This is probably more like 3.5 stars. We came in the night before Thanksgiving and received a very hearty greeting, but that could be because it was absolutely dead. Our server was charming and I really love the space. I decided to nibble on a few apps since I wasn't starving and wanted to save up the food intake for the next day. I tried the cheeseburger spring rolls, the deviled egg and the brussels sprouts. The only thing that wasn't fairly good was the brussels sprouts. They were actually pretty bland. I could have made better on my own. Definitely a cozy space, but not much of a stand out compared to other restaurants in the area.
(4)
Bill L.
The ultimate "Cheers bar" and restaurant gone upscale but still casual in a very cool and comfortable way! The food is consistently good .... ALWAYS! The drinks are excellent! Offers a great choice of craft beers, bourbons, scotch and wine by the glass. AND, the waiters and waitresses remember you and take good care of you! The Abby has become our "go to" place whenever we have friends in town or whenever we're treating our sales staff to a few drinks and appetizers at the end of a long week! Love this place! It's the best!
(5)
Jay R.
This place is pretty awesome. Stopped in while the lady was getting her hair done next door. The deviled eggs were tasty and they have a great beer selection. Will definitely return!
(5)
Shirley E.
I came in the middle of the afternoon after dropping my car off for an oil change down the street at Mass Ave Gulf, so it wasn't crowded. The waitress was really sweet and attentive and 'up-sold' me on the white pizza with veggies along with my sausage egg roll served on a bed of greens. The food was DELISH! and I was definitely craving more of that egg roll. The pizza has a wonderfully creamy white sauce that's a nice contrast to the crispy crust (it was a bit on the burnt side but nothing too serious). I wasn't able to finish it abd took the left overs home. Surprisingly, it was just as good cold later. I didn't have any drinks but I will definitely be visiting again to do so.
(4)
Samantha S.
We had a great experience at The Abbey! The food was delicious, the service was fantastic, the waiter was friendly and the entire staff was very attentive. Good cocktails too! We started off with the fried green tomatoes, and followed that with the bison bolognese and the mushroom risotto. We also got a side of Brussell sprouts. Everything was delicious, reasonably priced and quickly served. We will definitely be coming back! A welcomed addition to the Cambridge neighborhood!
(5)
Alisa L.
When I came here, the last thing I ever wanted to see was a pub menu. A week of fried food and beer had left me craving a salad, soup, or anything that wasn't fried. So naturally, I ordered something fried. In my defense, I spotted truffle fries and any resistance I had left melted faster than ice cream in the summer. And for the record, it was delicious and the best artery clogging meal I had that week. Everything else on the menu is good, but not spectacular. The burger is good, the tacos are good, basically everything is good. It's not a trek-worthy meal, but more of a restaurant in the neighborhood. Service is a little slow but nothing horrendous and very bearable. The bartenders are very nice. So why five stars? Cause truffle fries, duh. Without the truffle fries, it's more like four stars.
(5)
Yidan S.
Recommended by coworker of Abbey in Brookline, was planning to go to the one in Brookline last night but was told they couldn't take reservation and would be a half hour wait, so my friend and I went to the one in Porter Square instead. It was pretty cold inside especially there are seats right under the AC. Our waiter was pretty friendly. Ambiance was casual and there is a bar table, and people speak pretty loud makes it hard to talk. We ordered the cod cake(recommend by our waiter), mussels as appetizer. Cod cake is pretty good. And I got Bison Bolognese and my friend got the duck confit gnocchi. Both the two entrees are WAY TOO SALTY. Have to drink a lot of water. Maybe the one in Brookline serves better Bison Bolognese that is not salt. as when I yelp the place, I saw many people recommend it.
(3)
Remie P.
We sat at the bar while waiting for a friend to get out of the hair salon next door, ordered a cocktail and a beer. When our friend arrived the bartender continued to talk to his bar mate and ignored us until we had to get his attention. He had to move us to accommodate a couple of people but did this in a very rude way not a thank you or anything to suggest appreciation. It seems this is regular practice here. We were going to go somewhere else but decided to stay and try it even though the reviews suggested the "rude" service and giving them the benefit of doubt. Big mistake! While ordering food and making a suggestion of gluten free pasta were told by the rude bartender Mike, "don't tell us what to do, we don't like that here". He just had a generally bad attitude as if we should grateful to him. I can cook this type of food at home and so can many people. No matter how good the food is this place doesn't know how to treat its customers. This bartender may not be the only rude one reading from the other reviews. So if you like your lamb meatballs and swordfish with a bite by all means dig in. For the service and how rude they are and unprofessional I consider this overpriced!
(1)
Leila L.
A 3.5-star experience. I like my bison bolognese quite a lot. The pan-seared cod is a bit too creamy. The ambience is good when it gets dark outside.
(4)
Kenneth P.
I have been here several times before and had a very nice time. Last night, Friday night, I sat at the bar with my girlfriend. The place was crowded as it usually is on a weekend. We ordered and drank a glass of wine each, and when we did not order another right away, the bar tender asked us to leave. He said there was a line at the door and he needed the chairs. We had intended on ordering food but not after that line. I have worked at many a fine restaurant in college and after and have never witnessed such a thing. I am still amazed and stunned at the rudeness.
(1)
Caroline L.
The staff is amazing, the food delicious. Be sure to get the Brussel sprouts, they are the best I've ever had, except for my own. The chicken sandwich at lunch is always great, and instead of fries I get the sprouts. The drinks are always cold and delivered fast when a glass of wine is necessary after a long day.
(4)
Kevin J.
Food: 3 Stars Service: 4 Stars This place just opened up earlier in 2014 and my girlfriend and I wanted to check it out during the summer. The decor was really nice and service was great. Food was mediocre though. I ordered the Grilled organic chicken sandwich which came with french fries and my girlfriend ordered the spicy tomato bisque & grilled cheese panini. I thought my burger was on par with other places I've been to so nothing too special. On the other hand, I tried the gf's tomato bisque and grilled panini. If you can tell from the picture below, the panini is tiny and the soup is rather large. The bisque was also a little bit too salty and sour; not exactly, the ideal mix of flavors to consume in large quantities. Perhaps, I was expecting something more like cream of tomato soup. I was impressed by the service, the server came over frequently to check in on us and make sure that we were enjoying the meal. Im' sure the bar and drinks menu also pretty impressive judging from the people who were sitting at the bar during the day. Solid joint for burgers and typical American fare, but nothing special at least at lunch. We'll try for dinner!
(3)
Krina S.
Very meh. 3 deviled egg halves for $4? The only good thing about them was the tiniest smidgen of bacon. The burger is okay--meat isn't bland, but not flavorful either. Bread was stale. Wouldn't come back here
(2)
Charlotte A.
Couldn't help feeling being rushed to order drinks/food, finish the meal and pay for the check when the restaurant wasn't busy and had plenty of empty tables. It was a stressful dining experience. (1) Our sever came several times asked for drink order when we told her we would wait until everyone arrived at the very first time she asked. (2) We ordered 2 entree for sharing (after several apps), sever collected 3 out of 4 of our individual plates when the 2 entree clearly not done and 1 of us were still eating. (3) We were having our dessert, the server put the check down without any single word. (4) Personally, I don't appreciate someone keep checking how I like my apps, small plates and entree. 3 checks in a row is too much. It's probably just me. The server did a great job on refilling our water glasses 3-4 times throughout our meal though. As for the food, it wasn't bad.
(3)
K B.
Went here on a Thursday night and was seated immediately in the downstairs dining area. It had a nice ambiance, with the wooden seating and dimmer lighting - great place to bring a date. The service was very attentive and friendly. The entrees were delicious and I would definitely go back, though I might try different cocktails and sides. The food: - Porter Square Aviation cocktail, a standard gin and citrus drink. Nothing special. - Truffle fries, which came in a very generous portion and were good, but didn't blow us away. - Black pepper gnocchi with duck confit and wild mushrooms. The dish was on the saltier side but the components worked well together. I enjoyed getting a bit of pulled duck meat in each bite with the pillowly gnocchi. I would get this again. - Arctic char was perfect. The skin was crisp and the fish cooked well. The natural oiliness of the fish paired well with the roasted beets and greens. I would also get this again.
(4)
Victoria G.
Very good food and drinks, really nice beer selection, good service, and a nice cozy spot with big windows letting lots of light in. We had the spicy tomato bisque & grilled cheese panini, bison bolognese, and truffle fries with roasted garlic mayo. He got one of their beers on tap, and I got the Porter Pimm's. We finished things off with their strawberry shortcake, which was good and not too sweet. We both felt it was missing a little something, though. He wanted strawberry ice cream while I wanted strawberry jam. Even so, it was a solidly good dessert choice. Food portions were very generous, so we've got plenty of leftovers to enjoy later. I'm glad we gave this place a try - it was a very good experience overall.
(4)
David D.
First time here , I strongly suggest you start with the Reuben egg tools and the crab gratin , both outstanding. I then have the organic chicken sandwich , husband had the rich tacos , again both outstanding . We sat at a he bar, the bartender was very welcoming and friendly . The draft beer selection was great! You must check this place out .
(4)
Janice R.
Continuous enjoyable experiences here! The food ingredients are very fresh and high quality. The wait staff is always attentive and very friendly without being intrusive while eating. None of that interruption about whether your food is good while you have food in your mouth. lol Going here during the day is relaxing with friends or by myself. Nice to see new items on the menu too! Glad this is in my neighborhood.
(5)
Shira D.
Stopped in on a Sunday afternoon for a late lunch /early dinner. At some places you would expect less than ideal food or slower service between crowds, but here we experienced the exact opposite. My husband ordered the special of the day, a steak sandwich, which looked like middle of the road pub fare but was infinitely more delicious. I had the best bolognese I've tasted in in recent memory, made all the better by a healthy kick of spice and a hint of balsalmic sweetness. The portion was generous could have become my lunch for the next day, but it was too tasty let be. Excellent and thorough drink selection between their drafts and bottles, including a batter-than-average selection of ciders. Their drinks were priced perhaps a touch high but that's not unusual in Cambridge.
(5)
Julia H.
I went here for a big family dinner that included my aunt, uncle, grandparents, parents, sisters, and cousins. I think that our group can be quite a handful (we love splitting things, making adjustments, etc) and the waitress handled all of our requests perfectly! Everyone was really happy with their food. It was also so wonderful that they brought us dessert on the house for mother's day! I got the roasted chicken on kale and potatoes. It was really yummy, but absolutely DRENCHED in butter. Like, it made me feel a little ill thinking about it. I toughed it through though ;)
(4)
Jason B.
The best 2 things about this place: 1 - they are constantly offering awesome different pizzas. 2 - the ultimate food combo - the burger, with truffle fries, and a side of shredded Brussels sprouts.
(4)
Tressa S.
