Bartley's Burger Cottage
(617) 354-6559
1246 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge,
MA
02138
42.3726
-71.1167
Neighborhood: Riverside
What People Are Saying About Bartley's Burger Cottage
The Editor
Eric Grossman
Citysearch
The Scene
For one of the Boston area's most unique--and beloved--dining experiences, visitors must cross the Charles and head toward the edge of Harvard Square, where Mr. Bartley has lured people to his "cottage" for more than four decades. Mr. B can still be found seating students and area workers in his hectic single-room restaurant that's jam-packed with young, eclectic waiters and humorous posters from bygone eras.
The Food
Bartley's has satisfied cravings of many a hippie, yuppie and celebrity by taking seven ounces of freshly ground sirloin, grilling it to perfection, slathering on any number of toppings and giving it a humorous, politically tinged billing (the "Dick Cheney's only a heartbeat away"). Every once in a blue moon, someone passes on a burger to nosh on a gigantic, fresh salad or comfort dish like franks with Boston baked beans. Almost as popular as burgers are tangy raspberry-lime rickeys and extra-thick frappes.
User Reviews
Geoffpp
April 28, 2009
WORST of all is that every single time there I have been made to feel unwelcome and unliked. The incredibly brusque and ill-tempered wait staff are only outdone in pure rudeness by the cashier who was sullen and seemingly disgusted with my intrusion on her picking her nails clean. I've been there 3 times in the last 2 months. They have an excellent selection of burgers and options. Two of my three burgers arrived the temperature I wanted. While they are delicious, they are not worth the prices. I say this...best $10 burger in Harvard. But for that price go to Abe and Louis' downtown. Cash only is a problem, it's the 21st century already...please, put your prices up by 2% so I don't have to go the the freakin' bank to eat. Please, go to Charley's instead, where the staff are super friendly, and while the burgers and only 80% as good, you can buy two of them for the same price.
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IslandPark
January 16, 2009
I can't believe that I never stumbled across this place in 20+ years of visiting Harvard Square. Ok, so it's not elegant or commodious or even very comfortable (we got a cold draft of air whenever anyone opened the door and had to keep our coats on). It's loud and crowded. And I got whipped cream splashed on my head. But the place is lively and it's a great burger joint. Since I don't eat beef, I was glad to find that they will substitute a turkey or veggie burger in any selection. Don't go if you are expecting a quiet , refined dining experience - but if you want an excellent selection of creative burger toppings, eclectic decorating (an Elvis theme prevails along with lots of bumper stickers and "your brain on ..." posters) and upbeat atmosphere - you can't beat it. We were there on a Thursday evening and had prompt seating, attentive service and a nice conversation with our cheek-by-jowl fellow diners. The waitress tried to warn us away from the large size order of onion rings (she was right - it was huge), but we had no problems demolishing it in short order as we awaited our burgers which arrived thick, juicy and piping hot. I need to make up for the past 20 years and visit more often!
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norgeerbest
October 09, 2008
We were 4 going to dinner, my husband was parking our car and us three ladies walked in ahead of him. We told them we needed a table for 4 and that the fourth person was parking the car but we would place his order for him. We were told to wait OUTSIDE! It wasn't even crowded inside, plenty of tables were available! When we were getting seated there were multiple tables available and we requested a table in a corner. She replied with a NO, you can sit here! And threw our menus on the table almost hitting the guy next to us! A table for 4 opened up next to us and we were moved there finally. We placed our order and I placed my husbands order as well. When he walked in, the waitress walked over to my husband and asked if the order I had placed was indeed what he wanted! HOW RUDE! Of course it was! The check came way before we were done eating and she tried to take our plates half way through dinner! As she removed a plate she pulled it off the table and the fork on top of it fell on my friends arm and on the floor, the waitress didn't even apologise for the ketchup that ended up on my friends' sleeve. We gave a $5 tip for a $51 dinner, yes, I would have given less, but my husband insisted... I will NEVER go here again and I will spread the word of the terrible customer service, either way, the food isn't worth sitting through that! And it's dirty in there! We had to ask the waitress if she could please wipe off our table before we sat down!
read full reviewThe Details on Bartley's Burger Cottage
Where to Sit:
If you're in the Square and flying solo, grab a seat at the long, communal table in the center of the restaurant.
When to Go:
Avoid the restaurant during lunch hours, when every seat is taken and there's usually a wait to get in.
Know Before You Go:
Looking to have a beer with your burger? Head elsewhere--no alcohol is served here.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Outdoor Dining, Historic Setting, Lunch Spot, Family Style Dining, Group Dining, Cheap Eats
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
