(617) 520-9501

149 Alewife Brook Pkwy
Cambridge, MA 02140 42.3905 -71.142

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Neighborhood: Cambridge Highlands

SUMMERSHACKRESTAURANT.COM

Price:

$$

Last updated 8.10.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

Gift Certificate, American Express, Visa, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Travelers Check, Debit Card

Restaurant Special Features:

Family-Friendly Dining, Family Style Dining, Date Spot, Group Dining

Cuisine:

Chowder, Seafood

Smoking Permitted:

No

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Summer Shack

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – From the 40-foot fisherman statue that guards the front door to the 1,500-gallon tanks housing hundreds of stomach-bound lobsters, celebrity Chef Jasper White's labor of love thinks big. This humongous shack (which holds a capacity of over 300) sees its bevy of communal tables and leather booths filled to the gills on most nights, guaranteeing deafening noise levels and harried service. Area singles stop by the comfy bar and lounge areas to indulge in some of the smoothest margaritas around. – – The Food – Locals and tourists alike get a kick out of White's…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
Don't expect a mellow environment on Tuesdays or Wednesdays--boisterous smashing-crab parties are held on those two nights.
When to Go:
Happy hour is served from 4pm to 6:30pm Monday through Friday in the adjacent Shacks Sports Bar.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “Our server was friendly, attentive, fun and knowledgeable about the menu.”
  2. “It was busy and we had to wait, because the place is filled devoted fans, parents who are comfortable bringing their kids and groups of parties who always seem to be having such a good time.”
  3. “The atmosphere is cool, however, and there's plenty of parking.”
  4. “understand that the whole vibe of the place is fun and casual, but the food really doesn't deliver.”
  5. “This fun restaurant is good for parties large and small.”
  6. “We had a ball, very friendly atmosphere, great food and drink, wonderful all around.”
  7. “Jasper Whites Summer Shack is a fun place to grab fresh seafood.”
  8. “good food, atmosphere, spacious bar.”
  9. “The ambience is fun.”
  10. “The casual atmosphere made it entertaining as we ate each delicious dish!”
  11. “It's long tables make it a great place for large groups, and the atmosphere makes it a great place for gorups of kids!”
  12. “ambiance, service, good food, reasonable prices.”
  13. “Interesting decor gives it that waterfront feel.”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “recommend anyone that wants to have a great meal and a great dessert go now.”
drinks
41.19999885559082% positive
  1. “While I waited for my appetizers she came back with my Sprite (tasted like a combination of iced tea and Coke), stale corn bread accompanied by cold rolls with semi-frozen butter.”
  2. “Uncomfortable seats left over from Aku-Aku and brown paper covering VERY old and disgusting vinyl tables are fine at dive bar or deli, but.”
  3. “We had a ball, very friendly atmosphere, great food and drink, wonderful all around.”
  4. “Food came out cold, long wait, ridiculous prices, and the bartender was pretty slow. After an 1.5 wait (at 9pm!) we decided to just sit and eat @ the bar. We did not get offered roles until we were almost done w/ our meal and our bill for the two of us + ”
  5. “good food, atmosphere, spacious bar.”
food quality
73.02999973297119% positive
  1. “Small portion of fish was quite good.”
  2. “After seeing Summer Shack on the Top 10 list for the best clam chowder in boston, I decided to check it out.”
  3. “good food, atmosphere, spacious bar.”
  4. “The fish and chips was a rubbery, cold, greasy dish.”
  5. “Clearly a famous name doesn't guarantee good food or a pleasant experience.”
  6. “the seafood great my kids loved watching it being prepared.”
  7. “We had a ball, very friendly atmosphere, great food and drink, wonderful all around.”
  8. “will give this a second go (the food was good enough to try again.”
  9. “While I waited for my appetizers she came back with my Sprite (tasted like a combination of iced tea and Coke), stale corn bread accompanied by cold rolls with semi-frozen butter.”
  10. “Went here last weekend and the food was so good!”
  11. “Expensive for poor quality seafood”
  12. “The meal started with tasty cornbread and my lobster roll was above par.”
  13. “The casual atmosphere made it entertaining as we ate each delicious dish!”
  14. “Their seafood (fish even) plates are super expensive ($28 or higher).”
  15. “But it doesn't make up for the horrible, expensive food.”
  16. “Food came out cold, long wait, ridiculous prices, and the bartender was pretty slow. After an 1.5 wait (at 9pm!) we decided to just sit and eat @ the bar. We did not get offered roles until we were almost done w/ our meal and our bill for the two of us + ”
  17. “The Shack margarita was perfect and the Rhode Island style calamari was just the right amount of spicy.”
  18. “recommend anyone that wants to have a great meal and a great dessert go now.”
  19. “The spinach salad was utterly detestable, and larded through with tiny "from-a-can" shrimp still coated with the slimey oil it was packaged in.”
  20. “understand that the whole vibe of the place is fun and casual, but the food really doesn't deliver.”
  21. “had the striped bass special, and while the quality of the fish was pretty good, the dish was like something I could have cooked myself at home, but with less seasoning.”
