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Name: Cambridge Common
Address: 1667 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138
Telephone: (617) 547-1228
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.81

Cambridge Common

1667 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138

(617) 547-1228
Store is closed

Cambridge Common Menu

Burgers

Kid?s Burger 110g

Kid?s Cheeseburger 120g

Bacon Cheddar Burger 125g

Bacon Double Cheeseburger 250g

Big Buford® 230g

Bacon Buford® 255g

Bacon Swiss Buford® 250g

1/4 LB. Champ® 205g

1/4 LB. Champ® with Cheese 225g

1/4 LB. Bacon Cheese Champ® 235g

1/2 LB. Double Champ® 280g

1/2 LB. Double Champ® with Cheese 300g

Checkerburger® 170g

Checkerburger® with Cheese 179g

Cheese Double Cheese 190g

Chili Cheeseburger 135g

Double Chili Cheeseburger 180g

Double Decker 215g

Rallyburger® 170g

Rallyburger® with Cheese 179g

Smokehouse Buford® 265g

Triple Cheeseburger 250g

Healthy Meal suggestions for

Burgers

Kid?s Burger 110g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 28, Sodium (s): 570, Saturated Fat (ms) : 6, Calories: 280, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Kid?s Cheeseburger 120g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 29, Sodium (s): 730, Saturated Fat (ms) : 8, Calories: 320, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Bacon Cheddar Burger 125g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 29, Sodium (s): 730, Saturated Fat (ms) : 9, Calories: 370, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Bacon Double Cheeseburger 250g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 32, Sodium (s): 1340, Saturated Fat (ms) : 20, Calories: 650, Sugar (ms): 6 ]

Big Buford® 230g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 31, Sodium (s): 1090, Saturated Fat (ms) : 18, Calories: 570, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Bacon Buford® 255g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 31, Sodium (s): 1510, Saturated Fat (ms) : 21, Calories: 680, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Bacon Swiss Buford® 250g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 28, Sodium (s): 1310, Saturated Fat (ms) : 21, Calories: 660, Sugar (ms): 4 ]

1/4 LB. Champ® 205g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 32, Sodium (s): 810, Saturated Fat (ms) : 12, Calories: 490, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

1/4 LB. Champ® with Cheese 225g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 33, Sodium (s): 930, Saturated Fat (ms) : 18, Calories: 580, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

1/4 LB. Bacon Cheese Champ® 235g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 35, Sodium (s): 1230, Saturated Fat (ms) : 18, Calories: 630, Sugar (ms): 4 ]

1/2 LB. Double Champ® 280g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 30, Sodium (s): 1030, Saturated Fat (ms) : 25, Calories: 740, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

1/2 LB. Double Champ® with Cheese 300g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 34, Sodium (s): 1360, Saturated Fat (ms) : 28, Calories: 790, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Checkerburger® 170g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 32, Sodium (s): 680, Saturated Fat (ms) : 8, Calories: 390, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Checkerburger® with Cheese 179g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 33, Sodium (s): 810, Saturated Fat (ms) : 12, Calories: 420, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Cheese Double Cheese 190g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 31, Sodium (s): 1140, Saturated Fat (ms) : 17, Calories: 510, Sugar (ms): 4 ]

Chili Cheeseburger 135g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 30, Sodium (s): 620, Saturated Fat (ms) : 8, Calories: 320, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Double Chili Cheeseburger 180g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 30, Sodium (s): 760, Saturated Fat (ms) : 14, Calories: 460, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Double Decker 215g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 31, Sodium (s): 720, Saturated Fat (ms) : 13, Calories: 480, Sugar (ms): 4 ]

Rallyburger® 170g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 32, Sodium (s): 680, Saturated Fat (ms) : 8, Calories: 390, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Rallyburger® with Cheese 179g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 33, Sodium (s): 810, Saturated Fat (ms) : 12, Calories: 420, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Triple Cheeseburger 250g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 33, Sodium (s): 1450, Saturated Fat (ms) : 23, Calories: 690, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Healthy Meal suggestions for CheckersRally

Burgers

Smokehouse Buford® 265g [ Sodium (s): 1610, Calories: 650, Sugar (ms): 15 ]

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

Write An Anonymous Review

Maddy M.

Awesome hangout spot for drinks and food in Porter Square. The grilled chicken and couscous salad was amazing with a great dressing to top it off. Really fun place I highly recommend for great food and reasonable prices.
(4)
Matthew B.

I've had great service - with above average bantering included - along with solid food choices and fantastic beer selection. It's a great destination for locals, but a little bit of a stretch to think you'd make your way there just for the Commons. That said, if you're about to hit a show at Lizard Lounge and want a good bite to eat before, show up earlier and enjoy a meal.
(4)
Allison C.

This is my go-to neighborhood place when I randomly crave a burger and a beer. I love that I can just stop by. There's always a place for me to relax and catch up with friends. Some game is always up on the TVs, but it's not too distracting if sports isn't your thing. FOOD: Meat eaters and vegetarians alike will be satisfied here with the burgers. Meat eaters should always go for either the 1667 or the English burger. Careful on the ordering: a few times now, we've requested medium rare and gotten rare. Wait staff is quick to replace that, and will comp that item from your bill. Vegetarians should have the black bean one when they want to kick it up a bit, but both patties are house made and delicious. Burger prices, no matter the type, usually top out at $10 for price. Other edibles? Consider fries. Curly, excellent. When going classic thin-cut, be sure to request extra crispy. The rest of the menu is typical bar food. Nothing outstandingly amazing, but you'll enjoy a casual meal here, for sure. I've never had dessert here, just so you know. DRINKS: Woohoo, rotating beers on tap. I love that there's a daily menu and apt descriptions to accompany all the different brewskies. Prices can be anywhere from $5-9 per pint, if I recall. SERVICE: Prompt, attentive, kind. Always welcoming of customer questions (I talk a lot!).
(4)
Madhumita N.

Great everything- beer, food, staff, burgers, curly fries, tater tots, sports bar. Music downstairs ar the lizard lounge too. I have nothing bad to say about this place!!
(5)
Julie F.

This is a great place to visit on a weekend night for dinner. I love the Texas Mule and their fried pickles. The service is great and the environment is fun. One of my most favorite places to go to dinner.
(5)
Jacob L.

This place gets 5 stars. They have great bartenders, well-made hearty dishes, and good strong drinks. I'm not a huge beer drinker, but I suppose if I were I would like this place even more as they always have a unique and diverse selection. Their boneless buffalo chicken gets an A from me. The turkey club is pretty good. crispy cobb salad is always fresh and on point. Their cheeseburger is also consistently well made and tasty. I admittedly don't stray too far from the basics but that's because they do them so well. Finally, their potato puffs and curly fries are an added bonus. Never overcooked. Almost more important than the quality of food is the level of service. CC's bartenders are kind, attentive, and friendly. They are down to earth, personable, and don't bother with bullshitting. Because of their demeanor (Especially JP's!) the bar has a personable, inviting feel.
(5)
Ronald M.

First off I would like to say that I got the yelp app just to write this review. After a bad night of bar hopping I ended up at cambridge commons, where I ordered a rum and coke. I believe they used a cup that had rum in it at one time and filled it with coke. Seriously I had to ask my friend to poor some beer into my "rum" and coke so there would be some alcohol in my drink. The food could be great...but I doubt that. If you are looking for a good bar go to go elsewhere. P.s. employees are nice but doesnt make up for shitty drink.
(1)
Bree D.

Cambridge Common is by far the best pub in the area. Pros: -Great service. Waiters are attentive and courteous. Surprisingly short wait for food. -Burgers are dangerously delicious and reasonably priced. - Curly fries. Enough said. - BADASS beer selection and grand variety on tap Cons: -The place is PACKED on weekend nights, so expect to wait a little longer for your food on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
(5)
Boston A.

It's not possible for a restaurant to have food this precisely and consistently mediocre by accident. It has to be intentional.
(2)
lt g.

This is a very nice restaurant and bar. We have been here many times. The food is good and consistent I wish they would expand or change menu. The beer need to lower draft. Remember when draft was cheaper than bottles.
(4)
Alex Y.

This is one of those places that I go to regularly without immediately realizing how much I like it. I have been to this place a countless number of times, and I think that in itself speaks more to the quality of this place than a review can say. I'll give it a shot anyway. + A lot of unique draft selections that rotate often. Wait staff are very eager to offer tastings if you aren't sure what you want. + Cheap pub food, and a lot of it. Especially for a place where you might be a regular, this is a necessary attribute. The appetizers, in particular, are good. I like the nachos and fried pickles to share. + Good atmosphere with a lot of people. Others might find this to be a negative, but it's a pub. It should be lively! - Entree foods aren't awesome, but they get the job done. They're cheap and filling. Of the burgers, I like the breakfast-all-day burger. - There always seems to be a few beers on tap that have run out. Overall a great place! I keep coming back and always look forward to going!
(4)
Kyle C.

The food here is great, the beer selection is one of the best in the area and I love that they always have a cask conditioned beer. The service here is always friendly, but sometimes slow on account of how busy it can get in here. If the place is packed, don't order a complicated mixed drink unless you're willing to wait for it. Try the Chowder!
(4)
Barbara A.

Yay ... finally got to meet Melissa M for a lunch date and we went here. It was a beautiful June afternoon and we got to sit outside on Mass Ave in the picnic table seating. I was having a really hard time picking something because everything looked interesting and I was in an indecisive mood. I settled on Mac and Cheese. I like it ... it was pasta shells in homemade creamy cheese sauce goodness. Bonus points for the crumb topping and toast points. The iced tea was decent but nothing to write home about. A props for customer service ... we ordered tater tots (which were good but another place down the street makes them better) and they never arrived. We reminded them when the brought the entrees. They apologized and brought out an order and comped the item. I thought that was nice touch. Extra props for the parking in the back ... woot, woot.
(3)
Joan G.

The fried pickles are awesome here. Decent burgers / curly fries. A definitely go-to in Cambridge.
(5)
Rachelle S.

I love Cambridge Common. Great food and great service. The atmosphere is relaxed and easy going.
(5)
Melissa M.

I just feel like they don't COOK their burgers here, you guys. I mean, I love myself a burger a GOOD burger and in theory, Cambridge Common has some pretty, pretty, pretttay good meaty burgers but they just don't cook them. At least not to my specifications of MEDIUM WELL. I feel like they just cook all their burgers medium rare. I HATE THEM THIS WAY, I CANNOT EAT THEM BECAUSE THEY TASTE LIKE BLOODY MEAT TO ME. I know I might sound like a whiny brat but if that's what I order that is what I should get. They do have nice specials every now and then but I find that to be few and far between. It's an ok place to go if you are a minutes walk but I would never seek this place out as a destination to travel to. I did bring the burger issue to my server and she did tell the manager but the server never checked on me once when I was trying to eat it. In fact, I couldn't really flag her down since she never came back to the dining area until it was time to give the check. The manager came over and asked if I'd like dessert. No, thanks - I just wanted to get out of there. She said she took 50% off the bill. Does this mean I will only get 50% dysentery now? Ugh.
(2)
Sarah M.

It's big so you rarely have to wait the beer list is awesome, with lots of rotating taps a menu with something for everyone, including the vegetarians and burger fiends in your life there's a parking lot in the back. It's really helpful for meeting folks from out of town who have driven. TVs for watching teh sports. Lots of queers hosting and serving. Outdoor seating in the summer (you have to order food b/c cambridge says so.) favorites: fried chicken (white gravy, no bones. so good.)mac and cheese, beet salad, cobb salad, beer outside.
(4)
Marjoline F.

Looked at their online menu before going and was set on getting a portabella mushroom burger. However, when I got there I was disappointed to find out it was just taken off the menu. Ended up getting the grilled cheese sandwich which was delicious, especially with curly fries. They also have a drinks sampler where you can choose any 4 of their beers on tap to try. Great service and there are plenty of TVs to watch sports!
(5)
Patrick S.

I would have given them four stars but the beef and chicken are not anti biotic free. The service was great, atmosphere Nd local art is chill (no wifi though). They also have outside seating which is always nice.
(3)
Iain T.

A place as constant as the tides. Good food, good beer, good service. It was the only place open during both the blizzard in 2012 and the hurricane. It is my favorite "local" to have a few drinks or get food on a lazy evening. Keep fighting the good fight Cambridge Common (or C-Squared as me and my friends call it).
(5)
Ronald V.

Great food! Great prices! Tons of beer choices!!! I am from Southern California and just moved to Boston 3 weeks ago. I had some friends visit me from back home. After asking some of my coworkers out here what is a good place to eat that's inexpensive with good beer I was sent here. The food is delicious and portions are huge. I believe they have 30 something different beers on tap at very reasonable prices. And let me tell you about that beer punch. It was about $20 for a pitcher of beer/vodka/lemonade and it definitely packed a punch on all of us. They have a very comfortable environment and the servers/hosts were very friendly. I'll definitely be coming back here and I am gonna bring some more friends.
(5)
Christine D.

A friend recommended this place to me and I honestly never believes in love at first site until I saw the buffalo Mac n cheese arrive at my table. Somehow, it tasted even better than it looked. The service was on point, my waitress was so cute and friendly! The pumpkin beer selection was also on point, I gave my waitress the duty of picking one for me and it was delicious! I was in beer and carb heaven. I didn't even have to wobble to my friends car after because they have a parking lot right door, super score!
(5)
Amy L.

I have been meeting friends here for years. I usually sit at the bar, and the bar staff is friendly and accommodating. Great beer selection, parking lot in back is a big plus...love the atmosphere. I would recommend it for meeting for drinks and a casual dinner.
(4)
Paul H.

Solid place, pretty good beer selection, the staff is pretty good, but i enjoy their food, mac & cheese bites are addicting, and the grilled cheese is pretty good also
(4)
Kiki K.

cambridge common is always reliable for late-night bites and social atmosphere. tonight was particularly pleasant at the bar; service was friendly and capable and virtually flawless. our primary server/bartender, chris, provided the kind of service one always hopes for: knowledgeable, personable, efficient. as busy as he was, he made us feel relatively important, taking the time to story-tell of his floral tattoos and service experience. he is a single reason to recommend cambridge common to friends.
(5)
Jenn S.

My friend and I went here for an early dinner on Monday night. I had called to see if I needed a reservation and was told it wouldn't be crowded and we'd be fine. She was right. We were immediately seated outside and were told that if we got cold, to just speak to the host about moving inside. Our waitress came out pretty fast with menus and then shortly after with our waters and to take our order. I was torn between the black bean burger & the veggie burger (leaning toward the black bean), so I asked the waitress' advice. She said the black bean was better because it is homemade and has more flavor. She was absolutely right - it was DELISH (and a nice size and thickness). The chipotle aioli was a nice touch to the burger and the curly fries were wonderful (full of flavor, not ultra spicy, nice & crispy - not soggy or undercooked). My friend loved her Angus sliders - she only ate 1 because she'd had a late lunch - and was excited to have the other 2 for lunch the next day. Minus 1 star because, for a slow Monday night, the service was rather slow. We didn't wait too long for our food, but after it came, we never saw the waitress again! She never came to check on us and then we waited a LONG time before she came back out to check on the other 2 tables (full of loud college kids). I had to grab her attention to ask for a to-go container and the check and a few minutes later, she came back out for the other 2 tables, saw us and said "oh, right, a to-go container" and ran back inside. Although she kept getting sidetracked by the other 2 tables, she was at least very pleasant. Sitting outside was great for people watching and it has plenty of on-street parking. It was also really cheap - $10 each! I look forward to coming back here!
(4)
Davy G.

I love Cambridge Common! Great beer list, solid rotating selection of new American food, and awesome staff! Some of my favorites are the frickles and buffalo chicken mac and cheese.
(5)
Cassandra P.

I can definitely see why this place is so popular. -Awesome/unique beer on tap and a choice of flights if you can't decide. Also has a pretty cheap glass of wine. -Pretty wide selection of food, and from the few dishes we've had, it's done really well. -Can't beat the prices of the food, especially for a great burger or sandwich. -Curly fries. -Size of the restaurant is deceptive from the outside, looks small, but the place actually fits a lot of people. Don't be deterred if you see a line. -Pretty big bar that has some TVs, as well as the side room that has a huge projector that shows the game against the wall. My only complaint is there was no audio of the game that was being played. We came on a Thursday night for the Bruins game and had to watch the game and listen to music. This may be different for Sunday football games, but we haven't been yet to see if that's true.
(4)
I G.

Burgers are $5 a pop, Corona's $4.50, great buffalo wings, and big screen TV's surround the bar. This place rocks.
(4)
Laura B.

Great beer selection! I tried some things here that I have never seen before, and there were so many tempting things to choose from I had a hard time picking. I went for the Pomegranate Wheat, and then went for the Tenacious Traveler, which is a ginger and honey shandy. Loved it. I had the Black Bean burger and substituted the bun for lettuce, added avacado and jalepenos. It was really good! Spicy and delicious. Service was slow. I think the waitress was overwhelmed with a large party, so we often had to flag her down after waiting. I ordered a beer and she forgot about it until I asked for it 15 min later. She didn't charge me for it without me complaining about it, that was really nice, so we were happy overall.
(4)
Melissa B.

The positives: 1. AWESOME beer selection! 2. Attentive wait staff 3. Very reasonable prices The negatives: 1. The food is really just average, even for pub food. There are so many different options but they usually sound a lot better than they are... 2. A little hard to reach via the red line because the walk is about 15 minutes from either Porter or Harvard Square
(3)
Ronaldo M.

The selection of beers here is awesome. One of the best bars in the USA. When you come here order the local selection of brews.
(5)
Wendy G.

Love their beer sampler! Great atmosphere, friendly staff, and great outdoor seating for the summer!
(5)
Seevun K.

I've been in a few times, and have always had good service. Today it might have been the best service I have ever had. I think the server's name was Jessica. She was friendly and helpful, made great suggestions, looked after me, and was so sweet about my changes/substitutions. Outstanding! Also great value for money here.
(5)
Lynette C.

Love this place! I go at least once a month for brunch with a rather large group and have never been disappointed. The prices are reasonable, and the specials are always great! I especially love their burgers. However, you just can't go wrong here :)
(5)
Chelsea L.

Mmmmm I'm stuffed. Got seating outside on a week night in about 3 minutes. Started with the special beer battered broccoli bites (or something). A little spicy a lot perfect. Had the spicy burger as well. I was advised to try the sweet potato fries and they did not disappoint!!! I'm typically gluten free so I couldn't partake in any beer but we got down on some mixed drinks and wine and I was not disappointed. The service was great. Quick and witty. Will definitely return in the near future!
(4)
Denys A.

Love this place, Cheap and chill. You have to try the beer punch. Do it!I only had the sandwich and it's great. The tatter tots brings back good memories from elementary days. You and friends can have a great time while keeping it under budget. Again, try the Beer Punch :)
(4)
erica f.

I like this place because it has such a relaxed atmosphere. I haven't eaten here but the bartenders are friendly and make it a fun time. The beer flights are awesome! Be sure to try one!
(4)
Io S.

Going with a 3.75 to a 4 because the service seems to be improving. Only gripe is that hosts/hostesses occasionally try to steer you to these veal-calf-stall-like tables -- they're two-tops, but not especially comfortable enough for two. OK for singles but, really, these 4 or 5 mini booths are garbage, especially in the winter, when one has a coat, bag, whatever. (CC has coat hooks, but not everyone wants their coats and bags out of their sight.) Still, they're agreeable when you tell them you want to be seated somewhere else. The service has improved a bit. Food is still above-average quality pub grub, with some very interesting specials, occasionally, and the beer selection is superb (even overwhelming, at times). And, as I've mentioned before, the prices are the best in Cambridge for a decent place. About on par with Charlie's Kitchen, and the food is a bit better (though the Charlie's ambiance and conviviality is nigh on impossible to beat). Others have pointed out the surfeit of TVs -- and that's a big 10-4. Way to go, CC!
(4)
Alex C.

This is one of the best restaurants / bars / music venues around town. First off, the restaurant / bar area is huge with a lot of T.V.s and plenty of places to sit. There are a constant rotation of beers on tap and the usual bottles as well. There is always a beer for someone no matter what your taste. The food is great as well. I have tried the nachos, burgers, chicken sandwiches and never had a complaint. The downstairs music venue is a nice setting with seating and standing room close to the stage. It provides an intimate setting but with more room than you think. The bar staff is always very friendly and helpful if you are looking to try something new. This is a go to spot for me and I highly suggest you try it out.
(5)
Florin M.

I've ordered Angus burger medium and it was one of the best I've eaten; the fries also were great, not that crispy but a little softer, just as I like them. There is a good selection of beers but the waitress wasn't very knowledgeable, hence the 4 stars review. The prices are low for Cambridge (less than 40$ for 2 beers, burger and fish tacos, including tip).
(4)
J T.

Nothing like it in this area...
(3)
Julissa P.

Great place, I've been coming here for over a year regularly and has yet to disappoint. Great spot to bring a date or friends, guaranteed a good time! Love that they always switch their beers (most of them are really good) and it's inexpensive.
(5)
Jake C.

I live down the street from Cambridge Common and I am impressed with the place. I was a little skeptical at first, just from the look of the place from the outside, but the atmosphere in there is great. You get a crowd of sports fans, businessmen/women hipsters etc. Everyone seems to mesh really well, the food is terrific and the staff is always smiling. The bartenders know their drinks and do it well. Mixed drinks are tall for a fair price, and the beer selection is fantastic. They even serve cask beer. Its warm but has a very distinct taste, and is a cool novelty for the place as well. I will continue to keep coming back, and will always give a nice review to friends and strangers. Great Place, great food, great drinks, great atmosphere and great staff.
(4)
JP S.

I absolutely dig this place! The food is always so good, and always a pretty decent price (satanic buffalo is the way to go, even for dippin fries.) The tater tots, the fish & every other single thing rules. It's that simple. The beers on tap are always delicious, and you can't go wrong with the sampler trays. The crowd is pretty laid back, which makes it even nicer. Not a ton of college frat boys (thank god) or snooty girls (again, thank god.) Right now they're serving Wormtown ales. gulp gulp gulp. Awesome. Check this place out: I'm pretty sure you'll love it. And if you don't, don't tell me.
(5)
Alicia B.

New Cask Wednesday every week! Amazing Beer Dinners and events here. And on a regular day, it's just as fantastic. Suzanne and Kate have done a great thing with this place -- creating a laid-back, down-home, friendly place to hang out, grab a few pints and have your pick of an array of bar grub. From a huge tap menu to an even bigger bottle menu, there is something for everyone here. From beer novices to experts looking to be wowed... give this place a shot. It's one of the most popular bars in all of Cambridge, and rightfully so! They have accommodated many a large beer meetup group here, and they're really really passionate about beer. It shows in what they bring in and the events they host. I love this place. If I lived closer, this would definitely be where everybody knows MY name.
(5)
Kerry M.

Nice atmosphere.
(3)
Jon H.

I had a really fun time here. Why? Because it doesn't get crazy backed in side, the food is an amazing assortment of everything that anyone could crave for that "hit the spot", tons of beers to choose from, really great prices, and a great atmosphere. Three beers from the tap? 12 bucks. A cheeseburger, curly fries, four sliders with regular fries, and chicken nachos? $25 bucks. Being able to move tables around and seat over ten people with drinks and other food and hold a conversation whilst listening to decent music = priceless. Our conversation ranged from Harvard Law professors, to children of 90's hip-hop (thanks to the music being played), the art of sweet potato fries (which were awesome), how guacamole can go on burgers, and how food is really really good here. Add that to random shots of football and football (the euro kind), and you've got a killer combo of everything you need. Kudos to you Cambridge Common!
(4)
Bethany M.

Went to Cambridge Common for one of their famous Beer Dinners. It was a friend's birthday and Rogue was the highlight brewery of the night. The dinner sold out in advance, so when I got there it was packed. The greeters were super nice and showed me to my assigned seat (which I thought was pretty damn awesome). My friend's wife had brought a huge thing of balloons and they became the joke of the night as they deflated. Immediately I noticed the high energy of the owner, the wait staff and the rep from Rogue. Everyone had a great attitude and was obviously having a blast. It was like being at a family dinner really. Firstly, the food was pretty much perfect. Cheese & garlic soup, salad, pork chop with scalloped potatoes and molten chocolate lava cake; each with a beer on top of the beer I got as soon as I walked in. All that for 50 bucks. Plus I got to speak with the chef, the brewery rep and the owner in person and ask as many questions as I could think of. You can't beat that. The beer selection is unbelievable, the people are great, friendly and know their stuff, and the atmosphere is seriously awesome. Go here. Now.
(5)
Jason B.

I guess it's been covered by a lot of folks, but here's my addition to the place. The burgers are pre-made, so you can't have them cooked to order: medium or up. The prices are cheap cheap cheap, though! A decent sandwich for 7 bucks is rare in Boston, but you can get one here. Honestly, I couldn't tell you why the sweet potato fries got raved over by the Boston Phoenix. They don't soak them, they're just cut on a mandoline and deep fried. Good, cheap beer selection and innovative soups and salads give this place an "A-OK" rating for me though.
(3)
H M.

Pretty average bar food -- really not spectacular in any way. But if you want BEER, it's a great spot. Wide beer selection, and always changing. I go here all the time since it's across the street from my apt. Note: the outdoor patio area is not dog friendly, interestingly. I took my dog with me one summer afternoon for a beer. It took them quite a while to notice a 90 lb dog was present (clearly he wasn't misbehaving). I ate my food and drank a beer before they saw him. But when they noticed, they demanded that I leave IMMEDIATELY. They literally chased me away and were pretty rude about it.
(3)
Anne W.

Parking is annoying around here but I was meeting friends and so they ended up waiting for me for about half an hour. This place supposedly has the best sweet potato fries. I am not a fan of the sweet potato.. but I did try it and thought it was pretty good. They aren't wedges.. they are round slices. I have been told many times they are great.. so please do try here if you're looking for this. Calamari is kind of small.. the buffalo wings are standard. Had the Guiness beef stew as well. I thought it tasted more like just beef stew. It has lots of beef stew... it's not really hot which is kind of my pet peeve. Luke warm food makes me think it was microwaved. The drinks are priced at a reasonable price ($5-6 for a glass of wine) and $4 for a beer. The service isn't the greatest. The waiter brought a lemonade glass that was overflowing and spilled on my friend and my coat. And of course.. he was in a rush to pick up the check after we laid down our card. The sweet potato fries may be the reason why this place is so popular. :)
(2)
Jesse S.

ILY 143 BF4EVA Cambridge Common, here is why: You ever read a beer list that is vastly different from what you are used to and you just want to pick one of everything? Well, they'll essentially let you. Get the common sampler and get 4 (or 6) tasting glasses that they set up for you on a paddle. Price is right too! They also have really good curly fries and fried pickles. If you want roast duck and a glass of chardonnay, then you went to the wrong place. But if you want good bar food, great beer selection, and an attentive staff, then bing bang boom you made it to the promised land!
(4)
Kyle B.

My rating is based solely on my experience with the food at Cambridge Common. I started with the Crab Cakes which surprised me, they were actually pretty good and didn't appear to be frozen (though I'm not entirely convinced of that), however the portion size for the two cakes was disappointingly small. Not a great appetizer to split if you're seeking any kind of substance, especially at eight bucks a pop. Someone else in my company tried the chicken fingers, which were laughably overcooked. Deep fried rope, anyone? For the entree, there were only a handful of dishes that weren't either burgers or sandwiches. After that disappointment I settled on the cajun catfish tacos. The catfish was cooked fairly well, but it was oversalted to a level that four glasses of water couldn't quench. The rice that came with the tacos... I don't even know how to describe it beyond bland, bland, bland. It was white rice tossed in red sauce with kidney beans and absolutely no seasoning whatsoever. I suppose the overseasoning of the catfish was intended to make up for this, but it didn't work for me. The prices were fine, what you'd expect for pub fare, but the quality left little to be desired. To their credit, the beer selection is outstanding, and the lounge downstairs is a wonderful place to take in some music. In general, it's a cozy place that can be a great spot to have a hang with your mates, but if you must tackle the menu expect little more than "just another fry kitchen".
(2)
Jenn T.

omg why do we not have this bar around the corner from my apt in nyc!!!??? This would be my place. AWESOME beer menu and great prices. Apricot Wheat and Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre on tap. Great rotating beer list. TONS of great beers on tap. HUGE bar in the middle. Just lively enough on a Saturday night to be fun but not claustrophobic. Food looks great. LOVE me a nice big beer bar menu. Sweet potato fry chips were increds. I was disappointed by the friend pickles bc they were spears...i prefer my frickles in chip form. Portions of other plates were large and prices were great. Not your trad pub grub. They had tons of good looking salads, soups etc. open one on 92 and 1st now please??
(4)
Joseluis A.

my experience a cambridge common was very very memorable. the bartender was such a sweetheart. she let us sample four different brews until we picked the one we wanted. as for the food, i cannot complain. the mussels were great and so was the sandwich miss P ordered and did not share with me. (i lie, she did) and the prices are fair. but really the service was what made this visit worth 5 stars. i did not catch our bartenders name but i hope that shes there next time i drop by for a beer and some grub. salud!
(5)
kerry s.

I'd always had fine experiences at Cambridge Common, and didn't even mind the apparently terrible location (seriously, folks, walking half a mile isn't that hard. Man up). But then I ate a black bean burger at Cambridge Common and experienced massive vomiting a few hours later and terrible stomach pain the entire next day. And I usually have a pretty tough tummy. I guess my illness could have been due to something else, and it's probably a one-off, but I'll be sticking to just drinks from now on, I think.
(2)
Jenna H.

Love, love love Cambridge Common. First of all, they have got a seriously bangin beer selection, there are like 6 or 7 rotating taps, plus 20ish other beers always on tap, plus a great bottled selection. Suffice it to say, if you like trying different kinds of beers, you shall not be disappointed. And surprise: the food is also awesome! The grilled cheese is made with some sort of great white melting cheese, on thick crusty bread. They have curly fries! And sweet potato fries! Lots of fun to eat. The mozzarella sandwich is great, the black bean burger is also very good. And everything is so reasonably priced, none of the aforementioned is more than 12 bucks. Great beer, good pub food. Lastly, brunch here is also quite good. The Belgian Waffle was slightly disappointing because it advertised "fresh strawberries" and whipped cream, while it was more like canned strawberries soaked in syrup and whipped cream. BUT the pancakes are delicious, and so are the home fries. To sum up, Cambridge Commons has delicious foods for many times of day, plus beer for all times of day! Yum yum yum.
(4)
Ladyjane S.

I wouldn't necessarily come here for dinner, since its pretty basic pub food, with the exception of some AWESOME fried pickle spears...drool... BUT, I do come here for the free parking out back, a nice big bar with plenty of seats, and awesome beer. The beer selection is always great and I never have trouble finding something new that I like. And I also learned from these reviews that they are a certified green restaurant. Yay! More reason to love!
(4)
Nala L.

Great place for lunch or grabbing a drink in the evening. The staff was very friendly and attentive and the service was quick. They have a great beer list and their food is delicious. The food is priced well, I got the cheeseburger for $5! The burger was cooked well and came out quickly. Oh and there is parking!
(4)
Lena N.

Cambridge Common, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways... Cut like pickles slices, your sweet potato fries are the best I've had in Boston. Your beer selection always tickles my fancy... And you even have the beer samplers to suit my indecisive personality. But your beer punch... there are no words to describe it.... Spiked lemonade mixed with Sam Adams Summer Ale? I would like to kiss the person that came up with that brilliant idea. Only a fool would come here without trying it. Seriously. Try it.
(4)
Stephanie S.

Cambridge Common is by far one of my favorite places to visit. You can't beat the beer selection - they do a great job of bringing in new things, as well has having a great selection of regular standby beers in case I am not feeling adventurous. The food is decent and you can't beat the prices. It's a nice unpretentious pocket of Cambridge, and I always feel at home here. I highly recommend their beer dinners - the food is of MUCH better quality than their normal menu, and I love hearing about how they pair food with beer. $50 per person may seem a little steep but for a four course dinner with five craft beer pourings, it's well worth it.
(5)
Clare M.

We went here last night before heading downstairs to the Lizard Lounge for some angsty poetry. The food was good and arrived pretty quickly, and the waiter was AWESOME. My husband couldn't decide what beer he wanted so the waiter brought him a sample of all the beers he thought he might like so he could pick one. It was awesome. The waiter also contributed to our riveting discussion about vacuum cleaners and things that spin really fast, which make him a real trooper (I was contemplating poking my eyes out the discussion was so boring). The food was good, but our waiter really made the night. Would definitely go back!
(5)
Julien B.

One of my favorite restaurants. Don't get me wrong, this is NOT a five star restaurant but if you're looking for a fun place that's not too expensive than this is the place. They also have a great bar/beer selection with very friendly bar tenders. If you're looking for a low key place to watch the game with some friends this is the place to go.
(4)
Amy B.

One of my go-to spots for 5+ years now. One of the places I started my "beer education" - but I can also bring family & friends who are intimidated by the letters IPA and find something they like. The sweet potato fries, fried pickles, and baja burger are literally staples in my diet. Always on my list of recommendations to visitors and new Boston residents to check out!
(4)
Stephanie P.

Came here on Saturday with my fiance and two friends. Ordered food and drinks and overall had a super good time. Almost as soon as we left, my fiance started having an awful reaction to the burger he ate and had food poisoning for the next 24 hours and couldn't keep anything down. I called the restaurant and very nicely informed them of what happened for their records and requested a refund of my fiance's meal (NOT the drinks or other people's meal) and was explicitly told by the general manager that they had a "policy" against issuing refunds in "these situations" because they can't be sure the food poisoning came from them. So I guess unless multiple customers get food poisoning you don't own up to your food safety issues. They did offer me a gift certificate, but why exactly would I go back to a place that gave my fiance food poisoning and won't own up to it?
(1)
Gabriel R.

