have taste buds that think ketchup is spicy), then you will probably like Border Cafe; if not, you should probably wait until you're really, REALLY desperate.
(3)
Rosa S.

So good. They serve soda/water in huge cups so I need less refills and their chips and salsa tie you over until food comes. I love their blackened chicken salads and all their appetizers. The margaritas are also bomb. If you havent been, you must!
(4)
Iknow F.

Get the fajitas , the queso dip I go here all the time wash it all down with a margarita You'll be in heaven
(5)
Ali T.

I love this place. I would eat here every day if I lived nearby. I mean really--FRESH chips and salsa (refillable and free!)? $1.99 sodas the size of your headx2? AND--they have fantastic service. I always always ALWAYS order the chimichurri steak. They don't ever ask you how you want it cooked, but it comes out perfectly EVERY TIME. I mean really. If they asked me how I'd like my steak cooked, I'd say "Perfectly." mmmm....I'm hungry. And salivating more than the average person right now.
(5)
Amanda Z.

Border Cafe - I heart you. I had 12 people and a giant cake. Did you complain? No you didn't. You put up with our multiple requests of "what did you say?" because the music and restaurant were so loud. Both waitresses were pleasant and accommodating as if it were only a table of 4. Your fajitas, especially the 1/2 beef/1/2 chicken are boss. The jambalaya, which I have never before tried in any prior setting, was also decent. And, let's not forget, thank goodness for your margaritas. But, if you want to have direct access to your booze, stay away from the slush, and stick them "on the rocks." Word of caution, having your parking ticket validated only gets you $2 off the cost of parking in the lot across the street.
(5)
David C.

One of my favorite places in Cambridge. Try the shrimp and crawfish quesadilla.
(5)
Jessica R.

Straight up if you put this "Tex-Mex" restaurant in a major city in Texas I'd give them maaaaaaybe 6 months before they went out of business. HOWEVER! Considering we are in Boston and Tex-Mex is practically non-existent, this is one of your best options above all others. So for a BOSTON restaurant serving Tex-Mex I am giving this place four stars. Especially because they make their own chips and they are pretty tasty. And they have yummy margaritas. Still what kind of restaurant claims to be Tex-Mex but doesn't serve refried black beans?!
(4)
Fran T.

Affordable and great food! Our party of 5 (four adults and a one year old) got a booth right away on a Saturday night in July. Complementary chips/salsa were great. We got the Pastelitos as an appetizer which came out perfect. For dinner, I got the Gulf Coast Seafood Enchilada (sautÃ©ed shrimp, crawfish and melted Poblano Jack cheese covered with a Cajun spiced three cheese and lump crabmeat sauce). It was only $10 and it was fantastic! Will definitely be back!
(5)
Elena B.

Border Cafe is amazing! Chips and salsa for every table, pretty decent salsa. Chicken quesadillas OH MY GOD. Literally to die for. Probably one of the best I've ever had. Margaritas are a must here, everyone has one in their hands. Top shelf liquor used and is pretty strong and not watered down. The prices here are on the cheaper spectrum, especially for Harvard Square. Another thing about this place is it is ALWAYS packed. I've come here on weekends and weekdays and the business is similar. I will always come back to this place, it has a great vibe and the service is great.
(5)
Caroline S.

Times I Go to the Border Cafe: 1. when I want a yummy dinner for not a lot of money 2. when I am craving chips like nobody's business 3. when my boyfriend suggests we go (which is insanely often) 4. when I want to get tipsy REALLY quickly - this deserves sub-points! a. just ONE of their massive margaritas guarantees that i will stumble out the door (discovering this over a casual dinner was interesting to say the least) b. their margaritas are insanely inexpensive for how strong and yummy they are c. their sangria is also oddly really, really strong. 5. when i want a nice healthy meal - their grilled chicken dish with the plantains is really delicious (chicken bandera? bandera chicken? something like that....) 6. when i want to get seated and served really quickly 7. when i want a casual meal outside 8. GUACAMOLE!!!
(5)
Courtney H.

I took a couple of friends here from out of town, and I was really happy with it. I am always complaining about how Boston doesn't have any good Mexican restaurants like the South. This place finally had what I was looking for! I'm sure the Cajun food is great also, but I stuck to the Mexican. The guac was great and I liked the queso as well. I got a salad and I loved it! I'll definitely be back to eat some more of this delicious food! The only thing that would be better is if they had draft beer!
(4)
Thelmisha V.

I Love this place. One of my favs in Cambridge. The restaurant is always packed when ever I go but I have never had to wait more than 20 min for a table. Food is good, generous portions and inexpensive which is always a plus. The freshly made chips and salsa are delish and drinks are cheap. A great place to go with a group of friends everyone will find something they like on the menu and a decent amount of vegetarian options as well. As for Negatives- If you want a quiet dining experience this is not the place. Parking is on the street or in one of the lots near by. bathrooms are small for the establishment but ummmm thats about it.
(5)
Sheila S.

Linda E and I have been here several times for very large group events. They do an great job being very accommodating, with several day's advance notice of course. Also, the service never suffers regardless of how many tables we occupy. As far as the food - if you're not expecting Mexican (note that the Yelp categories are "Tex-Mex" and "Cajun/Creole") then the food is consistently very good. If you're expecting authentic Southern California Mexican food, as I once was, you'll be disappointed. Oh, and the chips always arrive to the table piping HOTT.
(4)
Jen R.

I'm definitely a fan. I went here recently with a large group of people (10ish) and had a great time. The Margaritas were great, huge, and reasonably priced ranging from $6.50-$8 (I've paid $10+ at other places and gotten much less quality). They also do strawberry margaritas on the rocks, which won me over. I'm a fan of fruit, not frozen, but it seems rare that I find strawberry margarita non-frozen. The food was decent and so cheap with generous portions. You also get chips and salsa at your table. It isn't amazing good or anything, but I was definitely satisfied. The shredded chicken in my burro was tender and flavorful and they weren't stingy with the cheese on top. The jumbalaya rice was meh, but I figured that going in. I recommend sticking to the Mexican side dishes.
(4)
Natalie M.

B.C. What up dog? We haven't talked in a while. Don't think I've forgotten you though...I could never do such a thing. The things I love about you are as bountiful as the mounds of toasty chips you serve me when I'm waiting for my table and as addictive as the delicious margaritas you provide me once I'm seated. You are a delight. Tacky yet frisky decor? Check. Fat-tastic Deliciousness? Check. And did I mention the toasty chips and margaritas? Check, check. I truly adore your fajitas, refried beans and abundant guacamole & sour cream. If you offered an Echilada Body Treatment I would totally let you wrap me up in a giant soft taco shell and marinate in the goodness while your salsa verde both gently exfoliated and moisturized me. I would follow it up with a Chimichangish Massage (90 minutes, obviously) and return home full, happy, relaxed and arguably a little bit sauced. What I'm trying to say, is you got a good thing going on. The only thing that discourages me from visiting more often are the crowds but I can't blame a group of people who share my passion for Tex-Mex. That would be a travesty. It just sometimes makes it difficult to really ENJOY your company. Keep it up Gumshoe, you done good.
(4)
Kay A.

I'm surprised I haven't been to Border Cafe before. It's definitely a restaurant that has a wait, it's huge and usually packed. The food though is really great. I went right after new years, (and with resolutions) it was hard to try find something to eat while being health conscious but that can be a plus or minus depending on your situation. I love love loved the the hot chips they bring out, definitely get the salsa con queso along with it. I ordered the New Orleans catfish which was a huge piece of fish that was super delicious. I couldn't finish it in one sitting but it made for delicious leftovers. Definitely try the margaritas too! The atmosphere is fun and great for groups. I would definitely go back and try some more items from the menu.
(4)
Anastasia L.

Thank you, Border Cafe, for handling my large group of 40 coworkers with aplomb! They are picky eaters but they were very happy with the quality of the food and especially the speed of the service. The only downside was you messed up my manager's order so I hope she doesn't hold it against me. In all seriousness, I only make it here maybe once a year, and every time it is perfectly fine as the over-the-top Tex-Mex decor and huge plates of enchiladas. I've never been hugely thrilled with the Cajun food but the fresh warm salty tortilla chips are pretty awesome. Also a great place to bring friends for ridiculously huge margaritas or buckets of beer. Really really crazy busy on weekend nights.
(4)
Dan T.

Sooooooo good. Soooooo cheap. It looks and feels like a chain, and it's not "Jose's" authentic. Hence...4 not 5 stars. Also, I'd avoid the fajitas. Everything on the menu is better. Good Margerita's, nothing crazy on the beer list, but the low cost great tasting food (along with the complete lack of convenient low cost good tasting Mexican in the Boston area) means we're there at least 5-6 times a year.
(4)
Anna T.

Border CafÃ© is great! It is a great mix of Mexican and Cajun food which I have never seen before and made choosing my meal very difficult because I adore both flavors, however, it also will draw me back! They brought homemade chips and salsa out, which were great; home made chips is a must in my book. I had the veggie fajitas and they were fantastic. It came with your typical veggies: broccoli, mushrooms, peppers, onions, guacamole which was fantastic, pico de gallo, sour cream lettuce and cheese. The veggies were cooked well and came piping hot, the sides were typical of fajitas but were very tasty none the less, and my only complaint was the tortillas because they were a bit thick and I like my fajita tortillas thin, but they were good. I also had a classic margarita there and it was delicious! The service was great, our server had a smile on his face, asked multiple times if we needed anything/ if everything was to our liking, and was genuinely a nice guy. Although it is a little far from where I live, I will absolutely be back to Border CafÃ©.
(4)
Jef S.

People rave about this place: "Oh my God, best food ever! I love the drinks! Waaaah! Waaaahhhhh!". These people have either never eaten good Mexican before, or else they're morons. I'll graciously opt for the former. The chips are dece., but the tomato salsa's balance is completely disrupted by an over-infusion of garlic. It's the same with every other dish that I've had here: garlic, garlic, garlic. I have no problem with garlic, but too much can be overwhelming in Mexican cuisine, which is deliberately meant to have a good balance of fresh and exciting flavors. Garlic has its time and place: in the North End, roasted on top of Bertucci's pizza, in my kitchen, etc. The draw here is the margarita menu. I would recommened the Border as a better bar than restaurant. It's a nice atmosphere to drink in with friends. Service is indifferent across the board. The restaurant is always mobbed, even during supposedly non-peak times. There are so many better places to go for a Mexican experience in Boston. If you can't find better Mexican than Border Cafe, you're not looking hard enough. Try Anna's, Tu Y Yo, or Casa Romero.
(3)
Julia S.

There are so many things that Border Cafe does right: - Bottomless chips and salsa. Nomnom. - Rounds and rounds of margaritas for all! - Wonderfully kitschy decor. - Fantastic value - the portions are generous, so you really get a bang for your buck! Two things that aren't so great: - There's always a wait to get a table. - You inevitably leave smelling like you've just been spritzed with a hefty dose of eau de taco (which is why I always try to sit outside, weather permitting!). All in all, though, it's still one of my favorite watering holes in Harvard Square.
(4)
Victoria A.

I have tortured relationship with Border cafe. I know it's not authentic or particularly inspired, but the greasy, cheesy goodness of the "tex mex" here is hard to resist. If I've taken an out-of-town friend here, whenever they return, a visit to Border cafe is on their list of things to do Pros: -A ton of food (and beverages in cups the size of your head) for a reasonable price -Decent range of menu options -Infinite chips for moochers Cons -Huge lines on the weekend -You will occasionally be subjected to Shania Twain.
(3)
Maegan S.

Does Border Cafe need another review? No. Do I think my review is important enough to negate this fact? Clearly, I do. Perhaps I shouldn't open with this, but I am from Texas. Specifically a small town with, oh, seven Tex-Mex restaurants. Basically, I expect to be handed chips and salsa whenever I sit down to a table. (Even at my grandma's house.) That doesn't happen often here, so I was swept off my feet when one of the always attentive waitstaff presented me with these goodies the first time I sat down at the Border Cafe. Some may scoff, but Border Cafe is where I go for comfort food. Not only do you get the complementary chips and salsa, you also get a bucket of some of the most delicious fountain Coke you've tasted (well, assuming that's what you've ordered). The queso isn't the best I've ever had, but I still order it every time I go there, if that tells you anything. My go-to meal is the chicken quesadilla, which is definitely big enough to share (and still have enough leftovers to share again), if you've brought an obliging (read: equally cheap) friend along. The cherry on top (or maybe, the jalapeno?) is Jose's Rice. THAT is what keeps me coming back. It has much more of a Cajun flair than Mexican (I mean, Texas borders both Louisiana and Mexico, so that makes me the expert, right? *scoffs*). It still complements the menu items on the Tex-Mex side of the menu really well. Just know that with some things, like the quesadillas, you have to order it separately. All in all, a great place to satisfy a craving for Mexican food.
(4)
Alexandra T.

Border Cafe es muy muy muy bien. Everything I've had I've loved, including a gigantic strawberry margarita. You get unlimited free chips and salsa while you wait. What's not to love?? Except for the fact that you may overindulge and be too full for your delicious meal (I am a victim). Even that's ok though, becuase I really love leftovers. Plus the prices are amazing! A large, tasty, inexpensive meal. Man, I'm getting hungry. My one word of advice. Harvard Square eateries and bars can get pretty crowded on the weekends, and Border is no exception. I've been told an hour and a half wait on a Saturday night, and they don't have anywhere for you to sit while you wait. While the food is amazing, it's definitely more worth your time to try stop in for lunch or on a week night instead.
(4)
Mel L.

Spectacular tasting food with unbeatable prices -especially considering the location.
(5)
Joel L.

I just don't get it. People love this place. They rave about it. "Best margariats", "great food". They need to get out more. Border cafe is throughly average. It's like a mexican TGIF Fridays minus the national franchise. If you want a good, cheap margarita go to Fajita's and Rita's downtown. IF you want better mexican food, there are a ton of places (although arguably at a slightly worse price point or not sit down). Don't get me wrong, Border Cafe is fun, friendly, and serviceable. The food and drinks are decent, and the prices are fair. But to give a place like that more than 3 stars is grade inflation.
(3)
I was taken to The Border Cafe by some friendly Bostonians during a recent trip there. A regular haunt of Harvard students, it allegedly serves some of the best Margaritas in Boston. Whilst I can't vouch for that (due to - unfortunately - being unable to try all of the various Margaritas in Boston during my time there), it certainly does serve some of the largest. The drinks here don't appear to be served in glasses. Instead, they are poured into recepticles the size of buckets, each of which is garnished with a rather forlorn looking umbrella. After one of these, I was feeling decidedly tipsy, and very grateful for the baskets of chips and dips which kept being placed on our table by some friendly waiters. All of the chips and dips at The Border Cafe are made fresh on the premises, and you can tell. Each of our baskets was piping hot and still slightly greasy around the edges from the deep fat fryer. Just the thing for soaking up a metric bumload of cheap alcohol. Because it's geared towards a mainly student clientele, The Border CafÃ© is cheap and very cheerful. When we went in on a weeknight, it was packed with loads of happy tipsy people, and it was difficult to find any spare seats. It was still great fun though, and a place I definitely intend to return to the next time I find myself in Harvard. One small thing to remember here though - they're very strict on ID. Not only will they not serve you if you've not got your papers handy, but they also won't serve you a round unless you've got the right amount of IDs handy for the bartender to look at. And don't think about taking fakes with you either -all of their staff appeared to be possessed of an inner knowledge which means they can spot a fake from fifty paces. Don't say you haven't been warned!
(4)
Jeremy K.

Love this place; discovered it through my cousin and been back quite a few times since. Their food is great and so is the atmosphere; they also have a full bar with some really tasty, delicious frozen sangrias which are highly recommended and quite affordable. The music isn't too loud too which is nice because you can have conversations without having to shout your way across the table. Most appetizers are about 5-8 bucks and the entrees 12 to 20ish. The service is quick, the food tasty and they provide chips & salsa while you wait.
(4)
Adam W.

Great food, reasonable prices. Always crowded. Not sure how much alcohol the margaritas had, but they're cheaper than many other places' margaritas.
(4)
Marcus M.

I have no complaints about this place. I went once and I ordered a chicken dish (having a hard time recalling it). It had a lemon pepper sauce on it that I wasn't too fond of and the dish itself was good, but nothing great. I went with a group and it was very enjoyable; we sat downstairs at a round table and stayed in the place for at least two hours. The chips were good; I must say that. I would go here if you are looking for some decent Tex-Mex at a reasonable price with a group of friends.
(4)
Lucas A.

Gourmet? no Romantic? sometimes Crowded & loud? usually, but hey... it's a Mexican place. Spotty service?! only from the newbies, it would seem... the only time I have had bad service was when being served by "new" waitstaff, much of the established staff are friendly and quick. BUT the Border is cheap, consistent, and you gotta love a place that doesn't load their Margaritas up with sour mix. I don't care for the Rt. 1 location in Saugus, though...
(5)
Fulgencio M.

I hate eating at Mexican places because everyone just assumes since I'm a hispanic in a Mexican restaurant I must be Mexican. hEllO, there are like, 5 other spanish-speaking countries in the world. I would've never stepped foot in a Mexican restaurant outside Miami but my cheap friend couldn't afford to eat at Rendezvous, and so I "ended up" at Border CafÃ©. To my surprise, the place was packed! We were seated after a short wait, which couldn't come soon enough. I was being gawked at the whole time we waited. I realize that no one in Boston has a tan, but hEllO, give me some space. Or was it my white trench and matching leather pants... We were seated and given a bowl of tortilla chips. My friend ordered a margarita, and I got one too. Alas, she was only coming to get bombed. Border CafÃ© has an exciting little menu of margaritas, and you can mix up the tequila. The last time I drank tequila I ended up on a date with a Nicaraguan cab driver to Barnes & Noble. He read me Tolstoy while I wept in his arms. Later I woke up in the self-help section, and he was gone forever. Guacamole came next, and was followed by my entrÃ©e: a blackened salmon, Cajun style. Both were lovely, but caution: the food was heavy. Especially when you're stuffing down chips before your dinner comes. I mean ya, self control is important, but if you put tortilla chips in my face they gonna disappear. It's that simple. Service was OK. Nothing special. It's certainly not a Jean Georges, but it's also not pretentious (so what the hell was I doing there?). Interior colors are warm and...colorful... and the food was served quickly. Regulars rejoice, I'll return, but not too often... I mean hEllO, Mexican food doesn't produce a body like mine. That only comes from enemas and starvation. This has been a Review by Fulgencio
(3)
Alex M.

Good cheap food.
(4)
David Y.

I've been going here for a couple of decades now for consistently great Tex-Mex food, great service and great margaritas. Whatever to the "is it authentic?" argument, the food tastes good and that's all I care about. My only gripe is - how come there's no South Shore location!? Please, please open one down here already!
(5)
Nidhi M.

We went on Friday night. It was killing for me as for the first time I had to wait for long. But believe me its really worth waiting for soo long! The food is beyond excellent, good drinks,lively atmosphere and of course the free chips and salsa delicious...! I really like Border Cafe and love to be there again and again.
(5)
M. Jeremy P.

Where is the sixth star?! This is by far the second best Tex-Mex restaurant I have ever frequented. (The first is no longer in existence, thanks to Chevy's.) The food is excellent, there is a wide selection of entrees, both Tex-Mex and Cajun, and the food is excellent (echo, echo, echo...) Yes, if you go during dinnertime, particularly on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night, you will have to wait. Usually, however, the wait time is less than the time they quote you. As always, free refills of chips and drinks make it appealing to those eating on a budget, and if you're really trying to eat on the cheap a couple can do so for less than twenty dollars, including 20% gratuity. A parking lot is available across the street, and they do validate, but as parking in Cambridge is thoroughly unpleasant, I recommend taking the T. I live in JP and make the effort to eat here a couple of times a month... that's how much I like it! And my friends agree!
(5)
Doris T.

The wait was long, but it was totally worth it! The place is pretty busy but service is efficient, so you don't have to wait for long to eat. My friends and I could not stop munching on their chips and salsa...delicious! And I have heard good reviews about their Margaritas. I cant add to that myself, but I can definitely add my two pennies about how awesome their food and atmosphere are. I had the blackened salmon caesar salad (huge portion size btw) and my friend had blackened catfish with rice and beans...delicious! They also have corn bread on the side, which to me, tasted like cake and I totally ate it as a dessert :) The environment is very cozy and vibrant. The decor absolutely adds to the "club" like vibe... My most favorite things are the condiments in beer bottles..nifty! I am definitely looking forward to my next visit at Border Cafe.
(4)
Kate S.

Lines are too long and food tastes like it's from a chain restaurant. It's not bad--it's just "fine." Feels a little touristy too.
(3)
Bryan P.

Great food and friendly staff. Really enjoyed the blackened catfish, was real seafood. Also liked the guacamole and the shrimp Cajun appetizer. The eggplant royale was a little fatty but ok overall. Better than Rosa Mexicana and Dos Caminos in NYC and for about a third of the price.
(4)
Sean R.

It's alright. Decent food but always a huge crowd. I've had to eat in a 100 degree basement more than once.
(3)
Christina G.

This place was pretty cool, and it's huge. They have a nice sized menu and everything is pretty inexpensive. The food was good and I especially loved the chips and salsa they start you off with. The salsa was yum-tastic. This seems like a fun place to go with some friends if you are in the mood for some margaritas, apps, and a good time.
(4)
Shane K.

Any place that you can get 2 drinks, 2 entrees and endless free chips for $30 is good with me! Who cares if you have to wait an hour for a table? The margaritas are delicious and well priced and it gives you time to build up your appetite. I ordered the chicken taco & pulled beef enchilada with jambalaya on the side and the missus ordered a fajita chicken salad. Mine was cheesy, well seasoned and just enough to fill me but not stuff me. Hers was fresh & well seasoned also. Great location with a parking lot nearby but also very accessible by train. This was my first time here but I will certainly be back soon. Hmmmm wonder what the missus is doing tonight?
(5)
Elizabeth W.

The margaritas are strong but not overpowered by tequila. The chicken fajitas were good and were large portions. My favorite thing was the chips- they come out warm and are thin and salty, which goes great with a margarita.
(4)
Chelsea M.

Maybe my idea of good Mexican food is "inauthentic" but this North Easterner LOVES the Border Cafe! Their food is good, the portions are huge, the freshly made chips and salsa are free and bottomless... and the margheritas are large and in charge, if you know what I mean. I would not recommend the Border Cafe if you are looking for a place where you can carry on a quiet conversation, and perhaps it isn't a great place for a first date (although the insane decor and hysterical country music selection would certainly help smoothe over that first date awkwardness). It is, however, an excellent place to go with a group of friends if you want to eat, drink, and be merry. The price is right, the service (tends to be, although nobody hits it out of the park every time) speedy and prompt. My only complaint is that you have to have your entire party there before they will seat you, which can be an enormous pain when you are meeting a bunch of people there and someone (inevitably) is late. Don't bother trying to talk your way out of that one, either.
(5)
Emily A.

Sometimes you just want a cheap margarita, some chips and salsa, and a soft taco. You're not looking for authentic or handcrafted or particularly refined. That's when Border Cafe fits the bill. Conveniently located in the heart of Harvard Square, and reasonably priced (especially for Cambridge), it's the kind of place where you can score a table for 4 pretty quickly on a weeknight and everybody can find something that they like to eat. It's not the place for romance or a special occasion nor is it remotely authentic or Tex-Mex like you'll find in Texas, but it serves its purpose pretty darn well and I've never, ever, had bad service here. Thumbs up, Border Cafe -- I come back every few weeks (just avoid the weekends when it can get fairly busy and they'll only seat complete parties) and never leave unhappy.
(3)
Meagan L.

The food here is AWESOME...I left this place stuffed and happy! The idea of Mexican/Creole cuisine is GENIUS!! I highly recommend this place for a good meal. I had the catfish with a grilled shrimp appetizer. The only negative thing I have to say about this place is that my margarita wasn't strong enough...tasted pretty watered down. The delicious food more than made up for my mediocre drink though...DEFINITELY!
(5)
Lisa R.

I love Border Cafe! I'm a big fan of the margaritas and steak fajitas. I also love that they always keep your table full of warm chips and salsa. It's always really busy though, and often very loud. Probably great for ritas out with the girls, but not a great place for a date or if you need to hear the person throughout dinner.
(4)
Jeremy K.

4 stars, here's why. cheap, effective and good chips (you know it) also their french fries are way too good for a Mexican eatery. 1 star off because they haven't figured out how to get teleport me home after ive had a few ritas..dam you 4th dimension restrictions!!!!!
(4)
Tracy R.

LOVE all the vegetarian food and the margaritas. The wait is long long long on some nights though. Still love it!
(5)
Jourdan H.

I've come here pretty regularly on the years I've lived in the area. It's a Harvard Square institution, and almost always busy, even at off-peak times; probably 50-60% of the time, I've had to wait at least a few minutes, but they're good about turning tables, and usually, the wait is shorter than expected. The food is great if you like hot, heavy, lots of cheese, et cetera. Don't come here on a diet if you can avoid it; while they do have lighter options, all the smells of the quesadillas and burros might bum you out. I usually order one or the other of those two, but always take home at least half, as the portions are generous.The queso dip is also excellent, and I've heard good things about the burgers. Also, they make the chips, so they come out nice and hot, and keep coming unless you tell them you don't want any more. Drinks are cheap and you get unlimited free refills on soda. I really like their ginger ale; there's something about it that's nice and refreshing. The service has almost always been great. The staff is very quick and efficient, and they've always been happy to accommodate any request. They're especially good at anticipating when you'll want more chips and salsa or a refill on your drink. The only downside is that if you get seated upstairs, things can get noisy. There's already music playing at a fairly high volume, and if the bar fills up, it gets even louder. A few times, my friends and I have had to resort to yelling or texting each other at the table. I'd recommend asking to be seated downstairs if you want a better chance of hearing each other. Overall, the food is good, drinks are good, service is good, location is good, there's lots of seating, and the prices are definitely good. If you're in Harvard Square, give it a shot.
(4)
Jennifer W.

Casual Tex-Mex eatery serving great food at good prices. I've been to Border Cafe several times now and have really enjoyed their vegetarian options each time. I would recommend the vegetable jambalaya, a plethora of vegetables in a savory tomato sauce, with a side of black beans for protein; the black bean empanadas, crispy pastries stuffed with cheese, vegetables, and beans and topped with a tasty special sauce; and the vegetarian fajitas, your standard, delicious vegetarian fajitas. The portions are quite generous - don't fill up on the free chips and salsa! - for their prices so I often leave with a meals-worth of leftovers. The atmosphere is very casual, and often pretty noisy since this is a popular place. Speaking of which, you should expect a wait, especially around dinner. The service is usually friendly and quick, but often somewhat in a rush because of the volume.
(4)
Renu G.

Ohh yayaya Complimentary chips and salsa. Love this place is always busy but still great service , has a good staff and reasonable prices and prefect portion of food. I would recommend this restaurant if you are around Harvard sq , go give a try. Margaritas are great!!!!!
(5)
Ryan R.

Went here with a friend to grab a bite to eat on a Wednesday. The restaurant is pretty large, so we were seated right away. First things first--I am a native Californian so my standards for Mexican/Tex-Mex food are pretty high. That being said, this place does a decent enough job and has a fun atmosphere, but it won't blow you away with culinary prowess. The chips and salsa they serve you as you are seated are constantly being refilled--but the salsa is pretty basic and lacks a lot of flavor. For my meal, I went with the chicken fajitas. The chicken fajitas were actually better than I was expecting and were a very good portion, as I couldn't quite finish my plate. The meat had a nice seasoning on it, and the veggies were cooked well. I opted for a side of dirty rice, which was decent as well. As a fan of margaritas, I have to say that I was not very impressed with their rendition, but they were reasonably priced. Overall, this place is a great place to gather a group and eat/drink for a reasonable price. It will not be the best Mexican food you've ever had, but it is an entertaining spot--great for a post-work hang out or celebration.
(3)
Jo M.

Border Cafe is definitely tex-mex - don't go in expecting authentic Mexican. But equally, they don't pretend they are. We've been a couple of times now, and have always had a great time. They're super quick to seat people, even on the busiest of days. The food is plenty, and the plates are filling. The strawberry margaritas are fabulous! The queso was better than anywhere else north of the line. It is very smoky inside, especially on the lower level. As in, to the point that you need to get out quickly for fear of going home smelling like a chimney. It is a bit of fun, but you don't want it to be the first place you go that night. The staff were super helpful - until we got our food. Then they were nowhere to be seen. Very odd, and the reason they didn't get a four. Overall, a good place to grab a quick bite and couple of drinks with friends.
(3)
Lucien R.

This is BY FAR my most favorite place in the Boston area. I consistently have great service, great food, and it doesn't break the bank. I have been going to Border Cafe for years but what prompted me to write a review was reflecting on a night a few months ago when I had a friend with a lengthy list of food allergies in our party. We told the waitress who promptly alerted a manager who went through all of the meal options available for her on the menu. I know this is part of the job but he was SO courteous and genuine that it really made an impact. Later in the night, the manager asked us if we would be able to move over one table to accommodate a larger party and threw in free appetizers (which were delicious). Overall a great and particularly memorable night at Border Cafe! My favorite menu items are the blackened catfish and at around $8 you can't beat one of their burro options. Margaritas are dangerously delish and have led to some tipsy walks home...
(5)
Priti R.

