Border Cafe
Cambridge, MA 02138-3730
Phone: (617) 864-6100
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Brattle Street
- Specialties:
- Cheap Eats
- Best of Citysearch:
- Margarita 2007, College Scene 2004
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11am-12:45am, Fri-Sat 11am-1:45am, Sun 12pm-12:45am
Editorial Review for Border Cafe – by Eric Grossman
The Scene
Due to the area's lack of inexpensive dining options, the wallet-friendly Border Cafe is the restaurant of choice among Harvard Square's younger residents. (Translation: expect hour-plus waits on weekends.) Large groups gather at massive tables scattered among the two Southwestern-themed dining levels, while solo diners flock to the tiny bar area and its TVs. At night, indulging in a gargantuan frozen margarita is the favored method of counteracting the high noise levels and hectic environment.
The Food
No one has ever confused the sizzling fajita platters or overstuffed quesadillas with gourmet Mexican fare, but overall quality is good and portions are exceptionally large. (Rare is the table that orders an entree for each diner.) After plowing through a basket of warm tortilla chips and fresh salsa, patrons select from the menu's lengthy listing of standard Tex-Mex (chicken enchiladas) and Cajun (spicy blackened swordfish) dishes.
Hits
Setting the standard for group dining, Border Cafe encourages sharing thanks to huge portions and no plate-splitting fees.
Misses
The menu's Cajun offerings feel misplaced, as it's difficult to enjoy gumbo when nibbling on chips and salsa while surrounded by Tex-Mex decor.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
The ExtrasVegetarians take heart: The restaurant offers a full page of meatless menu options.
User Reviews for Border Cafe
07/03/2008 Posted by DkTiburon
So, I accidentally left my credit card in the restaurant and immediately went back to retrieve it. For some unknown reason, the manager took it home, and I needed to talk to the other managers. At first, the first manager denied knowing any waitress who looked like my description, I showed him the bill with her name printed on it and he then changed his mind. Yet, he did not answer my question about the credit card although the waitress said that she had given the card to another manager. In the meantime, another manager somehow got involved, but had no clue what steps to take, and the first two managers simply disappeared for a while. I left the restaurant to return the next day. No phone call the next day, no voicemail about the credit card, no apologies, whatsoever. I had to go to the restaurant 3 times to retrieve the card finally! The managers are so disorganized, don't communicate with one another, and are simply rude. Not professional at all.
06/04/2008 Posted by stayve
Been twice and both times had very good experience. First time we had a wait of 15 minutes and the second time we were brought right to a table. I purposely chose to eat mexican the first time, burrito was OK, chips and salsa and margaritas were very good, service great. Second time through, we were seated promptly, served promptly, food right out of the oven, atmosphere is just right. I recommend highly.
Pros: Service and price
Cons: parking
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