We went to The Abbey on a Saturday night after hearing word on the street (literally) that it was a great restaurant. We were seated downstairs, which was inviting and cozy. There are several tables downstairs as well as a bar. We were waited upon immediately, and decided on the crab dip for an app. It was delicious! For entrees, he ordered the bison bolognese while I chose the clam and pancetta flatbread. Unfortunately, the flatbread was a bit too spicy for my taste (I have a sensitive palate and am not a fan of spicy foods). The waitress went to the kitchen to ask if the flatbread could be made less spicy, but the clams on it had spices mixed in. Instead, our waitress removed the dish from our bill but let us keep it (since my boyfriend loves spice food). To replace it, I ordered the wild mushroom pate on grilled ciabatta, which was very good. While the food would earn four stars, it's the great service that got five stars. Our waitress was very accommodating and extremely nice, and I love the fact that she put forth the effort to make our meal pleasant. I'll be returning to try the restaurant's other (less spicy) dishes as well as their drinks soon!
(5)
Jenn D.
My first review! Let me just say GREAT SPACE! Large beautiful windows with tons of natural light! I just loved being in there....and you would never know it from outside but they have a downstairs ( although we didn't make it down but who knew!) We sat at nice smallish natural wood bar. Great bar service! Just the the right amount banter and spot on service! They even let the bf save a seat for me as I running a few minutes late. Luckily it was right before before the crowd. Which it did get busy. It was Friday right after work.... Now the food and drink! We were just getting a few small plates and drinks, but we WILL back for dinner. The Bison Bolognese looked amazing! I got the cucumber lemonade. It was muddled cucumber, gin, lemon and super refreshing with the right amount of kick. Just what I wanted after a long work week. They had a good beer selection and interesting cocktail list. Now the food! From the small plates we shared... the cheeseburger and candied bacon egg roll. It had a great sauce and definitely didn't suck! And the roasted red pepper,goat cheese and linguica arancini balls-um.....yum! It was all just really delicious We got an appetizer as well....Oven baked Brie,caramelized onions,apples and crostini.-JUST GET IT!
(4)
Dan T.
Great food, great service. Nice little restaurant near Porter Square that's easy to get to and better then most options in the harvard square area.
(5)
Jeff D.
My wife and I have been here twice now and thoroughly enjoyed it each time. Her order has not varied: Lamb lollipops nice and rare and an order of truffle fries. The lamb comes with this delightful dollop of goat cheese that has been bruleed. Yes, that's a thing. And it's a damned good thing. This time around I went with a burger and the cod fritters to start. Both were very tasty and the burger came medium rare as ordered. The last time I got the pork belly/duck egg appetizer. It was as good as that sounds. I followed it up with the bavette steak and had the roasted cauliflower instead of fries, which was fabulous. They also have a diverse and changing beer list. We have enjoyed our dinners there and plan to be back again soon.
(5)
S. H.
We met some old friends here and had such a lovely time on a beautiful summer night. This is an adorable venue; just the right size for intimate dinners. The appetizers were excellent: smoked crab cakes and lamb meatballs. Everyone loves their mains. The bison bolognese was absolutely delicious, spicy and rich. My lobster mac and cheese we creamy, cheesy and full of lobster chunks. I rarely allow my big old self to get such an indulgence, but I'm glad I did. The cod as also wonderful. We were way too stuffed to get dessert, but next time I hope to try some. As I was leaving I asked the server when they close. They are open and serving full dinners until 12:30 on week nights and 1:30 on weekends. Unheard of for the Boston area where most kitchens are closed by 10.
Not a fan. The descriptions of the menu items sounded great and like the twists had tons of potential. Unfortunately the execution of every item the table ordered did not live up to its potential. Nor was there any item that I would even order again.
(2)
Karmen C.
Went with a group of six and shared a lot of dishes that were quite delectable! I'll definitely come again, if just for the truffle fries! We ordered 1) Oven baked brie - it was alright, nothing special 2) Bison Bolognese - a lot of other people have raved about this but I wasn't that impressed by the flavors 3) Pan roasted cod - cooked perfectly and great flavors 4) Lobster and spring pea mac and cheese - was a lot lighter than I expected in terms of the cheese flavor which I really liked. Usually when I order mac and cheese the dish is so heavy that I can barely eat more than two bites 5) Truffle fries - AMAZING, must get it 6) Shredded brussels sprouts - other people at my table loved these, but I'm not really a huge brussells sprout fan
(4)
Wayne C.
Before venturing to The Abbey for the first time, my boss told me that the food was good, "but a bit on the salty side." And, although The Abbey represents a very welcome addition to the Cambridge food scene, the kitchen is a bit heavy handed on the salt. Alas - I am certain the salt on the food will work its way out as they gain a better control of the food line. All-in-all, the food is really decent and the menu carries enough variety that a table of four or five can create a tapas-like meal from the appetizers and sides for friendly sharing. Equally compelling is the broad range of draft beers and bar preparations. One dish sticks out in my mind - the shaved Brussels sprouts. Really well done. Flavorful and a delightful texture. A great accompaniment to a burger and fries. One thing - we went for a late night meeting/meal. As many places in the Cambridge area close at 10 or 11 pm, we hoped that The Abbey would be open later - because of its gastropub designation. They do stay open later in the upstairs bar - but the "restaurant" (downstairs) part of The Abbey closes at 11 pm. This makes it tough to carry a late night meeting - as the upstairs bar area is really loud. A word about service - the team is fantastic. They are friendly, courteous and a genuinely nice group of hosts.
(4)
John G.
Very disappointing. We are regular customers and have had pleasant experiences in the past but not this time around. Went in for brunch and walked out after 15-20 minutes with no service. Seven tables and about 6 at the bar with a waitstaff of 3 including bartender. One waitress just walked by us 5-6 times no acknowledgement and then would hang at the register for 5 minutes. They would have 3 serve one table and the bartender start small talk with the table for what went on for 5 minutes. The other waitress just kept going up and down the stairs and could carry more than a plate with a fork at one time. Sad
(1)
Christine P.
My first time here; for a Monday lunch. I was very pleased and will be sure to return. The bacon deviled eggs were uber-bacony. My only suggestion would be to serve four half-eggs, not three, so pairs don't have to share. They're that good. The food was absolutely delicious. The best part, believe it or not, was the salad greens that accompanied the sandwiches. Tangy, flavorful, and perfectly dressed. The fries were homemade and crispy. I had the grilled chicken sandwich, which was gooey with cheese and topped with nice, crispy bacon. (None of that soggy bacon from lesser establishments.) I can't speak to my companion's Cuban because it was too good to share. :-) Only two on staff so they were kept running, but did a very good job of caring for all. Highly recommended.
(4)
Alastair S.
I went during a Sunday afternoon. Appetizers were priced at about 5 dollars each, entrees at roughly 12. For that price, this place blows many other competitors out of the water. The cooking is simple, unpretentious. The linguini, made in house, was delicious. Vegetable dishes were lightly seasoned and judiciously buttered. Julia Child, who lived nearby, would be pleased. Great drinks menu too.
(5)
Mark S.
I would have given this place 3 or 4 stars based on the food, but the service was substandard. We had reservations for 7:30 but waited until 8 to be seated and were then seated downstairs at a high table with backless stools. One of our party had a bad back and asked for a bar stool because it had a back (the downstairs bar was empty), but was told that "the bar tender won't let us" swap the bar stools for the backless high stools. So bottom line: we waited 30 minutes to eat uncomfortably, but at least the bartender was happy. The food was tasty. I had the ceasar salad (with actual anchovies!) with lobster mac and cheese. A lot of their dishes are that kind of altered Americana food, and not original, but at least well done. The prices were just so so for the fare. I think these guys need to stop breathing their own smoke and realize they have a slightly better than average restaurant that needs to try harder on the service front.
(2)
Steven T.
I live around the corner. I've been here 10 times. I wanted it to work out, but it just isn't happening. Beyond lagging waitstaff the bartender (taller dude) is not very kind. Vegetarian options aren't great (though I don't tend to judge for that, the experience makes it worth dropping anyway). We asked for all of the food to be boxed, yet they threw all of the food away. Seems like it could be a simple mistake, however they confirmed verbally that it would come back in a box. The environment is very nice, but really not worth the poor and overpriced food, nor the awful and *aggressive* service.
(1)
Todd S.
Had the fried green tomato BLT for lunch and it was fantastic! Also reasonably priced for Cambridge these days ($11 with fries). Very nice atmosphere, courteous service. Wish I had noticed The Abbey earlier.
(5)
Mr. X J.
A nice friendly place. All smiling and helpful staff. I was there one night and this loud drunken fool was sitting next to me. I told the bartender I was going downstairs. He nodded. Twenty minutes later he came down and said there was now a better sit at the bar upstairs if I wanted it. Very cool. Mixed crowd. Young and old. A few college d-bags but overall good.
(4)
Jeff F.
With less than 10% of my reviews being 5 star, it was a welcome surprise to have a 5 star experience at The Abbey. They absolutely nail the gastropub experience - stellar service (I think Paul said the Bison Bolognese is what convinced him to work here), exceptional food (Sardine app, Egg Roll & Bison Bolognese were all memorable), great beer list and the atmosphere was exactly what you'd want (gastropub with the right amount of hipster).
(5)
sage f.
I've been here for lunch twice now and both times have been so very happy with the experience from start to finish. Granted, I was with one of my absolute favorite people in the world both times, but the food, the beer, the atmosphere, and the service are all spot on. My only gripe would be that there are very limited options for veggies, and none for veganish folks like me. Doesn't much matter, I'll be back!
(4)
Mike B.
One of the best meals I've ever had in Cambridge ... Disclaimer: I ate here on a Saturday night, a few days after having my wisdom teeth out. So after a steady diet of soup, jello, and ice cream, I was ready to eat something delicious. We started with the crab cakes, which came with a tasty side salad. The dish was covered with a somewhat spicy aioli, which provided the perfect pairing. The cakes were light, airy, and delicious. The other couple in our party went with the arugula and pear salad, which they said was delightful. For meals, the table ordered the chicken breast (moist and tender), the bison bolognese (plentiful, with a nice spice), the cod (tender, and paired with a scrumptious potato and scallion pancake), and the lobster and spring pea mac and cheese (cheesy, tender lobster, good portion size). There wasn't a morsel left when the waiter took our plates. And a good selection of wines provided nice complements to the dishes. We then enjoyed some after-dinner drinks and the apple crisp, which was a large portion. The drinks were probably a dollar or two more than they needed to be, but the food was a dollar or two less than usual for the area, so it balanced itself out. The only negative: The wait staff, which was very attentive, seemed eager to get us out the door. I understand the need to turn tables, but we felt a bit rushed. We're moving from the area so probably won't be back soon, but we'll definitely make another stop when we're visiting friends in the future.
(5)
First A.
Amazing food, fast and friendly servers, and really pleasant, intimate environment. I had the best mashed potatoes, that were with a scallop dinner special.
