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Mon-Sat. 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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I have been to this place twice and both times I thought it was amazing and some of the best food I have had in Boston area AND at a very reasonable price. They have this calamari dip that is out of this world and hard to come by treats like deviled eggs and goat soup. They also have a pretty cool micro brew selection.
You can tell everything is prepared with fresh ingredients and made with love. There is likely going to be a small wait but it's well worth it. The servers were also friendly and attentive and the bar tender is on it. I only wish I could save some room for desert!
My boyfriend calls on his way home and says "Let's go out to eat. What do you think?" I think "YAY! A chance to try one of the many places I say 'We should go here.' but then forget about two minutes later." So where to go...
I get on Yelp, track down my list of places to try... too far, too unhealthy, too pricey, too small, ah, just right - Highland Kitchen.
Not too far from where I live, and if you must drive they have parking in the back and all along Highland Ave for free. Their menu seemed like a mix of somewhat healthy to somewhat unhealthy - but it's southern, so the definition of "healthy" is something not fried. Dishes ranged from $8 to $20 or so, so it's not going to break the bank either.
My only complaint... While I called ahead to see how long the wait was going to be, we walked in and the place was packed. I usually don't like a place to be empty, but this was intense - we couldn't even get to the bartender. We finally managed to snag a few seats at the bar and decided just to order there (by this time my date was starving).
Once seated and eating, we each had about a foot of room in which to operate - on my left was a group of people who all had to put their drinks on the bar and reach for them every 2 minutes. On my date's right, another group of chatty females who had no depth perception. Behind us both, a constant stream of people who had just walked in the door trying for dear life to scream their drink orders to the bartender. After 2 hours of very loud conversation, I was ready for bed.
Overall, food AND DRINKS were delicious and the waitstaff was great. Burger came out a little more med-rare than medium, but the shrimp & grits were very rich and tasty. I would definitely go here again, but probably not on a weekend night.
People thought this was:
Live bluegrass for weekend brunch. Awesome!
We came to Highland Kitchen expecting a super long wait for a table. Instead, we were seated in about 20 minutes. Service was quick and we got our drinks within minutes of being seated. Awesome food, which was brought to our table maybe 10 minutes after we'd ordered - impressive given that the place was packed. My over-medium eggs were done perfectly, the hash browns were cooked just right (not undercooked, like at most places), and these were probably the best biscuits with sausage gravy I've had up North.
Fantastic weekend brunch. I can't wait to come back!
People thought this was:
My most recent meal at Highland was a disaster, and I'm STILL giving it 4 stars. That's how much I like it.
Our food took forever, and when it came out, I didn't get the roast chicken I'd ordered. The manager came barging out of the kitchen, wringing her hands -- apparently, our waiter had forgotten to order my meal, which wouldn't be a big deal except that this particular dish took 25 minutes to make, and they felt terrible about keeping us waiting even longer for just one person to get their dinner.
No big. I ordered the chiles rellenos instead, which were fast to come out of the kitchen and were superb. Spicy and moist and bursting with flavor.
Dessert rolls around, and it's my boyfriend's birthday, so I had sneakily ordered him a brownie sundae ahead of time. It came out with a candle on it (adorable!) and it looked so good that the rest of us wanted one, too.
But, Highland had run out of brownies.
No big deal. We each ordered another dessert (some kind of tart, I think) instead.
5 minutes later, we learn that they're out of THAT, too.
I asked the waiter if they were trying to play a joke on us.
Again, the manager came over to apologize. None of us were upset at all - the meal was great, the drinks were delicious, the birthday boy was happy - but still, she insisted on comping my meal, and everyone's dessert.
Which is why I go back to Highland Kitchen whenever I'm in Boston. The staff clearly cares about the customers, and, combined with excellent food, what more can you ask for from a neighborhood hang?
People thought this was:
OK, granted we came here on a night when I was coming down with a nasty head cold so I was kind of cranky but Highland Kitchen on the whole was ok.
When we arrived the place was empty but by the time we left it was packed! And noisy. And the service had slowed significantly. The noise and wait made me super cranky so I kind of couldn't wait to leave. Also the guy I believed to be the head chef kept delivering people's food but stomping around on the floor so loud. It was obnoxious and weird.
Our food was exquisite though. The Mediterranean dip plate was fantastic though I wish they gave you more pita bread. My pulled pork sandwich was good. They do a vinegar based BBQ sauce instead of a thicker/creamy version which was very good. The brownie sundae was completely delicious and I would eat that any night of the week.
