When I lived in Harvard Square many moons ago, I basically lived in the cozy confines of the legendary, literarily-themed eatery known as Grendel’s Den.

When I recently visited the Square to promote my book on the Ivy League (www.lionstigersbulldogs.com), I had the chance to return to Grendel’s and to remind myself of all that I’ve been missing since I left Cambridge.

From its bustling bar to its cozy corners, Grendel’s is a comfortable place to eat, drink, study, meet and catch up with friends, all while enjoying some of the best food and drink around. 

From customizable sandwiches to a raft of vegetarian and vegan options and from the famed French dip and Greek spinach pie (both of which have been on the menu for 50 years), PEI mussels, Guinness Irish stew and Faroe Island salmon, to authentic paella, quesadillas with everything from chicken to brisket, and Salvadoran veggies, the Grendel’s menu is an international feast of new and old favorites and dishes that are sure to become favorites soon. In addition to express lunches and other daily specials that make repeat visits even more of a pleasure, Grendel’s also offers great cocktails, including Margaritas, Sangrias, a proper Pimm’s cup, a wilder Whiskey flower, their famous big cucumber energy drink, homemade sangrias, and a monthly wheel of horoscope-inspired beverages. In addition to the Cambridge Amber that has been served for nearly four decades, the underground gem also offers cellar’s worth wines, meads, and Madeiras, and even some non-alcoholic options that are as tasty and slaking as anything around.

Harvard Square has changed a great deal in the past decades and has frankly lost a lot of its indie charm. That is why it was all the more satisfying to see one of the OG Square spots still serving super stuff to students and civilians alike!

Be sure to visit www.GrendelsDen.com and check out their podcast about their 40-year view of the Square and its people.