You know what, I really hope this place doesn't sell out. This place is affordable, tasty, and has decent service, given that it can be a cluster-f*ck on a weekend. The veggie rice dish is so good - under $10, and I always have leftovers. I've been here multiple times, on a few dates, with family (side note: this place IS kid friendly, although it is quite cramped in here), and solo. And their margaritas are so perfectly salted with just the right amount of tequila. This is a must visit if you're in the area and don't want to spend a nickle and dime on one meal.
(4)
Janice R.

My husband and I love Border CafÃ©! The food is delicious, starting with a moderately spiced salsa and warm, crisp tortilla chips. We have gone to this location for over 15 years, and have never been disappointed with the food. Every dish has been fresh. Nothing tastes turned or has tasted spoiled, like some other restaurants I will not mention. It is a fun, upbeat environment. However, during certain times of day, it can be quite noisy. If you do not like noise, do not go in the evenings. We usually go mid afternoon, and it is quieter then. The staff is always cheerful, like they actually like their jobs a lot! Thank you to the chefs! We have always enjoyed the recipes, new ones, and those in the past.
(5)
ThulsZ G.

Never miss this place if you are Mexican food lover! Bcoz this place is good for a after food walk..
(5)
Less H.

What made my night here awesome was the company certainly not the waiter or the food. My beer was cold, but the waiter brought it, slammed it on the table, and then took it away, when it reappeared it was sans whatever had foamed out because he'd slammed it not only on the table but also onto the bar. Awesome. The food was okay. The best part was the grilled avocado. That was tasty. My fish tacos (heh) were very fishy, the strongest swordfish I've ever had, which is to say, not the freshest swordfish I've ever had. Enough hot sauce covers that up.... Chips chips and salsa were plentiful and apparently the margaritas were good. Our waiter was... kind of brusque not very attentive and while he brought things out quickly and drinks were refilled appropriately had kind of an attitude. Our party of 8, or was it 9, was slapped with an automatic 18% gratuity. Which kind of sucks for the waiter, he would have gotten more if he'd been able to split the bill which his manager wouldn't let him do. Anyway, sub par food, decent drinks, plentiful chips and salsa, and acceptable waitstaff. A good place to get drunk, but the food leaves a lot to be desired. Except for that grilled avocado. Oh and when you call in advance to reserve a table, you get the run around and hung up on. My friend called twice and was hung up on twice, and at least once was told that they don't take reservations but when we got there we were asked if we had a reservation and the table next to us was reserved. So yeah, shoddy service all around.
(2)
Chris P.

Excellent excellent service. The food was fantastic (I got the chicken quesadillas and my friend got the burro). It is was so filling and there was so much we actually had some of it boxed to go. Hot, complimentary tortilla chips constantly refreshed and soda refilled without being asked (no charge for refills). Tons of seating upstairs and downstairs. Well lit and clean decor with a Tex-Mex kind of theme in the design. Inexpensive/average price for what I'd consider high quality everything. I just wish there were was a Border Cafe closer to me (but it's probably good there isn't, otherwise my BMI would go up 10 points). Would recommend if you are searching for some yummy Mexican food that seems all too elusive in this city (Chipotle and Boloco do NOT count).
(5)
Kristen W.

I am here to sing my praises for the chips&queso dip and quesadillas. My one complaint. Don't go early in the week. It seems like that's when they train people and we had subpar customer service and not as good food. We also got a virgin drink when we ordered a strawberry daiquiri. But on the weekend, this place is always on point!
(4)
Raina B.

Staple of Harvard square! Always crowded, but a fun place. Service isn't great, the food is meh, but the margaritas are pretty solid (I like the watermelon - they usually have it even if it's not on the menu). I always end up filling up on the chips and salsa. Hot chips!! So good. Entree portions are large. I've had the tostada salad (made vegetarian) and it was mediocre. Veggies didn't taste fresh and overall it was pretty weak. Had the vegetarian empanadas once and found them way too oily and cheesy (in that really gross cheese way - that rubbery oily combo that makes you feel gross inside). Recently, I had the veggie quesadilla, and that was pretty good! Massive portions - I took the leftovers home and that was 3 meals. Even a bunch of guy friends couldn't finish theirs! They take reservations if you're over 6 people.
(4)
Jason H.

This is good place for groups, it's got a huge space so you'll be seated right away, line moves fast even if you have to wait. They serve you chips and salsa once you're seated - standard stuff, feels like the ones you get from a super market. I can't taste the uniqueness in the salsa; doesn't feel like they made it in house. Veggie dishes are descent, my friends said their veggie dishes are always reliable and can't go wrong. I ordered swordfish and it was all right, doesn't taste too fresh but I'm always a very picky seafood person. Overall, I think it's an all right place if you're in the area and don't want to search around for a smaller restaurants. But I definitely like other restaurants in Harvard Sq and this wouldn't be be first place. Margaritas are good though.
(3)
Grace M.

I love Border Cafe! It's delicious, vegetarian-friendly and a really fun atmosphere. Their amazing chips & salsa are part of the experience- they're served warm, which easily garners extra bonus points. :) I also like that their fajitas come with house-made flour tortillas that are a bit on the thicker side. The only downside to this particular location is the location itself. Parking's a drag and you're almost always facing a wait time here! If you can get over those factors though, it's so worth it!
(4)
Chas K.

I was in again yesterday for my wife's birthday dinner - a tradition for two decades. The manager offered to sit us in a booth even though we were a party of two just to give us more room. Our server greeted us right away with a piping hot basket of tortilla chips and side of salsa. She later brought huge cups of ice water without us having to ask. The flank steak in my beef fajitas was the best it has even been; a perfect MR, flavorful and toothsome. My wife had the usual - Chicken Burro - and said it was excellent, as always. They were out of my usual Negra Modelo - which was odd - but I went with Lone Star. The Sauza Gold Margarita on the rocks for the birthday girl was great. The Border CafÃ© remains my favorite Tex-Mex place for atmosphere, food, service and value. I have never had a bad time or meal there. Kudos to the front and back of the house.
(5)
John W.

Went to this restaurant a few days ago with my friends and had the crawfish and shrimp quesadilla. It tasted great and the waitress was always quick to refill drinks and provide tortilla chips. The service is always quick and it is something I don't see as much at other restaurants.
(4)
Charles G.

Amazing restaurant 2 floors, food and drinks are amazing classic wooden tables.
(3)
Laura S.

Last night, I had the most incredible dang quesa-dilla of my life. I can't in good conscious give 5 stars here, as I was pretty inebriated prior to my first of my two DELICIOUS margs. I mean seriously, the margaritas here are pretty on point. Not too salty, not too sweet, not too sour! (I'm an on the rocks with salt, kinda girl. You know how I do). We had to wait for a bit, but not the expected 45 minutes. Bar patrons were good company, and we were able to enjoy a drink and some chips before being seated. Then. THEN, I got to eat the most delicious shrimp (although clearly frozen, tiiiiiny shrimp) and crawfish quesadilla! So good!! Will be venturing back, perhaps after wine riot, next week.
(4)
Dee B.

Outstanding!!! The food was delicious; service was fast and friendly; the portions were huge; restaurant was clean; the price was right! We enjoyed our meal (and the leftovers later that night) and are looking forward to our return visit. I would have rated this restaurant with five stars if the food was organic.
(4)
Andrea L.

My friend and I got the Gulf Coast Seafood Enchiladas, Eggplant Royale, and a strawberry margarita to share. Both entrees came drenched in cheese...No complaints really, both were good but not amazing. The seafood enchiladas are probably my favorite dish so far here, over the Eggplant Royale and beef enchiladas. For the side, I'd recommend jambalaya instead of rice+beans - it's flavorful and has chunks of sausage. The strawberry margarita was too sweet, basically a sugary fruit smoothie. I prefer the regular. Regardless, Border is always cheap and hearty - good place for a fun gathering but wouldn't come here for the food alone.
(3)
Yuka Y.

1. Come extremely hungry. 2. Avoid eating too much of their house salsa n' chips appetizer-no matter how deliciously fresh and hot their chips are. Portions are H-U-G-E. If you're not starving, things start to go mundane after 5 bites into your entree. I haven't had Mexican food in a while and I've heard wonderful things about this place from classmates..unfortunately Border's offerings didn't make me crave Mexican food anymore than I did at baseline. For appetizers we ordered their chili bowl- decent for at least a group of 4, far too much for only 2 peeps. ++ Their chips were divine though, freshest I've ever had. Entrees I had their taco enchilada. 1 pulled beef taco + 1 chicken enchilada (your choice of meat stuffing for either). Pulled beef was dry, luckily the veggies + guac saved it. Enchilada was alright doused in a pool of cheese. My man got the half and half fajitas. The hot plate with the meat all sizzlin' was cool and the soft tortilla was warm and divine. If you're a fan of building your own taco- this is for you. Atmosphere is excellent with colorful murals and music, great for big groups. Overall, a low key, easy going place in the heart of Harvard Sq.
(3)
Taylor N.

I brought my mom here for lunch and she had the time of her life with our server Julien! She ordered the Blackened Chicken Fajita and I ordered the Shrimp/Crawfish Quesadilla w/ a side of cornbread. Everything was excellent. We also ordered Strawberry Margaritas. WORD OF CAUTION: Be careful about parking in the lot next to the restaurant. We watched a valet guy hit another car, while parking someone's car. He scratched it, then denied it when we confronted it. He then said, "ok, well...". We told management and then it got handled but he lied RIGHT to our faces after we saw him deny and scratch that car.
(5)
Nicole E.

This place is pretty amazing! Food is not too salty and not too bland which is very hit or miss with Mexican food. Service was really good for coming in at 5pm on a Tuesday. The ONLY reason I give this four and not five is because they do not have ground beef nor hard shell tacos. Which is very crucial in the Mexican food industry. Other than that, everything was fabulous. Natalie (server) was awesome as well :)
(4)
Andrew R.

#NAME?
(4)
Ginny D.

When entering several things are troubling right away. The colorful faces painted on every inch of the walls look deranged! The noise level is way beyond acceptable but not until you are seated do you realize its hard to carry on a conversation with the noise level worse than having a train run through the restaurant.When escorted to your table you will find it difficult to sit because the tables are so close together. When the menus were brought they are useless as the multiple of items descriptions have been printed so small they are illegible. We might have been able to read them in spite of that but there was no overhead lightning so trying to read a menu in the dark was impossible.I gave up and ordered a caesar salad without being able to read the ingredients or the choices given. The food was dumped on the table by the waiter and as I started to eat the salad I realized they had neglected to but on the dressing. I ate it anyway because I just wanted to get out of there. The only good thing was the prices were very reasonable. Having said that, if the food was free I would never go to this restaurant again! If you do bring ear plugs and a flashlight.
(1)
Snowdrops C.

Awesome place to have mexican food! Great service and really affordable prices for big portion.
(4)
Darci N.

Service: Expecting a wait on a Saturday night, I was content at the quoted 40 minute wait. Happy to belly up to the bar for a long awaited margarita, the 40-ish minutes passed pretty quickly. I'm not a big fan of the set up for seating though - we were given a buzzer, it rang, and then we were given a piece of paper with a sticker on it and sent downstairs? From there we had to wait for our table to get cleared before we were seated and moved out of the staircase. Our server was noticeably rushed, and table-time was minimal. No big complaints in terms of service, it just felt as rushed as he looked. He did manage to slap down some chips & salsa right away for us though, so kudos to him. Drink: 1 star. I am admittedly a bit of a snob when it comes to tequila/margaritas, so I was highly disappointed at the minimal and cheap selection of tequilas and in the overall poor quality of margaritas. I asked for mine "on the rocks" (which she said was an option!) and she proceeded to dump frozen mix out of the blender into a glass with ice... um. Quality aside, it didn't taste terrible, and I learned my lesson - don't believe what people tell you about the margaritas at Border Cafe. Food: Chips & Salsa on the table - automatic star. I'm a huge fan of places that recognize you may have been waiting and get you something fast. I've had better chips, but you get what you pay for. I was starving, so I ate with no complaints. We started with the guacamole, which was mediocre, and I had a vegetable quesadilla. The food portions are enormous, so definitely go hungry. In general though, nothing to write home about in terms of flavor.
(3)
Chris C.

Good basic Mexican at a super cheap price point, though the gumbo would ge great if it wasn't super over-salted. Friendly and attentive device And fun decor.
(4)
Mon R.

TEX MEX IS NOT MEXICAN... PLEASE, do not insult me and call this place Mexican (I know many people who would refer to this place as such). This is NO substitute for real mexican, just sayin! also. the food here is mediocre. so is the service.
(2)
Lia B.

I used to come here about once a week with friends because Border CafÃ© is open so late, but we stopped going because it just wasn't worth it. The food is consistently greasy and strange. The music is loud, and people at the bar get rowdy sometimes. The decor is kind of cool, and if you're looking for place to eat past midnight, the late-night menu is actually better than the dinner menu. I probably won't be back.
(2)
Jenn S.

My new favorite meal at Border Cafe? The Route 66 Chop Salad. For only $8, this amazing salad fed me for 2 meals. The spicy dressing - I cannot remember what it was (chili lime I think???) - was awesome, and the combination of flavors was fantastic. Chips, salsa & margaritas are as free-flowing, salty and delicious as always! This time I went with a house margarita and enjoyed it as much as the Strawberry ones.
(4)
Blair H.

Where else, in Harvard Square, can you sit down, have a decent meal (swordfish tacos) for $11, and have a beer for $4? I see you have your hand up. Oh, you just have an itch? Exactly. Nowhere.
(4)
Charlotte S.

Went here again recently and the food was still great. Mainly came here for drinks with friends. We all loved the food and drinks. The margaritas are huge!
(5)
Sharon Z.

Gonna be totally honest, but this review is BIASED beyond compare because I've been here only 1 time and I think ordered just the right thing: the enormously underrated BLACKENED CATFISH. I can't believe I don't see any reviews of this thing; it's amazing fish. I also ate the whole basket of tortilla chips and salsa. This is a big deal because I was on a date with a cute guy. And I still ate the whole basket. I think I left him like 2. + atmosphere: looks like a barn, really cute + food: delicious (well, the BLACKENED CATFISH), sizeable portions. I'll also take their tortilla basket over a bread basket any day mmhmm + price: cheap! - bathrooms are yuck, but given what Mexican food does to the stomach.. it's expected? Ha... +/- service: (too) laid back, but fits the atmosphere
(5)
Jeanne O.

Best meal we had on a 3-day stay on Cambridge. I had chicken bandera. SO much mesquite flavor & the lime glaze was delicious. I never even knew you could grill an avocado - it was awesome. The sweet chipotle sauce on the fries was great. My dining partner had the blackened chicken with jambalaya. Very flavorful & the chicken had some heat.GREAT!! Margs were good & the chips & salsa were also very good. Service was very fast & efficient, although I did feel this was mostly because people were waiting & they were trying to rush us out. Overall one of the very best places in the area.
(5)
Kate L.

Amazing chicken quesadilla as always. NEVER FAILS to be unreal and amazing! Great service and cheap. BUT... I brought a hot tea from Starbucks in b/c it was freezing in the AC and they told me I couldn't come in with it. I was pretty annoyed. I mean, obvi it isn't alcohal and I am a well-dressed adult not some poor person who won't get a drink b/c I have my own tea. ANYWAY, I talked to the manager and to no avail, had to leave it at the front desk. ANNOYED! But will never stop eating there b/c the foods amaze!
(4)
Doris G.

Definitely my favorite place around this area. Food is great and price is reasonable. My favorite is crawfish, personally. Shrimp popcorn is second.
(5)
Lisa S.

Border Cafe has a great location in Harvard Square. On weekend nights, this place gets packed. I went on a Thursday night and it was busy but not overly so. It does get a bit loud- the ambiance is more of a loud/crowd atmosphere. The tables are pretty packed in, and there is an upstairs and a downstairs. I always think that their seating method is weird- when you walk in, the hostess will give you a slip of paper, tell you to go downstairs and hand it to the downstairs hostess. They give you a free basket of chips and some salsa. We ordered fried shrimp for an appetizer (amazing, I actually want more). The sauce was delicious. My friend ordered a fish (which she said she enjoyed) and I ordered fajitas. I told him that I couldn't eat dairy, and he actually went back into the kitchen and asked them in detail about dairy. He was worried because they cooked in butter- but I told him a little wouldn't hurt me, as long as I didn't eat a lot of creamy sauce or a hunk of cheese, I'd be okay. I was really appreciative of the fact that he went out of his way for me. My chicken fajitas were basic and good, and I couldn't finish them. But to be honest, it is pretty hard to mess up fajitas. I also ordered 2 Patron Margaritas- and they were amazingly delicious and made me happy. After the meal, we went to the bathroom, and it smelled so strongly of vomit, that we had to leave the bathroom immediately to stop from throwing up ourselves from the smell. I guess somebody drank a bit too many margaritas at 9pm on a Thursday? Overall, if you are looking for somewhere in Harvard Square to relax, have a few margaritas, and get some good, basic, not super exciting Mexican food in a casual environment... then this is your place. Don't expect more, and you will leave happy and satiated!
(3)
Alyssa F.

I was here years ago on a first date with my current boyfriend. I vaguely remember fried shrimp in a flour shell smothered in a briny cheese slop that I'd asked for on the side. It would have been completely forgettable if not for the cheese slop. A few years later I returned with my perpetually single, googly-for-girlies-that-are-half-his-age friend. I quickly realized we were not there for the food, but to ogle barely dressed, drunk college girls. Ogle we did, and silently we did so, because the first floor is too loud (until about 11pm) to have a conversation with anyone but yourself. Careful this time to avoid cheese-slop things, I ordered the beef fajitas with rice and beans and a strawberry margarita. The margarita was big and sticky and mostly not alcohol, so one was enough and I switched to wine. Hot fresh chips were good, the salsa was unexciting, but the fajita was a pleasant surprise. The steak strips on my sizzling plate outnumbered the onions, and the overly strong (tex-mex?) flavor was sufficiently calmed with sour cream and guacamole. I super loaded 3 or 4 soft tortilla shells before I could eat no more. I liked it enough to box the leftovers but someone raided my beef strips. I've played it safe with the fajita on subsequent visits. My friend moved out of state last year, and although we've done the eat and ogle as recently as November, he found a new girlfriend, and a good one at that. It probably spells the end of our Border Cafe adventures but I think I'll live.
(3)
t j.

One of my all time favorites. Just be aware that wait for a table can be long during prime time.
(5)
James A.

The Border Cafe is just eh. The pros: Good (and free!) chips and salsa. Not as good as Chilis though. Good service. Good for families Cheap! The cons: The food is not even close to bring as good as chipotle or your other fast food Mexican place. And the place is filthy.. Especially the bathrooms that are never stocked. The floors of the bathroom was so slippery from grease that I almost slipped into the toilet. In any event, if your looking for a good place to drink and have cheap mediocre food, than this is the place for you. But the only thing I would recommend is the chips.
(2)
Moises F.

Well I am Mexican, so when it comes to Mexican food, I am very picky! Border cafe is an ok Mexican restaurant. Portions are very large, variety is good, place looks nice but quality ... I have tasted much better! But you don't come here for that anyway cause the food is cheap. So it's actually good value for money.
(3)
Dianne L.

Sorry but not authentic. Tried it, gave it a go and for me it is a big no! Chips stale and salsa not flavorful. Meat not spiced right. Now I am in search of a true authentic Mexican place. I so wanted to like this restaurant cuss it is so close to me and friends have said they like it. Too bad.
(3)
Sandra C.

Visiting Boston, a family friend college student recommended this to us. It was fun and lively. We were seated quickly and given hot tortilla chips and salsa. The glasses were big and always filled, free refills. Order was taken right away, being a vegetarian was no issue, there was plenty to choose from. Food came quickly, it was HOT and delish. Would definitely return next time were in Boston
(5)
Rhianna C.

Love the margaritas here, and for years I don't think I even knew there was a restaurant attached to the bar. The food is tasty and there's enough diversity to keep a group happy. They're also REALLY good with handling allergies, so I highly recommend eating here. Oh, the tortilla chips are GLUTEN FREE!!!!!!!!!! It's so nice to know that when you're super hungry there's something on the table that's safe to eat.
(4)
Joe V.

Hands down my favorite place for margaritas. There are many types of ritas to choose from but all you need is the house margarita. They are smooth, mildly sweet and refreshing on a hot day. They also don't give you a headache the next morning like you would normally get from sour mix. The food is cheap and delicious especially if you like anything seasoned or blackened. A taco and enchilada plate is only seven dollars. That will leave you with extra money for more margaritas! The one downside is the signature border cafe smell. You will... leave smelling like food. One might argue that every restaurant smells of food, but does the smell linger with you for days as though you worked a double in the kitchen? Plan your outfit accordingly and give your clothes time to air out. Cheers!
(4)
Keem H.

Boarders is one of my best restaurants in Cambridge. It authentic, tasty, affordable and big portions. You never get enough
(5)
Fadi Q.

I haven't been there for a long time but I used to go there frequently when I lived in Boston First comment about other bad reviews #1 expect the wait on a busy weekend #2 why do you even bring a kid to this place on a weekend night? I think that's bad parenting #3 if you have super long wait, go outside and walk around for a while #4 oh you're a fan of the place and give 2 out of 5 stars for one not so great experience? you're being unfair #5 for anybody giving 1 out of 5 stars, the place needs to fall on your head before you give such a low rating ok done with my rant and now for the good stuff #1 fresh made chips and salsa for everybody no extra charge, just for that you should definitely check this place out #2 the crowded college atmosphere is great for the young people #3 the margaritas are much fun, I'm not pro about them so not sure if they're top notch but everybody i used to go with loved them even with some of my picky friends #4 food is excellent, maybe not everything on the menu is great but we've tried from the fish, fajitas to burgers and I was never disappointed #5 for a busy place like this, the pricing is just right
(5)
Gaven C.

Pro's: Great bar and drinks, food varies depending on what you get. Con's: Don't let them sit you in the basement Recommend: Margarita with PatrÃ³n, Chicken Burros
(3)
Jon W.

Margaritas are watery (and they use Triple Sec - which is revolting) and the food is unsanitary. I've seen cockroaches at this place, I hate the smell that emanates from your clothes after you've left, and the food isn't that good. The worst thing I saw was during Christmas: there were dangling Christmas lights hanging from the ceiling scraping in the food that the servers were carrying over their heads to the patrons. I will never return here.
(1)
Dessa R.

Border has quite a bit to bring to the table. Large portions of yummy Americanized Tex-mex. Complimentary hot chips & salsa. Big, festive space. Reasonable prices. Huge margaritas. Tons of seating. I like the steak fajitas. Border has been my savior on many a hungry Friday night in H-Rock square. Gracias guys!
(3)
Jason N.

So good this is the best food!
(5)
Lola T.

crowded and cheap, just what i look for from a college restaurant but don't even ask them to seat you unless everyone in your party is there staff is pretty nice overall!
(5)
Maddie C.

Seems more cajun than Tex-Mex to me. I liked the chips and salsa, and they come in generous portions. Vegetarian options are kind of lacking... cheese enchiladas were really, really heavy. I appreciate that they differentiate between the plain rice and the cajun rice, which is made with meat. Drinks are really cheap! I'd meet people here but probably not go out of my way for the food. It's a big place though, so even when it's crowded the wait times are not too bad for 4 people or less.
(3)
Sarah H.

Border is my go to for a consistently good, comfort food driven meal. I love their Catfish Fajitas with the chopped mango and jalapeno topping. Sublime. The sides are kind of middle of the road but the meal itself is fantastic. Also, given how Border is consistently busy, they crank out their meals pretty quickly. I have never felt like a forgotten customer at Border. The margaritas are tasty and big (large for me anyway). We've tried a few of their apps with success as well--guac is recommended, and the shrimp thing with bread and gravy is delicious. Kind of heavy to start your meal but very flavorful.
(4)
Tony S.

Man, I confused this at first with the "Borders" bookstore. I got invited by a group of friends last night and the whole time as we walked over I was trying to make sense of the new directional theme of tacos and books. Ok, so FAIL on my part. This is Border without an "s" at the end. Hey. Nobody told me! LOVE the atmosphere. I felt like I was in one of my Tex-Mex hangouts somewhere in Austin, Texas. It had a total feel-good buzz about the place. We had a good sized group so I got to sample a lot of different grub. Because it's Lent, however, I couldn't have any beer (give that up every year...... hopefully it gets me into heaven). The food, unfortunately, by a regular Mexican or Tex-Mex measure is probably a solid 3-star. But, relative to Boson, a city that fabulously known for its Mexican and Korean food... (not)..., it is a decent 4-star. Everything I sampled was a tad bit too salty (in some cases, ugh salty), but I suppose for future visits I can just request less salt. Value for money is great, especially during these hard times. The salads were HUGE, with everything on them, and only $5. The shrimp and crawfish quesadillas is a MUST (but really, ask for less salt).... loved them.... though it'll probably take a couple more days to digest. The portion was HUGE and around $7. Love the generous free salsa and chips they keep supplying until your stomach screams "ALKA SELTZER". Salsa is decent, and those chips are great (again, a bit on the salty side). I don't remember what brand they carried, but the bottled rootbeer they have here is AWESUM. I could not get enough of it. It just tasted spectabulous, and went well with the food (which I'll obviously switch back to beer/margharitas after Lent is over). Definately coming back here.
(4)
soylinduh O.

It's Cinco de Mayo, folks! After seven hours of retail I decided one way or another I was going to celebrate this fun holiday. I knew that regardless I would be celebrating on my own but the wonderful weather outdoors was begging me to enjoy the sun. I thought about going into Boston but ended up in Harvard Square because that is where Border Cafe is! After a couple of loops I found a spot along Mount Auburn and walked over to the restaurant. I saw a seat outside and figured that although I had assumed it would be packed and I would just sit by the bar inside that I had nothing to lose by asking if the table was open. I couldn't believe my luck when I was walked outside right away. With the sun shining in my face I immediately felt OK with having spend the majority of the day indoors. I ordered a strawberry margarita, got the complimentary nachos and salsa and a house salad. The whole bill came to a little over $11! All in all I had a wonderful time people watching and feeling bad for those who were now forming a huge line by the door. I can't believe how much I lucked out with my timing! That's what the extra star is for! Happy Cinco de Mayo!
(5)
Kevin C.

Fish. Fucking. Tacos. There simply aren't enough restaurants that make fish tacos, much less ones that make them well. This is a restaurant that does. Border Cafe itself is jam-packed; it's full of aspiring law students, undergrads, and the occasional young professional. We waited 15 minutes in line to get in, but we were quick to get served and the waitress was very friendly. But enough about that bullshit - you want to know about the fish tacos. Well, let me tell you, they're jam-packed with flavor, mixed with some kind of lime mayo sauce, and there's more than enough of it to go around. It's probably not the best fish, but it's made so well who gives a shit? Do yourself a favor and go here now.
(4)
Ian C.

Border Cafe is a lot of fun! I used to come here every Sunday because they were the only late night place with a decent food selection. Their food tends to be on the greasy side, but if you make it in time for their not-late-night menu, you'll be able to get better (less greasy) food. Their chips are delicious (albeit a bit salty). I'm excited to go back and have something from their normal dinner menu.
(3)
Susan R.

This is a chain restaurant, the wait is always pretty long,the place is full of Harvard students and their families, there is never a place to park, and I once got declined a Margarita because my ID was at home... I am 35. I would go through all of these annoyances and more for this place. It's nothing fancy, Tex-Mex, great prices, good margarita and a wonderful atmosphere of yelling. I have never had a meal I didn't like, and never looked at the bill and said 'oh hell no'. I often have a hard time standing upright after my meal... awesome. Don't miss this laid-back Tex-Mex haven (please note that this is NOT Mexican food) if you are visiting Harvard Square. Order the Cajun Crawfish appetizer... and a PiÃ±a Colada (its not on the menu... but they have them) yum. Try to save room for your meal, the free chips (made in house) and salsa (more like an awesome pico de gallo) are superb.... but filling.
(4)
Jennifer L.

LOVE the Border Cafe! I live in Harvard Square and there are a million restaurants but this one is in my permanent rotation. Abundant warm, salty tortilla chips and excellent fresh salsa; fresh, quality food - nothing too fancy but what you'd expect at a Tex-Mex restaurant; quick, friendly service; reasonable prices; festive atmosphere. There will likely be a wait but it usually isn't long. I'd recommend against the house margarita as I believe they are pre-mixed and watered down. As a vegetarian I'm impressed they have a whole separate menu section for us, and they always make sure to ask if you want white rice and black beans vs. the jambalaya, which is cooked in meat broth. The veggies are so fresh and there are a variety of them - not just onions and peppers! I usually order either the vegetable jambalaya (awesome and comes with corn bread!) or veggie fajitas, and I always have plenty left over for lunch. If I'm feeling more decadent I get the black bean and corn empanadas, deep fried and ridiculously cheesy and delicious. The black bean taco salad is also excellent, and so is the cheese or veggie quesadilla. They don't serve dessert but there are plenty of other places for that. I've never had a meal here I didn't like.
(4)
Maya S.

