|
Burgers
There are as many varieties of burgers at Bartley's as there are kids with pierced eyebrows wandering around Harvard Square. The homey Bartley's is usually overflowing with college students, parents, and assorted other burger bon vivants. And the decor suits it: loud, cramped, and cluttered.
|
MORE INFORMATION
|
|
Bartley's Burger Cottage, 1246 Mass. Ave, Cambridge. 617-354-6559. [Get directions].
Charlie's Kitchen, 10 Eliot St., Cambridge. 617-492-9646. [Get directions].
Tim's Tavern, 329 Columbus Ave., Boston. 617-437-6898. [Get directions].
|
|
The inspiration for the three dozen varieties of burgers comes right from the headlines. There's the Monica Lewinsky, a burger that has been "stripped of its bun," and the Jack Nicholson "as good as it gets" burger, smothered with mushrooms and cheese.
For the beef-shy, all burgers are available with either turkey or veggie patties. (We suggest sticking with the beef if possible.) Our only complaint: the steep prices for a burger and fries (expect to spend $7 or more).
Bartley's is also one of the best spots in the area to find homemade dinners that even Mom would be proud to serve. Shepherd's pie, macaroni and cheese, even turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce. Chances are if the food is high in fat or carbohydrates, it's won a place on the never-ending menu.
Tim's Tavern in the South End is the kind of spot that should be declared a national treasure. The burgers are nothing short of amazing. Flame-broiled, dripping with grease, and bigger than your fist, they can humble the most voracious carnivore - not bad for $4. The atmosphere here makes McDonald's seem like Hamersley's, but, hey, you go for burgers, not rack of lamb.
Charlie's Kitchen is also atmospherically challenged, but offers great burgers and even better fries. Downstairs, the narrow bar gives you a typical pub's-eye view of the world, but upstairs, the dining room and bar looks like a leftover set from the film "Boogie Nights." Ever watch yourself eat a burger on a mirrored wall? Don't bother; it's not a pretty sight.
|