I'm anxious to get back and reassess my opinion of the place.
People thought this was:
Highland Kitchen rests squarely and comfortably in the middle of a peculiar Venn Diagram. The melding of the bar area and dining area, coupled with the highly regarded drinks they serve, can qualify it as a gastropub. Still, the collard greens and shrimp and grits make it hard to argue against it as a purveyor of fine soul food. But what of the gnocchi and curried goat; does that turn it into a New American Fusion place? And the weekly bluegrass has got to make it a relaxed music venue too, right? Yet it is spoken of by locals with the familiar fondness of a neighborhood diner.
This is a restaurant that wears a lot of hats, which is not surprising in Boston's aggressive culinary landscape. What is surprising is the ease in which the Highland Kitchen handles the burden. It's identity is somehow clearly defined, if not easily categorized. You can sit down to a fine and inspired meal there. You can get a great drink there. You can listen to music or watch a game there. It's a date place that is simultaneously casual enough and classy enough to impress someone while putting them at ease.
Highland Kitchen succeeds because of the passion and proficiency of the staff. The menu is not massive, but it does not need to be. The cooks in the kitchen focus their work on a dozen or so main entrees and sandwiches, serving them with an efficiency and aplomb that eschews needless showiness. The pappardelle bolognese was meaty and deepened (but not overpowered) by a hint of truffle oil. The pulled pork sandwich tasted like a pulled pork sandwich (surprising how rare in life that is) and served with an apologetically simple mound of french fries. The collection of dips and pita chips served as an appetizer was so simple and perfect that you spend the entire meal insisting you can make it at home but lamenting it just wouldn't come out as well.
When you leave (you'll never be rushed out), you'll leave full and happy. If you live within walking distance, you'll be thrilled that such a gem can be found on foot. And within a day, you'll be thinking about how such a perfect show of culinary balance could be managed and when your next meal there will be.
I can honestly say I like the way the food tastes. With that said, it's time to BITCH!
Bluegrass bands are gross. They make me think of crab lice, and ppl who eat possums. Not to mention -- a bluegrass band can take up a lot of seating when your restaurant is busy. Sorry I'm not a fan, but at least it's not another fucking Jazz Brunch, I guess!
'Sup with that menu? It's more misleading than Ikea assembly instructions! I've been tricked by the wording at least 3 times!
"POTATO CHIVE PIEROGI....................$8.95
english peas, pistachios, smoked bacon"
Believe it or not, those 3 items are chopped up and served AROUND the pierogies! FUCKERS!
Fuck! Does the cheeseburger come in 5 different sections?!
I once ordered a breakfast sandwich and added the "egg on top." The egg was ON TOP of the fucking sandwich! No big deal ... I slipped it under the bread (bkuz the chef must have forgotten, right?), cut it in half, and proceeded to eat it. The over easy egg leaked all over the place, but whatevz -- they couldn't read my mind or guess that I'd expect a thoroughly cooked egg under the bread to complete my breakfast sandwich. It was yummy, I just wish they had Go-Jo hand cleaner in the bathroom -- I was scrubbing for 5 minutes. :(
Can I rewrite your menu? I'll describe things the way they are actually presented. Hopefully that can reduce the "WHAT THE FUCK?!" reaction when the food gets to the table. :(
I'll totally eat here again (bkuz my friends can't think of any other places to go :( ), but I'm totally going to drill the server, and ask to see pictures of the dish before I order.
People thought this was:
3.5 stars overall, but 5++++ stars for the cocktails. The Monsoon and the Mark N Stormy were SO GOOD!! The beer and wine selection overall is pretty extensive, but I think that Highland Kitchen is mostly known for their killer cocktails, which are quite fantabulous.
For starters, we knew we had to have the bluefish cakes and the mussels. The bluefish cakes were amazing -- so tasty and meaty. I was a little sad that there were only two of them, but that just made me savor each bite that much more.
The mussels were served in a coconut curry broth, which was really tasty. The bread we were given to soak up all the broth was excellent -- the bread a restaurant serves definitely says a lot about the overall quality I think. I wanted to ask the server where they get their bread from, but I was so consumed by how good everything was that it completely slipped my mind.