  22. “The scallops were juicy and excellent, tuna perfectly cooked, calamari appetizer was spicy and tender, and everyone at my table thoroughly enjoyed their various seafood dishes.”
  23. “The fried food was perfect.”
  24. “For appetizers, the Wellfleet oysters were very good, but the shrimp were definitely not as fresh as they could have been.”
  25. “The food was horrible, expensive and not worth it at all.”
  26. “Great seafood!”
  27. “Our waiter was super nice and the food came out very fast.”
  28. “Well, what a pleasant surprise when we arrived and were greeted warmly by the staff, immediately seated, had an attentive and friendly waiter, and the seafood turned out to be totally outstanding.”
  29. “The crab claws were disappointing as well, but for only $7 or so, acceptable.”
  30. “ambiance, service, good food, reasonable prices.”
  31. “Great meal at a great price with friendly knowledgeable service.”
  32. “was in search for a great seafood restaurant around, and after going to Summer Shack, I found one!”
  33. “There are so many better restaurants to go to that will offer you good service and food for less money”
  34. “Great food too.”
  35. “Jasper Whites Summer Shack is a fun place to grab fresh seafood.”
menu variety
75.0% positive
  1. “Not only was the environment cheap and touristy, but everything on the menu was incredibly overpriced.”
  2. “Our server was friendly, attentive, fun and knowledgeable about the menu.”
  3. “Our server was very helpful in answering our questions about the menu.”
  4. “Food and selection is excellent.”
overall
76.50000095367432% positive
  1. “It's long tables make it a great place for large groups, and the atmosphere makes it a great place for gorups of kids!”
  2. “Food came out cold, long wait, ridiculous prices, and the bartender was pretty slow. After an 1.5 wait (at 9pm!) we decided to just sit and eat @ the bar. We did not get offered roles until we were almost done w/ our meal and our bill for the two of us + ”
  3. “was in search for a great seafood restaurant around, and after going to Summer Shack, I found one!”
  4. “By far teh best restaurant that I have been to ever.”
return potential
53.00000190734863% positive
  1. “will never go back nor will I ever recommend this shack!”
  2. “Food came out cold, long wait, ridiculous prices, and the bartender was pretty slow. After an 1.5 wait (at 9pm!) we decided to just sit and eat @ the bar. We did not get offered roles until we were almost done w/ our meal and our bill for the two of us + ”
service
93.29000473022461% positive
  1. “Our waiter was super nice and the food came out very fast.”
  2. “Food came out cold, long wait, ridiculous prices, and the bartender was pretty slow. After an 1.5 wait (at 9pm!) we decided to just sit and eat @ the bar. We did not get offered roles until we were almost done w/ our meal and our bill for the two of us + ”
  3. “can't, however, handle bad service and this was honestly the worst we've ever had!”
  4. “weekends busy but the host staff was great and we only waited a short time on our first visit.”
  5. “have been to Summer Shack dozens of times and have only had great meals and fine service.”
  6. “Our server was friendly, attentive, fun and knowledgeable about the menu.”
  7. “Our server was very helpful in answering our questions about the menu.”
  8. “Well, what a pleasant surprise when we arrived and were greeted warmly by the staff, immediately seated, had an attentive and friendly waiter, and the seafood turned out to be totally outstanding.”
  9. “There are so many better restaurants to go to that will offer you good service and food for less money”
  10. “Great meal at a great price with friendly knowledgeable service.”
  11. “Tonight at least the bartender was attentive.”
  12. “Hopefully it was just the waitperson I had - but she was not very good, didn't let me know what the specials were *(other staff was very helpful to their tables explaining the board without being asked) and although she only had two tables she was never a”
  13. “ambiance, service, good food, reasonable prices.”
  14. “We had a ball, very friendly atmosphere, great food and drink, wonderful all around.”
value
33.82999897003174% positive
  1. “This place is way overpriced for what it is.”
  2. “There are so many better restaurants to go to that will offer you good service and food for less money”
  3. “ambiance, service, good food, reasonable prices.”
  4. “But it doesn't make up for the horrible, expensive food.”
  5. “Food came out cold, long wait, ridiculous prices, and the bartender was pretty slow. After an 1.5 wait (at 9pm!) we decided to just sit and eat @ the bar. We did not get offered roles until we were almost done w/ our meal and our bill for the two of us + ”
  6. “Not only was the environment cheap and touristy, but everything on the menu was incredibly overpriced.”
  7. “The baked stuff lobster was delightful and, while pricey, worth every penny.”
  8. “The food was horrible, expensive and not worth it at all.”
  9. “Small portions, served cold, at mediocre prices.”
  10. “Summer Shack is remarkably expensive for what you get.”
  11. “Great meal at a great price with friendly knowledgeable service.”
  12. “Their seafood (fish even) plates are super expensive ($28 or higher).”
wait time
53.00000190734863% positive
  1. “It's long tables make it a great place for large groups, and the atmosphere makes it a great place for gorups of kids!”
  2. “Food came out cold, long wait, ridiculous prices, and the bartender was pretty slow. After an 1.5 wait (at 9pm!) we decided to just sit and eat @ the bar. We did not get offered roles until we were almost done w/ our meal and our bill for the two of us + ”
1 Star Rating: Poor

