Cambridge - is The Blue Room all it's cracked up to be?

[Clashmeister]

Going to be in Cambridge Wednesday evening and would like a lovely but not break-the-bank dinner. Someone mentioned "The Blue Room". Is this the place to go? Or where would you go? Somewhat picky eater as my date.

[vozick]

They are overrated in my book. Some posters feel differently.

[JRL]

Second. I think their menu is dull and their preparations are unexceptional.

[Buttercup]

I agree. The menu is just not that interesting.

[ellie]

i'm a dissenter. i've always liked the blue room a lot. when they first opened (many years ago now)they were truly cutting edge...(i went there the first week they opened for LUNCH, when they were doing tuna sandwiches that were actually grilled tuna steaks on grilled bread with some kind of hot salsa. that was something in the early 1990s) of course, many years and chefs later this still isn't the case, but in the mid-range price category i still think it's one of the best options. maybe i just have a soft spot for them in my heart....

[square]

I really like the blue room. It's definitely a nice, but not too expensive restaurant.

I think it's a better place for a picky date than many places often mentioned on the board. Their chicken dish is quite good, and not terribly adventurous.

In the Cambridge area, I'd go to Blue Room, East Coast Grill or Craigie St. Bistrot. Some hounds like Central Kitchen, but I find it to be overrated by the board -- bad service and salty food are what I've experienced. I'd also stay away from Salts and Oleana, both of which I found disappointing, and which may also be too adventurous and expensive depending on your preferences.

I always have a great time at Green St. Grill, though some of the food can be pretty spicy, and it's a louder atmosphere than the other places. It is significantly less expensive than the other places I mentioned.

[Essabagel]

I second square's post about the blue room--it isn't the most innovative menu around, but that might make it a good choice for a companion who is not super adventurous (we went there with my husband's parents, who are conservative eaters, and for them it was just interesting enough without being too exotic; they really liked it). It isn't my absolute favorite restaurant in Cambridge (that would probably be Oleanna, despite the fact that the service there is not what it should be), but I've always enjoyed my meals there.

[Steve]

Well, as I've mentioned before, I'm one of the ones not impressed with the Blue Room. I have lived in Cambridge for years, and I have tried to give it a shot about 4-5 times (and that's about 3-4 times too many). My experience with the service has always been poor --- entrees served one at a time (with a few minutes lag), cocktails not delivered, food served cold, and such shoddy service from the bartender that I almost just walked out. I used to work in the restaurant industry for years in my twenties...I do not need people fawning over me; I do need people to respect that I am paying a lot of money for the entire experience and give me polite service.

I'm probably flying solo on this one on this board, but I will not go back.

Now, on the other hand, I have only had great experiences at Central Kitchen. Ultimately, my advice is to try every place and make up your own mind...obviously all of our opinions are subjective

[glenn]

I'm a long-time Blue Room fan, but my recent experiences there have been just as good as ever. I think I like EVOO better if price is no object, and I definitely agree that Green Street Grill is fabulous, and I like Central Kitchen too, but the Blue Room is definitely in that fine company in my mind. I wouldn't hestitate to recommend it for a special occasion.

Add the East Coast Grill and the Harvest and you've got all my very favorite Cambridge spots, I think.