For an entree, we shared the lamb stew. Unfortunately, this was the let down of the night. We weren't sure if it was just the cooks the night we went, but our stew was saltier than salty. I could barely eat it. Not only that, but it was also way too hot for me to be able to eat it and actually enjoy it. I like heat and can handle a bit of it, but not this much. Heat is supposed to enhance a dish. It just seemed like the heat was added just for the sake of adding it rather than to enhance it. It was a big disappointment, especially after we had read so many good things about it.
We will definitely be back to try other things on the menu, as well as to have their great drinks again. The decor of the place is quite cute and not pretentious at all. And don't get scared of the wait -- we were told we'd have to wait a 1/2 hour to 45 minutes, and we were seated within 20!
My girlfriend and I went to highland kitchen on a Saturday night about 8pm. It was busy, which we expected, and we waited about 30 min for a table. It was an ok experience, and I would go back for the atmosphere and the drinks, but not for the food or the service.
Pros: Her Highland Fling cocktail was delicious, and I appreciated the quality draft beer (Dogfish 60 min).
The atmosphere is cool and relaxing, everyone seemed like they were having a good time. I like the shabby chic decor.
Cons: Constant upselling. As soon as we sat at the bar to wait for our table, we got our drinks and the bartender gave us a menu in case we wanted an appetizer while we waited. This is SOP for all restaurants. However, when another bartender asked us about 3 minutes later, followed by the original bartender again, it was a little much. They seemed disappointed that we didn't want to eat while we waited to eat. This theme continued throughout our meal. I realize that HK is a turn and burn style restaurant, but I felt rushed throughout. I had barely set my knife down when my entree plate was cleared and I was asked if I wanted to replace my half full beer with a fresh one. Perhaps the staff is simply trying to be super attentive to needs, but it comes off as rushing the diner and trying to boost avg. check.
My other gripe is the food. It was merely ok. The Pumpkin ravioli were as good as frozen pumpkin ravioli can be...which is to say not memorable. The Chile Relleno was VERY tasty but looked a mess on the plate. I had a venison stroganoff special, which was also tasty but did not have enough sauce. Also, the meat did not have enough of a braise on it and was pretty tough. All in all the dish was a missed opportunity, especially for 21.95, which is well above other entree prices. A little finesse would have gone a long way.
Finally, it is LOUD and cramped. This was fine by us, but do not go to HK expecting an intimate dinner. Like I said, I would go back for a drink, and I would probably try one of their delicious sounding sandwiches, but overall it was a miss for me.
I really like the charm and casual atmosphere of this place. And more so, I love that it's close to home. Not sure if this would be a place I'd drive more than 15 mins. for though... (yea, I'm lazy - when I want my food, I want it now)
Yes, there was a wait, but really wasn't bad... looked like it could have been longer, but starting off with drinks at the bar was a good choice.
We share the special apps of the day - pan-seared scallops with lobster risotto - YUMMY! But not quite enough scallops. In fact, now that I think of it, I've never had a scallop dish anywhere and thought "WOW! This is overload of scallops"
For my entree, I had the cheeseburger (with blue cheese) - the burger was nothing spectacularly different than some other places I've been to, but the blue cheese topped it off. Paired with the fries and I'm a happy diner.
Didn't have room for dessert though... next time.
This is a place I wouldn't mind going alone and sitting at the bar. Very cool, welcoming vibe!
People thought this was:
A delicious cocktail (the Highland Sling)
+
Shrimp and grits (who knew they were such a perfect pair)
+
Bread pudding (we scraped the bowl clean)
=
A very satisfied patron. I will definitely be returning (even though this place is in the nether region of Somerville).
So, first of all, I have no idea how I got to Highland Kitchen. It's on a corner somewhere deep in Somerville... probably some Square of which I'm not aware. But a friend recommended it as her favorite restaurant in Boston, and she has impeccable taste, so I drove over there last weekend.
This place is totally delicious. First of all, they have deviled eggs on the menu as an appetizer. Amazing. Great beer selection--everything from Bud Light Lime to delicious microbrews, and they're all very reasonably priced.
The menu is very eclectic. Like I said, they have deviled eggs on the menu! Also have goat stew which intrigued me, but I didn't try it. I did have the calamari, which is by no means average.
But now to the really good stuff--the shrimp and grits. Oh. My. God. It's perfect. Five ginormous shrimp over a bed of incredibly creamy grits, bacon, and scallions, all sitting in a pool--yes, a pool--of butter.
