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Upstairs on the Square Reviews List
Upstairs on the Square
Restaurateurs Mary-Catherine Deibel & Deborah Hughes opened UpStairs on the Square in 2002, with its Monday Club Bar serving “casual haute cuisine” where guests can enjoy award-winning design, fireplace dining, a meal in the playful pink Zebra Room overlooking the park, & a new (2012) open-kitchen Food & Bubbly Bar with small plates, panini grill & pizza oven. The Soirée Room upstairs (the main dining room), is reminiscent of a glowing & colorful jewel-box supper club, lit with the flicker of glowing fireplaces at each end of the room. This main dining room serves a menu that is both artisan and sexy-featuring seasonal and local ingredients beautifully prepared and served.
There are many options for private dining at UpStairs (call or email events@upstairsonthesquare.com); we specialize in large party reservations.
Because of the restaurant’s two dining rooms, be sure to read your confirmation carefully to confirm your seating preference
See more Upstairs on the Square details
There are many options for private dining at UpStairs (call or email events@upstairsonthesquare.com); we specialize in large party reservations.
Because of the restaurant’s two dining rooms, be sure to read your confirmation carefully to confirm your seating preference
205 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 205 reviews
5 stars
(66)
4 stars
(79)
3 stars
(41)
2 stars
(14)
1 star
(5)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(91)
- special occasion(91)
- neighborhood gem(70)
- romantic(57)
- great for brunch(47)
- good for groups(37)
Upstairs on the Square Reviews List
Review 1 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
In the Heart of Harvard Square
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always on the best of list, Upstairs on the Square brunch didn't disappoint. Great food - attentive service- fun atmosphere. A hit!"
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
What a difference a month makes
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I had brunch there this past Sunday (5/19) and also a month before. the first time we ate indoors and this time outdoors. The wait staff this past Sunday overall seemed poorly trained, harried and in most cases, not pleasant even condescending in terms of attitude. I had the same brunch dish both times, an omelet with goat cheese and supposedly roasted tomatoes. Only this last time the tomatoes were barely cooked. The outdoor sitting area though is an enjoyable spot to sit and have a meal."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 3 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our waiter was nice, but he seemed to forget us a lot throughout the night and had to keep asking others for clarification about the menu or wine list. Also, he read us the specials, we ordered one of them, and he, after already having taken our menus and served us our appetizers, told us that they were out of that special. They were also out of several other dishes, which was a disappointment. Our first trip to Upstairs on the Square was amazing, but these last few have not been as good. A great menu means nothing if you run out of half the items on it."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 4 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mother's Day Brunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Perfect spot for Mother's Day.
Great food, service, plus we were treated to one of the Harvard
A Cappella Groups as part of the dining experience.
Would definitely recommend and will be back."
Great food, service, plus we were treated to one of the Harvard
A Cappella Groups as part of the dining experience.
Would definitely recommend and will be back."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 5 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Tired, Old and Uninspiring
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was sadly disappointed with our entire experience: service, food and ambiance. I took my favorite aunt out of Mother's Day. We had a reservation yet when we arrive on time they were extremely flustered and took several minutes to seat us. We sat in the Zebra Room, where after more than 10 minutes of waiters walking by us I began to think maybe we were invisible. Finally I flagged a waiter down and asked, "Do we have a waiter?" He shrugged and said, "Yeah I guess I can help you." I was baffled! The service was incredibly slow and it felt like we were an afterthought. For our main course we had the eggs benedict and steak...it was all just okay....rather uninspiring in both taste and presentation."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 6 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Love the service and the ambience. Everything on the menu is good. The lunch selection is a little too limited."
Dined on 5/13/2013
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Review 7 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mother's Day Brunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to Upstairs for Brunch on Mother's Day and sat upstairs. The staff were friendly and VERY accommodating when our 4 year old spilled a blueberry smoothie all over one of their banquets. Nothing ruffled their feathers. The food was excellent. I had the Cod and it has a mix of textures and flavors that I'd go back for. The steak was well prepared, but the sides were the real star. One of the best locations around, if you like the old yankee Harvard bustle."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 8 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Having eaten at Upstairs on several previous occasions I had high expectations which unfortunately were not met. Service, whilst very pleasant was also very slow, both with drinks and with food. My appetiser of parsnip agnolotti promised much but delivered little, being undercooked and the trumpet mushrooms were decidedly gritty. My duck entree was delicious, but accompanied by little else to balance the dish and the anise described on the menu was notably absent.. My partners striped bass looked great but was saltier than the sea it had come from. One modest bottle of wine and one of still water and the bill for 4 was $250, which did not feel like good value for money."