This is the PLACE to watch sports games and eat burgers. It has one unbelievably large television as well as at least 10 other TVs surrounding the entire bar. During major plays this place is rocking and it is awesome to be in front of that type of a crowd and atmosphere during these sports games. The burgers are excellent and are all between 6 and 9 dollars. The breakfast burger is particularly amazing with angus beef, bacon, fried egg, crispy potatoes, melted pepperjack & spicy mayo on an onion roll. I also like the buffalo wings but they are not as good as the burgers. The fried chicken sandwich and the buffalo chicken sandwich are also quite good. This place is quite popular but it has enough seats that it can support a large crowd so you almost always can find a table to sit and you will have a solid amount of choices including very comfortable booths. The service is quite good expect for the fact that they often take a long time to bring the check. The food comes quickly and the servers come around to ask if you need anything. However, at times have waited a whole half hour for the check to come even after asking repeatedly for it. Other then bringing the check everything about this place is fantastic. This is the place to go for comfort food and watching sports games and I probably go to Cambridge Common more then anywhere else in Cambridge for food.
(4)
Kamille W.

Oh, Cambridge Common. I love you and your cheap, delicious beers. Like any good neighborhood bar, the atmosphere at CC is the ultimate in comfortable and chill. It's a great place to drop in to watch a game. At least, that's what I hear -- whenever I'm there, I mostly just focus on the cheap alcohol and fried food. The food is typical bar fare. It's certainly not breaking any culinary barriers, but everything I've tried has been all kinds of delicious. I'm an especially big fan of the BLT with chipotle mayo. Crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes and spinach, that delicious spicy mayo... and with some sweet potato fries on the side? Girlll, lemme tell you. OH! Also the fried pickles. Those things make me do my happy-fat-girl dance inside. Take your pick of $4 beers to have alongside your meal, and you're in business. Good service, good food, and blessedly inexpensive. Do it up!
(4)
Bill M.

Fish taco plate is great! You can make 2 jacked up fish tacos and an awesome veggie taco all in one sitting ! Very enjoyable ;) get it and you'll know what I'm talkin' bout!
(4)
Akhila K.

Cambridge Common is a solid and consistently awesome place. It's chill and great for dinners, or just to grab a beer with a friend! Good veggie burgers and fries, and some decent pasta too! Not too many vegetarian options, but really awesome beer selection!
(4)
Sofia S.

I've been coming to this place for about a year. Food is consistently really good. Probably my favorite buffalo chicken sandwich. Service is good. Good selection of beers.
(5)
Gaven C.

CC has above-average service for Cambridge, especially if you like to avoid long waits for BEER. Their food is a solid 3-stars - mostly comfort food, with a few exploratory specials.
(3)
Chrysanthe P.

I have been here for 2 of my 24 birthdays. I remember one of them in far more detail than the other (can you believe the one that I remember in full was my 21st?). The atmosphere is super casual and comfortable. A great place to go whenever you feel like grabbing a beer (or three) and just hanging out with friends. I'll start will food since I have far less knowledge of it. The one time I ate dinner, I rodered the Mediterranean plate, which is HUGE and quite good. It's nothing all that special though; I would recommend Christopher's Middle Eastern Platter over it for the Israeli cous cous alone. Now moving onto the better things in life: beers. My favorite thing to order here is the Uncommon Sampler. Four beers of your choosing all in a row - and they've got a lot of good beer to choose from, let me tell you. What's not to love about that? An additional tip, if you sit outside late at night (and subsequently have to order food due to antiquated MA laws), the deviled eggs are the cheapest thing on the menu.
(4)
Damien S.

A recent visit to (arguably) the most comfortable resto on the HarPo stretch of Mass Ave square had the kid venturing in to a plate few do right, let alone well: fish tacos. I love Cambridge Common as a bar. It's square, so you're always looking at someone. Forced socialization matters, and the hardest-core introverts can escape the sitch easily by downing a few too many Troeg's Hopback Ambers, inevitably facing the dark wood bar top after passing out. The apps waver, teetering from ho-hum nachos ($7) and a bit simple deviled eggs ($3 for 3 halves) to delicious, if batter-thick, fried pickle spears with ranch and chipotle aioli dippers ($6). I'd be comfortable getting all Magellanesque on their sea of starters, but my main course will keep future ventures above water. The "fish tacos" were nothing more than three cold flour tortillas, a wimpy, dry plank of blackened catfish, iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes and a supposed beer-based remoulade that really only whispered of sour cream and horseradish. The side of dirty rice was a mass of water-logged, reddish mush with very little flavor. Sad face. I'm totally cool with non-fried (blank)fish in the tacos and I know kids from the Toad Family can do the dish well (I dig Christopher's version), so I'm ultimately left baffled as to why this entree - one of maybe seven "square meals" on their menu - falls so flat. Lesson learned. Another round, barkeep.
(3)
Maddie Y.

The beer is awesome. The food is fairly awesome. Atmosphere is sometimes busy but still pretty awesome. And I've developed a hot and steamy unrequited love affair with their spinach artichoke dip. Really. It's that awesome.
(5)
Amanda K.

Quite possibly the BEST clam chowda I have ever had! They also have an excellent selection of beers. They have a pretty good selection of pub food as well. If I lived around here, I would be a regular.
(4)
Greg L.

Just ate here. 3:30 on a Wednesday. Lazy. Good vibe. Good music at first, its getting worse now. Grilled chicken Greek salad blew my mind. They have a burger here for only 5 bucks! What?!?!!? They will probably give you a sad look if you order it because they will think you are poor but if you order it you are used to that kind of thing because you are of course, poor.
(5)
Kim D.

Went here with friends and was thoroughly happy. Sweet potato fries and mini beer sampler were my highlights. Beer here was pretty cheap but if you opt to get the sampler and taste a few you haven't had before it's pretty damn good too. I opted a salad here which was pretty good and filling. I totally fell in love with the sweet potato fries though that's unusually cut in circles instead of the usual fry shape. Then the infamous beer punch. Spiked lemonade with beer...such a dangerous amazing idea. I've never had that before so I had a few sips from a friends cup and realized that was the best thing to have in the summer...and the worst. I can see myself drinking tons and then hitting me all of a sudden since you forget there's alcohol in there. This place also gets busy so if you have a big group reservations are recommended
(4)
Joe T.

Tasty homemade veggie burger. And curly fries! Has outdoor seating which is nice during the area's rare summer months. Also a good place to drink.
(4)
Jonah J.

One of my favorite places across the CamberVille domain...The Common rules because the beer selection is always great, the beer is always fresh and the lines are impeccably clean. Local brewers and most varieties of domestic microbrews are well represented here. The staff is knowledgeable, and the curation is excellent. Also, the service is down to earth and friendly. The staff are sometimes rushed when the place gets packed, but politeness is always reciprocated here, even at the busiest times. Food is good pub fare, with healthy options for most diets and satisfying comfort food for everyone. One of the best pubs overall across the Boston area. Be aware that weekend nights will be PACKED during the school year, if not year-round.
(5)
Sarah B.

The food is pretty good but the service is crazy slow. The staff is nice enough, but they seem to forget that they have active tables. CC gets three stars because the food is good, the beers are great and they have a huge TV for games.
(3)
Jon S.

Came here on a Friday night with a few friends around 7:30 and got a table right away. We ordered a pitcher of the beer punch and the artichoke dip. I loved the beer punch (20 bucks/pitcher). It wasn't the strongest thing I've ever had but the combination of vodka, lemonade, and beer was surprisingly good. They also have a bunch of different beers on tap and a pretty extensive cocktail menu (a major plus in my book, especially for a pub). The artichoke dip wasn't great in my opinion. It was really thick, but I did like that it was a little spicy. CPK will always have the best spinach and artichoke dip in my book. We all ordered burgers or sandwiches of some sort. I had the gaucho burger which was great. And most of the burgers run between 6 and 8 bucks (w/ fries!). Such a good deal. Service wasn't amazing, but wasn't bad either. The waiter was really friendly, but he could have been a little more attentive. Bottom line. Good drinks. Pretty good pub food. Good prices. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Eileen H.

I was at Cambridge Common with a large group of friends on a Saturday night. Our server was attentive, but we never felt rushed to clear the table. We sheepishly asked for separate checks at the end of the evening, and our server happily obliged. The food was great, as always.
(5)
Shannon M.

If you like artichoke dip, you MUST try theirs! It is creamy, spicy, and they serve it with pita chips. This is a favorite of mine. I was not only impressed with the variety of salads they offer, but how delicious the crispy cobb is. Which may seem unusual for a place that primarily exists to serve bar food, but when I realized that the crispy cobb comes topped with crispy fried chicken, then it started to make sense. Also, every time I am here they are playing some sports event on their many televisions throughout the restaurant, so if you are into that sort of thing this is a great place to have a beer, good food, and watch the game.
(4)
Sean J.

Excellent beer selection with very reasonable prices for food and drinks. I always drove past this place but never stopped and did not expect to find such a gem.
(5)
Katie C.

Cambridge Common, I hate to do this to you. I've frequented your establishment several times and have only had positive things to say. Amazing selection of drinks, reasonable prices, decent-enough bar food, beer punch.... But then last night happened. We came in around 9pm, requesting a table for 10 people by the large screen to watch a very specific basketball game. You said, "Ok, no problem. That will be about 30-40 minutes." Since our game was not until 10pm, it sounded perfect. We all crowded by the bar and happily ordered drinks and appetizers as we waited. We checked in with the hostess every now and then to ask about the wait time and to make sure our game would still be broadcast (the previous one was running into over time). We were continually assured it would be. When we were finally seated close to 10:30, way past the initial 9:40 estimate, we were very grateful that you helped us put some extra tables together to accommodate our now close to 20-person party. We ordered another round of food and drinks, and waited for our game to be switched on. But then it all went downhill. We realized you had no intention of putting our game on the big screen at all, despite what you had been telling us over the past hour and a half. You offered to put it on the small screen, above the bar, BEHIND a column. Are you kidding? Even speaking to the manager, who was more concerned about our request to cancel the food orders, got us nowhere. His compromise was "There is a table that has already requested another game. When that one is over, I promise we will switch it over to yours". That's nice, but their game started only 30 minutes ago. Thank you for so generously offering to turn on the last 5 minutes of ours... I completely understand and respect your loyalty to this other table. And I also apologize for some of my friends who were less able to contain their anger and verbally lashed out. But WHY promise us something you had NO intention of delivering? Miscommunication among the staff? To trick 19 people into hanging around and ordering a large amount of food and beverages? What's worse is that not a single person I spoke with apologized for having misinformed (and lied to) us. Honesty would have been far more commendable, and would not have lost you all of our patronage in the future.
(1)
Sachin D.

I've gone here for 3 years as a law student right next door. I really really enjoyed two things about this place: 1) the drink list is amazing. Rotating taps, always good local beers. Its my favorite beer place in the Harvard-Porter Square area, by far 2) the veggie burger. Yeah who would have thought, but it has the best veggie burger I've ever had, and get it with sides of broccoli and actually its a very healthy meal! (leaving aside the beer).
(5)
Tori M.

Can't go wrong here - never had something that I haven't liked. My housemates and I come here frequently, so honestly we've probably sampled most of the menu if not all of it. Great burgers, fresh salads, well thought out entrees, yummy sandwiches and delicious appetizers. They make what would normally be greasy bar food into something pretty impressive. Overwhelming selection of beers that constantly rotates, and the cocktails are spot on as well.
(5)
Amanda B.

I don't know what I can say about Cambridge Common that hasn't already been said. The Fried Pickles. The Sweet Potato Fries. THE DEVILED EGGS. Look, if you have Deviled Eggs on your menu, you're a keeper in my book. I will be back. I've had burgers, entrees and salads here. I think the last time I was in I had the Grilled Chicken and Cous Cous Salad which was delicious. Really, so. Good. And Perfect for summer! My husband and I came here on our first date in 2002- yeah, it's a great place for a first date! :) Fantastic place for beer drinkers, but since I am not one of those, I stick to the yummy drinks. The only time I've not visited is for brunch, which I hear is also fantastic. I should try to get there for that soon...
(4)
Jennifer W.

One of my favorite places to eat in the Boston area- great food, lots of vegetarian options, good beer selection and reasonable prices
(5)
julesmary p.

Comfortable place. Tons of great beers and food is very good and also reasonably priced. I usually go during the day; it gets pretty crowded at night and I am not the biggest fan of crowds. During the day it's very laid back. Lots of veggie options if that's your thing.
(5)
Lisa W.

This review is about the brunch. Came here for brunch on a Sunday with some friends around noon. It wasn't crowded, so we were seated right away despite an incomplete party. We all ordered breakfast foods - avocado eggs benedict, pumpkin waffles, and french toast. All the foods were delicious! I especially liked the french toast and waffles. One of the reviews warned that the menu is misleading - they say "fresh strawberries" on the french toast and it came all syrupy. The apples on the pumpkin waffles were also not fresh, but I don't remember how they advertise it. BUT.. whatever.. everything tasted good and that's all that matters to me. =P Yay for relaxing brunch spot! Also: +1 to our waitress who didn't bat an eye when my friend ordered a beer at 11am.
(4)
Michelle R.

I like the vibe for the most part. once i got stuck sitting near a bridal shower, which just involved a lot of high pitched yelling, but you can't really blame that on the place. every other time it's been good. nice lighting, sports, and beer punch. they get a downgrade because the last time i was there i ordered the black bean burger, but it looked a lot like a veggie burger. because i'm the worst vegetarian/vegan ever, i actually hate veggie burgers, because vegetables are gross. and they alway have mushrooms. anyway, it comes out, and i ask our waiter (who was pretty alright, even though i got pissy) if i accidentally got a veggie burger. he says- no that's a black bean burger. i know my black bean burgers from my veggie burgers. so i ate all my fries. i was kind of mad that it seemed like he was avoiding us, but i probably looked like a jerk because of the loud screaming about wedding plans was overwhelming. in the end, he didn't charge us for my burger, and he apologized. it was actually really nice of him. and things were a little cray. so go to this place. they have good food (ugh veggie burgers) like delicious fried pickles. they have lots of beer options. they have beer punch, which sounds gross but is hella good, they have a lot of tvs and are just good all round.
(3)
Danjackie L.

Great spot! Been here twice and both times we've sat at the bar. Bartenders are very friendly and helpful. Decent food but I agree with other reviews that the fish tacos are kinda blah...
(5)
Nicholas S.

I like going here for lunch because the food is pretty good, and it's cheap. In the evening, this place can get too noisy for me. They have some huge tables, so they can seat big groups, but it's best to plan in advance here. Although service is generally fine, they're not great with big groups: by the time one end of the table has finished eating, people on the other end might still be waiting for their entrees. The menu is solid bar and diner fare, and it's pretty well done. They also have some lighter options for those who aren't looking for burgers or steak. For this price point, the food is good.
(3)
Christina L.

Waiter comes up to our table literally 5 minutes after ordering out appetizer. Waiter "you guys waiting on some Mac n cheese bites?" Us "yes" Waiter "not anymore. (Places them on table and walks away)" Amazing. Great food great drinks great service.
(5)
Binh L.

I decided to try brunch here. My companion got the breakfast blt. She polished it up in nanoseconds. I got the eggs benedict (surprise, surprise). It was quite delicious. Surprisingly, the default benedict did not come with canadian ham? The default was with bacon, but the bacon got overpowered by the yolk and sauce. This means they didn't put enough bacon, obviously. haha. I also got the spiced cider. Wow, definitely more alcohol than cider. Kept me warm though. So I liked the plating (comes with fruit and home fries), but the english muffin was a bit tough. It's hard to eat when the knives are so dull and I can't cut into a.. muffin. I had to steal my companion's knife. I just can't seem to be sure to upgrade Cambridge Common up to a 5 star. Everything is good as reliably expected, but nothing more.
(4)
Shaina P.

This was the final local of a lengthy pub crawl along Mass Av with a girlfriend of mine. We did not eat. Were solely there for the drinks. And pleased with the choices was I! Golden Monkey? That's right. Try this delectably super strong, but gold-toned brew, and get your buzz on. It's the perfect mind-numbing selection when you're having a conversation with a guy from MIT who studies the leg muscles of goats by running them to exhaustion (or .. death!?) on a treadmill... Next time, I'll try the fried pickles here. Joe Sent Me also has these. What a crazy invention, which just so happens to also be tasty.
(4)
Jamie L.

I have always been satisfied with the pub style food in the evenings, nothing to write home about, but nothing to complain about. When I'm not sure what I'm in the mood food I'll swing over here because they have a little of everything at reasonable prices. Something usually always suits me. Service varies greatly. At one point I stopped going on Sunday nights a while back because the bartender was too slow and flakey, nice... but really, I once saw 2 customers as well as myself trying to get her attention one night while she oh-so-meticulously rearranged all the sugars in their caddies... bizarre. I am going with three stars as opposed to four because of my recent Sunday brunch experience. The hostess tried to seat us in the middle of a loud room with a drop-down TV right in front of the screen. It was not packed by any stretch of the imagination, we were not there for a game, nor did we want to be in the way of everyone who was. Even less so did I want to be right next to a fussy child, so we got up and sat at the bar. Now of course, the plus is there was no wait! Though, that too could be seen as questionable... Sunday brunch, no wait, am I still in New England, what gives? The very likable bartender recommended the biscuits and gravy. What I got was fresh ground pepper disguised as a thick creamy white sauce. One bite cleared my sinuses so I had to send it back. (I LOVE fresh ground pepper and wish I was exaggerating.) Then I tried the corned beef hash. The eggs were hot, but the hash was cool... and I'm not talking jive, I'm talking temperature here. Beyond that, the hash tasted like BBQ pulled pork. Though I saw all of the makings of hash, it most certainly didn't taste anything like hash. I couldn't bring myself to send that back too, I was starving. My eggs and toast were quite yummy, though if you do not like to bathe in butter like I do you might want to order the toast dry. Now, please don't get me wrong, some might call me a food snob. Everyone else there seemed quite satisfied. The only other off-setting thing was the manager, who I have seen before. She always looks rushed, angry, and disheveled. This doesn't usually stand out on a busy night, but something about a very slow, lazy, Sunday morning made the behavior unnerving. It made me too reluctant to send the hash back or even say anything about it. Yet, I still felt guilty for not warning them that it was not up to par, lest some other customer be equally disappointed. So try to skip brunch if you can, but enjoy some pub grub now and again!
(3)
Caitlin L.

When we lived around the corner, this was one of our regular, go-to, spots. Nowadays, its still one of our favorite bars. With 30 micro-brews on tap, friendly and knowledgeable service (these guys know their beer!), and consistently tasty and cheap comfort food available til late, what's not to love? If you're vegetarian, like me, be sure to check out the portobello burger and sweet potato fries. The vanilla porter stout float makes for a fun dessert if you do dairy :)
(4)
David V.

Ever go to a chain restaurant that has 30 beers available, the only problem being that all 30 of them are mass-produced American style lagers? Well Cambridge Common has taken it the other way - they've got 30 or so taps, and almost every single one is an IPA. In my opinion, there's a handful of IPA's worth drinking (Lagunitas, Dogfish, Mojo, and a couple of British ones you rarely see) but as for the rest - if you've had one, you've had them all. Those taps would be much better served if they just carried the best or strongest-selling IPA's and left a few more taps open to a little variety. Would it kill them to have a few bocks, dunkels, English bitters and more unique styles on tap? The food - I believe the word "meh" was coined here back in 2002. In the years since it has circled the world and returned to its origin on Mass Ave. I had a turkey burger once that had all the deliciousness of a soggy rice cake. The french fries are particularly bad, as are most of the brunch menu items I've tried here. It's too bad, because I love seeing shows at the Lizard Lounge, but I'll be eating and pre-gaming elsewhere for the time being.
(2)
Eli M.

Love the beer selection. Always good stuff, and the waiters make solid recommendations. The food is a little more spotty. It's generally good--the fried pickles are excellent, and the sandwiches are good. But my Taco Salad was quite mediocre even AFTER I asked for the pulled chicken that the kitchen forgot. Still, the artisanal cider recommended by the waiter more than made up for a mediocre entree; I'd happily return.
(4)
Elaine A.

Been here several times now, and the service is always excellent. The standout here is the beer selection. They have over 30 beers on tap, including 5 daily rotating taps, and a cask ale. The taps they have offer high-quality and diverse beer selections, from the crisp and citrusy IPAs to the viny taste of Trappist monks, to the rich and smoky porters. The food here is excellent. Burgers, sandwiches, soups, fish, and (lovely and decadent!) desserts all shine, and the service is excellent. I highly recommend Cambridge Common, and I bring my friends and family here often.
(5)
Ana M.

Fun atmosphere, inexpensive food, extensive rotating beer list. Cambridge Common is one of the only restaurants in Boston where you can get a decent burger for $5. Their menu doesn't stop there- they have excellent pub fair- fish and chips, etc. They have 20+ beers on tap at any given time and they always have dinner and drink specials. They have TVs so you can watch the game, but it's not totally sports-bar-y. They also have picnic tables outside on Mass Ave for outdoor seating. The Lizard Lounge is right next door/ downstairs, where you can go and listen to a band. Cambridge Common is a place I aspire to be a regular at.
(5)
Matt O.

Baja Turkey Burger or Baja Beef Burger is the best thing on the menu! I love this place. Also - Southern Fried Chicken is good, and very filling - you will actually leave feeling stuffed. They always have an awesome selection of drinks, and the service is very, very good. It's a bit noisy, but creates a fun environment. Salads here are good, too. I had my birthday party here 2 years ago - 18 people, and the waitstaff was awesome. They even let me drop off gifts for everyone who attended, and they later brought me the bag so I could hand the gifts out to my friends. Top-notch. Thanks, Cambridge Common! I just wish they would bring back the Chili to the menu! It was awesome, with nachos to dip on the side... not sure why they removed that from the menu. :-(
(5)
John A.

Ok ok, so this place has an impressive beer selection. But so do many bars in Boston. This place has a nice patio and a young, hip crowd. But many bars in town have the same. However, one thing that most Boston bars do not have is Brooklyn Lager and Allagash White on tap for $4.95. That is astronomically cheap for these classy beers and altogether unheard of anywhere in Boston! Cheers to Cambridge Common for allowing us to drink good beer and still have a few bucks in our wallets at the end of the evening. The waitstaff was also very friendly and super fast with all the orders, both food and booze. I'd like to give a special mention to John for his excellent job in handling our large crowd. The beer selection at reasonable prices is enough to bring me back to this bar. I'll also be telling all of my friends. Bar owners and restauranteurs of other Boston establishments could learn a good lesson in economics from the folks at Cambridge Common.
(4)
Dorise G.

this place is fantastic! came here after a kickball game with 10 others hungry for food and beverage. walked in the door, caught the hostess - "hi, we're 11 people, sorry!" "no problem, give me 2 minutes to set up your table." service was prompt, beers and food reasonable and tasty - the food was actually quite good (highly recommend the teriyaki burger w/curly fries, subbed sauteed onions for the cheese and it was deliiiiicious), and our stellar waitress, Deena, even separated the check out to each individual person without our requesting it, 18% gratuity included! stellar weekday spot, esp post pick-up game!
(5)
Van S.

The food here is pretty gross, with the exception of the sweet potato and curly fries. The attraction is the beer selection of craft brews. I can usually find something awesome and unexpected on their rotating menu, but I agree with the poster who snarked about the overabundance of IPAs and pale ales, which usually represent 25 of the 30 beers offered. Not a beer genre that I personally enjoy (I'll happily drink a hefe/wit, porter, stout, pale lager, lambic, or just a good old english brown), so I sometimes feel a bit left out. :(
(3)
Tim C.

I work near Cambridge Common now, and it's one of my go-to places in a new work environment. Working in a new part of the city, you have to find new places, like finding friends in a new city, and Cambridge Common is my new friend. Aww, wicked sad. Anyways, the food here is not outstanding, but it is good overall, and I haven't had anything bad yet. I have mostly been here for lunch and try something different each time. Cobb salad, mac and cheese (and I'm picky), Quesadilla, buffalo tenders, have all passed the test. The one thing I thought was pretty lack luster was the clam chowder. For lunch, there is never a wait. The wait staff and bar staff (I eat at the bar when alone- is that less sad than sitting at a table, or more sad?) are very friendly and responsive. Food is cheap- there are a lot of choices under $10 and some more under $15. I like the atmosphere of the common- it tends to be law students and people who work in the area. There are booths all around, which I am a fan of, even tiny booths for two.
(4)
Mary-Anne C.

I came to Cambridge to visit a friend last weekend and the first night I was there, the restaurant we wanted to go to (Musqueca) closed on us so we ended up here. This place definitely has A LOT of beers on tap but I was too scared to venture so I stuck with a blue moon. One of the girls that dined with us actually had a Pils and it was actually really good which was recommended by our server! I also had a Oh Ginger! Wow that drink was really really good. I believe it had red berry ciroc in it that made it a super girly drink--im a girl so i love super girly drinks! Anywho on to the food.... We had the nachos as appetizer. Hmm the chips was a bit too salty but the side of guac we ordered complimented the saltiness and made it enjoyable. For an entree I had one of the special burgers, the turkey burger to be exact (I forget the special name for it). I took out the bacon and added avocado, mmmmm that burger was delish! Substitute sweet potato fries and dipped it in the side of ranch I had-those bad boys were really good! My friend had the fish tacos and the other girl with us had a burger-they both said their food was good. This is a great place to chill and hang out with a couple friends. Our server was really nice and recommended good drinks and good food! (THUMBS UP!!!)
(3)
Cyrus W.

Beer was good, food was decent, and they have a nice patio. Service was friendly. I'll be back.
(4)
Rishi N.

I visited Cambridge Common for weekend brunch recently when I was looking for a good spot without too much of a wait. The food was quite good, portions were sizable, the price was reasonable (especially given the area), and service was friendly and attentive. I'll be back the next time I'm in Cambridge and would definitely recommend this place to others.
(4)
Jillian Y.

Wait, what? I haven't reviewed Cambridge Common yet? WTF. Cambridge Common is just around the corner from my office, so I've been jaunting over here for work lunches and after-hours beers for a couple of years now...but it wasn't until earlier this month when I moved across the street that I began to fall in love with place. First off, BEER. Yeah, you heard me: BEER. As in, somewhere around 100 of them. My fave is Clown Shoes Clementine, which comes around every couple of weeks or so. And oh, the noms. I tend to order the same two or three things (Uncommon BLT, BLT burger...seeing a trend here?), but have, on occasion, tasted the various apps and I can attest...they are yum. Also, generally speaking, you have to appreciate a place that has the cajones to FRY pickles (yep, you heard me right).
(4)
Robby T.

I love this place. Usually nice amount of space at the bar, even on weekends....but it can fill up at times. Good atmosphere and service (plenty of bartenders), music is not too loud for conversation. I go here for the beer selection. Great selection-even the permanent standards they have on tap are above average. The real draw for me is the rotating taps and the cask offering which usually changes daily (and depending on what they're offering- even within a night). They're one of a few bars in Boston that offers a proper sample rack which is fun too. Food is good and pretty quick too! The black bean burger is a delicious monster.
(5)
Meena V.

I love this place for dinner, for just drinks, and most of all -- for late night MUNCHIES! Seriously, -- I mean past a certain point, fry me almost anything and I'm down -- but FRIED PICKLES! Love. The food is typical/ new-ish American bar-food, not THE BEST in the world, but still capable of standing its ground well in any bar-food fight. Couple that in with cool, rotating brews, great service, tons of tables and that one time they seated my group of 12 thirty minutes before closing and gave us all fried food? I'm a solid fan!
(4)
Corydon S.

Having gone to school right around the corner from Cambridge common, I have spent more nights at this bar than any other in the area. Thankfully, the food here is not your standard dull bar fare. I mostly order off the appetizer portion of the menu because the appetizers are cheap and the portions are big enough to share with your friends. My top three favorite appetizers are the Sweet Potato Fries, the Middle Eastern Platter, and the Southwestern Quesadilla. The Black Angus Burger or the English Burger are two good options if you want a meal. The selection of beer at Cambridge Common appeases both the broke college kids and the beer snobs. Personally, I appreciate the fact that they have Brooklyn Lager on tap. If not your sure what beer to get, you might want to try a beer sampler.
(3)
Katie K.

Great place if you're a craft beer geek. The selection is great, especially if you're from out of town. We ordered stuffed clams that got forgotten about but they were taken off our bill so...no complaints!
(4)
Kristen C.

Wow, this place was SOLID. My friend and I were both verging on hangry when we arrived. Our waiter got total props for picking up the cues ("Hey, can I get you guys started with something to drink?" "We'd like to order right now. :)" and our food and drinks came in under 5 minutes. My friend told me this was normal for for Cambridge Common, but I was still impressed. I'd read on Yelp the sweet potato fries were delicious, so decided it was worth getting as an appetizer even though I didn't reeeeally want the extra food. BEST LIFE CHOICE EVER. My friend got the curly fries with her veg. burger, as well as a spiked (?) cider and these were also delicious. I got the fish tacos, which were n-thly delicious. Bottom line: It was all delicious, our waiter was efficient and personable, and I will be coming back. Why didn't I try this place sooner?
(5)
Crystal F.

LOVE CAMBRIDGE COMMON!!! I live right around the corner and I'm so glad to be a regular here. The changing cocktails are always inventive, strong and not overpriced the food is good ole comfort foods the Mac n cheese is my favorite but you can't beat the deal on the common burger with fries (I always go for curly) for only $5. Great neighborhood place with friendly staff and an extensive rotating tap list that has both a cider and beer line how could you go wrong??? Fun for the average college student who just wanted a beer after a day of classes while being casually upscale enough to take your parents there for a good meal. I bring everyone there it's my favorite chill hang out spot and a good place to meet people too. It can get a bit busy and noisy on Friday nights but there's also the lizard lounge downstairs which seems like it always has live music going. Perfect everyday place to grab a beer and a must eat for visitors to the area.
(5)
Kim A.

Never really have to wait for a seat since there's so much of it- they have both indoor and outdoor(limited so may have to wait) seating. We are fans of their Cobb salad(with grilled instead of breaded chicken), their Mac and cheese, meatloaf, deviled eggs, their specials, their burgers, and of course their drinks! The waitstaff is normally very friendly and helpful and the food arrives warm and fairly quickly! They have some parking in back ( very rare for cambridge)!!!!
(4)
asli e.

It is a really good place to have beer. And it is a plus that they have sweet potato fries. However, I hate that the burger is not made how it was asked. If you are not going to make it "medium" like I wanted to, why ask. Also, really stale, probably double fried, french fries with the food.
(3)
Em B.

Great food, great fried pickles, great take-out service. Eat-in service, ehh not so much.
(4)
James L.

Okay, this is my favorite bar in Boston. Seriously 5 stars. Prices are cheap. Atmosphere is great. The bartenders are fantastic. Everyone is really friendly. Seriously the best neighborhood bar in the area. That said I've also eaten here more times than any other restaurant and I'd probably give the food 3 1/2-4 stars. Its cheap, its decent, its solid pub food and most definitely good for the price but if I just wanted a meal with no drinking than I'd probably go somewhere else. Some of their food is also pretty hit or miss. I personally go for the black bean burger which is a solid 4 star burger.
(4)
Kelley E.

I used to come here a lot when I was living in the area, and I still make the drive every so often when I'm craving a black bean burger - so good! Seriously, I love black bean burgers and theirs is the best I've ever had. Their sweet potato fries are really good - cut into thin crinkly chips instead of strips, just the right amount of crispness. You can get them on the side of any sandwich for an extra dollar or something, even though the menu just gives you a choice of regular or curly fries. Also, do yourself a favor and get the fried pickles - they're spicy and delicious and served with chipotle aioli. I always ask for a side of the chipotle aioli to dip my fries in, too. Service is good. The place is usually busy, so there's often a wait, especially Thurs-Sat nights. It can be pretty loud, but not to the point where you can't hold a conversation. If you go in the warmer months, there's some outdoor seating which is always nice.
(5)
D M.

I think maybe I'd have a higher review of this place if I ate here. I just got a few drinks when I met up with the boys. While tasty, my two gin and tonics varied wildly in alcohol content. My first one was tame, second was heavy on the gin. The beer menu is decent, and I like the tasting board you can order.....I tried a few sips of Jesse's. Service was slow, and the dude kept sloshing beer because he was carrying three or four at a time and couldn't hack it. I will be back for food at some point, but so far, not really wowed.
(3)
Stephen P.

I stopped in here for a bit on the last night of 2008... a hilarious plasitc hat was soon placed on my head, plastic noisemaker thrust into my mouth and the DogFish Head I ordered plopped in front of me in no time at all... can't help but say that endeared me greatly to this place... the crowd was pleasantly boisterous... Split a burger with my special lady friend that was decent... the fries were a bit underdone... but overall fine food... we rounded our visit out with an Allagash White... great beer, OK food...
(3)
Alexa R.

I like this place because it is close to my school! It's easy to get to if my friends and I want to get a bite. The atmosphere is pretty cozy and they seem to have a great selection at the bar. They have outside seating, but it is on the sidewalk which makes it hard for people on the street to walk by. I ordered a burger and it was a little too overcooked. Which can really ruin a good burger sometimes. I wouldn't not recommend it, but there are some places that are better. It is a good place to go to if you are near by and you do not want to travel far!
(3)
E C.

5 stars for the beer, huge selection. 3 stars for the food, have eaten there several times and its just decent bar food. Great place overall, good size and quality crowd. I'm not crazy about their outdoor seating, if you want to watch (and listen to) Mass Ave traffic go for it.
(4)
Sumaiya R.

The Cambridge Common is a very conveniently located place for me to grab lunch with a friend. Their food is also very good. I ordered a chicken burger and the portions were a good size. I also ordered a spicy lemonade cocktail, which was also very tasty. I met a friend here for lunch with her 4 year old son. I wouldn't say this is the best place for kids, but he had a coloring book that kept him occupied.
(4)
Trish F.

I usually chill with Cambridge Common's hipper, loner, musical brother Lizard Lounge and I sometimes feel like I haven't spent enough time with CC. I'm sorry for that dude. Lemme make it up to you by writing a 4 star review. I've never walked out of Cambridge Common feeling jipped or with a grossly full stomach. I was recently here for brunch and it was delicious. I had the corn chowder and their special omelet (sausage, tomato, and swiss). The corn chowder was alright. More chow than chowder, it was lacking on the soup end but had a lot of ingredients hanging out in my cup. The omelet plate came with a side of potatoes and fruit. The potatoes were great, I just wish the portion was larger. The fruit was room temperature (I like mine slightly chilled), but still tasted fresh. And the omelet of course was SO filling, but it was more of an egg sandwich with the ingredients tossed in the middle instead of mixed in. It worked for me though. A lot of food here works for me. I've been in for lunch/dinner/ludner but this was my first brunch here. I dig the atmosphere. I always catch wind of some interesting conversations. And by the way Mary.. if you're reading this.. I TOTES think you should break up with him. Give away his sorry arse on Craigslist or something. Anyway, the servers are awesome and incredibly attentive. They've definitely got each other's back when it comes to busing and whatnot. One kind of lame thing to me, is that the last time I was waiting to go to Lizard Lounge because they were at capacity and I couldn't bring my beer down from Cambridge Common when they finally let us in. I mean I can understand that they're two different establishments.. but what if I promise to bring my beer glass back up? ;D Plus they did, after all, suggest I go to CC to wait.
(4)
Anthony R.

