Best Fondue and Seasonal Accompaniments
Overall: B+
$$$
Service: 4/5 I’m always satisfied with the geniality of the waiter or waitress, but a few times I’ve had to wait uncomfortably long for my food to arrive. If you aren’t starving, it’s no problem. If you are, I recommend snacking on the delicious bread basket that includes whole wheat options and Boston brown bread.
Food: 4.5/5 Temple Bar specializes in modern American cuisine that suits any palate. Traditional American flavors blend well with New England’s seasonal influence, adding a modern twist to the fare. Executive Chef Greg Boschetti Greg has previously worked for Chez Henri, a French meets Cuban restaurant in Cambridge, and moved his way up from Sous Chef to Executive Chef at Temple Bar. For brunch, try the “Croque” Eggs Benedict with artisanal sour dough, black forest ham, swiss cheese, smoked paprika hollandaise, and home fries. Or go for the Cowboy Omelet with chorizo, roasted peppers, mushroom, Vermont cheddar, and home fries. Meat-free dinner options include the Seasonal Vegetarian Charcuterie Board with vegetable terinne, pequillo pepper hummus, lemon edamame, daikon radish “spring roll” pickled vegetables, warm roasted root vegetable, and tarragon-mustard dressing. Also available are exquisite (and fairly priced) late night bar menu options, including the Crispy Confit Duck Wings with spicy pineapple duck sauce and sweet soy syrup for $9.00; Yuzu Citrus Tuna Tartar with spicy cucumber, avocado mousse, house made pickled ginger, and sesame rice crackers for $13.00; and the Rosemary and Sea Salt Pommes Frites with Malt Vinegar Aioli for $5.00.
Atmosphere: 5/5 This is one restaurant where the bar seating is just as warm and comforting as the rest of the charming interior. The spacious restaurant has exposed brick, ambient lighting and floor to ceiling mirrors on one end and a fully stocked copper and wood-paneled bar on the other. You and your party can lounge in oversized leather booths, or you can cozy up with an Old Orchard Sour (Lairds Applejack, lemon, simple syrup, yellow Chartreuse, angostura bitters) at the hightop bar. It’s a suitable dining or drinking venue for families, couples, friends, and chummy co-workers.
Price: Temple Bar serves fresh, seasonal food for a good price. Unique appetizers like Crispy Flash Fried Calamari with sweet and spicy dipping sauce and the Roomkass “Double Creme” Gouda Cheese Fondue with seasonal accompaniments are $11.00 and $16.00, respectively. Meat and seafood entrees average $20.00, as do the vegetarian options like the Seasonal Risotto and Seasonal Vegetable Plate. Sandwiches and pizza are a bit cheaper, costing you less than $15.00, and the sides are the cheapest things on the menu. Try the Olive Oil Poached Fingerling Potatoes and the Sautéed Spinach with fried garlic chips for $5.00 each. Keep in mind that portions are satisfying, but may not fill you to the brim (which isn’t always a bad thing).
Accessibility: 4/5 There is free parking daily from 6:00 p.m.-1:30 a.m. behind the restaurant on the right side. Metered parking is also available along Massachusetts Ave. When it comes to public transit, take your pick between Harvard Square and Porter Square, since Temple Bar rests in between the two stations.
Recommendations:
-Snake River Farm Kobe Beef Sliders {artisan brioche, caramelized onions, smoked tomato aioli}
-Roasted Beet and Endive Salad {candied pistachios, toasted goat cheese crostini, horseradish-buttermilk dressing}
-Vegetarian Chef’s Tasting {Prix Fixe. Appetizer, Entree, Dessert. Chef’s Choice}
-White Truffle Pizza {avocado, tear drop tomatoes, baby arugula, white truffle oil, aged balsamic}
-Seared Brussels Sprouts {olive oil, salt}
-Roomkaas “Double Creme” Gouda Cheese Fondue (paired with seasonal accompaniments, like thick pretezel bites, thinly sliced pear, fingerling potatoes, broccoli)
-Fresh Brewed Ice Tea
1688 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
617.547.5055
www.templebarcambridge.com