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Tory Row

October 14, 2010 by Jennifer Che 2 Comments

_1040633
When the Greenhouse Cafe left Harvard Square, it really felt like a Harvard Square institution had left. Never mind if you liked it or not (its popularity was definitely debated), it was such a landmark right in the middle of the square that things definitely felt just a bit different after it left.

Soon afterwards, the previously old and tired looking space transformed into a gleaming, modern bar with huge open-air windows, tall tables and seats, and a large chalkboard filled with a listing of draft beers.
_1040640
Welcome to Cambridge Tory Row!

Owners Matthew W. Curtis and Christopher A. Lutes are no newcomers to the Cambridge restaurant scene. In fact, they already own four other successful restaurants in the Boston area: Middlesex Lounge, Audobon Circle, Cambridge 1, and Miracle of Science. I personally am a HUGE fan of Miracle of Science, and I really like the grilled pizzas at Cambridge 1 as well. So it’s not a surprise that we found the food at Tory Row to be quite pleasant and surprisingly reasonably priced, especially considering its prime location.
_1040637
local burrata, heirloom tomatoes, microgreens, honey sherry vinaigrette – $12

Tory Row tries to offer fresh local ingredients when possible. During the summer, for example, they had this fantastic local burrata salad (you know how much I love burrata), complete with summer fresh tomatoes and microgreens.
_1050031
Depending on when you go, you could get yellow tomatoes, or maybe even a mix of two different types! This dish is quite reasonably priced at $12.
_1040638
confit duck salad, poached cherries, pickled shallots, frisee, arugula, pink vinaigrette – $13

The first time we went, Bryan ordered the confit duck salad, which he actually really enjoyed. It had good flavor, quality ingredients, and only cost $13!
_1040636
We got the local sweet corn chowder ($7), which was pretty good, though nothing earth-shattering. There was also a kitchen mix up, so we got the soup after we got our entrees. Oops. We actually sent back our entrees and told them we wanted to enjoy our soup first.
_1050028
heirloom tomato, robiola, almonds, balsamic reduction – $10
Their flatbreads, which are only $10 each, can easily be shared as an appetizer between 2-3 people or ordered as an entree for one.
_1050030
smoked bacon, vermont white cheddar, baby spinach, bermuda onion – $10
_1050034
bacon cheeseburger, mixed greens, roasted potatoes = $10
The burger was solid and cooked a proper medium rare. The roasted potatoes are the same ones that you get at Miracle of Science, which are absolutely delicious.
_1050033
Croque monsieur, black forest ham, gruyere, whole grain mustard, mixed greens – $10
_1050035
grilled tuna, haricots vert, whole grain mustard–ginger vinaigrette $16
I thought the tuna was pretty good. We asked them to cook it “as rare as possible,” which they obliged. (sorry, no picture of  it cut up!)
_1050032
braised beef chili, vermont cheddar $8

Tory Row won a Harvard Square chili contest with this chili! It’s cheesy, hearty, and definitely delivers a nice spicy kick! We both thought it was pretty good and could totally see why it could win a local contest!
_1040642

Impressions
Overall, we were pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food here. We walked in the first time expecting to find ordinary pub food. Imagine our surprise when we saw duck confit salad and burrata on the menu for under $15 each! You have access to some great local ingredients cooked into some pretty decent dishes. Nothing is earth shattering or wildly inventive, as most of the dishes would probably be considered classic “comfort” foods. Nevertheless, they’ve done a nice job of taking familiar foods and giving them just a tiny oomph, jazzing them up to the next level.

We would definitely consider coming back here again if we were in Harvard Square and wanted to enjoy a simple and enjoyable meal without breaking the bank.

Tory Row
3 Brattle St
Cambridge, MA 02138
Tory Row on Urbanspoon

Disclaimer
Time to time I receive free products, meals, etc. as a food blogger. I do not receive any payment for blog posts/reviews. The views expressed in this post are completely my own. One of the two meals documented in this post was provided by Tory Row. 

©2009-2014 Tiny Urban Kitchen
All Rights Reserved

Filed Under: Harvard Square, Restaurant, Review

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Comments

  1. Amy K. says

    October 27, 2010 at 12:33 am

    wow…you just conjured up a lot of memories for me. the greenhouse was one of my favorite places during school. and yes, it was definitely a landmark. and i can’t believe the miracle of science is still around…restaurants in boston certainly have staying power. anyway, this place looks great! i will have to visit the next time i’m in town. maybe during my 20th reunion next year! eek!

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  2. burp_excuzme says

    October 27, 2010 at 1:17 am

    Food definitely looks GOOD! What did you think abt the croque monsieur? I was drooling over that one particularly, and the sweet corn chowder..

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Welcome to Tiny Urban Kitchen!

JenChe

Hi, my name's Jen and welcome to my cooking, eating, and travel site! I am a Boston to Hong Kong transplant, born and raised in Ohio with parents from Taiwan. Feel free to head on over to the About page if you want to learn more about me, or just explore away, maybe starting with the Recipe Index or one of the travel pages! I hope you enjoy this site!
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