Tonight I had dinner at Grendel's Den, one of the best kept secrets of greater Boston. Located in the heart of Harvard Square in Cambridge, Grendel's is a bit tricky to find if you're not in the know. The basement level bar and restaurant is tucked beneath the lavish fine dining establishment Upstairs on the Square.
Grendel's Den is literally that, a den away from the hustle and bustle of the busy, touristy square. With a crowded bar, tables packed together and dim lighting it feels like a bit of a cave. There is always a wait but it's worth every minute.
Grendel's has a great beer list (every boy that goes there loves it) and they have an unbelievable promotion where if you spend $3 or more on a drink (one beer) your food is half price between 5:00 - 7:30 pm. Every night. True story.
I love the Grendel's menu because it has a surprising number of vegetarian options. In fact, I would go so far as to say half the menu is vegetarian. Tonight we started with the appetizer special which was a portabello mushroom cap, breaded and served with melted asiago cheese. Despite the lackluster presentation, it was delicious!
For dinner I had the Mediterranean salad which came with leafy greens, roasted red peppers, white onions, tomatoes, black olives and feta cheese. It was fresh, crisp and veg-a-licious!
My dinner date had the California burger, but with a veggie burger substituted for the usual beef. She said it was the best veggie burger she has ever had! It came served with Monterrey Jack cheese, guacamole and tomato with a generous side of cole slaw (the other option was a side of potato chips).
On past trips to Grendel's I have ordered the veggie chili, the nachos, the portabello wrap, and the fondue dinner for two which includes a piping hot bowl of cheese fondue, french bread, and a salad for each diner. I am never disappointed.
Grendel's is a relaxed atmosphere with fantastic food and impossible to beat low prices. In addition to the aforementioned perks, in the nice weather there is even outdoor seating!
What are you waiting for? Go dine in the Den.