So there we were on a Friday night wandering around in Cambridge looking for a place to eat, when my friend literally squealed, "yay, Border Cafe, you have GOT to try this!!" Thus drawing stares from at least 50 people on the street. Not wanting to get publicly embarrassed and feel guilty for not having tried this place, we decided to march in. And boy, was I so glad! Warm chips, tasty salsa and yummy cheese quesadillas..who more could I have asked for. Of course, there was also the freshly squeezed lemonade..which was surprisingly refreshing. Friendly service and great place to hang out with friends. WIll go there again the next time I've a tex-mex food craving.
(4)
Alan C.

My trip to Border Cafe didn't really start off so great. It was a Friday night, and it was PACKED to the point that they had to have someone guarding the door and there was a line to even put your name on the wait list. It took about 40 minutes until we were called up, and boy was it packed. Even before we ordered, they were doing things right. They brought us water in huge 2 pint glasses (don't have to worry about refills). In additional, the chips they brought us were really hot and fresh, so they were delicious even by themselves. I ordered a strawberry margarita and a chicken fajita. Strawberry Margarita - the margarita came in quite a large glass, filed to the brim. The drink itself was refreshing and really good. For $5.50, it's worthwhile to get. Chicken Fajita - I didn't realize this until they brought it out, but they made everything separately and put them in their own containers. That meant I would have to assemble the fajitas by myself, which was fine. The chicken was grilled perfectly and everything was wonderfully seasoned. However, Since everything was so seasoned, the entire fajita was pretty damn salty. tl;dr - Fajitas are so delicious and flavorful (maybe a bit too salty) and margaritas come in big glasses for a cheap price.
(4)
Thais A.

Chips and Salsa Fajitas Margaritas Mexican fiesta in mi pantalones Yes, yes, yes, maybe... I'll start off saying that I've never met nicer people in the service industry than the ones at this place. The servers, the hostesses, even the food runners were all exceptionally polite. On to the food--- Delicious! I shared the fajitas for two with my lovely date for the evening, and it was more than enough food for two. The margaritas were super tasty and the complimentary chips and salsa in the beginning were terrific. Everything was delicious, but when i compared it to the food at Uncle Julio's back in Boca, I felt like the ingredients were just more fresh and crisp there. However, this place is way cheaper than Uncle Julio's and the staff here is friendlier.
(4)
Julie N.

The only thing I actually ate here were chips dipped into a bowl of cheese the size of my head, but I'll say that I would've drank that cheese sauce if it was acceptable. Drinks were good, crowd was large, service was fine... yeah. Border Cafe? Why not.
(3)
Vivian H.

For a Tex-Mex place, it sure is popular! & understandably so. The complementary chips were addicting. The fajitas seem to be a favorite, and the fish tacos were very flavorful. My cajun burger more than hit the spot (with lots of lovely crispy fries!), though I probably should have gone with the recommended medium instead of med-rare because my stomach didn't feel so well after the meal. I loveeee jambalaya but not Border's version, which made me very sad. I tried the strawberry margarita too, which was yummy but not amazing.. I miss Philly's Mad4!! It was super crowded so we had to wait like 15 mins to be seated but service was very fast and friendly!
(4)
Glenn N.

I am very picky about my Mexican cuisine. After growing up in the Midwest on Taco Bell and ChiChi's, I lived for several years in the Southwest and got a taste for truly authentic food. I don't go for the bland refried beans with ground beef seasoned with generic chili powder slopped on top of a pile of tortilla chips. By no means is Border Cafe amazing Tex-Mex fare, but it's a step above alot of places I've found in Boston. I have tried pretty much everything on the menu and often go for the swordfish and mango salsa. It's more of an east coast take on Southwestern food and I just flat out love it. The atmosphere is very frat-boy at times which can take me back. So it can be crowded and noisy. The service has always been quick and friendly. I give this place four stars because it's convenient, has decent enough food and is a really good spot to meet up with friends.
(4)
Hunter T.

A consistently great place for Mexican-Cajun food and margaritas in Harvard Square Pros: Well prepared food, fast friendly service; good specialty margaritas; very reasonable prices Cons: Due to its popularity, seating times can be extremely long during peak hours. House margaritas are mostly sour mix. Border Cafe has a large menu of great tex mex standards as well as some more adventurous offerings such as their Chicken Guadalajara and their Filet Mignon Jim Bowie Style. Many of their items have a Cajun twist to them that gives them unique qualities, like their Shrimp and Crawfish Quesadilla. The food quality is great and Border Cafe is an excellent place for a date night or with a group of friends. If you are planning on eating as a group, either go there early (before 6pm) or have your whole party there as early as possible to sign in and then have a margarita or two at the bar while waiting. Avoid the house margaritas, they are very weak, especially on big days such as Cinco De Mayo where they are pre-made. Instead, anything made to order should not disappoint. Once you are actually seated, service is surprisingly fast and efficient, even for large groups. The food should come out quickly and is very well prepared and presented. They are good at keeping their excellent fresh chips and salsa flowing and do a good job of bringing drinks. Just do them a favor if in a big group and have everyone ask for any extra sides, condiments, etc. all at once rather than nickel and diming their time. Border Cafe is definitely worth trying on the merits of its food alone, but its festive atmosphere and capability of handling large groups makes it a great destination for an entertaining night. It's quality has made it very popular, so plan accordingly if you are going to go there after 6pm from Wednesday through Friday or any time during the weekend.
(4)
Ali S.

Border Cafe is pretty good. The vibe is fun and funky (Christmas lights year round, beer signs, colorful murals, etc.) and the food is about what you'd expect from a Mexican restaurant on the East Coast. I'm a fan of their margaritas, though, and love their bottomless baskets of chips with salsa. Unfortunately, I've never had much luck with service. Just this evening, my friend asked for a water and got a soda water, which I'm pretty sure we can agree is unpalatable on its own. We brushed it off as an unfortunate fluke, but when my friend ordered a margarita after that the waitress specifically asked if she'd liked the rim of her glass salted. My friend said yes. The margarita came, but there was no salt. We had an enjoyable time, but two mistakes like that in a row was odd. All in all, though, not a bad place to go. Its location makes for some fun after-dinner window shopping and the festive atmosphere of the restaurant itself makes for an enjoyable evening out.
(3)
Jessica T.

We love having dinner here with family and friends when they are in town. The food is great, and reasonable prices with larger portions. The Cajun popcorn and Ã©touffÃ©e are favorites!
(4)
Kyle C.

Love this place! Cheep drinks, tasty food, and warm tortilla chips! Sometimes the staff can be a bit snotty, so hence the 4 stars.
(4)
C M.

My fiancÃ© and I have been loyal customers of Border Cafe for quite some time, but after our last experience, we are unlikely to return. After waiting for more than 30 minutes, we were seated, which would have been fine and somewhat normal for a Friday night, BUT... The waiter was not very attentive and after questioning something about the food, the manager made his way over to our table and was rude and dismissive. Horrible customer service! What ever happened to the customer is always right? Pathetic! Bye, bye Border Cafe! They could CERTAINLY learn a thing or 2 about customer service from Temple Bar on Mass Ave.
(1)
Elaine T.

The 3 stars is a reflection of the food. It tasted ok. The steak fajita that my boyfriend got had a weird spice marinade to it. It definitely didn't taste authentic (I'm from CA and know good mexican food). And I can't speak for my food as I got a salad- you can't really go wrong there. This place is a sure bet for college students as the food is cheap and they give you plenty of food for an entree (enough to split into 2 meals). But I can't overlook the service. I'd give this place 5 stars for the friendly and attentive staff members. However would I come back? Probably not. I think if I was still in college, this would be a place I'd come to for sure.
(3)
Jim W.

It is what it is and it did a good job at it. Its a chain TeX mex so don't expect nice Mexican or anything exotic. The chips and salsa they give you are very addictive! Watch out I kinda ruined my appetite on them. I had the blackened chicken fajitas which were goof although the chicken couldve been cut up smaller. Our waitress was very good and the place wasn't a disaster or too loud on a busy Saturday afternoon.
(4)
Ami G.

My husband and I recently visited Cambridge and took a stroll around Harvard Square before landing at my husband's absolute favorite Mexican restaurant ever, Border Cafe. He too went to undergrad and grad school in Cambridge, so a quick lunch at Border Cafe was high on his list in order to satisfy his long-standing Mexican food craving. Border Cafe is always busy, no matter what time of day. We arrived around 12:30 and it was crowded, but we managed to sneak in and grab a table without a wait. I perused the menu, unsure of exactly what my options were for a good lunch salad. I was happy to see that the menu had its own vegetarian section! Our waiter was fantastic! As soon as we sat down, a large basket of warm tortilla chips and house-made salsa were placed in front of us. I passed on the chips and salsa this time, since it was a bit early in my day to stuff my face with them, but my husband had no hesitation in diving in! As he did that, I admired the condiments. I was tickled by the Crystal hot sauce- I have never seen that brand before! I also took a glance around to appreciate the festive and eclectic decorations! I decided to take a vegetarian salad off the menu and tweak it a bit so it would be just right for me. Another reason I hearted our waiter was when I told him my order was a bit complicated, he told me not to worry a bit. After I delivered my order, he told me that was easy! I love when waitstaff are so open to accommodating fussy guests! I ordered their vegetarian black bean salad without the flour shell it typically comes in, without cheese, without mushrooms, and without dressing. I asked for an extra side of salsa to use as dressing instead. With all of those alterations, I ended up with exactly what I wanted: black beans, salsa, guacamole, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, and green peppers. Vegan, gluten-free, and delicious! Since their salsa is amazing, and their guac is equally stellar, this salad was packed with spicy Mexican flavor. My husband did not believe me when I said salsa was a bomb salad topper, so I offered him a bite to test it out. He was, to say the least, blown away! He finally caved in and expressed to me how it clicked for him with that bite- he now "gets" why I use salsa as salad dressing, especially along with avocado. As I have always said, he too admitted it tasted like the inside of his beloved Chipotle burrito. Border Cafe was wonderful about crafting a meal for menu that I was happy with. Again, it never hurts to ask for what you want, because you just might get it, and it just might be delicious!
(5)
Christopher C.

I occasionally miss my Tex-mex and come here! Food is good, I always get enchiladas, rice, and beans. Margaritas are great. The only complaint I have is that the wait is always long to come in, and then the waiters/waitresses always give me the vibe that they want to kick me out! Also, when I have friends coming in later, they do not accommodate their orders even when we are still waiting for our food. The atmosphere here is always crazy, and the bathrooms are always dirty. Definitely come here if you want cheap, large portions of food, fun drinks, and a crazy environment!
(3)
Susan K.

With three other girlfriends, we went to this place on a Friday night. It was packed. Loud western music, low lighting, and the place was alive. It did take a while for us to get seated but there had to be a reason why this place was packed besides the start of the weekend. Don't be deceived when you first walk in...there is a downstairs too with a bunch of seats. We were seated downstairs in a nice booth. Our waiter was a fast worker. Quickly got our drinks, the chips and dips (YES), and our order. It made the place fast -paced. The endless chips were so good. They were so warm when you first get it...right from the kitchen. Fresh chips = delicious. I couldn't stop eating it. Four of us girls killed the first basket of chips. I ordered the taco and enchilada combo with the jumbalaya rice...for only $7 and the dish was huge! I couldn't finish it. We also got a side fries and they were thin and crispy...just the way I like it. The food was cheap and delicious. Very flavorful and not too greasy or fatty. I would definitely come back with friends. Its a good place to just hang out, chill, and eat. The atmosphere is alive, fun, and loud. I wouldn't recommend this place if you want a quiet, intimate dinner with someone.
(4)
Thorstein V.

Always loved you, Border Cafe. Always. But your new, You-can-only-eat-at-the-bar-proper policy (as opposed to the bar area) is stupid. Just stupid. And after all these years, we part ways.
(1)
Lucy E.

Solid 5 Stars No not the fine dining five stars, but the nitty gritty 5 stars. You go here for cheap (yet satisfyingly delicious) margaritas, home made chips and dip, and mexican/cajun cuisine! I highly recommend anything "blackened", including the chicken fingers and catfish...YUM I will warn that the chips and salsa are fresh and free flowing. This is a warning b/c everyone I know (including myself) has filled up before the food even hits the table! But not too big of a worry b/c everything is just as good reheated the next day!
(5)
J. L.

My boyfriend and I had a great time at Border Cafe the other night! Waitress was very nice and food was yummy! It was a weeknight and the place was packed! We couldn't believe it. The waitress continuously kept bring us more chips/salsa (eventually we had to say no more!) which is a good thing! It definitely shows she was keeping an eye on us which was nice! The atmosphere is great and a perfect place to go for a chill night in Harvard Square. We will for sure be going back!
(5)
Ali B.

All the three of us loved the food. The salmon was great, so was the chicken salad.
(5)
Jason L.

Yikes, my stomach is still healing from yesterday's lunch. The nacho's took forever to arrive. Then, when they did, they were very greasy. My meal was overcooked, burnt. It was also very greasy. Overall bland meal. The saving grace, my last 2 meals at the spot on Rte 1 were very good.
(1)
Katie V.

This place is very cheap and the portions are huge. Which makes me a bit suspicious as to the quality of the ingredients and/or the kitchen labor. But when you want a buttload of Mexican or Cajun food, this is the place to go. I have tried the fajitas (the portion for 1 is huge and enough for 2) and the swordfish tacos. Both very good and filling. Also have had the etouffe (sp?) with chicken and chorizo and the popcorn shrimp. It's not the most refined cuisine but it's tasty. The drinks are also cheap; the Hurricane is sneakily potent, though almost too sweet (I had a stomachache after) and the raspberry margarita is made with raspberry-flavored liquor, not a fruit puree, so it's stronger than a reg margarita. Expect to wait on weekends, but the tables turn pretty quickly and the restaurant is huge so it's usually not too bad. Loud, collegiate/fratty atmosphere, but hey, what do you expect in a place that has $5.50 margaritas that's within walking distance from a university?
(4)
Shivon R.

I went here with my date after finding our original dinner plan, Mr. Bartely's, to be closed for the evening. What a wonderful turn of events! Border Cafe had an extensive menu, it was hard to choose one meal- everything sounded good, and was super cheap! I ended up deciding on the shrimp and crayfish quesadilla, whereas my date chose the blackened catfish fajita. We also got an order of cornbread on the side. Both entrees were delicious and flavorful, and the cornbread was perfectly moist. The only problem was that I ate too many of the tasty complimentary chips and salsa to finish my meal. In addition, our waiter was fantastic. Super attentive and very friendly. All together it made for a very fun and yummy dining experience for very little money.
(5)
Kadin L.

SPECTACULAR place! Had my first real mexican meal here! Love the fresh chips!! SUPER salsa! I had a beef quesadilla with was phenomenal! And their chicken pastelitos were SO good! Love the cilantro in it! The only thing that's keeping me from giving border cafe 5 stars is how the people in the front are so rude. But the food made up for it.
(4)
Barbara R.

Border Cafe is my first choice for Mexican food in Boston, also my first choice to bring a hungry non-Bostonian friend who wants to have a good meal in Boston! The food, the chips and salsa, and the drink are all good and inexpensive. The food portions are too much for one person. Although I've enjoyed all food that I've tried here, the most impressive one is Fajita. You can get half beef, half chicken Fajita to try both. What I don't like about this place is the service quality. Since the place is really crowded, they are very busy and sometimes the waiters don't pay much attention to your needs. Oh, and it reminds me that sometimes during the weekend, you might have to wait a long time to get a table.
(4)
Gina B.

I live in Texas and visit Boston fairly often, so I'm coming in with a bias toward good Tex-Mex. Border Cafe isn't bad -- for Massachusetts, it's probably some of the best you'll find. Their salsa is fresh, the margaritas strong. Sometimes that's all you need. The last time I went, I ordered cajun food, it being crawfish season and all. I got the crawfish etouffee, and while it was not the best etoufee I've ever had, I enjoyed it. My boyfriend ordered the Gulf Coast Enchiladas -- enchiladas stuffed with crawfish and shrimp and topped with creme and crab meat sauce. They were delicious but after three bites, they were too rich for him to finish. Our service at the table was great, but the hostess wouldn't seat us with an incomplete party. While it was pretty busy, I still don't like this rule. It's incredibly frustrating to see other parties get seated before you, only because your friends are 10 minutes behind. Also, they play a lot of crappy, mainstream country music, which doesn't jive with Tex-Mex/Cajun vibe. They should look into a more authentic regional music selection (and thus not offend any true Southerners...)
(3)
Geno K.

So close to 5 stars... so close. $10ish for a really great fajita plate with chicken and steak in the middle of overpriced Harvard Square. Score. Great waitstaff.
(4)
Stephanie F.

Border Cafe is one those places that I feel "eh" about one aspect, but then other pros about it balance it out to make it an OK place. The eh factors are as follows: - eh quality of food: I've had the blackened catfish, and their fish tacos. Good size portion but something I don't itch for everytime I go back to eat there - eh guacamole: the price of the guac definitely reflects the quality. Don't get me wrong, it's sufficiently yummy once I add a few more spritzes of lime to it. - eh to the seating arrangments in that place: Everytime I've gone with a big group of people I've always had to wait longer than 10-15 minutes. And then when I finally get to sit down, I'm full from all the margaritas I've been drinking and all the tortilla chips I've been snacking on while standing up. and then I ask myself: I waited this long.. for this? Pro-factors: - pro drink: HUGE margaritas for the price. While they don't seem to have a lot of tequila in it (not that I can taste) it makes you feel good that you're not paying $10 for the size that you're paying for. - pro good place to go with a group of friends: While I complained about coming here with a big group of people, it still is a good place to go with such a number. No one is going to complain about the quality of the food, decently-priced drinks... so it gets a 4 star for being a good place to go with groups. - pro tortilla chips: I'm not sure that they make their own tortilla chips, but they are always heated and are so delicious everytime I go there.
(3)
Stephen J.

Solid place, affordable margaritas, good food, and cheap prices. Only downside is they will only seat parties once everyone is there. Also, managers are sort of watch dogish and are always hovering around. All in all great place!
(5)
Danielle W.

I used to come to Border Cafe all the time when my friends and I visited the city during high school and college. It was one of the only places we all could agree on. I never cared for the food then, but I've been here a couple times since then, and it's actually better than I remember. Border Cafe's food is, as the name suggests, what you'd expect to find in a Tex-Mex cafe. It's nothing unique or special, but it's pretty decent. It's better than a fast food restaurant, but not as nice as upscale restaurant. It's somewhere in the middle, along that hard to describe middle of the road type of place. I'd almost compare it to pub food, but in Tex-Mex style. I usually go for the soft tacos with chicken and they're pretty consistent. I've had the enchiladas and burritos and they're also decent, but again, nothing I'd rave over. The biggest point in their favor is that it's a lot of food for a good price. The drinks are cheap, but they're not very strong. I've definitely had better margaritas and sangria elsewhere. The atmosphere is fun, but loud. It's a great place to go with a group of people, but if you're going on a weekend, chances are you'll have to wait for awhile. They also don't seat your party unless everyone is there, so be warned about that. I've never had a problem with the service. In fact, each time I've been there, the service has been wonderful.
(4)
Ethan A.

I was pleasantly surprised with this place. A quick ten minute wait on a busy Saturday night was fine, and out server was great. He took initiative to ask about our allergies when we order menu items slightly customized, and looked into the prepwork behind the food to ensure they met the requirements we had. Glasses were refilled right as they were emptied. Food arrived quickly and freshly prepared. I was hesitant because the crowd seems a little broski for me, but it was a bit more diverse. Its also hard for me to find a "mexican" vegetarian dish without cheese, but that was also not a problem. While not my standard fare, I'm glad to know I can rely on this place should the mood strike for tex mex in Harvard Square.
(4)
Linda E.

This place is good for group events and even one on one dates. I've been here plenty of times, but I still need to try the margaritas. They just always seem so huge and sweet and I'm not in the mood. The free chips and salsa are good and I suggest ordering a cup of guacamole for the chips as well. I have gotten the chicken tacos and enchilada and the fish tacos on separate occasions. Both great, the later being a bit dry, but you have a good amount of food with the rice and beans and you will have enough to take some home. The prices are very reasonable. This is pretty good Tex-Mex food out in Boston coming form a Cali girl used to excellent Mexican food.
(5)
Caroline M.

Border is great! Anytime on the weekend there is usually a wait, but it goes by fast and once you are seated, you are given chips and salsa and friendly, quick service. The prices are great, especially considering the amount of delicious food you are given, almost always leave with leftovers. Another plus, I had a friend who worked here and he said the kitchen is AMAZINGLY clean and that all of the staff are very sanitary, which is always nice to hear. Fun place, great food.
(4)
Courtney N.

The food at Border Cafe was tremendous. The portions were huge, and the other reviewers are so right- they give you a ton of water which is much appreciated. I'm usually wary of Tex Mex and Mexican because I'm a wimp and can't deal with the array of hot spices most people drench their meals in. Border Cafe, however, did not go overboard and I thank them very much for that! I loved the decor. I loved that you could sit outside if you wanted. I loved the colorful drinks. The menu was awesome. So many items, and many of them seafood. I ended up purchasing an appetizer as my meal, and I still had to left-overs to take home. I especially loved the never-ending basket of tortilla chips (probably why I had left-overs). Our server, Danielle, was super nice and very bubbly. We wanted to have a good time because she was having such a good time. Prices were extremely reasonable. I was expecting higher prices since it is Cambridge. My boyfriend bought the blackened salmon and he paid less than he would at a seafood restaurant in this area. Nice! I would definitely go back, and am thinking of ways to go again as I write this! Check this place out- it's delicious!
(4)
Laura Y.

Warm AND unlimited chips? This is my dream! Except when my actual entree came I was too full to finish my shrimp and crawfish quesadilla which was really really good and everything was so cheap! Can't wait to come back here when I'm super hungry and now I'm jealous of the Harvard kids who get to come here often.
(5)
Jennifer F.

This is my most favorite place in all of Cambridge. Their margaritas are amazing and delicious - and the selection is great. I always get the Chicken Guadalajara because it is one of the best noms I've ever put in my mouth. I think the prices are reasonable or downright cheap depending on what you get; and the atmosphere, while touristy and kitschy, has an endearing quality to it. Whenever family or friends visit, I bring them to Border Cafe. I spend my time between visits dreaming of their complimentary chips and salsa... and margaritas, naturally.
(5)
Alexander R.

This place gets really busy, crowded, and loud, so don't take a first date here or whatever. It's not ideal for having a conversation. If you want to gorge yourself on delicious food without paying too much, though, this is the spot.
(5)
Dee T.

Went in on a Sunday for an early dinner and I'm sure we were "greeted" by the manager of the day at the time and was asked to step aside as my friend and I both heard and a few minutes later he barks at us to go downstairs to be seated bc apparently he said that earlier, ya right. The waiter was nice and welcoming and we didn't mind he was running around waiting many others. Food is cheap but not great in my opinion except for the complimentary salsa that could of been given with better chips than overly salted ones.
(1)
Ann C.

It's magical in my tummy! I love this place because it's good for both vegetarians and meat eaters! They have a whole page with vegetarian listings, so you don't have to scan the menu and read every description only to find out the beans are made with meat. I like places like this because then I don't have to feel like "the vegetarian" and my omnivore friends can order what they want. Everyone is happy! The free chips come warm and crunchy. The salsa isn't my favorite, but that's a personal thing and I definitely eat it happily anyways. I also love their huge cups for fountain drinks so I don't have to bug my waitress for refills. Obviously I can't recommend meat dishes, but my boyfriend loves the Cajun food. So far he's tried the Blackened Catfish, Catfish New Orleans, and Crawfish Etouffee and has said "Oh man," with a huge smile after every first bite. He says they make the fish meat "soft." All the plates came with flavorful rice, beans, and a piece of THE BEST CORNBREAD EVER (see description below). For vegetarians, I highly recommend the corn and black bean empanadas, they are DELICIOUS. Unfortunately, they have cheese in them so they aren't vegan. They are full of protein and come with a nice red pepper sauce, along with rice and beans. You get four, but they're packed with protein and will probably fill you up after just two. You know what that means? LEFTOVERS! Two meals for $7. Also, a waitress recommended the corn bread and OH MAN it has a dreamy soft consistency like cake! It's also somehow crispy on the outside... I absolutely love it! I've also had the Black bean tostada salad (or something like that, I don't remember the exact name). It doesn't even need dressing and comes with a scoop of guacamole on top. It also comes in a huge, beautiful tostada shell, but is hard to take home/eat as a left over. I love the eclectic, vibrant feeling, especially downstairs. I definitely would recommend coming for lunch or an early dinner, especially if you have kids and don't like a loud/bar atmosphere, as it sometimes gets upstairs at night. Oh, and did I mention the prices are incredible?! Love it. I'm devastated that I didn't discover this place sooner because I'm moving soon. Also, I'm looking forward to tomorrow just for eating my leftovers!
(5)
Sally K.

I love this place - try the fajitas, really good. Cocktails to die for and free homemade tortilla with homemade salsa before meal - what's not to love?
(5)
Rachel L.

Border is my favorite restaurant in the Boston area. It is a casual, American-Mexican restaurant hidden in Harvard Square. I have been going there for well over 10 years, and I don't think I have ever had a bad experience. They have the best chips and salsa around. The portions are large and the food is cheap. They also make a mean margarita. I highly recommend the vegetable quesadilla. The only caution that I have is that during the rush hours (7-9pm) on Friday and Saturday, you will have to wait. Depending on the size of your party, it is usually about an hour. However, if you get there early, or go during the week, it's not a problem. They also wont take reservations. Otherwise, it is always a fun time.
(5)
Meka A.

Do you want a cheap margarita, passable Mexican food, and a lively atmosphere? Border Cafe is your place. While being the only full-service Mexican restaurant in Harvard Square does give Border Cafe an advantage, it pulls through with its large portions, reasonable prices, and if I didn't mention it before, really really cheap margaritas.
(3)
Jonny K.

My favorite stop for tex-mex in the boston area. When you finally grab a table at this place you'll be greeted warmly and provided with a large batch of freshly fried chips and salsa. Nearly all items on the menu are priced below what any reasonable restaurant would charge for the same amount of food. I'm not sure how they do it, but I suspect they make money selling alcohol. The service is normally extremely fast with entrees flying out of the kitchen 5-10 minutes after being ordered. The sodas are served in gigantic plastic cups and refills are normally provided before you can even make it halfway through your drink. I've sampled quite a few dishes here, burgers, salads, enchiladas, fish tacos, steak, quesadillas, and fajitas, but I have to say the best entree at this place is the gulf seafood enchilada. You get two soft flour tortillas filled with chunks of crawfish and shrimp and cheese which is baked and covered with a cajun spiced cheese sauce with chunks of crabmeat. It also comes with a decent side of jumbalaya. I'd stay alway from the fajitas, it's strange, but they don't use any peppers in the fajitas, just fried onions which detracted from the taste quite a bit.
(4)
Mindy L.

I still love you Border Cafe...with all my heart...I ordered my strawberry margarita, chili con queso and shredded beef burro as usual...but... Broken Foot Fail. Shame on you for forcing me and my broken foot downstairs to be seated. Shame.
(4)
Daniel M.

Border cafe is a pretty descent Tex Mex place. The food is good and the staff is friendly. There is nothing particularly amazing however it is definitely worth a trip. Parking outside is ridiculously expensive. So try to find a spot on the street, or walk if possible.
(3)
Jaclyn S.

Border Cafe is a fun place to meet and catch up with friends over drinks and relatively cheap but good food. Typically I would get the chicken fajitas but have also tried the beef fajitas, and quesadillas. All were pretty good. The margaritas are good as well. It's honestly not the best Mexican restaurant I've ever been to, but it's still worth going if you are in the area and need a place to eat on a budget.
(3)
Camille R.

First off, you will not find real Mexican or Tex-Mex food here and their offerings of southern/cajun style food throws their marketing scheme in the garbage. If I walked in here without expecting Tex-Mex, I would say that the food is decent. I had the enchiladas with white sauce - I don't know what inspired that one - with beans and rice. VEGANS: rice is not friendly. And then I returned with a group of friends and had these little vegan croquette things tha were just okay. The truth is I find these American owned/inspired restaurants to be offensive. They throw these heavy cream sauces on a plate and call it a dish. But maybe it isn't their fault, but rather the patrons who continue to consume these tasteless creations.
(3)
Carolyn M.

Take this review with a grain of salt, because the several GIANT $6 margaritas I had (also with salt) may have tempered my recollection of the food. I had a Saturday night dinner with 7 friends; we had to wait about half an hour for a table, which honestly was less than I was expecting because the place was bumpin. So much so that there wasn't really anywhere for us to stand while we waited, so we squished against a wall to avoid colliding with the waiters running around with chips and salsa. No big deal though, thanks to the aforementioned margs. Service was fine, food was a (small) step up from super generic Tex-Mex. It was cheap though. Good place for college students (or poor recent grads like myself) to go before a night out. Nothing special, nothing terrible.
(3)
Cat M.