Dined on 5/10/2013
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Review 9 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
probably not again
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"service consisted largely of being ignored, except that frantic waving and desperate looks were generally acknowledged within ten minutes or so."
Dined on 5/05/2013
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Review 10 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It was a nice atmostphere but food wasn't great. Server wasn't knowledgeable about the menu."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
charming setting, puppylike service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We chose this restaurant for my mother's 90th birthday celebration. We had a couple of advance requests, which were responded to promptly but often indirectly; it took persistence to nail down the details. The setting was beautiful, comfortable for conversation, the waitstaff extremely friendly and enthusiastic, which helped keep us entertained during the long wait for the main course. A modest request for a substitution, overlooked at first, was then attended to with gracious overcompensation. Food was tasty, containing imaginative elements without being precious. Duck moist and tender, gnocchi enlivened with morels and air-dried bacon. Excellent coffee, rare in an American restaurant."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 12 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice evening
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was imaginative and eclectic. We had some trouble finding something that both of us liked, but when we did it was excellent.
Biggest negative is wine prices. They have several I buy, and the multiple is much higher than other restaurants."
Biggest negative is wine prices. They have several I buy, and the multiple is much higher than other restaurants."
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 13 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
An Old Favorite still Shines
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nothing but positive feedback on a Friday Night dinner for 8.
I have to admit that my expectations going in were a little low due to some recent reviews but not only was I pleasantly surprised that things were so good I actually was impressed at just how delicious everything was. Agnolotti, Salmon, Duck, Halibut, Asparagus, Greens, Oysters, We hit them all and then some, and all were to perfection. After a couple classes of wine poured from bottles off of the thorough but not overwhelming wine list, each of us seemed to glow in the "Pink" of the room and our laughter and smiles only grew as yummy diet busting desserts were the indulgence to cap off a great night with friends.
More to say if I had more space but all Positive. Just Go"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 14 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had the five course tasting menu with matching wines for dinner. Food generally good except for an overcooked fish course. Taste balance for a couple of courses could be better. The matched wines were excellent and very good value."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 15 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went for lunch on two recent weekdays. First time, I had the salmon -- generous portion of well-cooked fish, but overall the dish was too oily -- the grains practically sat in a pool of oil. My friend got the fried chicken, which sounded reasonable at $15. But it consisted of two fried wings! That was the extent of the chicken -- definitely no bargain. The second time, I got the Nicoise salad, which was OK, but not outstanding. The atmosphere was pleasant, and quiet enough to talk to friends."
Dined on 4/30/2013
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Review 16 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Not Just for Neighborhood folks!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is our second visit to Upstairs on the Square. The first time we sat upstairs, which was lovely and nicely appointed. This time, becuase it was a Sunday, they only have the downstairs open, but we sat out on the "terrace" room with a great view of the square. While food selection is somewhat limited, everything is excellent, nicely prepared and very tasty. Our waiter was very helpful and they were mindful of our need to leave at a certain time in order to make a performance locally.
I would definitely keep this on our list of special places to go when in Cambridge."
I would definitely keep this on our list of special places to go when in Cambridge."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
This was probably the worst
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
"This was probably the worst restaurant I have been to in the Boston/Cambridge. Terrible service for mediocre food."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2006
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Review 18 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overall great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went for brunch the food was very good.i love that they serve fresh squeezed oj. I also loved the basket of rolls and scones. Very yummy. The only thing I didn't like about the experience was that the Harvard acapella group performed. In of itself that's not bad, but they were standing almost on top of me and were jumping up and down and singing pretty much right into my ear the whole time I was trying to eat. When I eat I like to relax, not jostled about by some Harvard kid. It was very awkward and unappreciated. If I'm spending good money on a meal I want to be able to enjoy it, which I was not able to (even though it was delicious). I'll definitely go back as long as this performance isn't a reoccurring theme. Husband loved singing."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 19 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Very disappointing
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
"I brought an out-of-town group to Upstairs for brunch. We were seated promptly at a nice table, apparently because (I noticed on the reservations list, as we checked in) I had once booked a large, special dinner there. However, in an otherwise empty room, we were seated next to a table of 8 or 10 very loud people and could hardly hear each other talk. We told the waiter, who was for the most part attentive, that we needed to eat quickly. He told us that the kitchen was busy but that he'd try to get us our food "in 45 minutes." When the food came, indeed 45 minutes later, it was so bad that I was embarrassed: insipid, poorly cooked, and meager. We could have gotten a much better meal at a diner for half the price."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2012
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Review 20 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This time I did not care for
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This time I did not care for my food...too much grease on my sandwich...chef was trying out a new offer, a blt. I also thought the ingredients were stingy...."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 21 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A perennial favorite - Mary
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A perennial favorite - Mary Catherine and team always deliver a great experience."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 22 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A Mad-hatter's invitation to tea
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I really enjoyed the afternoon tea selection at Upstairs on the Square. It was busy and yet the service was good and timely. Although they did not have all the food on the usual tea menu, the replacements that they provided were delicious and worth the $30 per head. The atmosphere is funky, fun and fresh and the decor gives a sense of stepping into a scene of Alice in Wonderland. Overall, I would rate the ambiance as the highlight of this place."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, special occasion
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Review 23 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent lunch and great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent lunch and great atmosphere, to be recommended!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The ambiance is great. Audacious
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The ambiance is great. Audacious colors that work. Plenty of space between tables so you can have private conversations. The food is quite good. The menu is just a little too limited."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2006
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Review 25 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The decor is wild and crazy,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The decor is wild and crazy, but fun. We went for Sunday brunch and all 3 of us were happy with our selections and the choices available. It was a bit louder than I normally like, but our small table allowed us to sit close enough to converse and hear each other and it was very festive. A surprise performance by Harvard mens acapella group was lots of fun and really added to the birthday celebration we were having."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, special occasion
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Review 26 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A funky, fun place in a central
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"A funky, fun place in a central location. Loved it. Prix fixe lunch very good
and great price."
