When asking yourself about something to do near me in Cambridge with a group of friends or family, consider
The Longfellow Bar
Why The Longfellow Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Longfellow Bar, nestled in the historic Harvard Square at 40 Brattle Street, offers an exceptional setting to meet up with friends, blending a rich historical ambiance with contemporary culinary creativity. Located above the acclaimed Alden & Harlow restaurant, the two-story bar occupies the once Café Algiers space and is named after Alexander Wadsworth Longfellow, the architect behind Brattle Hall’s 1889 design. This stylish and inviting venue features an ideal retreat atmosphere that encourages relaxation and creativity, making it perfect for social gatherings. The bar serves innovative, shareable bar food designed to immerse guests in a tactile, communal dining experience. With a menu that thoughtfully evolves, patrons can enjoy well-crafted cocktails, such as their noteworthy martinis, complemented by flavorsome small plates that encourage sharing among friends. The Longfellow Bar’s sophisticated, yet approachable vibe, paired with its gorgeous interior—especially recommended is seating on the upstairs level—sets it apart as a beloved neighborhood haunt. Open seven days a week with extended hours on weekends, it is accessible for evening plans or late-night meetups. Whether for casual drinks or a light dinner, The Longfellow Bar provides a dynamic, social environment in one of Cambridge’s most culturally rich locales.
Here's what people think of The Longfellow Bar
As of recent, The Longfellow Bar holds a 4.3-star rating based on 288 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise The Longfellow Bar’s stunning interior and vibrant atmosphere, highlighting it as one of Cambridge’s most beautiful and sophisticated bar spaces. Many visitors enjoy the excellent service and the carefully curated soundtrack that creates a welcoming ambiance. Positive feedback often centers on the creative and high-quality drinks, with the martinis receiving particular acclaim, as well as the bar’s shareable food offerings like the notable steak tartare and exceptional burgers. Patrons appreciate the approachable yet inventive menu that encourages social dining experiences. However, some reviewers note variability in the drink quality and occasionally find some cocktails overly experimental or “precious,” not always hitting the desired mark. There have been mentions that the menu changes frequently, which can lead to inconsistent experiences. A few patrons have expressed that the adjoining Alden & Harlow restaurant did not meet their expectations, yet they still found The Longfellow Bar itself enjoyable. Overall, the consensus is that the bar’s unique space, creative offerings, and friendly service make it a worthwhile destination, with the positives often outweighing minor reservation about inconsistency. Regulars and new visitors alike tend to return due to its enjoyable vibe and quality social setting in Harvard Square.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ivy Leichtman
This place has old school bar cost vibes and great handmade food. It does have a lot of creative bar food and seriously creative drinks. It's a little hard to find in the sense that it's upstairs while its restaurant (Alden and Harlow) is in the basement level. Look for the neon sign then go up the stairs. I also would recommend reservations because it fills up fast.
Raj
Came here for drinks prior to dinner. The overall vibe was great - definitely one of the better cocktail spots in Boston. The bartenders were really nice and helpful, and did a really sweet job of service considering we weren't sitting at the bar. The waffle fires were good, maybe I would get the loaded ones next time!
Ana Valle
Came here for a date night after a recent outing in the area. The atmosphere in the bar is lovely. The drinks were quite good and each had their unique flavor. Also, the snacks are quite elevated. The chicken nuggets were so good and so were the messy fries. Really good dining experience and drinking here! Made our date night fantastic.
Emily Gettys
Great spot in Harvard Square! The cocktails are fabulous, especially suburban legends and cloud nine. We shared the pigs in a blanket (delicious, but be aware the plate comes with 3), the waffle fries (incredible, crispy and the plate is large and great for sharing), and the brussel sprouts (also tasty and great for sharing). We also ordered chips and onion dip which in hindsight was way too much potato with the order of fries but also good and shareable. Our server was attentive and friendly and was on it making sure our water was refilled promptly, which I loved. The bar itself was a cool vibe and the atmosphere is upscale but not too fancy.
Cindy Nguyen
Food was decent but Drinks left more to be desired. In a sense it was like they were trying too hard to make them fancy. Wings were very small and just tossed in Buffalo sauce but burger and pretzel was great. Essentially, just overpriced bar food in a “cool” setting. Glad we experienced it but wouldn’t go back or recommend it to others. There’s a bar around the corner we checked out that we enjoyed more
How to reach The Longfellow Bar
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Why The Longfellow Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
The Longfellow Bar offers a uniquely inviting atmosphere that naturally draws friends and groups seeking an exceptional place to gather. Located in the historic Harvard Square area of Cambridge, MA, this bar balances a cozy yet sophisticated vibe, perfect for both casual hangouts and celebratory nights out. The intimate setting above Alden & Harlow provides a refuge from the everyday, tapping into an inviting ambiance where shared experiences come first. The bar’s dedicated focus on innovative finger food—meant to be shared—encourages communal dining, sparking conversations and laughter around the table. With a 4.3-star rating from nearly 300 reviews, this establishment is beloved for both its quality and atmosphere. The combination of creative drinks and a menu crafted for passing plates makes it ideal for groups who want to relax, explore new flavors, and savor each other’s company without the formality of fine dining. Whether it’s a reunion, casual meetup, or special occasion, Longfellow Bar invites friends to rally in style with a menu and space designed to foster connection and enjoyment.
What activities can groups enjoy at The Longfellow Bar?
At The Longfellow Bar, the primary activity revolves around indulging in a culinary adventure crafted specifically for sharing. The menu features American fusion finger foods that blend bold flavors with playful presentations, perfect for communal eating. Groups can order multiple small plates designed to be passed around, encouraging everyone to sample a variety of tastes without the need for utensils, though some dishes may come with cutlery if needed. This sharing style of dining creates an interactive and tactile experience that enhances social bonding. Beyond food, the bar offers a curated selection of cocktails and wines to complement the inventive dishes, with expert bartenders who are known for guiding guests through adventurous drink options. This makes for an exploratory tasting experience ideal for friends or family eager to try something new together. The setting itself, with its warm and classy yet cozy décor inspired by historic Cambridge architecture, provides a comfortable backdrop ideal for extended conversations, celebrations, or simply unwinding after a long day. The bar’s hours extend late into the night, allowing for relaxed evenings or lively late-night meetups.
Why is The Longfellow Bar perfect for a group meetup?
The Longfellow Bar shines as a premier venue for group gatherings due to its intentional design and hospitality. The environment fosters a sense of casual elegance where guests can feel at home, whether they are catching up with old friends or meeting new ones. The bar’s focus on shareable small plates naturally brings groups together, as everyone can try a range of creative dishes without the fuss of traditional ordering. Portion sizes are well balanced to serve as either a light dinner or a filling meal when combined, catering to different appetites within a group. Additionally, the staff is experienced in managing various dietary restrictions and preferences with grace and attentiveness, making the experience inclusive for all attendees. The Longfellow Bar’s location in Harvard Square is also a boon, as it is easy to reach by public transportation or on foot, making it a convenient meetup spot. Furthermore, the late operating hours provide flexibility for groups who want to start with dinner or drop in for drinks later in the evening. The overall blend of ambiance, menu innovation, and accommodating service positions The Longfellow Bar as an outstanding choice for forging memorable group moments.