As a Southerner, I appreciate all of these things--from the beer to the deviled eggs to the butter to the reasonable prices to the laidback atmosphere.
So, if you can find it, try Highland Kitchen. It's delightful.
People thought this was:
A friend just had a birthday and moved around the corner from this place, so we had a double celebration on Tuesday night. Complete with devilled eggs!
To be brief, the white sangria was peachy. (literally and figuratively) The shrimp and grits are yummy (good combo of textures~four crisp shrimp lounge amid mushy grits around a radius of bacon and mushrooms). And the bean burger with avocado on a butter-baked roll was enough to make me contemplate vegetarianism!
We sat at the bar, which was hopping even on a school night. Points for the mixed age-range and casual vibe.
I am deducting a star, however, because the devilled eggs, while good, still couldn't not rival my grandmother's. Maybe it has to do with their lack of paprika, or maybe they weren't creamy enough to suit my nostalgia.
Overall, though, I definitely toasted my friend's wise decision to move to this restaurant's neighborhood.
Going here without expecting to wait for a table is not exactly realistic.
The cocktail list alone is a good reason to come here, and watching the bartenders make some awesome things while waiting for your table makes it worth the trip. The beer selection is pretty damn good. I had the "Beer of the Moment" and it was a beer from Oskar Blues called Mama's Little Yella Pils, which I had not even heard of before coming in. I was happy with my choice.
I ordered the Potato Gnocchi and it surprised me with how damn tasty it was. The wife got the Catfish Po' Boy and absolutely loved it. The next trip we take here will involve a cocktail or two, and some more tasty things from the menu. Loved it.
Delicious and worth the prices. You get what you pay for in life.
Awesome. Just awesome.
From my monthly dinner group's review:
Diners liked the "standout" drinks, but felt the uneven food ranged from "mediocre" to "kind of disappointing" with a rare "awesome", and noted it was "Super pricey" for "just another neighborhood [place]," We loved the "stellar" server until she complained we were short $3 on the (mandatory) 20% tip (before we'd signed the credit cards). In short, the "meh" decor and food made for middling marks.. $$$ [48]
People thought this was:
Their menu is phenomenal. Seriously. It kind of catches you off guard. Normally I scroll down a menu and can immediately pick out what I want or at least narrow it down to a few choices. Looking at the menu at Highland Kitchen, I wanted EVERYTHING.
A friend and I decided to check it out since I had heard great things. We walked right in and got a table for two at about 8 on Monday night. Loved the atmosphere, simple and cozy, and the service was great. We shared two appetizers (the mussels and the hummus plate) and a salad (caesar w/ chicken). Everything was excellent. I wish I had tried a few of their cocktails, but I'm *trying* to be good. Next time! We also split the bread pudding which was delicious and the perfect end to the meal.
Will definitely be going back - so many more things to try!!
People thought this was:
The most delectable, melt-in-your-mouth, savory, juicy, flavorful, and satisfying pulled-pork sandwich ever. Ever.
If the food of Highland Kitchen were to be a person it would be a poor southerner who dropped out of… Read more »
One of my favorite Boston area restaurants mainly because of 2 things: The atmosphere, and the unique menu. They have some amazing fun dishes that you can't find anywhere else. I love the fried green tomato salad, and the Reuben is delicious!
They just started doing brunch and we've gone there to try it out once. I would definitely go back again! The only problem--liquor license only starts after 12 so you can't order mimosas, etc until after that time.
oh and they also have some awesome music, but be sure to call ahead to see when they are going to be there, it seems like the times vary.
People thought this was:
Went with 3 other people on Saturday, 10/24/09 and was served a water glass that had food and lip marks all over it. The place was too dark to notice and was shocked to discover the filth after I drank from the glass. WILL NEVER GO BACK AND DO NOT RECOMMEND OTHERS GO THERE!
This is the kind of neighborhood joint that encourages locals to stop by for a drink on the way home from work. A great and well crafted cocktail list, good taps, and a moderately deep wine list encourages the drink.
The dilemma arrives when you see the menu and specials, maybe you won't make it home after all...
Recent specials include grilled littleneck clams, rootbeer glazed pork ribs and line-caught, pan-roasted black snapper.
The menu has equal portions of all of America with house-made gnocchi, grilled baby artichokes, Texas style chili, gumbo, Cesar salad (with the requisite anchovies) etc. Entrees range from Italian-American pastas to bistro-like roasted chicken, to all American meatloaf with garlic mash and smoky collards. Heck this place is like coming to your best-friend's house for dinner.