and great price."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 27 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The meal was very good, service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The meal was very good, service good, they did a very nice birthday cake presentation."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 28 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The salmon was overcooked
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The salmon was overcooked and kinda dry to me... and the veggies were sparse.... they didnt have a tasting menu I could look at so did it a la carte. But my duck was delicious, fatty juicy and amazing. Just wish I had more veggies on my plate or a better choice of good side dishes."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 29 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The menu is a bit eclectic
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The menu is a bit eclectic and none of the dishes ordered struck me as anything special. Service seemed slow, but it could be I used to really attentive service and the wait staff anticipating special needs. They were friendly enough."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 30 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We sat upstairs, and it was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We sat upstairs, and it was great. Downstairs is much louder."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
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Review 31 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My pal and I had the prix
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My pal and I had the prix fixe w/3 courses...very nice arugula and beet salad, tasty shrimp and tagliatelle w/light cream sauce and a delicious moist carrot cake. The bubbles on this relaxing lunch were glasses of lambrusco rosso and ruinart pink champagne which were a steal thanks to a very kind wine person there."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 32 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Easter Brunch was absolutely
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Easter Brunch was absolutely fabulous! The food was delicious and well prepared, and the service was excellent. Will definitely return in the future."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 33 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Oh well...
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I realize that iit was Eastet Sunday Brunch but....service was fair at best and food was only ok. I see no reason to go back for dinner."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
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Review 34 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Lovely brunch spot in Cambridge.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My daughters and I had a wonderful Easter holiday brunch at Upstairs on the Square in Cambridge last week. The interior decor is lovely and fun...lots of bright colors and pretty prints. The service was spectacular and the food was very good."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2006
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 35 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I went for Easter brunch,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I went for Easter brunch, and they really made you feel like you were celebrating something special. They started with a bread basket of pastries that weren't even included in the 3 courses. There were also a handful of Easter chocolates on the table when we arrived. The food was plenty, and very delicious. The decor is incredibly sweet. All in all, it is a wonderful spot for a Sunday brunch."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 36 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Easter Brunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a lovely Easter brunch and plan to make it a tradition, both for the food and the pleasant, smiling service. Portions are small but not absurdly so, in fact, a perfect 3-course meal. I had the salmon blini, cod, and shortcake, all of which were delicious, but the rest of the party swore by their eggs benedict, soup, omelet (says it's the best he's had in 25 years, which doesn't say much about my cooking, I guess) and carrot cake. In all, a delightful holiday brunch."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2006
Special Features: great for brunch, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 37 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disappointed with Upstairs on the S
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were very disappointed with Upstairs on the Square. I got an email from them announcing they were extending Restaurant Week to that saturday night ( when I called same day to be sure the woman answering had no idea about that but the chef confirmed it was correct.
What I didn't know was it was $ 48.50/person.The menu was weird and didn't look like it was worth the money.We ordered from the regular menu.
I had the grilled sea bass that was good but too salty.My husband had the duck and he said it was very good.
Overall,the restaurant looks tired and just not as good as it used to be.Don't plan on returning."
What I didn't know was it was $ 48.50/person.The menu was weird and didn't look like it was worth the money.We ordered from the regular menu.
I had the grilled sea bass that was good but too salty.My husband had the duck and he said it was very good.
