Cambridge Eats ... What's Good These Days?

[Kanger]

Went to school in the area, but it's been a while. What's a good place for dinner for 4 on a Saturday night, without reservations? We prefer something not too expensive. Good food is the #1 priority, of course. I'd say anything between Porter Sq and Central Sq is fair game.

[jajjguy]

Ole Mexican Grille in Inman Sq rocks pretty hard. A real high-end restaurant, not a burrito joint (nothing against burrito joints).

[professor shorthair]

East Coast Grill in Inman Sq would be my first choice (entres like $15-$20).

[finlero]

East Coast Grill is a fine choice, especially given the no-reservations policy for small parties; your odds are as good as anyone else's. One caveat: the entree price is currently hovering a little closer to $25:

http://eastcoastgrill.net/menus/dinne...

[Felton]

The moules frites appetizer at Central Kitchen ($12) is great and plenty big enough for a full meal. Might want to make reservations though.

[ACEC]

I just went to dinner with a group at The Blue Room in Kendall Square. The food was really good and prices were reasonable.

[Bostonbob3]

For the quality of food, Rendezvous is excellent and reasonably priced.

[gini]

To add on to the suggestions already made, two pubs:
There's The Druid in Inman - short list of homey Irish food including a great oxtail stew, a good burger and really respectable fish and chips. I also like River Gods in Central (on River St) for burgers and Korean hand rolls (it's an esoteric menu).

[joestrummer]

Gini, have you had the brunch or Irish breakfast at the Druid?

[gini]

Don't tell anyone, but I don't ever go out to eat for breakfast.

Sorry, dude, nope.

[joestrummer]

There are worse skeletons to have in your closet.
I rarely go myself except for the occasional treat at a diner or for an Irish breakfast.

[pollystyrene]

Check out the Westside Lounge between Harvard and Porter, and Garden at the Cellar between Harvard and Central. At any place with good food, you're likely to have a wait if you don't have a reservation.

[cambridgeMike]

as i've mentioned on this board here before I live West Side Lounge and it's always a great pick. I'm also going to throw a bone to Z-Square in Harvard square. They do comfort food well for a reasonable price and the downstairs space is actually quite pleasant.

[finlero]

Without a reservation, West Side may indeed be your best bet. Temple Bar's food has come quite a way in recent years as well.

If you don't mind a side of pandemonium with your meal, Punjabi Dhaba in Inman has some terrific Indian food. Counter service with limited seating upstairs, but you could make it work.

[joestrummer]

Miracle of Science just south of Central Sq. Great burgers and beers, reasonable prices.
Fun place, might be a little hectic on a Sat night.