I love Cambridge Common -- it's definitely in the regular rotation of restaurants I go to with friends and is often a default destination. The burgers aren't THE BEST, nor do they have fun names like Bartley's, but they're damn tasty and quite economically priced. I nearly always get the blackjack burger, which has spices in the patty along with pepper jack cheese and this incredibly tasty chipotle mayonnaise on it. So good. Fried pickles are also delicious, as others have noted, and not cut into chips like some places do -- they're kosher dill spears breaded and fried. They also come with the incredibly tasty chipotle mayonnaise on the side. For a good time, save the leftovers from your order of fried pickles to dip your fries in later. Mmmm.. And then of course there's the beer. Tons of rotating taps with good, local beer -- it's like a mini-Sunset on the other side of the river. The beer list is a lot less paralyzing in size at Cambridge Common, and I'm never left wanting for more choice. I'm not sure if this is a summer-only thing, but the pitchers of beer punch are better than one might expect -- lemonade, vodka, and Sam Summer all combine to make something that's very refreshing and starts tangy and sweet but ends with that summery wheat beery taste. I'm usually an IPA guy but I can dig it. And by dig it, I mean split a pitcher with a friend and have a great stumbling time afterwards. Anything bad? Parking in the lot is tight but that's not really a surprise - as far as I'm concerned a parking lot in that area is a big bonus anyway. Service can be slow when they get busy, but not unreasonably slow.
(5)
Kristina D.

Beer: Solid. I like that there is a Wicked Cool New England tap of the day. Yesterday it was Otter Creek Copper Ale, which is totally money. Back in D.C. I used to have it at the Brickskeller in bottle form...definitely not as good. Boston pwns D.C. in that respect. The four-beer samplers also appeal to my tendency to want to try little bits of everything. Food: Yummy! I adore the sweet potato fries, which come sliced into circles rather than the traditional fry shape. Like other excellent fries, these are well-textured (not soggy, not overdone). I had curly fries last night with my burger, and only coveted my friend Manny's sweet potato fries a little bit. The burgers are solid--but the medium could be a little more rare. I had one with bacon and blue cheese, which turned out great. We all split a veggie quesadilla, which was surprisingly good. The cheese was melted to an excellent consistency, the tortilla was appropriately cooked, and the accompanying salsa was good. Atmosphere: Pretty good, and very spacious. It was already crowded by 7:15pm on a Tuesday.
(4)
Meredith K.

After my horrible meal (if you'd call it a meal) at Clery's (see other review for that) we came here for some after dinner drinks. I've always like this place. It's comfortable, there's a cool crowd, it's low key, they have a great beer selection, and decent food. I was a little sad we'd already eaten - as I would have rather had my meal here. The tater tots are so yummy! You can knock a few back and catch a game with friends. Perfect for a chill lunch or dinner.
(4)
Betty P.

I love the atmosphere of this place! My bf and I were not really hungry, but we wanted a late night snack and drinks in a low-key environment. Cambridge Common was a great choice. We each got a beer sampler (4 lil' beers) and a hummus platter. Our waitress was great at giving us beer suggestions and was helpful without hovering. For somebody like me who can't drink a lot of beer in one sitting, it was nice to try a variety of beers at a time. I can't wait to come back and try the beer punch I keep reading about!
(4)
Claudia H.

This is the only restaurant in the Boston area capable of satisfying the needs of the true beer aficionado -- with an extensive cellar of craft beer, and more than 30 beers on tap (some rotating weekly). Of course, the food is also good. I would recommend the English Burger or the Fried Chicken - if you're hungry. Their salads are good if you're in the mood for something lighter.
(5)
Charles B.

underwhelmed here. I got a steak, which cost as much as a sirloin but was not sirloin. It was a wimpy, thin, sad looking piece of meat. The potatoes, yuck. Yeah beer punch, too bad I don't drink. So, I have no draw to come here again.
(2)
Ranjit V.

Tried out the blackjack burger with sweet potato fries. The swap on the fries was $2 more, but that's ok. They have a grand selection of beers though!
(4)
Melissa M.

Not a bad "spot". Good beer selection. Relaxing feel and good service. Slightly above average pub food. But I love those fried pickles!
(3)
Desiree D.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed The Common yet!! This is, by far, my favorite place in Boston. I used to live literally around the corner, and this became the "go-to" joint for any house celebrations. Curly fries are divine, beer list is HUGE and always changing (and there's something for us wimpy cider drinkers too); veggie burgers are pretty damn tasty, nachos can feed 2-3 people comfortably, and beer punch? More like ambrosia. The staff are always friendly & attentive (and if you bring cake, they'll even bring it out with candles!), seating is relatively fast given how busy they get, and refills happen in a blink of an eye. The only thing I didn't like about The Common was that the pickles changed- the beloved dill changed to a homemade bread and butter that just was...wrong on so many levels. But that was changed back recently and I have absolutely nothing bad at all to say about my favorite restaurant!
(5)
Dara R.

This is a very reasonably priced place to eat and the food is quite good. Tonite I started with the soup of the day, Gazpacho. It was delicious. I had a basic burger which wasn't fabulous, but I have had specialty burgers here before and liked them alot. They are great about subbing out fries for salad. But if you are in the mood for fries, the curly fries and sweet potato fries are my favs. It's fun to order a beer sampler where you get about five small glasses of different beers. They often have fruit crumble desserts and of course there is always Berry Line across the street if you feel like frozen yogurt. I love Cambridge Common and I love the waiter I often get....John. He doesn't write a thing down, even for a party of 10!
(4)
Ligaya T.

Tip to the golddiggers (courtesy of Wendy L): skip the FiDi and come here. The HBS boys come in droves and you'll look much more sincere if you get em while they're young, ya know? So what if you'll have to wait a few years to really get wined and dined, this place is great in the meantime. Cheap. Good burgers, good selection of brews, fried pickles. Just pass on the chocolate cake cuz it came straight out of a Sysco (food distributor) box. Plus you can watch the game on their many screens and partake in friendly banter with the patrons. The staff is super chill and as long as it's not super busy (rotation is pretty quick) they'll let you lounge.
(3)
Sarah S.

An update to my update, in conversational form: Sarah: And let's get nachos, and sweet potato fries, and a quesadilla, and... Friend: Why don't we get the fried pickles? Sarah: Uh, hellz no. That sounds like all kinds of nastiness. Friend: Seriously, though, they're good. Sarah: Noooooo. Friend: SARAH. They are FRIED and unhealthy, and therefore you will like them. Just try them, twatwaffle. Sarah: (pouty sigh) Fine. ....10 minutes later.... Sarah: (whilst munching on her second fried pickle dipped in a delicious chipotle mayo) Ooh, these things are pretty tasty. Why haven't you made me order them before? Waiter, another round, s'il vous plait!
(4)
Allison S.

My bf and I had some Sunday Brunch at Cambridge Common and it was awesome. We were aimlessly driving around trying to find some breakfast at around 2pm (we're late sleepers), and we saw a big sign on Cambridge Common saying that they serve brunch until 2 30pm! SCORE!!! Not only did they seat and serve us within minutes of the brunch deadline, but the food was awesome! My bf got the biscuits & gravy that had crumbled sausage on it. It came with a small bowl of home fries and eggs cooked to order. It was so good!!!! I had the boring Power Brunch: 2 eggs cooked to order, home fries, bacon, sausage, toast and a small bowl of fresh fruit. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better breakfast at that moment. I would definitely go back to Cambridge Common - for Brunch, dinner or just for a few beers (if I can find parking). They had a bunch of beers on tap, and if their brunch is that good, their dinner must also be awesome.
(4)
Erik O.

really good breakfast!
(4)
Sarah H.

There's good service, there's good beer, there's usually not a wait when I go. Their menu's pretty limited, very comfort food-ish, so it definitely has its purpose. Probably not a very happy place for anyone who wants their arteries to stay clear. I recall a friendly waiter offering samples of some unknown beer which I ended up purchasing a pint of. good solid food, good solid beer, never had a problem, but its never been 5-star amazing.
(4)
Matt W.

As mentioned by others, golddiggers will be overjoyed by the multitude of Harvard Law and Business school kids at Cambridge Common. Grab a beer and sit back to enjoy a plethora of conversation topics that you don't understand....from constitutional law in Ghana to the international supply and demand of raisins. One would have to venture to The Thirsty Ear at MIT for a more intelligent conversation. Smart talk aside, the Common does offer above average pub food and an ever changing assortment of beers. They are located next to The Lizard Lounge, ideally situated for a pre-concert burger and booze fest. Grab some friends and go work it!
(3)
Kylie H.

I love it here... best cob salad and fried pickles I've ever had. The fact they have fried pickles on the menu is enough for me to keep coming back. When friends visit me from out of town I always recommend coming to the Cambridge Common. Really good beer selection and nice environment. Try coming here during the week when it is less busy if you want to enjoy the food and drink more than the social environment. P.S. (they have a secret parking lot in the back if you want to avoid street parking)
(4)
dan m.

I'll keep hold with my last review but my last experince was hurting. The staff was on the rude side and the drinks were weak. Waitress was great but other personnel (bouncers) were rude toward a guest at our party. Mind you the guest was a piece of garbage but the staff could have treated her in a manner better than that which they did. The night ended awkward and I am nervous to return. The staff there needs a reminder that they are working at a bar...not a black tie place.
(3)
Orly M.

I wander into the Common every once in a while. It's a good spot for a greasy burger every once in a while, some sweet potato fries, or some tater tots (ask for them with cheese for extra artery cloggage). The food isn't good but it's cheap. Among industry people Cambridge Common has a reputation for having a repulsively dirty kitchen. So, I need to be drunk enough to not think about rat poop in my food. I don't think I've ever gone in here and not been hit on by some sketchy guy, whether i'm with my boyfriend or not. And I do mean sketchy. This place is a magnet for all of the "smart" sketchballs in the Avon Hill area. The atmosphere sucks. I always sit at the bar because I hate the way the tables are set up. It is dark, dingy, and smells like a basement at all times. The drinks are mediocre. The outdoor seating debuted this summer is a nice touch, although picnic tables are a poor choice for those of us with bony butts. I guess the assumption is you're a regular and eat a lot of burgers and tater tots. I say spend an extra few bucks and go to Common's big brother, Christopher's for better food and drink.
(2)
Tullia F.

As a student down the street, I end up eating here 3 or 4 times a month. The beer selection's solid. I wouldn't drink any of their cocktails (try across the street at Westside or Chez Henri for those). I've been out of sort with them since they took the egg salad with avocado off the menu. What was the deal? Was avocado getting too expensive -- grr Boston and your lack of fresh produce. Now they have a black bean patty burger with "wilted" -- their word, not mine -- spinach. Meh. Their pasta dishes usually leave something to be desired. It's safest to stick with the burgers and fries, and tater tots, which are a favorite of mine. Their salads are decent too. The service is uniformly okay.
(4)
Nicholas P.

Cambridge Common is a great place to sit, relax, have a bit to eat, and a good beer. You can always count on consistent quality. The food will be filling and the beer selection will always be adventurous. The staff is great, too. They know their products and want you to have a great experience there. A great place to watch a game!
(5)
Wendy L.

Decent food at good prices but just a typical burger/sandwich joint. The menu has a fair amount of variety, and they have a wide variety of beers on tap. I think this place wins a lot of customers because it's close to a lot of schools, but it isn't particularly great at anything. I went with a friend of mine, and it's a good place to talk and actually hear what people have to say... It seems like it would be a great place to get together with friends and catch up but it certainly isn't a raging party.
(3)
Julia W.

I like this place a whole lot. Excellent beer selection. I've had to wait only once for a table (and even then we got a table 15 minutes before they predicted). The bartenders are great. Good brunch, great bloody mary. Ok food; the veggie burger is nothing to write home about, but it is only $5. Good atmosphere. Lively but not too crowded. Downstairs is the Lizard Lounge, sometimes it is a little loud because of that. Only negative: the nachos. Not enough cheese, cheap chips. Always disappoint me.
(3)
Katie A.

My husband and I live around the corner from Cambridge Common and have been there on numerous occasions for brunch, dinner, or drinks. We both love the curly fries and fried pickles. Both are a little spicy, tasty, and just plain good. I am vegetarian and like both the veggie burger and black bean burger, which are both pretty hearty sandwiches. Their sweet potato fries are pretty great as well and they have tater tots that will bring you back to the third grade. My husband likes the burgers, meatloaf, and the great selection of beers. He normally gets the English burger or the Cambridge Common burger but has tried several of them. This is a great place to meet up with people and the quality is great for the price. They get credit for having a creative menu with a lot of comfort foods and doing burgers really well.
(5)
Emily F.

I was here with a friend during the week around 8 or 9pm. We were just wandering around and decided to stop in for a drink. It was a great comfortable atmosphere - dark & intimate (would be nice for a date, or for catching up with a couple of friends), yet spacious and open enough that it didn't reek of cutesy couples/disappointingly awkward first dates. We sat at the bar and ordered two really yummy cocktails: key lime pie (bacardi limon, stoli vanil, & pineapple juice with a graham cracker crumb rim...sweet & delicious) and hot tub (stoli raz, chambord, & champagne with a sugar rim...verryyy drinkable, verryyy good). I think they were both around $8? The bartenders were attentive and friendly, but not overbearing. We even made friends with two guys sitting next to us who gave us several suggestions of other places to go around Harvard/Central Square. We had a really wonderful time here and definitely want to return!
(4)
Katie L.

This place is a regular spot for me -- I love it! How can you beat $3.95 beer, big-screen sports games, great music and those FREAKING CURLY FRIES?! On the nights I opt for a salad (try the chicken and couscous salad -- very tasty), I end up hating (fine, loving) myself for picking all the fries off my boyfriend's plate. Also, if you've been hesitating to try this place for brunch, I can attest that it's quite good, and of course reasonably priced. Cheap, tasty, reliable, fun -- we love you, CC! (To Scott B. -- now I can't WAIT to try the beer punch!! That sounds unbelievable!)
(4)
Anthony D.

Great burgers! Great sweet potato fries! Great draft selection! Great place to talk, not too loud or crazy.
(4)
Albert H.

Great craft beer selection in between Harvard and Davis Square. It was a nice halfway point for walking between the two, in case you might be wanting to walk off some of the alcohol between spots. Seriously though, they have less common craft offerings and the price is attractive for the Boston area. Menu looked ordinary, but really I see this is a very good beer bar that isn't too pretentious.
(4)
Morgan R.

This place has the HANDS DOWN best Sangria I've ever had in my entire life. It's the perfect recipe with tons of fruit. I'll be going back here for more and more of this amazing drink. Only sucky thing was that when I was there, they ran out of the wine to make it and only had one glass :(
(5)
Emily H.

Man, I really want to like Cambridge Common--I've spent enough time and money here. The beer selection is above average, but oftentimes is not well balanced--they'll have a lot of one style on tap, but if you're not looking for that style, you're kinda out of luck. The food is generally tasty and cheap. The service, however, is decidedly non-tasty and they are not really accomodating to or pleasant to large groups. This place just gets a big shrug in my book.
(2)
Peter B.

Very clean: As I sit here eating the best sliders I've had in Boston the staff is cleaning the ledge above the kitchen door. Good service.
(4)
Jay S.

Great beer...great Tater Tots - enough said! Fun spot to grab a drink.
(4)
Rob H.

The items at Cambridge Common are the beers on tap. The food takes a back seat. The sampler is a good deal and the best pairing I can suggest is the mac and cheese bites. The service is great most of the time. They have a couple slackers who they must refuse to fire so to be safe..don't go here if you are in a hurry.
(3)
Mrs. E.

Fried pickles and deviled eggs, by far the most interesting apps I've seen
(4)
Christopher R.

Ive been here three times now. It's not the friendliest of service staff around, but the food is pretty darn good and comes out of the kitchen pretty fast. Depending on what time you go (after work) there are some seedy types hanging out at the bar. Probably drowning the sorrows of the day at work, and numbing the pain before going home. The sweet potato fries are out of this world, and where else can you find Tater Tots on the menu. The fact that this is so close to school, and I can get a beer before and after class makes it great. After this semester, I dont know that I would head down that way for anything. This doesnt make me think about driving out to Cambridge just to go here, but if I was in the neighborhood Id stop by.
(3)
Nicole P.

I dig this place because they make the most amazing egg salad sandwich ever! I don't even really like egg salad! It comes with avacado and I highly reccomend the sweet potato fries- yum! I am sure the food is good in general but I can't tear myself away from the egg salad to try anything else. There is also the Lizard Lounge downstairs which has the same menu and great live music! Parking can be a little hard if you don't have a resident sticker.
(4)
Aleacia S.

This is one of our favorite places in the area. You can always count on a great beer list and solid food at very reasonable prices. The servers in the dining room are hit or miss but the guys behind the bar are really good. Try the grilled cheese and tomato soup (served with fries as a bonus!) with a Flower Power IPA. Yum!
(5)
B D.

Awesome selection of beer, many of which I had not heard of before. I would suggest the option of picking 4 which come in 4 "small" glasses (I would say that it takes 5-7 sips to finish them). Food is good, I like that they have specials every night. I have had their turkey burger, hummus plate (YUM!), nachos, french fries, salads, and quesidillas. Good prices all around. The service is hit or miss. I have had some very friendly servers and then ones that were...not so much. Also some of the bartenders should really park their ego outside before entering to work their shift.
(4)
Tom T.

This is one of our favorite spots for dinner and drinks. We used to live around the corner, so we would go about once a week or more. This is a great place to take friends and visitors because anyone can find something they want on the menu and the beers on tap are reasonably priced and extensive. Service has always been great here for us. Since we go so often, some of the servers know us and make sure to give us a booth. If you're having a trouble selecting a beer from the long list of daily specials, ask for a recommendation--the servers are pretty knowledgeable. They are also awesome about letting you taste a beer or two to help you make up your mind. While the burgers are excellent and cheap, brunch food for us has been a mixed bag. We went a few times but it wasn't our favorite. My girlfriend ordered a tofu scamble and it was really watery. She didn't send it back, but she didn't eat much either (she hates complaining, especially at places we frequent and know the food is generally really good). The waitress noticed and asked if my girlfriend would prefer something else. She ended up bringing waffles and didn't charge us for either. That's what I call excellent customer service. All in all, a great place to bring a date, friends, or family. Good prices, solid food, great service, and great beer. Oh, and check out the art on the walls that they swap out monthly--always an interesting conversation piece.
(4)
Anastasia L.

Maybe it's just that school is back in full swing, but last time I was here this place was just PACKED with college kids. Which is fine and all, but they were all eating and taking up seats and we wanted to sit, drink, and watch the Sox! The nerve. Anyway, the food looks the same (American bar food, good curly fries), the beer selection is still good, the bartender was really unfriendly AND slow (deadly combination), and the mixed drinks were a disaster. You know, there's a fine line between giving the customer more bang for their buck, and completely ruining the taste of the beverage. Just my humble opinion, anyway.
(3)
Travis D.

Good food, Great beer, Not too shabby service.
(5)
Samuel W. B.

Great veggie burger, soup, and sweet potato fries. Atmosphere is cool, and wait staff has always been great. I go here whenever we are in the area.
(4)
Andrea H.

Great beer selection. Try the "English" burger, with all the fixins on an english muffin. Sweet potato fries a must. Very gay friendly.
(5)
Gracie B.

I just feel compelled to write a review because I went there last night. I don't think this place needs *one more* review. How many reviews does a place really need? When is enough? How much is too much? If a restaurant opens in the middle of the woods and there is no one there to review it, does it still have a good beer selection? Sorry, I'm getting all Yelp-existential right now. OK. Never mind that. Anyway! Cambridge Common serves a purpose. I've been going here for years. I can't stop.....even if I wanted to. It's existence is completely validated for me by two things. One - You can always depend on getting a table. And if you need a place that offers a guarantee of a table and a meal that won't poison you, this is the spot. And Two - If it's after 10PM on a weekday or 11PM on a weekend and you realized you've been busy all day and forgot to plan anything for dinner and your tired and you could use a drink, this is the spot. Pros: The drinks are poured pretty strong, especially if you are a familiar face to the bartender. The manager is really nice and tries to make people happy. It's one of those places where you can either hide-in-the-crowd and enjoy your anonymous dining and drinking experience with a book or a laptop OR you can get comfy at the bar and look around for some friendly faces --customers and servers alike-- and have a nice chatty burger and brew . And the beer selection, in case no one else has mentioned this (wink wink) is GREAT. Oh yeah, and it's a good place for groups. If all the cons listed below are ok with you. Cons: It's hit or miss with the waitstaff being super informed about the beer selection. Sometimes I feel like I'm getting really good advice, and sometimes i feel like I'm getting their best guess. If that kind of thing matters. I am not a HUGE beer drinker, so when I want to try something new I like to make a good choice. The food is sooooo average. Nothing stands out. I really wish they would do something about the bread they use to put their burgers on. It's always dry and unbelievably boring. The rest of the things I've had there have never risen above adequate and decent. I really don't go there for the food, as I mentioned earlier. I go because anywhere else i want to go is already closed or because I need a place I can count on for no-wait dining. I go to Cambridge Common because it's there. Maybe that is a sad fact. Maybe there should be a better option. But there isn't right now. For what they do, they do it with effort and pride. I think that counts for something. I do appreciate this place and take full advantage.
(4)
Kristine M.

The beer selection is great -- and not too pricey. My mac and cheese was decent, but nothing to write home about. My husband's steak tips were charred, but his tater tots were good! There really weren't many healthy offerings on the menu. We had great service, though, and the beer selection makes the place a little more special than your average pub.
(4)
Beans B.

Good veggie burger, OK fries, AWESOME beer. An extra star just for the beer selection. I'm not a beer snob, but I like me some variety beyond Harpoon and Stella, and Cambridge Common delivers. This is what American Craft in Brookline on Beacon wants to be. Very nice staff too.
(4)
Kathleen M.

This place can be hit or miss for both food and service. Some things that are consistently good are the tater tots, fried pickles, and, surprisingly, the fresh catch salad (dinner-sized salad w/ fish o' the day on top). The place is quite big, so it can be better than other places for larger groups. I often end up here when I'm out with a crew of 8 or more, and they're typically quite accommodating. They have rotating beer taps, and at least 20 different beers on tap, which can provide for some interesting selections. They also have a pretty good bloody mary, which comes with about 10 different veggies in it, so if you're not that hungry, you can get your food and drink for one low price. Prices in general are reasonable, for both food and drink. Recently, I noticed that they have tables outside for the summer (and you can drink at them!), and, apparently, play the Beatles during brunch on Sundays. I haven't partaken in either, but am certainly intrigued by both. My favorite part about this place, though, is that they serve food late. They have saved me many a time after 11 pm on a Sunday evening when I have arrived back in town after a weekend "abroad" starving because the cheap-ass airline I insisted on taking can't even pass out a bag that contains more than three of those annoyingly small mini-sized pretzels.
(4)
Tanvi D.

Love this place for a nice low key dinner or brunch. This is my "default" option for when I can't think of where to go for dinner, which is usually once every 15 days. I have been there on numerous occasions with couple friends for a nice relaxing evening and also with a huge (15) group of collegues for a going away party. It has been a pleasant experience every time. I also order things for take out quite regularly as well.. Things I love here.. Brunch 1. Eggs - I always get them fried 2. Toast - Rye with lots of butter 3. Home fries -- ooh yumm... 4. Fresh Fruit bowl 5. Bacon 6. Coffee Lunch / Dinner 1. Beers 2. Veggie Burger --- Very tasty, not the yucky boca burger 3. Tater Tots -- yep they have them.. 4. Cesar Salad 5. Soup of the day (always vegetarian) 6. Curly Fries 7. Macaroni and Cheese --- Its heavenly 8. Boneless Buffalo Wings I live pretty close by, so, I don't have to worry about parking, but, I can see that being a problem. But, the 77 or 96 bus stops less than 100 feet away.
(5)
Will W.

The burger selection was quite good! Had some basics with the ability to add on a few key ingredients (gotta have sauteed onions!). The curly fries, like almost all curly fries really got my excitement up as well. The fish'n'chips on the other side of the table didn't look so hot though... too bad. The flip side would be that the drink selection (for those that partake in good beer) was quite excellent. Some beers from all over the nation and they even have a cask on Wednesdays. Unfortunately, I didn't have my ID on me, so I guess I've gotta go back! Anyone want to join?
(4)
Ilya Jacob R.

Beer. This is a beer place. Its a place for people who love beer and above average food. Basically, you should go over there and hit that spinach and artichoke dip. It is my favorite in the city. If you know a better place - let me know - stat. Meanwhile, its ambiance is okay, but nothing to Yelp about. What also bugs me is that the tvs aren't well positioned here - its hard to see things if you're in the wrong spot.
(3)
Vanilla P.

I've only been here at lunch during the week, and since I'm in the process of TRYING to get a job, I can't actually imbibe any alcohol. That comes AFTER the 90 day period where they can't fire me. Today I had a delicious banana soup with slivered almonds floating oh so prettily on the top. It was great, refreshing, and made me feel like a princess because someone was thoughtful enough to grind and liquefy my bananas... Just to keep my from having to chew. Sounds weird, I know, but perfect for a hot day like today! I would have to give the soup alone a 5 star. I also ordered a Mandarin Chicken Salad thing, which was strangely salty and spicy, but I kept eating and eating. The only thing I didn't like about the salad was the chicken, but I think that's because it had a glaze on it that was too pungent. Plus it came out with cooked asparagus on top, which smelled too asparagussy, and then made me think of when you eat asparagus and then your pee smells... My runaway mind keeps me from enjoying life to the fullest. No crowds, fast and friendly service. I will so come back to booze it up over lunch breaks when I'm past my probation period. EDIT_________________7/18/07 So apparently this place completely changes at night, and the waiters don't feel obligated to wait on you and your party, because you've passed the magical number where they automatically charge an 18% gratuity. After numerous glasses were dry, and we were all dying of dehydration, the waiter finally came over.... And begrudgingly brought out drinks... very slowly. I asked for a pitcher of water, but no. We had to wait until he brought out a couple waters here, a couple waters there. Veggie burger was dry, but the satanic hot chicken things were great. If I could have left 10% Gratuity, I would have.
(3)
Erin K.

I'm giving this place 4 stars not because the food or drinks are all that great or even because the ambiance is that terrific but for sheer dependability. This is the place you can count on in the area where the kitchen doesn't shut down until midnight. The menu abounds with options so you can get whatever you fancy whether it be fried pickles or a decently healthy salad. The place is vast so you can also count on not having to wait too long for a table. Like I said the food is decent bar food, nothing mind blowing but for a late dinner its pretty respectable and also affordable. The bar provides pretty much whatever you could need especially in the beer deparment, i've even had a decent margarita which i have sensed re-ordered many a time. I go here with my boyfriend a lot, it seems to marry male and female sentiments cooperatively, its a place we can both agree on and sometime being dependable yet innocous is all you need.
(4)
Cory Q.

I found hair and rat feces in my mashed potatoes.
(1)
Steve L.

Great beer bar with rotating taps -- You never know what they are going to have, unless you check it out on their website. Above average bar food -- The Black Bean burger is a melty,creamy indulgence, and their weekend brunches are delicious when paired with a strong IPA. Good Casual atmosphere. A Healthy walk from the Harvard or Porter T station, or hop onto the 77 bus.
(4)
Dave K.

Man, Yelp makes me seem like a foodie jerk! All of you guys are so nice, and damn it it makes me look mean by comparison. (Of course, it could be the fact that I am a foodie jerk, but I'd rather blame you.) That being said, I went there with the wife yesterday after work. We sat at one of the outside tables (hey, blond lady! What part of "no dogs and no smoking" didn't you understand?) The tables outside are great, and PERFECT for watching the people coming back from their respectives. Now I have my liver and I have recently reached an agreement where it will continue to process toxins and I will stop messing with it so I could not enjoy one of the 24 beers on tap or the delicious sounding cocktails. They have a list of specialties that are from what I believe are TRUE microbreweries. I suspect that they would be delicious and one of the stars is because I don't think it fair to judge a pub solely based on food. (Think 1.5 for food, 2.5 overall.) The bad--Our waiter was just sketchy. He could be the nicest guy in the world, but if you can't make eye contact and shuffle around while we eat you're sketchy. We both ordered burgers so it should have been a pretty easy meal. Alison had the English burger medium well and I had some goofy black Angus thing I made up medium rare. Mine was medium well to well on a stale bun and Alison's was "all right" but medium/medium rare. (Aside--attention waitstaff: If you are not sure you will remember the orders write them down! Nobody will care if you jot notes, but getting the order wrong implies that you can't remember and are a donkey for trying. This is from an ex-waiter who wrote down every damn thing.) OH! I almost forgot!!! The guacamole was canned. If it wasn't canned, it was blended which is only slightly better. Make your own guac or don't offer it!!! I recognize that a place should not be slammed just because of one bad meal, but when there are SO MANY restaurants out there you have to do better that stale bread and overcooked meat. Okay, I don't know what they're paying me for, but it isn't this. Happy Friday. P.S. Things that instantly make a restaurant bad (according to your humble narrator): 1. Stale bread 2. meat more than one level away from what was ordered. 3. brown lettuce and/or the think white part of the lettuce leaf 4. Stale nachos...well stale anything. 5. dirty pipes and draft beer. 6. others?
(3)
Kate M.

Came here with my brother on one of the first warm days of spring, at right around 7 PM. Yet we waited less than an instant for two seats at the bar. Not only was the bartender smiling and chill, but also she stepped right up to us, brought us our beers promptly, and had our food before us in just about ten minutes. The artichoke dip was nothing to write home about, but it was worth the price and so was my Boulder beer. Indeed, the price is right- between the two of us, 4 beers and 2 apps later, I think we each paid $14. And that included a well-deserved 20% tip. Cambridge Common is what it is- a joint frequented by students- but it's family friendly and was just the right amount of bumpin. Can't believe I didn't discover this place sooner....
(4)
Ben A.

I really want to love the Cambridge Common but I just can't. My experiences here have usually left me satisfied but not thrilled. I'm gonna try a 4 point review format here. Drinks (8/10): Their tap menu is huge and they are constantly rotating in new brews on a weekly basis to go along with their staples. Great selection, and usually fresh. I've never had a cocktail from here but their menu looks decent. Many of the cocktails seem to tend to be on the girly side but I give them points for having at least one drink special every day. They can't compete with places like drink or deep ellum when it comes to cocktails but they're not too shabby. Ambiance (7/10): They usually have a good crowd in here. It's often lively and crowded but there's usually at least one or two tables available. The inside of the bar is pretty modern and I like how the bar is sectioned off from the main area. Only complaint is that the bar is kinda small so sometimes it can be difficult to get a seat at the bar or view the game you're trying to watch. For the space they have it's done pretty well though. Food (6/10): For pub food standards it's usually pretty solid. They have a pretty wide variety considering that it's generic bar food, and there are tons of toppings you can choose to put on a burger or sandwich. The only problem is it can be difficult to get exactly what you order (see the next section). The beef stew, however, was particularly good. I also love the sweet potato slices but they are $2 extra. Avoid the curly fries; there tends to be an overwhelming ratio of stubby tiny pieces to actual large curled up fries. Service (3/10): I've been here a bunch of times now and there's almost always a screwup. If you sit at the bar you usually get pretty good service, but don't count on it if you sit at a table. Last night I ended up asking the waiter 4 different times just to get glasses of water for the table. We had other drinks but I shouldn't need to ask 4 different times to get a glass of water! Then there's the problem of getting what you want. Ask for curly fries and you can often get straight fries. And don't count on your burger being cooked how you want it, I've asked for medium and received rare and vice versa... One time I went there with a buddy and we both ordered a burger at the same time. His sandwich comes out before mine, the guy says it will be a few moments for mine. Kind of odd but ok... three minutes later he comes back and says that the guy on the grill had accidentally cooked it well done (despite the fact that I asked for medium rare), and they were going to have to start over from the beginning. Then the burger finally comes out (after my buddy has already finished his food), but the fries on the plate are cold (didn't switch them?) and the guy didn't even give me half off or comp it or anything. Not to mention his mannerisms and overall attentiveness led me to believe he was either stoned or really distracted. It's really too bad that all the waiters at this bar are space cadets because it otherwise could be a really great spot!
(3)
Mekhi B.

I would have to agree with the other reviews here and say that the food is just so-so at Cambridge Common. Really standard bar fare here, so my recommendation would be to stick with the burgers ( i dig the english burger and the angus) and buffalo wings. The beer selection, however is excellent and there are a lot of great beers on tap. They also consistently play pro sports games here on a very large projection screen. So, for sports fans it's a great neighborhood bar - for those looking for a great dinner, head elsewhere.
(3)
Amy B.

Sitting up at the bar, we had a good old time watching the game! Our hostess was a pretty girl with a decadent flower in her hair. The patrons were a mix of friends, folks with babies and kids and neighbors. Everyone was happy! The bartender engaged and seemed to care about everyone! The menu included old favorites like deviled eggs and fried pickles - had a plate for breakfast. One of my favorites at the Common is the English Burger, and they offer a wide variety of crafted beers. For the brave of heart, order the Bloody Mary. I'll warn you - it is spicy! The bartender actually took the time to explain to us that they decided not to go with Absolut Pepper and infused the vodka with peppers themselves. The glass is probably about a liter and topped with huge olives, pickled asparagus, pickled green bean and pickled carrot. The staff actually cares enough to gently thread the vegetables. A real family, comfortable atmosphere! Fun!
(4)
L D.

