Border Cafe

(617) 864-6100

32 Church St
Cambridge, MA 02138 42.3742 -71.1203

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Neighborhood: West Cambridge

BORDERCAFE.COM

Border Cafe

Border Cafe

What People Are Saying About Border Cafe

The Editor

Eric Grossman

Citysearch

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…

1 Star Rating: Poor

06/16/09

Service?

by VindictiveButterfly at Citysearch

I was so disappointed when I went there. First of all, ordered a Margaritta and the waiter insisted on seeing my ID, which I had left in my other purse back at my apt . A little rediculous because I'm far beyond the legal age and that was quite obvious. So my boyfriend walked back to the apt to pick up my ID for me (He's the only good part of this bad experience). As I'm waiting for his return, the waiter saw me waiting there for almost half an hour and never once asked if I would like to order any appitizers or another drink. I guess if you sit their alone you wont get any service.

So finally when my ID arrives and I begin to order, I ask for a frozen Margaritta with salt and ask the waiter which one he thinks is good. The waiter begins to tell me that Margarittas on the rocks are better and the salt takes away from the flavor of the Tequilla. A little insulting since I know what I like, and he thought his tastes were better. Shouldn't waiters suggest items based on what the customers like? I'm not feeding him!

It was basically watered down tequilla with crushed ice. Most of the flavor came from the salt I requested.

As for food, like a lot of Harvard folks I'm a vegitarian. Ordered a cheese enchillada, thinking it would have more than just cheese in it. Boy was I wrong. I basically ordered a tortilla filled with cheddar cheese and a tiny bit of sauce that tasted as though it were burnt.

This place is a joke. Litterally. Every time we mention going out to eat, we say "How about the Border Cafe!!!" as if that would ever happen again.

  • Pros: Its Mexican Atmosphere and Location
  • Cons: Terrible Service and Worse Food
4 Star Rating: Recommended

01/21/09

Good inexpensive Mexican and Cajun food in a fun and lively environment.

by hardinghouseinncambrdge at Citysearch

This Harvard Square favorite offers delicious and inexpensive Mexican and Cajun food in a fun and lively environment. Students, tourists and families flock to this Southwestern-themed restaurant which is known for its gigantic frozen margaritas and large portions. The meal starts off right with a basket of warm tortilla chips and tangy salsa which are irresistible. The appetizers, including the chorizo with tomatoes, onions and poblano jack cheese; and the Cajun popcorn shrimp do not disappoint. And Border Cafe features an exhaustive menu that has something for everyone. Favorites include the sizzling chicken, beef or fish fajitas; the chicken guadalajara filled with red peppers and spinach; the shrimp and crawfish quesadilla; and the mesquite-grilled swordfish steak with Jalape?o butter. There is also a dazzling array of salads and a large vegetarian menu. Though far from highbrow and a bit noisy on weekend evenings, the Border Cafe offers good food and fun in the midst of Harvard Square?s more serious restaurants.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

10/18/08

Best Cheap Eats

by TheReviewa at Citysearch

For cheap Tex Mex and a cheap Margarita. This is the place! The border cafe has something for everyone including run of the mill Tex Mex and some interesting Cajun dishes too. This place will not break the bank either so expect to wait at the bar and enjoy a marg before dinner. On the weekends this spot is overrun with college students and locals who want to pull in the free chips and salsa by the pound! Don't miss the $5 Margarita, the fish tacos or the border chili!

  • Pros: Cheap Eats
  • Cons: Can be a bit of a wait and it gets LOUD!

The Details on Border Cafe

The Extras:

Vegetarians take heart: The restaurant offers a full page of meatless menu options.

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Late Night Dining, People Watching, Family Style Dining, Lunch Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Cheap Eats, Bar Scene

Cuisine:

Cajun & Creole, Southwestern, Mexican

Smoking Permitted:

Yes

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