(5)
Kasey K.
I can't believe I haven't written a review of this place yet. I love their food and have become a regular. Every week without fail I've been bugging my husband to go to the Abby. The food is consistently fabulous. My favorite appetizers are the fried green tomatoes and the lamb lollipops (I actually dream about them sometimes). Also a huge fan of their fish dishes and the steak. Last time I was there I had the special linguini with clams and it was like being back in Italy. Great job all around! The only downside is that it can be super noisy. For that reason we usually go on the earlier side to avoid the loud nighttime crowds.
(5)
Ryan H.
This place is good every single time. Great service, consistent food, and a great selection of beer. Definitely worth trying.
(5)
Victoria T.
Went in on a whim after one Of those conversations: "what do you want to eat" "I don't care what do you want" Love the decor and ambiance In the bar area. service was pretty slow, took our server a while to show up. I had the bolognese which was delicious. I'm eating my leftovers now and it's just as tasty as last night. Girlfriend had the macaroni and was unimpressed. She is vegetarian and was hoping to love it But it just lacked flavor and all I tasted was the cast iron it came in.
(3)
Ian S.
I walk by this place several times a week on my way to work and for weeks I kept thinking I should try it. I've now been twice (once for lunch, once for dinner) and had a great experience on both occasions. It's a really lovely space: classy, but feels casual. I know other reviewers have complained about it being noisy, but I didn't find this to be the case, even during dinner when the restaurant was full. (During lunch it was almost *too* quiet.) Service was attentive and friendly both times. The food is very good! At lunch I had the burger, which came with salad greens and a heaping portion of hand-cut fries. A good amount of food for the price. The prices for the dinner items are higher...maybe slightly too high considering the portion sizes. The risotto with tomatoes, asparagus, and pecorino was delicious! Our table also split an order of the fried halloumi cheese with yogurt sauce (so good!) and the truffle fries. I can't say that the truffle fries tasted any different from the regular fries I had had with my previous meal, but they were still good. I look forward to trying some of the other menu items, including the flatbread pizza. Some of the other things on the menu had us scratching our heads (cheeseburger egg roll?). All in all, great little place.
(4)
Boudu B.
New American food, and I want to start off by saying that I am not a new American. That spot has changed so much with a lot of different restaurants, and it should be interesting to see if it sticks around. I had a scallop and pasta dish that was underwhelming. I fell for the trick of asking what was a good beer on tap, my beer was 11 dollars, and there were no prices posted. So the bartender got me. Total for a small plate of pasta and one beer was more than 30 dollars all in. Finally, it was quiet, and I asked the bartender about the neighborhood and they stated that they didn't live around here and knew nothing about it. 11 dollar beer, not caring about my/their neighborhood, low value for taste... Just go right next door to the Pho place which is awesome.
(2)
Allison H.
Fun, friendly neighborhood bar. Good drinks, good food, not too pricey. Great atmosphere!
(5)
Ken S.
I've been in a few times over the past few months. Each time I had the feeling that it was classier than the time prior. The lighting, mood, table placings, and generally what's on tv has changed as well. Not to say I don't like what's going on here; the food is great, the wait staff is generally fantastic, and my favorite beers are available. My only beef with them is the last time I was in, there was a Bruins game on I wanted to watch with some friends. I believe they had two televisions downstairs, one had something on that I cannot remember, and the other had an hour-long YouTube video of a wood fire burning. I asked the waitress if they could put on the game, she said "maybe" and went to the manager/owner who denied my request. I know that maybe they're not trying to cultivate a sports scene, but it was not very busy that night and it wouldn't have been a huge deal. Plus, immediately after my request, the woodfire video stopped and I had to watch the "settings and choose your next video screen" for a good 25 minutes. I will go back because it's a solid spot for drinks with friends, just not if there is a game on. ;)
(3)
Cee G.
The food was fine, same kind of thing as West Side Lounge maybe, but not as good. The service is ridiculously and indifferently awful. We managed to get a beer luckily but then after 1/2 hour no one had checked on us or taken our order. And they weren't even that busy. When we finally ordered, our food came out pretty promptly. Then we were again left in the abyss of inattention. We had a generous if uninspired and underdressed arugula salad, cod with greens and beets - pretty good, and a spicy gumbo special, also fine. None of the food was good enough that I would return. When the service is that bad and there is no apparent reason AND the wait staff is so dim that they don't even realize how long they have kept you waiting, it's not likely to improve. Space is cute, acoustics make it SUPER LOUD upstairs.
(2)
Erin B.
The space is beautiful and the service is perfect. The bartender and the waitstaff are informative and generally awesome. The place is impeccable and decently priced. However, the food leaves something to be desired. A very obvious menu and average execution. Main gripe : "lump" crab cakes when you cut into them look like they went through a blender. Zero lump crab meat there. Disappointing.
(2)
L M.
Had drinks/dinner here last night with two friends -- what a fabulous place! We ordered cod fritter, halloumi cheese, grilled sardines, arancini, lobster mac and cheese, arugula salad with pears, apple crisp, coconut flan, malbec wine, and a variety of beers. Everything was delicious! Our server, Marcella, was absolutely fabulous -- super friendly and very knowledgeable about the food/drinks. We will most definitely be regulars!
(5)
Matt C.
for a place called the abbey i was really expecting a top tier beer list and was very underwhelmed by the overly local selection and almost complete lack of Belgian offerings (I think i saw Orval but that was it). The food was very average, I had the bar pizza and rice balls which were both ok but i probably wouldn't order either again. the marinara sauce resembled something that would come from a dominos pizza side for bread sticks (or a jar) more than something i would expect from a restaurant.
(3)
Leslie M.
We sat at the bar downstairs and had a ball. Great selection of beers, wines and cocktails, friendly service and really good food. Chill vibe and cozy atmosphere. Loved it!
(5)
Renee B.
Meh. Food was salty I guess to enhance glover because there wasn't much else going on. Deviled eggs were generic enough I wondered if the bought them pre made. Mussels had a nice chorizo add but just nothing else but salt. The jerk wings were pretty good and same with the Brussels sprouts but nothing all that memorable. Cocktails were not well blended and I would stick with beer there. They do have a decent beer selection. Super loud even when it's not that full. It's just one of those places I couldn't imagine going back given the better options in the area.
(2)
Martha L.
A pained dining experience. My boyfriend was excited to try out the Abbey as it's a new restaurant in our neighborhood, within walking distance. I did not read any reviews prior to going so I had no expectations. Upon walking into the door, I found myself at a small landing between stairs going down to what appears to be a dining area, and a space on the right, which looks to be a bar/dining area. There was a sign "Please wait to be seated", but no hostess, no staff. We ended up hanging out in that small area for 5 mins before anyone acknowledged our presence. I found it uncomfortable, like standing in a corridor, where we don't belong. In addition to the awkward waiting area, I was assaulted by noise. It was incredibly loud. The place wasn't packed (it was Tuesday night around 8:30), maybe 75-80% of seats occupied. At some point, we were finally seated. We were at a an end of a bar height table on the lower level. It was still just as noisy. I could barely talk to my boyfriend and had trouble hearing the waiter. I ordered the Bolognese and my boyfriend had the Arctic Char. The food was ok. The service on the whole was poor, my water went unfilled for 10-15mins for example. Our empty plates sat on the table for over 10mins after we were done.. no one came to clear. I did not enjoy my meal. The noise level was ridiculous. The room had at most 25 other diners. They had ambient music in the background, but you could not hear that at all.. only the sound of people talking. I can understand a busy bar on a Saturday night and that's fine. I've been to plenty of those with friends... I get a drink, hang out. If I knew the Abbey would be like that, I wouldn't go there for dinner. I do not enjoy eating in a space where I could barely talk to the person across the table from me...And I don't want to have to shout at the waiter to bring me more water. I couldn't wait to get out of there. The food wasn't bad, but it was definitely not worth being subject to the noise and substandard service. There are plenty of other options in the area.
(1)
Stacy S.
Who were these people who didn't give The Abbey five stars? What were they looking for? Why didn't they find it? I had the chef's special tonight. Chef had taken the time to pick out a really great piece of halibut. Great folks at the bar and working behind it.
(5)
Judy W.
A friend suggested lunch here since she works nearby and is already a regular. Nice wine (Pino Grigio, $8) and we both had a spicy tomato bisque with a cheese sandwich on crusty bread - $10, which is a deal. The soup was thick and tasted great. The sweet server added tomatoes to our sandwiches because we asked. The owner was there and said hello. So: friendly, chatty staff; leisurely service that felt like they were just giving us time to visit and enjoy the meal; and pretty good food. We sat at the bar, but there are window seats that offer great people-watching views on Mass. Ave.
(4)
Alex F.
Went here on Sunday for an early dinner. It was great! Sampled several of the cocktails, they were tasty, great for Spring, and not too weak or small. As well as a good price (only $10, not the old $11 or $12 or $14 that have been creeping up lately). The food was very tasty. Lamb lollipops were a couple of fine lamb chops, a nice snack to kick off the meal. The bison bolognese was very tasty. You can tell they are trying to do a good job here. It's not just a pile of wet noodles with a puddle of liquid at the bottom of the plate. Well cooked and put together with a delicious meaty sauce. The linguine was clearly freshly made too. The location seems a bit small, but there did appear to be something going on downstairs that may be allowing for much more attendance. It's great having such a classy establishment available nearby without having to venture into the throngs of Harvard Square!
The short: delicious food, wide variety of good priced drinks, but slightly mis-timed service you would expect from a recently opened restaurant. The long: the food was very good. We started with the lamb lollipops with goat cheese - a solid combination. They were perfectly cooked, and the goat cheese offers a flavor that I haven't before had with lamb (but really - goat cheese makes anything that much better). For entrees we had the bison bolognese and a risotto. Both were quite good, and I would happily eat them again. The only downside was how quickly each part of the meal came out. We were given the bread, then minutes later the lamb came. Then we had barely taken a small bite of the lamb when our entrees arrives. We were out in barely an hour, and felt slightly rushed through. This will likely be fixed over the next week or two, and is certainly not reason to not go back for another tasty dinner.
(4)
Crystal F.
The food at the Abbey is great but a little on the pricey side for what you get. The bacon deviled egg app is literally one egg cut in half but it tasted good. My favorite so far is the truffle fries, they aren't overpowering and they manage to always get the fresh cut fries perfectly crunchy which I love because I'm so picky about that. The flat bread pizza is good to and the sangria is awesome. I'm really looking forward to getting the bison bolognese next time I'm in the mood for it. The only problem I've had was with brunch, it took a really long time when it wasn't really that busy but everything was hot and the flavors were good. Also I had to send back a bloody mary because it tasted like straight up horseradish in shrimp cocktail sauce... Overall I think the menu is in general overpriced but good and the atmosphere is pretty good but it gets noisy for a place that seems like it should be so cozy. I come back fairly regularly because it's right down the street from my house but I think once I've had the bolognese it will determine whether I continue to come back or not. I think you should try it and form your own opinion though because overall it is a decent restaurant.
