Temple Bar

Message from Temple Bar

Relaxed atmosphere and a creative menu make this Mass. Ave. hot spot a popular choice for after-work dinner and drinks.
  • Dinner, Brunch
  • Rent For Special Events
  • Late Night Menu

Located just outside of Harvard Square, Temple Bar is an American bistro that offers a unique and cozy backdrop for any occasion. Whether you are dining with family, friends or on a romantic date, this Cambridge restaurant is the perfect place to go. Patrons will delight in the detailed approach to food preparation, coupled with a broad reaching wine list. Later in the evening, guests can unwind with a delicious specialty cocktail from the drink list at the bar or in a cozy booth. Accented by exposed brick, oversized mirrors, lights and booths and an oak enamored paneling, guests enjoy the buzz and excitement of Temple Bar. Rent out this Cambridge hot spot for your next special event. Whatever the occasion, rehearsal dinner, birthday party, corporate event or anniversary, they offer a wide variety of choices for any event. Come visit this American bistro today.

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

Marker Temple Bar

(617) 401-7737

1688 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02138
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Editorial Description by Citysearch
The Scene
Located between Harvard and Porter Squares, Temple Bar lures young professionals and local residents with a well-rounded menu and plenty of stylish liquid concoctions (Key lime martins, pineapple-infused vodka drinks). Exposed brick walls, low-hanging lamps, stylish furniture and dark lacquered tabletops provide a touch of elegance to an otherwise relaxed environment. Pleasant servers reveal their favorite menu items and deliver dishes from the rear kitchen.

The Food
Temple Bar's upscale comfort fare includes options for both barflies and serious-minded foodies. Popular starters include fried Rhode Island calamari, tossed with honey peppers, and seared beef carpaccio with tangy preserved lemon gremolata, aged Gouda and white truffle oil. Flat-bread pizzas (toppings include Spanish olives, radicchio pesto and Manchengo cheese) and pulled chicken sandwiches are ideal for bar patrons. Classic steak frites gets a kick thanks to lavender aioli and house-cured fries. Desserts include tiramisu (made with homemade espresso Creme Anglaise) and mango creme brulee.
Rated 8.0 out of 10 by Citysearch.

45 Reviews of Temple Bar in Cambridge

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Trendy bar and restaurant  4 Star Rating - Very good

By Mike M. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 2,453

A very harvardesk trendy bar and restaurant. A little pricy but the food is very good in this somewhat dark but hip spot on Mass Ave between Harvard and Porter square. Grab a bite with some friends, or go for the bar.

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Great Brunch  4 Star Rating - Very good

By Leigh S. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 5,358

The Temple Bar is a very stylish Bar/Restaurant that is a nice place to go whether the sun is up or down. On the weekends they have a wonderfully rich and diverse brunch menu. At night time Temple Bar is a hoping place to grab a drink and hang out with your friends. The menu is moderately priced, the drinks are a little over priced.

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Latest reviews by Citysearch: (read all 43 reviews on Citysearch)

Go-To Spot 4 Star Rating - Very good

By CES81

I love this place. The atmosphere is wonderful and depending upon the server you can rely on good service. I love their truffle oil pizza, casear salad, and drinks. It's not overpriced and just is the perfect blend of atmosphere food and fun.

Pros: Interesting Menu Great Atmosphere Good Date Spot
Cons: Crowded Overpacked Bar Area
Posted 01/15/09

Lomi Lomi 4 Star Rating - Very good

By veritablepalate

TB has recently become one of my personal hot spots. Fav on the apps menu- you MUST try the lomi lomi salmon ceviche. If you're a vegetarian, try the seared parisian gnocchi. Everything I've had so far has been delicious and the atmosphere is great.

Posted 09/15/08

Awesome Place! 5 Star Rating - World class

By LynchmobSomerville

Tom Berry is probably the most underrated chef in Boston. He's constantly varying the menu, consistently churning out food that you would get at 5 star restaurant at 1/2 the price. Temple Bar is a great place to go for any occasion, be it a date or out with a group of friends. Always a cool and fun vibe, with great food and drinks.

Posted 09/15/08

Loved it! 5 Star Rating - World class

By partycentral

This place is awesome!! I had the time of my life. I havnt been out in 3 weeks, and when my friends dragged me out I ended up having a fabulous time! a few fantastic apple martini's and appetizers, the atmosphere and the vibe gave me and my girls a perfect saturday night. I definately reccomend putting on your favorite party dress, hitting the town with your friends, and having a blast. Temple Bar is the shiznit.

Pros: The Eye Candy
Posted 09/15/08

Pretty lousy time 1 Star Rating - Unsatisfactory

By div0502

I am a regular and went here with my friend last night and was very disappointed by a number of things. Not usually one to complain, I have to say though that the hostess went out of her way to be rude to us. After she finally sat us down, we ordered one drink and waited half an hour before the drinks arrived and then waited another 45 minutes before we could even ask for another one. At this time, we were so aggravated that we asked for the check. This took another 20 minutes and the hostess obviously was no help after we asked her for the check. We finally went up to the bar and paid the bill. I have never walked out on a bill, but last night was the closest I have ever been.

Pros: great ambiance
Cons: rude hostess, bad service
Posted 02/19/08