Went for Restuarant Week. Mussels smelled fishy, and there were a few unopened shells, which means they should never have been served. They were also poorly cleaned. Lobster ravioli were smothered in sauce that had obviously been waiting on the hot plate too long. I should have sent it all back rather than suffer the food poisoning that followed.
We went for drinks at the bar upstairs, and while the decor was interesting, it looked a bit run down. The bartenders were friendly and new how to craft a cocktail, but we won't rush back for dinner or more drinks.
I've only been to Upstairs once, and I get the sense that to truly appreciate it, one must try their different menus. The food was excellent (as it should be, given the price), the atmosphere was lovely, portions were neither skimpy nor painfully large (there is something satisfying about being served a delicious meal and being able to finish it without feeling overfull), and they happily accommodated my vegan friend by altering a dish on the menu. Service was a little sluggish at times -- one of our drink orders took something like 20 minutes to finally arrive -- but good on the whole.
Went to Upstairs to have a nice dinner with a friend. I was greatly disappointed as the veggies and fish I had ordered was all burned. When I told the waitress she didn't even offer anything nor apologized.
My friend got her dinner after I had already finished mine. When she asked when her dinner was finally coming the waitress almost felt annoyed.
Have to admit that for this price point and location I would expect much more - service and food quality are below standard.
Such a fun little place to go for drinks or a light meal (I've never been for a full dinner, but I bet that's great, too). From most important to least important about checking out this place...
DECOR: The bar floor is fun and funky, with a chandelier that has lightbulbs with wings and a mirror above the bar that says "Go Red Sox" in red paint. All kinds of funky greens and pinks in the decor. Also, they have a fire going in the fireplace in the winter, which is SO nice for escaping those chilly nights.
FOOD: I've always been impressed with the food. Love the appetizer dates, and their pizza is thin and flavorful, and their ravioli fresh and delicious. Nothing special about the bread they bring out, but they serve it with a pesto olive oil dip, which is nice. Good full wine list.
SERVICE: Very friendly and attentive.
Yummy food, incredible happy hour, pretty cool decor. Perfect for date night
Pink and purple all over.... but not too girly.
have been there several times, and Thanksgiving.
I always enjoy their food, esp. the turkey in their thanksgiving menu.
One of my absolute favorite spots in Cambridge. The decor is right out of my closet (pink animal print upon animal print! I want to wear this place as a hat!) and the service is friendly and fun. The food is truly exceptional. I have had their tasting menu and it was beyond explanation. Every course was a surprise, a delight, and of course absolutely delicious. Their standard faire is equally elevated to glamorous yumminess. Even their lunches are really reasonable. My favorite thing is the tagletelle which comes with a lemon sauce and fish. Exceptional. Their cocktail menu is super fun as well and they have an EXCELLENT tea selection. Brunch is also not to miss- best eggs benedict in Harvard Sq, hands down.
Very good location for food. Foods, of course, are always delicious. I've been there during the day, the night, you can see beautiful street view, activities at the window seats. They usually have special holiday menus, go check it out!
Stopped in for Drinks and Appetizers. I was very pleased with both. Its such a fun place to meet up for a drink.
Great food and service. Fancy Nancy decor. Come here with your favorite girl.
always intriguing and pleasant environment. good location.
Fabulous food, fun decor and wonderful service.
The "hot dates" are a must!
I'd love to go back. I went for a girl's meet-up for drinks and appetizers. The atmosphere was great. I had a hard time picking out my cocktails.
THE MOVE HAS REJUVENATED THE RESTAURANT AND GIVEN IT A FRESH NEW FEEL. THE TOP FLOOR IS STATELY AND ELEGANT, AND THE BOTTOM FLOOR IS FUN AND FUNKY WITHOUT LOSING ONE BIT OF THE QUALITY OF THE FOOD.
The food we had for lunch was good, though not cheap. The decor is really loud: bright pinks and deep greens on the walls; leopard-print carpeting on the floors.
Very good food. The fish couldn't be fresher and interesting grains often served with it. The decor is wild, yet well done and the service is very good. The weak spots, like many Boston restaurants, are the noise and small cramped tables, if you eat downstairs.
best fine dining in harvard square. very cantabrigian.
Great food from a slow kitchen served by really nice staff. They do nice little things too, like warming the milk that accompanies your coffee. Nice.
MUCH NICER IN ITS NEW DIGS. ELEGANTLY PREPARED FOODS. UNEVEN SERVICE WAS STILL PRETTY GOOD.
The atmosphere here is really too cute. Great for grabbing a glass of wine at the bar or sitting down for a meal. Prices are pretty high for a normal dinner spot, but definitely worth the splurge for a bigger occasion. Be ready to get a color hug when you walk in. If purple isn't your thing, you'll be shocked. If it is -- get ready to smile.
We waited an hour for pasta that never came. What made it worse was the bad attitude the waitress had. She constantly lied about how soon the food was coming. Minutes after she said "I just saw it ready in the kitchen", we still had no pasta. She promised to get the manager when we complained further, but the manager never came. Needless to say we left.
I love the fun atmosphere at Upstairs. Food is outstanding, service is excellent. A Cambridge classic.
Upstairs on the Square is pricey for sure, but if you're looking to splurge, you will not be disappointed. Great drinks, excellent food and funky decor. Best meal I've had in Cambridge in 5 years.
parsniprestaurant.com