(3)
Sara B.
The chicken, Brie and apple sandwich was incredible, and the fries were top notch. It's cozy but the front windows and skylight give it a lot of natural light and make it feel open. Not a fan of how close the tables are to one-another, but I like more personal space than most. Quick, friendly service. Decent prices and delicious food. Check it out!
(4)
Daniel G.
Another great spot in the embarrassment of riches in the Cambridge/Somerville dining scene. The Abbey is also a great date night restaurant with terrific ambiance. I love cod croquettas, whenever I eat tapas that is a must order and the smoked cod fritters hit the spot! So delicious. I could eat a bucket full like popcorn! My girlfriend ordered the steak and loved every bite. I had the bison Bolognese and truly savored the well balanced spice of the dish, the richness of the bison meat, and the freshness of the pasta. Our waitress was very knowledgable about the wine and beer list and was able to steer us according to our tastes.
(5)
Chris F.
Good little place on mass ave just outside of Porter square. Pretty solid beer selection, although they don't do small tasters or flights which was a bit disappointing for a place with good beer. Didn't eat but good looked pretty good and my friends enjoyed the truffle fries. Worth checking out, or the original location in Brookline.
(3)
Thomas N.
stopped in recently on a walk from harvard to porter squares, relatively new (3 months) small place but doing a pretty decent business, we had eaten lunch but decided to try 2 of their small plate, the fried green tomatoes very good and the sardine, sort of different but good if you like sardines, drinks were different and excellent, service very good, neat place, will have to stop in for a full meal!!
(4)
k k.
I lived in Cleveland Circle for many years and the Washington Sq Tavern was a staple with my group. Then, some of the staff saw that there was another space available and, since the WST guys were totally cool with it, they opened the Abbey. You will see a lot of similarity in the menus because they were created by the same chef. The atmosphere is always cool/chill and the food yummy. In recent years I live on "the other side" of the river, so when I was getting my nails done in Porter and saw The Abbey sign ... could it be??? I popped my head in to confirm the second location of a beloved haunt. Dear Haters ... first off ... they have been in this new space for three months. The first 2-3 months that a new place gets rolling there are invariably some hiccups. I was just there last night and the food was just right and the service spectacular. Secondly, several reviews list "salt" as a gripe. Restaurants are always heavy-handed with stuff like salt and butter. Watch Gorden Ramsey on TV for fuck's sake. If you don't like salt, or are sensitive, then it's your job to speak up when you're ordering. Third ... noise? The focal point both up and downstairs is the bar. It is a classic "gastropub" owned by some Irish lads. I expect it to be busy, full of drinkers having a good time. Loud is a part of that. It is not a quiet, romantic date spot. =D The biggest win is how HUGE this new space is ... Brookline is teeny-weeny. :)
(4)
Heidi O.
The menu is really great, carefully selected flavor combinations with more zing than the regular boring ingredients. I especially like the sides which are way more interesting than most upscale restaurants: saffron couscous w spinach, truffle fries w roasted garlic mayo, pan-roasted tri-colored cauliflower, capers (sounds alot more appealing than the generic, plain mashed potatoes, broccoli, baked potato). We just ordered a few small plates. The most memorable was the smoked cod fritters - delicious!
(4)
Dave O.
Highly recommend. Stopped in for a quick lunch - the turkey chili was outstanding and the hand made tortilla chips were amazing. Didn't know that it was such a healthy choice either, but glad the waiter told me as I will look for that in the future. Service was friendly and fast and atomsphere was very relaxing. I will definitely be back to check out more of their menu. Dave
(4)
Matthias W.
Upstairs is a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner and beer. Enjoy the small plates and appetizers in particular, and nice selection of New England beers on tap. Wish they had 1-2 more dry cocktails listed.
(4)
Doug S.
Cod over potato pancake with thick sauce was fresh, delicate, delicious. Ok, I didnt like Brussels sprouts until my early 60's, but this side dish was good, chopped up fairly fine. Green salad w apples & beets, real nice. We had both desserts, flan & Apple crisp. W some decent decaf coffee. And the crew sprinkled ice melt out on the snowy sidewalk several times, instead of asking me to do it, and I am instrument rated and ranked as a snow shoveler. Funk playing? No, but The Meters would have come on if we stayed until later.
(5)
Simon P.
I went here for the first time this week, during the day for lunch. The service and decor were great, but my roast beef sandwich was a little bit dull with mediocre roast beef inside. In all, not tasty. No worries, I'll try it again some time soon and I'll update this.
(3)
Stephanie J.
Came in with a friend on a Saturday night around 8 without a reservation, yet the host was super friendly and accommodating. We were shuffled around between the down and up stairs since it was so crowded the host felt bad and kept trying to find a place for us to wait for a table. The bartender down stairs was grumpy and rude, the upstairs bartenders were happy, funny and having a good time. The table was ready in 20 minutes which was great, and which also meant, back down stairs! We sat down and were in conversation so we didn't pay any mind to the fact that a server never came by. At one point the bartender came out from behind the bar to take the table next to us order. Eventually a server came by and took our order. It was kind of nice to not have to interact that much, I suppose. The menu was interesting. Everything sounded really good! My friend and I each ordered a fish plate which were both delicious! The mixed drinks were way too expensive, the second round we opted for beer which was cheaper than most places (and from local breweries). I would definitely come again, but since it is really expensive, I might only be back for a special occasion.
(4)
Scott V.
We went on Sunday for lunch and the food and service were amazing. We started off with the tomato salad app then I had the bison bolognese with a side of truffle fries with my wife having the reuben panini. The food was amazing, with the meat in the reuben that just melted in your mouth. Great atmosphere and very attentive staff. We'll definitely be coming back again soon.
(5)
Amy L.
We went for dinner and ordered appetizers, small plates, and sides. For some reason the entrees weren't really speaking to us. We had a scallop appetizer special and it was really good (although it included a shrimp that seemed a little misplaced). The cod fritter small plate was great, as was the pork belly appetizer. The saffron couscous side was okay. We were seated in the basement. The acoustics and atmosphere weren't great so I would recommend sitting upstairs. Overall, it was a good dining experience.
(4)
Speck F.
I've been to the Cambridge Abbey five or six times since it opened and have loved it every time. So when I read some of the 'less positive' reviews here, it makes me realize that everyone has their own tastes and their little pet peeves, of course. But for a neighborhood bar/restaurant, this place is a total winner. The atmosphere is bright, light, open, and 'clean,' with a minimum of decoration that lets the hardwood, exposed brick, and passing neighborhood scene outside do all the talking. Really nice. I always sit at the bar, and Tito and Mike and the rest of the staff have always been super friendly, informative, and attentive. Just really great service that makes you feel welcomed and well taken care of. Interesting beers on tap and in bottles - I love that they have Duvel and all three varieties of Chimay (rouge, blanc and bleu) available. The food is just so good. Every single thing I've eaten has been great. Last night was a bavette steak frites and a side of shaved brussels sprouts that was excellent. I've also had the bison bolognese (yum) and the outstanding cod with beurre blanc that will make you swoon. In a neighborhood with several really good places to eat/drink, The Abbey is probably giving some of the others a run for their money. Good on them. Keep it up!
(5)
Liz D.
I've been to the Abbey a few times, and this is one of those places where the more outside-the-box fair tends to be better. For example, the housemade blood sausage kicks the burger's butt. Overall, the food is good, the drinks are better, and the staff is responsive and friendly.
(4)
erica f.
Had some cocktails here right after it opened. They were quite tasty! Love the decor and the atmosphere.
(4)
Nicole K.
I have always loved the abbey brookline and was so excited to try one close to my work. I was so disappointed with the service. Our food took over thirty minutes to arrive and it was no where near the quality, quantity and flavor you get in brookline. Don't waste your time at this establishment, and simply go to the abbey brookline instead!
(2)
Anna P.
Nice casual eatery with amazing service(John is asset for this place).Food is good and cooked properly.Just take in account that portions are huge,so we decide next time to share main dish.Will return definitely.
(4)
Kathryn H.
My husband and I have become regulars here, partly for the atmosphere (cozy), partly for the service (especially Mike at the upstairs bar) and of course mainly for the food. The grilled Caesar salad and lamb lollipops are my go to, my husband loves the mussels with fries and the lobster mac and cheese. And you can't go wrong with the mac and cheese. Even when they're busy, the service is attentive and the couple times that they've been overwhelmed they've been sincerely apologetic. I've never had anything off the menu that was disappointing. And they were open the night of the blizzard (while travel ban in effect), which made me love them even more. We'll continue to go back, and you should, too.
(5)
Gary M.
This place is money. Great food, great drink, reasonable pricing, I'm definitely going back. We had the pancetta deviled eggs, mussels, saffron cous cous, and their special flatbread pizza of the day. Everything was delicious.
(5)
F. O.
I had a fantastic meal. I started with fried green tomatoes which were crisp, tart, and glazed with chipotle aioli (which was not particularly spicy or flavorful). Then I had the bison bolognese with house made fettuccini. The pasta was made to perfection (perfectly al dente) the bolognese meaty, spicy, and with a light sweetness. Our waiter was nice, smiley, and attentive. The ambience was casual with class and food items moderately priced. Overall a decent place.
(4)
Elba V.
Last night was my first time at the Abbey! The service is great! The staff is down to earth and really took care of us. The drinks are fantastic! Matt was our bartender! It was too late for food, but I'm definitely returning to try it out!
(5)
mary m.
This is my 2nd visit, Great food, great drinks fast and friendly service. We ate down stairs, very cosy! We will be back.
(5)
Amy C.
This is a great new addition to the neighborhood. The food was great and the prices were right. I had the special - fish tacos. My husband had a burger with blue cheese. Both were excellent. We will return to try some other offerings. So glad for something new in the area.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Joanna F.
This is probably more like 3.5 stars. We came in the night before Thanksgiving and received a very hearty greeting, but that could be because it was absolutely dead. Our server was charming and I really love the space. I decided to nibble on a few apps since I wasn't starving and wanted to save up the food intake for the next day. I tried the cheeseburger spring rolls, the deviled egg and the brussels sprouts. The only thing that wasn't fairly good was the brussels sprouts. They were actually pretty bland. I could have made better on my own. Definitely a cozy space, but not much of a stand out compared to other restaurants in the area.
(4)Bill L.
The ultimate "Cheers bar" and restaurant gone upscale but still casual in a very cool and comfortable way! The food is consistently good .... ALWAYS! The drinks are excellent! Offers a great choice of craft beers, bourbons, scotch and wine by the glass. AND, the waiters and waitresses remember you and take good care of you! The Abby has become our "go to" place whenever we have friends in town or whenever we're treating our sales staff to a few drinks and appetizers at the end of a long week! Love this place! It's the best!