I had the seafood gumbo with a "la louisiene" cocktail (nearly a sazuerac), free form spring veggie lasagne (asparagus, favas, mushrooms and goat cheese) with a south african cabernet rose and banana bread pudding with a "generous" (nearly 3 oz.) pour of great american brandy
Pluses include the attentive wait staff, even the staff in training.
detractors: overly busy bus boys with pompadours and managers pacing the floor (may not bother you if dining with friends)
People thought this was:
Highland Kitchen is an okay joint... average across the board.
First, let's discuss the food. I had the blackened catfish sandwich, and it was uber spicy. Like, spicy beyond my tolerance. The appetizer of pickles leaves a lot to be desired, as it is simply a tiny ramekin of sweet butter pickle slices. Absolutely nothing special about it at all, besides the price, which could buy you a couple jars of the same pickles. The deviled eggs appetizer is also lacking in flavor, and overpriced for what you get.
Next, the service. Novice at best. The waitress was unattentive, and it was clear that she was forced to memorize the specials, but unfortunately, she had a really hard time spurting them out. She didn't visit our table very often, and there was a serious lack of friendliness.
And... the drinks... the weakest I've had in awhile!
And finally, the atmosphere. One word: LOUD. Too many people in tight quarters, talking very loudly over the music.
Overall, I was not impressed with Highland Kitchen in the least, and I have no desire to return.
People thought this was:
I wish I could rave about Highland Kitchen, but in all honesty, it was just ok.
We had a 30 minute wait on a recent Friday night. The place is tucked away on a street and one of the great things about it is that there is parking in the back. But seriously, you could blink and miss it. The bar was hopping and it was fairly loud inside.
The menu is not particularly big. Lots of choices, but not so much if you are a vegetarian. This menu had a lot of pork dishes and that is something I don't usually order. However, we were able to find something to our liking. I ordered the fish and chips, my friends got the cheeseburger and the arugula salad with chicken. As mentioned, pork was on the menu and several fish dishes.
My portion was huge. Too huge. SOmeone had mentioned the batter being a little thick, and this was true for my fish. The fries were handcut, and while the meal was good, I wasn't crazy about it. The others liked their meals but no one raved.
We also got drinks--the highland specialty and beers. They have a nice selection of alcohol so it's a good place for drinks. We skipped dessert although there were some good ones!
Overall, I paid under $30 for my meal which was nice because in other parts of town you could pay just that for the entree! I probably won't go back due to the preponderance of pork on the menu.
Before telling you about my experience at Highland Kitchen, understand that I live approximately 2 minutes from it. On one hand, that might make me biased in favoring a place I can effectively stumble to and fro. On the other hand, I've often forgone drinking at home to drink at a place 500 feet from my home. Curious...
Historically this place has had more names than John Cougar Mellencamp. Having lived down the street for a few years, I recall it being the shady hole Devlins, the empty piano bar Madison on the Ave, and now its latest incarnation Highland Kitchen.
Kinda like that monkey that figured out tools, this is the missing link toward this place's evolution. The menu is a little limited in variety, but I've yet to have a single bad dish there. As an appetizer, try the "devils on horseback". They're some magical combination of bacon, olives, figs, and delcious that goes perfectly with a cocktail or two.
Beerwise (and if you've read my other reviews, this is as important as a roof to me) this place is decently stocked and generally has at least a few great drafts on hand to compliment whatever meal/mood you're into.
To be fair I should mention that BECAUSE this place has taken off since its latest make over, it might be packed, so don't bank on a lot of bar top real estate. But its most than solid enough to drag me out the door.
Giddy Up.
I like Highland Kitchen. I just wish I wasn't so lazy and would make the trip to walk down here more often.
My roommate took me here recently to thank me for scoring her a deal on contact lenses. I got connections, you know? This happens to be her favorite Somerville haunt, and I can see why.
It's cozy. There's a fairly good-sized dining room, but it still retains a certain charm despite its size. The room pleasantly buzzed with happy patrons. We got a table almost right away, despite the dinner rush.
I liked the drink specials. I think I got some kind of vodka-lemonade concoction that was super-refreshing and just potent enough. My roommate got the same thing. I am such a trailblazer.
