Border Cafe
(617) 864-6100
32 Church St
Cambridge,
MA
02138
42.3742
-71.1203
Neighborhood: West Cambridge
What People Are Saying About Border Cafe
The Editor
Eric Grossman
Citysearch
The Scene
Due to the area's lack of inexpensive dining options, the wallet-friendly Border Cafe is the restaurant of choice among Harvard Square's younger residents. (Translation: expect hour-plus waits on weekends.) Large groups gather at massive tables scattered among the two Southwestern-themed dining levels, while solo diners flock to the tiny bar area and its TVs. At night, indulging in a gargantuan frozen margarita is the favored method of counteracting the high noise levels and hectic environment.
The Food
No one has ever confused the sizzling fajita platters or overstuffed quesadillas with gourmet Mexican fare, but overall quality is good and portions are exceptionally large. (Rare is the table that orders an entree for each diner.) After plowing through a basket of warm tortilla chips and fresh salsa, patrons select from the menu's lengthy listing of standard Tex-Mex (chicken enchiladas) and Cajun (spicy blackened swordfish) dishes.
Hits
Setting the standard for group dining, Border Cafe encourages sharing thanks to huge portions and no plate-splitting fees.
Misses
The menu's Cajun offerings feel misplaced, as it's difficult to enjoy gumbo when nibbling on chips and salsa while surrounded by Tex-Mex decor.
User Reviews
VindictiveButterfly
June 16, 2009
I was so disappointed when I went there. First of all, ordered a Margaritta and the waiter insisted on seeing my ID, which I had left in my other purse back at my apt . A little rediculous because I'm far beyond the legal age and that was quite obvious. So my boyfriend walked back to the apt to pick up my ID for me (He's the only good part of this bad experience). As I'm waiting for his return, the waiter saw me waiting there for almost half an hour and never once asked if I would like to order any appitizers or another drink. I guess if you sit their alone you wont get any service. So finally when my ID arrives and I begin to order, I ask for a frozen Margaritta with salt and ask the waiter which one he thinks is good. The waiter begins to tell me that Margarittas on the rocks are better and the salt takes away from the flavor of the Tequilla. A little insulting since I know what I like, and he thought his tastes were better. Shouldn't waiters suggest items based on what the customers like? I'm not feeding him! It was basically watered down tequilla with crushed ice. Most of the flavor came from the salt I requested. As for food, like a lot of Harvard folks I'm a vegitarian. Ordered a cheese enchillada, thinking it would have more than just cheese in it. Boy was I wrong. I basically ordered a tortilla filled with cheddar cheese and a tiny bit of sauce that tasted as though it were burnt. This place is a joke. Litterally. Every time we mention going out to eat, we say "How about the Border Cafe!!!" as if that would ever happen again.
read full review
hardinghouseinncambrdge
January 21, 2009
This Harvard Square favorite offers delicious and inexpensive Mexican and Cajun food in a fun and lively environment. Students, tourists and families flock to this Southwestern-themed restaurant which is known for its gigantic frozen margaritas and large portions. The meal starts off right with a basket of warm tortilla chips and tangy salsa which are irresistible. The appetizers, including the chorizo with tomatoes, onions and poblano jack cheese; and the Cajun popcorn shrimp do not disappoint. And Border Cafe features an exhaustive menu that has something for everyone. Favorites include the sizzling chicken, beef or fish fajitas; the chicken guadalajara filled with red peppers and spinach; the shrimp and crawfish quesadilla; and the mesquite-grilled swordfish steak with Jalape?o butter. There is also a dazzling array of salads and a large vegetarian menu. Though far from highbrow and a bit noisy on weekend evenings, the Border Cafe offers good food and fun in the midst of Harvard Square?s more serious restaurants.
read full review
Anonymous
January 16, 2009
My family has been going to the Border Cafe in Harvard Square for over 20 years. We are native Bostonians and now California transplants. Every visit to Boston includes a trip to the Border Cafe ! Try the Eggplant Royale or the extra fresh chips and salsa.
read full reviewThe Details on Border Cafe
The Extras:
Vegetarians take heart: The restaurant offers a full page of meatless menu options.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Late Night Dining, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Family Style Dining, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Cheap Eats, Bar Scene
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