I really REALLY want to love Cambridge Common but I just can't. They fall short on too many essential points for me to become a regular customer. Every few months I go here and every time I wish for it to be great. And every time I'm just a little bit disappointed. Sure, they have some good beers on tap and they rotate the selection regularly. But the selection is far from mind-blowing. Last night? Both of the beers I wanted were out and none of the bartenders had bothered to erase them from the beer list. As if that act takes too much of their valuable time. Speaking of the service, it sucks. I've sat at the bar and at tables in various spots of the restaurant and every time I get annoyed at how long I'm forced to wait to order a drink and how terribly inefficient the servers are. The bartenders have an amazing ability of completely avoiding eye contact. Last night the guy next to me was literally waving his arms at the bartender because she walked away from him while he was mid-order. Nuts. The food? Eh, not bad. I'm not a fan of the mini burgers because they always come out overcooked. The tater tots and fried pickles are insanely good but how can you screw that up? My favorite is the BLT with avocado. Delicious and reasonably priced. Last night I was absolutely disgusted with how dirty the floors were. I don't typically notice the floors in a bar but both the restaurant and bathroom floors were muddy and black with dirt. Hello? How about a mop? My other complaint is the TV placement at the bar. You can only see the televisions from a few bar seats prohibiting this place from becoming a bar for watching the Sox games. A shame, really. The only time I've enjoyed Cambridge Common was when I went on a weekend afternoon. The daytime bartenders are nice, friendly and attentive. Maybe it's because they aren't as busy in the daytime but you won't find me here at night anymore. Too disappointing.
(3)
Eve L.

I miss this place. When I lived around the corner from here, it was my favorite pub to hang out, watch a game, meet friends, play Scrabble. I need to find a place like that in Brighton now. Food is excellent pub grub. Great beer selection. Good veggie burgers, excellent fries and sweet potato fries. Delicious brownie dessert thing. Good veggie options (not as many as Bukowski's but still a good selection). The Lizard Lounge is a fantastic venue for bands and a kick ass, intimidating (to perform - they're all really, really good!) poetry slam, but if you don't want to hear music on a night there's a band playing, it can get a little loud, even though the Lounge is all the way downstairs.
(5)
Emily W.

This place truly is as good as it gets! The prices are soooo reasonable, and I can't think of another restaurant in the area that serves food with such flavor. Every dish is perfectly seasoned and perfectly prepared. Here are a few of my favorites: 1. Boneless Buffalo Wings - incredible. The best buffalo flavor I've ever had. We get the mild, but it's really not mild at all. 2. Spicy Spinach Artichoke Dip - served with baked pita, this is not your average spinach and artichoke dip. The "spicy" comes from the diced tomatoes that they put on top, which have some type of spicy added to them. Love, love, love this app (sometimes, I get it for my main dish because I'm not a good sharer). 3. Beer list - the ever-changing tap selection is hard to beat. We love good beer, and this is the best place in the area - aside from Redbones maybe - to see and try new ones. The menus include a helpful sheet with descriptions, but the staff is also very knowledgeable. 4. Breakfast BLT - I am not a brunch person, but I really do love this dish. The avocado is a great addition, and I'd highly recommend ordering a spicy bloody Mary with it. 5. Curly fries - Many of the dishes comes with fries, and DEFINITELY get the curly fries as opposed to regular. Amazing. 6. Parking - Not many Mass. Ave. restaurants have their own parking place. Cambridge Common has its own lot behind the building, and we've always been able to find a spot.
(5)
Jamie A.

A perfect spot to go with a group of friends and grab some cheap appetizers, lounge in booths, and get some drinks on a blustery night. The mild wings are just spicy enough and I like spicy things muchly. We've also had the nachos, tater tots, and the brownie sundae, all of which were tasty (certainly nothing out of the ordinary), but great bar food. Go here to watch the game and relax-- and treat yourself to one of their crazy mixed drinks. A bit light on the alcohol, but very the leapin' lizard and the bourbon st. lemonade are gooooood.
(4)
Michelle L.

This place is pretty good! Great beer selection, decent food and very reasonably priced. It gets pretty crowded, but we still managed to get a table quickly on a Saturday night. Overall, a good experience.
(4)
Kelly J.

Great atmosphere. There's work by local artists on the walls. The staff is great. I've always gone with a large group and we were always treated well and had a good time. Their four cheese macaroni is to die for!
(4)
Hiroko S.

It is just a drinking place but one thing that I strongly recommend people is fried pickles. It was amazing idea for me. I was like "Are you sure to fried pickles? Do you know the meaning of fry?" I thought pickles is too liquidity to fry. It must be super hot when you eat. Anyway, it was really good. I was not so pleased by beers(of course they are good) but I definitely want to go back for fried pickles.
(4)
Kevin S.

Love this place. There is always a solid - and frequently updated - beer selection. As for food, there hasn't been anything that I've tried that I haven't liked. Try the macaroni bites for an appetizer - they're pretty amazing.
(5)
Amber H.

After more trips, I believe they are a solid 4 star place. Good food and the servers are always friendly. A good neighborhood go-to!
(4)
Jenna C.

When I lived in Davis Square and go here all the time when I was hungover on Sundays...it's a nice place with a great beer selection, spicer than hell bloody mary's, tasty food, and overall, really cheap. It gets a little loud, but what bar doesn't? The food is worth it though, and the prices are right. Sandwiches run from 5 to 10 bones, they have the best sweet potato fries I've ever had (a la honey mustard), great vegetarian options, a hummus plate I've actually written home about, and pretty amazing salads. Top that off with creative specials and homemade mac and cheese and you've got yourself a winner. It's a nice place to relax at, and is worth the 15 minute walk from Harvard or Porter Square.
(4)
D R.

If you want solid food, particularly burgers and beer, a great place. Great, wide ranging beer list. Great prices too -- check out the micro/local brews they have on special (last night was about 2.95), often costs less than a bud light most other places near Harvard square. Very solid burgers, I recommend the BLT burger (also has avocado on it) and an order of curly fries. Great apps too. Not the classiest place in the area, but I highly recommend.
(5)
Julie A.

I really like this place a lot but I have to say sometimes I just don't feel like it's worth it for diner. I always have to wait and I feel like I can get a better dinner somewhere else. I will say, that I do love it for lunch. It's the same menu, but it just seems more lunch like to me. They have a good variety of meals and sandwiches for a bar and a great selection of brews. The prices are right on the money too! Oh, and they have THE BEST CURLY FRIES IN BOSTON!!!!
(3)
Lauren L.

Pretty great beer selection with people who actually know what they are talking about. They have 3 veggie burger options and I know the black bean burger is vegan. It is delicious with avocado and caramelized onions and don't forget to get curly or sweet potato fries!!!. This place is great for a casual dinner and beer.
(4)
alison j.

This was my go-to restaurant when I lived in Cambridge. Great casual place with lots of local beers and good pub food. The very first sweet potato fry I ever ate was at this fine establishment. I also love the fried pickles, macaroni and cheese, wings, and beer sampler. The service is always good and I don't remember ever waiting for a table. I wish CC was a little closer to the T, but then I guess it would probably also be a lot more crowded, so whatevs.
(4)
Rachel J.

I really like this place. The food is very good - pub like but with little twists. For example, herbed mayo, great bread, spinach on sandwiches instead of lettuce. Beer selection is huge too!
(4)
Sarah C.

I've been looking for that 'easy' bar/pub type nice place with good food...a standby... which lately has been Christopher's. I was kind of disappointed that the Cambridge Common just didn't fit the bill.. for me. They definitely have a good beer selection... which is a wonderful thing happening more often around Boston now. The wines by the glass list is short and affordable... and surprisingly not that shabby. I felt like this place was just trying to do/be too many things... even the other guests were kind of an odd mixture of people... lots of older folks, a few families with their teen kids, and some thirtiesomethings... The music was all over the place.. classic rock, 80's, techno??? The menu was nice and long... choices for everyone but not that exciting... I got the fresh catch of the day salad which was Cajun Tilapia over a garden salad... The food is just really mediocre canned, frozen, preserved, standard, non chef driven pub food.... eh, and the table we were seated at wasn't that clean. Our waiter was super nice and our glasses were always full (key after a long day :) ) They had a delicious white bean vegetarian soup. All in all, in spite of the fact that this place is inexpensive, has decent beer, AND a parking lot in the back.... I STILL would rather spend that money elsewhere for a better experience.
(3)
J B.

This is my local bar and I have come to love it to death. The beer, friendly atmosphere, and support for large groups is what keeps me coming back here. The beer list is wonderful and varied - probably not the absolute tops in Boston, but the price is right and the rotating variety keeps me coming back nearly twice a week. Don't miss the beer punch - it sounded gross (beer + vodka + lemonade) but it's awesome. The staff is usually great and I have no complaints. I can't figure out what people don't like about the food - the salads are better and more sizable than most high priced salads, at a great price (less than $10), and the turkey burgers, appetizers, and soups have always hit the spot for a late dinner or bar snack. Perhaps it's the burgers - I don't eat beef. I love taking my (somewhat picky) family to brunch here - it's never crowded and the KC Omelet and Buffalo Tofu Scramble are unique, clever and delicious along with great standard brunch options. If only they brought back the California Benedict!!!
(4)
G S.

When I feel like good beer and mediocre american bar food, this is one spot I dig. The food is decent, not the best ever (though the sweet potato fries are yummy!). The beer is great. Huge selection and always interesting. The vibe is distinctly sort of Cambridge-y / Harvard-y with a side dining area with a gigantic TV (smaller TVs are located near the bar).
(3)
Justin L.

Cambridge Common is very, very close to the law school, it's open very late (they keep serving food at least until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays), the food is decent, plain fare, and the prices are reasonable. I usually get either the English Burger (ale-martinated burger with pepper jack, bacon on an English muffin) or the meat loaf. The portions are good and it's just a great default option to have nearby. If I was just rating the food and dining experience it'd be 3 stars, but the fact that everything else closes so early makes this very good.
(4)
Brian B.

I've lived in Porter Square for 8 years. I've been to the Common, many of the other local joints, and they have earned their place in my life as my neighborhood bar. I always know what to expect here, no surprises. And no matter how busy they are, you can almost always get a table without waiting. When I think neighborhood bar, I think of a place where I can get a beer and good pub food. Nothing fancy, nothing expensive. That's what they deliver. The almost 100% selection of craft beers on tap is awesome. There are new beers rotated in daily and I swear there's always something on tap I've never tried before. The beers are reasonably priced too, which makes all the difference. The food is good pub and comfort food. Burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Again, not expensive and just plain good. This isn't the "best food I've ever had", and they're not trying to be that. I like going here because its comfortable and casual. Why four stars? The fifth could be earned with better attention of the wait and bar staff to customers. They're not always on their game at the bar greeting you and asking what your order is. On the plus side, the food is delivered fast and fresh from the kitchen!
(4)
Boogie S.

Cheap burgers and beers served late. Flippin' sweet! Good luck finding parking.
(4)
Rooster L.

Good beer selection; food is good and not overpriced. The place doesn't take themselves too seriously but they do their thing (burgers and beer) well. I've stopped in here early and late and always found a place at the bar. Simple.
(3)
X X.

Pluses: cheap food (for real-- $5.95 burgers), not too crowded (summer only?), giant beer selection. Minuses: currently full-to-bursting with students, noisy, long wait on the weekends, hard to find parking. Man, this place was awesome in the summer, and got infinitely less so when students got back to town, though I'm sure that that can be said for a lot of Boston-area establishments. CORRECTION: Those are $4.95 burgers (!!!!!). The angus burger (as they say "taste the difference!") is $6.95, I believe. An excellent deal either way. Also, it's back to being empty and awesome-- maybe Harvard students only go there en masse on Labor Day weekend.
(4)
Laura A.

so this makes me the 28th person to review this place. i'm guessing most people have an idea about what they're getting into when they go to CC, but i thought i'd add my $.02. it always seems like such a good idea in theory. i love their menu and they are so CHEAP (when i first moved to boston and was unemployed i used to come here for the $5 veggie burger and PBR on tap). sweet potato fries that are amazing. but, damn. the service. the minute i am seated and end up waiting..and waiting..for someone to come by and take my order, i'm like "oh right..THIS is why i never come here anymore." is it possible for me to get somebody to take my drink order within 10 minutes of arriving? cause it doesn't feel like it. honestly i think they need a few more waiters/waitresses in there, because my waitstaff always seem rushed/overburdened, and last night was no exception. at every point i had to ask for what i needed at least twice from my waiter and i had to wait 20 minutes for my beer, which made me feel especially cranky.
(3)
Al A.

Basic Boston-type pub. Food okay. Prices good value. Good service.
(3)
Rich O.

I will start by saying I tend to end up here mostly for it's late last call. For that alone it raises my review to 4 stars from 3. I usually go here when I want to catch up with friends as it's almost never too loud. I also usually go here with my beer snob friends as they have a great selection (as long as there's Miller Lite on the menu I'm fine). The food is good but not great. I like the sliders, especially the meatball sliders, and the boneless fried chicken but if you go there you must order...tater tots! Yes that cafeteria classic. So damn good. On the negative side, the bartenders, while more then affable, can be slow on the trigger so if drinking is your main cause you can do better (and this is not always the case but more often then not). That speed may or may not effect the speed of the servers with drinks as well. I've had very, very good servers there and also has some incredibly inefficient servers who seem to have been there forever. I used to go to this same building when it was Rosies which was more of a joint and cop bar with a jukebox and dart board and swore I would never set foot back in under the new concept. So, I lied. I think overall Cambridge Common servers a purpose and if nothing else having a late last call and serve food later then any other place in Cambridge, at least outside of the Square
(4)
Riem K.

We found ourselves here when we were out hunting for a breakfast spot. It was about 11:30, so yes, we could of opted for lunch. But dammit, we wanted eggs. So we drove by and noticed a sign here for brunch. We walked in and was pleasantly pleased. The menu was great and the service was great. Cleanliness was ok, my table was clean, but the eggs on the floor was a little of a turn off. But you know, considering the location, I didn't mind. Anyways, back to the food. Portions were great and the price was even better! One thing that I am now in love with there is their California Benedict. The combination of the egg, hollaindaise and the avocado was superb and the fact it comes with a fruit salad, even better! I definitely would go back and would love to go back for lunch.
(4)
Paul S.

Huge variety of tasty beers for $4 and tasty food for pretty cheap too!! I definitely recommend this place with it's knowledgeable friendly staff and great atmosphere.
(5)
Ben B.

Cambridge Common is now our reliable option for great beer, cheap bar food, and a laid back dinner. Between the incredible, rotating beer list, sweet potato fries, fried pickles, lots of TVs and other satisfying vegetarian options, this place rocks. The middle easter platter is a great appetizer and big enough to share. I like to compare it to its Mass Ave. neighbor, Christopher's (they have eerily similar menus): Cambridge Common is less expensive, is a better space with better service, and has more TVs. The only demerit is for not having Buffalo Tofu (Christopher's has it) and having a less than stellar house made vegetarian burger (the black bean burger leaves something to be desired). Otherwise, this place is a great reliable option for the Porter/Harvard area. It is also a great place to bring visitors with differing palates, there is something for everyone.
(4)
M S.

I wouldn't go across town just to eat at this place, but, honestly, it's got everything you'd want in a neighborhood joint---a great beer selection, nice 80s music, a good vibe, and decently priced tasty good. The best bets are usually the specials (pork chops usually rotate in and out, the veggie soup of the day is good) as well as the southern friend chicken, the tater tots, and the burgers. I particularly also like the sweet potato fries, the BLT, the breakfast sandwich (yum), and the chicken and couscous salad. People grumbling about this place should keep in mind that it's not a destination kind of place, but it's definitely a local pub with good food, a good atmosphere. If you live between Harvard and Porter (or if you're a Harvard student, for that matter---I've heard this place described as the de facto Harvard Law cafeteria), getting acquainted with this place is a must.
(5)
April P.

I am pretty conflicted as to how to rate this place. I went with some friends last week, around 8pm. We really wanted an outside table (yay summer!) and had to wait about twenty minutes, which wasn't too bad. Drinks: 2 of my friends immediately were intrigued by the summer punch. I forget the exact name, but I will not forget the odd list of ingredients: lemonade, vodka, and a bottle of Sam Summer. It sounded pretty gross to me, but they had to try it. The waitress brought it out in a deceivingly large jug and poured the beer in at our table for added wow factor. They loved it. I tried some and it was basically lemonade with a kick. Not something I would seek out, but an interesting idea. One pitcher was $20, which wasn't too bad seeing how many (short) glasses they got out of it. My other friend tried some variation on an orange creamsicle, which was actually very delicious. I don't usually like orange juice themed drinks (thank you acid reflux), but if I did, I would have ordered a couple of these! And finally, for myself, I stuck with the old standby, beer. They actually have a pretty great beer selection. Any bar with Long Trail on tap is ok by me. I ended up trying the seasonal hefeweizen on tap, and enjoyed it a lot. The service was a little slow, but we were outside and there was only one server for all the tables. Our waitress was actually pretty awesome. She was really laid back and friendly. She had good recommendations and was just generally pleasant. So you must be wondering why, after all this, would I not just give this place 5 stars? Well. Dinner: I don't eat meat. So I decided to forgo my usual ban on veggie burgers (I really just don't like them, unless they are homemade and excellent, which I find to be a rare occurrence). CC has a few choices. The obligatory veggie burger with lettuce and tomato (i.e. boring), a homemade black bean burger with wilted spinach (doesn't that sound yummy?), or subbing the boring veggie burger into another meaty menu item. So i went with the black jack burger, subbed the veggie, and added avocado. When the food came out, it was a little confusing because everyone was handed the wrong order. Not a big deal. Once we got that settled, I get ready to eat my veggie burger, which is actually covered in guacamole and not plan avocados (also not really a big deal)...WELL. Good thing I looked closely at my plate: My veggie burger was covered with a nice fatty, greasy layer of bacon. Yeah. Bacon. Wait what? Who orders a veggie burger and adds bacon? Yuck. And I know some meat eaters will tell me to just suck it up and pick it off, but I am sorry, I can't do that. i do not eat pigs. Ever. And bacon is smelly and greasy and permeates anything it touches. But, hey I am actually a really easy going person. So I waited for the server to come back out while my friends ate (took about 10 minutes for her to show up) and sent my order back explaining what happened. She came back quite fast with a replacement burger, sans the bacon. But now there was no avocado (or guac, either works). So I had to wait another 10 minutes for that. I usually don't expect to get anything for free, but after such a mix up, involving a food item i cannot eat, nor do I want touching anything on my plate, as well as the avocado mix up (2x if you count the 1st burger), and the fact I had to eat alone because my friends were done by the time my meal was ready to consume, it would have been nice if oh maybe they gave me the veggie burger for free. Or didn't charge me extra for the avocado. Or even offered a free dessert. You know, just...something. I will try this place again, and hopefully, have a better time.
(2)
Jude l.

My friends and I go after work on Friday's very very often. We love the location, the price and the bar. The food is solid but they can sometimes miss the mark on service, wrong food order or a missed topping. They are always willing to resolve the issue but they don't always hit it right for example after bringing a turkey sandwich instead of a burger the burger came without the cheese on top and while they finally got it right they didn't do anything to acknowledge the oversight as far as the bill. While they don't need to comp the meal a free drink would be a nice offer to make up for the wait. Like I said I go there often and this is just one experience. If you find something you love like the sweet potato fries or for me the mandarin chicken salad it is always the same when you order and you an count on it being great. I hate a place that one day gets something right and the next it is a different item although you haven't changed your order. They always have specials which I highly recommend, if they offer a fish dish it is always fresh and delicious. The soups are good and made fresh so if something catches your eye order the soup of the day. Salads in the summer can be delightful surprises filled with the freshest veggies, I am still thinking about one I had this summer with fresh beets which was awesome. Also they servers are relatively attentive and the kitchen is always up for a change to the menu order to meet your tastes for example with a salad you can ask for grilled chicken or salmon to mix things up. If a salad comes with chicken you can ask for salmon instead and they will be happy to charge a little extra but accommodate the requests. The drinks are tasty and some make for a dessert alternative. The almond joy, Kate's crush and chocolate kiss are all delish. They also offer drink specials, I had a delightful berry rum cooler with lemonade last week which was great. I am a fan and I recommend it for a great pub experience, the music is a little cheesy and a little loud but most of the time you can sit and chat. If you are just going for a drink they have a great wooden bar that is a great place to pull up to. There are sometimes a lot of kids, babies and toddlers which can get a little out of hand...cause in the end this is a pub not really a place for kids if you ask me. I am always thankful to the parents who at least keep their little angels in check.
(4)
Tom R.

Don't expect great food, but it's got a nice atmosphere and fairly broad menu for a group with diverse tastes. Good value.
(4)
David R.

Great great beer selection, and really delicious black bean burger for the vegetarians (NOT the veggie burger, which was only pretty OK). Easy to get to from Harvard Sq, and one of my favorite beer & dinner places.
(4)
john e.

We went in there for a beer and the bartender - a VERY tall fairy well built woman treated us very badly when there was a confusion with the check. Basically, she has zero math skills. Beer selection: Excellent Food selection: so-so Staff - Pretentious attitude.
(2)
PEGGY F.

Went for an unofficial Yelp event. Had some appetizers. wings- very good, mac n cheese bites-excellent(never had them before), and a few others that were ok, just can't remember them all. Good sports type bar. Loads of specials as far as beer goes. I'm not a beer drinker, so I usually get a Captain and coke. At first, after tasting it, I thought they made a mistake, so I asked for another. So, I watched them make it, just to make sure they heard what I was ordering. No, they didn't make a mistake, but it still didn't taste like what I had ordered. You really can't go wrong making a Captain Morgan and coke. This is my usual. But still, I really didn't like it. I don't know if it's the coke they use, or what it was. The mixed drink was really bad. But, good company and comfort food was really great.
(3)
Jennifer D.

Yes, we started out as "those people." Made an 8:30 reservation for 10 people on a Saturday night. Called twice to change the number of guests due to cancellations/ add-ons. It's 8:40pm and only 3 of us showed up so far. UGH! I've been a host and a server and I felt bad that they were holding that nice big table for us and we weren't nearly on time. However... --hosts were very nice and accommodating (Thank you!) --our 10 people did show up --server was friendly and attentive, especially considering he had so many other tables in that section --food was AWESOME! fried pickles, nachos, sandwiches, sweet potato chips... all great! one of the burgers was a little overcooked, but everything else was fine --good drink selection Overall: good experience, and I'd love to go back.
(4)
Trip B.

This place is Cambridge's version of the Sunset Grill and Tap but it is perhaps a bit better quality. It's very much a sandwich and burger joint with a very respectable though not perfect selection of beer. I've been twice and while it has been enjoyable, without a car it can be a bit of a pain and will get crowded on weekends. I'm glad it's in Cambridge for Cambridgers but I'll stay on my side of the river with some other options closer.
(3)
Jolene S.

Mac bites: fried. Fried chicken: enormous--enough for three meals Large screens with soccer, skiing, etc. Nice servers.
(3)
Heather B.

Average average average. Everything about this place was exceptionally ordinary. If you're looking for unique atmosphere or stand-out food, there's nothing to see here.
(3)
David W.

Get the fist tacos (or maybe meat loaf if your in the mood for that). Nuf said.
(4)
Muttley D.

This place has a lot of TVs...which means it's a sports bar, great for watching the game over the shoulder of your friends while the suck down brewski's and ogle the few collegiate babes that frequent this place... The food is tre average, neither good nor bad...the sweet potato fries are really good...the burger, um, kind of ordinary and a bit greasy, annihilates the bun with it's residue...the tomato and lettuce sort of reminds me of hospital cafeteria food, which means I'm not sure if I should eat it...but I did and I survived, it just wasn't like a burger that you'd get in California or anything...where the tomato and lettuce are the raison d'etre of the burger... And low and behold, looking at the menu, there's that trendy slider...somewhere the founders of White Castle (Walter A. Anderson and Edgar Waldo "Billy" Ingram) are smiling...they should get a royalty for putting sliders on the menu of every tavern going...I will say this, bar owners...you gotta innovate...and the slider, well that's not a particularly great invention in the first place...are we pelicans? Are we supposed to slide these things down our gullet? In any event, as I've mentioned before, they will keep our wastelines trim, if we only eat one, but do we get twice as much bun when we eat 2 sliders and aren't we supposed to avoid carbs and be on a low carb diet...? I can never keep track of my diets du jour...I think I need another beer.... I will say, hanging here is quite comfortable...even if the food is middlin'....
(3)
Nina W.

Went here twice with my husband already and we love it. Can't speak to the food quality as we've only gone for drinks, but they have a great craft beer selection for reasonable prices (many selections rated over 80 on beer advocate only cost $5). Fun atmosphere, though a little more "chainy" than other bars. Interesting patrons, friendly staff. Big tvs for watching sports. If you are a fan of IPAs try the Ithaca flower power, it's amazing.
(5)
Peter W.

The American equivalent of the British pub. Very family friendly. Great selection of beer on tap. Love the sliders.
(5)
Meg S.

Cambridge Common is great for grabbing dinner with a crowd, so I want to like it more than I do for as much as I am here. Hands down the best thing about coming here is the reasonably priced, always changing beer selection. They feature lots of local brews, and they offer staff pick and create-your-own samplers so you can try them all. The food menu offers a large variety of typical American fare. The food is consistently good, but rarely great. Both the meat and veggie burgers with any combination of toppings are solid choices and the quesadilla appetizer is hearty enough to be lunch or dinner by itself. I'd also recommend the Grilled Chicken and Couscous Salad. I would give Cambridge Common more stars if it weren't for the service. I've had a couple great servers, but I've also been at tables that have been neglected or abandoned. As an example, a couple weeks ago, a friend and I never actually had a waiter assigned to our table that we knew about. We had to find someone to take our order, had someone else deliver our meal, and asked someone else to bring us the check. But for reasonably priced good beer and food- especially if you are with more than 6 people- it's one of the best options around Harvard Square so it is worth putting up with so-so service.
(3)
Megan C.

I love Cambridge Common - mostly - but the occasional terrible service makes it feel like playing Russian Roulette. 4 times out of 5 you get a great time, excellent beer, good food, etc. The 5th time is the absolute worst. A friend and I were seated recently by the hostess and literally spent 20 minutes waiting for someone to come over, awkwardly trying to make eye contact with passing waiters from other sections. There was a eight-top close by that seemed like they were doing fine. The restaurant was not otherwise particularly full. By the time we realized how long it had been we were so dumbfounded that we just let it go on longer. I wanted to say something when we eventually just gave up and left, but the hostess wasn't at the door and at that point we just wanted to get somewhere else before everything closed. So, like, maybe don't let them seat you at the tables close to the window / on the far side from the door. I swear, I don't know why it happens, whether it's a line of vision thing that makes servers forget about those tables or if it's just a punishment zone that guests are placed in for their sins in a past life, but most of my bad experiences have been there. It's truly weird.
(3)
Julie S.

This place does exactly what it says on the tin. Tasty veggie burgers and curly fries are my regular. Huge nachos and everything is reasonably priced. Service can be a bit hit and miss but nothing serious, just not getting orders right or putting sour cream on when asked not to etc. The food is great and very reasonably priced . I wouldn't come here for a night out, its more a 'i'm starving I want a feed now' kind of place, but its thumbs up for me. Its my local don't have to think twice about going there place!
(3)
Ashley D.

Not a huge beer drinker but this place has a little bit of everything, even great ciders. Overall good atmosphere, even though I visited on a Sunday. A friend and I ran in from the cold to meet a few others, we were seated right away and greeted by a waiter shortly after. Once the rest of the group arrived we were greeted again, had drink orders taken, etc. The wait staff was very speedy yet patient as we ignored the menu's due to catching up and saying goodbye to a friend that was relocating. Overall the menu covers a little bit of everything from comfort foods to basic salads and burgers. I enjoyed a sandwich with pesto which is a LOVE of mine, and we had the tots to share in addition to our curly fries that came with out entrees. I'll visit again If I'm in the area, definitely in the summer months.
(4)
Melissa F.

I went here in the summer and have been wanting to go back ever since. The one word I would use to describe this place is BEER. They have a huge selection year round, with numerous rotating taps. It was so refreshing to be able to try some better quality and craft beers here. They also have specials that aren't listed on the menu online. We both did the beer flight which I highly recommend. 4 tastings of different beers, but they are your choice! So you can create your sampler exactly to your liking. I was very happy. The food is good pub type food. Their prices are also pretty cheap. We tried the spinach artichoke dip, the black jack burger, fish and chips and 2 desserts. Everything was very good. We had all that food plus the 2 beer flights for around $60. Cambridge Common is also a short walk from the red line (Harvard stop). Make sure to come by when it's warm out since they have a couple outdoor tables
(4)
Zach L.

I can't believe I've never posted about this place - I've been coming here for almost 10 years and I love it! I've gotten so many friends to come here and they've fallen in love with it on their own, no encouragement necessary! Sure, the beer selection used to be a lot more robust and unique - reminiscent of other Cambridge beer bars quality of selection - but it's still reliable for getting a great selection of IPAs and their typical flagship beers that rarely leave the taps. Can you say Berkshire Brewing Coffehouse Porter on nitro any day of the week? Figured you could. Their food is consistent and affordable, which is super clutch. It may not be fine dining, but it certainly is tasty bar food with a few creative twists to it. I also thoroughly appreciate they have daily specials, some of which can be quite good - so make sure to flip that tap selection page over to see those deets! The staff - waiters, waitresses, hosts, hostesses, bartenders, and even the kitchen peeps - are super accommodating and considerate, which makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Finally, their ability to seat, patiently at that, large groups relatively quickly is amazing and much appreciated, especially when we don't plan ahead and want a party of 12 plus for dinner and drinks. Oh and want some food recs? Definitely get the mac and cheese bites or the fried pickles (or both). Don't forget to order the satanic sauce with it though - makes all the difference! Like I said, I can't believe I am finally reviewing this place but boy is five stars much deserved!
(5)
Chris F.

Solid beer selection and food
(4)
Daniel N.

I am vegetarian and for a bar, they have some really good vegetarian friendly options. Three types of veggie burgers and a lot of sides. They often have vegetarian soups as well. The service is very good as well.
(4)
Sarah D.

Totally decent beer list. Better than decent prices. Compared to anything else that could be considered a "beer bar", Cambridge common has a slightly less adventurous list but is $1-$2 cheaper per beer. I'LL TAKE IT. The food is middle of the road pricewise and deliciousness-wise. Nothing special, but plenty of options as far as salty almost-goodness to stave off that terrible feeling you get when you are full of beer and empty of everything else (except the love in your heart, obviously.) Service is quick enough.They are in an awkward location but they still do a pretty swift business. Good for them. There is really nothing about this place that a reasonable person should be complaining about. It's A-okay, with an extra star for HELLOFBEER.
(4)
David D.

Beer selection very good. Food menu wicked boring and in need of some changes. Nachos totally boring, chicken wings not cooked crispy enough. Come on, you can do better than this.
(2)
Brittany H.

Drinks and food are solid, but if you want to kick it up a notch, sit outside. Great neighborhood location for some people watching.
(3)
Amy B.

Summary first: Awesome beer selection, informed and helpful staff, decent food. All in all, a solid choice for a night of drinking beers and hanging out. Beers: They have a lot of 'em. At any given point, Cambridge Common has about 40 beers on tap. They give you two beer lists: The permanent fixtures, and the current rotating taps. The rotating taps will often feature more seasonal selections (think pumpkin beers in October). When I come to Cambridge Common, I almost always start with a sampler, which the bartenders are happy to assemble from any of the available beers. I tend to pick a random six beers that sound awesome, then the bartender arranges them in an order that makes sense for tasting. After my sampler, my MO is to get a pint of whichever beer I liked best from the sampler. Service: Quality. I think I've only ever sat at the bar here, so this may not extend to the table service. But the bartenders are attentive, friendly, and well-versed in their beer. They also manage not to mock the people who come in looking for Bud Light. Food: There are some culinary hits on the menu, and some less successful items. Overall this is a better-than-average pub food menu. I really like the fish tacos here--the fish is blackened and NOT breaded, so this is a fresher, more flavorful version of the dish (probably healthier too). I've heard several people rave about the Greek salad, though olives and feta aren't my thing. Cambridge Common does get crowded. I recommend taking the T to Harvard, walking to the bar, and parking your butt on the stool around 7 if you want to spend a few hours there, particularly on a weekend night. There is a small parking lot tucked behind the bar, but it fills up pretty fast. Plus, let's not kid ourselves: Cambridge Common is not the type of experience you'll be driving away from. Save yourself the return cab ride in the morning and T it.
(4)
Heidi L.

Classic go-to, and I actually come here mostly for the food! I consistently crave their Uncommon BLT. Ask to add an egg inside to get the Breakfast BLT effect -- or just come the morning after too. I used to get the sweet potatoes here (they're cut like little rippled carrots), but now I've switched to their beer-battered fried pickles. This concept may sound disgusting but I kid you not (and I'm proud to say I've converted several people into ordering them regularly) -- they are so good, and even better with a beer. Glad for the friendly, not-rushed service (though that is not to say that the food doesn't come quickly -- I've been in and out in 40 minutes) and the non-sketch vibe. Now, drinks -- my friends always get the beer punch. I always get one of the specials and haven't been disappointed.
(4)
Jennifer L.

Cambridge Common features a good rotating local beer selection, and an extensive dinner menu with great vegetarian options! It's a pretty big place and I've never had to wait despite it being busy. There's plenty of seating at the bar as well, and outdoor seating for the warmer months. It's cheap and casual. The Lizard Lounge downstairs is also awesome, so you can go there after dinner for a show or poetry slam - you can also order food down there but it's a limited menu.
(4)
Lauren S.

I come here (often) and sit at the bar. They're always friendly and accommodating, from lunch (when I can bully my colleague into lunch-beers) to late nights. I like beer, and I really like their beer selection. I generally enjoy the food. The bartenders are fabulous. Also, it helps that the regular patrons are upstanding people who are funny and interesting as hell. Drinks: The beer selection is pretty good, and I'm always happy with my decisions. If you're waffling on what you want, they'll let you try it before you buy it. In season, they have the beer punch. I made the awesome decision/egregious error of letting some friends introduce me to it. 1) it's delicious, 2) it'll put you on the ground if you aren't careful. Menu: The food here is consistently very good. The burgers are good (I've never had one I didn't like, especially the English burger.), the sandwiches are good (the fresh mozz, specifically, is a personal favorite), the rotating appetizers are always delicious (I personally love fried ravioli when it's on the menu), the specials are always good. The meatloaf is astoundingly good. I hate meatloaf (except my mom's. Meat in a loaf is a horrifying thing to me for no apparent reason. but this meatloaf is AWESOME). If you have a reservation, I think you generally have to have all of the members of that reservation present before you can be seated, so tell your party not to be tardy. And downstairs there's the Lizard Lounge. They get some good bands, the venue's intimate and fun.
(5)
Traci K.

