Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar

Their roast beef with garlic herb cheese is spectacular. Also, the gender-neutral bathrooms can take some getting used to as they are multi-user restrooms, and not single user.

We came in with a group of four. There was one open table that had yet to be cleared. We were happy to wait for it, or for another table, but the waitress was extremely rude and told us it wasn't available for groups of four. That was fine, we could wait, but there were many large tables with only two guests. As we were headed out, a group of four was seated at the same table in question.

I was a waiter for years and years and I know there are all kinds of turnover and sometimes customers seat themselves. I don't blame anyone for following policy, but it was all delivered SO rudely. It really stunned me. I've been to Grendel's many times but I probably won't be back for a while after this.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

I asked if I could split bills by person, the waitress said it's gonna be 20% gratuity, so I said I would just pay for the table. And she said "So I don't deserve it?"

We thought she was joking but she's not. We were almost more confused than annoyed.

Anyways still tipped 18%, hope the chefs get it cuz they deserve it. Definitely go there if you like to be irritated at the end of the night 😘

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 1

Overpriced and disappointing meal. Lots of options in the area, so I wouldn’t go back here.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

The manager of Grendel’s Den has been vandalizing bikes of people who park in the bike rack out front (which belongs to the city of Cambridge, NOT Grendel’s Den). She deflated my bike tire when I was there for drinks with friends and I learned shortly after that this is a common occurrence. I will not be coming back out of concerns for my safety

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Great place food and atmosphere was great

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Worst waiter and service ever!! Tonight 10/11/2024 I think our waitress was hispanic and she was super rude!! And I am Hispanic too, so nothing against that! Just trying to be specific, so management when they see my review they can know who I am referring to. The waitress was treating me and my friends very badly. She forgot part of our order and then came to us telling us that they were cleaning the kitchen. We all knew she was lying!! Also, decided not to serve me a drink because I tried to order one in the bar, which honestly doesn’t make any sense to me. Poor customer service and management. I think they should hire people that actually have people skills and not make the customers feel like they are bothering.

Atmosphere: 3

Service: 1

An institution. No frills, but it's quiet and they'll feed you a full meal for less cash than some places nearby will charge you for coffee. Go for lunch and order one of the specials, you can't go wrong.

I unfortunately am giving Grendel's a one-star review. I know this place has a lot of history but the service this Friday during lunch was just non-existent. I think our server was the only one at the restaurant, but it took us nearly 35 minutes to get our food- not to mention that we waited 15 minutes for the check and then ANOTHER 15 minutes to get our cards back after they were picked up. At this point we had been there for an hour and a half for just a quick bite. Our server was not rude but also was not friendly- I think that would have bumped up my rating quite a bit. The food was very bland and my chicken was overcooked. I got the Mediterranean wrap, perhaps the other food on the menu is much better.

On a positive note, the venue is absolutely beautiful and very pleasant to enjoy a morning at. Maybe just at a different restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 1

Great local fun place

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Great place for happy hour food. And I love the basement vibe of the place. Great service every time I've went.

Great lobster roll, good location

Nice bar with friendly staff, perfect place for a vibe check first date.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

slow service; a favorite long ago and came back for nostalgia and great price on menu but beware waiter put on max tip without giving itemized receipt so burger and one beer - $40! don’t eat outside in summer - swarming with bees and got stung! waiter not good with remembering order - seemed drunk or on pot and had to keep reiterating order.

Parking: it’s harvard square so use the T on weekends if u don’t to be frustrated looking for parking

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Burger

Fun, cool little bar

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5