Border Cafe is usually a good place to come to if you want a Hornitos margarita and decent food. Recently, however, we went to the restaurant to have an actual dinner. I ordered (I think) the Gaucho chicken, and literally, the entire place was stale shoestring fries and a piece of chicken on top, along with a little tin container or sauce. I thought maybe there was some chicken hidden underneath the fries-no. Maybe I just got a particularly bad plate- the food usually isn't that bad. But it was fine-I was there to catch up with a friend who I hadn't seen in a while. While we were there, a line formed outside, as it usually does. As we are finishing up our meal, the waiter comes by a couple of times and eventually takes my friend's water glass and he later said that he thought he was just gone to fill it up. And he never returned. A few minutes later, he came back to take mine. He then started the wipe down the table while we were sitting there. We took the hint and left. We didn't eat for too long- maybe there (not including the wait) for about 30-40 minutes, if that. The food took at least 15 minutes to come out, and the waiter didn't come by the take our orders until 10 minutes after we sat down. Usually, the place is ok, certainly not known for its food or service, but it's convenient, a fun environment, and the drinks are pretty good. But maybe we'll start looking for a new place.
(3)
Tanya S.

Best place to get buzzed at lunch, such great Margaritas and most people are drinking, no matter what time of day. The food can be pretty greasy, but cornbread and soups are great!
(4)
Karisa D.

If you are craving Mexican food in the Boston/Cambridge area, you really have to look for it. Fortunately I have found a place that has everything. Good food, fantastic Margaritas and overall fun atmosphere. The only thing is there always long lines during dinner. If you go before 6, you'll get seated right away. Later than that, order a drink at the bar and get comfortable. It's worth the wait :)
(4)
S C.

Love Border Cafe. Everytime it is my turn to pick a restaurant this is where I want to go. The Margaritas are fabulous strong but not too strong, food has amazing taste and quality. Large food menu. Highly Recommended!
(5)
Sara M.

I wavered between three and four stars for this place. Four for the prices, no-frills/comfortable atmosphere, and generally decent service... three for the predictably "A-OK" food that is perfectly fine but nothing to write home about. I've been here multiple times because it is just such a convenient stop for a quick, cheap, sit-down lunch or dinner when you're wandering in the Harvard area. The restaurant is huge so wait times (if you have to wait at all) are rarely long - even on a busy weekend night. Also, despite being consistently busy, the staff never make you feel rushed or try to turn over tables as quickly as possible. The menu is so large and diverse that it's pretty easy to accommodate a group of people with distinct tastes. Moreover, despite serving a range of food (Mexican, Cajun, good ol' American), the kitchen does a decent job with every dish I've tried thus far. Between my various visits I've tried enchiladas, tacos, steak, and recently crawfish etouffee. Everything has been perfectly ok and generous in size, so for $7-$10/entree I leave feeling satisfied. If you're looking for locally sourced food or depth of flavor you're obviously in the wrong place. Dishes are overwhelmingly one-note (cheese, sauce, etc.) and don't have much in the way of distinguishable spices, herbs, or other complex flavors. But I doubt that will come as much of a surprise. I was surprised, however, by the fact that they serve at least some locally brewed beverages; my rootbeer came from a brewing company in Ipswich. Overall, you get what you pay for and for the prices this place offers, I think it's a great value in Harvard Square.
(3)
Yaz D.

this place is sooooo bad. i have no words.
(1)
Sarah G.

This place is pretty boppin' on a tuesday!! Especially on a rainy tuesday! But then again, who wouldn't want tex-mex to add some spice to their rainy tuesday? Grande Margaritas are only $5.50 and if you make friends with the bar tenders, they'll put some extra tequila in it :-) And I would suggest getting a drink or two at the bar and bringing it to your table, because MY GOD, i know it was our waiter's 2nd day at work ever, BUT I could have gone to my house in Somerville and made drinks and brought them back to Cambridge faster than he brought our drinks..... Kelley B. is a frequent customer here and she got the seafood enchiladas with no side because she knew those things are pretty big!! And come covered in delicious looking cream sauce. So that is something I will get next time for sure! And she had margaritas too...wouldn't be a fiesta with just one person drinking! ha ha I got their empanadas which come stuffed with corn and beans and salsa and I was actually presently surprised!! They were VERY good! But, the jambalaya on the side....not so great. I even said make it extra spicy, and the spice level on it when I got it was like a raw potato, if that even makes sense. And their salsa doesn't have a ton of spice either... So it isn't quite California mexican, but for Boston, I actually think I will be able to almost get my fix here...it is tex-mex though....so not quite the same.....
(3)
Paul M.

Listen, I know a lot of people think chips & salsa + margaritas + fajitas = Mexican. It doesn't. It equals, at best, imitation Mexican- we're talking Tex Mex/Gulf Coast o' the U.S. o' A. (I made America sound Irish there, weird). There's nothing wrong with that, but I generally don't favor this style over more authentic Mexican. With that being said, Border Cafe in Harvard Square (and I assume every other link in this chain) serves the former. The chips are decent, salsa is super chunky but reminds me of something out of a bottle, and the margaritas are reasonable and worthy. The last time i was there I ordered the catfish and it was well cooked (even though it was sorta fried the inside was still moist while being, well, cooked). The prices are reasonable. The place is loud, but in the way you'd expect a place serving fairly cheap margaritas in the middle of a bustling square named after its host college (I guess it could be named after John Harvard but whatever) to be. The decor is Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville all the way. Expect long lines in the evening, particularly on weekends. I don't really have a whole lot to say. The place is A-OK as the 3-stars implies, meaning nothing glaringly wrong and nothing stands out as particularly awesome. I'm putting it in my Mexican list just cause that's what people expect (like Fat Cactus) even though it's sort of a lie.
(3)
Logan J.

boston is definitely lacking in good mexican food. this is probably some of the best that ive found after a few years of living here. its still a far cry from so-cal mexican food, but its good for the area. im a pretty big fan of their corn and black bean empanadas. they come with a dipping sauce thats pretty amazing. their fajitas are pretty good too. like others have commented, the quantity of food here is a little crazy. expect to be very full after leaving this place! i will say that i think its really weird that this place doesnt serve nachos. they make up for it by having some of the cheapest margaritas in boston and warm, endless chips and salsa though. for the cheap margaritas, inexpensive food, and sheer quantity of it all, ill give this place four stars.
(4)
Syed N.

Average food and below average service. Some people like Border Cafe, but I found nothing special about it.
(2)
Whitney S.

Good for: big groups, enjoying a few drinks and getting a bit rowdy, getting your guacamole fix, eating more than is comfortable. Not good for: nice clothes that need to be dry-cleaned (clothes always seem to have a certain "Border" smell after dinners there), intimate/private dinners or conversations, true, true Mexican food (call me spoiled by my California up-bringing). Always a ton of fun though! Great service, never had a bad waiter/waitress.
(4)
Matt H.

This is what Chili's strides to be... Unapologetic classic tex-mex complete with the cheesy decor... It's existence is an anomaly in Boston. I've been here 30+ times and always leave happy and overly full (with leftovers). Jump on the catfish fajitas or the gauchos chicken... You're welcome.
(4)
May N.

Oops, I did it again: I made the mistake of ordering a margarita in Boston. Dangit! What was I thinking? The margaritas here are boring and overpriced. And don't try to tell me Cactus Club has better margaritas, I've had those, too. The next time I have a margarita here, I'm making it myself. Anyhoo, people keep telling me this place has great Tex-Mex. I tried in again. I respectfully disagree. Perhaps they have good Mexican food, perhaps they have good Cajun food. It is not Tex-Mex. I had the beef fajitas. They did not taste right. The seasoning was off. Should've stuck with the grilled fish like a previous time. Service was good on a lazy Sunday afternoon, the place wasn't too crowded. The chips and salsa were tasty, but that was the only part of my meal that really was. Prices are decent (most entrees less than $15). Next time, I think I just need to be careful about what I order. As in, I should stop ordering Tex-Mex in Boston.
(3)
Di B.

I am never disappointed by this place, and have been more times that I can precisely remember. Definitely a Harvard square institution. I always suggest going here when friends are visiting. For tex-mex, this place is one of the best. The service is great, especially considering how the place is always super super crowded. Food portions are always generous, and reasonably priced. 5 stars for the fact that they bring fresh, hot chips out even if you're only halfway done with your old basket. The vegetable fajitas are my favorite, and the margaritas are awesome as well.
(5)
Matt T.

I found it strange that I was battling between a 3 & 4 star review for the Border Cafe since I love going to the place so damn much. The chips & salsa are the tits, and the food is really good and well priced overall. I've frequented the Harvard Square & Burlington locations quite often and will continue to go back frequently. I suppose when I think about packaging it altogether though, the service truly is sub-par for the most part. Both locations are quite large, so it feel like the wait staff may be a bit on the short end in terms of service. I'm pretty big on the service aspects of a place, but again, I love the food, so I'm going to let it slide. The biggest drawback has to be the weak margaritas. You get one of those giant, thick glasses and think it's going to be a fountain of joy, but just ends up being 1 splash of tequila mixed in with a high concentration of mix & ice. That said, I do truly love the enchiladas & fajitas. They're delicious. You will have a fun time if you look back and think of two or three things that would have most likely increased the experience overall.
(4)
Cc R.

I know Border Cafe doesn't necessarily have the most authentic Mexican cuisine, but it's fresh and delicious, and you're not likely to get sick (unless you have one too many margaritas).
(4)
aja m.

This place has wonderful food and wonderful drinks, I've been here many times before and had a lovely time. They only reason I'm giving them a less than stellar review is because they didn't treat my party very well this past weekend. My roomate and I share a birthday, and we brought maybe 15 people there to eat and drink. They wouldn't accept reservations, so we put in our name but were told we had to wait for our whole party to arrive, understandably. We had been drinking for about an hour and half before everyone showed up, they told us it would then take a half an hour to sit us and they pointed out a table near the front they were getting ready. After about a half hour, we saw that they sat a much smaller group at the table. When we asked about this, they said they were trying to clear a table for us in the basement, they were waiting for another party to leave. When we asked why the original table wasn't being used for us, they basically shrugged and said another party had come in. They weren't apologetic, they knew it was our birthdays and we had all just dropped about $200 on drinks for the last 2 hours. Then when we were walking away we heard them laughing at us like we had been unreasonable. Very disappointed since I've been giving them my business and praise for years, will probably not go back here again.
(2)
Maria E.

I've been going to this place for over two years that I have been studying nearby. The food is great, they give you huge bowl of free nachos with a sauce as a starter and I hear that margaritas are something to try (though I have not tried any). Why four stars? Well, recently I started having problems with the consistency of their taste. For example, when ordering enchilada I always order rice and beans, but can never predict just how spicy it is going to be. At one point it had no spice at all, but on my most recent visit I could barely eat it and had to ask for a replacement dish. The waiter was very nice and did replace the order without charging us for the price, so that's definitely a plus. Best advice: ask the waiter/waitress how spicy a particular dish on that particular day in advance.
(4)
Josh R.

This is a great place for a casual dinner with friends with a lively atmosphere. The chips and guac and margaritas are really good and the entrees are pretty good in general, but nothing spectacular. Main downside is that the wait is usually pretty long, especially on weekends.
(3)
David M.

When you try and do too many things, sometimes you don't do either well. If you're considering this just for the bar scene, then it probably gets three stars, but the restaurant food drags it down. I've most everything on the menu ove the years because it always seems I'm being dragged here for this reason or that everything stands out as bland and uninteresting. I thought I had found something with the steak and chimichurri sauce until they went and changed the sauce recipe (the kicker was that they managed to make it less authentic by doing so). At least I could fill up on free chips and salsa so that I didn't have to waste too much money on my entre.
(2)
Chris S.

Three words. Chips and salsa. If I could, I would just sit there and simply eat chips and salsa for dinner. They're better than the entrees.
(3)
John L.

Border Cafe is a trip. A few caveats about this place and me: 1. I've only usually been here during some kind of inebriation, whether that be bar crawl, post event shenanigans, or on a random evening. Which is probably perfect for a place like Border Cafe that thrives on the party. 2. All the beers are Mexican or Mexican-related. You want a Dos Equis? You've got it. You want a Dos Equis Amber? Double got it. You want a Sammie Light? Not so much. 3. They make a decent margarita. Is it Masa's "Habanero Watermelon"? No, but it's still servicable. 4. Food is okay. It's not remarkable, and I do remember one meal being just weird (it was taken off the bill though, so that's good). So, it's basically a nice party place, or a place to grab average grub in Harvard Square when you're out for the evening. Is it perfect? No. But I can't hate on it either.
(3)
Sara C.

The only reason to eat here is if you're looking for a "cheap" meal out, or if you're looking for cheap drinks. I suggest filling up on the free chips and salsa and getting a couple of their large margaritas. Go with the original margaritas as the strawberry ones are pretty nasty. It's really sad that this gets considered "Tex Mex" in New England. Just because you throw rice, beans and cheese together, that doesn't make the food Tex Mex. The gumbo is bad too. Most of the dishes are bland, but hey, you can fill up here cheaply if you need to. If you really want to eat for cheap, get one of their $1.50 sides of fries! And hey, they're open late so they get a bonus point for that too. Oh yeah, it's always easy to be seated quickly here and they have pretty good service.
(2)
Jane Z.

Their nachos are tasty! Everything else is great, too. The vibe is nice, nothing too fancy, it's nice and casual, I recommend them!
(3)
A. G.

Everything here is amazing and cheap! You just gotta beat the line!
(5)
MJ L.

My favorite part about Border Cafe is the complimentary hot nachos for appetizers. I would highly recommend splurging the $3 to get the guac on the side in addition to the salsa that is served. The swordfish tacos is one of my favorite dishes. It comes with 3 tacos, filled generously with swordfish as well as rice and avocado, all for a reasonable price. The ambiance is pretty casual, which is perfect for the TexMex cuisine. Located in the heart of Harvard Square, this is a perfect place to catch up with friends or just grab a margarita at the bar.
(4)
Zachary W.

Having lived in California and Texas, and having travelled to Mexico for a long enough amount of time to know better, this restaurant is not authentic (nor particularly good) tex-mex. Contrary to what some people have posted here, tex-mex actually IS a lot of cheese and salt. It's just what it is. However, somehow with all of the cheese and brine, the meat managed to come out lacking in flavor and kind of dry (how do they make cheese covered meat dry?). If you want good mexican, I'd recommend Taco Loco in Somerville or OlÃ© for something a bit more upscale. As for good tex-mex...haven't found that yet in Boston. I will say however, their entire staff is really great.
(2)
Jessica W.

My old college roommate was visiting from out of town and this was on her must-eat list. She lives in LA (you know, where everyone says Mexican food is so much better), but insisted on ol' Border Cafe. Uh, okay. I guess if you've traveled thousands of miles to see me, you get dibs on where we eat. This time I had the corn and black bean empanadas, which were flaky and pretty good. I've had the vegetarian fajitas here as well, and that was decent. Portions are large. I'm not a fan of their house chips and salsa--a bit greasy and bland--but I'll admit to eating a fair amount of them anyway because they're free. During the day, the inside dining area is pretty calm, but for dinner, if you want to actually have a conversation, and are only with one other person, try sitting outside.
(3)
Heley B.

Their food is really good!! I like their beef fajitas! Full alcohol bar. I found that people will have a drink here and talk with friends waiting for the 11:00 pm pub's opening. Really popular place. Usually need to wait for 10-40 minutes for dinner.
(5)
Jamie W.

The fresh tortilla chips and salsa are the best thing about this place. It's worth it to go just for drinks and have the chips and salsa at the bar. The bar area can get crowded though. Also it's a little disappointing that they have no draft beers. The service is hit or miss, especially at the bar. Food is pretty decent. Not the best for the price you're paying, but for the prime location in Harvard Square that can be expected. On weekend evenings expect a long wait. Weekdays are better.
(3)
Barbara A.

It is not the greatest mexican in the world, but it will do when you have a fajita craving. I like that it is open at 11 am, 'cause sometimes I find myself in the square sans breakfast and want to have an early lunch and viola .. it is open. They have pretty decent margartias and the chips/salsa ARE addictive!! I have a friend who visits from SanFran and always wants to go here when in town, so it can't be all bad.
(3)
Steve S.

Awesome price and drinks were good. Everyone was friendly and food was damn good.
(4)
Celia N.

One of my favorite places to eat in Boston! The things I love about it: 1. Free chips and salsa that are totally awesome and addicting 2. Cheap, potent, homemade margaritas 3. Great atmosphere 4. Open late 5. The chicken burro is one of the best things I have ever eaten. 6. Guacamole. YUM. The not-so-great things: 1. They don't take reservations, and the wait can be really long on weekends. They'll usually overestimate time, though, so grab a drink at the busy bar and hang out 2. Sometimes they don't let me substitute cornbread for rice and beans. Is it really that much more expensive? Don't expect a relaxing dinner. But it will be fun, cheap, and most importantly, SO GOOD.
(5)
Jim L.

I have a theory about Tex Mex places -- never go to a place based on friends that recommend the Margaritas. The food never lives up to the review, because the person making the recommendation was too focused on the drinks to notice that the food sucked. So it is with Border Cafe. Having spent seven years in Cambridge, this was a de facto go-to place, but the food was consistently sub-par -- not very flavorful and overcooked, two bad tastes that taste worse together. It wasn't terrible, just not nearly as good as you would expect from a place that is always so crowded. I'm sure the Margaritas were good (after all, we kept going back), but man cannot live on sweetened tequila alone.
(2)
Bassem S.

Pros: Affordable food & large portions, great margheritas, fun atmosphere Cons: Long wait for groups, rude hosts/hostesses Once you sit down, Border Cafe's a great deal: nice servers who are patient with big groups, affordable food with large portions (love the beef fajitas), and dangerously tasty margaritas (strawberry, please!). It's a fun, lively atmosphere, especially on the main floor. Whether you have the patience and fortitude to make it to the table is the real question, especially if you're in a large group. I've been here twice for 20-people birthday dinners (including my own), and the hosts/hostesses are some of the rudest I've encountered. They give you a hard time about +/- 1 person, make no effort to seat you together, and are completely ungracious about it. They act like they'd rather not have your business, which usually I can deal with but is pretty miserable to handle on your birthday. Next time I have a big group event, I'll head to Shabu-ya, where they're not only happy to have you, but will put up with most antics.
(3)
Gianna L.

I really wanted to give this place five stars but decided that's a bit overzealous for a Cowboy Saloon with a side of Mexican siesta serving Tex-Mex food done New Orleans style. Anyway, super pleased by Border Cafe tonight. Our waiter (Chris D) and the cook staff were perfectly prompt. Three seconds after sitting down the chips and salsa were upon us, less than five minutes later the 'ritas were out, after 10 more we had our meals. I got the blackened swordfish tacos with grilled avocado, mango salsa, and side greens. I don't know if this is Mexican, Texan, Salvadorian, or Icelandic but I know it was damn good. The complimentary chips and salsa (can you say addictive?) set the palette just right; the 'ritas had a nice flavor and plenty of juice. My boyfriend and I couldn't get over the price -- a burr(it)o for $7.86, fish tacos for $10.76, and 'ritas at $5.50 a pop -- where else in Hahvad can you get cheap, hot, tasty grub for this little dough?
(4)
Becca F.

one of the best spots for mexican in boston! great food and great prices. try the corn and black bean empanadas!
(5)
Rani P.

I've seriously eaten here more than I can count. It's by far one of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area for reasons beyond the incredible food and fun atmosphere. I order the chicken fajitas without question. My special requests always are white rice, no cheese and extra tomatoes. I have yet to go and someone look at me like I'm crazy when my lactose-intolerant self makes these crazy requests- they almost seem impressed but not surprised that their customers are basically all regulars. Their tortilla chips are obviously made in-house. They are fresh, hot and delicious. They keep filling the basket until you beg them to stop in order to be able to eat your actual meal. And the drinks... oh the drinks. Talk about never needing a refill! The cups are huge, but fit with the great portion sizes and endless supply of chips. My mouth waters when I think about going to Border Cafe.. best texmex in the Boston area.
(4)
Jeff W.

The main virtue of this place is that it gives you lots of food (the free chips can make a meal themselves) and drinks (with free refills) for a good price. And all the food I've tried is quite good, as well - the empanadas, enchiladas, catfish, burgers, the eggplant royale (is that it's name?). The house salad is really cheap but it's big enough to be a meal. I don't like how loud it is.
(4)
JZ M.

I've been going to the Border since 1987 and to this day, it's my favorite restaurant in Boston! Where else can you get inexpensive, gigantic portions of food (you can easily share meals), unlimited (HOT out of the oven!) chips and salsa, and enormous margaritas, very friendly staff, and great atmosphere, set in the heart of Harvard Square. Go there with friends, a date, your family, kids, just GO (but go early, because it does get crowded)!!! My family loves it there. After, go to the Harvard Coop, another favorite of ours and one of THE best bookstores in the world.
(5)
Sam D.

I love this place, the Crawfish Ettouffee is awesome with just the right amount of kick. If you haven't been it's definitely worth a shot.
(4)
Carolyn L.

My meals at Border Cafe are generally comprised of: - Complimentary salsa/chips to start (who needs boring ol' bread?) - A delightfully tasty strawberry margarita (one of the best I've ever tasted) - A chicken bandera main course (described as "a mesquite grilled chicken breast seared with a kicked-up Chipotle lime glaze"... excuse me, I think I just drooled a bit) - Topped off with shoestring fries at a perfect crisp. All for the low, low price of $15.99 - yes, that includes the booze. No doubt, I will be returning (but most likely not on a weekend as it can get too rowdy for my liking).
(4)
Thomas Z.

It is what it is. If you're looking for generic americanized mexican, then this place delivers. I didn't find the food/drinks to be anything special. I'd rather hop on the T a couple stops and go to The Painted Burro in Davis. At least they have margaritas worth a damn.
(2)
Brian D.

Oddly addictive student hangout in Harvard Square with cheap food/drinks! The fajitas are pretty good... and cheap! Enchiladas are tasty... and cheap! The margaritas are solid... and cheap! The chips and salsa are so addictive... and free! Can you tell I'm a poor student???
(3)
Stephanie H.

absolutely LOVE the interior. awesomely decorated and it gives such a lively and colorful feel to the place. it completely makes me think that im in a different place. im glad i wasnt looking for a place to study or grab coffee cause its certainly a mexican food place -though that would be a interesting; ill never say no to reading & margaritas. unfortunately, border cafe doesnt let people sit at tables unless you order food BUT the bar is perfectly fine! theyll give you some chips & salsa free of charge. bartender was friendly. mm so the MARGARITAS. mine was strong, sweet, and a bit too much salt on the cup. still, its solid. no complaints but also nothing to gush over. the margaritas we got were $8, but it goes as low as $6, $6.50.
(3)
Emily W.

It's yummy, cheap, and the margarita's are fantastic! It is very busy, probs because of location and price. I had the chicken quesadilla, and the portion size was HUGE. I couldn't finish it all (especially after 2 strawberry margaritas). My stomach and my wallet was very happy at the end of the night... not so much my acid reflux.
(4)
Sara M.

I meet my friends here every few months for some yummy margaritas The service is lacking, but the food is decent. My friend's guacamole never showed up I had the Fish Tacos - Fried catfish bites with tortillas, sauce, and lettuce. The Chile Rellenos looked good, as did the salads Be prepared to wait on the weekends
(3)
Jason A.

There is definitely better border food, but you have to travel across the continent to get it regularly. I was prepared to give the place a four star review, but I had to deduct a star because they ran out of Chimichurri steak. I was looking forward to having that and had to settle for a Cajun burger, which wasn't as spicy as I thought it was going to be. In fact, I thought it dry and bland. I had to add a ton of Tabasco sauce to make the burger somewhat reminiscent of what I'm more accustomed to eating. I was surprised that the entire Boston area doesn't do Mexican food that well. Though I know that this place bills itself as Tex-Mex, the "Mex" part is certainly lacking and can use some improvement. If anything, the only case I would vouch for protection of illegal immigrants would be if the chefs in the back room were indeed authentic illegal Mexicans straight up from Mexico City. Boston deserves a more authentic sort of Mexican food and the revolution may begin here at Harvard. I thought the inside was more like a glorified Rubio's Fish Taco restaurant (which is a chain of Baja California restaurants in California primarily) so it didn't stand out as totally original to me. I was surprised that there was even a 20 minute wait tonight. I did think that the service was pretty good, as the server kept checking with how we were doing. Overall, I've yet to find a decent Mexican restaurant in Boston, and I'm starting to lose hope. If you're from Boston and you find yourself in California, be sure to try any single establishment there for a dose of real Mexican food. It's usually so good, you'll be tempted to call "la migra" to double-check the place's legality.
(3)
Kim K.

The line here is now just getting plain annoying. An hour wait? What are you, the Cheesecake Factory? They also have a cop detail now at the door to keep city ordinances of capacity in check. Yikes. The service is so rushed and impersonal because they just turn tables over as fast as possible. Disappointing, I really liked Border. But the service has tanked fast in a short amount of time. Also, the Chicken Tostada salad was gross. It was in a stale old re-fried shell which was only 25% full with salad. The salad itself was a mishmash of wilted shredded lettuce, decrepit veggies, and gross dressing. Not even worth the $7 I spent.
(2)
Daniel P.

I've always been pretty pleased with this joint. Their margaritas are the perfect strength and inexpensive, their food isn't phenomenal but it's tasty and never once have I left there feeling like I might explode the next morning. My friend and I almost got sat downstairs in the corner, squished next to a family with an already-wailing child...the hostess thankfully understood and re-sat us...whew!
(4)
Dan A.

Excellent experience for the price. We came here on a weekday and they are packed as usual but there are a few shops nearby where you can pass the time nicely. When you do get a table, the interior is vibrant and welcoming. Service is prompt, and they treat you to warm tortilla chips and spicy salsa from the off, especially nice on a cold day. We got fajitas which come out in a cast-iron skillet still sizzling and nicely flavored; you get to assemble them yourself and it's a generous portion. I've been consistently surprised also how little we pay for what we got, it's definitely bang for the buck. I'm staying just shy of 5 stars only because their food never quite blows me away, though it's consistently high quality.
(4)
Katie C.

I love this place! Does anyone know what the ingredients are in the chimi verde sauce?!?!?!?!
(5)
X to the Z M.

This place is borderline delicious - not actually it is muy estupendo! Great place for kids and adults. The tortilla chips were extremely hot and nice and salty we were almost done polishing off the basket when the waitress provided us another basket without even offering (of course we didn't object). The margaritas were great and very reasonably priced and went perfect with the Mexican fare. My only complaint is the cheap diner looking plates, however I cannot complain much because of the low priced menu.
(5)
Jessie K.

I've been going to Border Cafe for years and it has a special place in my heart. The food is good - not amazing, but solid. It can get pretty packed on a weekend night, but that's to be expected in Harvard Square. I've never waited an obscene amount of time, and you can usually squeeze your way up to the bar to get a delicious margarita that's the size of your face. I've also had consistently good service. Once the waitress/kitchen messed up my order twice and when it finally came out correctly she promptly let me know that I wouldn't be charged for it, and to enjoy the food. Also, a manager then came over to make sure I was happy with my order, which was a nice gesture.
(3)
Janelle N.

I've been here one and a half times. The first time, I was there with my cousin, her friend, and her friend's coworkers. Once everyone showed up, it didn't take as long as I thought it would to get a table. Pretty sure it was a weekend night, too. Good food for CHEAP. Win. The waiter was blatantly giving us flirtatious stares and body language, I'm assuming to get better tips... you know what, I don't blame him, whatever. I'm a pretty person too, and if I was a server, I'd milk that for all it's worth. The second time, my boyfriend and I went to meet a couple friends there. By the time they got there, they were finishing up anyway and about to go elsewhere. That's okay. It was way too loud for me to handle. So we didn't get anything or even sit down, although we were offered chairs. Their server seemed nice, it seemed like she was a bit overwhelmed and there was something chaotic going on with getting people their checks. But she was really nice about it, and helpful with splitting the bill. Like I was saying, my only major complaint is that this place is STUPIDLY chaotic and loud. I can't handle it. Good cheap food, yes... but I won't go back for this reason. I'm also a fancy cocktail girl. I don't like beer, and I only like my margaritas with fun flavors, as I'm not a lime person. So their very limited alcohol selection doesn't go over too well with me.
(3)
Missy M.

Border is my go to for eating out. The food is amazing, the portions are huge (sharing/leftovers), the prices are super low, and there are plentiful vegetarian options. I'm totally addicted to the chips and guac here., and the margaritas, too. I love taking my boyfriend here. We both get drinks, guacamole, share an entree (deff. big enough for 2 people; I make him share so I don't stuff myself), maybe another drink after. It feels indulgent and I'm always happy to pay. And I'm really cheap. It gets really loud on weekends, but on weeknights it's more quiet and relaxed.
(5)
Dan B.

Very good. Never had a bad meal here. Love the chicken fajitas and fresh chips and salsa (very hard to stop eating). I know the fish tacos are popular too. Margaritas are good and cheap. Very cool atmosphere and decor. (Also try Papagayo downtown for really good Mexican food and a fun atmosphere.) Waitstaff is nice and attentive. Be Aware: Street parking in Harvard sq. is tough although there are some lots which are on the pricey side. Also- be ready for a long wait on weekend nights, but it's worth waiting for.
(5)
Meagan M.