Not too shabby, Cambridge Common. The food is decent - it reminds me of Christopher's, though I have to say that Christopher's has a far better burger. The sweet potato fries are delightful and the tater tots are heavenly crispy fried pillows. The brews - great. Got a flight of beers for $7 and got nice bits of knowledge from our server regarding one of the straight-from-the-cask brews. The atmosphere is roomy and lovely. I feel like it would be an awesome spot for trivia, though I'm not sure if they have that. They should look into it. Seriously.
(3)
Cristina C.

I was impartial to my experience after hearing good things about Cambridge Common. I have to first say that I was craving nachos this particular morning. I wanted to go OTHT and we ended up here when he had said no. I came here for lunch with my BF this past weekend and he had picked it out. I was okay with it. We got appetizers and split them for our lunch. That's usually how we usually do things. So, the nachos, they were decent, considering thats the only thing I wanted all morning. Not fantastic, but decent. Parking. There is a lot out back, small. We found a meter right out front though. We also got a few other items and the sliders were cooked so perfectly! AH, yum. Our waitress was very nice and I'd go back to try out some other menu items. Maybe give the nachos another shot. The bar area looks very nice and I am sure it cant get very busy at night. We went for lunch and people were still ordering brunch, so maybe that's an idea for us to try some morning.
(3)
Ian W.

This is a good place. They haven't re-invented the wheel. When most places try to do that, they end up with a square wheel. The only reasons I don't go here more often is because I am a lonely man who doesn't like to eat dinner alone in a restaurant and its not conveniently located close to me.
(4)
Jason M.

Sometimes you get what you pay for. Cambridge Common has a few great things going for it. Their beer list is constantly rotating and fairly inexpensive. Their proximity to the Lizard Lounge means you can grab a bite and go see a cool band or a poetry slam or something else equally hipster. Their food is cheap. But that's also their biggest problem. The food is cheap. The mashed potatoes are a reconstituted mess. Somehow, my mashed potatoes were burned. Can you do that? How do you do that? If a dish has gravy on it, walk away. No, actually... run away. It's a powdered mess, oozing with salt yet somehow having no taste. I had a biscuit with my meal, and I'm pretty sure it was microwaved. Somehow, it was soaking wet yet rubbery. Just not good. If you're going next door for a show, limit yourself to a drink at the bar. Your taste buds will thank you.
(2)
Mike B.

In one word -- solid. You won't find the fanciest fare, the most creative drinks, or the swankiest clientele, but this place gets it done every time. Very good, affordable food coupled with an impressive beer makes this a reliable staple in the Cambridge food world. The highlights? The fried pickles are creative and tasty. The tater tots and the curly fries are crunchy and delicious. The burgers are quite good, too. (And very inexpensive!) If you are looking for small, delicate portions at a fancy upscale joint, look elsewhere. If you want good, affordable food and drink, look no further.
(4)
Amber R.

Large selection of beers, good kids menu and food is ok. Nothing all that special. Sweet potato fries not what they used to be.
(3)
Stephanie T.

I went here on a snowy evening for take-out looking to get a meat fix. Lo and behold, it fulfilled my meat cravings but the steak was just ok. The fries are soggy fo real but the aioli butter sauce is quite delectable. They had the food ready about 20 minutes after I ordered. Overall nothing special.
(3)
Sara M.

I came here last week to have dinner with my roommate and some of her friends. We were seated quickly, the beer list was decent, and the beer punch (beer, vodka, lemonade) was awesome. The food, however, left something to be desired. Most of the people at our table ordered burgers, and some looked like charred hockey pucks, others flat, gray discs, and my roomates came out completely raw - not exaggerating, seared on the outside and pink all the way through. (she sent it back and they gave her a new one, and her dinner was on the house. Good recovery, Cambridge Common) I had the fish tacos - they were ok, and came with three cold tortillas, lettuce and a slaw of some sort. While the beers were good, and the atmosphere decent, it comes across as, well, erm, common.
(3)
Emily H.

This place is the best bar I've been to in Cambridge (so far). Disclaimers: 1) I don't live here. I visit a lot (hello, long distance boyfriend), so I haven't been to that many bars 2) I'm a beer snob/lover/searcher. My tastes are skewed toward beers, so this basically just means that the bar has a great beer selection. Because fuck vodka. So, what's so great about the beer selection, you ask? Well, the fact that they have DAILY rotating taps knocked me off my feet. "What? DAILY taps?! What devilry!" They have a huge list of beers, bottles and taps. Lots of local stuff, which is usually what I seek out when I visit places. I don't care to get a Sam Adams or a 21st Amendment beer when I can get those where I live. Daily rotating taps are pretty unique. I had a berliner-weisse and an agave blonde. The bartenders are great, they are happy to give you tastes of the beers before you buy a whole pint. Great service combined with great beers = Happy Emily. Did I mention that today is National Drink Beer Day? No? Well, go drink a beer. Cheers!
(5)
Gale S.

5 stars for Racer 5 and Golden Monkey as permanent fixtures on the draft list! And of course the parking lot behind the restaurant. I'm sitting here at my desk eating my leftover English burger. Cold. Not my proudest moment but I can give an unbiased review regardless. This is a great, relaxed place to get reasonably priced bar food and great beer. I came here Sunday night and the restaurant was 3/4 full. My boyfriend and I opened the menu and were immediately pleased by the beer selection. I hadn't been since my less picky beer days (Miller High Life...) so I didn't realize it was so good. We each ordered the English Burger, medium rare. I got tater tots, he got sweet potatoe fries. Upon receipt, first impressions were that the bacon was truly unattractive, the english muffin thick and soft (good), and the burgers cooked as requested. I wouldn't stray from a burger or a salad on the menu, but the food is decent. We'll come back for Racer 5's, definitely.
(5)
Cate S.

This is a great pub! I used to work nearby (2008 - 2011) and it was a great spot to get away from the office at lunch or for a happy hour. Really terrific staff who are super down to earth and friendly. Better yet the management is into the community. I was raising money for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as I trained for the Boston Marathon. The owners didn't hesitate to send me a gift certificate that I could raffle off. That really impressed me. I try to stop in whenever I am in the neighborhood! Thanks folks :)
(5)
Jess L.

The "special sangria" - with jaegermeister - is disgusting. Then again, the fried pickles are AMAZING.
(4)
Christopher M.

Cambridge Common has become the unofficial post-Cambridge-kickball hangout, and I'm perfectly happy with that. It's a great neighborhood bar and restaurant, clean, casual, and the perfect place to head with a big group of dirty, sweaty friends. The food is decent, nothing exceptional, but a solid step up from typical diner fare or the "Tavern on the Square" franchises that plague the area. Lots of apps, burgers and sandwiches. It's also worth noting the kitchen is open until 1am Thurs, Fri & Sat. The bar boasts 30-something beers on tap, flights and plenty of budget options, but cocktail enthusiasts will be disappointed. However, I think the most props need to go to the staff. Every time I'm there, the staff is always super helpful, friendly and fun. They're the reason we keep going back.
(3)
Jude M.

We've been big fans of Cambridge common for years, DJ is one of the BEST bartenders in Boston, Both his Martinis & Bloodys are great. Beer selection - stellar. So why 1 star - the food has gone off the cliff - bad bad bad - I ordered a burger on an english muffin - I've had it before - and it showed up with absolutely no toasting of the bun. I was going to send it back when my girlfriend found a staple in her salad. Really, a staple. right in plain site on the plate. did anyone LOOK at the plate before sending it out? If your a college kid, it's a fine hang for you. Anyone who enjoys better than average food, look elsewhere. we are done with it.
(1)
John S.

Friendly service. Two servers checked in with me during my meal. Plenty of seating. When I went during lunch there was no wait. Reasonably priced. My tab was under $15 with a microbrew, burger and friesl.
(4)
Sara M.

The food has never disappointed! Love the English burger and the Baja turkey burger is amazing. the beer selection is great and always changing. Nice that they do a lot of local stuff like Night Shift and Jack Abby. All the bartenders are good except for Julie who seems to think she's doing you a huge favor by poring you a beer. That's the only reason I'm giving a 4 Instead of a 5. Still worth checking out. Oh and WI-fi would be a nice addition!
(4)
Wham S.

Cambridge Common is our favorite place in the Cambridge/Boston area. The prices are great, the food is great, and the beer list is long and interesting. We go about once a week- sometimes more. It's rarely so busy that we have to wait long, and often we're seated right away. We've always had great service, too. Highly recommended!
(5)
Daniel S.

I've been to this bar at least 20 times. It's predictably packed Th-S nights. They rotate paintings on the walls every month or so, but other than that the atmosphere is rather plain. The food is really awful, half the time my fries are stale. But it is cheap. They have a great diverse beer selection on tap. Overall, come here for a great and reasonably priced beer selection. But stay away from the food and don't expect a nice environment or friendly service.
(3)
Stephanie M.

My first time going to this place I was a little iffy about it. I could see they had sports blaring on screens that took up most of the wall space, and its not that I hate sports (which I undoubtedly do) I kind of hate the patrons that go to restaurants that play sports even more. Thankfully, this wasn't one of "those" places that I speak of with such disdain. While there may be sports and other such unappealing things blaring on these screens, the food and my company always distracts me from it. I can honestly say after going a solid amount of times, I have yet to have a bad meal here. I've never had to wait for a table, and its never gotten so loud I couldn't handle it. A lot of groups/large numbers go here to eat, so that's the only real noise contributor. The menu is pretty solid. American, simple, food. Although they do have a Mediterranean plate and other dishes that may not be classic "American" food. I had always had just a cheeseburger, hard boiled eggs, fries, the staples. Safe items you can't muck up to bad. Saturday afternoon while walking around, we ended up stopping in for a quick (late) lunch. I ventured out and tried their cobb salad, which is really what prompted me to finally write a review. I'm horribly picky when it comes to my salad. I know this sounds comical considering I'm picky in the sense it has to be iceberg lettuce with random toppings on it. Nothing fancy, straight out of a bag even. I was absolutely delighted when I read their cobb salad had all the goodies I desire in one salad. Iceberg lettuce, bacon, chicken, hard boiled eggs, cheese. Um, sign me up, twice. Please. It was delicious, and fresh. Silly, I know, but I'm still day dreaming about this little salad. Which, by the way, wasn't little by any means. I was so full I didn't even have dinner later that night.
(4)
Jessica W.

I walk the stretch of Mass Ave between Harvard and Porter a lot, so Cambridge Common's outside tables have always caught my eye. When you're hot and thirsty, those beers under the umbrella-shaded tables look fantastic. The most memorable item I've had at Cambridge Common are the tater tots. They might be a throwback to my childhood, but they taste much better at the Cambridge Common than the ones from the school cafeteria: they're piping hot and crispy. The beer selection's good as well; I've enjoyed a seasonal strawberry-rhubarb brew here. The flight of beers look good if you plan on hanging out here for a while. While I don't have any real complaints about the entrees, nothing stood out to me. The black bean burger was okay, but definitely needed the addition of cheese (which you can get for an additional charge). I've had KC's omelette at brunch--a three-egg omelette with fresh mozzarella, spinach, asparagus, and roasted red pepper. The eggs were cooked well, but the whole thing was bland. The accompanying home fries and buttered toast were more flavorful than the actual omelette. The chocolate chip waffle was just average. I'd come back for drinks and tater tots, and maybe to try some of the other starters (fried pickles? artichoke dip?). But I'll probably pass on brunch, or other full meals.
(3)
Anne R.

If you see a line out the door and are thinking it's packed, it's probably for the Lizard Lounge- so skip the line, go straight to the door, and turn to the right in the entryway. We were there around 6:20pm on a Wednesday and were able to grab a seat at the bar while we waited for friends to arrive. We had asked the host if they could set up a table for 8, but they kindly asked for most of our party to be present before they'd pull the tables together - in retrospect this was a smart move since only two other people showed up. When the other couple arrived, they were able to grab a seat at the bar right next to us, so we skipped getting a table all together. The beer selection is a great combination of local micros and some special imports, and I even spotted a couple flavorless domestic bottles in the hands of some clueless guys. When some of the best beers available are being served for only $4-$6, even with special "custom glasses" for serving, I think it's a great opportunity to try something with character. I know my wallet thanked me immensely for choosing Cambridge Common after it was feeling beat up by the prices at Publick House. The food is standard bar food, with a few surprises like deviled eggs and middle eastern platter and some unique burger combinations, but all done well and served fresh. I enjoyed the nachos with chili, which were plenty big for sharing, our friends ordered some $1.95 Fenway Franks which were part of the specials, and a $5 burger w/ fries. Even though my hubby and I both had a couple of beers and food, we were able to keep the bill under $35, and our friends were under $24 - which was awesome. The only negative experience for the evening was another patron at the bar who was much too friendly for comfort and eventually fell off of his bar chair, which resulted in the immediate removal of the drink in front of him and an escort out of the building. The bar handled it well and with minimal fuss- but it was definitely a sample of the characters you just might run into. Overall - I'm a fan because the beer selection is awesome, it's a good atmosphere for easy conversation, and the prices are great.
(4)
Rhianna C.

I love Cambridge Common. Their beer selection is fantastic-- definitely one of the best around. They offer a wide selection of craft beers outside of the usual IPA collection found at many local bars, including some hard-to-find brews. The food is always tasty as well. I've come here for multiple meals and both myself and friends have been pleased with what we've been served. My only complaint is that service is somewhat slow-- it seems like they always need more people on staff. That being said, the staff is always nice and courteous and will go out of their way to accommodate you, but you may need to flag them down. There's also respite here for people who need to be gluten free but still like the pub scene. While I can no longer partake in all of their fabulous beers they have on tap, they do offer a gluten free beer! I no longer have to order a mixed drink or soda while others get to partake in beer! This minor win for most really pushes Cambridge Common to a 5 star experience for me. I have yet to try the food as a celiac, but plan on doing so soon.
(5)
Ashley L.

I am a 15 year fan of CC and Christophers and neither ever disappoint. Fried pickles are awesome. Great for kids. Excellent beer collection. Nice patios. Open up another restaurant in Arlington!
(5)
Daniel L.

Great Atmosphere. There's usually a number of local microbrews on tap, and their burgers are tasty.
(4)
Jessica T.

Our go to spot for drinks. Incredible rotating beer selection and knowledgable staff. We can almost always find a spot in this packed bar and have always received stellar service. They make a great (and cheap) burger as well!
(4)
Dawn P.

We were visiting Harvard square and came across this restaurant. It was quite empty and we loved the food. We thought the prices were going to be horrendous but they were very reasonable. Food: I had the black bean burger with curly fries which were both amazing. Price: $7.95 Parking: No idea. We took the train over. Service: The waitresses were amazing. Gave us ideas on what to see around here and what trains to take.
(5)
Hailey B.

Great beer selection. Good (but not great) nachos. Cozy environment in the fall/winter and - if you can swing it - sunny picnic tables to get your fill of vitamin D in the summer. While the food isn't to die for, I've never had a bad experience here. Always happy with a fresh from the tap IPA and cheese loaded nachos. My boyfriend loves the mac and cheese bites, but they're a bit heavy on the grease for my tastes.
(4)
Kristine A.

Came here after getting a gift certificate through a silent auction. It was pretty damn busy, who knew they were so popular. This place is loud, like we could barely hear what the server had to say. It was weird how wide the tables were that we had to lean in the entire time to have a conversation & be able to understand each other. The food was pretty damn good though, so I will have to go back maybe on a less busy night. As a non-beer drinker I was pretty impressed w/ the selections they had. Worth checking out if you want good food & drinks.
(3)
Steve M.

Cambridge Common is one of the great taps in Boston with good, reasonably priced food. Tonight, Mystic Brewery's Mary of Gael Saison and a dish of tri-color tortellini with garlicky grilled shrimp were the highlights of my meal. Excellent, friendly service at the bar tops it off!
(4)
Erin D.

I have no idea why it took me so long to visit this place, but it's definitely my new go-to spot to grab dinner and a few beers. We went on a Saturday night around 8 and were seated right away (no patio spots open, unfortunately). We had a really friendly and attentive waiter who pointed out the food & beer specials. I started off with their nitro special, The Tap Bitter Rival. So smooth, so good. I also ordered their dinner special, which was smoked trout on a bed of arugula, goat cheese, avocado, and tomatoes, tossed in their house lemon vinaigrette (which is amazing). It was really delicious, and light enough that I had room for another beer (a Green Flash West Coast IPA). AND, the prices are seriously awesome. A dinner entree for less than $12? And a glass of wine for less than $5? Sold. Great food, beer, and atmosphere. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
K C.

Good brunch options especially their Eggs Benedict
(3)
Rene C.

perfect place to have a good and inexpensive burger or tradicional american food with great beer selection. great ambiance to enjoy a beer as well.
(4)
Jessie E.

Beer Punch. Yes. Buff Chix wings and sweet potato fries are good, I'd avoid most of the other food. But I will always return for the beer punch.
(3)
Kelly C.

Go here if you like BEER. 30 on Tap. Samplers galore. Food, eh not so much. I had the Fish Tacos and this consisted of a bland fillet on top of some tomato rice, 3 flour tortillas, a handful of lettuce and a chopped up tomato. The best part was the sauce on the side. I bet if you stick with bar food you;d be A_OK!
(3)
Alli C.

This is my favorite neighborhood default. It's the kind of place I can bring anyone, and they'll be able to find something they'll like. The staff are friendly, the music is great and the food is awesome. I highly recommend the fried pickles and the Mediterranean platter. For drinks, their Dark & Stormy is amazing.
(4)
Maria E.

a decent bar near Harvard Law School. Some things on the menu are great and basic, like burgers or fish and chips. But some others are to be avoided (I should have known not to order pasta at an American bar). Generous portions for decent price.
(4)
Rachel M.

Great tap rotation and beer selection. Food is overall pretty good. Service is good. My gripes: Their homemade tomato soup is essentially marinara sauce (same consistency and flavor)... So don't get the grilled cheese and soup if you were expecting the kind of soup you'd have as a kid. The country fried chicken is delicious, but why no cranberry sauce??? Sometimes that MAKES the meal. Seriously...spend the extra few bucks to stock up on some cans of CS.
(4)
Particular P.

While the common sports a good beer selection and reasonable prices, though the sangria and mixed drinks are less then impressive, I have to say I am very disappointed with the food. I ordered the greek salad, but there was not to much greek about it, other then the 5 olives and two cucumber wedges. Essentially the greek salad was a bed of lettuce with grilled chicken and NO dressing... Another time I had the hamburger. Which had a comically small burger in comparison to the bun. Seriously how annoying is that? Also, I have never been impressed by there service.
(1)
Tenley W.

Awesome beer selection. I love the rotating taps and the fact that they have a staff member put together a special beer flight each day....the thought of their printing costs for their menus must be astounding. This is one place that might benefit from the use of iPads as menus. Our server started off really awkward, but eventually the awkwardness became endearing. (ie Michael Cera) I wish I knew earlier that you can request samples of any beer on their menu and they'll let you try it for free. Cambridge Common is comfy & perfect for a casual few beers.
(4)
MJ L.

Cambridge Common, or Cam Com as we affectionately call it, is a staple favorite of my friends and I. The bar has a surprisingly good beer selection for an affordable price and tasty food. They have great appetizers, such as spicy spinach and artichoke dip, mac and cheese bites, and sweet potato fries. The menu also features tasty salads, good burgers, and tasty omelets for Sunday brunch (try the Cobb omelet!). Overall, Cam Com is a great place to go for a casual dinner or night out with friends.
(4)
Jared S.

I freaking love Cambridge Common. I love it so much, that when I was apartment hunting recently, a big factor was proximity to Cambridge Common. I also love my wife for introducing me to Cambridge Common. There, I said it...happy, Kristin? :-) Since I currently don't live too close, I'm always in here on weekends in the early-to-mid afternoon so I'm really not too sure what this place gets like at night. I think the latest I've stayed til was about 6:00. It's always a great vibe but not packed. Huge bar with lots of seating, so that has been my preference over sitting at a table. The beer selection at CC is unparalleled in my book, considering how frequently it changes. They always have at least one beer from my favorite brewery, Peak Organic out of Portland, ME (**HINT** TRY A PEAK ORGANIC BEER - easily the most complex and delicious flavors of any beers in the world). I usually start with a sampler of the rotating taps and then pick one to settle in with. Of course, depending on your palate, some beers are better than others, but the selection is always varied enough for you to find something - heavier, lighter, hoppier, maltier, something in the middle... The food is also quality. I always wind up with several orders of the perfect fried pickles. And yes, there is such a thing as imperfect friend pickles - these are the exact right proportion of crispy breading to pickle and fried to perfection. I've also had the meatloaf, fish and chips, and a few brunch offerings - all hit the spot.
(5)
Ryan M.

This place is conveniently located on Mass Ave, near the Harvard Law School and the School of Engineering (yay!), which means I go here a lot :) Don't let the more expensive menu items fool you -- Cambridge Common can be surprisingly cheap. I would highly recommend the half pound Burger ($6) coupled with a pick from their large selection of draft beers ($4 - $6). If you're with a group of 3 or more people (or 2 people who want to get really druuuuunk) I highly, HIGHLY, recommend the "beerade" (no idea what it's called, lemonade, Sam Adams, 10oz of Vodka in a pitcher) which is a surprisingly good drink, and is reasonably priced, at $20. Great atmosphere, nice people, friendly waiters and waitresses. It can be a little bit of a wait to get a table if you go late on a Friday or Saturday night, so keep that in mind. Overall, a great, and conveniently-located, place to hang out with friends or co-workers.
(3)
Jon W.

I have never had a bad experience here. The food is always tasty, the staff is always accommodating, and there's always a new cask conditioned ale on tap! The mac n cheese is great, the specials are always changing, the steak is perfect. I love the waffle fries when they have them too! Always get yellow mustard with your sweet potato fries. It's an excellent place for a date, hang out, or anything else casual.
(4)
Sue L.

The food isn't amazing, but it's consistent. Burgers, fish and chips, and other pub foods are fine. Beer selection is very good. And it's a great place for a large group (with or without a reservation on a busy weekend night).
(4)
David R.

The beer selection is great, the food is sort of decent, and the service is a total toss-up depending on the night. I've had orders just disappear on multiple occasions. Other times, it's been great. They have the capacity to seat reasonably large groups on short notice which is nice. This is a good place to go for drinks and bar-food, but not necessarily for a nice dinner out. If you go, check out the sweet potato fries and the beer punch.
(2)
Jess C.

Long interesting beer list: Check Optional live music downstairs: Check Attentive Staff: Check All in all this place is pretty good. I had the Peak Organic Seasonal (I think it was seasonal) and it was pretty delicious. I wasn't sure what I wanted and hadn't heard of most of the beers and the bartender asked what I liked and then poured me a glass and said if i didn't like it, he'd try again. Luckily I liked it but I appreciated his great customer service! I have been here a few times to see shows and it's generally not too-crowded that you can't get a drink quickly, and it's a chill atmosphere. I have to come back to try the food but this is a good spot to meet friends for drinks if that's all you're lookin' for.
(4)
Cathryn P.

The bf and I went here for lunch on Saturday and had a really positive experience! The beer selection here really blew me away. They have a huge local selection as well as beers from all over the country. I loved that you can build your own tasting by picking any four drought beers. They also have a tasting suggestion that is hand picked by the staff. We both ordered burgers and were pretty happy. It was great bar food and cooked nicely. The only negative is our service was a little slow, but our waiter was accurate and the restaurant was busy. All in all, a pretty nice experience.
(4)
Leah M.

I like good beer, and can get a bit...snobby about beer. Cambridge Common did not disappoint me. They had a fair selection of craft beers I had heard of and ones that I had not. Additionally, it wasn't an overwhelming list like some places have (...I have a decision problem). The real tell tail if a bar understands beer? If they let you taste the beer before you pick one. Cambridge Commons again did not disappoint. On top of all of that, the beer wasn't crazy pricey (about $5-7/beer but most were in the $5 range) I did go on a Sunday, so I can't tell if it gets crowded on the weekend. As for the food, I can't really help you out there. My boyfriend and I split the mussels, which were fantastic, but I don't want to speak for the rest of the menu. I'm a fan. Good beer, good prices, very close to me. I'll be back!
(4)
Su R.

Still up to 4 stars for me, and I'm writing this update because I want to thank the nice waitress/hostess who allowed my friend and I to sit at a booth since that was the only available seating on a fri night. We were unable to get in at all earlier in the eve because it was full, so during hiatus at the lizard, when we came back a second time she was kind enough to not make us stand at the bar. And the brownie sundae we ordered was delicious.
(4)
Alexa D.

Cambrigde Common is the perfect place to start off your night of drinking! (you dont want to get too wasted here..save that shit for tavern in the square, or newtowne, this is a CLASSY establishment) I'm gonna stay away from their Watermelon margarita, forever, because it isn't good..not one redeeming quality. But all the other drinks are really good, and well made. (trust me, if i had an iphone and was able to check in, i'd be mayor of this bitch) Why does it only get three stars? Their lame excuse for food. Stay away from pretty much all of the apps, except for their nachos. I hear their main courses are good, but I havent had those, so I can only judge their weak hot wings, and poorly made buffalo chicken dip.
(3)
Jamie G.

Drinks- Usually I come here for beer and beer samplers because they have a great selection from local breweries. But last saturday I tried the sangria because i was more in a cocktail mood. It was made with blackberry brandy, had a good fruit selection, but came in a small glass for $7.25. My friends loved their vodka sodas and gin and tonics, which came in huge glasses- so I was obviously jealous too. For Apps- we had the nachoes, buffalo fingers and chicken fingers. None of them were spectacular; I've had better elsewhere. They were edible, but barely so. For my Meal- I had the grilled chicken salad with couscous, which was actually really good. All my Friends had burgers and apparently the buns were 'large but not in charge!' -very hard and dry and not toasted.. 5 for beer selection, 3 for food, 3.5 for cocktails, so let's say 4 overall because I am feeling generous, and I do like the ambiance of the place, and the service is not bad.
(4)
Scott B.

Two words: BEER PUNCH (in all caps for dramatic effect.) Imagine this... lemonade, lots of vodka, and a bottle of sam summer... all mixed together in a pitcher garnished with lemon wedges. DELISH. After a couple pitchers, and the wonderful service of our main man, Joe, we could all officially say we had a spectacular evening. Also of note: -funky head boppin music at a perfect volume -- speckled with 80's and 90's techno remixes -- played especially loud in the bathrooms. Actually it was hard to not bust out in dance whilst peeing. -The English Burger -- burger, bacon, cheese on english muffin... (i didn't actually have it... but my friend was very very pleased) -sandwich style pickle shaped SPF's. (Sweet potato fries) -- if that doesn't make any sense, just ask, I'll explain how wonderful this truly is. Cambridge Common -- just a hop down the road on Mass Ave from Porter Square. It's so worth the hop... and skip... but that my stylin' funky-fresh touch.
(4)
Clare J.

Great for a group. Four friends and I went on a Saturday night and waited 20 mins for a table (Celtics were playing). We had great burgers, delicious sweet potato "fries"--technically thick cut chips served in a basket-- a nice salad, and a pitcher of the $20.00 beer/lemonade/vodka. All for about $60.00. Great atmosphere, nice server, and even though it was crowded we never felt neglected. Nicely done.
(4)
Lauren A.

I've been here approximately twice a week for the last year...and more times over the past two years so that's....over 100 times I've been to Cambridge Common and I still haven't reviewed it. I kind of feel like I can't and shouldn't, because I live close by and I go more because it's there than because it's a destination, but oh well. The service can be fast or slow, but the servers and bartenders are always friendly and helpful, and the Common is really now a neighborhood institution. I always see the same people there. The food is solid, but not amazing. I recommend the portabella burger, the buffalo chicken burger, or the meatloaf (no kidding). All the desserts are amazing. Really, I continue to come here for the beer, the *excellent* rotating tap menu, to hang out with friends, and to get dinner at the bar when I'm alone. I've never had a mixed drink here, and I've never been here before 10pm, so I can't comment on that.
(4)
Alex K.

I was in Boston for a few days, staying at a B&B up the road, and I was sent here for dinner and the hockey game. The place was packed, but in a good way. The kind of healthy bustle that every place should boast. I took a seat at the bar and the staff were quick to take care of me. The beer menu is a bit overwhelming - I'm as big a fan of weird micro beers as the next guy, but sometimes I crave a pint of Bud, you know? Here, unless you're willing to settle on bottles (like a chump!) that's not going to happen. I ordered the quarter-pounder burger and curly fries and a pint of the Sam Adams seasonal. Beer was good, as were he fries, but the burger itself was almost embarrassingly small. Better choice was the southern fried chicken on biscuits with fries instead of mashed potatoes. Now THAT went down a treat when I returned the next day. The staff is nice and there are plenty of TVs. The proximity to Harvard gives it a rarefied college air, but that's never used to make the place feel elite. It's just a nice college town bar that get's the job done if you're new in town and need a bite to eat.
(3)
Bill H.

It's impossible to find fault with Cambridge Common. - A large selection of beers -- some $4 pints, too! - Atmosphere is definitely pubby, but Common doesn't take itself too seriously (evidenced by all the rotating funky art on display on the walls) - Great pub food. Delicious ballpark dogs, meaty burgers, great curly/straight/sweet potato fries. It's hard to find a place that does good straight fries. - Solid service - Minimal waits for tables There's nothing that's particularly killer about CC, though. I don't find myself wanting for a particular burger or beer, and you have to contend with *gasp* Harvard Law School students *un-gasp*, so I'm holding it back from the five-star.
(4)
Cameron J.

Great service - J.P is the best bartender in Cambridge
(5)
Courtney C.

Beer Punch. That's why I go here. It's a sneaky little concoction that is so tasty, I have yet to hear a complaint. The burgers, are another story. Sweet potato chips and fried pickles are delish, but the burgers- mainly the buns- are lacking. In fact, 5 of the 6 people I was with the other night barely ate their dinner because it was simply unenjoyable to eat. So- enjoy a few a drinks, an app or two, and go down the street to harvard or porter square for a bite elsewhere.
(3)
Allison R.

Cambridge Common, a review in two acts. Act One: Night of the Beers Dropped in here last week to start my Thirsty Thursday right. There is a significantly okay beer list, including a rotating Rogue tap. Sadly, the selection was the Dead Guy. I would have given this place two more stars, no questions asked, if the Chipotle Ale had been the offering. Our server was knowledgeable, attentive, and moderately annoying. We grabbed a sample paddle, and I felt pretty blah about what they had on offer. I observed their mixed drinks from afar, and surmised they wouldn't be much to write home about. Intermission: a post-CC trip to Stella (yummy drinks and gay bartenders!), an extended nap, lunch and a movie... Act 2: The Return, Dinner Returned the next night to meet up with a friend from Maine who grew to love this place working at the Starbucks across the street. We were greeted with a two-hour waitlist, but since she knew some people, it was more like 35 minutes. The food was pretty tasty, and mad props for having tater tots. Nachos FTW, though, with fresh tomatoes and yummy mozzerella cheese. I tried the southern fried chicken entree and was none too disappointed. I did wait an awfully long time for water, though, and was surprised our waitress wasn't more attentive to our party of 7 people. My conclusion: I won't go out of my way to come here for food or drink, but if i'm in the neighborhood, I will happily consume some appetizers and maybe grab a drink. 2.5 stars all around.
(2)
Jordan A.

I mean 3 stars in a really good way! This place is great because: 1. it's cheap 2. their burgers are really cooked to order (aka i ordered medium rare and i got medium rare) 3. crazy selection of beer at good prices 4. good service I even asked the waiter if the burger came with pickles (I love pickles), he said yes, and secretly gave me TWO pickles on the side without me really asking for extras. We'll be back to this place when we're craving a delicious burger and a beer. For three people who all ordered burgers and a delicious beer, it was $43... not bad!
(3)
Paul D.

Cambridge Common is a a reliable place to get good food and a great drink. The food is not always the best, but I've been here a few dozen times and always enjoyed something about the visit. Some highlights are their nachos, which are covered in cheese and jalapenos with a side of what seems like house-made salsa, the burgers which fall just short of great but are consistently good (I recommend the Smokehouse Burger) and their tater tots or sweet potato fries. I am not a huge fan of the chicken pot pie, which is cream of chicken soup and a biscuit. The curly fries and hamburger buns have occasionally been a little stale but it's not something that happens regularly. They have a great selection of local and craft brews. The sampler is always a pretty tasty decision. If you are in the mood for nachos and beer you won't find a better place near Harvard.
(4)
Aimee M.

I gave this place three stars and my partner thought I was being generous. Based on a recommendation from the waitress, I ordered the BBQ burger with curly fries and was OK, nothing great about it, nothing horrible about it. My partner ordered the BLT which was on huge slices of bread with hardly any ingredients, I think there was maybe three slices of bacon, some of it uncooked. Needless to say it was the worst BLT she ever had because it was basically a bread sandwich. We enjoyed sitting outside and the waitress was nice but I do not see us going back there again.
(3)
Aaron S.

Cambridge Common. What can I say about you? I've known you since before college. You always treated me right, had delicious food, had stunning beers, and great cocktails. I wish you weren't so far away from me now. I miss you. PS- I don't understand the beer punch, but I know my friends love it.
(5)
Jill T.

The beer selection is constantly changing and is epic. I had a coffee infused chocolate stout once and was sad that it was not on the menu the next visit, but then I tried a pumpkin beer which was fab! If not for the changing menu I don't believe I'd be interested in trying new beers, and what a sad state of affairs that would be. If you can't decide on which beer to choose- order a flight- it's a wonderful way to sample everything that sounds "interesting" and then you can wisely choose your full pint option. Oh, and the food- it ain't so bad either!
(5)
Milee S.