I ordered the pulled pork with mac & cheese. YUM! Not as good as what you'd find at a real BBQ joint, but not bad at all. I was pleasantly full at the end. I think my roommate got one of the specials: some kind of roasted chicken with veggies. She seemed to enjoy her meal too.
Definitely going again. I can see why one of my dood friends used this place as his old standby to take girls on dates back in his single days.
So maybe it's because I went during the middle of the week, or maybe it's because the location is a little bit deeper into Somerville than I'm accustomed to visiting, but I was blown away by this bar for a couple of reasons:
1) Cheap bear was available, but they also clearly had some nice little cocktails;
2) the weekly Tuesday night spelling bee, complete with sound effects, was quite charming;
and 3) the usual screamy atmosphere of any dive-y Cambridge bar was GONE. You could hear yourself think! You know what, scratch that; even better, you could hear what other people were saying.
It's a small-ish place, but it felt roomy due to the layout (some booths/tables on one side, bar on the other, some seating by the windows which are open when it's warm). Add coziness given by the warm lighting and the brick walls, and Highland Kitchen seemed like it would be a great place to serve as a neighborhood bar (which it certainly is not for me; the bike up the hill had me panting for a beer by the time I got there). I will definitely be back.
People thought this was:
They're right.
If you like good food, turn around.
Read the Globe article about their fried chicken, and chose this over Coast Cafe to try. Their fried chicken is actually fried chicken wings (no meat), super greasy, and not delicious. Waited about an hr to get in.
Also tried the chard (inedible), the hummus plate (mildly okay), and extremely greasy and chewy and hard pierogies.
The only thing I liked was the feta with watermelon that accompanied the chicken. But I'd have to issue a WTF!? ticket if you can mess that up.
This whole experience left us with bad tastes in our mouths. Not returning.
One of the things I really like about this place is the variety on the menu, in both the types of food and the price. You can go and get a couple of (awesome) burgers and sodas and leave after spending less than 30 bucks, or you can go all out, with some fancy cocktails, some delicious steak, and a great dessert, and break out your wallet.
I honestly can't think of a bad meal that I've had at this place. Their menu is constantly changing, and their specials are a lot of fun. My favorites are the herb roasted chicken, the gumbo, and the banana bread pudding. Every drink I've had on the cocktail menu is great; my current favorite is the Singapore Sling. The only problems are that it can get busy at strange times, and when there are 2 of you, you can be seated VERY close to other people.
I've been meaning to make it to Highland Kitchen since it opened a couple years back. In fact, I've made the trek up from Coolidge Corner before, only to find out that it was (at the time) closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. It was worth the second attempt. Great meal, solid beers on tap, nice atmosphere. I shared appetizers and entrees with my two friends. In priority from my favorite dish...
1) Shrimp and grits appetizer
2) Pulled pork sandwich
T3) Mussels
T3) Blackened catfish po' boy
For dessert, I got the banana cake, of which I've uploaded a photo. Oh, and the deviled eggs were fine, too. I'd compare their cuisine somewhat to Hungry Mother, and though I'm a fan of the folks at Hungry Mother and recognize all the praise they've received, I'd have a tough time deciding between the two if given the choice.
More like 3/12 stars, but not quite at 4 yet. Yet. This place has great potential.
This is one of those places I've been promising to try for a year, but just haven't quite made it, for various reasons. Well, we finally made it. We waited an hour for our table, but what did we expect on a Friday night?
First thing we noticed - the entire place was packed. The bar area was swamped, and the overall feeling was that of a laidback, coolish neighborhood hangout. Right away, we could see ourselves coming back here. Just straight up hanging out on a Friday night and having some good food and drink.
We finally got our table (a booth!), which was directly next to where everyone was standing at the bar, which meant that the entire crowd of people standing around the bar was 4 inches from us, and people stared freely at us as we ate, and essentially loomed over us This isn't a huge deal - it's a crowded restaurant on a Friday night. It was just a bit awkward. Definitely not a reason to not return. Our waiter was very sweet, which was a plus.
The food:
Starter - we shared the gnocchi in a rage sauce. The gnocchi themselves were delish! The rage tasted quite gamey, which my husband loved. I'm more of a light sauce kinda girl, and not a big meat eater, so this was not the right starter for me. But as I said, my husband loved it, so there's something to be said for that.
