Whether it’s taking in the charm of an historic college town, or watching the regatta in October, Cambridge is one of my favorite spots in Boston. So when a co-worker suggested going to Cambridge Common, I got excited about the prospect of not only going out on a weeknight (a rarity these days), but trying out a new place in the area.
The restaurant sits on Mass Ave. and it’s hard to miss the big, gold lettering adorning the outside. Inside, it’s a comfy bar scene. There are plenty of tables for diners, bar seating for folks who want to be near the 30-plus brews on tap, and high tops for those who want the best of both worlds.
If you missed it, I said THIRTY beers on tap. So, if you’re a beer drinker, you’re sure to find something you like here; and at $4 a glass, the price is right. The food menu was just as extensive as the beer menu. With my “meat and potatoes” husband home with the baby, and a party of eight for dinner, I got a glimpse at a lot of what the menu offered.
From smothered fried chicken to mac and cheese, if you’re looking for comfort food, they’ve got you covered. But you also have the option of something lighter, like a southwestern roll-up or tomato mozzarella sandwich. Around the table, the reviews were mixed: the mac and cheese was less than spectacular; burgers and chicken sandwiches were good; fried chicken hit the spot; and tomato mozz was yummy, but wasn’t served on the thick ciabatta I expected.
Regardless of what you’re in the mood for, though, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t at least try a couple of the appetizers Cambridge Common offers. A couple of the group’s favorites were fried pickles, sweet potato fries and mac and cheese bites.
Service was good. Our waiter was eager to please, and with a large group, did a good job of keeping track of when someone needed another drink. Our appetizer order got mixed up, and didn’t come out until our meals arrived, but the waitstaff was apologetic and didn’t charge us for one of the apps we got.
One of the perks of Cambridge Common... downstairs is Lizard Lounge – a cozy, small venue that features live music nightly. On the particular night we were there we were treated to Jim’s Big Ego and the Oracle ($10 cover). The place was packed and stayed that way until we left around 11:00.
All in all, it was a fun night out with good food, some great entertainment, and another reason to love Cambridge.
The tab:
Atmosphere – 7
Service – 7.5
Food Quality - 7
Presentation - 7
Average Entree Price - $9-$14
Kid factor - 7 (seemed casual enough for kids, but didn't see any on a weeknight)
Extra perk – Free parking out back if you get there early enough to snag one of the 20 spots.
Restaurant Website: http://www.cambridgecommonrestaurant.com/
Showing posts with label boston. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boston. Show all posts
Cottonwood Café Berkeley St. Boston, MA
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Labels:
boston,
cottonwood,
mexican,
southwestern
Visit Cottonwood Café’s website, and the first thing you read is this:
The American Southwest
Founded on Indian Legend.
Cultivated Through Spanish Tradition.
Captured by the American pioneer,
and brought to life byCottonwood Restaurant & Café
What?
The description of the restaurant, much like its name, leaves you wondering what the place is really all about. So, here’s my take on it. Cottonwood is an above-average Mexican (they call it Southwestern, but I can’t tell the difference) restaurant with prime, downtown Boston real estate.
Within blocks of eateries such as Skipjack’s, Grille 23 and Smith & Wollensky – where it’s not unusual to find a $50 entrée on the menu – Cottonwood’s menu is a little more recession-friendly. Entrees are in the $20 range. Their signature drinks – a wide variety of margaritas – come by the glass or the pitcher and range from $7 - $10 a glass (think standard wine glass, not Cancun spring break margarita glass).
Enough about the money, though, let’s talk about the food. My painfully predictable (but just as painfully handsome J) husband ordered the mixed grill, a fancier version of your standard fajitas, complete with chicken, pork loin and steak. I went for the enchiladas verdes – a flour tortilla chock full of chicken, cheese, all smothered in fresh pico de gallo. Both dishes came with rice, beans and guacamole. Portions are big, and the food is good. Not great, but good.
With a big outdoor seating area, Cottonwood is great for a spring or summer evening. Inside, warm colors and a subtle southwestern touch makes the place inviting and comfortable. A lively bar is separated from the more intimate dining room, offering a good spot for friends to gather or couples to reconnect. And based on the number of students and their families who were there kicking off Tufts’ graduation weekend, it does a good job catering to large groups, and even the occasional youngster.
Overall, you get what you pay for in terms of food at Cottonwood. The service is efficient, but certainly not something to shout about. What sells the place is the location… complete with people watching potential and free validated parking nearby.
The tab:
Atmosphere – 7.5
Service – 7
Food Quality - 7
Presentation - 7
Average Entree Price - $12-$26
Kid factor - 6 (didn’t see a kid menu, only a couple teenagers in sight on a Friday)
Extra perk – Free validated parking on weeknights after 5 and anytime on weekends
Restaurant Website: http://www.cottonwoodboston.com/
The American Southwest
Founded on Indian Legend.
Cultivated Through Spanish Tradition.
Captured by the American pioneer,
and brought to life byCottonwood Restaurant & Café
What?
The description of the restaurant, much like its name, leaves you wondering what the place is really all about. So, here’s my take on it. Cottonwood is an above-average Mexican (they call it Southwestern, but I can’t tell the difference) restaurant with prime, downtown Boston real estate.
Within blocks of eateries such as Skipjack’s, Grille 23 and Smith & Wollensky – where it’s not unusual to find a $50 entrée on the menu – Cottonwood’s menu is a little more recession-friendly. Entrees are in the $20 range. Their signature drinks – a wide variety of margaritas – come by the glass or the pitcher and range from $7 - $10 a glass (think standard wine glass, not Cancun spring break margarita glass).
Enough about the money, though, let’s talk about the food. My painfully predictable (but just as painfully handsome J) husband ordered the mixed grill, a fancier version of your standard fajitas, complete with chicken, pork loin and steak. I went for the enchiladas verdes – a flour tortilla chock full of chicken, cheese, all smothered in fresh pico de gallo. Both dishes came with rice, beans and guacamole. Portions are big, and the food is good. Not great, but good.
With a big outdoor seating area, Cottonwood is great for a spring or summer evening. Inside, warm colors and a subtle southwestern touch makes the place inviting and comfortable. A lively bar is separated from the more intimate dining room, offering a good spot for friends to gather or couples to reconnect. And based on the number of students and their families who were there kicking off Tufts’ graduation weekend, it does a good job catering to large groups, and even the occasional youngster.
Overall, you get what you pay for in terms of food at Cottonwood. The service is efficient, but certainly not something to shout about. What sells the place is the location… complete with people watching potential and free validated parking nearby.
The tab:
Atmosphere – 7.5
Service – 7
Food Quality - 7
Presentation - 7
Average Entree Price - $12-$26
Kid factor - 6 (didn’t see a kid menu, only a couple teenagers in sight on a Friday)
Extra perk – Free validated parking on weeknights after 5 and anytime on weekends
Restaurant Website: http://www.cottonwoodboston.com/
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