On my last visit to Border cafe, the bartender forgot to put the tequila in my strawberry margarita (I've had that drink many times before, so I KNOW when there's no tequila). Instead of simply getting me a new drink, the waitress brought the manager over who proceeded to tell me that the bartenders use precise measurements to make the drink and so there must be tequila in the drink. Flabbergasted at being told I, the customer, was wrong, I ordered a different margarita (the one my husband had ordered). When the new drink came out, it was much, much stronger than my husband's drink. So much for "precise measurements." Finally, when we got the bill, instead of copping my drink to make up for their mistake, they charged the full amount for the new drink. To make a long story short: don't bother trying to tell them something's wrong with your order. At Border Cafe, the manager is always right.
(1)
Amanda G.

Used to go here all the time and went again for the first time in awhile this past Saturday night. Got there early (6) to beat the rush -- it gets really crowded on weekend nights, especially in the Summer. In short: Great, cheap, tex mex food. I love the blackened salmon salad, fajitas and taco salad here. Their guacamole is bomb and it's served with hot, oily house-made chips. For drinks, you can beat the prices, and the margharitas are HUGE. Sangria's my fav when I'm in the mood. Good place for a group looking for an inexpensive, relaxed place to grab a solid meal. And it's in Harvard Square! What more can you ask for...
(4)
Michael H.

Border Cafe has a vibe to it that just makes you want to write a good review. I can't. This particular Border Cafe, in Harvard Square, which use to offer an enjoyable meal has become abysmal. And, yes, I have experienced better Mexican restaurants, including the Border Cafe on Route 1 in Saugus. Here's the deal. Chips were kinda stale & overly salty. Salsa was unremarkable Food was served within minutes of placing our order - a sign - as someone else noted, that it was not prepared freshly. My enchiladas were just covered in cheese almost to the point of being gross. They were suppose to have chicken as the filling but, in sifting through the layers of processed cheese, could only find a few pieces. I paid extra for guacamole, the amount of which I received on my plate would barely fill a thimble. Lame. Service was "okay," but we were essentially rushed out once our meal was completed. I have been to better Border Cafe's than the one in Harvard Square which after eating here the other night, would give the edge to Taco Bell. And I don't really like Taco Bell that much to begin with.... but that's another review for a different day. Will. Not. Return.
(1)
Iwantmore P.

Ok... Where do I start? We were forced to wait 80 minutes for a table, and during, KOLLEEN got hit in the head with a tray of cups by one of the backwaiters. And she has a narrow head that isn't easy to hit, due to her natural delivery--this guy was more negligent than Casey Anthony. And the food is saltier than the sea. The Dead one. Probably to get you to order more mediocre margaritas. Eggggh. I honestly have no idea why anyone would ever come here. It's like running a marathon to go see Madonna's halftime show--even if you do it ironically, you just end up with an empty feeling on the inside.
(1)
Meghan P.

Definitely a spot we went a lot in college. Good food (and a huge variety of choices!), great drinks, and a cool setting. The restaurant makes you feel like you're in the old west. It's really quite cool and they have big tables to accomodate big groups too. Make sure you consider your food choices carefully because some items are much better than others. I love their taco salad and more Mexican-ish dishes but not their jambalaya and Cajun-ish dishes quite as much. Be prepared to wait for a bit too but there is a Starbucks across the street if you're craving coffee or a good bar inside the restaurant for cocktails and chips and salsa if that's more your thing...
(4)
Remen O.

Summary: This is the place to go for the best sit-down Mexican experience in Harvard Square. Come hungry. The Good: In my reviews I tend to gripe about lines and wait times. Border CafÃ© suffers from neither of these problems. The two floors of available seating as well as ample bar space ensure that I've never stood for more than 10 minutes in the search for a seat (including an epic no-reservation, 16 seat table request). The atmosphere on the inside is lively and the decor establishes that this is a decidedly Southwestern affair. The food here is tasty. The chips and salsa are good. The fish tacos are good. The burritos are good. The enchiladas are good. I've tried them all, and nothing has left me disappointed. Portion are also sizable, so you'll either leave sated or with a doggy bag. I enjoyed the Tequila Sunrise that they put out in front of me, and I know that my friends dive into their margaritas with gusto. The Bad: Not too much to say here. Sometimes the wait staff is slow on the refills or looks to be drumming up a larger bill by incessantly asking for new drink orders. The Ugly: Last time I was here (16-seater epic from above), one of the guys at the far end of the table was recounting his epic breakup from hell. This was pure gold, and about 10 minutes into the tale we both realized the entire table had gone silent, enrapt in the story. Perhaps the quietest meal in Border I've had in a while.
(4)
Sara M.

I forgot about this place once I moved out of Cambridge but we just went back last night. It was a nice surprise to see that the prices haven't changed and we could have a filling dinner with drinks for under $40! The margaritas are huge and delicious. My favorites are the crawfish ettoufee, the tostada salad that comes in a huge fried tortilla shell, and the catfish new orleans. They also serve you endless fresh hot chips and salsa. I was eating the chips by themselves because they were that good. Parking is a bit of a pain and the lot across the street is expensive if you stay over an hour. But, I will remember this place when I am looking for something yummy that won't break the bank.
(4)
Renee H.

LOVED this place! The menu was unique in the sense that it was a mix of Cajun, Creole, and Mexican food. I had the steak and shrimp fajitas, which came in such a large portion that I had leftovers for the next morning's fajita omelet. Obviously this place is dearly loved because my friend and I went on a Friday night, around 6:45, and it was packed. The wait was a standard 20 minutes, and ended up being more like 30. The service was awesome though, and totally worth the wait.
(4)
Sue M.

I cannot for the life of me figure out why people like this place....they must hate mexican food is all I can figure.... Their slogan should be ...."Hey if you love cat food and smoked and drenched in terrible sauces then you must eat here"
(1)
Hanh R.

I love eating here. I realize that every time I come it is super crowded and busy. Sure you have to wait a long time to be seated but I just go to the bar and order a margarita! If you get the house one, it is not very strong. Who cares . . . it is cheap! I have waited as long as an hour for a table (esp with large groups) but I just ask for chips and salsa at the bar. The chips always come out piping hot! The salsa is not spicy so it is good for those who like things mild. The problem with them is that you can end up eating a lot therefore by the time your dinner arrives you end up taking it home. The food is really cheap but not cheap tasting. I love getting the catfish or the fajitas. Actually everything on the menu is good. Did I mention cheap? I am always surprised at how small the bill is. The service can be spotty but that place is packed like sardines. As long as the chips and salsa are full then I am a happy diner!
(4)
College S.

The food is good, but the service is HORRIBLE. Three friends and I went to Border and asked for a table for six, because two people were going to meet up with us at the restaurant. The waiter told us we couldn't get a table unless everyone was there to be seated. Since our other friends weren't going to be able to make it for 20 minutes, we asked for a table for four so we could at least sit down. The guy rudely said "Well, you're obviously not a table for four, are you?" and walked away. We reluctantly stayed at the restaurant and waited at the bar for our friends, and when they arrived, one of our friends went up and asked for that table of six. The lady asked where the rest of us were, and my friend pointed at us at the bar where we were waiting. Then the lady said "I can't start looking for a table until they are all standing beside you." Border needs to have nicer customer service at the door!!!
(1)
Julia N.

Cheapest place to sit down and eat in harvard square. You get a lot of food. Theres lots of seating. But the food is really mediocre and its extremely noisy when busy, which is Thursday friday Saturday and Sunday nights. I wouldn't bother at all then. If you want good food look elsewhere. If you want cheap and will settle for blah this is your place.
(2)
Erica S.

I love big burritos, tasy fajitas, freshly fried tortilla chips, and strong margaritas! Border Cafe can reliably give me all of those things. Yay! The ambiance is totally cheesy Tex-Mex all-out ridiculous, complete with Mexican rock, pop, and polka music. I kind of like it-- makes a great party. I've actually done 2 birthday dinners here in the past, because it's fun with a group and everyone gets a ton of food and liquor for cheap. There's two full floors of seating, so you may have to wait a long time, but they can and will (eventually) accomodate your big party. The issues I have are that the lines are always crazy long, and they have that annoying rule where you can't even be on the list until your whole party is there. I mean, you can lie, but still, it's annoying when there is already a super long wait. The saving grace is that you can shove your way to the front of the bar to begin your margarita drinking! $5 each, and they are tasty and strong. Also, they're nice about accomodating vegetarians and will give you vegetarian beans and rice, but just note that the veg rice is lame-o plain white rice. Yawn. Can't get enough of those free warm chips and salsa though! Don't expect gourmet, just come to drink, stuff yourself, and have a gay old time.
(3)
Nora S.

I am shocked that I had such a great experience here, but I sure am happy that I did! I thought we were crazy trying to come here on Cinco de Mayo actually trying to eat something. Of course, I was daunted by the long line forming outside, and the crowded tent on the side. But I tried to be optimistic and put my name in as soon as I arrived even though the rest of my party was not yet there. They gave me a buzzer and told me to come back when everybody showed up. My girlfriend was stuck in traffic so it ended up being close to 45 minutes by the time we were all gathered. By then we were told that we were next in line, and we watched with amazement as the Border Cafe team went through their routine. We followed, passing our little paper on to the hostess downstairs, receiving our free Dos Equis t-shirts, sitting down in the coziest, quietest nook in the basement. Our server was super friendly, the margaritas were delicious, and the food was tasty... all for a completely reasonable price! Was the food excellent? No, definitely not, so that's where I take off a star. But it was good cheap tex-mex fare, and overall we had a great time!
(4)
Grace S.

Pros: Great, fun, lively environment. Plenty of space for big parties. Cheap cheap for Harvard Square. Great margaritas. Cons: You've had better Mexican food. Downstairs can be a bit too noisy. Balance: PROS BOTTOM LINE: Probably one of the last vestiges of good-natured, rollicking, inexpensive fun in Harvard Square.
(4)
Alvin C.

Good affordable Mexican food! It gets a bit crowded at night from Thursday - Saturday, but that is because the drinks are big and the chips are hot. If it was not so crowded, I would give it a few more stars, but that slows down getting in and eating.
(3)
Chiara I.

Yummy! Some friends and I wandered around Harvard Square area not knowing where to go, but letting our noses and stomachs dictate our footsteps. This place was perfect. It had some welcoming uplifiting music to draw our attention, some very very reasonable prices (especially for a broke grad student), and a mix of foods that are quite new to my palate (Cajun and Mexican??). They start you off with tortilla chips that seem to be made there. Taste fresh and I couldn't stop eating them! But had to, to save room for my meal. I had the Catfish Mardi Gras and would strongly recommend it. Fried just right, tastes yummy and different, awesome cornbread and rice and beans on the side. My bf had the Catfish New Orleans. Almost similar to my dish save for the sauce which was lighter and creamier. My friend had the Fish Tacos which were a really good size. One thing she said was slightly off was the tortilla wrapper. A little too thick for her taste. We topped off our meal with some frozen sangrias. First time I've ever had a frozen blended sangria. A little watered down (perhaps due to the nature of it being blended) but a good price. $4.75.
(5)
Andrea P.

Nothing beats a basket (or 10) of warm, salty, freshly made tortilla chips and salsa. I dream of these chips... Probably because the servers at Border bring basket after basket until you're not even hungry for your meal anymore. In a good way. I get it- the salsa is a little generic, and the food isn't the most authentic Tex-Mex around. But everything is still really flavorful and reasonably priced. The only disappointment I've had there was with the staff, which sometimes seems a bit "green." They are always friendly, but not always the most attentive or seasoned in certain situations. By no means is the service bad though, so don't be alarmed. Just be prepared for some hiccups here and there. Border is also a great place for groups, especially larger parties. I've been here numerous times in groups of 5 or more, and they have always been accommodating. On the downside, there are no reservations, so be prepared to wait. And PS- skip the sangria here. There's always a disappointing lack or fruit and flavor. The margaritas are much better!
(4)
Kate T.

Their chips and salsa are almost great enough to me the meal themselves -- so addicting, it's hard not to fill up on them before your food comes out. Getting the guacamole to go with the chips is a great addition. I've tried pretty much all the vegetarian options from their menu. I would recommend the fajitas, the salads, or the burritos. The stuffed rellenos were waaaay to greasy and cheesy to even be recognizable as a pepper when they're done, so I'd skip those. Service is decent, sometimes slow, but that's probably because this place is always super crowded when I go. Everyone's friendly, and it's generally always a good crowd.
(4)
Bootz B.

mexican food doesn't equal a shitload of cheese & salt on everything. border cafe seems to think so! i always feel bloated and disgusting after i eat here. the interior is tacky. also, there's no way the chefs make everything fresh with a menu that big. which means i'm better off getting some tostitos and a frozen amys burrito for the same price. i dont get why its so crowded all of the time.....
(2)
Oprah W.

The great tragedy of my life is moving from Texas to a city where there is nothing resembling real Mexican food or Tex Mex. Everything is bland and when you order "queso" they look at you like you're fucking crazy. Of course, Queso means cheese, but it's also the stuff you put in a bowl and eat with tortilla chips. I have to say that Border Cafe is the closest thing to home that I have found in Boston. They still don't really have queso, but their chips are pretty good and the rest of the food is cheap and awesome. I usually get the quesadillas and I'm never disappointed, but they also have really good beans and rice if you don't want to feel like a fat piece of shit. For a place that's primarily college students, they sure are assholes about carding. If you have a fake ID, DO NOT use it here, as they will examine it closely and usually call you out, or so I've heard. I've never tried my fake here, but that's mostly because their drinks look kind of shitty and watered down and the drink menu is pricey, despite the cheap food. Despite the good food, everyone that works here is totally rude and it takes great self control every time I come here not to be a total bitch to every server that sulks over to my table. Bathrooms are clean and it's just a short T ride to Harvard Square, or you can just walk if it's a nice day, which it's usually not, because it's Boston.
(3)
Al A.

I love the warmed chips.
(4)
Sarah W.

The eggplant royal was a pleasant surprise. As if a Cajun eggplant parm. With a light cream sauce and the best jambalaya I've ever had...I'm not a fan of rice usually. The chicken quesadilla was big enough to share amongst 3. Empanadas were so good, I hoarded beyond my share. Being so close to all different dessert places, I'll be coming back when in Boston.
(4)
Lauren R.

New England is not known for its high quality Mexican food, but the Border Cafe is definitely one of the more popular Mexican eateries in the area. Weekend or week night, I've never been here when it wasn't busy. I've had both the cajun and Mexican food, but can recommend the Mexican a little bit more enthusiastically. The beef burro with a side of jambalaya is a personal favorite of mine. Most entrees are under $10, the tortilla chips arrive at your table hot from the oven and perfectly salted, and the bartenders and wait staff are always friendly. These factors come together in a magical way that draws me back at least once a month. I would give Border Cafe the full five stars, but for a recent issue my friend and I had with one of the hostesses here. And now for my rant: We rolled in at 6 on a recent Saturday night, put down my name and took that buzzer thing over to the bar. We were just asking the bartender for the check when the buzzer rang. The walk from the bar to the front desk did not even taken two minutes, but the buzzer stops buzzing as I get to the desk. When I said I was "Lauren, party of two", she responded, "You took too long. We gave your table away." When I expressed my surprise, I was told that they had been paging us for ten minutes, and that I must not have been paying attention to the buzzer. As the buzzer had been siting in front of me at the bar, I knew this was not true. She was rude, did not admit having made an error, and barely even muttered "Sorry for the inconvenience." Look, I'm fully aware that they were busy that night and that working front of the house is no piece of cake. But she works in a service industry, and insulting and being combative with a customer is not part of her job description.
(4)
molly f.

Meh. What clearly makes this place so crazy packed all the time is that there really aren't any other Mexican restaurants in the Cambridge area...because the food here just isn't all that great. Its uninspired TexMex served up to the masses. I really wasn't wowed with anything here, food wise, except maybe the chips...but I will say that the staff at the bar was PHENOMENAL- so attentive, friendly, great service...and they can make one hell of a margarita on the rocks. I have no idea why people wait forever to get a seat here to nosh on really average tex mex when they could get a seat at the bar, have a few cocktails, and move on to a better establishment for dinner. Thats going to be my game plan from now on because I really hate going out for dinner and eating food I could have made myself 10x better.
(3)
Sarah S.

Free, limitless chips and salsa. That's nice. When I ate meat, I was vaguely obsessed with the French Quarter Chicken, and the Buffalo Wings were appropriately spicy. They were both, admittedly, quite tasty. Everyone I know who's over 21 and has been here really enjoys their magaritas. Cool, cool. So why three stars? Because every single time I come here, I can barely hear myself think, let alone lead any sort of dinner convos at a normal volume level! Either location- here, or in the one in Saugus, it's the same. LOUD. And you know what? I'm sure that, once I've reached That Magical Age and can partake of the aforementioned margaritas, I will be loud, and obnoxious, and full of general douchebaggery. But for now, it majorly bugs.
(3)
patrick w.

25 minute wait with buzzer. I ordered fajitas (a dish I have enjoyed many times in Los Angeles). The food was worse than poor in all sorts of ways. I still have the disgusting taste in my mouth and after penning these few words will go and brush my teeth until it is gone. But hey it was cheap. If you want to eat decent Mexican food avoid at all costs. EDIT: Seems I may have offended some loyal customers with my 1-star review. I agree entirely that the drinks are cheap, and the customer service is friendly, and for that matter the decor is cool in a kitsch tex-mex way. What I didn't like was the taste the food left in my poor vegan mouth (perhaps if i could eat other things would have been better, but I have to write about what I experienced yes?). Anyway having read the other reviews it's now pretty obvious that part of the taste I hate so was the lard (i.e., animal fat) in the beans (and rice??) that despite going on at length to the waiter about the fact my wife and I are strict vegetarians seems not to have sunk in. I would have picked this up sooner but I have been vegetarian for 21 years so my memory of what cheap animal fat tastes like has faded over the years. BTW: In terms of food quality ANY Mexican restaurant I have eaten in: super-cheap Border towns, expensive San Monica hideouts, strip mall diners in Phoenix, a super-neuvo-place in Tucson, have all be vastly superior to this place, and actually not much more expensive (or much cheaper). But hey if you like it eat it.
(1)
Janiye B.

I loved this place so much we were actually about to place a 50 dollar order , when we were told that the new company policy is no take out AT ALL, I work in a restaurant, and Im sorry, but what kind of company does not allow take out, what if i go there then order all the food and ASK FOR A BOX! are they not going to wrap it, thanks a lot border cafe for making me never want to return to your establishment again.
(1)
Tom E.

Algebra time kiddies... so listen up because I have a key equation that we all need to learn: S = R - 4Nb where S = star rating (which strangely must be an integer between 1 and 5) R = unfactored star rating Nb = times you were given a buzzing pager and told to wait I think you'll find this equation holds not just for the Border Cafe and any other 'restaurant' that gives you a 'hilarious' buzzing pager and tells you to go to the bar and wait for you to be summoned like livestock heading for the rotating blades. Math lesson over. Recess!
(1)
Mia T.

Best Mexican in Harvard Square. Always crowded. Excellent Margaritas. Favorite part: endless chips & salsa.
(3)
Mina I.

Fun place right in Harvard to drop by - I especially like going for lunch when there is usually no line at all! It's a good time in the evening too with the crowds making it lively! Tasty food , chips and salsa, and the mixed drinks aren't bad either from what I hear.
(3)
Ben R.

This place rocks! Only the best Mexican restaurant can overcome problems such as these and still be considered the greatest of its kind in all of Boston, here are the problems: 1) Yuppies 2) Y.I.T. Yuppies in Training aka Harvard Students 3) Hours long waits Anyway, everything is good here, everything. The chips are fresh, there is hot sauce that is actually hot, and you can even find a great slice of catfish. Speaking of which, I'd recommend that or the fajitas if you haven't been here before. Also great is the Taco Salad Bowl, which like everything else is a nice sized portion. One other problem that the Yuppies have caused is driving the prices up. They never used to be this high. It's the same in many Boston eateries though. Def make this place a destination. Also, I don't know why people say it is good for groups, I dare someone to come here with a group of over 4 and see if the wait is less than six hours. Also, the only reason it's good for kids is because the state passed the ridiculous smoking ban. As any real American knows smoking is part of what makes eating Mexican great.
(5)
Amy C.

The good: cheap, predictable, good eats, well-oiled, machine-like service, warm chips and spicy salsa, mango catfish fajitas (enough for two meals), sauza gold margaritas. The bad: that ridiculously long line out the door, the regular margaritas -- I'm not sure there's any alcohol in these.
(4)
Aretha B.

The border is great for the following reason: they'll give you buzzers so you can get some air on the cobblestone street while waiting for your table (if there is a wait). the margaritas are good! the chips and salsa are plentiful, the chips freshly fried, and it's addictive. One needs order little else. The quesadilla - it's an appetizer but it is RIDICULOUS! I get this and can only finish half. The jambalaya is totally delicious - great seasoned rice and quality meat chunks and onion chunks up in it. The sodas? what are they? 30 ounces?? The prices are good. The ambiance is fun with all the neon signs and all the big wood tables and chairs. two people can go here, split a quesadilla, soda, and eat a ton of chips and be STUFFED for less than 12 bucks all together. That fucking rules.
(4)
Andrew R.

The only knock on this place is its always busy, I guess the price of great food, and the bar is a bit too small to accomodate the wait. Parking is a nighmare so dont even dream of driving over there. Other than that the food is great, drinks are great, service has always been great. The best place in Harvard Sq!
(4)
Megan G.

The Mexican / Cajun mix was interesting. Salsa was not the best I've had but the attentive server kept it coming with warm chips till the food arrived (quite quickly, I might add). I enjoyed the Jambalaya as a side to my enchiladas and both were executed quite well. The house frozen Marg hit the spot, no need to upgrade. Tasty meal, decent price, great service.
(3)
G S.

meh. I totally agree with the "Olive Garden of Mexican restaurants" comment. It's okay. It's usually lively and crowded. I'm pretty indifferent, really. I don't hate it. Don't love it. I've been here more than once but it's definitely not someplace I would choose.
(2)
Jill H.

Mouse and roach on a Friday night....My boyfriend and I went to eat here last night, the food was good and so was the margarita. But I spotted a little roach on the wall over my bf's shoulder, hmmm no big deal. Then 2 minutes later a mouse ran out from under our table and darted across the floor. My bf stood up and watched it run under people's tables and then into a hole in the wall. The waitress saw this and came over and said "oh yeah...we've had a problem with this one mouse since it started getting colder outside." So obviously the staff knows about this mouse problem and they aren't doing anything about it. Also there's no such thing as one mouse, I bet when the lights get turned off and everyone leaves this place is crawling. I will not be going back.
(1)
Mimi W.

The food is pretty not bad actually, but the wait is horrendous. Took me an hour to get seated even though the place is huge. Can't even muscle your way up to the bar. You'll be in a bad mood by the time you get seated. Go somewhere else.
(2)
Alison C.

I have been here many times and the food is so delicious. I always get the fajitas so I can't comment on other dishes but I've been there with people who have ordered burros, enchiladas, blackened chicken, guacamole, salmon, french quarter chicken and everything has come out great. The food comes out fast even when they are busy. At dinner time expect a wait to get a table especially if it's on a weekend. They do not take reservations but if you have to wait they will give you a beeper and you can at least walk around the corner as there is so much to do around there. The service is usually great as the servers seem to have a lot of experience there. Oh, and the fries are so delicious too. They are shoestring fries. They give you complimentary chips and salsa when you sit down and the chips are made there and are so great. I usually ask for chips to bring home with me when my food is packed up. They give you a lot of food so there is usually leftovers.
(4)
Tobias S.

Warning: bring a change of clothes. The smell of grease and tacos is so strong that you're going to stink of it for the rest of the night. Also beware arriving on the weekend with a large group - the wait can be brutal. But, once you get inside, the food is cheap and basic. The atmosphere is fun and lively, and the margaritas will make you forget it all. Order at the bar with Alessandri, the best bartender in the world, and she'll help you forget that you're about to eat at the lovechild of Taco Bell and Cheesecake Factory.
(3)
Kyle P.

A great place to meet up with friends. They have massive cups for soda, (I know, I'm lame, but I do not like margaritas) and free refills. Our server was very attentive and kept on bringing them to me. The chips and salsa were very good, the guacamole was very spicy, more than I am used to, but still good. Fair prices and good portions.
(3)
Susie C.

My sister and I come here all the time. ALL the time. We love it because you always know what you are going to get-- cheap, huge portions of tex-mex food. The drinks are always cold, the free chips and salsa are addicting (chips are always hot), and the service is always reliable. If you love cheese, try the chicken burro. The fajitas never disappoint- they come on a sizzling platter with lots of sides. I've never ventured oto the cajun side of the menu because mu regular favorites are too good to not order. Downside- you'll leave smelling like a fried chicken taco no matter what you order, so don't wear your best sweater/shirt/jacket. The smell lingers. That said, this is a great place to come for a bite to eat any night.
(4)
Katharine N.

The hostess forgot to seat us, and did absolutely nothing (including apologize) to compensate for making 7 people wait two hours for a table (I would have left, but the birthday boy really wanted Mexican). They got my drink order wrong. They gave us dirty utensils. C'mon, folks.. .the food is okay but not worth putting up with that much trouble over.
(1)
Nate R.

I have only been here once, but I had a great experience. I actually came here on a first date and it could not have gone better. Although, I don't think I didn't really fell for the girl, I did fall in love with Border Cafe. Holy Lord was that cheesy, I may just change my Yelp name to Cheese Boy after that bad boy.
(5)
Annmarie A.

Does not take reservations for large groups! A favorite after work destination for my office, but they will not take reservations unless we beg and plead! The food is amazing, the guacamole is to die for, and the margaritas hit the spot. Granted I have the feeling that the decor and the menu might be slightly less than authentic, but it does the job for the Northeast palate.
(3)
John F.

I really enjoyed Border Cafe. For one, I liked the country music they played. It was stuff like Alan Jackson, not Toby Keith. So kudos there. Then the chips were awesome. Delicious and clearly freshly-made. I can get behind that! As for the rest of the food, it was damn good. I had the fajitas, and they were delicious. My friends had the empanadas (sp?) and were huge fans. And the frozen margaritas were of decent size, and mighty tasty. I will be going back!
(4)
D.J. L.

Cheap food and drink. And they're both delicious. What more could you want from a restaurant? The only downside is they do not take reservations, and I don't think I've ever been here after 5p where there hasn't been some sort of wait. And I've walked by several times to see a line going down the street. There is a bar for you to wait at, but its pretty small and fills very quickly. However, this place is definitely worth the wait. The best fajitas and blue margaritas in the Northeast.
(4)
Hanna L.

I have been to Border Cafe in Harvard Square many times, and never had complaints about the wait or service i've received until last night. A friend arrived at 6:30 and put our name in and they told her our entire party had to be there before they could start our wait time buzzer. Fine... We showed up 15 minutes later and the girl told me and my friend that it would be "one hour". Also fine by us and we expected that with a party of our size on a Saturday. We grabbed drinks at the bar. At 7:45 we went to check back. The same hostess told us another 45 minutes! At that point we were a little annoyed that she could underestimate that much and we let her know that...when she told my friend this she made a point to say that she had said earlier it would "be an hour PLUS". She never said this. She also never apologized for being so wrong about the wait time. I told her it was a friends birthday and we had cancelled reservations elsewhere earlier that day because my friend wanted Mexican. Typically when you say an hour plus, it usually means another 15-20 minutes. Not an hour PLUS another hour. A little miffed, we went back and got another drink hoping that it wouldn't actually be that long. At 8:45 we were starving, had plans to be somewhere at 9:30ish and obviously wouldn't make it at that point if we were seated any later. We decided to leave and on our way out walked by the manager. He told me his hostess had told us from the beginning that it would be an "hour plus" and that the table was almost done. We were starving and fed up at this point. I explained how the hostess NEVER said an hour plus. He never apologized for this and actually acted very defensive. Had the girl even just come up to us to apologize for the long wait , or told us at any point in time at the beginning that it could be 2 hours we wouldn't have left so angry. The manager was unprofessional, did not apologize until i was walking away and defended the hostess. As someone who has worked in many restaurants, I was shocked at how they both handled the situation. We ended up getting slice pizza from Otto's around the corner for her birthday. (which is amazing btw). We will no longer go to this location, or recommend this to ANY friends looking to go out as a group.
(1)
Cheryl P.

I avoid chain establishments but tried this place anyway. I was pleasantly surprised. Very cool atmosphere, a little noisy but fun, active, happy people Fiday after work kind of noise, nice to be surrounded by. The rustic decor suits the food very well. I had Bandera Chicken, a mesquite barbeque breast with a nice lime (I think) glazing. I adored the broiled avacado with mango side. A plate full of thi=ose would do nicely. They serve this dish with shoe string fries, delicious, a departure from the expected rice and beans. The waiter was adorable, attentive and worth the big tip. The meal was so reasonable even with a drink, we were surprised. Half the price of the less substantial meal meal, also with one drink, in the hotel bar the night before. Yes, we will go back.
(4)
Sham Y.