Entree - I ordered the blackened catfish poboy. So, yeah.. this taste more like "Pickels, with a side of cat fish on burned bread" -- the sandwich just fell apart, and the bread was burned. The flavor of pickels completely overwhelmed the rest of the dish, and overall, this was not a win for me. I can't stand picky eaters, so I ate what I could - I enjoyed the fish itself. The sad part is, I can't even remember what the fries tasted like because I was so stumped by the sandwich part. Interesting observation ... On two different occasions I noticed waiter scarrying this same dish BACK to the kitchen, and both times the plates had been picked at, and the majority of the sandwich had gone untouched. Leads me to believe others felt the same way about it??
Can't even remember what hubs ordered -- something with pork, I think?
We will come back here, definitely. There were quite a few other dishes I want to try, particularly the grilled artichoke hearts, the roast chicken, and the chilli. I secretly fear that the food is overrated, but can't say for sure until I give it another try or two.
Yes it's a hipster-haven and a bit tight, but the food, service, and atmosphere are all very good. So if you live in the area, then add this your queue of places to frequent frequently.
I've been here for a few brunches and a dinner and have left feeling very happy and satisfied every time. Drinks are mixed well, food is presented and cooked perfectly, and if you don't mind speaking a bit louder than normal to your companions (it's probably acoustics), then this place is a wise pick as an alternative to your microwaved ravioli and Teenies.
During brunches they have musicians play various instruments, but it actually adds to the fun, instead of detracting. Nothing's worse than eating corned beef hash accompanied to a crappy rendition of "Norwegian Wood" on a clarinet. Live music on Sunday nights as well, bring the steak tip mosh!
Handy parking lot behind the restaurant, too.
Spelling bee. S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G B-E-E. Spelling bee. Tuesday nights.
This, plus the fact that they have 'Gansett on tap pretty much makes this my new favorite bar.
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Seeing as Highland Kitchen is only two short blocks from home, I am still wondering why it took us so long to try this place. We arrived at 6:30 on a Saturday evening, and I was surprised it was so crowded (only because I thought it was early for a Saturday dinner...). There was standing room only, so we hung out by the jukebox. The others at the bar seemed hip and trendy, and I was starting to feel out of place in my jeans and Birkenstock clogs next to the stylish woman in her cute red skirt and red patent leather heels... until I noticed that the dining toom was full of families with children, elderly couples, and generally all sorts of patrons with varied clothing tastes. I also came to the conclusion that these must be our neighbors since there's no parking, and surely no one would walk from Davis in those heels!
A 45-minute wait and one frou-frou cocktail later (yummy Bloodhound, by the way), we were seated. We ordered a couple of appetizers: calamari and the chicken wings. The calamari had a nice breading (like a coarse cornmeal... or maybe semolina?), and the smoked tomato dipping sauce added a nice touch, making the dish a little less New England and a little more "down home" (I am from Texas; this is a good thing). The chicken wings were coated in hoisin sauce and sesame seeds, served with sliced scallions and kimchi - delicious!
For an entree, I settled on the Cuban Reuben, with definite plans to taste the meals of my companions as well. My sandwich was perfectly pressed, with just the right balance of cheese, meat, and pickled stuff. The fries were equally tasty. My husband's pork shoulder was tender and juicy, and the grits and greens were great. Our friend got the fish and chips, and I thought the beer batter was fantastic; the tartar sauce was possibly the best I've ever had.
I ate half of my sandwich and, feeling full, decided to take the other half home. My husband took another bite of the half that was left, and seeing how much he enjoyed it convinced me to take yet another bite. At that point it was just a mangled third of a sandwich that I thought wasn't worth bringing home anymore... but then I couldn't just WASTE it so I kept nibbling away at it until I was nearly sick. Sigh... this is why I've spent my life *imagining* what it would be like to be thin.
Needless to say, we left no room for dessert. The banana bread pudding will have to wait until next time. Oh yes, there will be a next time!
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Time for an update since I have recently been back for both dinner and brunch.
Brunch was excellent. They had live music and typical brunch fare, as well as some more interesting specials. If you are going to get a drink, get the Bloody Mary NOT the Malmosa. Almost every table had a Bloody Mary, so I am assuming they are quite tasty. Besides, Devon told me it was excellent.
Came back here last night for dinner. The Arugula salad and Mark n Stormy's were stellar. Plus, I never realized their selection of James Brown was so extensive. Bonus. The Manager was nice - never spoke to him before, but he was very cool.
