Alden & Harlow

"The good news about celebrating with a big group at a great small plates place is that you get to order everything on the menu. The bad news is that you might only get one bite of each thing. Luckily, this place in Harvard Square also has one of the best cocktail menus around, so you can handle your conflicted emotions with alcohol. Get the rabbit and definitely enjoy a few of those drinks. This is a big, fun restaurant that’s almost always buzzing, so feel free to stand up at the table and sing "Happy Birthday" to yourself—it’ll just add to the atmosphere." - joel ang, dan secatore, tanya edwards

"The crispy wafer of parmesan that tops the secret burger at Alden & Harlow in Harvard Square is as divisive as your uncle’s Thanksgiving political takes. Some people don’t care for it, but we like it when our burger makes a sound when you bite into it. The beef blend is smoky and steaky, and the bun oozes butter. This is one of those limited-availability burgers that people sometimes wait in line for, but you can usually get it if you sit down by 7." - dan secatore

"Over the next few years, you’re going to have a lot of discussions with a lot of people about where to eat. If you’re looking for something remotely nice, Alden & Harlow will be suggested in literally every one of those conversations. This big American small plates place is one of the most popular restaurants in Boston, and sometimes feels like a Harvard dining hall. But it’s popular because it’s good, with a wide-ranging menu of farmy stuff and good seafood and some of our favorite cocktails of any full-service restaurant in Boston. Come to this dark, loud space when you need to ensure you’ll have a good time." - dan secatore

"This big, perpetually crowded restaurant in Harvard Square is primarily known for its very good menu featuring things like crispy pork belly and grilled rosemary focaccia. But you shouldn’t only be coming here to share small plates because the drinks may be even better. " - dan secatore

"The good news about doing a group dinner at a small plates place is that you get to order everything on the menu. The bad news is that you might only get one bite of each thing. Luckily, this place in Harvard Square also has an excellent cocktail menu, so you can handle your conflicted emotions that way. Get the rabbit, the seared bluefin crudo, and a cocktail. This is a big, fun restaurant that’s almost always buzzing." - dan secatore