The margaritas are decent here. I prefer them a little stronger though. The food is alright but he best part is probably the tortilla chips. It always seems to be loud and crowded so it's not somewhere to go for conversation.
(3)
Katie H.

I don't have much to say about having to wait since every time I've been I've met up with other people that were already waiting. But really, how bad is a wait at a restaurant where you can just sit at the bar and get margaritas? That's where I've always found my friends. Last I went there we got pastellitos for an appetizer which were little pastries filled with chieken and a dip that was oil, oregano, and other tasty goodness. For an entree I got fish tacos, much to the amusement of everyone hearing me order fish tacos and let the jokes fly about them being able to witness me eating fish tacos. But in all seriousness, they weren't so good. Maybe I've been spoiled by the west coast and Hawaii, but I'd always had fresh pan-seared fish in the tacos, not a huge hunk of fried fish. The margaritas were tasty, but severely lacking in the alcohol department. The first one I had I couldn't taste any alcohol. The second one tasted really strongly of tequila at first sip, but then was just as bland as the first. Good thing they aren't very expensive. All in all, a good night out. Full stomach and a fun night out with 5 friends for under $100. But I'd keep my trips there down to once or twice a year.
(3)
Roni E.

My b/f had found out that I've never been to Borders in my life and begun to rave about this place and that I HAD to try it. I've also heard so many other people comment on this place having great food, so I figured hey let's give this place a shot one evening. However, when we went, not only did we have to wait for a long time, but I wasn't impressed at all. The food was just so-so and not what I had expected it to be after all the raves I heard about this place.
(1)
Eric S.

Gaudy. Loud. Annoying. Vulgar. This place is like MTV meets Walmart, or Taco Bell meets Joshua Tree, whichever you prefer. No shortage of neon beer advertisements inside.
(1)
Clare C.

I love my Mexican food, and this place hit the spot. The yummy, warm chips and salsa and huge, cheap margaritas are definitely a plus here. The food is good, but pretty average as far as Mexican/Tex-Mex food goes. Frankly, I would prefer refried beans and rice to the black beans and rice mix which are served on the side of most entrees. Also, they like to charge you for every little thing you want on the side, like sour cream or guac. I'm taking off a star for the horrible service I encountered here. When I went here for my birthday, the hostess informed us that we would have to wait for everyone in our party to arrive before we could be seated. OK, fine. So then when everyone arrived, we told the host staff that only 7 would joining us for dinner, and not 8 like we had previously said. Then when it came time for us to be seated, they refused to seat us because there were only 7 of us- not like we told them that or anything. Thanks for paying attention. They promptly gave us another pager and told us that we'd have to wait all over again... wtf? I almost flipped out, until my roommate's boyfriend stepped in to regulate. I used to hostess, and this is a horrible practice, and you just don't treat your customers like that. Also, it might help if you actually paid attention. Oh, and the fact that they sat us at a 6-top and put a chair on the end just further proves my point on this. Final note: decent food, great margs, bad service.
(2)
Emily R.

I love the Border Cafe. My boyfriend and his brother describe it as "thoroughly average," but I really think it's great!! I love the wooden floors, the huge glasses of water, and the chips (still hot from the oven) and salsa. Sure, it's crowded and loud, which would normally bother me, but it seems like part of the charm here. As a vegetarian, I really appreciate the separate vegetarian section on the menu. This place is cheap, too. $5 sangria and $6 margaritas! The entree I always seem to order (corn and black bean empanadas with an orange sauce) is only $7. It's consistently delicious.
(4)
Jake M.

A friend of mine who works down in Foxboro has a certain pithy line he uses repeatedly, and to great effect, especially when assessing performance or perceived quality. It's become a sort of Zen koan to me, nearly universal in its applicability, profound in its simplicity yet maddening in its utter meaninglessness. "It is what it is" And I can think of few other area dining establishments to which this tautological aphorism is so apropos than the much beleaguered Border Cafe. The amount of ill will this place seems to generate is either laughable or just myopic. Loud, obnoxious, dirty; overrun by drunken undergrads, clueless drunken tourists and voracious (and probably drunken) cockroaches; purveyors of bland but not unpalatable faux faux-Tex-Mex; an absolute purgatorial nightmare on weekend nights - the Border Cafe is all this, and more. Those of you who take umbrage, who may be expecting even an approximation of a fine authentic dining experience, even a passable dining experience, and then docking it points for not living up to your expectations - you are missing the point. The Border is what it is, and should be celebrated accordingly. Myself, I absolutely adore the place in all its excess and squalor. I like being able to carry on at the top of my lungs and not be the loudest person in the room; I being able to make a tremendous mess of my already messy meal and not have to feel a lick of embarrassment; I like the unintentional comedy of the typical crowd this place attracts; and yes, I even like the food (well, some of it...well, a few things). I don't like the Eau de Border, though, the nearly tangible odor which wafts about the place and even down Church St., which is so tenacious that I've often had to burn clothes and take baths in tomato juice afterward just to get the smell out.... But of course, that's what the Border is all about, in the end. It is what it is
(4)
David L.

Prepare to sell your soul. That is the only way I can figure that I can eat and drink so well at such a low price. There is nothing I would change about Border Cafe. I always have a good time here, the atmosphere, the staff and the food can't be beat. Plus free chips and salsa which they will keep refilling if you ask. An example: -Argentinian Steak dish (which I highly recommend) -Salad with a tuna steak -3 Ritas (which they make strong) --- Just over $30 Once I went with a friend who was allergic to flour, they mentioned they had corn tortillas so she could get whatever she wanted. I have never left unsatisfied. I have so many good stories that it's hard to pick one out. So go and make some of your own My only word of advice is to try to get there a little early, this place can get pretty packed for all of its size
(5)
Mike M.

This place is as good as it gets in Harvard Square! My favorite eatery in the Greater Boston area! ! ! Just beware, that on busy nights... if you request a table for 5 people and only 4 of you have shown up, they'll ask you to continue waiting until the last person shows before they seat you. Other than that, this place is perfection (get the Mesquite Fajita Chicken salad... I think that's what it's called, SOOO GOOD!)
(5)
Bill M.

Not a fan of The Border. Never have been, I know I am the minority here. There isn't anything wrong with the Border, it's clean and well run, I have been going for years, I just cannot see what all the excitement is about. I seem to go here at least once a year for someone's birthday or other celebration and it never seems to change. There will be a huge line, meaning the wait staff will be rushed, the food will be just ok, and it takes forever to get a second drink. Meh...there are plenty of outstanding places to go in this area, you can miss The Border in my opinion.
(2)
Larissa B.

Back in the day when I was a middle schooler in Cambridge, I used to go to Border Cafe every friday and I thought it was the best. Up through high school I would always come Border for the chicken quesadilla, chips and salsa and big cheap sodas. Now that I have been living in LA for 6 years, I have to say my love affair with Border Cafe has begun to fade. Although I still think the food is tasty, I also now realize that compared to LA-style Mexican food (the "real" stuff), the food at Border is over-cheesed, over-sauced and really greasy. That said, it's still is pretty cheap and for Boston it's definitely a half decent attempt at a cuisine that all of New England has yet to get a good grasp on as far as I can tell.
(3)
Daniel H.

Great food, drinks, atmosphere, reasonable prices. If you don't like this place, I probably don't like you.
(5)
Joanne R.

The Border is what it is.. A few friends and I came here on Friday night as we were in the mood to "get our drink on" and stopped for some food first. This place has amazing margaritas, absolutely AMAZING and they are strong for a good price. The chips are fresh made with yummy salsa. the food isnt too shabby either. the service was great although as the drinks flowed the noise level increased.
(3)
MacKenzie W.

After 4 years of searching for quality Mexican food in Boston, I finally made it to Border Cafe. Amazing margaritas, OUTSTANDING queso dip, heavenly guacamole, and the tejas chicken is delish too! The prices are pretty reasonable too, $5.50 for a big margarita, I can handle that. On weekends there can be a long wait (25-30 mins for 2 people, probably like an hour for larger groups) but I don't think this is necessarily bad. The place is amazing, of course there's going to be a wait!
(5)
Billy Su B.

wanna know how my border cafe experience ended in a screaming waitress chasing me towards the door in manner of charging moose? this is a good one. i can't believe i've forgotten to post this ridiculous story.. i went to border with my fella some time ago. it was his last night in town and we wanted to have a romantic little dinner. it was crowded. we went to the bar to sit and eat, waited to sit, finally sat, ordered drinks, ordered food, were told they didn't serve dinner at the bar, and finally were directed to a table instead.. ok no problem, we say. more waiting. to the table then, with our margaritas. and that's when our server, satan, came over and SLAMMED down some chips. slammed, yes. i thought a bomb had gone off, a breach in border security. no. just the chips. i thought she'd had a spasm of some kind, or maybe she was angry b/c she thought we weren't going to order, that we were going to sit there and take up her table. i look at her like she's nuts and proceed to order a full dinner, thinking she'll calm down now that she understands we're having a meal. nope. the psycho-bitch behavior continued on into dinner. more slamming of objects, ignoring our empty drinks and everything else- storming this way and that like f'ing medusa herself. i watched her fly about as i munched on my bland enchilada and what seemed to be Uncle Ben's boxed rice. a long, long time later, we are waiting for our check. she passes our table continually, ignoring me entirely: "miss? miss? excuse me? can we please get a check now? hello? ola? EspaÃ±ol? no? nothing? anything?" we're just sitting there like two idiots with our coats on. you know the trick, try to look like you're ready to go so that whatever dufus is serving you will get a clue. my fella's hair is beginning to grey, the dehydration's really setting in, and i am now so angry that i can no longer see straight. rather than beating her over the noggin with a salsa bowl, i decide to perform an experiment: we get up and walk towards the hostess stand, which is next to the exit. this is when she charged at us, like a moose, screaming and waving her long, clawed hands. it was terrifying. i realize this was a fluke, as far as service goes. but holy shit. the management offered us a free meal. it was very nice of them.
(1)
Nicole M.

So many reviews for this place, but I'm going to add another just for kicks. The margaritas are good, but the salty chips are way better. The food is just eh, and it's never worth the line along the outside of the building with the No-Soup-For-You-Attitude of the "bouncers". But, I'll still go to have a good time and enjoy the boisterous atmosphere. And of course, the 'ritas!
(3)
Cathy V.

Been loving this place since 1988. So sad to see that the Chile Rellenos is not on the menu anymore. Five stars if it comes back!!!!
(4)
Marina P.

PROS: Big and strong drinks, fun atmosphere, good tables for big groups, good bar area, enchiladas are delicious and the blackened salmon caesar is great CONS: No reservations... and the wait can be LONG, the main hostess who used to always be there when I went (I believe her name is Pascal) is SO rude, super super loud, I always leave smelling like grease.
(3)
Jenn S.

I started eating at the Border Cafe years ago when it first opened and I was still a college student myself. Then I moved away for 12 years and every trip home I tried to get in a visit to the Border Cafe. The best thing they serve is free -- the tortilla chips and salsa. Dear Lord! I am like a crack addict for the salsa and chips! Now that I'm back in Boston, I eat there whenever I'm in Harvard Sq. I rarely order off the Mexican side of the menu. Let's face it. This is not Mexican food. The one thing I occasionally order from the "Mexican" is the fish tacos made with catfish. Ah yes, catfish, a Mexican specialty! :) The cajun side of the menu however is quite yummy. My favorites are the catfish dishes. I love the catfish mardi gras with pecans. Also, the cajun popcorn is deliciously and perfectly spicy. Everyone who says this place is loud and tends to long waits is absolutely right, but if you head here for lunch instead of dinner you should not have to wait at all and it is much less noisy. I would never go here on a weekend evening. Who wants to wait two hours to eat in such a raucous environment. Even standing at the bar is impossible since it is just crammed with people. Hell, you can't even wait inside the restaurant for your table because there just isn't enough room.
(4)
christina c.

This was the second time I went here. We had the popcorn shrimp app and it was good and burn your mouth hot. It came with a honey mustard like spicy sauce that I'm still not sure if I liked or not. But they were all gone at the end. I had the eggplant royal which was not what I was expecting. It was 2 thick cut slices of eggplant deep fried and covered with a thick almost Alfredo like sauce and crab meat. I added a bunch of hot sauce to help kick the heavy creaminess of it and that helped a lot. My bf had chicken and chorizo etouffee and loved it and my dad had crawfish etouffee and said it was pretty good. I should mention we are from Baton Rouge so we might have high standards. The service was good, very fast. Oh and the chips and salsa was great.
(4)
Olivia C.

Borders ain't no book store in Harvard Square. This place is Cambridge Mexican. The food is not always completely authentic and it is JAM PACKED and LOUD. Warning: Don't fill up on the the endless free nachos, go for the gold rush. I do LURVE Border's HALF ENCHILADA HALF MEAT TACO PLATE and CORONAS to split with a friend!! I couldn't even finish mine. South Western friend says the taco wasn't authentic cause it came with wheat flour tortilla not taco shell and cooked beans instead of re-fried. Also there is might be more of a Louisiana edge than Mexican with the jambalaya choices. The SHREDDED MEAT IS SLOW COOKED AND ZESTY!! Ah, I remember when my friend had her 21st birthday party here and we got sloshed on my first margaritas with a fancy fake IDs. I have to admit, like other reviewers, I have also said I am not coming back here because of some medicore choices/food.. So, I'm generous on the fourth star because I had such a good time recently with my party of 7!!! It was fun to listen to COUNTRY MUSIC, part of Border's Tex-Mex flavor, and something you never hear in Boston pubs, on a Saturday night. And our waitress was off the hook; we were in a rush to go to the Comedy Connection and she was fast and friendly- "I like to have ONE margaritta Two at the very most. After three I'm under the table, after four I'm under my host. "
(4)
Christy M.

My boyfriend and I went to Border Cafe and I was very impressed! We were looking for a bite to eat in Harvard Square and stumbled in on a Thursday night since it seemed the most packed (I know what you're thinking, why go into a crowded restaurant, but everything was dead!). We were seated right away and our food and drinks came very quickly. The staff was incredibly friendly and the food was fantastic. It's refreshing to find good Mexican food in a city crowded with Anna's Taqueria type places! And the vegetarian menu was an added bonus! I will definitely be back again.
(4)
Kristen K.

For thee, Border Cafe, I sing the Song of Yum... Yum yum yummmmmmm! Yum. Yum yummmmmmyumyumyummy yum! OMG yyyyyyyyyyyyum!!!!! (Bear in mind that I'm writing this review long after the Sangria has worn off.) Friends of mine introduced me to this eatery several years ago. It's right near Club Passim, so I love having dinner at Border Cafe before any show I attend at Passim across the way. (Not to snub Veggie Planet, but their fare simply can't compare to my beloved Border Cafe's!) Dinner after a show at Border Cafe is okay too, since they're open nice and late, and even when they pare down the menu after 11 or so, it's still extensive. The thing is, there's hardly any wait if you show up before 6:30PM, or there wasn't when I went last night anyway. The food is beyond delicious, and is worth the price -- which, by the way, is not bad at all. I've always gotten good and friendly service, usually they're pretty fast too. My favorite dish is the Catfish New Orleans, which I enjoy so much that I haven't been able to make myself try much of anything else on the menu. I tried their Sangria for the first time last night, and it was out of this world. *Muah!* I love you, Border Cafe.
(5)
Mike N.

great chips ...the best ive had and the food and margaritas great!
(4)
Eme M.

I have no idea why I've never yelped this place, but when I saw that there wasn't 5 stars I had to do something! This place is fantastic, my boyfriend and I come here frequently, the food and drinks are affordable, delicious and fast. Every time we've been here which is usually twice a month :) there is a huge crowd. The wait time varies but if your standing somewhere around the bar area normally someone will drop off chips and salsa for you no questions asked, I love that! plus you can always easily grab a drink at the bar while you wait. This is totally our go-to place. We love the blackened chicken with the orange marmalade and the steak fajitas. Plus the water glasses are ginormous. Side note we brought my mother here a couple of months ago and she cant wait to come back to visit and go again. Way to go borders!
(5)
S E.

I went there with a friend this place is much fun if you are a big group pf people .. enjoy urself guys : )
(4)
Brandon L.

Maybe too salty and too crowded at times but this place always serves interesting variety at good value, especially for younger people. The crowd is mostly students. Years ago when i could not afford better restaurants i used to bring my dates here and they were always impressed. Chips and salsa are their first and best move and it goes downhill after that... Overall they may not serve the best Mexican food around but it's definetely entertaining...just don't go down the basement. For authentic Mexian food try Ole in Cambridge ...but then again you may be more into the American version than the reall stuff.
(3)
Jen A.

I love the food here, especially the fajitas which are huge and delicious. The only problem I have is not filling up on yummy fresh tacos before my food arrives. I took my mum here when she was visiting. She has celiac which means she has to be really careful what she eats or she get very ill. The staff here were SO AWESOME. They checked what was in all the dishes she was interested in and really took care to prepare something she could eat. The manager bought the food to her personally and checked back with her afterwards to make sure it was OK It really made her trip!
(4)
Skyler K.

WTF?? They no longer have Cholula!! From now on, it's BYOCondiments.
(3)
A G.

Always great food, great margaritas and very reasonably priced. Love it! make reservations on weekend nights tho... the wait can be a while sometimes..
(4)
Brian C.

The chips and fresh salsa are decent. The food is OK and a bit salty. There's usually a 10+ minute wait for dinner. The margaritas and sangria are great. Lots of buzz (!) and energy. Good place for large groups.
(3)
Sogol G.

It's OK. Mexican restaurant. Good service and OK food. Their margaritas, however, was great. I wouldn't go for dinner again. It's great for drinks and appetizers.
(3)
Andrew P.

The Place is Great! The Service is always really excellent & the Food is always Terrific. It is such a great value for what you get. I recommend going when your hung over.....because they give you the hugest fountain drinks to suck on. Their Cat fish Fajitas are there signature dish. I'm a huge fan of their petite Steak fillets "Jim Bowie Style." It's so good. I don't go to this place enough! 4 Stars easy!
(4)
Jim C.

How can you not love Border Cafe? Whenever you need some obnoxiously rowdy and loud place that's convenient to the T and has good food and drinks at a good price, Border's is perfect. Addictive nachos and salsa, good margaritas, and darned good blackened catfish and lots of other dishes for less than $10. Yes, there's usually a wait and it's a zoo in there, but grab a couple of margaritas while you're waiting and it go that much quicker. Bottom line: Never a dull moment at Border's with a group of friends. And decent food and drink that won't break the bank.
(4)
Jen L.

In a word....YUCK! Dirty and possibly the least authentic Tex-Mex food I have ever had. And what is up with the whole Cajun part of the menu? So strange. Definitely wouldn't fly anywhere near the actual "border".
(1)
Muckenfuss V.

Hourlong waits at this location of the East Coast chain between 6 and 8, though if they checked IDs I assume about half the customers would have to turn around. Decent though unspectacular food (subpar rice and beans), bad margaritas even by Boston standards, nice warm chips, very friendly waitstaff (considering the crap they have to deal with). In California or Texas this place would be called Chevys and would be out of business.
(2)
Getfree G.

Very good place to eat mexican food. so many options to eat and they do taste good.
(4)
Veronica A.

I was hesitant at first to try a Cajun/Tex-Mex fusion restaurant. Strange, right? I had Tex-Mex and my husband had Cajun. While not completely blown away by the food, we were pleased. The chips were amazing. The margaritas were nice and cold. The enchiladas were good. The rice was not Spanish rice, but more of a gumbo kinda rice. I assume a carryover from the Cajun side of the house and the black beans were bland. The crawfish etouffee was 7 on a 10 point scale. The service was on-point and the prices were completely reasonable. I will happily go back and give it another go, especially if I can get a margarita with my jambalaya.
(3)
Dana L.

So I recently returned to the Border Cafe, and decided to brave the crowds on a weekday night. We ended up waiting for about 20 minutes to sit down on a Wednesday - maybe the wait would be faster during the winter. I ordered the chicken and beef fajitas - they included a lot of food (in fact, I stuffed myself when I ate the leftovers). The fajitas came with 4 tortillas and a good portion of toppings/roasted peppers. I would say that the food here is solid - not the most authentic mexican, but a fairly decent value and pretty tasty.
(3)
D. M.

I can't believe it has taken me so long to write a review for this place. I love it! I came here the very first time I visited Boston and have been coming back ever since, especially since I now live here. Perk #1: Free chips and salsa. Perk #2: Good, reasonably priced food, Perk #3: Amazing drinks, reasonably price. I highly recommend their strawberry Daiquiris. Pure deliciousness!
(5)
Kai L.

I like Border at off hours. Fun atmosphere kid friendly, and when I first moved here from CA the only Mexican place in town that was even remotely like Mexican in CA. Now their are so many more places to choose from but this is still a great stand by.
(4)
Gisele M.

Okay this place is yummy and they serve if not the best mararita's in Cambridge. You may have a little bit of a wait if after 6:30 but its totally worth it. Get the (salty) nachos, some salsa and a margarita after work and trust me you will be very happy! Can't wait to go back....
(4)
Austin R.

Good tex-mex but nothing amazing
(3)
Kathleen M.

Really 3.5 stars. If we looked at Boston's senior yearbook, I'm sure the city would have been voted "least likely to serve up amazing Mexican food". In that realm, the food at Border is actually quite good. It's not real Mexican, but most places people consider to be Mexican aren't either. It's sort of Tex-Mex with some Cajun thrown in for good measure. I was quite skeptical of this place the first time I stumbled in...then I had the guacamole. This stuff is really good...better than what I had at Casa Romero the other night, and much less expensive. This guac has just the right amount of garlic and not quite squashed-up avocado to make a perfect accompaniment to my tasty beef burro. It's also great scooped up with chips, or a spoon! The salsa is also quite tasty. I like that you can get jambalaya instead of rice and beans (go Cajun!). My pals love the catfish fajitas. Magaritas are passable and they have Negro Modelo, my fave Mexican beer. One of the best things about this place is that it is CHEAP! The other night we had dinner for 5 (with 4 drinks) for just under $80, and we all left stuffed! I think the only other place in Harvard that rivals this for price is Pho Pasteur (oh, I mean Le's). The atmosphere here could use some work, as could some of the waitstaff. Crowded and loud, they don't seem to have enough people on staff to take care of everyone. The waitress at our last visit was borderline rude and clearly rushed. Don't want to blame her too much since the place is such a zoo, but would really prefer a more pleasant experience. I highly recommend coming here after a few cocktails somewhere else so the atmosphere won't distract you too much and you can just sit back and enjoy the GUACAMOLE!
(3)
Tasha L.

It is what it is, kids. I admit I loved this place a lot more when I was younger. But you will find adequate drinks (get the extra shot in your marg) and indulgent food (i get the shrimp and crawfish quesadilla every time-- it is an explosion of melted cheese). The hot basket of chips and salsa never disappoints. The water and soda arrive in bucket sized proportions. It is noisy, and its way better if you get a seat upstairs. The country music is ok or the hour or so you are there--the scene is hectic, fun, and colorful. However... The downstairs is cramped and you will be trapped by the person sitting 2 inches behind you. The lady's room has like 2 stalls and there is always a line. ALSO- Don't wear anything of value here or one of your nicer coats because it will reek of the signature border smell for days even if you fabreeze it to death. I learned that the hard way.
(3)
Jen H.

Yay for adorable waiters, free birthday virgin strawberry daiquiri, late night menu, and good natured fun at 1:30am after drinking the night away down the street. 5 stars!
(5)
Seamus O.

Not a bad restaurant to get you into eating Mexican. I thought this place was excellent until i started eating in other Mexican restaurants on vacation. This Border cafe has a great atmosphere but it can get uncomfortably crowded especially at weekends. Somethings the queue will be out the door and that ain't fun when it's freezing out. It's fairly cheap so hence it's full of college kids.
(3)
Kat C.

This is the first time I have been to Border Cafe. My friends and roommates have been raving about it since I moved to Cambridge. I was really excited to check this place out. The atmosphere is great, it was everything I was expecting. Loud colors and loud people. In my opinion this make for a great, fun, place to sit, drink and talk with your friends. Not everyone in our party had showed up yet so we hung out at the bar and chatted. Then we decided to try to get a table, even though they have a rule against seating people until everyone is there. They sat us anyway. We sat down and the chips and salsa came almost immediately. The chips were warm and incredibly addicting. The salsa was chunky and yummy. Most of us ordered margaritas and they were cheap and huge. I got a frozen melon one and it did not taste anything like melon, but it did however taste like tequila... so I was OK with this. We ordered our mains and I had ordered chili relleno which I had been told by a VERY trust worthy source is amazing. I made sure to ask if the rice was Vegetarian and it was. This is very exciting, as a lot Mexican places use pork fat in their rice. About 5 mins after ordering our mains the server came back and to tell me that they had run out of chili relleno. So I quickly looked at the menu (because I hadn't thought of a back up) and I ordered the vegi jambalaya. I was not a big fan. It was a little too spicy for my taste and it REALLY needed cheese, but this was most likely their vegan selection. The veggies in it were great though. There were zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, and onions. I brought home most of it so I could put the cheese on myself. The corn bread that they serve with it was so good. The corn bread almost made up for the lack of cheese. Everyone at our table loved their food. There was 6 of us and we got everything from Quesadillas to salad. One friend's meal came with fries. They honestly tasted little like the potato sticks I used to eat as a child that came out of a can. Not really what I'm looking for in fries. Another friend got the mesquite salmon salad. This looked amazing. I will return to try the chili relleno and then again for the salmon salad.
(3)
Anna O.

So-so food, waiters are mostly attentive. It's very loud, and mostly filled with the rich yuppies from Harvard; and because of this it's overpriced. Okay to stop by for drinks, but there are better bars in Harvard Square, including one right across the street at Cambridge 1.
(2)
tracy F.

This place is good im here with my girls...the chips are great!! Ive had better enchiladas..tortillas are good : ) were all full..over all good but i dont think i will ever go back there.....
(3)
Annette M.

YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!! Chips and homemade guacamole is a FANTASTIC way to start a meal. The Chicken Bandera is wonderful and the corn and black bean empanadas are awesome!!! Add a few of their margaritas to your meal and you will be a very happy person!
(5)
C R.

I have eaten at the Border Cafe located in Burlington and Saugus and throughly enjoyed my meals. The Border located in Cambridge is FILTHY. Luckily I enjoyed meals at the other locations prior to dining here...otherwise I would NEVER go to one again.
(1)
Michael C.

I really like this place. The music and customers are loud, so I tend to enjoy it more when I'm alone and don't have to try to talk to someone over the din. But it feels very "alive," the kind of "alive" atmosphere I love about Harvard Square when it's busy. Eating there really feels like "a night on the town." And the food's very good. I especially like the (cat)fish tacos (though I wish they didn't use fried catfish) and the tostada grande (though I wish they hadn't made it bigger recently; I used to be able to eat it all, including the bowl). And the never-ending tortilla chips and salsa are really good. A curious thing about this place (neither positive nor negative) is that they don't offer dessert. Another odd thing: this is the only restaurant I've been where, when you arrive for dinner, they ask if you'll be drinking. Depending on your answer, they'll seat you in the drinking or non-drinking area. Seems an odd bit of segregation to me, especially since those few of us not drinking tend to be put in an emptier, slightly less festive area. But it's still usually a good atmosphere. Oh, and they give really big glasses of water. I like that.
(5)
R A.

Food is cheap and always well made and fresh. The waiters are very attentive and are constantly bringing over a fresh basket of chips and salsa even before you finish the ones you're eating. Drinks are great and the atmosphere is always fun and lively. Even when the place is packed, the turnover is so fast that you're rarely kept waiting too long.
(5)
Anna L.

More like...Border[ing Crappy] Cafe. The chips and salsa here are less than impressive, the food is way too salty, and my sangria tasted like shit boxed wine. Sunset Bar and Grill is less than a five minute drive from Border[ing Crappy] Cafe so there's absolutly no excuse not to go there instead. Lets just say that this place is so bad that even my Corona tasted more like pee than usual. Adios...and NO, I will not be back.
(2)
Kristin S.

Mmmm...Border Cafe. I wish I was eating it right now. I often meet friends here for drinks and dinner and I am never disappointed. The cheese enchiladas, which are surpisingly hard to find on a menu, are fantastic. Their chips are made right there next to the bar so they are oily, hot, and fantastic when they get to you. I'm not a margartia person at all but I cannot resist their strawberry margarita in a sugar lined glass. The only drawback is that it is usally packed and sometimes there is a wait....and your entire party needs to be there before they seat you.
(4)
Jasmine C.

I am not a fan of mexican food (sorry folks, a bunch of meat, lettuce and beans thrown together is not quality food to me) but I always have a good experience at Border Cafe. Its fairly crowded at dinner times but i hever had a reall long wait time since this place is big. Good place for a big party and food is reasonably priced. Also went there for after work drinks and apps and I must say the frozen Sangria was pretty good!
(4)
Nicholas S.

There's a reason that there's usually a line outside this place: their food is good and cheap. The entrees are so large and the chips served before your meal are so addictive that I don't recommend ordering an appetizer. They serve gigantic servings of soft drinks for less than two bucks. Their fish tacos with deep-fried catfish breaded in cornmeal is definitely one of the best meals in the square, and it's less than eight dollars.
(5)
Jason L.

