Green Street

Overview: Steps away from Central Square in the middle of a desolate street, Green Street is popular spot known for its extensive cocktail and beer menus. The outside is reminiscent of a dive bar, but soft lighting and modern paintings inside add to an upscale atmosphere. Although the menu has a lot of promise, it did not live up to our expectations.




Medium Dead: The burger and entire meal at Green Street were thoroughly underwhelming. I expected more from a place with a reputation like Green Street, everything we ate was fine but nothing was outstanding. The bacon double cheese burger was griddle fried, cooked to a perfect well done, covered with two slices of cheap American cheese and thrown between a Market Basket white bread roll. Green Street's housemade chips were greasy but delicious. The food isn't great at Green Street but the beer is worth the visit. Most of the beer I had never heard of but our waiter, Grizzly Adams, was as knowledgeable about the beer as he was hairy. There are about a dozen unique beers on tap with selections like Black Fly Stout and Black Marlin Porter, all are reasonably priced.


Medium Well: I'm not sure why Mike is so angry about Green Street's burger. He loves Market Basket rolls and cheap American cheese. Had Mike grilled this burger at Dave's condo, he would have eaten ten more and raved about it later. I fear Mike's opinion is less a product of taste and more a product of expectation. Perhaps he would have liked it more if it came topped with beef tongue or sweet breads.


Despite being in a trendy Cambridge restaurant, the burger at Green Street is probably the best backyard burger I've ever had. It wasn't over thought. It wasn't disguised as a gourmet entree. It was the true American classic and it made me salivate for summer months. Although I wouldn't send anyone to Green Street solely for the burger, it certainly was better than many other burgers we've tried (ahem.. Coolidge Corner Clubhouse). After all, sometimes a burger is just a burger, and there isn't anything wrong with that.


Bonus Bites: While waiting for your table saddle up at the bar and order one of the classic cocktails. The Bohemian is a great choice made with Beefeater, St Germaine, grapefruit juice, and Peychaud's bitters.

The Verdict: We can't agree. Medium Dead: "Skip the food; drink your dinner." Medium Well: "Go for the atmosphere and the drinks, and enjoy your dinner."