Temple Bar

Doesn't Recommend

nottheowner

Joined 6 years ago

Bad Brunch. I recently went to West SIde for brunch and was VERY disappointed. My friend and I waited at least 45 minutes for our food, during which time we had to ask several times for a refill on coffee, which was lukewarm when it finally came. When we commented to the waiter that we were still waiting for our food, he said "yeah, the kitchen is really busy today"...yet the restaurant was less than half full!!! When our food finally came out, it was dry, inedible, and had clearly been sitting under a warming lap for a long time. My eggs benedict with proscuitto was more like dried eggs with prosciutto jerky! My friend's waffle was so hard we had to chisel off a piece. Needless to say, we will not be patronizing Temple Bar for brunch again. What it lacks in quality, it makes up for in pretension. The wait staff couldn't be bothered to bring us coffee or run out the food languishing on a hot plate in the kitchen. The service and the food at Temple were both completely unacceptable.

Recommends

Eric Grossman

Joined 10 years ago

Relaxed atmosphere and a creative menu make this Mass. Ave. hot spot a popular choice for after-work dinner and drinks.. The Scene
Located between Harvard and Porter Squares, Temple Bar lures young professionals and local residents with a well-rounded menu and plenty of stylish liquid concoctions (Key lime martins, pineapple-infused vodka drinks). Exposed brick walls, low-hanging lamps, stylish furniture and dark lacquered tabletops provide a touch of elegance to an otherwise relaxed environment. Pleasant servers reveal their favorite menu items and deliver dishes from the rear kitchen.

The Food
Temple Bar's upscale comfort fare includes options for both barflies and serious-minded foodies. Popular starters include fried Rhode Island calamari, tossed with honey peppers, and seared beef carpaccio with tangy preserved lemon gremolata, aged Gouda and white truffle oil. Flat-bread pizzas (toppings include Spanish olives, radicchio pesto and Manchengo cheese) and pulled chicken sandwiches are ideal for bar patrons. Classic steak frites gets a kick thanks to lavender aioli and house-cured fries. Desserts include tiramisu (made with homemade espresso Creme Anglaise) and mango creme brulee.

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northshorefoodies

Joined 7 years ago

Great place for late afternoon weekend cocktails. Two friends and I found ourselves just outside of Harvard Square on saturday afternoon and hungy for some light snacks and a good cocktail. We stepped into Temple Bar and had a lovely time in their bar that is open to the street. The pizza, fries and salad were just right, although the pizza had a slightly soggy, limp crust. Our cocktails were good too - their drink list leans toward the sweet side of things, but classic drinks (side-car, old-fashioned) were just right. Our waitress seemed half-asleep and bored, but overall we had a very enjoyable time there.

Recommends

kristylsummers

Joined 7 years ago

Great place for drinks and appetizers. Great drinks, including martinis, beer and wine. Fabulous appetizers and woodfired pizzas.

Recommends

jaime_greg

Joined 8 years ago

Great Experience!. The lighting is perfect and there are a plethora of comfortable places to sit with friends or a date. The larger tables are round for good conversation and the tables for two are mini booths perfect for intamacy. It was later, so, available dinning was limited to a late night menu. The server was very pleasant, which is sometimes a rarity on a slow late mid-week night. The food and wine were definitly not a let down. We had the pork ribs and a pizza. Sounds simple, but simple is sometimes the hardest to accomplish. The ribs are accompanied by a delicious slaw with asian influences...soy, seasame oil and I think a hint of ginger. Normally I do not like slaw, but then again I am also not a rib lover; however I admit I was impressed. We will definitely be back to try the extended dinner menu!

Recommends

mill2024

Joined 11 years ago

Disappointing. Went for Sunday brunch based on reviews and was extremely disappointed. Reservations were not necessary, walk-in was easy. Food was standard brunch fare, nothing special. Service was good, nothing special. Asked for hot tea, was brought a big box with mostly empty spaces where tea bags were. Would not go back, there are better places in Boston for brunch.

Recommends

summerguy12

Joined 8 years ago

THIS PLACE IS GREAT. I consider myself a little bit of a restaurant snob, and I have to admit that this place was really something. My girlfriend and I went in last night and were simply amazed. The hostess was really sweet and welcomed us the moment we walked in the door. We first got a seat at the bar and the bartender made us these funky martinis that we loved. For dinner I had the sirloin and my girlfriend had the salmon. We both loved our dinners and we especially loved our waitress. It is such a relief to get a server who really loves their job and knows how to take care of their guests. . As former waiters, my girlfriend and I notice these things. My family will be coming to the city next week and I will be sure to bring them to my new favorite restaurant.

Doesn't Recommend

southshorecritic

Joined 8 years ago

A BAD IDEA with BAD SERVICE..... A small menu with unusual pairings. Hostess was polite and timely, not so for the waitstaff. Music was horrible. Food was reheated. It has potential, but would rather travel into Boston or Providence for better dining experience.

Doesn't Recommend

arlingtoncritic02474

Joined 8 years ago

Time for a Change. This little wannabe Bistro needs an Overhual. Fire the Chef & Hire Waitstaff that actually enjoys working. Small Portions and Overpriced Drinks and Entrees will keep this Consumer & Friends away from this Mass Ave Diaster.

Doesn't Recommend

cambridgetour

Joined 8 years ago

Avoid TEMPLE BAR CAMBRIDGE. A tidal wave of bad luck or just poor service. Take my advice, spend your money and your time looking for better dining experiences. The food was greasy, fatty, undercooked and thrown on a plate. Our service was an order taker and made no recommendations and offered no guidance. I found that what little knowledge I had about thier Wine List was volumes over what our Waitperson possessed. Entrees were overpriced and the bread was not available at 8pm. Another disappointing Night!

AVOID TEMPLE BAR CAMBRIDGE. Save Your Money & Your Time!