For more than a decade, the Border CafÃ© has been consistently one of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area. I can easily give it five stars for one reason--VALUE. The food isn't spectacular--in terms of the larger scheme of Boston's elite foodie establishments--but it's extremely good, particularly based on their insanely cheap prices. The only downsize to the Border can be the seating wait but the restaurant is so huge that this only happens during peak times. Within moments of sitting down, you can expect to have some tasty warm chips, salsa, and a gigantic cup of your favorite beverage. The meals come fast, the staff is always friendly, and the experience is reliably awesome.
(5)
Julian M.

Pretty good Tex-Mex. In general I think of Boston as a city lacking much Mexican, but I've been spoiled in the past--and then I remember that it does at least have The Border Cafe. My complaints with this place come mostly from having to withstand gigantic clouds of smoke to get in during the winter. It's been a few months since I've gone--I'll be updating this review once I go again to speak in more detail about the food. Just wanted to make sure I don't forget it.
(3)
Anthony L.

coming from Texas this place is good. portion size is good, price is good (compared to similar places), quality is good
(5)
reese w.

Just a standard place for me. If you want good Mexican, go elsewhere. If you want good Tex-Mex, go elsewhere. If you're stuck in Harvard and have a craving for either, try the Border Cafe. Don't get me wrong. The food is tasty, but there are better places to eat.
(3)
Lauren M.

delicious margaritas, cheap delicious food. such a fun, lively vibe. great for big groups. sometimes the wait is long, but definitely worth it. and the fresh, homemade chips and delicious salsa make the wait go by faster.
(5)
Tinkerbell T.

I love to have food here and "a few cocktails" when I am out and about shopping in Harvard Square or before I go out boozin the night away in Harvard Square. This is one of my favorite places to eat in Harvard Square because it is cheap, tasty and the food always comes out super quick. The food is not "amazing" but it is worth the price. The frozen strawberries margaritas, on the other hand, are DELICIOUS and deserve 5 stars. Ayyyy Papi! They are hands down a much better contender for the Improper Bostonian's yearly "best margarita" category. Take that, Cactus Club!
(4)
Lisa W.

I love this place! Some may complain that the food isn't authentic, but if you take it for what it is, you'll enjoy yourself. Every time I go I try something different and I don't have any complaints about the food. Yes, the wait can be long - but if you grab a marg at the bar the time quickly passes. I wouldn't recommend going with a big group unless you get there early. I bring many out of town friends here for margs and dinner and we always have a good time.
(5)
Crystal S.

Can I give this place no stars? The food managed to be bland and too salty at the same time and on top of making me eat a salt lick, it took forever for the waitress to refill my glass of water. I did not happen to see cockroaches skitter or any rats or anything like that, but I have no intention of going back if I can manage it. ----------------------edit-------------------- I did return at the request of some friends, oh how lucky they are that I love them so, but anyways, still salty, but I finally tried the margaritas and the margaritas are pretty tasty. one more star for the margarita!
(2)
Jon D.

Their chips and salsa are completely addictive!!!! Their blackened chicken fajitas are one of my favorite dishes...! It can be busy, but well worth a 10-15 minute wait!!! Great food, great price, and great service!
(5)
Shan C.

YEA. Tex mex, yum..We stopped in for a snack and a break from the heat. I am a fan of mexican and Boston seems to fall short of good mexican, so I am eager to return to have a full meal.
(4)
Emma L.

The Border Cafe is definitely an oldie but can be a goodie at times. It was the first place outside of Taco Bell where I experienced the taco bowl as a middle schooler, which is still a filling meal for me. Admittedly, there are restaurants such as Sol Azteca in Boston, that do Mexican food better and the drinks can be overpriced at times. The wait to me, at least, has been something of a tradition. If there was not a line wrapping around the corner from the Border Cafe in the evenings during the weekends, then it would be the end of the world as I know it. The waitstaff vary from good to competent to "run don't walk to an anger management class". I usually get the ones from the "competent" category. The best time to go in my humble opinion is during the day if you are taking family and friends out. The evenings can be rough, especially on your ears.
(3)
Meg B.

Haven't been here in several years. My go-to meal was chicken fajitas, so that's what I ordered with sides of guacamole, beans and rice. The only edible part of the meal was the beans. The fajita was awful. I think it was made with precooked chicken. There were no peppers, just onions smothered with some awful tasting red seasoning. The plate of trimmings appeared to be only shredded cheese with red mushy pico on one side with the guacamole (maybe a whole teaspoonful) placed on top of the shredded cheese. The side of rice was pathetic. On top of that was a dismal Harvard Square on a Saturday night. I guess it's time to say, adios to Cambridge and the Border Cafe...
(1)
Kim C.

I hate to have to write this but The Border Cafe used to be my absolute favorite restaurant. UNTIL,,,,My brother went two weeks ago and looked down to find a moving alive worm in his food. He is still sick. I swear he had PTSD!! I almost died when I heard the story. His wife called me on the way home because she knew it was my favorite restaurant and I was gagging. They went there for her sister's birthday and my brother had eaten some of his food already. He went to take a bite and saw the worm in his cheese when he went to grab some. He showed his wife and she brought it over to the waitress that almost fainted. The manager was horrified. My brother ran to the bathroom and vomitted for over twenty minutes. Let's just say he is still not the same. Again, I hate to have to tell this but I surely would want to know. Sorry Folks!!!!
(1)
chelsea h.

love it. amazing cheese dip. i recommend the chicken guadalajara----- chicken stuffed with cheese, spinach, and peppers. also, amazing margaritas. the wait is a bit intense, and they will only allow you to put your name in if the entire party is present- kinda annoying but all worth it in the end.
(3)
Rich B.

Ah, my love. This place is basically great. Its always packed, but never have to wait that long. The wait staff turns 'em and burns 'em. Chips and salsa are great, but they can make you full before you even get your entrees. The entrees are great. Ive had the enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, and the fajitas. I have never left Border hungry or poor. The portions are great, the prices are great. My gf's bar tab is usually higher than both of our meals combined which sucks, but hey, drinks aren't cheap in Beantown. This is def a place to check out if you like Mexican or Tex-Mex.
(4)
Hannah L.

decent food and fun atmosphere make this a fun tex-mex restaurant to go to. love the vintagey wall art and lights, and it's always colorful. was very fun to be here on cinco de mayo (after the line died down) and get some salty margaritas. it was also festive because they played real mexican folk music! i went to the restaurant on route 1 a little while ago and thought it was fun, and my opinion hasn't changed.
(3)
Jane C.

If you're going here, go on an empty stomach! I'm definitely in love with this place. Their free, bottomless chips and salsa is amazing! It's perfectly warm and crispy, and the salsa not too spicy nor bland. We always end up finishing about two baskets before the food even comes out, thus the warning to go on an empty stomach. Despite the many times I've been here, I've only tried four things: the Fish Tacos, The Crafish/Shrimp quesadilla, the Fajitas, and the Tostada Salad. I was satisfied with everything I had, and I especially love the fish tacos(get it with the jambalaya and sour cream/guac on the side!) I also love the atmosphere of this restaurant. It's always packed and lively. The margaritas and sangria are also really good! Everything is big in this restaurant - the restaurant itself, the drinking cups, the margaritas, the entrees. One star for the good food, one star for the good atmosphere, one star for cheap price, one star for the good drinks. Only four stars because of how heavy everything is. You just feel 10 pounds heavier walking out of this restaurant considering everything is fried, smothered in cheese, or very salty.
(4)
Beth M.

I know there are a million reviews already, but I shall chime in. Before I tried real, authentic Mexican food, I loved Border. It was one of my favorite places. I went on my first date with my husband here like 7 years ago. i was pretty impressed. Now Border has kind of become a guilty pleasure for me. It's salty and oily and cheesy, and doesn't hold back on the sauces and huge portions. But it's really tasty, in that 'this-is-definitely-bad-for-me" kind of way. After some chips and salsa, an entree and one of their giant margaritas, I am usually feeling rather whale-like, and slipping into a food coma before I even leave place. Notorious for having lines out the door and ridiculous wait times. Always really loud. Try the fish tacos or the enchiladas.
(3)
Brendan M.

So. Much. Food. (groan) The Mexican food here is about as authentic as Cheney's love of the environment, but it tastes good. The chips and salsa they bring you are totally addictive. However, I would suggest you move your attention to the cajun part of the menu. There is a total dearth of cajun cooking in Beantown, and though the food here may not impress born-and-bred Louisiana natives, but it's as close as your going to get. The blackened chicken and the eggplant royale were scrumptious - and I already have my eyes set on the catfish for my next visit. Just make sure you've planned a siesta right after your meal. With portions this size, your body will need time to recover!
(4)
Meg B.

Not gonna lie, this place really does the trick for a chips and salsa and enchiladas fix. Not many places in this city can really do that. I got the frozen strawberry margarita last time and it was quite delish. My friend got the frozen sangria and she seemed to enjoy it as well. At least give it a chance for trying (I mean c'mon, texas, lousiana, mexico, cali? they're all far from here so give it a rest and move/travel if you can't stand this). The atmosphere can be kinda loud with music and people talking but at least that way you know they're having a good time.
(4)
Elizabeth E.

The old-west feel of the bar begins when you have to walk through the screened wooden front doors. Wooden tables, pictures of cactus, signs for Dos Equis beer, and all kinds of other campy decorations definitely add personality to the Border Cafe. The bar area is really small, right at the front of the restaurant when you walk in, but they have plenty of seating both on the main floor and downstairs. Some weekend nights, you'll find there's a wait, but hopefully you're waiting with a group of friends so you won't mind. I'd recommend the Gold Margarita (or any margarita) and lots of them. Catfish bites are divine and the Fish Tacos are superb. Don't bother trying Border if you like American beer of any variety, "real" Mexican food, or upscale joints.
(5)
Hanna B.

i very much enjoy this place. they have a vegetarian section, which is great. my absolute favorite thing to order are the corn and black bean empanadas. i've also had the salad in the taco bowl thingy and the chile rellenos which are both good. they give you chips and salsa every time which is cool and always will give you more when your basket is getting low! get the guacamole to go with the chips--it's AMAZING. another thing i would like to mention is the GINORMOUS cups you get when you order a soda. freakin' monstrous. my sister loves the fish tacos. they have a kid's menu too, with like a cheeseburger and such. on weekends and some nights, you have to wait a while. there's a bar but it's sort of small. they also won't seat you till everyone in your party is present, which is probably not unusual, but can be annoying.
(4)
Michael W.

I look through these reviews and i am shocked why nothing is above a 4 stars, I LOVE COMING TO THE BORDER CAFE..... So I am going to have dispute Brittany S. comments, while there can be a wait sometime, I had a table for 7 on Saturday night and I waited 20mins... and I don't know about the restaurant she mentioned across the street, i say go there to eat, makes more room for me.... if your not willing to wait. The food is great, and the drinks are awesome, when I go for dinner there I know i am going to get all boozed up and have a great time. They have great salsa, when you go, also get some guacamole with your chips while you wait... its really good, some of the best in town. A few visits back I started to venture in the the appetizers they have, the popcorn shrimp are you spicy and tasty, and the catfish bites are not to oily, and they are tender and flaky, each one comes with a very tangy honey mustard. Every time I go with different people and they all order different things, so I have here are some of the highlights.... I always enjoy the seafood enchiladas, which is packed with shrimp and craw fish and this great poblano pepper sauce... the jambalaya is awesome, ask for some extra, its great... Fish tacos are are great, crispy catfish and you cant beat a fish taco... Blacken Catfish fajitas is super, great spice, flaky, moist and the diced mango compliments it nicely... Dachary C, was looking for deserts, and I don't even know if they have any. I get so filled up from the chips and the food, all i want at the end of the meal is another grand gold Margarita. Food is great and very cheap, 8 people eat under $150. its worth the wait people... have a drink at the bar, watch the sox.....
(4)
x s.

Despite the 40-minute wait for a table for 3 on a Sunday night, I'm still pleased with my dining experience at Border Cafe. The space is very generous and it's colorfully decorated-- like a Trader Joe's meets Pour House. Our waitress was friendly and our dwindling bowl of free nachos was quickly replaced by a fresh bowl of hot nachos! I tried my boyfriend's gumbo, and they oversalted it. I had the catfish tacos with jambalaya. and the rice was too salty. But the catfish was yummy, the strange delicious orange sauce was yummy, and the water glasses are huge! The prices are reasonable. I would definitely go back again, and swing by Berryline for a healthy dessert. And the burgers are great.
(4)
K C.

Only a 4 star because sometimes you have to wait a long time, and occasionally outside. I love border cafe! Bartenders are fantastic, a couple have been there for quite a while and will remember you if you know how to have a good time that is. Favorites: Raspberry margarita on the rocks (no salt please), or Patron margarita on the rocks no salt, pastalitos to start, yummy mesquite salmon salad, or delicious corn and black bean empanada with a side of jambalaya.
(4)
Arestia R.

$5.50 for margaritas. If that's not robbery, I don't know what is! It gets an extra star simply for that. They are glorious. And the chips! Oh the chips! Hot, crispy, salty....mmmm. Their food is comforting and the place is perfect for catching up with friends after work. LOVE IT!
(4)
Brad B.

The bartenders and waitstaff are always smiling and the atmosphere is good, but the food was bad. I ate here on a saturday night (4/3/10) and it was disappointing. The guacamole was like a dull paste, the fish tacos had little balls of fish jammed into a soft taco shell. The fish tasted and looked like something directly out of the freezer. The lettuce and tomato which was on the side to be added to the tacos was smushed, warm, and paltry. The girl I was with had chili con queso which tasted like velveeta but she liked it. Go figure. No wait, no line, nice seats at the bar, and a great Wolaver's organic IPA beer. Just bad food.
(2)
Jon H.

besides the really really long lines at night for this place, its pretty good. be careful snacking on the chips as it can fill you up with warm (almost hot) salty chips and a xx. great way to start it off. the food is pretty good too, a little salty though. ive had pretty much everything, but the wet burros are great with jamabalya as a side. all the margaritas are pretty good to. again, besides the line, this place is pretty good tex-mex food, good for big parties, and a good time.
(4)
Nick M.

Free chips and watery salsa. The best part of your Border Cafe experience. This is Boston and knowing this you will not find any real Mexican food. If you've traveled to Colorado, Texas, Arizona or New Mexico, set your expectations low or be disappointed. This isn't really Tex Mex, is is food for New Englanders who have never eaten a real Mexican meal. I had the enchiladas, which as far as I'm concerned were OK. Portions were generous and smothered in hot cheese, but where the hell was the red chili??? The damn green chili?? Nowhere to be found. Three main complaints about Borders: 1. You need to wait until your entire party is present before management will let you order. You might have trouble being seated. 2. It gets crowded later in the evening, so go early or don't go at all. 3. Just OK margaritas. Close to Harvard Square MBTA stop. Recommended, but with serious reservations for people who know what real Mexican food is.
(2)
Dave P.

Where to begin...I'm new to Yelp but a veteran to the Border. Now living in Cali it's fair to say that I miss the Border almost as much as the Red Sox and Dunkin Donuts...and that's great company to be in. Other than the seemingly ever-present wait and the no reservations thing (even for big parties) it's probably my favorite restaurant on this Earth. The margaritas are cheap, delicious and strong. The fish tacos are orgasmic (add the guac) and the jambalaya always hits the spot. Being in what is supposedly the fish taco capital of the country I've tried quite a few and the Border still retains the gold in this category. If you like to hear mariachi music or that kind of "tourist authentic" atmosphere crap you might be disappointed but I guess they got enough shit on the walls to satisfy a shenanigans craving.
(5)
Mike O.

I love this place.....but I learned something about it a few months ago. I found myself on a impromptu bar crawl some random Wednesday in the late afternoon ( yes I'm a degenerate, I've come to grips with it ). A couple of us realized that we should get something to eat before things get out of hand. We wanted cheap eats. Instantly I thought of the Boarder Cafe. We got there and continued drinking while waiting for our food. Mmmmmm sodium. After the meal, we simultaneously hit the wall. Buzz.....gone. We all felt a little off so we decided to go home. The night was stopped in its tracks. I have been to the boarder over 20 times. A number of times, it was a very similar situation above (bit of a bar crawl, hungry, eat) But this has never happen to me. What gives The only think I can think of, is this might have been the first time I ate here while it was freezing outside. This is my theory. This is summer place. You're outside all day and sweating out all sorts of fluids. You go to the Border and fill up on the salty goodness. Your body reaches a balance. All is right with the world. Not so much in the winter. The food just kind of messes with you because the salt has no where to go. Balance is off, your body hates you. You've been warned.
(4)
Jeremy P.

I love this place. The drinks are cheap and have plenty of booze; a Cointreau margarita for 6 bucks? Gimme gimme. The food is also well priced, with good sized portions and loads of flavor to boot. The service is always good despite the sheer business volume that this place cranks out. I always show excitement when one of my friend's suggest this place. Honestly, getting a good meal and a good buzz for 20 bucks can be a rarity in Cambridge. Highly recommended.
(5)
Amanda B.

love love loveeee this place! i went friday night when i was in town for a production and it was awesome, even thought i don't live in town anymore i WILL be back haha. for a friday night the wait wasn't too bad, only a half hr and we were seated with in 20mins prob. the margaritas are perfection, the chips and salsa are like crack they are so so good. i had a shrimp quesadilla for dinner it was huge and had some kind of special sauce in it? whatever it was it was cheesy, buttery tortilla, goodness! the prices are cheap for being right in town. service is great, foods great, drinks are awesome! go here!
(5)
H G.

love this place. great margaritas and my favorite - 'chicken banderas'. great value for the price. its is always packed though and you might have to wait to be seated especially if you go on a friday/sat evening.
(5)
Andrew R.

I have had many a Mexican meal at the Border Cafe. From when I was a kid up until the other other night, it has been my go-to place for my spicy food fix when I'm in Cambridge. While I haven't tired every item on the menu, I can highly recommend the enchiladas as well as the burros. The sides however can sometimes be a little weak, but for the most part they do their job nicely. If you come here on a weekend, be prepared to wait, but it's will almost definitely be worth it.
(4)
Lauren M.

Great food and ambience, but is definitely the go to place to grab a margarita with a two or three friends.
(4)
Shane T.

The BEST value for tasty food in the Boston area. No joke. I once came here 20 times in a month... yes I know.. scary. But it really is that amazing. The Blackened Catfish Fajitas are incredible, and the super cheap cajun burgers are some of the best. Almost anything you get will be great, but you have to enjoy a really loud, busy atmosphere and food with a ton of seasoning. If really strong flavors aren't your thing, you might not enjoy it, but it is one of my favorite restaurants!
(5)
Victoria M.

Came here on a Saturday night with the fiance and some of his work study students for a end of the year party. This place was super busy! OMG! I couldn't even move. It was absolutely nuts. I wasn't too keen on the whole overcrowded being shoved every two seconds part. But the margaritas were awesome. They were mixed just right... strong but with just the right amount of raspberry sweetness. We were seated, finally, and the waitress was very accommodating. She dealt with the unruliness quite well. I had the chicken fajitas, and the fiance had the burger. They were nothing to write home about.... but definitely hit the spot to soak up that alcohol. The group had quesadillas, pasta dishes, tacos, etc. All the plates were licked clean, so I am assuming their meals were good. The highlight of the evening was not consuming 7 margaritas and feeling really good, it was seeing Ben Affleck and Jennifer Gardner with their daughter having dinner. So cool. So Border's gets 4 stars. A solid score. Minus a star for only 2 stalls in the little girls room. What is up with that?!
(4)
Amy G.

It is clear that this place is adored-it was packed on a Sunday night in a snowstorm! So after venturing over the river, I went with friends for a cheap delicious meal after my Urban Spoon app on my iPod Touch recommended it for us! There are so many options in Harvard Square for excellent food, it could make you a little dizzy, but if you want Mexican or Cajun - Border Cafe is your best bet. Chips, salsa, really fresh guacamole aplenty. There was no skimping on the cheese on my chicken enchiladas filled with tasty tender marinated chicken. The rice and black beans were soooo savory. The plate of food that I received reminded me so much of the best Mexican dinner I have ever had in a local bar in El Paso, TX. Also on the table were the Eggplant Royale (fried eggplant meets crabmeat, yum!) and veggie fajitas. The fajita plate was just a plethora of veggies-not just your average peppers and onions. We made it our mission to stay as long as it took to finish our food, cause it was so good, we were not leaving any behind. Service was average, margaritas had a little more mix than tequila :( A few really neat beers in the selection like Wolaver's Organic. O yes, and I was in love with the music selection which was a mix of oldies, country and Buffet. Keep it coming Border Cafe, I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Jessica F.

I love the border cafe. Their Guacamole is deelish, the tortilla chips are always warm and crispy, their fajitas are amazing, the margaritas are huge, amazing and cheap! i seriously adore this place. I've never had to wait for a table here, no matter how busy it seems, they always have room for more. Service has always been adequate. not fantastic, not neglectful, it's exactly what i would expect from a place that has two floors of full tables. I took my brother and his girlfriend here when they came to visit me because they have a decent selection of vegetarian dishes and i wanted to make sure my brother's vegetarian GF wasn't banished to a small selection of salads and that my carnivorous brother and myself could consume copious amounts of meat! perfect perfect choice. yum yum yum
(4)
Lindsay T.

good food but too loud and too crowded and always a very long wait.
(4)
Emily W.

I love this place. Appropriate portions of good food, at very reasonable prices. Free unlimited chips and salsa. Excellent margaritas. A fun atmosphere - I actually prefer sitting in the basement, but the main floor is also cool. I love the chicken enchiladas, and I always get the Mexican rice and beans for my sides. The rice is incredible - many restaurants don't pay much attention to their standard sides, but these are just as good as the main course. It gets crowded on the weekends, but the wait isn't too bad and we just get margaritas at the bar. It's Harvard Square, so parking would be a challenge if you drive.
(5)
Robin G.

We're really picky about Mexican food and this was delicious. We always get vegetarian but the beans and cheese were perfection. The only things I was disappointed by were the variety of beer they offered and the chips were not fantastic.
(4)
A B.

Haven't been here in years -- but I love Border cafe....and all Border cafes. I love Mexican food!
(4)
Corwin P.

This place is great for margs and generic "tex-mex" cuisine. Recommended for the generous chips and salsa... good and filling quesadillas and fajitas.. doesn't touch Texas but for Boston it gets a 4/5...beware at busy times this place will have a line of Harvard's finest filled to the brim with their semesterly allotment of Smirnoff ices and Busch Light.
(4)
Emily S.

It may not be gourmet but I always have a good time at Border Cafe. We go there for a laid-back and fun atmosphere that does not end up costing us a fortune. The only downfall - the crowd and the wait. Sometimes it is outrageous. But I would wait to have the delicious corn and black bean empanadas. As for the margaritas? They are sub-par but you pay for what you get. If you want a fine-dining experience I don't know why you would end up at Border Cafe in the first place.
(4)
Francesca R.

Back in the day I waitressed at Jumbalaya's, a sister restaurant to this one. In fact, I'm not sure why they had different names because the food was exactly the same. Jumbalaya's had kooky *cajun* decor instead of kooky *mexican* decor, but the menus were identical. My point is - even though I came home smelling like fajita seasoning every night, I looooved the food at Jumbalaya's, never got sick of it, and am so happy to work near a restaurant that serves the same grub. I know this is a chain, but it's a small chain of six. I feel like at Chili's and similar, the decor is picked out by faceless corporate lackeys, coldly calculating the kookiness factor of a horse saddle or cowpoke. Whereas the Border Cafe feels like the owners got together, had a bunch of margaritas and make a list: christmas lights? Yes! Gaucho attire on the walls? Yes! Sombreros galore? Si! Si! Si! The service is always stellar--no matter how busy it is, the staff are unflappable. Overall it makes for a cheerfully rowdy atmosphere, where no one is afraid to go overboard with their margarita intake...and those babies go down easy, going perfectly with the fresh, tasty, and complimentary tortilla chips. I like to get the fajitas myself, but the cajun food is also worth a look in.
(4)
Daniel D.

You don't come to Border for the food. You come for the drinks. This was a funny thing for me to realize as I came of age. Their margaritas are POWERful and yummy. Their food is reasonably price and not bad.
(3)
Kristina D.

I like: -Gulf Coast shrimp enchiladas -crawfish etouffee -melon margaritas -sangria -Crystal hot sauce I don't like: -how you have to wait forever on weekend nights when school is in session.
(3)
Sumaiya R.

I love, love, love this place. I have been here on numerous occasions. Catching up with a friend for lunch, meeting someone for drinks, and even during a work lunch outing. All of the times have been fabulous. AND can I add they have huge amaaaaazing margaritas that are absolutely delicious! I went here today with co-workers and the portions are huge and the price is right. It's a fun atmosphere, very loud but very fun. I ordered the pulled beef enchilada and it was the perfect portion and very tasty. Definitely recommend this place!
(4)
Chris F.

This place gets 5 stars from me for 2 reasons. 1. I hate mexican, but their food was very good! 2. The food is cheap and they give you a ton of it! Went here on a friday night, the wait looked long, and the hostess wouldnt give us a ballpark on how long the wait would be. After 10 min. i thought that was strange so i went up askign for a ballpark. she still wouldnt give us one, and just said we can seat you now. I wasnt complaining i just wanted to know the time. but w/e she sat 6 of us right away so I wasnt complaining. The meal started off with fresh tortilla Chips and salsa. the chips were hot and amazing. For dinner i had a house salad (4$ and HUGE!) and I had the burrito for dinner. (wasnt super big but good sized and only 8$) everything was very good. Everyone else enjoyed their meals and I would definitly recommend this place. Even if their is a wait. its worth it.
(5)
Matt P.

Great place, against all odds. I have a long history with this place and it all revolves around complete ease, laid-backness and efficiency. Yes, you'll wait forever if you get there after 6 or so. Yes, it's full of after-work people getting smarmy with each other at the bar and taking too much time at the tables. And yes, it's got that tex-mex Chi-Chi's/Chili's kind of thing going on, but something makes this place rule a little more. Let me think about it a bit: The chips and salsa are great and fresh-tasting. Okay, that's the first thing to get out of the way. The chips are always hot and salty and sometimes, just every now and then, come a little too hot or fused together in rubbery joints here and there. Good selections of Mexican beers - Modelo, Sol, XX, etc.., I can't speak for the tequila drinks. The waiters/waitresses are usually on a pretty even keel. Never understaffed and never stress cases. The hostesses never seem to go nuts despite always having an overflow of people with vibrating buzzers in their pockets waiting for 45 min-60 min. for tables. The best part about Border -- and this is what baffles me about people calling it a "totally generic tex-mex" place -- is that half their menu is really Cajun-influenced. There are a lot of shrimp dishes, jambalayas, swordfish, crawfish and catfish dealies. I get it that it's all presented in a kind of suburban way, but so what? It doesn't matter that much to me. The layout of the place is just off enough -- old menus, wide open rooms, unfinished wooden tables -- that I don't feel like I'm eating at a big chain restaurant. It's loud, it's festive, it's sort of neighborhood-ish. I mean, you can say it's not neighborhoodish because aren't lots of old folks and families - which I'm down with - but this place sort of comfortably reflects the actual neighborhood. It's full of people who seem comfortable and at home there. The veggie jambalaya is super good -- huge, big variety, very spicy and really cheap (like, $6). The tostada salad thing is similar and comes with fat globs of guac, and me fav - the blackened catfish - is sort of a charred, peppery little masterpiece. Parking is a super pain just like for anything else in Harvard - there is an always-full lot right across the street, but the garage around the corner usually has a few spots.
(4)
Vay V.

this place has amazing margaritas, absolutely AMAZING and they are strong for a good price. The chips are fresh made with yummy salsa. the food isnt too shady either. the service was great. I tried their shrimp gumbo, it wasnt that good, but i got the Guadalajara chicken and it was tantalizing... if you like tex mex you will love this place!
(4)
Michael B.

After living here for 3 years, I've decided that Border Cafe is among my top 3 restaurants in terms of value and food quality. I've been here about 10-15 times, and have had a great experience every single time. Portions and value: Portion sizes are incredible here, and even I have trouble finishing my order on occasion. With unlimited chips and salsa, there are always leftovers that I take home for another meal. The value is basically unparalleled, especially considering it's located in the heart of Harvard Square. Entrees are on average $9-10. Drinks are probably where they make most of their money. Food: The chips and salsa are the best I've ever had--both are made fresh, and the chips are often too hot to touch when they first bring it over. Chips are way beyond anything I've had at similar restaurants (The Fat Cactus). They are always very good about refilling your chips and salsa through the meal, and at the end will even pack it to go if you ask.The gulf coast seafood enchilada is my favorite, stuffed generously with crawfish and shrimp, and covered with a rich sauce. Next is the crawfish quesadilla, which is very large for the $8 price tag. The fajitas are pretty good, and the blackened catfish is another favorite. Burger is pretty standard, but very cheap--the stringy fries that come with it are great. I don't know if this is considered authentic Mexican fare, but it suits my palate very well. Service is the best I've seen in Boston--most waiters are extremely eager and quick with service. All all times, every single staff member is in a rush cleaning, serving food, removing plates, etc--there is no down time, and it shows by the speed of service. Drinks/chips/salsa are often refilled before you're done with it, and waiters are all extremely friendly and helpful. Once I had an overfried catfish dish, and the waiter immediately took in back and offered to put in another order for me. While that was great, a few minutes later the manager came out to apologize and told me that the dish would be on them, no charge for my entree. You don't see that type of customer service very often.
(5)
Erin L.

