Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage
Cambridge, MA 02138-3820
Phone: (617) 354-6559
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Harvard Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- French Fries 2007, Hamburger 2007, Hamburger 2007
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 11am-9pm
Editorial Review for Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage – by Eric Grossman
The Scene
For one of the Boston area's most unique--and beloved--dining experiences, visitors must cross the Charles and head toward the edge of Harvard Square, where Mr. Bartley has lured people to his "cottage" for more than four decades. Mr. B can still be found seating students and area workers in his hectic single-room restaurant that's jam-packed with young, eclectic waiters and humorous posters from bygone eras.
The Food
Bartley's has satisfied cravings of many a hippie, yuppie and celebrity by taking seven ounces of freshly ground sirloin, grilling it to perfection, slathering on any number of toppings and giving it a humorous, politically tinged billing (the "Dick Cheney's only a heartbeat away"). Every once in a blue moon, someone passes on a burger to nosh on a gigantic, fresh salad or comfort dish like franks with Boston baked beans. Almost as popular as burgers are tangy raspberry-lime rickeys and extra-thick frappes.
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Insider Tips
Where to SitIf you're in the Square and flying solo, grab a seat at the long, communal table in the center of the restaurant.
When to GoAvoid the restaurant during lunch hours, when every seat is taken and there's usually a wait to get in.
Know Before You GoLooking to have a beer with your burger? Head elsewhere--no alcohol is served here.
User Reviews for Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage
02/07/2008 Posted by BostonFoodSucks
One of the few places in Boston where I've felt happy eating. Mr B took our order, and we were shoved into the crowded hole of a restaurant. They use proper beef patties that aren't pressed into perfect cow-patties. Got a couple of different types of burgers. Nothing fancy, just what I like from a burger. Fries were hot and crispy, and the onion rings aren't the kind that are batter-rings filled with pureed onion. They were nice and crispy, lightly floured onions. It's a hoot if you're taking normal people around Boston.
Pros: Good beef, good onion rings, Mr B still takes pride in his restaurant
Cons: Crowded and well known
12/29/2007 Posted by terriertrimmer1
I have eaten here many times but in the last couple of years this place has really tanked!! The tables are now so close that you can't get comfortable, even if you could with the management breathing down the servers necks to get that check down and the next customer seated. They asked for my order outside then plunked down the meal immediately and then the check. I had barely had a bite. My med rare burger was served a full 10 minutes before the rest of my party's, do you start eating w/o them or opt for cold food? All of this aggravation for the priveledge of paying 9-11 dollars for a burger!! They have no restroom, Legal?, doubt it. The cook, who may have been an owner spent the entire time screaming at his staff. They looked like kids trying to earn money for college, give em a break. Maybe if they didn't stuff the place to over capacity, they wouldn't need to yell!!! I will spend my money and indulge my burger cravings elsewhere!!
Pros: nice servers
Cons: everything else