(5)Jay R.
This place is pretty awesome. Stopped in while the lady was getting her hair done next door. The deviled eggs were tasty and they have a great beer selection. Will definitely return!
(5)Shirley E.
I came in the middle of the afternoon after dropping my car off for an oil change down the street at Mass Ave Gulf, so it wasn't crowded. The waitress was really sweet and attentive and 'up-sold' me on the white pizza with veggies along with my sausage egg roll served on a bed of greens. The food was DELISH! and I was definitely craving more of that egg roll. The pizza has a wonderfully creamy white sauce that's a nice contrast to the crispy crust (it was a bit on the burnt side but nothing too serious). I wasn't able to finish it abd took the left overs home. Surprisingly, it was just as good cold later. I didn't have any drinks but I will definitely be visiting again to do so.
(4)Samantha S.
We had a great experience at The Abbey! The food was delicious, the service was fantastic, the waiter was friendly and the entire staff was very attentive. Good cocktails too! We started off with the fried green tomatoes, and followed that with the bison bolognese and the mushroom risotto. We also got a side of Brussell sprouts. Everything was delicious, reasonably priced and quickly served. We will definitely be coming back! A welcomed addition to the Cambridge neighborhood!
(5)Alisa L.
When I came here, the last thing I ever wanted to see was a pub menu. A week of fried food and beer had left me craving a salad, soup, or anything that wasn't fried. So naturally, I ordered something fried. In my defense, I spotted truffle fries and any resistance I had left melted faster than ice cream in the summer. And for the record, it was delicious and the best artery clogging meal I had that week. Everything else on the menu is good, but not spectacular. The burger is good, the tacos are good, basically everything is good. It's not a trek-worthy meal, but more of a restaurant in the neighborhood. Service is a little slow but nothing horrendous and very bearable. The bartenders are very nice. So why five stars? Cause truffle fries, duh. Without the truffle fries, it's more like four stars.
(5)Yidan S.
Recommended by coworker of Abbey in Brookline, was planning to go to the one in Brookline last night but was told they couldn't take reservation and would be a half hour wait, so my friend and I went to the one in Porter Square instead. It was pretty cold inside especially there are seats right under the AC. Our waiter was pretty friendly. Ambiance was casual and there is a bar table, and people speak pretty loud makes it hard to talk. We ordered the cod cake(recommend by our waiter), mussels as appetizer. Cod cake is pretty good. And I got Bison Bolognese and my friend got the duck confit gnocchi. Both the two entrees are WAY TOO SALTY. Have to drink a lot of water. Maybe the one in Brookline serves better Bison Bolognese that is not salt. as when I yelp the place, I saw many people recommend it.
(3)Remie P.
We sat at the bar while waiting for a friend to get out of the hair salon next door, ordered a cocktail and a beer. When our friend arrived the bartender continued to talk to his bar mate and ignored us until we had to get his attention. He had to move us to accommodate a couple of people but did this in a very rude way not a thank you or anything to suggest appreciation. It seems this is regular practice here. We were going to go somewhere else but decided to stay and try it even though the reviews suggested the "rude" service and giving them the benefit of doubt. Big mistake! While ordering food and making a suggestion of gluten free pasta were told by the rude bartender Mike, "don't tell us what to do, we don't like that here". He just had a generally bad attitude as if we should grateful to him. I can cook this type of food at home and so can many people. No matter how good the food is this place doesn't know how to treat its customers. This bartender may not be the only rude one reading from the other reviews. So if you like your lamb meatballs and swordfish with a bite by all means dig in. For the service and how rude they are and unprofessional I consider this overpriced!
(1)Leila L.
A 3.5-star experience. I like my bison bolognese quite a lot. The pan-seared cod is a bit too creamy. The ambience is good when it gets dark outside.
(4)Kenneth P.
I have been here several times before and had a very nice time. Last night, Friday night, I sat at the bar with my girlfriend. The place was crowded as it usually is on a weekend. We ordered and drank a glass of wine each, and when we did not order another right away, the bar tender asked us to leave. He said there was a line at the door and he needed the chairs. We had intended on ordering food but not after that line. I have worked at many a fine restaurant in college and after and have never witnessed such a thing. I am still amazed and stunned at the rudeness.
(1)Caroline L.
The staff is amazing, the food delicious. Be sure to get the Brussel sprouts, they are the best I've ever had, except for my own. The chicken sandwich at lunch is always great, and instead of fries I get the sprouts. The drinks are always cold and delivered fast when a glass of wine is necessary after a long day.
(4)Kevin J.
Food: 3 Stars Service: 4 Stars This place just opened up earlier in 2014 and my girlfriend and I wanted to check it out during the summer. The decor was really nice and service was great. Food was mediocre though. I ordered the Grilled organic chicken sandwich which came with french fries and my girlfriend ordered the spicy tomato bisque & grilled cheese panini. I thought my burger was on par with other places I've been to so nothing too special. On the other hand, I tried the gf's tomato bisque and grilled panini. If you can tell from the picture below, the panini is tiny and the soup is rather large. The bisque was also a little bit too salty and sour; not exactly, the ideal mix of flavors to consume in large quantities. Perhaps, I was expecting something more like cream of tomato soup. I was impressed by the service, the server came over frequently to check in on us and make sure that we were enjoying the meal. Im' sure the bar and drinks menu also pretty impressive judging from the people who were sitting at the bar during the day. Solid joint for burgers and typical American fare, but nothing special at least at lunch. We'll try for dinner!
(3)Krina S.
Very meh. 3 deviled egg halves for $4? The only good thing about them was the tiniest smidgen of bacon. The burger is okay--meat isn't bland, but not flavorful either. Bread was stale. Wouldn't come back here
(2)Charlotte A.
Couldn't help feeling being rushed to order drinks/food, finish the meal and pay for the check when the restaurant wasn't busy and had plenty of empty tables. It was a stressful dining experience. (1) Our sever came several times asked for drink order when we told her we would wait until everyone arrived at the very first time she asked. (2) We ordered 2 entree for sharing (after several apps), sever collected 3 out of 4 of our individual plates when the 2 entree clearly not done and 1 of us were still eating. (3) We were having our dessert, the server put the check down without any single word. (4) Personally, I don't appreciate someone keep checking how I like my apps, small plates and entree. 3 checks in a row is too much. It's probably just me. The server did a great job on refilling our water glasses 3-4 times throughout our meal though. As for the food, it wasn't bad.
(3)K B.
Went here on a Thursday night and was seated immediately in the downstairs dining area. It had a nice ambiance, with the wooden seating and dimmer lighting - great place to bring a date. The service was very attentive and friendly. The entrees were delicious and I would definitely go back, though I might try different cocktails and sides. The food: - Porter Square Aviation cocktail, a standard gin and citrus drink. Nothing special. - Truffle fries, which came in a very generous portion and were good, but didn't blow us away. - Black pepper gnocchi with duck confit and wild mushrooms. The dish was on the saltier side but the components worked well together. I enjoyed getting a bit of pulled duck meat in each bite with the pillowly gnocchi. I would get this again. - Arctic char was perfect. The skin was crisp and the fish cooked well. The natural oiliness of the fish paired well with the roasted beets and greens. I would also get this again.
(4)Victoria G.
Very good food and drinks, really nice beer selection, good service, and a nice cozy spot with big windows letting lots of light in. We had the spicy tomato bisque & grilled cheese panini, bison bolognese, and truffle fries with roasted garlic mayo. He got one of their beers on tap, and I got the Porter Pimm's. We finished things off with their strawberry shortcake, which was good and not too sweet. We both felt it was missing a little something, though. He wanted strawberry ice cream while I wanted strawberry jam. Even so, it was a solidly good dessert choice. Food portions were very generous, so we've got plenty of leftovers to enjoy later. I'm glad we gave this place a try - it was a very good experience overall.
(4)David D.
First time here , I strongly suggest you start with the Reuben egg tools and the crab gratin , both outstanding. I then have the organic chicken sandwich , husband had the rich tacos , again both outstanding . We sat at a he bar, the bartender was very welcoming and friendly . The draft beer selection was great! You must check this place out .
(4)Janice R.
Continuous enjoyable experiences here! The food ingredients are very fresh and high quality. The wait staff is always attentive and very friendly without being intrusive while eating. None of that interruption about whether your food is good while you have food in your mouth. lol Going here during the day is relaxing with friends or by myself. Nice to see new items on the menu too! Glad this is in my neighborhood.
(5)Shira D.
Stopped in on a Sunday afternoon for a late lunch /early dinner. At some places you would expect less than ideal food or slower service between crowds, but here we experienced the exact opposite. My husband ordered the special of the day, a steak sandwich, which looked like middle of the road pub fare but was infinitely more delicious. I had the best bolognese I've tasted in in recent memory, made all the better by a healthy kick of spice and a hint of balsalmic sweetness. The portion was generous could have become my lunch for the next day, but it was too tasty let be. Excellent and thorough drink selection between their drafts and bottles, including a batter-than-average selection of ciders. Their drinks were priced perhaps a touch high but that's not unusual in Cambridge.
(5)Julia H.
I went here for a big family dinner that included my aunt, uncle, grandparents, parents, sisters, and cousins. I think that our group can be quite a handful (we love splitting things, making adjustments, etc) and the waitress handled all of our requests perfectly! Everyone was really happy with their food. It was also so wonderful that they brought us dessert on the house for mother's day! I got the roasted chicken on kale and potatoes. It was really yummy, but absolutely DRENCHED in butter. Like, it made me feel a little ill thinking about it. I toughed it through though ;)
(4)Jason B.
The best 2 things about this place: 1 - they are constantly offering awesome different pizzas. 2 - the ultimate food combo - the burger, with truffle fries, and a side of shredded Brussels sprouts.
(4)Tressa S.
We went to The Abbey on a Saturday night after hearing word on the street (literally) that it was a great restaurant. We were seated downstairs, which was inviting and cozy. There are several tables downstairs as well as a bar. We were waited upon immediately, and decided on the crab dip for an app. It was delicious! For entrees, he ordered the bison bolognese while I chose the clam and pancetta flatbread. Unfortunately, the flatbread was a bit too spicy for my taste (I have a sensitive palate and am not a fan of spicy foods). The waitress went to the kitchen to ask if the flatbread could be made less spicy, but the clams on it had spices mixed in. Instead, our waitress removed the dish from our bill but let us keep it (since my boyfriend loves spice food). To replace it, I ordered the wild mushroom pate on grilled ciabatta, which was very good. While the food would earn four stars, it's the great service that got five stars. Our waitress was very accommodating and extremely nice, and I love the fact that she put forth the effort to make our meal pleasant. I'll be returning to try the restaurant's other (less spicy) dishes as well as their drinks soon!
(5)Jenn D.
