04/08/07

Harvard Square's beloved subterranean brewpub delivers fresh beer and a lengthy, tasty food menu to an eclectic crowd.

by Contributor

The Scene
The destination of choice for area academics looking to unwind after a long day of classes. The large bar features plenty of seating for those stopping in for a quick pint, and the dining area offers dozens of tables, including a few large enough for student club meetings. With lots of dark wood, polished brass and dim lighting, patrons feel as if they're in a storied English pub, until they notice the stained-glass portrait of Jerry Garcia.

The Draw
Plain and simple, this is a dependable place for food and drink, and not a place to see or be seen (unless you're a Harvard student). Of the dozen-plus beers made on the premises, expect a rotating selection of six to be available at any time. The kitchen's endless menu of eclectic dishes like grilled meat loaf and mustard chicken will make you re-think the definition of pub fare.

12/04/06

Great Food Great Beers

by bbaw

I have been there a handfull of times and I have always enjoyed it. The food is great, the staff are polite and helpful, and they have a beer sampler at an awesome price. Weekends can create a loooong wait but well worth it. It is a great atmosphere to catch up with friends and just hang out.

• Pros: Beer Sampler
• Cons: 

03/20/04

good beers and appetizers

by siula_grande

Well, if you went on weekend, be prepared for a long wait. We're given an estimation of 1.5 hr wait, they're not kidding about it, we've waited 1.25 hr at the bar. Consequently we're generously rewarded by the gracious manager Tina :-)

The beers, appetizers and my order of the Mustard Chicken were great, but my friends back ribs were alittle burn and dry.

In general, this is a restaurant i'll most certainly dine again.

• Pros: inexpensive, good service

02/10/04

now with great trivia!

by central_sq_josh

I've been dropping in on John Harvard's for years and I've always enjoyed it but they recently added some really good trivia on monday nights. The highlights are categories like "Paris Hilton or Jessica Simpson" and clever current-events inspired team names. It seems to draw a mixed crowd of locals and Harvard grad students. Fortunately there's a prize for the last place team as well.

• Pros: food, Beer - in pitchers!, laid back atmosphere

06/13/02

good, classy hangout

by jpanderson_citysearch

all dark wood and cozy nooks, this is the best oldey-timey place in the square to get a beer. it's pretty dark down here--you've got to descend a staircase into the place--but it's a congenial crowd and a great place to retreat to. good house beers, good bar food.