Zinneken's Belgian waffles | Harvard square

Waffles were incredible!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love this place. I always make sure to swing by when I'm back in Boston. The waffles are all fantastic--you really cannot pick a bad topping combination. I have a lot of great memories here and recommend it to anyone visiting the Boston area.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

5 stars for the waffle which is the star of the show but I’ll get there. I would unfortunately give the iced matcha about 2 stars bc it was chalky and just very inferior compared to my favorite spot in the area. But that was just an accompaniment, I went for a waffle!!! I wanted to try the Brussels but it was out so I got a liege and was not disappointed with it whatsoever, it was one of the most delicious things I’ve ever had in Harvard square as a sweets lover. I literally can’t wait to get back and hopefully try a Brussels, I’ve been dreaming about the waffle I had since last week. Great service too, adorable atmosphere and story

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Hands down the best waffles I've ever had. Perfectly crisp, Perfectly thicc, Perfectly airy—all at the same time. My personal fave is the Zinneken. It's got all the best toppings for the biggest sweet tooth. I like to add their natural maple as well, because it reminds me of the ego days where I used to fill each square with syrup, and also because it tastes heavenly. The to go boxes are also super cool and convenient, and they're always quick with it. Bless!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ventured to Harvard Sq for a quick snack on a chilly fall morning. It was quite busy since it was a Saturday afternoon so people were saving seats before they ordered. I was stuck waiting for a window seat for a while but eventually I got one.

I ordered the Nutella and banana waffle and added whip cream. It was warm and tasted good. I've had some fresh to made order waffles before so I couldn't tell if this was one or if it was warmed, but either way it tasted good. I got a caramel macchiato to drink which was good too.

Interior is very cozy and the colors inside are very warm. I love all the natural lighting and seats by them, but if it's crowded when you come...good luck....

Overall cute date spot or a place to bring friends, but not too many cuz it is small.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Zinneken’s is a cute place and just a quick stroll from Harvard station, making it great for commuters. There are parking spaces outside, but are usually taken up. Perhaps closer to closing time would be best for those driving? Zinneken’s is open towards almost midnight, though I can’t say I have gone later than 4. I assume service is just as great however!

The food is great and as someone who keeps their eyes on pricing, at just about $7 the waffles are perfect. I recommend the chocolate drizzle, and the blackberries were good quality when I added them to my order, even out of season. I would assume they’re even better closer towards the summer months, which is also when the establishment is most frequented in my experience. For those interested in a coffee, It tasted good as someone who only drinks coffee on occasion. It had a strong flavor, though perhaps an espresso expert would think otherwise? It came in a small glass which I also appreciated.

As for service, it is also great. The kiosks make for an easy ordering experience, though there are only two which can make for an issue if the establishment is a bit crowded, especially as they are right by the left side of the building. A simple polite “excuse me” should be enough though! I wouldn’t recommend hauling around a packed backpack as to not hit anyone!! I have never ordered face to face but understand it should be an option. Your name will be called out when your order is ready to which you can get up and retrieve it, or it will be delivered to your table. When you’re done you can find white buckets across from the right side of the front table where you can place your dirty dishes.

As for atmosphere, it is immaculate in my opinion. The establishment is broken up into left and right and windows line the building. I personally prefer to make my way to the left. And sit in front of the window showing the large bush and tree. You can see little sparrows going about their day with each other oftentimes which I think is adorable. If you sit in front of window facing the Old Baptist Church you may see turkeys frequenting the area. If you’re lucky you can even find red-tailed hawks perched on top of the Arrow St. Arts building. Bird enjoyers would love to sit here! I understand some don’t enjoy looking out at Mass. Ave while eating which is fair too. There are seats faced towards the wall which have art lining it.

To note is the volume, which is never loud enough to hurt or to make one unable to hear say a conversation with a date or a group, though it is notable especially when business is high. After school hours are over there are teenagers who frequent the restaurant. Most are harmless and know to monitor their volume, and those who do not will be mindful if told by those working or others to pipe it down. I haven’t witnessed any rude people frequent Zinneken’s personally. You may hear the red line shake underneath your feet if you’re diligent enough, along with the rumble of a large truck or perhaps a bus, almost always the 1 making its way from Nubian. This shouldn’t be an issue for most though it is noticeable enough.

The workers are kind and diligent in their work. Be sure to respect them! All in all a wonderful place. I would recommend it wholeheartedly.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Chocolate or Nutella Waffle

A bit pricey but great location, coffee, and waffles.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Fake cream, good waffles

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 1

There's no other waffles similar, so delicious and definitely a dessert.

Great iced caramel macchiato and I will definitely go back for that. Waffles were a bit too sweet for my liking.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Berries Insanity Waffle

Their waffles are the best. I always bring my friends here, especially ones who are visiting from another city and they end up loving this place too.
This is also my favorite place for a late night guilty indulgence. 🤤😂

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Zinneken’s remains my absolute go-to for waffles in Cambridge. I recently had the banana Nutella sugar crisp waffle, and it was incredible, you really can’t go wrong with the combination of a crunchy pearl sugar waffle topped with fresh bananas and chocolate. It’s the perfect treat every time.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great place and it is one of the best place to go during late night time!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I went on a Tuesday night, was able to quickly order and got my waffle within the next 2-3 minutes. The space is definitely small but I got a seat very quickly. Waffle was warm, and the Nutella perfect. The prices are fair with $8.99 for a banana and Nutella waffle. It’s great for a freezing, winter day!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

was so disappointed with my experience at this place. The space is ridiculously small and cramped—it’s like trying to eat in a closet, with tables jammed together and no room to breathe. On top of that, one of the waffles is always out of stock every time I visit; how hard is it to keep your menu items available? But the absolute worst part is their sneaky tactic with online to-go orders—they automatically add a default tip, hoping you won’t notice and just pay it. It’s shady and takes away the customer’s right to decide. Give us the freedom to tip (or not) based on the service we actually get! One star, and I won’t be back.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1