I am well aware a percentage of Boston lives in a "bubble" in relation to the rest of the U.S. dealing with the current economy, but it was nice to see an establishment so packed during the week.
I had to laugh while reading my original review. Since then, I've been back to Highland MANY times. I would say we are progressing quite nicely, especially since I am now single.
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Death to Madison. This is how it should be done:
Mr. Cash on the jukebox.
Pub gone good. Not too…
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The martinis and liquor drinks are the reason to go.
The beer is overpriced and they have a small and predictable selection.
Food tries to be southern, it's great food, but not all that distinctly southern and wayyy too overpriced.
they've got live music now on sundays which is nice for us since we're close and can walk there in a couple minutes just to get out. but be ready to drop a stack of cash, even for a couple of mediocre beers and a bowl of spiced nuts.
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The Highland Kitchen is the last stop on the gentrification express as you head east on Highland Avenue away from Davis Square. I should know. I live right on the cusp. The Highland Kitchen has become my easy walking distance restaurant for when I'm in the mood for something a little grander than Thai take out.
The place is dark, red, velvety and funky. Copper ceilings. Art-deco like lighting that evokes a yuppie juke joint atmosphere. Blackboard specials. Fancy beers in bottles and on draft, a couple decent wines, and cocktails that are sure to pique your interest - if only for their novelty. The menu is American pub meets southern French (ie Louisiana), with everything done up in professional culinary details.
One bite and you KNOW there is a chef behind this cuisine. Everything is cooked in a near perfectly seared way. He knows how to squeeze new life out of old standards like burgers, gumbo, mussels, mac and cheese, fish and chips, lasagna. Perhaps its all the bacon and butter he uses..
Warning - not a good place for vegetarians. While they have a black bean burger, it pales next to everything else on the menu that is swimming in rich meaty juiciness.
Seems the Highland Kitchen is the uphill cousin of "The Independent" or "Precinct." Similar food. Similar crowd. Similar decor. Similar prices. I guess it leans towards bistro. Whatever it is, I found the H.K. to be a real savior through this past snowy winter.
Gets crowded and when it does, service drops to near oblivion, but I keep going back, because it hits the spot for upscale comfort food. P.S. Save room for the bourbon pecan pie a la mode. Best I've had north o the mason dixon line.
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Great place to empty your wallet. Always feel over-billed on walking out, and always am happy to head back in. The best approach is probably to have a few drinks before entering, and then enjoy their good, fresh food.
A welcome addition to this side of the river.
Walked in on a Tuesday night two weeks ago and still can't believe i hadn't been there before! Great cocktails, interesting menu, friendly service--i can't wait to go back for more!
Hopefully will plan better next time and save room for dessert...
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Wonderful little neighborhood gem. The food was excellent; really inventive dishes. Friendly staff and cool decor - love the retro feel. I'll definitely be back to sample more of the menu.
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Now that the B-Side is gone (moment of silence) the Highland Kitchen has really stepped into this sweetest of sweet spots. The place to go for some casual classy food and well crafted mixed drinks. Of course, it helps that the place is but a few blocks away from me. The food is consistently great and the mixed drinks are better than you find most other places except for perhaps maybe Green Street. And the food and atmosphere at Highland is better than Green Street, so there. I mostly go with whatever they have going on for specials that day (they know their way around a scallop, fyi), but the standard stuff on the menu is top-notch too.
And as I did with the B-Side, I come here with a loose wallet. And as I did at the B-Side, I get a quality here at Highland Kitchen that allows me and my money to part ways in an amiable fashion. The bartenders are friendly, and the waitstaff is one of the best in town. The taps always have some good local beers flowing and there's always some la-de-da drink special on the board that will satisfy any boozy sweet-tooth. So yeah, the prices are maybe a bit higher than you might think the area calls for but the quality is a lot higher than the area calls for as well. It's the kind of place that soothes a bum like me, but can also work for a date or a place to go when your parents are in town. So if you're not in the mood for quality food, drinks, atmosphere and service -- then maybe the place isn't for you.
Oh, and the jukebox never fails to play one or two Guided By Voices songs while I'm here -- I think that accounts for the 5th star.
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Come Unwind - One Olive at a…
Neighborhood: Back Bay
NFL Football Promotion
Medford, MA
Neighborhood: Porter Square
Category: Lounges
Somerville, MA
Category: Mexican
Somerville, MA
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Davis Square
Category: American (New)
Somerville, MA
Category: American (Traditional)
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