Got seated at a booth behind a large group of 25(!) as a girl tried to cut in line to put her name in. Ah, that's Cambridge for you! This is a decent sized bar, with a lot of food choices, and even more beer choices. We waited for over 15 minutes for service (and then only got by traffic stopping one waitress, who was assigned to our table and forgot about us). That took off a star. We started with drinks--a 4 beer sampler, mai tai, framboise and wild raspberry pale ale. Did not like the pale ale. The menu ranges from various fried apps, salads, sandwiches, burgers, "square meals" and sides. We ordered, meatloaf with mashed potatoes, baja turkey burger (with avocado and pickles) with curly fries, veggie blt with sweet potato chips and fish tacos with tator tots. The tots are great as are the curly fries. We split two desserts: strawberry shortcake and pecan pie. The whipped cream was fantastic and the shortcake was delicious. I'd come back again in the area as I really want to try the fried pickles (and the prices are pretty amazing). We paid $24 each after tax and tip; not bad for practically a 3 course meal.
(3)
Jessie C.

I like this place. good food, good booze - not too fancy and THEY HAVE FRIED PICKLES AND TATER TOTS ON THE MENU! doesn't get better than that.
(4)
Matt B.

I hosted a birthday party at Cambridge Common, and the staff was beyond helpful. When their reserve-a-section-and-spend-a-minimum policy proved beyond my price range, they accommodated me with a few random tables, and it completely worked. Great beer selection too!
(5)
Doris T.

I guess this place is quite well known for their beer, but as a non-drinker I could only comment on the food.I will agree that they have great sweet potato fries (one of the best I had) and the service is quite hospitable but the burger I had was just about ordinary. I had ordered a veggie burger and it was barely edible. My husband's (turkey) was a little more agreeable... That being said, it was a fun place to be at with friends and the prices were not overwhelming for a typical bar and grille. My friends loved the beer punch btw.
(3)
Johnny D.

The rating: If I could, I would give Cambridge Common 2.5 stars, since middle of the road sums it up pretty darn well, though the Yelp description for two stars fits well too. The reason we chose to eat here: The girlfriend and I decided to try this place out for a nice Saturday brunch based on solid Yelp reviews and the knowledge that if on street parking was scarce there is a little lot in the back of the restaurant. Luckily, upon getting there we found ample on street parking, so no worries there. It is metered parking, but hey, it's Cambridge. The food: (Note: not everything on the online brunch menu is actually available at the restaurant so you probably don't want to get your heart set on something in advance.) We chose to start with the chicken nachos which were very tasty. The pulled chicken worked well with the rest of the dish without overpowering any of the other toppings and the salsa had a perfect amount of heat. The toppings were actually layered pretty well but only on one side, the other side was a just a pile of chips. It isn't that there weren't enough toppings to go around, just that you had to get in there and spread the topping love yourself. I got the Sunrise Burrito as my entree and boy was I expecting more. I know I wasn't at Anna's Taqueria but the burrito was small by any standards, especially considering the price. But it's not just about size, if it were fantastic the lack of sheer girth would be more forgivable. Alas, that was not the case here either. Of the entire burrito I would say two bites actually contained everything that was described on the menu, with the majority of bites being just egg, a few beans and tortilla, as well as the self added sour cream and salsa. The chorizo and cheese were underrepresented entirely. It is my opinion that a good burrito should contain everything the customer paid for in nearly every bite, and this did not measure up in any way. I will say that it was the prettiest plate of the day, sliced in half and splayed open with a pretty little fruit cup of grapes, honeydew and cantaloupe, but unfortunately that is the biggest compliment I can offer. Ms. Sarah-pants ordered the Smokehouse Burger with curly fries on the side. This did not have any of the portion issues I had had with my burrito. She ordered it medium-rare and it was cooked perfectly. Flavor wise, It wasn't exceptional nor horrible, merely a fairly bland and forgettable burger with a pile of seasoned fries and a pickle. Dessert came through in a big way, and left a good taste in our mouths to finish off our meal. We ordered the special that day. Unfortunately I cannot remember what they named it, but it was a pumpkin cheesecake with a cranberry chutney underneath and a buttery graham cracker crust that I would have been happy to eat sans filling. Certainly the high point of the experience. The service: We walked in at just about noon and were seated straight away, at the last open outdoor table no less. We did have to request it rather than being offered the prime outdoor seating by our hostess. It's not a huge deal, but it is always nice to be asked. After being seated it took a few minutes before our waiter appeared, but just as I started to think we'd been forgotten he showed up and all was forgiven. For the rest of the meal the service was good with the only noticeable issue being that we received our entrees within minutes of starting on our app, which actually worked out in this instance since as mentioned my burrito was woefully small, so I knew to keep plowing through my nachos during my main course instead of stopping and having them taken from the table. The final rundown: For brunch there are a lot of better, cheaper, heartier options around. You may not get a seat at those places quite so quickly, but as in most things in life, your patience is usually rewarded.
(2)
Lindsay T.

I eat here pretty frequently because I live literally right around the corner--so it's very convenient and a lot cheaper than the other restaurants in the immediate area. The first several times I ate here, it was decent, but service was always very slow. The food was consistent though. Lately, the last few months the food has been super mediocre. Always barely warm, or gross fries etc. One night, we called in Take out, and after we got there (it's about a 1.5 minute walk) we paid for our food and took it home etc., but as soon as I opened my box, my food was cold. I got fish tacos and the sauce that comes with it has a film on it like it had been sitting out for ages (with a presumably mayo based sauce this is dangerous) and the fish was gross. My boyfriends meal was also cold. I called and told the host the situation, and he told me they would remake the food, and emphasized how generous he was being by not making me pay twice. wtf? So I went back to the restaurant pretty quickly and went to pick up my food which was not even ready yet (this time so I could be SURE it would be warm). I insisted they give me a refund for my order, since it's ridiculous having to come all the way back to do this, and we are lucky we live so close and have that option. The host was very irritated but finally talked to the manager, who gave me two $10 gift cards to use next time. What a joke. That didn't even cover the entire meal, and they could have just voided the credit card transaction. The other day this happened pretty much exactly again (except I did not bother asking for a refund because "fool me once..") but I will never order fish tacos from here again, nor will I actively seek out food from here anymore. Unfortunate.
(2)
Emily W.

Huge place so seating is fast, service is good, beer is great. Appetizers very good - the FRIED PICKLES are AWESOME!!!! I would go back for beer and fried pickles. Dinners not so good. I had a greasy not-that-good grilled cheese and "tomato soup." The tomato soup had the taste and consistency of marinara sauce. So I only used it to dip my sandwich. My dining companion had a hamburger which he said was gross.
(3)
Frank W.

Unsure why this place would deserve 5 stars, but it's much better than a so-so 3, so we're going to aim inbetween those with a 4. And here we go! I'd heard good things about Cambridge Common so when someone offered me the opportunity to go for a late lunch/early dinner I jumped at it. Due to the timing of our arrival the place was pretty much dead and we grabbed a table facing the bar (great for people watching/game watching if the people suck to look at) and were seen quickly by our server. Neither of us felt like burgers (which you all say are good), but I think we did alright anyway. I got the Turkey Club which, with it's Terragon mayo was SO delicious, fragrant, nom. I saved half not because i didn't want it, but I wanted the chance to savor it AGAIN for lunch the next day. Which I did. So awesome. My friend got the Baja Chicken "Burger" (i don't count it as a burger, no moo) which he also enjoyed. Both of us sprung for Sweet potato chips. Mega bomb. Beer menu is decent and changes up, and they've got a few different interesting entrees. Not a spot for aspiring foodies -- not enough confit -- but fits the ticket if you're looking for relaxed American food. Check I'll be back!
(4)
John P.

I'm probably the wrong person to review this bar. I'm not a huge beer snob: give me a decent IPA or a pale lager and I'm happy. So Cambridge Common's extensive beer selection doesn't impress me the way it might impress others. But this is a good, classy bar, far enough from Harvard Square that it's not insanely crowded (most nights, anyway). Better than one of the Tavern-in-the-Square franchises or a sports bar on a non-Sox night. If your date doesn't need to be taken somewhere fancy, but you still want a place with dim lighting, good beers and a non-threatening apps menu, this'll do.
(3)
Andrew R.

I've had lunch, dinner, and drinks there. The food was very solid (definitely above average for an American-style bar and grill), the prices were reasonable, and the beer list was pretty interesting. It wasn't mind blowing, but I'm sure I'll be back often for a solid meal or to catch a game. They have a nice beer list, though. Best deal is the sampler: a decent amount of any four beers at a reasonable price.
(4)
Angel C.

Hmm, what can be said about Cambridge Common that hasn't already been said? Probably not too much, so I'll just add my 2 cents. Pros: - open after 10pm for dinner - extensive beer selection - their sweet potato fries - usually good service Cons: - their dinner menu I come here a lot because it's a favorite among my friends for a late-night dinner, and I'm like, "really? again??" I'm just not a fan of their menu: burgers, sandwiches, a choice of ~7 "square meals", salads, apps. I've tried several things from it and my reaction is always meh. I used to be a fan of their black bean burger, and then they changed the recipe!!! I told this to the waiter last time, and he said others agreed. Change it back! I do have to say their sweet potato fries are among the best I've had. Sometimes their specials are pretty good. I once had a dish of sausage and gnocchi in a tomato cream sauce that was genius. That is one of the greatest combinations in the world ever. It has a great bar atmosphere with plenty of beers to choose from and a decent amount of space to mingle. Service is usually pretty good. Props to our waiter the last time I went, John (shaved head, goatee). The guy was super nice, very attentive, and took the order for a group of ~12 people without writing it down! (and didn't screw it up)
(3)
A. C.

The Oh Ginger! cocktail was delicious but the fish & chips were a disaster: two pathetically tiny pieces of fish over a bed of soggy, bland french fries. The slaw tasted like bits of shredded paper mixed with white glue. I ordered a slice of cheesecake in an attempt to mitigate the effects of that tasty cocktail but the cheesecake was pretty sad too. It had a funky taste as if it had been sitting in the back of a refrigerator for days. Further, my dining companion wasn't impressed with the grilled cheese sandwich he ordered. Service was unremarkable.
(2)
Kevin L.

tater tots. beers. joy of childhood, meet joy of adulthood.
(4)
Flora B.

My favorite bar in Cambridge. I love that they have so many beers on tap! And it's nice to have a little walk from Harvard Square...
(5)
Jen B.

Okay, fellow dog owners out there, you know when your dog finds a place that they like so much they just kind of want to roll all over it with joy? That's sort of how I feel about this place. Open Past 11? Check. Diverse Beer List ? Check Awesome Waitstaff? Yessir! Damn Good Pub Food? Dude, they have *fried pickles*. WITH Chipotle Aioli. I know, I drooled a little too. No shame. Look this place isn't where you go if you're looking for fine dining and cloth napkins. This is the place you go to grab a pitcher of beer punch and an order of nachos to hang out after a long day. The Bartender is awesome and the waitstaff ROCKS. Example of awesome waitstaff: I got off of work extra late, it was 11:45 and my fellow co-workers and I needed our drinkies and muchies to wind down after a long shift of dealing with hostile teenagers. I call ahead and say, "Your kitchen closes at 12 but if I put in an order now can we eat it there while we drink?" Um, yes, yes we could. They were even kind enough to keep the food under the warmers so it was still hot when we got there. There's even a small parking lot in the back of the building. Oh and it is priced accordingly. One more thing: Beer Flights. HELLO! What more proof do we need that this place is awesome.
(5)
Julia N.

Cheapest place to eat around. And Good food. Best boneless Buffalo wings I've ever had. Beer punch is delicious. If you want to try something different try their fried pickles, surprisingly addictive. I got a gourmet soup here once that was raspberry... It was delightful. If they have a special i'd get it. Went here for new years 2011 and got a delicious steak for under 26 dollars... Fabulous!! I don't love the dark bar atmosphere, but for the food quality and the prices i can deal.
(4)
Jared S.

Nonsense to the naysayers. This place holds the distinction of my favorite commercial establishment in the US...it's really that good! Burgers are phenomenal (and well priced), beer selection is as big as any I've seen. Fried pickles and curly fries are unreal. Add to that friendly service and a cavernous and cozy atmosphere...it's perfect for any season.
(5)
Dachary C.

Another great spot to hit in the evening when very few places are open. Pub-style food on the good side of average, as well as some unusual dishes that might appeal to the person who's not a fan of standard pub fare. It's easy to get seated, they have a ton of beers and the willingness to make most any drink you can name. The free parking in the back is an added boon. Beware, though - if you go late in the evening, the kitchen is slow.
(4)
Jon H.

high value food including cobb salad, burgers, dozens of beers and alcohols, quick service with some decent outdoor seating good for groups
(5)
Michael P.

Let me preface this by saying this was my first establishment out to eat and drink in a city I have never been to... and I was not disappointed! It is a mid-sized well boasted storefront bar and restaurant, with outdoor dining, and a full bar. Lots of beer!!! I was actually introduced to my well hidden ambition to trying other beer. (that is from my everyday comfort zone of Miller Lite and Miller Chill) I had Bluemoon for the first time, which was awesome. -)Seating was timely and the attitude and friendliness of the service was excellent. The speed and accuracy of the service was a bit to bulk at. Case and point... did not get tarter sauce when asked for it, and our server was a little in the weeds, again though... very nice! -)Once again the beer was excellent, and prices of the beer were quite reasonable for the area... (i see that now, after being in the city for a few days. lol) Food was good, not the best, but it satisfied me. Definitely a place to check out, good prices, and excellent booze prices! Anyone Leary about their hidden desire to try new beer? ppsssst!!!... DO IT!!! It was worth it. Cambridge Common.... it was a good first impressions of the Boston/ Cambridge area!!!! Just a little added review bonus... my fiance and I went there again tonight, and had a blast. Threw down a few cocktails, which were made very well, and speedy! The waitress was very nice, took a pic with us (as did the bartender). Excellent work Cambridge Commons. I moved my review from three to four big whoppin stars!!!
(4)
Kate T.

Tips on making your time at Cambridge Common delightful: 1. Sit outside. If there is a wait, happily hole up at the bar with a beer flight which is surprisingly good value 2. Fried pickles app 3. Fried mac & cheese app 4. Repeat said beer flight as needed -- comes in manager's selection or pick-a-mix style where you choose any 4 beers on the menu
(4)
Nutmeg Y.

You'll like this place if you're on the hunt for Boston craft beers. My friends and I just had appetizers and beer. The selection of craft beers were great! The food was average. The sweet potato fries were like ripple potato chips , except they were thicker and not crunchy. They were just ok. I prefer fries as sticks. Ambiance-wise, it was great! Lots of low-key Cambridge folks, enjoying their beer. I would definitely go back!
(3)
M H.

Local bar fare, lots of brick, art on the wall, and I think the bartender served me at the table around noon, and she was good. Got my chix sandwich w fries, kid got her mac n cheese, got a quick refill of soda without asking for it, can't complain. This is a no nonsense kinda joint for a no nonsense kinda meal. Very Cambridge. The beer selection seems like it could keep someone here for a while, just sampling.
(3)
Herbert K.

Y'know... I liked them better when the "homemade pickles" promised on their sandwiches didn't come from a pail from Sysco....
(4)
Charoline D.

Sadly, I wasn't able to squeeze my car into the spot against the back wall with the dumpy old pile of snow in it, but was able to find a spot not too far down the street to come her for dinner with friends. We came in to find a bustling group of college kids, already decked out for St.Patty's day, a day too early, gag, and shoved our way to a booth in the back. It was nice to know they had Geary's on tap, but as I have not been of the liver destroying persuazn as of late, I had a ginger ale. Yes, I am 90 years old and like Werthers, Maple Walnut ice cream, and peanut brittle. These things happen. Don't hate. After a heated battle between myself and my wife's boyfriend about whether or not I was allowed to order the same dinner (Southern Fried Chicken), our waiter arrived. Damien tried to strategically make me order first, so that he could change his order if need be, and I bypassed this by whispering to our server that I wanted the fried chicken and not to let on what I had ordered. He quickly covered this by asking me if I wanted fries, it doesn't even come with fries! Very sneaky of him. D was fooled, my work was done. The chowder that wife ordered appeared too watery for my taste, but my chicken was everything I had wanted. A nice fried chicken breast, sitting atop some REAL mashed potatoes, coated in gravy with not just one, but TWO biscuits. I love biscuits. I was more than satisfied with this meal. And even more satisfied with the turmoil I caused for Damien by us being matchy matchy. EN GARDE!
(4)
Bridget C.

So I went to see a show Saturday night at the lizard lounge and we all went here first for dinner. I got this delicious IPA on tap and for the life of me cant remember the name!! All I remember is my friend kept calling it boars head! LOL! There was 5 of us and we shared the middle eastern platter and the pappedaw avocado dip and it was all awesome! Now the service is spot on but no fake friendliness with the waitstaff. But they do there job well! They get your orders right and bring the beer cold! Isn't that what your paying for anyway!?! Who cares if they are smiling at you the whole time!? That's why I tipped the dude well! Bottom line is good food, good beer, good prices! THEY GOT ME!
(4)
Vin V.

Great selection of beers at decent prices. Burgers are the best deal for food. Great bartenders.
(4)
Christian H.

Killer comfort food (jesus, the sweet potato fries!). Outdoor seating. Amazing beer selection. Super friendly staff. Big TVs. Spacious. Ah! It's just a perfect storm of awesomeness. Go here and go often. You won't be let down.
(4)
Justin M.

Two Words - Beer Punch! Two more words - Happy Hour. This is my spot to swing thru after work on Friday for some beer punch and a solid meal. I truly come only for the punch and the good convo so the food not being amazing is not an issues with me. Overall, a solid establishment.
(4)
Liz D.

So, I told someone last night this is my new Christopher's. If you like Christopher's or Tavern On The Square, you will like Cambridge Common. They have a HUGE beer selection including Magic Hat Circus Boy, which I've never seen on tap anywhere else in the Boston area, you can also get a beer sampler if you'd like. The fried pickles are really good, as are the sweet potato fries.
(4)
Austin S.

By FAR the best thing about Cambridge Common is the beer list -- it's easily the best I've seen in the Boston area. The high-quality brews they offer range from light fruity beers to rich stouts, with everything in between... and they pay special homage to my favorite style: the IPA. With a rotating "Daily IPA" tap and at least 5 or 6 additional IPA's available, you're always bound to find some hoppy deliciousness. I'm particularly pleased that they don't just stick to Northeastern-style beers, but give equal play to the fantastic Southern California tradition, as well as a range of good Eurobrews. That being said, the food is.... well.... nothing special. They serve their crappy homemade pickles with everything, which is supposed to be a touch of uniqueness. And it would be, if the pickles were good. But they're not. So, don't bother poring over the menu for too long -- nothing's going to wow you. My best bets: the Blackjack Burger (add some jalapenos!), the Turkey Club, and the Fish & Chips. Again, nothing extraordinary, but they aren't bad.
(4)
Alexandra L.

I used to go here all the time when I lived in the Square and had "cell phone free" Thursday dinners with friends. The pizza is good, the drinks better, and I can always get a table without waiting too long. Hassle free and great atmosphere.
(4)
Joshua S.

Definitely our go-to place for burgers, wings, nachos, and BEER. The beer is definitely the most amazing part of this place. Their selection is vastly better than any other place around the square. The cocktails are also pretty good, but really strong. You don't go here for fantastic food, it really isn't about that, but the food isn't bad. Try the Black Jack Burger. It's pretty much a slam dunk. Definitely my favorite entree. The wait staff is sometimes a little... slow... but I can definitely overlook that in exchange for a make-your-own beer sampler. Also very gay-friendly.
(4)
jim b.

I've been to this place plenty since it was right next to where I worked (Lesley U.) but it REALLY REALLY seems like they never clean their taps, the beer almost never tastes right. Sorry, because of this it has just become a place to avoid.
(1)
Kevin B.

I went over to Cambridge Common last Saturday. It was 8 o'clock on a Saturday night and we still got a table and for that alone, I believe that they deserve some kudos. The waitress was super busy and yet she was still helpful, informed and friendly. The food choice wasn't amazing or exceptional but they do what they do well and anyplace that offers fried pickles is a little piece of heaven to me. I mean fried pickles! Do I even have to say anything more? Actually, I do. Fried Pickles and Sweet Potatoe Fries! Enough Said.
(5)
Stefanie G.

I had lunch here today, the regular burger on an english muffin. The food was nice, but it was about 2pm and the service was very slow. The music was also terrible, it sounded like what a DJ would play at a wedding or bad gay club music - there is a surprising overlap between the two, have you ever noticed? Like Donna Summer? Nonetheless, solid bar food and good beer. I don't recommend the diet cola, the quality of which is always important to me.
(3)
Shine B.

Maybe its my mistake for going there for brunch on a Sunday. If so, I will accept that. Brunch was gross though - so gross. The "fresh" fruit was soggy and not at all fresh. The french toast was made from preservative laden crap bread and soggy from the fake whipped cream that was on top. The eggs were from a bag (as a lot of eggs are at diners I realize). The bacon was not cooked enough and was basically chunks of fat. I don't know, I would never go back for breakfasty food again.
(2)
kyle c.

fried mac and cheese bites! harpoon 100 barrel on tap! 30 draft lines! had an ultimate blt (or was it called advanced? i don't remember) someone should officially change the name of those to "blt+a" with the addition of avacado. SOOOO good. i was pleased with my experience here.
(4)
Pete P.

great beer selection... okay bar... okay clientele... not the kind of place to go to meet "chicks" but a decent place to go with some friends for a drink. the food is okay... that is why i am only tossing 3 stars its way. i used to love the english burger there. a big meaty burger served on an english muffin. some real highlights? sweet potato fries and tater tots! gotta love tater tots as a side. not a good place to watch a game... the TVs are tucked up near the elevated liquor bottles and can only be seen from a few seats at the bar and it still requires a kink of the neck. its also hard to rate this too high with the west side lounge right across the street... a much better alternative.
(3)
Alex L.

GREAT beer selection, poor indoor ambiance and food. We enjoy this place best on temperate nights sitting outside.
(3)
Christine B.

Two words: Tater Tots Also, the avocado in the egg salad sandwich is an awesome touch.
(4)
John P.

If I want a beer, but I'm also really hungry, this is a great place. They have a really large selection of beers on tap and I think that is awesome.
(4)
Richard F.

Great place to catch a game. Good food, numerous TVs, broad selection of beer, solid mix of age-groups. I was impressed with the place, if put off by the number of children in the bar, including those aged five and six siting at the bar itself. The odd thing was the parents didn't look like Spears and K-Feds, but rather ordinary, caring parents who wanted to meet a friend and catch a brew before the weekend. While it didn't seem like child abuse, it was disconcerting enough for me to retain the fifth star from this solid Cambridge pub.
(4)
Billy O.

This place is a great beer and appetizers spot. Iif you're into relaxed places with diverse crowds, some nights you just don't know what to expect with their variety of events.
(4)
Hilary J.

Mediocre bar atmosphere, good beer selection, friendly and experienced bartenders. Restaurant is sub-par. Food is not very thrilling and service is on the slower side. My waitress forgot my soup... but the sweet potato fries can always make up for that.
(3)
Vivian W.

I'm sure some will say I deserve what I got for ordering a salad here. I argue that no one deserves to die of salmonella poisoning from a cobb salad that was anything but. Cambridge Common is a mixed bag, it seems. When it's good, it's *really* good. When it's bad... well, it's awful. Today, it was awful. Worse than awful, in fact. First, I got the wrong salad. Then got what was supposed to be a cobb salad, but had rubbery chicken, eggs that went bad four days ago, no blue cheese and browning lettuce. The waitress was either partially lobotomized or stoned and could have given a flying F about anything relating to our table. She stood in the back, off in space, swaying to herself as we tried to get her attention to provide us with the bill. Unacceptable, Cambridge Common- you're right by Harvard Law School- with all those lawyer wanna-bes floating around, you'd think you'd pay more attention to things that could trigger a lawsuit. Like DEATH BY FOOD POISONING. There are enough redeeming qualities to resurrect Cambridge Common from the abyss of 1 star exile and they are as follows (in order of importance): sweet potato fries; Smuttynose beer on tap (and other fun varities too!); and fried pickles. Stick with those and you'll be happily buzzed and properly stuffed without worrying about a hospital visit. The salads? Well, it appears to be safer to base jump off the Hancock building.
(3)
Beth E.

Started going here many years ago with the girls from work. Back in those days, this place was always packed. Now, we go every once in a while for nostalgia (and so my friend can have the sweet potato fries). It's not nearly as packed as it used to be, but I still like the burgers and sandwiches. Where did everyone go?
(3)
Ash T.

Ok, you have to be a regular ti really appreciate this place. I lived in a dorm right next door for three years. The first semester I was there, I pretty much tolerated the food and somewhat dark and grungy interior. But then I figured out what was good (burgers and fries), what was consistent (salads) and what to avoid (any of their soups). They also have a marvelous selection of beer on tap. Anyway, moral of the story is, this place eventually became the place I went to when I wanted something quick and easy that I knew would hit the spot (and when you ilve literally two seconds away, it is also finals survival food). The service is also just my style; I went there more than frequently for three years and recognized all of the staff just as I am sure they recognized me. And yet they never tried to talk to me or know me... just pretended I wasn't crazy and that they didn't know it was me on the other end of the phone when I ordered my turkey burger with curly fries every single night during the two weeks preceding exams. Oh Cambridge Common, I'd take you home to my parents if I could.
(5)
plz h.

Place is decent. Service can be sometimes quite less than decent (other times it's just fine). One of the less painful places my drunkard friends occasionally drag me to.
(3)
Stefanie K.

In my 20s, I spent many a birthday partying it up at Cambridge Common. And now that I'm in my, ahem, 30s, I still like to go back from time to time for a burger and those heavenly sweet potato fries (the best in all the land). You can also sometimes find me bellied up to the bar for a pumpkin ale of some sort.
(4)
Barney B.

I am shocked that I haven't written a review of this place until now - perhaps I was scared at how glowing it would be, but I need to get over that shit. This place rules. First, they have tater tots (see my highlander review and you will know I am sucker for them). And some awesome sliders that are laced with crack, I think. the beer selection is up there with Sunset Grill, and always rotating. The rest of the grub is pretty decent, and the bartenders are consistent (Amy is by far one of the nicest bartenders I have met in the city). The wait staff can be iffy - definitely mostly students, it seems. But the kitchen is open late, and there's rarely a long wait for one of the many tables in the place. It's not a great place to go watch the game, because the TVs are awkwardly placed. but it is an AWESOME place to grab some decent cheap food, then pop down for one of the most intimate live music venues in the Boston area. It sucks that I am such a lazy bastard that I don't make it here as often as I did when I was mere blocks away. In a stretch of really mediocre eating along that part of Mass Ave, the Common shines. They are affiliated with West Side Lounge, Christopher's, and Toad - all on the same stretch of road. Only Toad is worth a visit once you decide to change locations.....the other two places are over-rated and underwhelming
(5)
Mike D.

God bless the Cambridge Common. The food isn't exciting, but isn't that the point of comfort food? One exception: the curly fries are actually excitingly good. I give this place a personal four stars not because of the food (consistently comforting if unexciting), and not for the music (inconsistent and also unexciting... which means that it is consistent in its unexcitingness at least), and not for the service (generally attentive and friendly but nothing more than you'd expect in a bar) but because of that big, beautiful beer rotation of theirs, which is completely in line with my own tastes. The selection's not as gonzo as some of the other beer bars around town, and there's less of an emphasis of the trendy Belgians and overly hopped IPAs. But it's a big, well rounded, and well chosen list of really nice beers that keep me coming back whenever I'm in the area.
(4)
Luke R.

Love the burgers and beer at this place. Decent sized bar and a good amount of seating. I've tried watching some games here and found that it wasn't well situated for game-viewing. Parking is always pretty easy to find, which is another big plus.
(4)
Kabir H.

The beer selection is the only redeeming thing about the Common. They've got plenty of variety, including a few that I haven't found on any other taps in Boston. That said, you're at the mercy of their spotty service. Don't worry though, they are always, always, always goddamn table nazis. Don't even think of sullying one of their fine dining booths without being forced to order from their lengthy menu options, mostly consisting of: bad and worse. For what it's worth, the burgers fall into the bad category.
(2)
Elizabeth M.

I really like it here. Not just because it's a stones throw away (that helps) but because I have never had an experience with bad service here. It can be a little slow when they're busy... and they're always busy, but that's to be expected. Always friendly, always competent. The food is solid for the price and they have a pretty awesome beer selection, also reasonably priced. Cheaper than Bukowski's, classier than Charlie's. And that's why I like it.
(4)
Tanya A.

A really good place for pub food. The burgers are good, and I've eaten an order of their sweet potato fries for dinner, they're so great. In fact, all of their fries are good, so definitely get them! The nachos are also excellent-- I've made dinner out of those too. (sense a trend here?) Another great thing is their drinks-- never before have I been served a vodka tonic in a 12-oz glass! And it wasn't too watery, either. They're also really good about accommodating large groups of people, so definitely go here with a group of friends for your next gathering!
(4)
Mary R.

Don't miss the spinach and artichoke dip! This is the best dip I've ever had. It's the perfect blend -- creamy at first, followed by a hot kick and the pita chips that come with it are so good you could eat them by themselves. Otherwise they have typical bar food at good prices. I also love the sweet potato fries.
(4)
Jonathan S.

I love the beer selection (best that I know of in Harvard/Porter area) but am not a fan of the food. It's a nice place to meet friends for a drink but for anything more you should head up the street to Christopher's.
(3)
Najely S.

Sweet Potato Fries - yum! Waitress was quite bitchy, but that's okay, I can be a bitch too. The prices are good, I like the red interior, it has a low-key feel. And did I mention the Sweet Potato Fries?
(4)
Blair T.

I am definitely a new fan of this place. I lived in New Orleans for two years and thus was thrilled to see that one of the special beers was Abita....i mean you just don't find Abita beer in too many Boston bars. The cobb salad was yummy too--not earth-shattering, but a good, solid cobb salad. I'll be back.
(4)
Claudia L.

1: don't call your wings "satanic" when they're anything but. if i'm not crying for mercy after eating them, satan certainly had nothing to do with their creation. 2: don't have your hostess horn blaring into the seating area full of diners. if i'm putting food into my mouth, i can assure you that i don't need to hear who's up next in the batter's box. you know why? because i'm already eating! not that i don't need to be reminded that it's last call for janet's party of two four times in a two minute's span. 3: don't try to rush a party of 12 out the door by insisting we order everything right away and asking us three times if we're ready for the check. we'll let you know when we're ready. moreover, we're all borderline alcoholics who will make it worth your while, i promise. three strikes, you're out, cambridge common. though they do have a beer with monkey in its name. +1.
(2)
Ashley H.

I came here for the first time last week, and I hope to be going back. I wasnt sure how the food was going to be, but i was pleasantly surprised with my soup. And the artichoke dip is wicked. I didn't feel like drinking that night, but the beer menu was good-sized. A lot of local brews as well. The atmosphere is great, and the service was fast even on a busy friday night. Somehow we were even able to get a table without waiting more than 5 minutes. Weird. The badly drawn mural on the back wall made me a little angry, but its not enough to deduct stars if you ask me.
(5)
Sarah S.

Oh, my neighborhood hangout. Great selection of beer, cheap, solid food, a brunch (80s on Saturday, Beatles on Sunday) to cure a hangover and a waitstaff who understands. The sweet potato fries are probably their trademark. I think that the hummus platter is a great deal as well. Only gripe is that sometimes service can be pretty slow and they're strict about not putting tables together for "fire safety." Also strict about not letting you sit before a certain time if not eating. But really, these are minor and CC is just a great, homey and comforting place to go back to again and again.
(4)
JOHN r.

They have a nice, well priced beer selection. It's fast food. The portions seem big, but only because they give you 4 pounds of fries to accompany whatever you're eating. The staff is often overworked. But even when they're not, the service still sucks. A lot of Harvard Law kids go there.
(3)
Kristin S.

I visit Cambridge Common with coworkers for lunch often and I have to say I've never walked away disappointed. I don't come here for the beer or the bar scene just to grab a good lunch and for that it delivers. The service can be slow but that only happens when I'm with a large group. The menu features your standard bar fare which some fun additions like sweet potato fries (amazing) and deep fried pickles (trust me, they're good). Cambridge Common fills my lunch needs and that makes me happy.
(3)
Rachel G.

The biggest reason to go to Cambridge Common is its beer selection. I'm not a big beer drinker, but there's always an interesting beer that stands out to me when I'm there. The food is decently priced and much more interesting than I expected. Not just your average burger and fry bar. Great vegetarian options and the sweet potato fries are delicious! The spinach artichoke dip isn't very exciting- get the Mediterranean platter instead. The salads and sandwiches have always been good to me, and they usually have some pretty good specials. This is also a great place to go for lunch if you're hungover. Don't know why, it just is. I give it 3 stars because it's not a place to go for a dining experience. It's a great neighborhood place to grab a bite to eat and a beer, but not an attraction to come to if you're not already in the area.
(3)
Bob W.

Food was good, beer selection excellent, prices very reasonable.
(4)
Stacey D.

I haven't had a full meal here, but their beer selection is descent and their sweet potato fries are delicious!!
(4)
Pooja N.

Great beer selection- I love their beer samplers! Food is okay and it's a great option if you're near the Harvard Law School campus. Their fried mac and cheese, spinach and artichoke dip, and sweet potato fries are delicious! They also have good weekend brunch.
(3)
Maya S.

When I lived in Porter Square, I went to Cambridge Common at least once a week (and often more frequently!). The service is usually decent, but the real draw is the amazing beer selection. These guys know their beer, too-- they're willing to help you pick the one you're thirsting for, and will bring you samples if you're not sure. Menu changes every couple of months, but the burgers, spinach-artichoke dip, and sweet potato fries are always good bets. Having recently moved to NYC, I still haven't found anywhere with as amazing or eclectic a beer selection as Cambridge Common!!!
(5)
Cindy H.

I have come here for brunch on many a hungover Sunday morning. I order the eggs benedict every single time. I'm not sure what it is, but I have had the best eggs benedict of my life there and I have also had the worst eggs benedict of my life there. When they are on, they are on though. Their bloody Mary's are also delish with pickled veggies in it. Haven't tried the lunch/dinner menu, but it looks like pretty standard bar food.
(3)
Scott S.

Cambridge Common is a good lunch place; I really like their "Portabello Pretending to be a Burger". Service can vary, but is usually okayish. An FYI: If you're there to drink in the evening, you have to either a) order food, b) sit at the bar, or c) go downstairs (and pay the cover charge). They are absolutely, positively inflexible about the food order requirement at the tables, no matter how much you're spending on drinks.
(3)
Pilan C.