My first review! Let me just say GREAT SPACE! Large beautiful windows with tons of natural light! I just loved being in there....and you would never know it from outside but they have a downstairs ( although we didn't make it down but who knew!) We sat at nice smallish natural wood bar. Great bar service! Just the the right amount banter and spot on service! They even let the bf save a seat for me as I running a few minutes late. Luckily it was right before before the crowd. Which it did get busy. It was Friday right after work.... Now the food and drink! We were just getting a few small plates and drinks, but we WILL back for dinner. The Bison Bolognese looked amazing! I got the cucumber lemonade. It was muddled cucumber, gin, lemon and super refreshing with the right amount of kick. Just what I wanted after a long work week. They had a good beer selection and interesting cocktail list. Now the food! From the small plates we shared... the cheeseburger and candied bacon egg roll. It had a great sauce and definitely didn't suck! And the roasted red pepper,goat cheese and linguica arancini balls-um.....yum! It was all just really delicious We got an appetizer as well....Oven baked Brie,caramelized onions,apples and crostini.-JUST GET IT!
(4)Dan T.
Great food, great service. Nice little restaurant near Porter Square that's easy to get to and better then most options in the harvard square area.
(5)Jeff D.
My wife and I have been here twice now and thoroughly enjoyed it each time. Her order has not varied: Lamb lollipops nice and rare and an order of truffle fries. The lamb comes with this delightful dollop of goat cheese that has been bruleed. Yes, that's a thing. And it's a damned good thing. This time around I went with a burger and the cod fritters to start. Both were very tasty and the burger came medium rare as ordered. The last time I got the pork belly/duck egg appetizer. It was as good as that sounds. I followed it up with the bavette steak and had the roasted cauliflower instead of fries, which was fabulous. They also have a diverse and changing beer list. We have enjoyed our dinners there and plan to be back again soon.
(5)S. H.
We met some old friends here and had such a lovely time on a beautiful summer night. This is an adorable venue; just the right size for intimate dinners. The appetizers were excellent: smoked crab cakes and lamb meatballs. Everyone loves their mains. The bison bolognese was absolutely delicious, spicy and rich. My lobster mac and cheese we creamy, cheesy and full of lobster chunks. I rarely allow my big old self to get such an indulgence, but I'm glad I did. The cod as also wonderful. We were way too stuffed to get dessert, but next time I hope to try some. As I was leaving I asked the server when they close. They are open and serving full dinners until 12:30 on week nights and 1:30 on weekends. Unheard of for the Boston area where most kitchens are closed by 10.
(4)Simon L.
It's loud in the space. It's also relatively dark. The cheeseburger egg roll ($5) is a novelty worth trying - crispy phylo dough encapsulating ground beef and cheese. The confit duck leg ($13) is tender and rendered well. Crisp skin with succulent meat stands up well to the apple "hash." The $24 Bavette steak is tiny, 5oz maybe? Many a hamburger I have had with more teeth than this steak. Cooked properly to medium rare, the good quality meat was purely not present in copious enough quantities. A Cornish game hen ($20) dusted with ras el hanout - this particular mix is heavy with turmeric and cinnamon - is juicy, tender and slightly crisp on the skin. A parsnip purée is silky smooth, creamy. Drinks are standard if not on the smallish size. Service is friendly but they will not bring you a glass of alcohol (let's call it a shot) to your table. The manager could not say whether they would pour one at the bar but apparently that's not the kind of "image" they want to perpetuate, whatever that means exactly, I'm not sure. It is, after all, a restaurant that has a bar that serves hard liquor - I prefer mine neat. It's a step up from Addis Red Sea anyhow.
(3)Ali S.
Not a fan. The descriptions of the menu items sounded great and like the twists had tons of potential. Unfortunately the execution of every item the table ordered did not live up to its potential. Nor was there any item that I would even order again.
(2)Karmen C.
Went with a group of six and shared a lot of dishes that were quite delectable! I'll definitely come again, if just for the truffle fries! We ordered 1) Oven baked brie - it was alright, nothing special 2) Bison Bolognese - a lot of other people have raved about this but I wasn't that impressed by the flavors 3) Pan roasted cod - cooked perfectly and great flavors 4) Lobster and spring pea mac and cheese - was a lot lighter than I expected in terms of the cheese flavor which I really liked. Usually when I order mac and cheese the dish is so heavy that I can barely eat more than two bites 5) Truffle fries - AMAZING, must get it 6) Shredded brussels sprouts - other people at my table loved these, but I'm not really a huge brussells sprout fan
(4)Wayne C.
Before venturing to The Abbey for the first time, my boss told me that the food was good, "but a bit on the salty side." And, although The Abbey represents a very welcome addition to the Cambridge food scene, the kitchen is a bit heavy handed on the salt. Alas - I am certain the salt on the food will work its way out as they gain a better control of the food line. All-in-all, the food is really decent and the menu carries enough variety that a table of four or five can create a tapas-like meal from the appetizers and sides for friendly sharing. Equally compelling is the broad range of draft beers and bar preparations. One dish sticks out in my mind - the shaved Brussels sprouts. Really well done. Flavorful and a delightful texture. A great accompaniment to a burger and fries. One thing - we went for a late night meeting/meal. As many places in the Cambridge area close at 10 or 11 pm, we hoped that The Abbey would be open later - because of its gastropub designation. They do stay open later in the upstairs bar - but the "restaurant" (downstairs) part of The Abbey closes at 11 pm. This makes it tough to carry a late night meeting - as the upstairs bar area is really loud. A word about service - the team is fantastic. They are friendly, courteous and a genuinely nice group of hosts.
(4)John G.
Very disappointing. We are regular customers and have had pleasant experiences in the past but not this time around. Went in for brunch and walked out after 15-20 minutes with no service. Seven tables and about 6 at the bar with a waitstaff of 3 including bartender. One waitress just walked by us 5-6 times no acknowledgement and then would hang at the register for 5 minutes. They would have 3 serve one table and the bartender start small talk with the table for what went on for 5 minutes. The other waitress just kept going up and down the stairs and could carry more than a plate with a fork at one time. Sad
(1)Christine P.
My first time here; for a Monday lunch. I was very pleased and will be sure to return. The bacon deviled eggs were uber-bacony. My only suggestion would be to serve four half-eggs, not three, so pairs don't have to share. They're that good. The food was absolutely delicious. The best part, believe it or not, was the salad greens that accompanied the sandwiches. Tangy, flavorful, and perfectly dressed. The fries were homemade and crispy. I had the grilled chicken sandwich, which was gooey with cheese and topped with nice, crispy bacon. (None of that soggy bacon from lesser establishments.) I can't speak to my companion's Cuban because it was too good to share. :-) Only two on staff so they were kept running, but did a very good job of caring for all. Highly recommended.
(4)Alastair S.
I went during a Sunday afternoon. Appetizers were priced at about 5 dollars each, entrees at roughly 12. For that price, this place blows many other competitors out of the water. The cooking is simple, unpretentious. The linguini, made in house, was delicious. Vegetable dishes were lightly seasoned and judiciously buttered. Julia Child, who lived nearby, would be pleased. Great drinks menu too.
(5)Mark S.
I would have given this place 3 or 4 stars based on the food, but the service was substandard. We had reservations for 7:30 but waited until 8 to be seated and were then seated downstairs at a high table with backless stools. One of our party had a bad back and asked for a bar stool because it had a back (the downstairs bar was empty), but was told that "the bar tender won't let us" swap the bar stools for the backless high stools. So bottom line: we waited 30 minutes to eat uncomfortably, but at least the bartender was happy. The food was tasty. I had the ceasar salad (with actual anchovies!) with lobster mac and cheese. A lot of their dishes are that kind of altered Americana food, and not original, but at least well done. The prices were just so so for the fare. I think these guys need to stop breathing their own smoke and realize they have a slightly better than average restaurant that needs to try harder on the service front.
(2)Steven T.
I live around the corner. I've been here 10 times. I wanted it to work out, but it just isn't happening. Beyond lagging waitstaff the bartender (taller dude) is not very kind. Vegetarian options aren't great (though I don't tend to judge for that, the experience makes it worth dropping anyway). We asked for all of the food to be boxed, yet they threw all of the food away. Seems like it could be a simple mistake, however they confirmed verbally that it would come back in a box. The environment is very nice, but really not worth the poor and overpriced food, nor the awful and *aggressive* service.
(1)Todd S.
Had the fried green tomato BLT for lunch and it was fantastic! Also reasonably priced for Cambridge these days ($11 with fries). Very nice atmosphere, courteous service. Wish I had noticed The Abbey earlier.
(5)Mr. X J.
A nice friendly place. All smiling and helpful staff. I was there one night and this loud drunken fool was sitting next to me. I told the bartender I was going downstairs. He nodded. Twenty minutes later he came down and said there was now a better sit at the bar upstairs if I wanted it. Very cool. Mixed crowd. Young and old. A few college d-bags but overall good.
(4)Jeff F.
With less than 10% of my reviews being 5 star, it was a welcome surprise to have a 5 star experience at The Abbey. They absolutely nail the gastropub experience - stellar service (I think Paul said the Bison Bolognese is what convinced him to work here), exceptional food (Sardine app, Egg Roll & Bison Bolognese were all memorable), great beer list and the atmosphere was exactly what you'd want (gastropub with the right amount of hipster).
(5)sage f.
I've been here for lunch twice now and both times have been so very happy with the experience from start to finish. Granted, I was with one of my absolute favorite people in the world both times, but the food, the beer, the atmosphere, and the service are all spot on. My only gripe would be that there are very limited options for veggies, and none for veganish folks like me. Doesn't much matter, I'll be back!
(4)Mike B.
One of the best meals I've ever had in Cambridge ... Disclaimer: I ate here on a Saturday night, a few days after having my wisdom teeth out. So after a steady diet of soup, jello, and ice cream, I was ready to eat something delicious. We started with the crab cakes, which came with a tasty side salad. The dish was covered with a somewhat spicy aioli, which provided the perfect pairing. The cakes were light, airy, and delicious. The other couple in our party went with the arugula and pear salad, which they said was delightful. For meals, the table ordered the chicken breast (moist and tender), the bison bolognese (plentiful, with a nice spice), the cod (tender, and paired with a scrumptious potato and scallion pancake), and the lobster and spring pea mac and cheese (cheesy, tender lobster, good portion size). There wasn't a morsel left when the waiter took our plates. And a good selection of wines provided nice complements to the dishes. We then enjoyed some after-dinner drinks and the apple crisp, which was a large portion. The drinks were probably a dollar or two more than they needed to be, but the food was a dollar or two less than usual for the area, so it balanced itself out. The only negative: The wait staff, which was very attentive, seemed eager to get us out the door. I understand the need to turn tables, but we felt a bit rushed. We're moving from the area so probably won't be back soon, but we'll definitely make another stop when we're visiting friends in the future.
(5)First A.
Amazing food, fast and friendly servers, and really pleasant, intimate environment. I had the best mashed potatoes, that were with a scallop dinner special.
