Harvest
It’s been many years since I’ve been to the bar at Harvest - the Harvard Square regional-haute restaurant, that is, not the food coop - but I’ve always wanted to go back. The decor is traditional, with dark wood bars and paneling and leather seats, but it’s not stuffy. And given the paucity of decent places to go in Harvard Square, getting a good cocktail holds great appeal.
And they can make good drinks. I went with my old favorite, the sidecar, and wasn’t disappointed. I couldn’t see what make of brandy the bartender used (what other place has brandy among their well bottles, by the way?), but it was followed by Cointreau and a sour mix that had to have been made-in house, the result was just too good. Poured into a properly sugared glass, it was a finely made drink. The bartender, too, had the right combination of friendliness and professionalism.
Big drawback: it’s a restaurant bar with not a lot of space (about 10 stools) and others have already discovered it. I barely snagged a stool during Wednesday dinner hour. It also carries a tonier atmosphere than a casual drink out might warrant; I was glad I’d come still dress in office attire. The prices aren’t cheap - 11 bucks a cocktail - but that’s what I paid at Vinalia for a lousy drink. Might as well get quality and atmosphere that’s not faux-chic.
Harvest Restaurant is located at 44 Brattle Street, Cambridge, tucked away in the passageway behind the Crate and Barrel.
Ditto on your observations at Vinalia. For slightly less expensive but equally delicious food and some nifty creative cocktails, I suggest Henrietta’s Table (Charles Hotel, Harvard Square). They always a have chalkboard listing seasonal drinks that are under $10.