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Party Earth Review Thanks to rave reviews from the likes of GQ and Boston Magazine, Craigie On Main is now a favorite for foodies, grad students, and curious tourists looking for great food and a unique opportunity to see master chefs... ... read full review
853 Main Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Red Line: Central
617-497-5511
Tu–Su 5:30pm–1am, Brunch Su 11am–2pm
Cambridge / Somerville, Boston –
Thanks to rave reviews from the likes of GQ and Boston Magazine, Craigie On Main is now a favorite for foodies, grad students, and curious tourists looking for great food and a unique opportunity to see master chefs at work.
The brainchild of chef Tony Maws, the sleek restaurant specializes in a “nose to tail” culinary style that makes use of every part of the animal, from crispy pig tails to grilled bellies.
A light décor of scattered tables with white tablecloths and white brick walls hung with lithographs and art prints creates an airy bistro ambiance that puts the focus squarely on the open kitchen.
Transparent walls allow diners to watch the frenetic activity, hear the clanking of pots and pans, and eavesdrop on the chef’s playful chiding as Maws’ team expertly executes the eclectic menu.
Much of the food itself takes center stage as it makes its way to the noisy dining room, where couples split entrées – like the roasted milk-fed pig’s head for two – and chatty young professionals indulge in multi-course meals late into the night.
Those who prefer a mellower vibe can saunter off to the side bar, where trendy artists and business types perch on stools or lounge on the red leather banquette by the window to savor signature cocktails like the Northern Lights made with St. Germain and scotch.
Upbeat and bustling, Craigie On Main is a must-do for culinary adventurers looking for a high-energy dinner party.
Trendy foodies, graduate students, artists, upscale and creative young professionals, and business types with expense accounts, mid-20s to 30s.
Views of the kitchen staff at work.
Constantly changing menu featuring American and French fare, including grilled Spanish octopus, red quinoa-encrusted Arctic char, and skirt steak à la poêle.
Specials include Night Flite, a tea or coffee and dessert available after 9pm; the Curtain for Certain prix fixe pre-theater dinner; and Cocktail Whim featuring four different mini cocktails. Four- and six-course chef menus available Su after 9pm.
Brunch $12–$18, bar menu $3–$18, entrées $21–$36, Night Flite $13, Curtain for Certain $39.95, four-course menu $40, six-course menu $55, Cocktail Whim $20. Beer $7+, wine $10–$22, cocktails $10+.
Nice casual to dressy: anything from informal tops and jeans to dresses and heels for women, and jeans and vintage t-shirts to suits for men.
Always busy at meal times, especially Friday and Saturday nights, when reservations are highly recommended.
Salts (798 Main Street) is another family-owned restaurant serving similar French fare to the same crowd of creative professionals.
Craigie On Main User Reviews