I've been to Cambridge Common so many times, but I always leave wanting more. The beer selection is great, with a lot of local or unqiue beers featured everyday. However, they get three stars because their food is only okay, and because their service is usually really bad. I will continue to go there for drinks, but try to avoid eating there if possible.
(3)
Logan S.

Great beer at good prices. The burgers are pretty good and the rest of the food is decent though a bit pricey. The service is consistently terrible. They are slow, mess up orders, and are often rude. The space is pretty generic but unoffensive. It is often very loud and crowded, which is fine if you are drinking or there to watch a game. Overall, a pretty decent local spot though not somewhere you'd want to make your regular local bar (which I unfortunately did due to its proximity).
(3)
Jackie M.

Cambridge Common is just okay. Their food is nothing special, but nothing really to complain about. I'm not a beer drinker, and apparently thats a selling point for CC so maybe thats whats missing for me. I think they draw in a lot of people based on their location alone, thats the only reason I ever went there, I lived right around the corner.
(2)
Laura B.

Cambridge Common has a great beer selection and fabulous mini-burgers that I usually attend to on weeknights, and a great brunch menu that works well for me when I want to watch football and eat biscuits and gravy on a Sunday afternoon. The place is inexpensive and the staff is always really nice.
(4)
M. Deloris D.

Cambridge Common is your typical hipster meets Harvard intersection. Their cocktails aren't spectacular, brunch is decent, mimosa's are pretty good but in my opinion, their beers on tap, appetizers and burgers are their main draw. Whenever I'm at Cambridge Common I want to order my usual: Blackjack burger medium plus jalapenos and guacamole with sweet potato fries like this: Medium Green Jalopy Blackjack plus sweets to eat, but alas, it's not my establishment and I can't dictate the line chef lingo. It's best to hop the T or bus or hoof it. Parking on this stretch of Mass Ave can be such a pain and their parking lot is scary and tight quarters. Forget about the social scene. I try, at all costs, to avoid the mental masturbators. I can't tell you how many lame pick up lines I've heard here but I can tell you how many viable ones I've heard...none. Stick with the burgers and apps avoid conversations about webapps and you'll be fine.
(4)
Seamus O.

What I like most about this place is that they served the pint that made my wife fall for me. Seriously, though, this bar has a nice selection on draught, and they'll make just about any mixed drink (although the wife's now barred from the top shelf). Not the best place for a quiet pint because it fills up with diners and college students. A good late night stop in Cambridge. The food's not too bad, nothing special.
(3)
Stephen J.

It's the entire experience at Cambridge Common that makes it four stars for me. There is usually hardly a wait, seating is comfortable, service is attentive, and the large selection of rotating beers on tap makes this a fun place to go with friends and grab some beer and grub. The food is good - not great - but certainly better than the average pub fare. Hamburgers are large, good and cheap (I think they're like $5.95 including fries), the meatloaf is definitely recommended, and my mouth has watered every time I see a plate of sliders go by, although I've never tried them myself. The beer selections are pleasant, and you can get (4) 5oz. sampler glasses for $4.50 with either Cambridge Common's daily selections or you can select your own. They also have huge TVs if you're interested in watching a game. All in all, a good place for a mix of people.
(4)
Jeannette S.

I was visiting Boston with a friend, and was meeting up with some new friends I met through a social group online. They recognized me right away, I felt like I was in an episode of Cheers! :) Anyway, this was during the during the MBL playoffs during the Sox/Yankees games, so the place was pretty crowded but the camaraderie was great! I don't remember much about the food, except that it was a little better than your typical pub fare. The service was stellar. Since our group was larger than 4 people, they tried to accommodate us regardless of how busy this place was.
(4)
C C.

you can't really beat sitting at a picnic table in the warm air and cool breeze with good company as the sun sets and the lights come up on Mass Ave... ...unless, of course, you have a self selected beer sampler, fried pickles, and those amazing sweet potato chips in front of you. and winter is just as nice, well worth the wait to cozy up in a booth for good conversation (it is never so loud you can't hear yourself and your company) and good drinks (bunches of beers on tap, a new cask every Wednesday, etc). still need to stop in for brunch. their bloody mary is a goddamn garden, so if that is any indication, it should be magnificent. i took my girlfriend here for valentine's day. it wasn't very busy, yet our waiter was slooooow with evvvvvery part of the experience. i chalk that up to a fluke. our usual experience with the staff there has been great. they're honest about wait times and once, when we showed up and the power was out in half the restaurant, they offered to seat us anyway and listed the few things that required no cooking. in 20 minutes we were good and buzzy, the kitchen came back to life, and we got those boneless buffalo wings i love so dearly. another time the lady ordered a brandy alexander. the waitress returned moments later... they couldn't figure out how to make one in their bartending software... did we know? red faces all around. one of the bartenders looked it up online on their cellphone. so delicious i got one for myself, too. and for the record: * 1 oz brandy * 1 oz [white] creme de cacao * 1 oz light cream * a sprinkle of Nutmeg
(5)
Stephie P.

Went to Cambridge Common with a friend this afternoon and overall had a very good experience. We got there at about 1:30pm and it was a Wednesday so it was pretty dead, but for some reason it took our server 30 minutes to actually make an appearance. We actually had to ask another server to go get our server so we could order water and drinks, it was pretty humid and we were parched. Finally our server shows up and has this look on her face like "well, what do you want?" This kind of turned my friend and I off and my friend was especially upset because it was really hot outside and she felt our server should have at least brought over water right off the bat. Moving forward, Cambridge Common has an awesome and most impressive beer assortment (many on tap), so I ordered myself an Berkshire Hefeweizen which was a cold crisp and refreshing white beer with a hint of lemon, delicious!!! For our entrees I ordered the quarter pound burger with bacon, American cheese and mushrooms, "well". My friend ordered the tuna melt and both our orders came with a choice of regular or curly fries, we both chose the curly fries. My burger was perfectly cooked and the curly fries were hot crispy and well seasoned. My friend said the tuna melt was excellent and she liked the butter that they slathered on the bread before they toasted it. Both our meals came with Cambridge Common homemade pickles which were delicious. They had a touch of sweetness that wasn't overpowering and I ended up eating my friends as well (she's doesn't really care for pickles in general). I would have given this place 5 stars if it hadn't been for the poor service from the waitstaff, but other than that no complaints.
(4)
Christopher B.

I generally don't like "pub food" restaurants, because the focus is usually on the beer. But this place has a broad selection of excellent food, even if you don't like burgers. I got a yummy bleu cheese and steak salad, and the deep-fried mac and cheese was decadent but novel. Perhaps unusually, they also have excellent desserts. I had a Brownie Binge and...aaah. Table service was some of the best I've seen anywhere.
(4)
Jennifer B.

This is the first year Harvard law bar since it is right by the dorms. I have therefore been here several times and am less than impressed. It's functional, in that it has pretty good beer and edible food, but there's no character to this place whatsoever. An option if you're in the area and don't want the music at Toad's, but certainly not worth a special trip.
(3)
W ..

Wow. I am truly surprised to see all the negative reviews about Cambridge Common. I used to live right across the street, so we went pretty often. Now I live a bit further, but still manage to go there every now and then, especially when I have out-of-town friends visiting because I've never had a bad experience there. I guess I'm in the minority. We've always went at non-busy times so we could avoid all the Harvard people, either early when they opened for lunch or between lunch and dinner times. They have a great beer selection or try the sampler and get 4 mini beers for cheap. The macaroni and cheese is excellent and doesn't skimp on any kind of fatty goodness. I usually get the sliders, 4 mini burgers, also excellent. I'm usually really picky about the doneness of my burgers, medium-rare please. But with the sliders they never ask how I want it, I guess b/c they're so small you can't really tell. And they're spiced and seasoned really well so they're still really good. And the little mini-buns are perfectly soft. The fried pickles are awesome. Also the sweet potato fries. Maybe I skim the menu too fast or my illiteracy is creeping up on me, but I've never found the sweet potato fries listed, so make sure you request them. I got inspired and tried making the sweet potato fries at home. Let's just say I'll stick to having them at Cambridge Common. The service has never been bad when I was there. Maybe we waited a little longer than expected some of the time. But we never go there when we're in a rush, so it's not that big of a deal.
(5)
alexandra c.

Love it. They have a good rotating selection of beers on tap, and often have new exciting limited time brews. The food is really good and the atmosphere is really relaxed and friendly. I rarely have to wait for a table, maybe on a Friday night, but even still, not very long. I love having a beer outside on a nice day, but those seats are much more coveted on a sunny afternoon than indoor seats. I have been to a beer dinner here (the blueberry beer dinner) and the food was the BEST! a blueberry beer paired with each course too. soo good. a great down the street spot!
(5)
Eli G.

I like Cambridge Common because you can always get a table. It's never empty, but never too full. I don't think I'd ever go here to hang out (although Lizard Lounge downstairs is an intimate venue where I love to go listen to music), but for a fairly priced and good dinner you can't beat it.. Fried pickles are a great app and you can't go wrong with the burgers, plus the beer selection is top notch.
(4)
M S.

I went to Cambridge Common on a week night and had a really good time. The place wasn't crowded and they were able to seat our group of 5 or 6 immediately. The waiter was nice and came around to check on us and take our drink orders pretty frequently. He also made good recommendations and offered samples of beers before we decided on what to order. The food was tasty (artichoke dip and sweet potato french fries), the beers were good, and the bill was reasonable.
(4)
bruno p.

great beers at great prices. and they tell ya if they're gonna serve it in a girly glass (less than a pint). one star taken for using chilled glasses. it deadens the taste of the great beers they pour here. save the chilled glasses for cheap american lagers. food is real good bar food. but LOSE THE CHILLED PINT GLASSES!!!
(4)
Valerie S.

good food, good beer, good company!!!!
(4)
Kiki B.

reliable, cheap, seemingly infinite selection of beer, always has the game on, very good food considering (burgers and ooooh those sweet potato fries especially). in short, popular for a reason.
(4)
Angel S.

Cheap, decent American food. Lots of beer selection. Plasma screens and some art work, good and bad, for visual stimulation. Proper service. So, all in all, fine for a bite and beer.
(3)
Anonymous P.

Food acceptable, but go for the good beers. 4 stars because there's a good reason to go (beer), not because it's a 4-star restaurant by any stretch of the imagination.
(4)
George K.

Perfect place to grab a burger and beer before a Thursday night d'Elf show.
(4)
Peter P.

Good food, good service, free parking....nothing spectacular. Good place to bring a bunch of people.
(3)
Kristen C.

i'm a big fan of cambridge common. it's just such a chill place. i think i'm starting to become a regular there because since labor day weekend, i've been there six times. three of those times have been in the past week! i'm a fan of their cambridge great pumpkin ale. i swear it's the best around. a hint of pumpkin... some spice... all wrapped up in a nice crisp ale. but it's definitely a place to try out some new beers. i saw last sunday that they had the rogue hazelnut brown nectar on tap. OMG... was that ever a yummy drink! so GOOD... the food is pretty good there... i mean where else can you find tater tots on the menu. i'm very partial to the sweet potato fries though. the nachos and chicken sandwich are pretty good there as well. check it out if you're in the area. the parking isn't the best, but it's very chill and it's pretty non threatening... i feel like i could go there by myself on a saturday night. some bartenders are more attentive than others, but i feel like you'll find that anywhere. but if you're a beer fan, definitely check it out.
(4)
Melissa B.

Not too many bars that actually have GOOD bar food. The Common does. And they serve late, which is fab. Free parking out back that a lot of people don't know about. Good burgers, boneless buffalo wings and love the varying beer specials.
(3)
d p.

We love this place. Have good service 90% of the time, the other 10% we deal with it. It might be because we go there so often! We're probably there once a week. I always order something from the three specials they have daily and try a new beer, my accompaniment sticks to the spinach salad (she adds fish on top,) which she swears by. Cheap, good food, nice atmosphere, rarely too crowded to get a seat if you go between 6-9p, great beer selection, convenient if you're in the area... what more could you ask for? On-menu, my faves are the sweet potato fries and the blackened chix pasta.
(5)
Jud P.

Good beer on tap, good food at great prices (the burgers are a steal!), never too long of a wait, what more could you want? Cambridge Common is just the kind of restaurant I like. It probably won't knock your socks off, but that's not the point. The food is pretty standard pub fare, but all decent. I am partial to the burgers, the meatloaf, and the tater tots. Ya, you can get tater tots! They also have 24 beers on tap. You won't find anything crazy like at Sunset or nearby Redbones, but you will find plenty of beers even a discriminating beer connoisseur will enjoy. There are usually selections from Boulder, Brooklyn, Stone, and other notable craft breweries. The waiters and bartenders have always been prompt and helpful. Parking kind be a pain at times, but the bus swings right by it. Overall, it's just a good atmosphere to relax with your friends over solid food and good beer.
(4)
Stephanie B.

Came here for dinner and ended up calling a few other people to come meet us, and stayed the night for drinks. Had the steak tips...they were good, not amazing. Chicken fingers and artichoke dip were really good. The reason this place got four stars was because of the atmosphere, service and selection of beer. Many craft beers offered, you can even get a "beer sampler" which is awesome since there are so many delicious brews to choose from. My drink of the evening Cambridge Pumpkin Ale with a shot of vanilla vodka in it. We finished up the night with a 18% alcohol content raspberry beer by dogfish, loved it, but the bottle of beer was 50 bucks....not really worth all that money, I don't think. Good, nonetheless. Great atmosphere for some relaxed drinking with a small group, very kind waiters, hosts, etc. I would definitely go again, and I would try the tater tots. Yup, they have em.
(4)
Karen D.

Sorry, Cambridge Common, but you've lost some stars with me. I wasn't very impressed on my last two visits, but the last visit is really what knocked it down. Right now the only reason I'd go back is for the great beer selection. Ironically, we got better service when we first walked in and it was very busy. When the crowd lightened up, the service went downhill. While eating, my BF finished his beer and the bartender (not a barback) took the glass away and that was it. It was the first time I've seen a bartender remove an empty glass and not offer the customer another drink. My burger wasn't as good as it usually is and the roll was really dried out so I didn't even want to eat it. Our friends joined us on the quieter side of the night and the bartenders were not very attentive to them. One of my friends didn't like his burger, but after spending so much time just trying to have the bartenders give you normal service, he didn't want to bother. I recommended the place and the burgers and looked like a jack ass in the end.
(2)
Ace Z.

There is much to love about the Common. Sweet potato fries, fried pickles, good salads, good burgers, and all that beer. Also they seem to have brought back ketchup bottles after a long, lame experiment with small cups of ketchup with every meal. I really only have two complaints. 1: portions of fries seem to be getting noticeably smaller. 2: while their English burger is delicious, it would be a whole lot better if they toasted the English muffin. When was the last time you ate an English muffin untoasted? Yuck. But otherwise, yeah, they're solid.
(4)
Meg C.

I haven't had a chance to eat here yet, but I did partake of the decent beer selection. They offered a couple porters, from Rogue and Mayflower, so I was a happy girl. Most brews run about $4, which is totally reasonable. Service was cordial, but I did feel a bit bad we didn't order any food. The best part of the night was getting my mother totally drunk on Golden Monkey. Hilarious. I look forward to coming back at some point.
(4)
Caroline D.

I work around the corner from the Common and go there lots especially during our busy season. I have to say that the food is good and some of it really good, there's a decent beer selection and over all it's a great local place. There is a private lot but unless you are comfortable with itty bitty squished parking spaces I would advise against it. I parked my corolla there and had a hard time getting out. This is not the place to bring someone for a romantic outing or for deep conversation as it can get quite loud. There is the Lizard Lounge right next door and the Common tends to play it's music and tv's a little louder than I would say is necessary. It's a good place all the same for after work supper and drinks!
(3)
Suki S.

I'm definitey a fan of this place. I don't agree with some of the other reviewers who don't like the food. I think the food is pretty good actually and I especially like that their soup of the day is always vegetarian and so far I haven't had one that I don't like. I also like the fact that the bar is kind of off on its own in between Porter and Harvard, sometimes I'm not in the mood to be on a street with a hundred bars with loud obnoxious drunk people crowding around everywhere. The service is good, all the staff are friendly...it's a very laid back bar not snooty at all, great ambiance, great beers..and c'mon they have a parking lot in the back which I don't think most people know, one of the bartenders mentioned it to us once while we were there, how many bars in Boston/Cambridge have their own little parking lot? It's not huge but it definitely helps when you don't have quarters for meters. The
(4)
AD S.

Definitely one of my favorite go-to places in town. Awesome beer selection, and the food is always good. Burgers hit the spot and... waffle fries! I also like that one side has a lot of TVs and another side is quieter if one does not want to deal with sports games. Bar and waitstaff can be curt at times, but otherwise, this is a great place to frequent.
(4)
Ed M.

I love this place. 30 beers on tap, 31 when they have a cask beer. A lot of the beers are under $5, considering the area, this alone shocked me. Excellent craft beers, and some breweries I had not heard of at all. The food is good and the service is great. We had John as our waiter more than once now and aside from being a waiter, he knew his beers, made some recommendations and accurately described beers we had questions about. Also, just went to one of their beer dinners for the first time and that was amazing. It was 4 courses with different beers paired up with each course. If it's not my favorite bar in Cambridge, it is easily top 3.
(5)
Julie T.

Apparently, they have a great beer selection, however, I'm unable to appreciate it. In terms of food though, everything is just okay. The service was good and our server was a nice girl who rushed us just a tiny bit, but I don't blame her. It took the five of us three hours to wolf down four appetizers and five entrees. The food itself was okay. It was good, but nothing that I was truly excited about. With so many places very much like this one, I don't see myself going out of my way to return.
(3)
Gaven C.

Great beer selection, nice servers, OK food, decent prices.
(4)
Graham C.

Cambridge Common is one of those places you forget about, until it randomly comes up when discussing food options and I'm all "Why don't I come here more often?" I had brunch there yesterday, mainly for the Bloody Mary. It was large, spicy and not that expensive. We did it Milwaukee-style, which means my friend and I split a Sam Summer as a beer chaser. I then had the Classic omelet with bacon, cheddar and tomatoes. Good stuff. They gave me fruit as well, which made me feel healthier. But the beer is why you come here. They love the beer and I love them for loving it. They tap a new cask every Wednesday, and I highly recommend cask ale. They also do beer dinners where a visiting brewery comes and they have course pairings. This place is a good spot for beers and certain foods. Their prices are still reasonable. And the sidewalk dining makes for awesome people watching.
(4)
allgimbel c.

Chowhound chatter about the hamburgers at Cambridge Common led me to try...the BLT. Which is delicious and perhaps rivals my love for Fern's Problem Solver at Hi-Rise. Plus, they serve beer here. Good beer. On a previous trip to CC I tried, on a lark, Dogfish Head's World Wide Stout. A dark lovely treat that sent me across the street for a strong cuppa before I got back in my car. Back to the BLT: Applewood smoked bacon, baby spinach, tomato, and avocado, with chipotle mayo on toasted multi-grain bread. Need I say more? (And I don't think the burgers are so bad, either.)
(4)
Doreen X.

This is like Applebee's with less kitschy decor. I can't think of any food I've had here that is memorable, but there was nothing particularly atrocious either. What saves this place is the extensive beer selection, which can be served as a sampler of four. Word to the wise: avoid the food until you get drunk off the beers. Oh, and it's open late for Cambridge standards.
(3)
Nathan R.

I really agree with Lynn D- which rhymes. The beers selection is good- when the beers that are listed are on tap. The service is absolutely the worst I have ever had at a bar. I have sat waiting at the bar for over 10 minutes before being served- and it was not busy to say the least. The bartender finally took my order, forgot it, asked me again what I wanted and told me they just ran out. However, it's a good place to catch Monday Night Football and it's kid friendly during the quieter hours. The food is subpar pub grub.
(3)
Caroline S.

Cambridge Common has (not so slowly) evolved into my favorite restaurant in the Porter/Harvard area. I end up going there so frequently because it is always the right choice: great prices, solid service and food that never disappoints (not to mention the stellar beer selection!). All other local restaurants are all either more expensive or less yummy. The other thing that I love is that their menu is really diverse for a bar. I usually end up falling into a rut and always ordering the same thing when I go to a restaurant so frequently. At Cambridge Common, I always order different things and always have a good meal. Some of my favorites so far are: curly fries, sweet potato fries, breakfast blt, cambridge common burger (with lots of toppings!), fresh mozzarella sandwich and grilled cheese and soup. Oh, and please do try the buffalo wings if you go. Cambridge Common makes them right!
(5)
Logan J.

this place isnt much different than most of the other bars in the area. it might have a good selection of beers on tap, but that doesnt really do much for me...most places in the area have pretty good selections of beers on tap. the reason this place gets 3 stars from me is also because the food isnt that great...and the nachos were pretty sad. im a nacho connoisseur, and these just didnt live up to my expectations. they were fine...they had chips and cheese and a few other toppings...but nothing else special. good nachos are hard to find, and this place just didnt deliver. the atmosphere and staff also arent anything special. i guess its a little more spacious than some places...but thats not going to give this place any extra stars. sorry, cambridge common.
(3)
Katie S.

I met a couple of friends here last week who had just moved to the area from DC. They suggested Cambridge Common because it was across the street from their apartment, and they aren't too familiar with the area yet. It was around 8pm, so the lighting was dim -- almost too dark. Our server was very attentive, and came back several times hoping to take our order before she finally could. (This was the first time I had seen these friends in 3 years, so we had a lot of catching up to do). I ordered a cosmo and a burger (medium well). The cosmo was tiny, but STRONG, definitely worth the $8.88 I paid for it. The burger was OK, crispier than I would expect for medium well, but for just over $4 it got the job done. The fries the burger came with were pretty good. Cambridge Common has a decent beer selection, if you're into that sort of thing. Overall, it didn't impress me that much -- nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe it's worth another trip?
(3)
Bridget H.

You're tired. You're cold. You're hungry. And you need a *&%^ drink. Cambridge Common is always there to envelop you in its warm, wood paneled womb. They have a great, ever-changing beer list that never fails to please (even better, order a few different samplers of four -- same cost as a draft -- and pass them around). They have waitstaff, that, while seemingly ever-changing as well, is unfailingly cheerful and prompt. They have a very good but un-fussy burger -- I myself am hooked on the black angus -- that arrives with any of a variety of delectable cheeses and goodies on top. The sweet potatoes fries are the best -- but the regular and curly's come in a close second. Pretty much everything on the menu is very good, quality but un-fancy and affordable. I think the lowest part of the menu is the sandwiches and occasional panini that shows up there, but when the burgers, entrees, salads, and appetizers are so yummy, I'm not complaining. Mostly Cambridge Common is just comfy. Yeah, it's partly a Harvard Bar, being next door and all. But its also a bit of a townie spot. Being of both stripes myself I like that I'm as likely to run into a fellow grad student, as I am to find myself sitting next to some kid I went to elementary school with. Not a lot of places you can say that about.
(5)
Alaina C.

Pros: nice, relaxed vibe bustling but quiet enough that it's easy to carry on a conversation great burgers (especially the turkey burger with the guac!) good service free parking AND accessible by T beer samplers! (I didn't actually get one, but definitely will next time!) yummy, not-too-expensive martini varieties Cons: martinis are weak - one of mine tasted really watered-down VERDICT: Stick to the beer for beverages. Other than this, go and have a good burger and enjoy! Cambridge Common will be added to my regular rotation.
(4)
Nora T.

On summer nights when it's too hot to cook my mom's go-to dinner is always a quick and easy BLT. On this particular summer night I was not only hot but feeling lazy as well so I decided to venture out for dinner. The BLT with avocado at Cambridge Common really hit the spot. As an added bonus their sweet potato fries were some of the best I've had in a long time. While the place wasn't exactly hopping on a Sunday night, the service was friendly, and there was a pretty good vibe about the place. I'll have to go back for a drink another night to get a better sense of the place on a busy night.
(3)
Tony K.

Great beer bar! There were a few "throw away" handles for Guinness and the like, and a few dedicated to New England breweries (which is fine) and then a healthy serving of great beers from around the country. Any place outside of Brooklyn with 2 Sixpoint beers on tap at the same time is my kind of place. I sat next to a seemingly depressed tranny cowboy (cowgirl, I guess??) complete with beard, purple cowboy hat, and little house on the prairie dress. Things that make you go "huh." My first bartender was not the most friendly guy, but he was soon replaced by a chick who was both friendly and knowledgeable about the beers. At the moment, this is my favorite bar in town.
(4)
andy b.

If your coming here to enjoy one of the many beers available, try coming during the week so it isn't to crowded. The food is fantastic as well...they have TATER TOTS that are a million times better than the ones in elementary school. Brunch is also a great choice, with 55 gallon bloodies and a perfect hollondaise sauce.
(5)
James E.

Cambridge Common has the great combination of decent, cheap food and excellent beer. I went here on Sunday with my wife and a few friends, and we all had a pleasureable experience. While everyone enjoyed their food (I had a turkey bbq burger with curly fries), the true star of the experience was the beer. Boasting 31 beers on tap, the Common outshines nearly every spot in town, short of Sunset Grill and Meadhall. When I had a question about a beer that the knowledgeable server couldn't answer, he offered me a sample to let me decide. Overall our trip was great, and I would highly recommend Cambridge Common to anyone in the area.
(4)
Dana L.

Came here for brunch on Sunday. I ordered one of the omelets, which came with fruit, potatoes, and toast. Overall, it was ok, but definitely not exceptional. The toast was actually the best part - it was light and fluffy. The omelet had avocado and some other stuff inside, but still came across as a bit bland. The service was pretty good, even with a large party. I might come here again for lunch or dinner, but I would probably skip the brunch.
(2)
Rob F.

Can't say anything bad about the place. Followed the Yelp! conventional wisdom and, with my 2 companions, shared Fried Pickles and Onion Rings, then had the English Burger and Curly Fries. A couple Cambridge Pumpkin Ales as well. Thoroughly enjoyed all but the pickles; not their fault. Just don't much like 'em. The burger was delicious, and cooked exactly the way I ordered it: Medium Rare. Not too many places will do that, so there's not too many places I'll bother to have a burger. Marinated in ale, crusted with herbs, topped with tomato, lettuce, onion, cheddar, bacon on a toasted English Muffin. Very very good. My friend said it was the best burger he'd had in a long time. Reasonably priced. Pleasant service while seated at the bar. 3 stars for the food, service, style, quality. One whole star more for FREE PARKING IN LOT OUT BACK!!!
(4)
Rebecca L.

Every time I come to Cambridge Common, I have a great time. The beer selection is amazing and the food is great too. I can come here with a big group or a small group and I know I will be well taken care of. It's even better in the summer when you can sit outside!
(5)
Christy D.

This was my first visit to Cambridge Common, and I went for the beer.... I would give 5 stars for their beer selections and prices. Tonight I drank Victory's Golden Monkey, which was extremely well priced at $4.95 a glass. The food seemed to be a bit expensive for what it was and customer service was just mediocre. It seems strange that CC has a host/ess who must seat you (unless you want to grab a spot at the bar) because it feels like it should be much more casual than to require a host/front door check-in. Super convenient location if you are near Porter Square or on the Harvard law campus. Delicious beer, but sadly I wasn't at all wowed by my experience there.
(3)
Tamar A.

Hey! These people run Christopher's! Same menu font and everything! Who knew? That said, this review, as with Christopher's, has a split rating--one for the food and one for the booze. 4.5 booze stars: great beer list, lots of variety, and all the nice dark wood you'd like surrounding your casks. Their dogfish head feature was delectable, and the prices are very reasonable. A lovely place for a strong post-work water and some appetizers. 2.5 food stars: not that bad, but nothing special. I had the steak tips, ordered medium rare, served medium well (hey, maybe it was loud in there), served with a generous plop of some garlicy mashed potatoes, and string beans that everyone kept stealing off my plate. Friends got the chicken piccata, which seemed somewhat delicious at first but got a little heavy and monotonous near the end. Arrived at first with a considerable dearth of chicken that the kindly server not only fixed, but didn't charge us for BOTH dishes (both sweetly and unnecessarily). The spinach and artichoke dip was definitely a step up from Christopher's--a little soupy, but with some nice kick. Dolloped with salsa. Weird? Surprisingly tasty! Add some hit-or-slightly-miss service and walls full of Christophers' artistic cast-offs, and you've got yourself a decent restaurant that plainly looks like a law firm from the outside. And who doesn't like a nice surprise?
(3)
Matt S.

This is a Harvard bar. That's not a complement. When I say this, I use that jokey Kennedy accent. The place is OK. The wings are good, but the Satanic sauce is mischievous at best. (I put habaneros or thai chilis in almost everything I eat, even when I'm recovering from intestinal flu... that's maybe too much information... sorry...) Good beer selection, but a bit pricy. Decent Manhattan, and at least the punk bartender knows to put the bitters in (I can't tell you how pissed off I get when they leave out the bitters... a Manhattan with no bitters is not a Manhatttan; it's just vermouth and bourbon, which is pretty disgusting). I dunno... there's something missing. Something totally lacking. Maybe I'm just lamenting 3 Aces being gone... I'd go there for food and then meet friends at the Common (or start with beers and then head to the Aces). Or maybe it's that while my friend was cool and his friend was cool, all the rest of the drinking companions were Hahvids, and they really bug me.
(3)
Reuben D.

"So this is a Harvard bar, huh? I thought there'd be equations and shit on the wall." Ben Affleck in Good Will Hunting Ignoring the fact that the bar featured in the film was actually in Canada, there still were no equations and shit on the wall of Cambridge Commons. But it was still a great bar. After having dinner at another location (CODA), we came back to Cambridge looking for a place to hang out. Since i was visiting from California, i wanted to find a bar where we could sit and chat. My friend reccomended this place. Cambridge commons is pretty big with abundant seating and a huge central bar. It was also quite full when we arrived. They have an impressive list of brews to chose from. I only had two beers after already drinking during dinner. I had the Arrogant Bastard and one that i am fuzzy on the name but had a delicious coffee taste to it. The latter was on the reccomendation of our waitress, who was very sweet. Overall, a good spot to meet up over beer. As stated, we ate at another location but the food here looked pretty good. Looked like bar food (burgers, sandwiches, fries, etc) but decent nonetheless. Maybe next time.
(4)
Bailes B.

The canonical pub of my college years. 30 rotating taps of good beer, good nachos and fried pickles, comfortable seating, and close to the Quad? What more could a senior ask for? Expert recommendation: Start with a paddle of whatever beers pique your interest, then down a pint of your favorite, then finish the evening in Victory* True victory, of course, means the golden monkey.
(5)
Kat C.

I love this place and have been at least 20 times, but I have just now decided to write a review. The beer selection is great, but the food is so so. On this trip, I split the fried tofu, which is on the specials menu and I had the mac and cheese. The mac and cheese really should be called "shells in a cream suace". It is good, but it's not mac and cheese. Most times that I have come to Cambridge Commons I get the black bean burger with curly fries. Trust me, you will want to get the curly fries they are great.
(4)
Danielle K.

Cambridge Common is always a solid choice. The wait staff is knowledgeable of the extensive beer menu. Can't go wrong with the black jack burger. Great place for consistent food and service. I would say that the beer selection is more extensive than most establishments, without the pretentious beer snobs.
(3)
Marina W.

There's nothing surprising about it, once you know that there are 30 beers on tap. Count 'em. Thirty. This place is just reliably stocked with good beer at pretty reasonable prices. It's not as cheap as Atwood's, but it's not in Inman, either, and you can always see your drinking companions and hear them above the music. This bar is just a stand-up place. It's not pretentious; it's not trying to be anything it isn't. I respect that.
(4)
Christina X.

It is Friday night and you and 5 friends are kind of hungry, kind of thirsty (you know, the alcoholic kind of thirsty). Let me solve all your problems for you. 0) Don't have friends? Make some. Steps 1-3 require company. 1) Go to Cambridge Common. 2) Order 1 beer punch (a pitcher that easily serves 5 with vodka, lemonade, and one beer in it--delicious and alcoholic and ONLY $20!) and 1 spinach dip, the tastiest dip that exists for miles. 3) Repeat step 2 as needed. You're welcome.
(4)
Jennifer A.

This is a great place to go for lunch - not too crowded, fast service, delicious food. Portions are not overwhelmingly giant, which is refreshing. Prices are reasonable as well. It's a winner.
(4)
Yr P.

Strictly from a beer perspective, this place is heavenly. 30 beers on tap, 15 of them rotating, and none of them filled with the drivel you see everywhere (no Bud, etc). You can pick your own beer samplers from the vast selection. Wow. I'm telling everyone I know to add this to their "must-visit" list for the Boston area. I can't wait to go back, and I live 4,000mi away.
(5)
Stacy B.

I am terribly upset to learn that the average star rating of Cambridge Common, is less than 4. Come on, Boston?! The beer is fresh, the food is very well priced, and GOOD (fried pickles.. HELLO), and the games are always on. Plus, it's the only place that my family from Reno will go to multiple times, when they come to visit. You know why? - parking. That's why. This place has a parking lot. The end.
(4)
Justin I.

Came here for lunch after we checked out the Harvard Museum of Natural Science with the in-laws. We just stumbled upon the place and it was pretty good. We are definitely fans. I had an Opa Opa IPA with an order of the deviled eggs. They were very traditional and plain but that's nice to see because some places dress them up too much. Good old deviled eggs with a hoppy beer is just amazing. The wife had a Caesar salad and we all had the Cambridge Common Burger and it was solid. The service was standard for a casual pub. We wouldn't go out of our way to come back for just the food but the beer list is very good so it would be worth it. Their website is really nice and one of the best I've seen for any small business, especially a little hole in the wall bar. Good work!
(4)
Abbey B.

I've been here a couple of times, two or three times for dinner and once for brunch. The menu's pretty extensive, and pretty much everything sounds delicious. Unfortunately, it's not. The fried pickles are SO good, the mac and cheese is decent, but other things...not memorable at all. Went to brunch there on New Year's Day with five other people. About half full. The service was super slow (though friendly), and the food was so-so. I don't remember anyone being particularly impressed. Beer selection is great here (esp for this side of the river), but sometimes they're not poured so well. My dad had an extremely flat beer a couple of weeks ago. I love the sampler option, though!
(3)
Daniel D.