(5)Kasey K.
I can't believe I haven't written a review of this place yet. I love their food and have become a regular. Every week without fail I've been bugging my husband to go to the Abby. The food is consistently fabulous. My favorite appetizers are the fried green tomatoes and the lamb lollipops (I actually dream about them sometimes). Also a huge fan of their fish dishes and the steak. Last time I was there I had the special linguini with clams and it was like being back in Italy. Great job all around! The only downside is that it can be super noisy. For that reason we usually go on the earlier side to avoid the loud nighttime crowds.
(5)Ryan H.
This place is good every single time. Great service, consistent food, and a great selection of beer. Definitely worth trying.
(5)Victoria T.
Went in on a whim after one Of those conversations: "what do you want to eat" "I don't care what do you want" Love the decor and ambiance In the bar area. service was pretty slow, took our server a while to show up. I had the bolognese which was delicious. I'm eating my leftovers now and it's just as tasty as last night. Girlfriend had the macaroni and was unimpressed. She is vegetarian and was hoping to love it But it just lacked flavor and all I tasted was the cast iron it came in.
(3)Ian S.
I walk by this place several times a week on my way to work and for weeks I kept thinking I should try it. I've now been twice (once for lunch, once for dinner) and had a great experience on both occasions. It's a really lovely space: classy, but feels casual. I know other reviewers have complained about it being noisy, but I didn't find this to be the case, even during dinner when the restaurant was full. (During lunch it was almost *too* quiet.) Service was attentive and friendly both times. The food is very good! At lunch I had the burger, which came with salad greens and a heaping portion of hand-cut fries. A good amount of food for the price. The prices for the dinner items are higher...maybe slightly too high considering the portion sizes. The risotto with tomatoes, asparagus, and pecorino was delicious! Our table also split an order of the fried halloumi cheese with yogurt sauce (so good!) and the truffle fries. I can't say that the truffle fries tasted any different from the regular fries I had had with my previous meal, but they were still good. I look forward to trying some of the other menu items, including the flatbread pizza. Some of the other things on the menu had us scratching our heads (cheeseburger egg roll?). All in all, great little place.
(4)Boudu B.
New American food, and I want to start off by saying that I am not a new American. That spot has changed so much with a lot of different restaurants, and it should be interesting to see if it sticks around. I had a scallop and pasta dish that was underwhelming. I fell for the trick of asking what was a good beer on tap, my beer was 11 dollars, and there were no prices posted. So the bartender got me. Total for a small plate of pasta and one beer was more than 30 dollars all in. Finally, it was quiet, and I asked the bartender about the neighborhood and they stated that they didn't live around here and knew nothing about it. 11 dollar beer, not caring about my/their neighborhood, low value for taste... Just go right next door to the Pho place which is awesome.
(2)Allison H.
Fun, friendly neighborhood bar. Good drinks, good food, not too pricey. Great atmosphere!
(5)Ken S.
I've been in a few times over the past few months. Each time I had the feeling that it was classier than the time prior. The lighting, mood, table placings, and generally what's on tv has changed as well. Not to say I don't like what's going on here; the food is great, the wait staff is generally fantastic, and my favorite beers are available. My only beef with them is the last time I was in, there was a Bruins game on I wanted to watch with some friends. I believe they had two televisions downstairs, one had something on that I cannot remember, and the other had an hour-long YouTube video of a wood fire burning. I asked the waitress if they could put on the game, she said "maybe" and went to the manager/owner who denied my request. I know that maybe they're not trying to cultivate a sports scene, but it was not very busy that night and it wouldn't have been a huge deal. Plus, immediately after my request, the woodfire video stopped and I had to watch the "settings and choose your next video screen" for a good 25 minutes. I will go back because it's a solid spot for drinks with friends, just not if there is a game on. ;)
(3)Cee G.
The food was fine, same kind of thing as West Side Lounge maybe, but not as good. The service is ridiculously and indifferently awful. We managed to get a beer luckily but then after 1/2 hour no one had checked on us or taken our order. And they weren't even that busy. When we finally ordered, our food came out pretty promptly. Then we were again left in the abyss of inattention. We had a generous if uninspired and underdressed arugula salad, cod with greens and beets - pretty good, and a spicy gumbo special, also fine. None of the food was good enough that I would return. When the service is that bad and there is no apparent reason AND the wait staff is so dim that they don't even realize how long they have kept you waiting, it's not likely to improve. Space is cute, acoustics make it SUPER LOUD upstairs.
(2)Erin B.
The space is beautiful and the service is perfect. The bartender and the waitstaff are informative and generally awesome. The place is impeccable and decently priced. However, the food leaves something to be desired. A very obvious menu and average execution. Main gripe : "lump" crab cakes when you cut into them look like they went through a blender. Zero lump crab meat there. Disappointing.
(2)L M.
Had drinks/dinner here last night with two friends -- what a fabulous place! We ordered cod fritter, halloumi cheese, grilled sardines, arancini, lobster mac and cheese, arugula salad with pears, apple crisp, coconut flan, malbec wine, and a variety of beers. Everything was delicious! Our server, Marcella, was absolutely fabulous -- super friendly and very knowledgeable about the food/drinks. We will most definitely be regulars!
(5)Matt C.
for a place called the abbey i was really expecting a top tier beer list and was very underwhelmed by the overly local selection and almost complete lack of Belgian offerings (I think i saw Orval but that was it). The food was very average, I had the bar pizza and rice balls which were both ok but i probably wouldn't order either again. the marinara sauce resembled something that would come from a dominos pizza side for bread sticks (or a jar) more than something i would expect from a restaurant.
(3)Leslie M.
We sat at the bar downstairs and had a ball. Great selection of beers, wines and cocktails, friendly service and really good food. Chill vibe and cozy atmosphere. Loved it!
(5)Renee B.
Meh. Food was salty I guess to enhance glover because there wasn't much else going on. Deviled eggs were generic enough I wondered if the bought them pre made. Mussels had a nice chorizo add but just nothing else but salt. The jerk wings were pretty good and same with the Brussels sprouts but nothing all that memorable. Cocktails were not well blended and I would stick with beer there. They do have a decent beer selection. Super loud even when it's not that full. It's just one of those places I couldn't imagine going back given the better options in the area.
(2)Martha L.
A pained dining experience. My boyfriend was excited to try out the Abbey as it's a new restaurant in our neighborhood, within walking distance. I did not read any reviews prior to going so I had no expectations. Upon walking into the door, I found myself at a small landing between stairs going down to what appears to be a dining area, and a space on the right, which looks to be a bar/dining area. There was a sign "Please wait to be seated", but no hostess, no staff. We ended up hanging out in that small area for 5 mins before anyone acknowledged our presence. I found it uncomfortable, like standing in a corridor, where we don't belong. In addition to the awkward waiting area, I was assaulted by noise. It was incredibly loud. The place wasn't packed (it was Tuesday night around 8:30), maybe 75-80% of seats occupied. At some point, we were finally seated. We were at a an end of a bar height table on the lower level. It was still just as noisy. I could barely talk to my boyfriend and had trouble hearing the waiter. I ordered the Bolognese and my boyfriend had the Arctic Char. The food was ok. The service on the whole was poor, my water went unfilled for 10-15mins for example. Our empty plates sat on the table for over 10mins after we were done.. no one came to clear. I did not enjoy my meal. The noise level was ridiculous. The room had at most 25 other diners. They had ambient music in the background, but you could not hear that at all.. only the sound of people talking. I can understand a busy bar on a Saturday night and that's fine. I've been to plenty of those with friends... I get a drink, hang out. If I knew the Abbey would be like that, I wouldn't go there for dinner. I do not enjoy eating in a space where I could barely talk to the person across the table from me...And I don't want to have to shout at the waiter to bring me more water. I couldn't wait to get out of there. The food wasn't bad, but it was definitely not worth being subject to the noise and substandard service. There are plenty of other options in the area.
(1)Stacy S.
Who were these people who didn't give The Abbey five stars? What were they looking for? Why didn't they find it? I had the chef's special tonight. Chef had taken the time to pick out a really great piece of halibut. Great folks at the bar and working behind it.
(5)Judy W.
A friend suggested lunch here since she works nearby and is already a regular. Nice wine (Pino Grigio, $8) and we both had a spicy tomato bisque with a cheese sandwich on crusty bread - $10, which is a deal. The soup was thick and tasted great. The sweet server added tomatoes to our sandwiches because we asked. The owner was there and said hello. So: friendly, chatty staff; leisurely service that felt like they were just giving us time to visit and enjoy the meal; and pretty good food. We sat at the bar, but there are window seats that offer great people-watching views on Mass. Ave.
(4)Alex F.
Went here on Sunday for an early dinner. It was great! Sampled several of the cocktails, they were tasty, great for Spring, and not too weak or small. As well as a good price (only $10, not the old $11 or $12 or $14 that have been creeping up lately). The food was very tasty. Lamb lollipops were a couple of fine lamb chops, a nice snack to kick off the meal. The bison bolognese was very tasty. You can tell they are trying to do a good job here. It's not just a pile of wet noodles with a puddle of liquid at the bottom of the plate. Well cooked and put together with a delicious meaty sauce. The linguine was clearly freshly made too. The location seems a bit small, but there did appear to be something going on downstairs that may be allowing for much more attendance. It's great having such a classy establishment available nearby without having to venture into the throngs of Harvard Square!
(5)Catherine D.
I have been here twice and both times the food and service were impressive. FOOD: I have tried the mussels (which is my favorite menu item so far), gnocchi, burger, and blood sausage with chicken liver. All the items I have had thus far are very rich in flavor. Heavy. However, they are, for the most part, delicious. My favorite is the sautéed mussels--it comes with squid ink (?) rice and chorizo. The sauce is a little different from the more typical, white wine sauce. It is not subtle. DRINKS: I have had the Channel Lox and Julep. Channel Lox is too lemony, so that was weird. The Abbey Julep is light and summery. Good selection of drinks overall. SERVICE: Excellent. The first time I was here with some friends there was a bit of confusion with regard to special requests. The manager was incredibly apologetic and comped our group's entire meal, which was a greatly appreciated gesture. The second time, we came as a large group of 10+ people and the staff did a wonderful job accommodating all of us. The servers were friendly and helpful. Considering how there is a dearth of restaurants in Porter Square, I am glad the Abbey is a new option. I will definitely be back.
(4)Duncan L.
The short: delicious food, wide variety of good priced drinks, but slightly mis-timed service you would expect from a recently opened restaurant. The long: the food was very good. We started with the lamb lollipops with goat cheese - a solid combination. They were perfectly cooked, and the goat cheese offers a flavor that I haven't before had with lamb (but really - goat cheese makes anything that much better). For entrees we had the bison bolognese and a risotto. Both were quite good, and I would happily eat them again. The only downside was how quickly each part of the meal came out. We were given the bread, then minutes later the lamb came. Then we had barely taken a small bite of the lamb when our entrees arrives. We were out in barely an hour, and felt slightly rushed through. This will likely be fixed over the next week or two, and is certainly not reason to not go back for another tasty dinner.
