Choose your location
Sat / Apr 17
Party Earth Review Named after the brutish monster from the medieval classic Beowulf, Grendel’s Den is a fun and atmospheric underground tavern that stays charmingly true to its theme. Laid-back Cambridge locals and quirky young professionals... ... read full review
89 Winthrop Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Red Line: Harvard
617-491-1160
Daily 11:30am–1am; Patio April 1–November 30 only
Cambridge / Somerville, Boston –
Named after the brutish monster from the medieval classic Beowulf, Grendel’s Den is a fun and atmospheric underground tavern that stays charmingly true to its theme.
Laid-back Cambridge locals and quirky young professionals trundle downstairs into an exposed brick hideaway sporting a huge U-shaped bar, wood accents, and a roaring, if artificial, fire in the hearth.
Red brick archways lead to various smaller nooks decorated with large mirrors reflecting the action at the bar.
An elevated dining area in back is aggressively first-come first-serve, as a diverse mix of business lunchers, artsy hipsters, and Harvard students elbow their way in to take advantage of the spectacularly cheap Happy Hour meal deals, with many patrons staying on well into their fifth Newcastle to enjoy the warmth of the laid-back vibe.
When the weather is nice, guests can take their pints out to the patio to chat or watch the street performers and musicians in Winthrop Park.
Packed with an outgoing clientele and with atmosphere to spare, Grendel’s Den is a fun and welcoming hangout that will pluck up even the weariest of warriors.
Harvard students, alternative types, and preppy young professionals, early 20s to late 30s+.
Bartenders’ playlists including everything from the White Stripes to Lady Gaga.
Full menu featuring portobello reubens, gorgonzola mac and cheese, and veggie chili. Half-price menu daily 5–7:30pm and Su–Th 9–11:30pm. Weekday express lunch deals. Brunch Su 11:30am–3pm.
Brunch $4.50–$10, appetizers $3.50– $8, soups and salads, $2.75–$8, entrées $5.75–$14, weekday express lunch $4.95. Beer $4–$9, wine $7–$13, cocktails $5.75–$7.75.
Casual: jeans, t-shirts, informal dresses, shorts, polos.
Any time for the half-price menu specials, especially Friday nights when a large after-work crowd shows up to kick off the weekend.
The small and cozy Shay’s Pub and Wine Bar (58 JFK Street) is an unpretentious alternative if Grendel’s is packed.
Grendel's Den User Reviews