11/26/11

worst take out thanksgiving dinner ever

by marjorie mac donald at Citysearch

I was ordering a Thankgiving Dinner from a recomendation. Thought it would be a good idea. The dinner party started to increase to the amount of people originally, so I decided to cook some extra food, so as to have enough. The food that I got was so terrible, I wouldn't serve it to my guests, I dumped everything. The turkey was like rubber, the potatoes wern't mashed, and the stuffing was the most worst of all, something grainy in it, I couldn't tell what, I tried to fix it, but it was impossible. The portions were so small, they wouldn't even feed four, never mind 6 to 10 people. The cranberry sauce was just enough for my 10 yr old grandson. Thank God I had the sense to make a spiral ham, turkey breast and some veggies and some gravy or we would have starved. The turkey looked like it was cooked a week ago. Very disappointed, $107 down the drain. Next time I'll cook my own meal.

1 Star Rating: Poor

07/10/08

Like a bad joke...

by Mybestfriendlesley at Citysearch

After seeing Summer Shack on the Top 10 list for the best clam chowder in boston, I decided to check it out. Bad idea. Not only was the environment cheap and touristy, but everything on the menu was incredibly overpriced. I guess I should have known that it would be entirely unauthentic, since 2 of their 4 locations are at Logan Airport and Mohegan Sun, but I was still shocked by the tacky nature of the entire restaurant. It felt like they were playing a bad joke on customers while mocking New England tradition. And the chowder sucked.

  • Pros: decent crab club
  • Cons: price, service, ambience, chowder
2 Star Rating: Below Average

06/05/08

Expensive for poor quality seafood

by MelissaS23 at Citysearch

Last night, we visited the Summer Shack. A friend and I decided to split the lobster roll. It was $20, and it was on an untoasted hotdog bun (which immediately fell apart), and had the meat of about 1 lobster tail. I ordered two drinks at 8.50 a pop that were ridiculously weak. And their hot fudge sundae dessert left much to be desired. Their seafood (fish even) plates are super expensive ($28 or higher). Even their crab legs are $36. The deal is, the lobster roll wasn't even that good. The lobster was poor quality, again, the bun fell apart, and it was pretty much lobster smothered in mayo. Gross.

  • Pros: cheap for non-seafood dishes
  • Cons: expensive for poor quality seafood
1 Star Rating: Poor

07/28/07

Not worth the price

by niiicola at Citysearch

I am originally from the Cape, and this place is nothing like a "Cape Cod seafood shack." If you are going to go with the "seafood shack" thing, then go with it, but don't charge high-end restaurant prices. Unfortunately, we ended up paying $85 for two people (not including drinks) for boring seafood and a downmarket atmosphere. I understand that the whole vibe of the place is fun and casual, but the food really doesn't deliver. I had the striped bass special, and while the quality of the fish was pretty good, the dish was like something I could have cooked myself at home, but with less seasoning. My husband ordered the ginger/scallion lobster, which at $45 was overcooked and drowning in sticky sauce. For appetizers, the Wellfleet oysters were very good, but the shrimp were definitely not as fresh as they could have been. All in all, we were pretty disappointed with this place, and my overall feeling is that it's all hype and no substance. It felt a bit like a theme park restaurant.

  • Pros: Good oysters
  • Cons: Way overpriced, not a great ambiance
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/27/07

Great seafood!

by pinkxg1rl at Citysearch

Went here last weekend and the food was so good! Our waiter was super nice and the food came out very fast. There's alot to choose from in the menu. Prices are fair...a tad high but seafood always costs a little mroe. Very casual atmosphere (think summer camping). I'll be back for sure!

  • Pros: great food, great service
  • Cons: none

The Details on Summer Shack

Place Categories:

  • good fried food
  • horrible food
  • great place
  • fun server
  • mediocre price
  • good knowledgeable service
  • loved seafood
  • attentive waiter
  • cool atmosphere
  • great meal
  • worst experience
  • lousy service
  • excellent scallops
  • good work
  • poor quality
  • delightful baked stuff lobster
  • fun whole vibe
  • disappointing crab claws
  • great seafood restaurant
  • great fine service
  • great kids
  • sucked chowder
  • worst dining experiences
  • utterly detestable spinach salad
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