(4)Crystal F.
The food at the Abbey is great but a little on the pricey side for what you get. The bacon deviled egg app is literally one egg cut in half but it tasted good. My favorite so far is the truffle fries, they aren't overpowering and they manage to always get the fresh cut fries perfectly crunchy which I love because I'm so picky about that. The flat bread pizza is good to and the sangria is awesome. I'm really looking forward to getting the bison bolognese next time I'm in the mood for it. The only problem I've had was with brunch, it took a really long time when it wasn't really that busy but everything was hot and the flavors were good. Also I had to send back a bloody mary because it tasted like straight up horseradish in shrimp cocktail sauce... Overall I think the menu is in general overpriced but good and the atmosphere is pretty good but it gets noisy for a place that seems like it should be so cozy. I come back fairly regularly because it's right down the street from my house but I think once I've had the bolognese it will determine whether I continue to come back or not. I think you should try it and form your own opinion though because overall it is a decent restaurant.
(3)Sara B.
The chicken, Brie and apple sandwich was incredible, and the fries were top notch. It's cozy but the front windows and skylight give it a lot of natural light and make it feel open. Not a fan of how close the tables are to one-another, but I like more personal space than most. Quick, friendly service. Decent prices and delicious food. Check it out!
(4)Daniel G.
Another great spot in the embarrassment of riches in the Cambridge/Somerville dining scene. The Abbey is also a great date night restaurant with terrific ambiance. I love cod croquettas, whenever I eat tapas that is a must order and the smoked cod fritters hit the spot! So delicious. I could eat a bucket full like popcorn! My girlfriend ordered the steak and loved every bite. I had the bison Bolognese and truly savored the well balanced spice of the dish, the richness of the bison meat, and the freshness of the pasta. Our waitress was very knowledgable about the wine and beer list and was able to steer us according to our tastes.
(5)Chris F.
Good little place on mass ave just outside of Porter square. Pretty solid beer selection, although they don't do small tasters or flights which was a bit disappointing for a place with good beer. Didn't eat but good looked pretty good and my friends enjoyed the truffle fries. Worth checking out, or the original location in Brookline.
(3)Thomas N.
stopped in recently on a walk from harvard to porter squares, relatively new (3 months) small place but doing a pretty decent business, we had eaten lunch but decided to try 2 of their small plate, the fried green tomatoes very good and the sardine, sort of different but good if you like sardines, drinks were different and excellent, service very good, neat place, will have to stop in for a full meal!!
(4)k k.
I lived in Cleveland Circle for many years and the Washington Sq Tavern was a staple with my group. Then, some of the staff saw that there was another space available and, since the WST guys were totally cool with it, they opened the Abbey. You will see a lot of similarity in the menus because they were created by the same chef. The atmosphere is always cool/chill and the food yummy. In recent years I live on "the other side" of the river, so when I was getting my nails done in Porter and saw The Abbey sign ... could it be??? I popped my head in to confirm the second location of a beloved haunt. Dear Haters ... first off ... they have been in this new space for three months. The first 2-3 months that a new place gets rolling there are invariably some hiccups. I was just there last night and the food was just right and the service spectacular. Secondly, several reviews list "salt" as a gripe. Restaurants are always heavy-handed with stuff like salt and butter. Watch Gorden Ramsey on TV for fuck's sake. If you don't like salt, or are sensitive, then it's your job to speak up when you're ordering. Third ... noise? The focal point both up and downstairs is the bar. It is a classic "gastropub" owned by some Irish lads. I expect it to be busy, full of drinkers having a good time. Loud is a part of that. It is not a quiet, romantic date spot. =D The biggest win is how HUGE this new space is ... Brookline is teeny-weeny. :)
(4)Heidi O.
The menu is really great, carefully selected flavor combinations with more zing than the regular boring ingredients. I especially like the sides which are way more interesting than most upscale restaurants: saffron couscous w spinach, truffle fries w roasted garlic mayo, pan-roasted tri-colored cauliflower, capers (sounds alot more appealing than the generic, plain mashed potatoes, broccoli, baked potato). We just ordered a few small plates. The most memorable was the smoked cod fritters - delicious!
(4)Dave O.
Highly recommend. Stopped in for a quick lunch - the turkey chili was outstanding and the hand made tortilla chips were amazing. Didn't know that it was such a healthy choice either, but glad the waiter told me as I will look for that in the future. Service was friendly and fast and atomsphere was very relaxing. I will definitely be back to check out more of their menu. Dave
(4)Matthias W.
Upstairs is a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner and beer. Enjoy the small plates and appetizers in particular, and nice selection of New England beers on tap. Wish they had 1-2 more dry cocktails listed.
(4)Doug S.
Cod over potato pancake with thick sauce was fresh, delicate, delicious. Ok, I didnt like Brussels sprouts until my early 60's, but this side dish was good, chopped up fairly fine. Green salad w apples & beets, real nice. We had both desserts, flan & Apple crisp. W some decent decaf coffee. And the crew sprinkled ice melt out on the snowy sidewalk several times, instead of asking me to do it, and I am instrument rated and ranked as a snow shoveler. Funk playing? No, but The Meters would have come on if we stayed until later.
(5)Simon P.
I went here for the first time this week, during the day for lunch. The service and decor were great, but my roast beef sandwich was a little bit dull with mediocre roast beef inside. In all, not tasty. No worries, I'll try it again some time soon and I'll update this.
(3)Stephanie J.
Came in with a friend on a Saturday night around 8 without a reservation, yet the host was super friendly and accommodating. We were shuffled around between the down and up stairs since it was so crowded the host felt bad and kept trying to find a place for us to wait for a table. The bartender down stairs was grumpy and rude, the upstairs bartenders were happy, funny and having a good time. The table was ready in 20 minutes which was great, and which also meant, back down stairs! We sat down and were in conversation so we didn't pay any mind to the fact that a server never came by. At one point the bartender came out from behind the bar to take the table next to us order. Eventually a server came by and took our order. It was kind of nice to not have to interact that much, I suppose. The menu was interesting. Everything sounded really good! My friend and I each ordered a fish plate which were both delicious! The mixed drinks were way too expensive, the second round we opted for beer which was cheaper than most places (and from local breweries). I would definitely come again, but since it is really expensive, I might only be back for a special occasion.
(4)Scott V.
We went on Sunday for lunch and the food and service were amazing. We started off with the tomato salad app then I had the bison bolognese with a side of truffle fries with my wife having the reuben panini. The food was amazing, with the meat in the reuben that just melted in your mouth. Great atmosphere and very attentive staff. We'll definitely be coming back again soon.
(5)Amy L.
We went for dinner and ordered appetizers, small plates, and sides. For some reason the entrees weren't really speaking to us. We had a scallop appetizer special and it was really good (although it included a shrimp that seemed a little misplaced). The cod fritter small plate was great, as was the pork belly appetizer. The saffron couscous side was okay. We were seated in the basement. The acoustics and atmosphere weren't great so I would recommend sitting upstairs. Overall, it was a good dining experience.
(4)Speck F.
I've been to the Cambridge Abbey five or six times since it opened and have loved it every time. So when I read some of the 'less positive' reviews here, it makes me realize that everyone has their own tastes and their little pet peeves, of course. But for a neighborhood bar/restaurant, this place is a total winner. The atmosphere is bright, light, open, and 'clean,' with a minimum of decoration that lets the hardwood, exposed brick, and passing neighborhood scene outside do all the talking. Really nice. I always sit at the bar, and Tito and Mike and the rest of the staff have always been super friendly, informative, and attentive. Just really great service that makes you feel welcomed and well taken care of. Interesting beers on tap and in bottles - I love that they have Duvel and all three varieties of Chimay (rouge, blanc and bleu) available. The food is just so good. Every single thing I've eaten has been great. Last night was a bavette steak frites and a side of shaved brussels sprouts that was excellent. I've also had the bison bolognese (yum) and the outstanding cod with beurre blanc that will make you swoon. In a neighborhood with several really good places to eat/drink, The Abbey is probably giving some of the others a run for their money. Good on them. Keep it up!
(5)Liz D.
I've been to the Abbey a few times, and this is one of those places where the more outside-the-box fair tends to be better. For example, the housemade blood sausage kicks the burger's butt. Overall, the food is good, the drinks are better, and the staff is responsive and friendly.
(4)erica f.
Had some cocktails here right after it opened. They were quite tasty! Love the decor and the atmosphere.
(4)Nicole K.
I have always loved the abbey brookline and was so excited to try one close to my work. I was so disappointed with the service. Our food took over thirty minutes to arrive and it was no where near the quality, quantity and flavor you get in brookline. Don't waste your time at this establishment, and simply go to the abbey brookline instead!
(2)Anna P.
Nice casual eatery with amazing service(John is asset for this place).Food is good and cooked properly.Just take in account that portions are huge,so we decide next time to share main dish.Will return definitely.
(4)Kathryn H.
My husband and I have become regulars here, partly for the atmosphere (cozy), partly for the service (especially Mike at the upstairs bar) and of course mainly for the food. The grilled Caesar salad and lamb lollipops are my go to, my husband loves the mussels with fries and the lobster mac and cheese. And you can't go wrong with the mac and cheese. Even when they're busy, the service is attentive and the couple times that they've been overwhelmed they've been sincerely apologetic. I've never had anything off the menu that was disappointing. And they were open the night of the blizzard (while travel ban in effect), which made me love them even more. We'll continue to go back, and you should, too.
(5)Gary M.
This place is money. Great food, great drink, reasonable pricing, I'm definitely going back. We had the pancetta deviled eggs, mussels, saffron cous cous, and their special flatbread pizza of the day. Everything was delicious.
(5)F. O.
I had a fantastic meal. I started with fried green tomatoes which were crisp, tart, and glazed with chipotle aioli (which was not particularly spicy or flavorful). Then I had the bison bolognese with house made fettuccini. The pasta was made to perfection (perfectly al dente) the bolognese meaty, spicy, and with a light sweetness. Our waiter was nice, smiley, and attentive. The ambience was casual with class and food items moderately priced. Overall a decent place.
(4)Elba V.
Last night was my first time at the Abbey! The service is great! The staff is down to earth and really took care of us. The drinks are fantastic! Matt was our bartender! It was too late for food, but I'm definitely returning to try it out!
(5)mary m.
This is my 2nd visit, Great food, great drinks fast and friendly service. We ate down stairs, very cosy! We will be back.
(5)Amy C.
This is a great new addition to the neighborhood. The food was great and the prices were right. I had the special - fish tacos. My husband had a burger with blue cheese. Both were excellent. We will return to try some other offerings. So glad for something new in the area.
(4)