Overall,the restaurant looks tired and just not as good as it used to be.Don't plan on returning."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2004
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Review 38 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Downstairs dinner menu is
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Downstairs dinner menu is limited and seems to overlap with lunch type of items such as a burger. Food is good but not overly creative. No French type of sauces. My skirt steak was under seasoned and dominated by garlic. Deserts are also safe-uncreative.
Beautiful room. Staff and owners are wonderful hosts."
Beautiful room. Staff and owners are wonderful hosts."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 39 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Special Place for Little Girls
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A wonderful space (Zebra Room) with food to measure up! My picky grilled-cheese girl loved their grilled cheese and tomato soup. My young daughters thought they were in a scene from Alice in Wonderland and made to feel very special. We'll be back soon."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 40 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nothing in Cambridge comes
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nothing in Cambridge comes close to offering the extremely high quality of this food. Its pink decor may be a little too much for some people, but I find its extravagance and elegance to be inviting and calming. But the food and service are absolutely the tops."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 41 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
WOW. A perfect dinner entertaining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"WOW. A perfect dinner entertaining friends celebrating their anniversary. Great food romantic setting helpful staff."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 42 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food is good but overpriced.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food is good but overpriced. The restaurant should not participate in Restaurant Week if it's menu for that promotion is $10 more. I would choose other high priced restaurants."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2006
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Review 43 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We both ordered fish during
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We both ordered fish during restaurant week. Huge mistake. Could hardly find the fish! Supposed to be red fish. We inquired and was supposed to be red snapper. Was not! The fish was served on a big piece of bread, along with waffle chips. The chips, called lemon waffle chips, did not taste of lemon but were good.
In short we were glad not to stay for dessert. We were very disappointed despite the cheerful, brightly colored rooms and lovely fireplace. My suggestion to the owners during restaurant week-don't offer fish if it is hard to find. We arrived early and there still were plenty of open tables. There was no excuse for such stinginess. A good waitress would have suggested getting something else!"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, hot spot
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Review 44 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Sadly, this is one of my all
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
"Sadly, this is one of my all time favorite restaurants, but they are starting to loose sight of some of the details that made this a great restaurant. To start, the bread, always very good, was hard/stale. My endive/arugula salad was very good. My entree was unfortunate. I had Chicken al Mattone: flattened chicken w/ crushed potatoes caramelized cipollini & sherry jus. There were no crushed potatoes, only 1 VERY large soggy red potato the size of a large apple that was not crushed and baked off. Sitting on top was a VERY large fried flattened chicken-like a chicken fried steak, w/ 2 tiny drarwed cipollini onions. This was a VERY inelegant dish! The carrot cake was ice cold, almost frozen, so you could not taste the flavors."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2010
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Review 45 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
A big disappointment!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The restaurants week menu was poor and the food was not special and certainly not worth the money. The pasta dishe was fit for a cantenn, it lacked flavour and presentation, and the chicken remind us of Wendys."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2011
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Review 46 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Very good food. The menu list
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good food. The menu list was short, which is, in our opinion, always a good sign. Everything we ordered was good. As soon as we were seated, a member of the serving staff told us that our waiter was busy and she will help us with water, etc. until he could take over. We thought that was a nice way to handle things. As it turns out it did not take the waiter that long to get to us. Once he did, he was attentive and quick and did a good job. Towards the end of our meal the manager came over, made enquires about food, service etc. and pointed out other features of the restaurant such as the upscale Soiree Room upstairs. Our dining area had a bar, fireplace and an eclectic array of chandeliers(venetian & others). We'd go back."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 47 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I had high expectations from
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had high expectations from this place as I had seen good reviews on yelp and from a few friends. But the portions for lunch during restaurant week were really small as compared to other places I went to. Also, the walls were colored pink. I'm not sure what the reason is but it was a little too pink.I may try their regular menu another time, just not go back for restaurant week."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2012
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 48 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not worth it
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Overall I was disappointed by this restaurant. It was my first visit and I was very much looking forward to it, but was disappointed by nearly all aspects of the meal/ambiance.
Ambience: Sat in the bar area on the porch, it was cold and drafty and the decor looked cheap. I'm all about "reclaimed", but the furniture was like plywood and the silverware appeared second hand.
Service: slow, awkward and uninformed. Didn't even bring a steak knife for a steak! Not what I expect from a $31-60 price range restaurant.
Food: Average. Not great. Nothing spectacular.
Value: no."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2009
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Review 49 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I have always love going to
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have always love going to Upstairs, but I was dissapointed this last time. The food was mediocer. The drink (a martini) had no alcohol in it, and overall you get the sense that they do not care anymore."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2006
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Review 50 for Upstairs on the Square
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I love upstairs on the sq,
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I love upstairs on the sq, but the food this time was not good at all."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2009
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