Suggestions for a Family Dinner near Harvard Square on a Friday night?

[farmersdaughter]

I'm trying to find a place for a group of 8 - 10 family members for a Friday night in September. We are all flying in from different parts of the country for a family reunion that Saturday, and a group of 8 - 10 of us will be staying at a hotel in Harvard Square Friday night. We are looking for a good place for dinner that night that is (hopefully) within walking distance of the hotel. We'd like something that will be appealing to a wide range of ages (from 6 to 75) and that is on the casual side, with entrees of ~$20-25, table service, and a thoughtful selection of wine and beer (of course a full bar would be even better). We're going to Legal Seafoods another night, so any suggestions other than that restaurant would be much appreciated. Thank you!

[somervilleoldtimer]

How about Wagamama, or is it too informal? Long tables would be condusive to conversation, I think.

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Wagamama
57 Jfk St, Cambridge, MA 02138

[food_lubber]

third for Russell House Tavern. It has everything you described, and it suitable for all ages.

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Russell House Tavern
14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

[baldbert]

Henrietta's Table in the Charles Hotel might work. Lots of room and tables outside.

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Henrietta's Table
One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 02138

[fayth]

Second the recommendation for Henrietta's Table. Went for RW lunch last week and the food and service were outstanding. Could easily dine on just the wonderful bread basket-one of the best around. The restaurant (including patio area) is spacious and very comfortable for a large group. The food was very good, emphasizing seasonal local ingredients. The Taza chocolate pie was a wonderful gooey dessert choice. The prices are very reasonable for the quality and portion size. The menu is varied -would appeal to many tastes. See menu:

http://www.henriettastable.com/menus/...

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Henrietta's Table
One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 02138

[Blumie]

It's a slightly longer walk than Harvard Sq restaurants, but Rendezvous, in Central Sq, does well with groups, and is very good and very comfortable.

[pemma]

You could also consider Russell House Tavern right in the middle of the square on JFK.

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Russell House Tavern
14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

[qaj]

Second Russell House. Also, Harvest, especially if it's nice out and you can sit out back.

[cambridgedoctpr]

I think that Tamarind Bay has excellent Indian food; the best in Boston and comparable with Tabla, my favorite in Manhattan. I also like Rialto though it might be a bit too expensive.

You should know that Legal sells oysters at 6 dollars for an order of 6 from 3 to 6 pm.

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Tamarind Bay
75 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138

[farmersdaughter]

That was one of the ones I was gravitating toward, so thanks for validating it. A friend at work has suggested Tamarind Bay, Cambridge 1 and Small Plates. Any thoughts on the other two?

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Tamarind Bay
75 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Small Plates
56 Jfk St, Cambridge, MA 02138

[cambridgedoctpr]

i live near harvard square; I have not tried small plates but was not thrilled by Cambridge 1. I can't help you with Small Plates.

But i am picky.

By the way, Rialto has a 3 course 40 dollar fixed price option and a good if expensive wine list. But other than at Troquet, I am not impressed with the value or quality of wine lists in Boston.

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Troquet
140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

Small Plates
56 Jfk St, Cambridge, MA 02138

[gimlis1mum]

We liked the pizza at Cambridge 1, but it can get loud in there. Maybe not the best spot for a family trying to catch up :-)