Nice and casual. Awesome beer selection. Fabulous sweet potato fries. Salad was fine - nothing special. Overall, the most memorable part was the beer, though I think everyone enjoyed their food.
(4)
Lisa R.

So after living in Cambridge for 7 months now, I FINALLY got my hubby to take me to Cambridge Common. I've been dying to come here for awhile, since I heard what an amazing beer selection they have. I wasn't disappointed at all! I couldn't decide, so I got a sampler of 5 different brews. I got a turkey club sandwich, which was made with apple-smoke bacon. I LOVE apple smoked bacon . . . mmmm. And it came with a dish of delicious cole slaw and a dill pickle spear. Oh, and did I mention the curly fries? They are worth ruining your diet. Crispy and curly with just the right amount of spice! I have to come back here for brunch sometime too, 'cause they have a nice selection of breakfast items on the menu. Update: The desserts are to die for! I recommend the apple crisp a la mode.
(5)
Leighann F.

123 reviews and counting, so what more can I possibly add to the information saturation that is Cambridge Common? Probably nothing. But I CAN tell you what I think rocks my socks about this establishment (and what I can do without). BEER (rocks socks): A plethora of brews, many of which are $4. You can even get a flight sampling of their daily faves for $6. Can't really find this anywhere else. FOOD (not so much): It's decent pub grub, tho I was mildly concerned about the deformed 1/4 of chicken wing that made it onto my plate. I questioned whether or not is was actually part of a chicken...it looked more like a pigeon. And my sister's fiance found a bone in his fish. SERVICE (on the fence): Our waitress was nice, if a bit scattered. Forgot the tarter sauce but acknowledged and apologized later. She recommended a good beer for me. ATMOSPHERE (rocks socks): It's Cambridge pub/bar scene at its finest. College kids, mixed with locals old and young, some dressed up, some dressed in jeans, some probably stoned out of their gourd. Casual, be-yourself-kind-of-shit. *The mixed drinks come in pint glasses (rocks socks). *Outdoor seating (rocks socks for another few weeks). *Serves food late (rocks socks...especially with the future prospect of a drunken-night stop!)
(3)
Eric B.

I really love this place. Its an excellent, un-pretentious craft beer pub. 30 beers in-house from some of the best craft breweries both near and far. They also have a cask offering. The food is great and the price is fair. Last year we attended the "Hoppy New Year" and had a blast!!!
(5)
Andrea J.

Wonderful beer selection and fried pickles? Who could ask for more? I've been here a bunch of times, either for lunch or dinner, to watch a game or just hang out, and have never been disappointed. They always have something new and interesting on tap, the service is routinely friendly, and the food is pretty good. If you want a good place to hang out with friends and relax, this is the place to go. They have screens all over broadcasting whatever sport is on, as well as a gigantic projector-type-deal on one wall. Try a beer sampler to taste a bit of the season's offerings, or grab a pint of your heart's fancy. You can't go wrong either way. The appetizers and desserts are really very good-- I've been left wanting a little bit on the entrees (once we got partly frozen garlic bread with a pasta dish). Otherwise though, you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Enrique B.

Terrific. Just what you're looking for. I visited Harvard this past weekend and went to Cambridge Common for lunch on the recommendation of several students. Fantastic. Great vibe, multilingual waitresses, and yummy food. I was expecting your average college bar, but this place had such an awesome Buffalo Chicken Caesar that I almost went back for dinner.
(4)
Jen J.

Food was good, good service, very reasonably priced. Great alcohol selection. There is a parking lot behind the building. The only negative is if you're taking public transportation it's pretty much half a mile from porter and harvard square. It is not only 4 blocks north of Harvard Square as advertised on their website. other than that it's good.
(4)
Patrick B.

I love Cambridge Common. I'm here quite regularly. Their burgers are some of the best I've had.
(5)
Holly M.

Oh how I love me a good fried chicken dinner. And the one at Cambridge Common did not disappoint. I can't comment on any other food items, because this is truly all I've eaten here...but it is delicious! Thick rich gravy and all. I feel the heart attack coming on. But I digress. The beer list is insane and the bartenders are pretty helpful when faced with making such a tough decision. Atmosphere is pretty chill and that is just the way I like it!
(4)
Alia H.

I came here for brunch and was not impressed with the food or service. Nothing to rave about! However, the bloody mary is delightful. It's big, spicy, and full of vegetable garnishes. Yummmm I'd go back for that!
(3)
Shannon F.

1 star for my sweet, sweet S.P.F's. They're just like the ones at Joshua Tree, but better!! 1 star for their selection of beer! 1 star for the "portobella pretending to be a burger." You don't have to pretend, portobella. I like you just the way you are. If they put it on a decent roll (not a plain white shaw's brand hamburger bun) and if the waitress had been a little more attentive this would be 5 stars. I'll go back for more, and maybe i'll try a REAL burger.
(3)
Francesca R.

We were that annoying party of nine that showed up at 7:30 on a slammin' Friday night in May, and out the gate the service was phenomenal. The hostesses didn't blink at our large, non-reservation-having party and got us a table in 20 minutes! Our waitress was exceedingly pleasant despite clearly being in the weeds, and while there were some long waits for drinks, we were just happy to have been seated and well-treated on such a crazy busy night. The beer list is fantastic and the curly fries are gorgeous. Not all the food was amazing but it was surely cheap. The atmosphere is fantastic--really friendly and open. This is a good spot to chill out, eat on the cheap and have a nice night with whatever ragtag group of people you can throw together.
(4)
Jeremy C.

I love Cambridge Common for the fantastic rotating beer selection, $5 burgers and fries, and amazing mac and cheese bites. The daily beer menu has detailed descriptions of all the beers on tap, and you can order very reasonably-priced samplers (4 beers, 5 oz each) of anything on the menu. Can get crowded at the bar on the weekends but you can almost always get a table with little or no wait because there's so much space. Highly recommended!
(5)
Grace S.

Pros: Generally upbeat, laid-back vibe. Decent food. Cons: Not incredible food, not great drinks. Balance: PROS...tentatively BOTTOM LINE: I want to like this place more than I do. It's a well-intentioned joint, but it somehow leaves something to be desired.
(3)
Anna P.

I was wrong in my last review! You CAN pick your own sampler. Now my friend and I have the perfect order figured out: We each pick 2 beers for the sampler, we order the sliders and a salad, and split the whole thing. Delicious! Cheap! Awesome!
(5)
Jim K.

I'll give it three stars overall but adding an extra star for the free parking lot in the back, because Mass Ave is probably the worst road ever for street parking. Rocked a breakfast burrito and a bloody mary for brunch. Overall very good and very filling, everything perfectly cooked and a good portion. My only wish: that they'd have corned beef hash. Seems like the kind of place that would make some REAL CBH with real CB. But overall, this is a pretty good place for a Sunday hangover brunch with bros, your rents, or your rug rats. Friendly and efficient service, and pretty cool interior with a nice brewpub feel. I'll go back and try other dishes and of course the home brews.
(4)
Crystal S.

Great place to go to after a long week or even worse, a long day. You can chill out with some yummy beers and yummy food. Yes, I do occasionally refer to beers as yummy. As a pseudo-beer drinker, this is the compromise for my boyfriend and I where he can grab a beer on tap and I can get a sampler to one day find a beer I may like. I actually average a 50% "like" rate on my samplers too. :) They also serve TATER TOTS! Come on! Round of applause! In general, I find that they do a nice job with their bar food being tasty with a dash of creativity and a smattering of nostalgia. For veggie eaters, I recommend the black bean veggie burger with a few add ons that you enjoy, I personally go for guacamole and jalapenos but any of their sandwiches I've tried, I've enjoyed. Also, it usually doesn't seem to have a crazy wait/line.
(4)
Anastasia S.

Ok, but hear me out: mixed drinks in pint glasses. Wait for it. MIXED DRINKS IN PINT GLASSES.
(5)
Ben K.

I wish I had written a review of this place before the last time I went, because this rant would be better served as an update, but here it goes: What the hell, Cambridge Common? Bread and butter pickle slices instead of deli spears with my burger? I know you still have those crisp paragons of briney goodness because you battered them up and deep fried them for me. Put them back on my plate! Nobody wants a stingy side bowl of over-sweet listless cucumber shavings. Ugh. Maybe it's just as I branch out to other restaurants in the area, or maybe it's because the Common is actually in decline, but every time I go there these days I'm disappointed. Burgers are still fine (blackjack is my standby, and always satisfies, even if it doesn't impress), but fries are a little sadder than I remember. Appetizers are actually usually pretty great (fried pickles deserve another mention). Service is always stellar, even at peak business, so points for that. But, I always just feel underwhelmed by the whole experience. The one thing that remains top class is its beer menu. This is *perfect*. Literally the best I've ever seen. Long enough that you have a choice, but short enough that you're overwhelmed. Comfort drafts that stay the same, so you know they're solid, but a regularly rotating list of let's-try-something-new beers. Lotsa local, but always with a few father-afield and international brews to balance it out. Flights for trying. And, perhaps most importantly, waiters who can always answers questions about everything on there. Impressive given how much it changes. I wish Cambridge Common were more bar and less restaurant. I'd come for drinks more often. But as is, you can't get a table without ordering food (except for maybe late at night?), and with the food consistently coming in below expectations (which is partly because expectations had been high, not because food is necessarily bad, or even less than above-average), that's unfortunate. I guess that's why Lizard Lounge exists, but I'm usually too cheap to shell out for cover. Maybe I'll try to get to Christopher's down the road more often. Are their pickles still the same?
(3)
Nancy M.

Uncommon BLT was great. Lots of beer choices and even some for non beer drinkers like myself. Shamefully had the nachos but they were worth every calorie.
(4)
John B.

This place is great for good cheap food. I like to swing by here on a Thursday or Friday evening for a burger and a beer. By far this is the cheapest place in all of Cambridge for the amount of food that you get. I highly suggest the turkey burger with curly fries or the salad. Also try some of the special microbrew beers when you are there. The selection is huge and the staff is generally knowledgeable about the beer selection.
(4)
Scott S.

Went to Cambridge Common today for brunch, despite my better judgement. Don't get me wrong - the place is fine, but it falls short on some of the finer details. The major detail it lacks is service. Some of the staff there could care less if you wait 15 minutes to get a drink or place a food order. Today, the heavy guy with glasses came by to get our drink order (coffee and water), and brought the 3 coffees in two stages (???), removing some of the creamers when he set down the last of the coffees. (Maybe he thought we didn't deserve 4 creamers?) He neglected to take our order when he brought the drinks and never returned. I caught his eye from across the room, and he waved. No idea what this meant. Five minutes later, we waved over a waitress who took our order, but never came back to offer fresh coffee or water. Oh well. Another time, I waited 10 minutes to get a beer at the bar and couldn't even get his attention get a second one. I suspect they probably just need to hire another server or two, and they'd be doing much better. But - the beer selection is amazing, you can get a seat pretty easily most times, and the food is cheap for Cambridge. You just can't be in a rush to get server - or be content with not being served at all. This place would probably double its business if they just took orders from people who wanted to eat and drink there!
(3)
Sam D.

Awesome beer and good food for a very reasonable price! Check out their fried pickles.
(4)
Melissa G.

If you don't read any further in this review know this: the spicy spinach and artichoke dip is worth the trip all by itself (see below for more detail)!! This is a solid establishment. Though I could be swayed for better or worse after more visits since I went in on a Sunday evening. Atmospehere: A little dark for my liking but very relaxed. The big windows up front and weather dependant outdoor seating is awesome. The local art for sale on the walls is a nice touch- though unfortunately out of my price range. Service: We were greeted and sat promptly and in a friendly manner. Our waiter was a bit on the socially awkward side but friendly and attentive nontheless. Food was served quickly, almost too quickly. We ordered appetizers and hadn't even finished them before our meals came out despite making sure we placed that order ahead of our main course. Food: As mentioned above the Spicy Spinach and Artichoke Dip is AWESOME. One of the best I have had. Served with pita chips making it all the better. The fried pickles are tasty though I prefer chips to spears. The entress were OK. Beverages: I'm not a beer drinker but if I was the menu would have excited me. They definitly had a good variety, and the fact that they always offer a New England brew, an organic brew, as well as seasonal selections is pretty awesome. The wine list isn't bad for a beer place, and the mix drinks seemed intriguing. Price: With 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and a glass of wine we got out of there for $45ish including the tip. Not bad at all. Other things of note: They hold beer dinners featuring particular brewing companies. $40 you get 5 beers and a 4 course meal. Can't beat that!
(4)
Megan S.

I love Cambridge Common. For many years, I lived a few blocks away and frequented this great neighborhood spot. Here are the highlights: 1. Phenomenal and varied draft beer selection with about 10 rotating taps of local and national microbrews. This selection is also greatly strengthened by beer knowledgeable servers and bartenders and detailed descriptions on the menu. 2. Battered deep fried pickles. 3. Some of the best burgers in the Boston area. 4. Great live music in the Lizard Lounge downstairs. 5. Relaxed and fun environment - great for groups and meeting up with friends. It is with great anticipation that I await this evening's semianual visit.
(5)
Amanda L.

Cambridge Common is what it is; Common. There's nothing inherently bad with this place, but it's not a place that jumps out at you. Cambridge Common is a bar/pub kind of place, and I'm happy they went a classier route and when with minimal decorations, and decided to go with some really awesome paintings by local artists (Unfortunately I didn't look close enough to get the name) that you can actually buy, if you have the $500+ to afford it. Cambridge Common had an impressive 30+ rotating tap list. I wasn't feeling the beer, so I was happy to see that they had Woodchuck Cider, however it was the Amber version. It was good, but I like Granny Smith better, but that's of no fault of Cambridge Common. The prices for beers seemed pretty reasonable as well. Started off with the fried pickles. I wasn't expecting them to be spears, I thought they would be the disk kind, but they were still good nonetheless. They did have that affect that you get with onion rings though, you know, when you take the first bite, and the entire onion strand falls out, leaving the outer fried skin. Ah well, I just shoved the pickle back inside and carried on. The dill sauce and the other spicier chipotle (?) sauce were both delicious and they were quite different, which I enjoyed. For the meal I went with the Baja Turkey burger. Standard turkey burger with guacamole, salsa, and cheese, instead of bacon I got mushrooms instead. Subbed a side salad for fried (gotta watch that girlish figure). It was good, not great. The turkey burger itself was a little on the dry side, and very bland, almost no spices at all. I could barely taste the guacamole, but I did enjoy the salsa. My salad was tasty, but I've had better. Our server was fairly attentive, though slightly abandoned us when we only ordered the one drink each, and the tables on either side of us were the lushes. Oh well, at least she WAS attentive. All in all, I wouldn't necessarily rush to come back here, but I would come back to try something different. Joe seemed to enjoy his hot dogs, although mentioned there was a nice layer of grease surrounding the dogs. Fried, perhaps? Prices were pretty standard, $35ish for appetizer, two entres, and two drinks, including tip. So all in all, Cambridge Common is aptly named.
(3)
Michael X.

We went here with a large group (about 10 people) recently. Though we had a reservation, and all members of our group were present, we still had to wait 30 minutes past the time of our reservation to be seated. But, the management made it up to us by coming out with free appetizers for the table. The food is all right--it's your average bar and pub fare. The real draw to this place is their large selection of beer, with dozens on tap. It's still no match for Sunset Grill and Tap in Allston, but Cambridge Common's arsenal is superb this side of the Charles River.
(4)
E F.

Nice, but a bit noisy. Received the tallest Tom Collins I've ever seen and I don't typically like to drink 20 oz of lemonade with my gin, but it was okay. Not so big an error that I asked for a replacement. Friendly service, good food with big portions! A good place to stop when you're not in a rush for dinner.
(4)
Steve H.

The food here is Just Okay, relatively cheap, so you get what you pay for... and they have several beers on Tap, Their wings are really good I would get the hot ones, the nachos are good too. I tried the meatloaf, and it was good, served with mashed potatoes and green beans The Service meh..okay, It took a long time for the server to get our drinks, not sure why when the location didn't appear to busy.
(3)
Doreen C.

Brunch review: I'm a huge sucker for Benedict so I definitely got that. It was not too bad, but there are definitely better brunch options in the area with more tasty eggs benedict. Felt like I was just eating raw spinach with a muffin and some hollandaise on top. But, service was great and friendly!
(3)
Felix G.

With a nice large bar and a burger on the menu, it already meets the standards of a bar for me. The burger's just okay, though, and unless I'm already on the walk between Porter and Harvard, it's hard to find a justification for coming here over one of the bars right off the T in any of the other nearby squares. It can get a bit noisy and some of the staff seem like they hate their jobs and you for encouraging the existence of said jobs, but all in all its a fine place if you have a sudden whim to sit at a bar and grab a drink either alone or with a friend.
(3)
Emily A.

The two starring roles in my experience at Cambridge Common were definitely the patio and the beer. Their draft list is not huge but pretty diverse, and frequently rotating. My friend and I split a sandwich and some apps, and it was all solidly good. The price was a tad high for what we got, but having a nice shady spot on the patio while we drank and ate made it worth it. Solid service, not the most knowledgeable server but she was friendly and prompt. Probably a place I'll return to for apps and beer more than dinner, but still one I'll be back to.
(3)
Phil C.

Back before the days of Yelp, I came here at least once for burgers and friendly catch-up (not ketchup). I managed to try this spot again more recently. My opinion of CC hasn't changed much: it's a safe pick, like a conventional sedan. However, don't expect a whole lot of outside-the-box offerings. I managed an outside seat on a warm day. The tables are wooden mini-picnic tables, so don't expect optimal comfort. Service was okay, though nothing spectacular. I went for the 1667 Burger and didn't even realize what I was essentially ordering. Hmmmm...pickles, "special sauce" (which tasted suspiciously like thousand island dressing), cheese? Sounds a bit like a Big Mac, but with bacon and sans the onions. The 1667 wasn't too bad, with the burger being acceptable, bacon crispy enough, and the bun held its structural integrity during the meal. The curly fries are a nice spicy touch, and does make the meal standout a tad. I can't describe much of my friend's Uncommon BLT, because said friend polished off her sandwich before I even got to the halfway point of mine. Sure, my manliness has now been questioned. Anyway, it's worth noting that this BLT has baby spinach in it, in lieu of the conventional lettuce. Shouldn't the sandwich be called a BST?
(3)
Christina P.

Cambridge Common is a solid bar-restaurant. It's pretty big but still gets packed on nights Thurs-Sat. Amazing selection of beers on tap and so many local breweries. Really love that, especially when you can get a sampler flight! The food is also pretty good! Got a turkey and cheddar sandwich the last time I went and I think that was a mistake on my part. It was nothing special but the sweet potato chips that came with it were yummy. I'd recommend sticking to the burgers w/ curly fries. They're fat and tasty and there are a bunch of different toppings you can get. I really like the burger that comes on the english muffin but that's like blasphemy to some burger people... Service is quick, sweet, and efficient. No fuss type of place. Food may not be 4 stars, but the restaurant's vibe as a whole is deserving of that.
(4)
Zachary W.

A nice establishment offering standard American fair with some twists. Nice bar area. Excellent beer selection, offering flights of seasonal offerings. Burger selection is probably the highlight for entrees. Heard the meatloaf is fantastic. Numerous salad options for those with a healthy streak or wanting something lighter. Servers and staff are friendly and accommodating. Also probably one of the cheapest places to eat in the city that I've found. Burgers, etc being under $10.00 with only a few options being over $10.00.
(3)
Andrew R.

The foods great... A lot of great beers on tap. The bar service isn't great, but nothing to complain about The pick up service/take out... Is 50/50 if you order a salad you'll get a burger hahhaaaa...
(4)
Phung N.

If you substitute anything, just know you will be charged for it no matter what unless it is straight/curly fries. I got a breakfast burger subbed in a clam chowder while my partner got the fish tacos subbed with some sweet potato fries. I'm not sure what happened but many components of our meal was burnt. Part of my burger was burnt and the potato strings that was in my burger tasted burnt. We asked for the fish in the tacos to be grilled and it looked baked/steamed. The subbed side of sweet potato fries to go with the fish tacos was clearly burned but I guess even our waitress did not notice when my partner and I gave each other weird looks after seeing the burnt fries. Not sure what was going on in the kitchen, maybe the chef was not able to follow what was asked or got a little too comfortable with frying the fries but my partner and I was not happy having that burnt aftertaste. The food was good overall but we were unhappy with the taste, also, we were charged 3.50 for the subbed side of burnt sweet potato fries. We should have complained but we were in a rush and just paid what we had to and left. Probably will not be coming back unless friends ask me to come with them... really unfortunate because the food isn't too bad.
(3)
John G.

Probably more to do with the demographics but wanted to grab a burger and a beer in Sunday and watch football and they are telecasting a tennis match from 3 days ago on all TVs?
(2)
Daniela C.

We were in Boston for three days and everyday we somehow ended up back here. They do seem to serve food late into the night, which I appreciate. Each time I had something different, the mussels were amazing, the pasta here is delicious and the burgers are to die for. The service was great each time we sat at the bar, the staff are super friendly and attentive. I would definitely come back if I am ever in Cambridge again!
(4)
Tashombe H.

We arrived at the height of Friday night dinner to a 15-20min wait for 2. We were seated within that time frame. Our server, Johanna, was good. We had the all day breakfast burger and fish n chips. The burger was cooked well and tasted just fine. Nothing extraordinary but it certainly met expectations. The fish and chips were equally fine but there serving was a bit skimpy for me. I also order the rum punch (or rum runner). It was waaayyy to sweet with juices. I mentioned (not complained) it to the server when she asked how everything was. She did tell me that she removed the drink when she brought the check. The service was good enough to go back. The food was good and inexpensive enough to try something else. They do have a lot of beer or tap if that drives you but i prefer a liquor cocktail. They do have a kids menu as well.
(3)
Shannon G.

Came for dinner last night with a friend and had a great time! The vibe is pub-like and laid back and the food and drinks are solid. We ordered the grilled cheese with tomato basil soup and the buffalo chicken pasta. Both were comfort-food-y goodness. My only issue was with the service. Our waitress was lovely but service was very slow. Granted, it was a Friday night, but when you're hangry, you're hangry.
(4)
Meghan S.

I live and work very near Cambridge Common and always want to like it. The food is always so so but it does in a pinch. However, every summer I love sitting on their patio. That is until this summer where they changed their out-door policy to not allow dogs. My dog is small, quiet and well behaved. I understand that perhaps there was reasoning behind the change in policy but why not ask certain customers to leave rather than change a blanket policy. Fortunately, there are many restaurants in the area that allow dogs that will be getting my business (Hi-Rise, The Abby, West Side Lounge, Temple Bar). The patio was the only thing that brought me back each year.
(2)
Catie F.

Totally solid bar food. If you're craving a burger and fries, this place will definitely hit the spot. The burgers are just the right size and they have at least three different kinds of fries (straight, curly, sweet potato chip-fries) to meet your needs. The beer list is also pretty decent. Beyond the basics - I am probably the only person ever to order the deviled egg app, but I really liked it! I was pleased that it seemed fresh and tasted good. It's definitely the kind of menu item that could have been a total disaster. I also liked my grilled chicken/cous cous salad, but it could have been heavier on the greens and veggies and lighter on the cous cous (some people will probably disagree, but those are people who don't like salad very much to begin with). One friend ordered the mac and cheese and added chicken to it - looked INCREDIBLE and he finished the whole plate. Another friend ordered sliders, but was upset with how small and charred/burned the patties were. Overall the menu had plenty of variety - including vegetarian - and people seemed pretty satisfied with everything they got. Atmosphere is nothing special, but definitely comfortable enough. The staff did a great job accommodating our table of 14 on-the-fly, so definite points for that. I'd come back and sit out on the patio on a nice warm day...
(3)
Alex M.

Great, great, great beer list. Two kind of veggie burgers. Great atmosphere. This is one of my go to bars. I know there is music upstairs too but I've never gone. Also the place can get packed if Harvard Business School is having their weekly meeting. I forget what day that is... Still, such a great bar. Cheers-like really. Except I don't think the bartenders actually remember my name.
(5)
Tony J.

The food is solid. The service is solid. The beer menu is really solid. They have a lot of rotating taps, so there's a lot of variety for the most part. However, they are often hop-heavy, so if you're not too into that stuff, you might not have a great time. Also, people seem to enjoy their mac and cheese bites immensely, though I'm not a huge fan.
(4)
Jackie K.

Woo hoo for beer!!!!!!!!!! So many choices, nice servers and bartenders (they'll let you try some), and easy to get a table with lots of places to stand. They have golden monkey on draft so I always have a go-to and lots of other cool choices including a rotating baxter and maine brewing company. Food is okay (salads are a good size), veggie burger was solid, fries were good, nachos were good. Overall, solid.
(4)
Raina B.

Great place for dinner and/or drinks! About a 15 min walk from Harvard square? Its a huge place - large bar, lots of tables, lots of space to stand. Great for events. Food is above average bar food! Mac and cheese bites are SO good, the nachos and other apps are all pretty good! Definitely get the Mac and cheese bites - I'm not even a huge mac and cheese person, but small amounts breaded and fried into tiny adorable triangles are irresistible! The beer punch is delicious too!! Great to share if you're a group of 3 or more (they're pretty big and quite alcoholic). It's lemonade, beer, and a bit of vodka - excellent for summer, but also always good! In the summer, they have some tables outside, which are really nice.
(4)
Brian B.

Searched all over Boston (well not all over, but at least 5 different bars) to try and find Brooklyn Lager. They have it here, and it's still only $4.95. Service was great, the bartender was good natured with my obvious enthusiasm for what is probably a common beer on the East Coast (I'm from SF). Conveniently located near the red line. On a Saturday night it was still easy to find a space at the bar. The small crowd of people smoking outside made me initially think it was going to be busier inside. Have lots of great local beers and a few from as far away as San Diego on draft. Their bartenders choice beer sampler looked pretty tasty, but I was there for the Brooklyn Lager, so missed it. My new go-to watering hole for when I return to the Boston area, not more searching.
(4)
Cathy S.

Really like the atmosphere here, and the menu is inexpensive. I love bar food so many of the items were appealing to me. I ended up getting the 1667 burger, which was topped with cheese, bacon, pickles, greens, and a "special sauce" - can't go wrong. The curly fries were seriously amazing - they were crispy and seasoned and I just wish I had a whole plate of them! The service was somewhat lacking the time we went though. We pretty much just ordered burgers and sandwiches but it still took a long time to get our food, and no one came by to refill our waters the entire time we were eating.
(4)
Michael C.

Food was good. Service was fine. I'm giving them 1 star because their beer menu lists their beers as 16 ounces and they charge for 16 ounces but they're only 13-14 ounce pours at best. I only noticed because someone I was sitting with was pouring his 12 ounce bottle into one of their "pint" glasses and it was just shy of all the 16 ounce drafts we ordered. Update: It appears they're using 15 ounce glasses, so even if they filled them all the way to the brim (and you cannot walk from the bar to a table with a glass filled to the brim), they still wouldn't be the 16 ounces they're charging you for.
(1)
Nashrah R.

Great selection of beers and burgers (with curly fries!!) for only $4.95. A great place for affordable bar food.
(5)
Cydney E.

This place is just awesome. Warm, inviting, friendly. Super, awesome, great beer selection. Great Mac & cheese. And really nice wait & hostess staff! You'll feel like a local the minute you walk in the door!
(5)
Rachel S.

Great veg burger
(4)
Doug D.

I'm not really a review writer, but my experience at CC tonight will be the reason I never dine here and may well never return at all. My group of 22 arrives at 6:50pm, are seated, drink orders are taken and delivered with no problem. The appetizers are delivered at 7:10 or so...and then we wait...as I start to see people finishing and leaving who arrived after we got appetizers, that's when I start to get hot...at 8:17pm, we get our meals- they have no idea who orders what, nachos look like they'd been under a heat lamp, all the food was cold and we had to tell them, at a table of 22, who was getting what. A wholly disorganized mess of cold food and slipshod service. I wonder if the table had been as bad with 22 white people instead of 14 Chinese kids, nine Chinese Nationals...
(1)
Jo M.

We love Cambridge Common. We've been a few times, and love the rotating draught beers. The Mac & Cheese bites are amazing as well. But the beer. Definitely the beer.
(4)
Brie P.

Been here a few times now. Let me point out the many pros of this place: - a ton of beers on tap, so they have something for everyone -low key atmosphere. Went on a Saturday night at 8:00pm, and I could still have a full conversation without having to yell over people and music - great options for specials, they always offer something new and delicious. -if you like burgers, go here. You're welcome ahead of time -located between Porter and Harvard, right on the 77 bus route. In the summer time, it's great to have the option to people watch and sit outside with a few brews and friends. -the staff has ALWAYS been fun, friendly, and warm. Major plus in my book. -Downeast cider with a cinnamon and sugar rim is a major reason why I keep coming back for more. Cons you ask? I have yet to find anything to complain about!
(5)
Dan C.

Cambridge Common is one of those great bars that are mostly so great because you live next door. The tap selection of this place is gigantic and always changing, so there is always something new to try. Similarly they have a rather full list of specials of the day, so the same goes for the food. That being said, the food here is decent enough, but I'm not sure I'd make a trip to come here. I tend to stick with the burgers. At 9ish bucks a pop, these guys are huge, will fill you up, and come with all manner of toppings. My favorite is the Blackjack burger: pepper-jack with Cajun spices and chipotle mayo. I'm pretty sure I could eat the chipotle mayo with a spoon. Fries come in straight or curly or sweet potato. I tend to stick with straight, just like Law and Order, the original and still the best. As for appetizers, the deviled eggs are a deal at $3 if you really want deviled eggs and are as lazy as me. The mac and cheese bites are a little reminiscent of kraft boxed mac and cheese, but they come with a ranch dipping sauce that makes up for their lack of flavor. And as always, fried pickles: see them, order them, share them, feel sick later and regret them, repeat. Bottom Line: Best bar/pub between the Abbey and Border Cafe...assuming the Abbey and Border Cafe aren't included.
(4)
M S.

First of all let me start by saying the bar staff are top notch and probably the best I've ever encountered anywhere in New England. They are all friendly, knowledgeable and quick with a drink / aware of who needs a drink and when they need it. My favorites are the brunette who works during the day who usually has her hair in braids and TC..the bartender at night. The tall female bartender is a tad less social but she's amazing as well. I've been going here for years not because of the atmosphere (whcih tends to be a little bit like a college food hall) but because of the bar staff and the food. The food is always decent, well prepared and fresh. I've eaten here many time and I've never had a problem with my food or had to return it for any reason and I've always left feeling satisfied. The prices are reasonable and the portions are perfect. I also like the way the bar is set up. It in the shape of a square so you get to see everyone at the bar and the bartenders are sort of stuffed in center leaving more room for seats (the way a good bar should be). They have TV's but they are kind of tucked away which I also like. It encourages you to look around the bar at the other patrons and allows for the opportunity to engage people in conversation. I am a big fan of the Common.
(4)
Darwin G.

A very good craft beer tap list with decent prices at around $6 a pint. They even serve flights. Service was accommodating.
(4)
Melissa H.

That's a great burger! Cool staff, good atmosphere, nice mix of people, fantastic prices.
(4)
Robyn B.

Decent place. The burgers are good but nothing special. They had a really good seasonal hard apple cider drink with fireball which was EPIC. It's pretty big inside and we didn't have to wait for a table. Good prices!
(3)
Amanda R.

Whoa... the pub fare is delicious and the beer punch is unreal. I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Matt B.

This place is great. Selection of burgers is well over 10 different types and they all come with either fries, or curly fries. Prices are cheap and food is excellent. Will definitely be coming back here as it is my girlfriend and I's new favorite place. Also did I mention they have 15 beers on tap!
(5)
Billie W.

Came here today and had the Spring Roll appetizer and chicken fingers. The spring rolls were good with the pizza sauce. The veggies in them tasted nice and fresh, and the peanut sauce was good. They had cucumbers, red peppers, carrots, and some cilantro. The chicken fingers were overcooked: meat was dry and the batter was very dark brown; BBQ dip was pretty good though.
(3)
Matthew R.

I'm sad to say I'm disappointed with this place. Unfortunately, with time this place is getting worse and worse, at least service wise. Today I was waiting in line to be seated and the host saw me. Yet, she seated two other people who moved in front of me even though they arrived after me. Not fair, I worked in restaurants before and I have never noticed/seen anything like that before. Especially when you know who came first. I just left and went across the street to a place that I was treated right. Anyway at Cambridge Common food is okay, drinks are cheap - that's why I'm giving it 2 stars rather than one. Too bad, place once really good went bad within just few years. Very disappointed and I will never go there again.
(2)
Michelle S.

Cambridge Common offers some pretty good basic comfort/bar food (sandwiches, burgers, etc...) but the service is sometimes subpar. The waiters have gotten my order wrong multiple times, and the wait for takeout can be longer than expected. However, the Uncommon BLT with grilled chicken added is a delicious sandwich! Whole wheat bread, spinach, grilled chicken, bacon, and spicy mayo with curly fries on the side have made for great late night but healthy eats. The fish tacos with mango salsa also are good for lunch!
(3)
Douglas W.

If you want some good American comfort food; You Got It! Cambridge Common has a simple menu yet offers a great variety of classic American dishes. If you want a beer, they have some good beers on tap and occasionally offer some micro-brews that have risen to local prominence. great spot!
(4)
Jeff D.

My wife and I love Cambridge Commons and are there at least once a month. A fantastic beer list (including a rotating cask) and a very solid food menu with rotating specials will keep us coming back for more. Great spot, highly recommended. I'll add more specifics next time we visit.
(5)
Alex D.

I bring people here all the time. The menu is solid, they have plenty of vegetarian options, and their food is great.
(5)
Bnrstn G.

The first time I walked into The Common I was concerned that we had picked some kind of chain, Chile's/TGIF family restaurant. I was so happy to be wrong. Besides the awesome staff and solid food, this place has the best curated and priced beer list in Camberville. Rare kegs, tap takeovers, excellent staple selection and no attitude. Even though it's frowned apon to simultaeously order your seventh and eighth pints with a children's birthday party at the next booth, I manage to power through.
(4)

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Address : 1667 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA, 02138
Phone (617) 547-1228
Website https://www.cambridgecommonrestaurant.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 1:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner, Late Night
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Cambridge Common

1667 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138

Cambridge Common Menu

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