A lively bar scene and extensive, inviting menu of comforting faves make for an ideal all-purpose hangout on Beacon Hill.

(857) 488-3861

316 Cambridge St (Grove Street)
Boston, MA 02114 42.361 -71.0689

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Neighborhoods: Beacon Hill, Back Bay

harvardgardens.com

Reviews & Ratings for Harvard Gardens

4.5 Star Rating: Recommended

15 reviews

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2 Star Rating: Below Average

10/14/07

Worst Brunch Experience

by gtjojahpeach

We only waited a few minutes to sit down, but were not greeted by out waiter right away. When he did greet us he said they were out of ALL brunch items accept for eggs and omelets. He didn't come back for another 15-20 minutes to place our order. Our food took an hour to get to the table and the waiter did not alert us once to any kitchen updates or why the food was taking so long. We had ordered two omelets. When the food finally came, he didn't apologize for the delay. All of the food - eggs, bacon and potatoes were overcooked and looked and tasted as though they had been sitting out for a while. The waiter did not put any more effort than minimally needed to get us our food/see how we were doing. He also got one of the orders wrong. The check took just as long to get as it had to order our food. To say the least - not returning. Who is out of everything but eggs during brunch before noon?

  • Pros: Ambience
  • Cons: Service
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/09/07

Great Food, Nice Bar Scene

by ijdatz

Went out to this restaurant for dinner with my sister and really enjoyed it! We were a little short on budget but still have high standards and this one met them and exceeded! We shared everything that we ordered and the staff was very courteous about it. The butterleaf cashew salad was excellent, the truffled parmesan fries were awesome, (very big serving, and even better on oven reheat later that night!) and the asparagus ravioli was particularily memorable. It had a great bar scene but still very convenient and comfortable dinner seating. If anything was lacking it was the airconditioning. It wasn't too hot, but on a stifling day I wanted a little more than room fans.

  • Pros: Ambiene, Food
  • Cons: Air conditioning
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/03/07

ridiculously HOT waitstaff & bartenders

by denny21

great bar scene with equally great food. service is comparable to most other good restaurants only the staff at HG is downright gorgeous - read: serious eye candy. thursday nights are not to be missed - get there early, it fills up quickly so if you get there before 10, you can secure one of the coveted high top bar tables and stake out your section before the rush.

definitely try the tuna tartare - best in the city

  • Pros: great staff, great food, great drinks, FANTASTIC music
  • Cons: no parking, gets crowded early
4 Star Rating: Recommended

11/20/06

Solid comfort food

by abirkens

The bar has a great vibe as it fills in during the weekdays with local doctors and businessman. The food is good, try the hamburger, its pretty good!

4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/14/06

A lively bar scene and extensive, inviting menu of comforting faves make for an ideal all-purpose hangout on Beacon Hill.

by Contributor

The Scene
Located across the street from Mass General Hospital, the Gardens attracts a diverse crowd of area workers and Beacon Hill residents. At night, the dining room glows with candlelight and other romantic touches, while the handsome bar hosts a renowned singles scene. Friendly bartenders, a good selection of draft beers and an extensive, inventive drink menu (white chocolate mint martinis, watermelon margaritas) add to the appeal.

The Food
Chef Jared Hargreaves splits his lengthy menu between comfort food classics (creamy baked brie, savory Portobello sandwich, creamy mac-and-cheese) and an ever-changing list of modern fare (grilled romaine salad, savory blackberry-chestnut waffle with venison sausage). Thin-crust pizzas are light and flavorful; toppings include seared scallops, spicy chorizo and roasted artichokes. Popular weekend brunch service provides several hangover cures (pastrami hash, applewood-smoked bacon), done in style. Homemade desserts like a Guinness float or a sinful "chocolate lovers" platter for two are worth a visit alone.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/24/06

obsessed...

by beaconhillgirl

LOVE the HG for food and drinks on an off-night.

The menu is great, my only negative is that I have so many favorites, I rarely try anything new. There is tuna tartar in a martini glass with plum sauce, good bibb lettuce salad, delicious chicken salad, inventive pasta dishes that can come in half-sizes, creative pizzas, etc. Wine list is decent, and quite inexpensive. Martinis and special drink list is fun and reasonably priceD. It is a little too much of a scene on thurs/fri/sat, as a line develops out front by 10pm, but the rest of the week it is not crowded.

Perfect neighborhood locale for casual dinner and drinks!

  • Pros: tuna appetizer, reasonably priced, always plays sox game
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/16/05

Not the same as it was

by jay25

Fun food, fun drinks.

I love being able to order the best tuna tartar in boston, at the same place I can sling back beers have a burger and people watch. This place has come along way, I can call this my neighborhood place for any occasion, date, watching a game or special occasion

  • Pros: walking location, noise
  • Cons: parking, noise
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/09/04

Suprise

by jay27

I have not been to Harvard Gardens in sometime, I went back recently and was very suprised the food is not what it was, its much better, very exciting and the lovely crowds are still here. there now is a hugh menu with ton of specials, its worth trying

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/22/02

The best single women in Beantown

by dblackey

I have traveled all over the world and I can say that without a doubt HG plays host to the most beautiful women of any bar scene. The staff is equally as attractive!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/14/02

The Hot Spot on the Hill

by duff29

I have been to Harvard Gardens a few times now, and every time I go I have a great time. The food is always great, the drinks are tastey, and there is always a lively atmosphere!

Showing 1-10 of 13 reviews

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