After moving to the Boston area last year, I quickly learned that there are few good Tex-Mex restaurants. Fortunately friends brought me to Border Cafe and their amazing chips. The food and drinks are great (sangria is fantastic) and the prices are shockingly low for Cambridge. Beware that it can be VERY busy at night - even week nights. But, with tasty and cheap drinks, just find a piece of floor and get yourself a beverage. Border Cafe also has a basement dining area, which can be less loud than the main floor. I would recommend this if you actually want to have a conversation while eating.
(4)
Shannon A.

Having lived just up the street from the Border Cafe for a few years, I spent many meals dining on their creole chicken, fish tacos, and other Tex-Mex delights. The restaurant is always a great place to gather with friends and the food is solid - always filling and tasty. The service is quick, even when it's packed (which is more often than not), and the price can't be beat. The place is GREAT for large groups, as the servers always seem to handle the crowds with ease. The warm tortilla chips they give you before your dinner practically ruin your meal - they're that good and you just find yourself carelessly scarfing them down, forgetting there will be more food on the way. On a recent trip my husband and I had to tell the server to take them away or else we'd be taking our actual lunch home for a future meal.
(4)
Bianca G.

The free chips and salsa is just the tip of the iceberg for the goodness that is Border Cafe. I always leave this place giddily satisfied, with visions of the frozen margaritas and the sangria weighing in on my head, and the smell of creole and mexican food lingering on my clothes (not really a good thing, but hey that's what memories are made of). Last week I had a bite of the boyfriend's deep fried catfish dish and it was so crunchy on the outside, tasty on the inside. I had to say that with the fried coating and the salty gravy, it reminded me of KFC (I have cheap taste, I know) which is really my own euphemism for food that gives me happy, grease-filled thoughts. However please note that not everything here is fried. When I'm pretending to be on a diet, the blackened salmon caesar salad and the steak and blue cheese salad really does it for me (okay, so blue cheese isn't exactly diet-friendly, but the whole plate is overflowing with greens, you can't help but feel healthy). But my favorite so far are the fish tacos and the chicken guadalajara (how can you go wrong with chicken stuffed with chorizo and spinach?) The servers deserve some praise too. They are all friendly, although sometimes we'd get one and it will take forever for her to come back to our table to replenish our rapidly diminishing drinks, and other times we'd get one of those super enthusiastic ones where I've only taken two sips of my margaritas and he's already asking if I want another one. But it's all good, because the answer is always yes anyway. You could say that the food is not exactly gourmet and wouldn't be found on the judges' table at Top Chef, and most dishes taste pretty much alike, but they are undeniably flavorful. Border Cafe also has a lively, kitchy vibe, so going there is always fun. My only gripe is the long wait but we're willing to endure it for a taste of some Border-lovin'...
(4)
Bing Bing W.

My one-stop spot for ladies' night: boisterous environment, hugely generous plates, and large margaritas. I get to dress-up or dress-down however I like, and the neighborhood is accepting of eclectic personalities and fashions. The fact that I love Mexican food and Cajun food is a cherry on top, because it's so flavorful and bold. Occasionally they go overboard with the salt so I find myself drinking a lot of water afterwards. If I lived closer, I'd come here every weekend.
(5)
Chris H.

This place is a godsend in Harvard Square. It's cheap and the food is delicious. Even the drinks are affordable--under $10 for some of the margaritas. The chips are salty and salsa is delicious. Most of the entrees are oozing with cheese. The main negative is that the wait can be completely out of control, like, over an hour on prime nights. It's also so loud that it can be hard to carry on a conversation, although downstairs is much quieter than upstairs. Don't go here if you're on a diet, it would be a waste of time.
(5)
Janice T.

This is a nice place to go for margs and chili con queso, especially if you can score seating on the patio on a lovely summer day. Sure you can get some truly authentic Latin American fare in Eastie however sometimes you just want some Tex Mex style chips, salsa, and atmosphere. This place fits the bill quite well.
(4)
Melanie P.

What? Am I actually seeing people say that they were unimpressed with this place? That's crazy! I love this place. You have to wheel me out on a cart every time I eat there (as a result I limit myself to one visit a month at most). The prices are great, cheap enough for a cheap spender like myself. I still tip well though. Anyway, Top 5 Reasons why I gave this 5 Yelping Stars. 1. Chips and Salsa, as much Chips and Salsa as you want. You want more chips and salsa? Ask for it. Just don't ruin your appetite, because no matter what you order from the menu, it'll come out in a heaping pile on probably more than one plate. I usually get a combo of chicken and vegetable fajitas. And the guacamole...oh be still my heart. 2. In a word: Margarita. Tequila will Te-Kill-ya? False. Tequila will enhance your experience and taste so warm and good on its way down. 3. Atmosphere. The smell of Mexican food sizzling in the kitchen. MMMMMMmmmmmmm. I wouldn't recommend this as a good place for a first date because you might scare the person away. Okay, maybe just I would scare my date away because of my aggressive reaching for the salsa. But anyway, I'd still go with someone you are comfortable enough with to not be embarrassed by stuffing your face. You don't want to ruin the trip by ordering a salad! 4. Prices and Selection. Sure, it's not Authentic Mexican Cuisine...but it ain't no Taco Bell! This shit tastes good and there's plenty to choose from! 5. Holy Moly, Guacamole. Your deliciousness encompasses my cravings. Thank you. Some Admitted Set Backs: 1. It gets super crowded on Friday and Saturday nights which can leave you waiting hours for a table...Not because the service is slow, but because there are way too many people in there. I'd recommend going on a weeknight because your evening won't be spoiled by impatience. 2. Parking is a bitch. Take the T if you can stand it, or be ready to ride around for twenty minutes searching for a space. I usually a. pray for parking or b. let my friend out of the Blonde Bullet (my car) so that she can put our names in while I park. 3. If you eat here every night of the week the way I eat here one night a month, you'll be one fat bastard. I'll give it a Blissfully Bloated Blonde Card ... tastes so good, but makes me so full it hurts.
(5)
Scott S.

I know that people go crazy for the Border Cafe and drive in from the suburbs just to come here... but I have a really hard time appreciating it for some reason. The food prices are great -- ever notice that the food here can cost less than a margarita? But even as someone who can't handle spicy food, the dishes here seem really bland. It's a fun place but I can't see why it gets so much rave attention. (By the way, with 301 reviews already, will my measly review even matter?)
(3)
Jessica R.

Mmmm I'm hungry right now and Border Cafe sounds delish! I used to go here when I lived in Boston. It's a great place for Mexican food. The place has a laid back environment, good service, great food and drinks too. Of course, they serve endless chips and salsa too. And the prices are inexpensive, I'd say around $10 for a meal. Gotta love it!
(5)
Stephen S.

This is the most cliche tex-mex restaurant ever...and I love it! I don't know whether it was the murals, bottles of hot sauce, or cheesy Christmas light decor, but the Border Cafe truly captured my heart. I kinda found it by accident as I wandered Harvard Square with the girl I was dating at the time (I went to BC so the whole area was not so familiar to me). When they asked if we would be drinking (yeah 2pm!) and escorted us downstairs I was completely enraptured by the decor and oddly good tex-mex which didn't try to hide behind excess cheese and grease. Definitely check it out if you're in the area. Since it's way close to the theater in H Square, why not stop by before a show? UPDATE - I'm not going to knock of a star from my review because of this (yet) but I encountered the most annoying thing EVER when I went there last week. Apparently you have to have all members of your party or the WILL NOT seat you. Seriously, one of us was at the bar getting a drink and they wouldn't seat us because of that. WTH man? It was a rainy thursday night in the summer (no college kids to be seen and plenty of open tables). Downgrade on service!
(4)
Tony U.

I hate Mexican food. This is really border style Mexican and not true Mexican. Despite all this, I enjoyed eating here. The atmosphere is fun and social, a great shadow to go into on a hot Boston summer day. Service is very good. They clear your plates quickly without being impolite. The drinks are good. Margarita's not too strong, but that's OK. 4 stars is the most I'd give any Mexican place. I hate border style mexican food because it makes me tired and lazy. This place actually has one salad that will not fill you up: the Mesquite Grilled Salmon Salad. It's very good and light. The citrusy dressing was refreshing and not disgusting like the ranch that you see in most salads around here. The lettuce was also a surpise: not ice berg lettuce crap, but pretty good. The only thing I didn' t like were the microwaved stale nachos. A lot of the nachos were bendable which is a sign of poor cookmanship. All in all, fun place that I'd go to again. That says a lot considering I'd only eat Mexican food once or twice a year.
(4)
Daniel M.

I'm torn between two and three stars for this place. It has its pluses for sure but seriously, Cajun/Mexican fusion? Hmm. I don't know about no crawfish quesadillas and I think I'll keep it that way. The salsa was pretty good. The margaritas very good. The rest of the food goodish. The enchiladas were a bit on the oily side but at least they weren't made with flour tortillas. I guess I would eat here again so I'll go with three stars but I wouldn't make a special trip for it.
(3)
Niki M.

The Mexican food is a solid C+, but the Cajun stuff is a definite A-. Sure, the chips and salsa are sub-par....but, really, is that an indicator of the quality of a menu? (Are TexMex restaurants doomed, if they don't have a chip to stand on?) That's like criticizing table bread. In any case, the fish tacos are where it's at. They are really one of the most flavorful, delicious creations on offer anywhere in Cambridge/Boston. The jambalaya is pretty tasty as well. And while the sangria is likelier made with two-buck chuck, who the hell cares? It's filled with fruit, sugar and water! It's delicious! As are the margaritas! They'll do what they're intended to do at a reasonable price. I can't comment on any of the other food, because I pretty much exclusively eat the fish tacos. And the service has been consistently satisfactory. I'm surprised to hear about some of these horror stories, but hey, nothing's perfect.
(4)
Alex H.

tasty and cheap tex-mex which is open late. The cajun food is really good too plus i don't know any other place to get cajun around here. The margaritas are big, strong, and cheap, so you can't go wrong there. i really like how many vegetarian and fish options there are. if you don't mind eating at odd hours you can avoid the crowds and get in without a wait. you can eat lots of free chips & salsa and have your meal as leftovers the next day!
(3)
Jeffrey H.

A big "Hola" to the free chips & salsa. I do love me some free chip and salsa establishments. Now, not many people know this, but...I'm not Mexican. Nor have I ever been Mexican nor will I ever be Mexican. I come from a white Irish Catholic family who probably won't even let their gay son marry a nice Mexican boy...okay, that's a lie. But in any case, I am no expert on what Mexican food should taste like. I've never even been south of the border. But I will tell you, I know food. And I know what tastes good. And the Border Cafe, my friends, TASTES GOOD. So if I want Mexican food, or what I think Mexican food should taste like, I know that this crazy ass restaurant in Harvard Square exists. Hola free chips & salsa. Te amo frozen margaritas.
(4)
Anette F.

Let me just say that being born and raised in California, you have HIGH standards for Mexican food. When I moved to Boston, for the life of me, I could not find a restaurant that came close to Border Cafe. Although it is a mixture of Tex-Mex food, it was the closest taste to home. The chips are extremely addictive, the service is great and the prices are good. They have a good selection and it is worth the walk to get here.
(4)
Scott F.

People will wait an obnoxiously long time for a table at the Border. I don't get it. I mean, the foods good, the chips 'n' salsa are free, and they serve their drinks in Big Gulp size glasses (which I've knocked over embarassingly a few times ...). The food is good, but the quality is inconsistent. I loves me the fajitas, but sometimes they're overly spiced, sometimes the meats all stringy, and sometimes they're incredibly good. Keep it good all the time - 4 stars. Word of advice: when you get your (free!) chips 'n' salsa, order a side of guacamole or the queso dip. It's usually made fresh and pretty tasty. As for the long wait - hey, go to Harvard Square, put your name in and go wander through Urban Outfitters.... They've got a sweet location in Burlington (with patio seating!) and one in Saugus next to the Hilltop. Same food, same review, same ol' thing ....
(3)
A. P.

Guys, what the hell? Wait, I think I get it: all of these positive reviews are part of a cruel & elaborate(ish) scheme to inflate the throngs waiting outside on any given weekend day/evening. I know that these throngs always give me a little shot of schadenfreude when I see them on my way to some place in Harvard Square that (mercifully) isn't the Border Cafe. I know that, soon enough, their wait will be rewarded with the blandest, shittiest cuisine ever to come out of Mexico or any other once or future member of the UN. And they will learn. And they will post a glowing, 5-star description of the worst restaurant they've ever been to, thus perpetuating the cycle. Genius.
(1)
Monica R.

The chips are as addictive as everyone says, and the margaritas are always delicious! I love the Eggplant Royale so much that I can't bring myself to order anything else. Friendly service, good food, and reasonable prices!
(4)
Jessica L.

As someone who frequents quite a few Mexican restaurants, I can say that it is refreshing to go to a Tex-Mex place that's a little more upscale and has a different, more varied menu than the usual mom and pop places where no one speaks English. (Disclaimer: I speak Spanish, so it's not a problem for me, but may alter the dining experience for others). Yes, Border is very busy, but if you go early for dinner, you shouldn't have a problem...we arrived to wait in line at 6 for a party of 7 and it wasn't a long wait at all... Daniella (Danielle?) is a great waitress. Also, I don't know of anywhere else in the square that I could get a drink and a huge dinner (enough for next day's lunch) for $12. (16 with tax and tip). Waitress was even nice enough to separate our checks for us.
(5)
Daunielle R.

A personal favorite. The walls boast of surmounting colors and ecclectic collages creating a vibrant atmosphere that is tough to beat. Fun music whispers in your ears beneath the clammoring crowd, who may be seated a bit too close, but its okay because you're already a little bit buzzy on whatever delicious drink you've choosen for the night. My diehard menu choice: French-Quarter Chicken. Scrumptious and deviliously good ... but truly any menu order is satisfyingly delectable and always filling! And the amicable staff aims to please with a smile. I've even discovered a little ordering secret : the empanadas may be listed as bean or vegetable, but just ask for steak filling and your wish will be fulfilled! =) Priced better with excellent food than your typical family-chain restaurant, and more fun to boot! The choice here is obvious. Oh and did I mention that the chips and salsa are highly addictive!
(5)
Elizabeth B.

I have been coming here for years and it is always a fun place to congregate with friends for cheap food and margaritas! Dinner is always quickly delivered and the drinks are delicious. It can be hard to get a spot on a weekend night so expect to wait to get seated, but you can always get a drink at the bar or walk around for a bit in Harvard Square.
(4)
Natalie M.

This is a good place to grab some yummy Tex-Mex. The black bean and corn empandas are really great, and they have a decent variety on their menu. Definitely a very casual spot, but good for a night out.
(4)
Mike C.

I had to re-live one of my old haunts. This place got me addicted to their chips and salsa on day one. Everyday getting off the bus in Harvard Square I would start to crave the crunch. Chips aside, the food is pretty darn good. You can always tell a good Mexican place from the rice and beans which were mighty tasty. Big chunks of chicken in the enchiladas, lots of shredded beef in the tacos. They don't skimp on portions here. And massive sodas which they refill before you hit the bottom. Awesome service too. This place really likes their customers and that will make you a repeat customer. Appears they have many. The place is always crowded.
(5)
Andrea L.

I have always loved this place! The location, feel and experience more than any other aspect. I equally love and hate when it's so crowded you get a beeper and have to wait for your table. But you get to walk around harvard square while you wait and that's always fun. So, it had been at least 2 years and I was thrilled when Alane suggested we go here after flying in from Philly! I love the old school feel of this place. The faded wood floors and the decor that feels kinda authentic mexican, or border, or fake mexican restaurant in cambridge. Whatever - it's cool. Food is actually quite reasonably priced for the area. And the food is pretty darn good. Sometimes mediocre. But sometimes really good and never terribly disappointing. I love the Chili con Quesa... every time... cheesy and hot! I had a taco/buritto combo... it was ok, a little dull. They brought me a big bowl of sour cream which mkaes me happy. I tried the blackened fish... it was pretty good. The chips are always hot & fresh. The strawberry margarita was delish (brain freeze), but where's the alchohol? My friend with her regular margarita felt the same. So - this place is a 5 in so many ways! Vibe - ahoy. But sometimes the food is more like a 3 than a 4. So 4 it is and another satisfying meal at Border Cafe was had by all!
(4)
Alexandra Z.

4.5/5 Love this place for an inexpensive night out. Tasty food, cheap margaritas... how much better can it get? Oh yes, and the service is always really fast and attentive despite them always seeming slammed on weekends. Never had to ask for a refill, and our waitress, though busy, did take the time to explain menu items to us. Will be back!
(4)
Elizabeth R.

I loved this place! from the entrance to the end of our meal, the service was amazing, same goes for the food. You also get chips and salsa on the house and I must say their strawberry margarita was the best I've had.
(4)
Laura D.

I've left here satisfied every time. While I'm not a big fan of tortilla chips, for some reason when the bottomless chips and salsa are put in front of me I have no self-control. I don't particularly like the chips (basically just adding more salt to my meal), but it's amazing how addictive the crunch is once you get started. Also, the service is wildly attentive--so much so that they often refill our chips before our bowl is completely empty... forcing us to eat even more chips or take them home. We've often taken home a full bowl before so as not to waste food. My go-to item is the Chicken Quesadilla. It's huge (2-3 meals) and absolutely packed with flavor (and probably salt, but hey). Add on some salsa and it's a great bite. The only issue is feeling uncomfortably full afterward...
(4)
Brian R.

Best Mexican restaurant in Cambridge.
(5)
Rachel D.

My favorite restaurant in the world. So delicious and so reasonable. Love the unlimited chips and salsa hot out of the oven. I always get the chicken burro-so good!!
(5)
Umesh P.

I am so glad my brother found this place Yelping when we were looking for a quick lunch place before our Harvard Univ tour. Although the lunch was anything but quick it was definitely sumptuous and gratifying. Started with classic and strawberry margarita. Classic was spot on no nonsense and the s'berry was very good too not too sweet which our sweet hostesses had already mentioned. Complimentary corn chips w/ salsa were fresh, warm and crispy. We ordered the the blackened chicken fajita(star dish of the entire order), Gaucho chicken and Chicken Guldaraja. All the dishes were nice proportions, tasty with fresh ingredients(no frozen stuff). The sour cream with the fajita was fresh and tasted good that even my brother who usually skips over sour cream appreciated the taste and freshness. Verdict - Nicely maintained branch with good food, good vibe and good prices. Highly recommend if in mood for some good filling food land drinks.
(5)
Andrea B.

Unbelievable margaritas, huge portions of very good food, decent prices. Win, win, and win. Came by with some lovely Yelpers on a Tuesday night, and it was pretty damn busy. Can't imagine what it would be like on a Friday or Saturday night. The frozen strawberry margarita with sugar is a MUST here. They're ridiculously delicious. I also got the quesadillas, which were massive. I only managed to eat half, but the leftovers made for one tasty lunch at work the next day. I wasn't all that impressed with the chips and salsa, and was rather disappointed seeing as I had heard they were supposed to be incredible. I guess those lousy chips were just a fluke, because I came back with my sister less than a week later and they were fantastic! Warm, and with just the right amount of salt. Our waitress was really, really good at replacing our chip bowl with a new one the second we began to run low - she was so quick about it that I didn't even notice her come by a couple of times! She may have been a little bit too good at it, because after a short while, my sister and I were so full of chips that we actually had to ask her to stop bringing them (Crazy, I know). Considering the chips are free and unlimited (and they really take that word to heart, as you can see from the above), and the margaritas are only seven bucks, this place is a pretty sweet deal. I have a feeling that the margaritas are all pre-made, considering they come out within 30 seconds of ordering them, but they taste good, so does it really matter? No, no it does not. This is definitely my favorite Harvard Square spot, and my only regret is that it took over 3 years of living here to discover that!
(4)
Phillip M.

I love coming to Border Cafe for group gatherings! It's huge, and the service is great. Their margaritas are the best you can find in Cambridge (and they're served in the proper glasses, which is not the case for most places in Boston). The food is actually pretty solid as well - again, rare for Boston to find good mexican food. Good chips and salsa! Overall, one of the best hangout places in Harvard square.
(5)
Christie L.

SALT SALT SALT. Everything was super salty, from the free chips and salsa to even a salad. I got a Tostada Salad with chicken and that was even salty. Like what?! How is a salad salty...I'm glad the dressing came on the side because I did not need to add any more salt or flavor to my salad. I tried the blackened chicken appetizer and that was very salty as well. I guess that is why they give you abnormally huge glasses of water. The entrees are huge and cheap, but I don't think I will be returning for the food since there are many other options much better around Harvard. May return for those $7 margaritas though.
(2)
Robyn B.

The margaritas are awesome, the fajitas are super greasy and not the best (but start tasting better after a few of the aforementioned margaritas). Huge portions (including the alcohol), free chips and salsa, fun atmosphere.
(3)
Hurnan V.

For the four years that I have been at school here, Border Cafe is definitely one of those go-to places to celebrate after exams or for simply bonding events. Located conveniently in Harvard Square (near Ann Taylor / City Sports), Border is a Tex-Mex restaurant that is the only nice sit down place offering Mexican food in the square. The interior is quite dark, however, and the walls are painted bright yet odd colors. The music is a hit or miss at times. There is ground floor seating in addition to basement seating to accommodate larger groups. Service here is usually pretty solid. Upon being seated, they start you off with complimentary (and refillable) tortilla chips and salsa. The chips are very fresh and warm. The portions here are enormous, so come prepared with a BIG appetite. So while the food is nothing special (coming from San Diego, I have had my fill of Mexican food!) - I give Border 4 stars instead of 3 for the food because of the gigantic portions. I have gotten various items off of their menus and tried their margarita - all of the options are pretty solid and the best you can get in Harvard Square. Overall, a great place to grab dinner or a bite with your friends - holds a special place in my memory!
(4)
Jenn S.

If I want mexican food this has been the place to go for me lately. Everything is pretty good. Not mind blowing amazing but always what we expect. I could probably eat a truckload of chips and salsa when I come here with no problem! Margaritas were pretty good too - I usually ask not to make them too sour because I despise the margarita mix places use, but it turned out ok! Our typical picks are the margaritas and the burritos. Can go wrong with that!
(4)
Ivette E.

My hubby & I came here for Dinner after a long day of walking on the campus of UMass. The atmosphere was relaxing and the food was very good & the price was also very reasonable. We had dinner with beers and guacamole ( which was EXCELLENT) for under $40! Wow!!! We left completely satisfied and not broke! Ready to take on the challenge of a 3 hr drive home to New York.
(4)
Kevin J.

Food: 3.5 Stars Service: 3.5 Stars I'm bumping Border up to a four because I feel like the Tex Mex atmosphere is very unique and hard to get in a place like Harvard Square. Also, the portions are huge. While the food isn't particularly special, they have a wide variety of dishes that are all decent and very filling. In particular I enjoyed the Pastelitos - they were so flaky and delicious! The sauce is very pungent and sweet which I appreciated as well. Another great aspect is that they're really good at accomodating large groups and have a really good selection of drinks like margaritas, beers and sangria. Great place to have a jolly good time with friends!
(4)
Dan T.

Great prices for a nice little Mexican style restaurant. Never a long wait, awesome food and quality, fast service.
(5)
Meg H.

Things got off to a rocky start: we had a large party (9), so we made a reservation in advance, and even called to confirm it a few days before we got to Boston. Upon arrival, we were told they didn't TAKE reservations, had no idea who answered the phone when we called, and were very sorry but we'd have to wait. And so we waited. And waited. And waited. And waited. It was a busy Saturday night, so it took nearly an hour for them to cobble together the space for us all. Awkward first impression. Afterwards, though, I have not one complaint. The food was reasonably priced, super tasty, and quick to arrive. The wait staff was charming and responsive. We had brought a cake, which they were happy to store (then serve, then box up) for us at no additional fee. I'm not often in Boston, but when I return, I would be happy to give it another shot. Verdict: Give it a try! Just be prepared to wait. Maybe have a Watermelon Margarita while you do.
(4)
Anjha T.

This place is amazing! Everything from the customer service to the food is on point. Went here for lunch today on a whim, although they were busy we were seated right away. We ordered frozen Strawberry Margaritas, which went perfect with the Chicken Quesadilla and Cajun Burger we ordered. This is the kind of place you can come for just the drinks and chips with salsa and leave satisfied. Our waitress was great and she always seemed to be one step ahead of us with what we needed. I can't wait to come back to this place with friends!
(5)
Tony J.

This place is chill. The food is good, not great, but good. But they offer pretty cheap margaritas and free chips and salsa. They also have pretty good variety. Get the fajitas. You'll be full for two meals. Come here if you want to hang out with your friends, eat some food, and just have a good, relaxing time.
(4)
Melissa D.

This is a wonderful Mexican joint. The chips and salsa combo are OUT OF THIS WORLD. Who doesn't love deliciously warm chips & salsa paired with a margarita while awaiting their dinner? No, it isn't the most authentic place. It's a chain after all, however there's everything one would expect at the border cafe. I recommend the blackened fish tacos, they're wonderful, they come with grilled avocado filled with a pineapple salsa that adds a very unique flavor. Also, the atmosphere is quite enjoyable for either a lunch/dinner out with the family or even to sip a few drinks as a girls night out!
(4)
Tony M.

Great food! My second time here, my sister in law took me for my birthday! Overall great experience . I have been a server for 27 years and Blake was outstanding, he was on point with everything. We did not have to ask for anything! Great job and a great place!
(5)
Christina J.

I've only been here three times but every single time I've received excellent service. I went just last night celebrating my birthday and, though my four friends and I had to wait 30 minutes (I didn't expect anything less, it's rarely ever slow in there - especially for a Thursday night), once we were seated everything was perfect. The food was amazing as always, portions large (think of it as a Mexican version of the Cheesecake Factory). And the drinks were delicious - they even let me order shots to the table! But the best feature about this place is the fantastic friendly service. Edgar A was very helpful and attentive making my birthday dinner one of the best I've ever had. Thank you so much for everything!! P.S. I've also been to the one in Saugus and honestly, the food just wasn't as good over there. I don't know why this place doesn't have better reviews.
(5)
King H.

Dont even think about coming first to get a table when your friends still on the way. They're just rude and assumed you're a liar to get a big table. Foods are just okay. Definitely not authentic Mexican food as everyone said.
(1)
Isatta C.

emapanadas!!!! This is probably one of my favorite appetizers of all time! Border Cafe does a fantastic job when it comes to their seasoning. I've also had their catfish and shrimp, steak, and salmon. All super delicious. If you come on a busy evening, expect slow service. However the waitstaff is super friendly, so you won't be too annoyed. I definitely recommend!
(4)
Ali S.

Overall, this is bad TexMex. Get the fajitas if you're already here. My major gripe with this place is that they watered down my sauza gold tequila shots. Not ok. The color was diluted looking and it tasted watered down. My major proof is that my friends and I had 6 shots each and didn't feel much at all. I'm a lightweight. That result is ridiculous. The chips and salsa were pretty much the only reason we stayed and continued ordering our watered down tequila shots. If you want to look like a tank, come to Border. If you want to get drunk, go somewhere else.
(2)
Etai M.

Frankly, I loved the atmosphere, the service was great and the salsa was delicious. However, the empanadas were just tasteless and the sauce it came with as well. Might be just one bad dish, but that's what I had and it wasn't great. Still a fun place though.
(3)
Sarah J.

-Chips and salsa for free! And refilled whenever asked. Try it with guac! -Margaritas starting at $6 -The portions are quite big, so my two girlfriends and I were able to share 2 (especially because we ravished the chips and salsa). -Fajitas come with 4 t
(3)
Hui C.

Can't speak for anything else, but they have delicious guacamole and endless salsa and chips. Great place for apps and drinks with friends!
(4)

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Address : 32 Church St
Cambridge, MA, 02138
Phone (617) 864-6100
Website https://www.bordercafe.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 1:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

Claim Restaurant

Mexican Cuisine

If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.

Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.

Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.

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Border Café

32 Church St, Cambridge, MA, 02138

Border Café Menu

Appetizers

Soup & Salads

Tacos

Burritos & Chimi's

Fajita Grill - Create Your Favorite Fajita

Fajita Grill - Otb Signature Fajitas

Hand-rolled Enchiladas - Classic

Hand-rolled Enchiladas - Grilled

Hand-rolled Enchiladas

Fresh Grill

Delectable Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Border Café

Appetizers

Soup & Salads

Tacos

Burritos & Chimi's

Fajita Grill - Create Your Favorite Fajita

Fajita Grill - Otb Signature Fajitas

Hand-rolled Enchiladas - Classic

Hand-rolled Enchiladas - Grilled

Hand-rolled Enchiladas

Fresh Grill

Delectable Desserts

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