Bartley's Burger Cottage

617-354-6559
1246 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02138
Bartley's Burger Cottage - Homestead Business Directory

Business Information

Restaurants
Cheap Eats
MONDAY:11:00AM-9:00PM
TUESDAY:11:00AM-9:00PM
WEDNESDAY:11:00AM-9:00PM
THURSDAY:11:00AM-9:00PM
FRIDAY:11:00AM-9:00PM
SATURDAY:11:00AM-9:00PM
SUNDAY:CLOS-

Top Sentiments among Bartley's Burger Cottage Reviewers

Good burgers Creative sweet potato french fries Delicious sweet potato fries Good frappes Good milkshakes Great lime rickeys Finest quality meat Good quality beef Yummy sandwiches Amazing heart stopping meal

Customer Reviews (73 reviews)

pdewan5

on Citysearch Nov 01, 2009
I was served a half cooked burger, a half eaten pickle, and the floors were filthy. When I complained, the owner told me to never come back and accused me of not being a good customer. I wouldn't recommend this place... (more)

doveland66

on Citysearch Aug 16, 2009
This place needs to get with the program and start accepting credit and debit cards. The prices for the burgers is entirely extravagant even though they are good. Our service was very good. The good service doesn't... (more)

Geoffpp

on Citysearch Apr 27, 2009
WORST of all is that every single time there I have been made to feel unwelcome and unliked. The incredibly brusque and ill-tempered wait staff are only outdone in pure rudeness by the cashier who was sullen and... (more)

IslandPark

on Citysearch Jan 15, 2009
I can't believe that I never stumbled across this place in 20+ years of visiting Harvard Square. Ok, so it's not elegant or commodious or even very comfortable (we got a cold draft of air whenever anyone opened the door... (more)

norgeerbest

on Citysearch Oct 08, 2008
We were 4 going to dinner, my husband was parking our car and us three ladies walked in ahead of him. We told them we needed a table for 4 and that the fourth person was parking the car but we would place his order for him. We... (more)

momoirise

on Citysearch Aug 29, 2008
Bartley's Burgers is a fine example of genuinely great food. I have gone there so many times, and have always left full and happy. This is a true example of Boston at it's finest, and is quick also (as long as you don't go... (more)

BostonFoodSucks

on Citysearch Feb 06, 2008
One of the few places in Boston where I've felt happy eating. Mr B took our order, and we were shoved into the crowded hole of a restaurant. They use proper beef patties that aren't pressed into perfect cow-patties. Got... (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch Jan 26, 2008
Bartleys has a huge menu of different burgers. There were so many amazing options it was hard to chose what I wanted. I'm not actually sure if they have anything else besides burgers, but even if you're not a burger fan I... (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch Jan 21, 2008
this is one of those places that you just have to go to. It is in cambridge (harvard) ma. it is a special one-of-a-kind type of burger places that has any type of burger imaginable. The menu is histerical as they use... (more)

terriertrimmer1

on Citysearch Dec 28, 2007
I have eaten here many times but in the last couple of years this place has really tanked!! The tables are now so close that you can't get comfortable, even if you could with the management breathing down the servers... (more)

laurel_mackenzie

on Citysearch Aug 23, 2007
I've been a regular customer of Bartley's for 5 years, but yesterday's?and today's consequential?experience with their management has left me with a resolve never to go back. I was short-changed $10?mistakes... (more)

Eric Grossman

on Citysearch Jul 24, 2007
<b>The Scene</b><br>For one of the Boston area's most unique--and beloved--dining experiences, visitors must cross the Charles and head toward the edge of Harvard Square, where Mr. Bartley has lured people to... (more)

pahowes

on Citysearch Jul 15, 2007
I had never eaten at Mr. Barley's prior to today, but an old friend of mine suggested that we get together for lunch there. It was definitely worth going! We arrived around 12:30 and were seated immediately. As other... (more)

helena143

on Citysearch Mar 18, 2007
I have very little of an idea as to why people think this place is so good. I have never been so disappointed. I have been hearing raves about this place for months, and finally tried it today. Mr. Bartley's is the most... (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch Mar 08, 2007
I had an outstanding burger. The flavor was fantastic! It was juicy and meaty. They cooked it really, really, rare - just the way I wanted it. The burger was amazing! The next time I go, I would skip the onion rings and... (more)

northshorefoodies

on Citysearch Nov 21, 2006
My boyfriend and I had been wanting to try this place for a long time. I must say, it does live up to its reputation. The burgers are fantastic: juicy, not TOO big, and tasty. I love the fries, but was not crazy about the... (more)

huskyduck

on Citysearch Oct 02, 2006
Big juicy burgers cooked to order, probably the world's greatest onion rings, real New England styled frappes and an unlimited supply of napkins to wipe your mouth after every bite. Bartley's is one of the great... (more)

gotbidnezz

on Citysearch Aug 03, 2006
I had been wanting to go to Mr. Bartley's, but my husband isn't into the communal dining thing. I took my Aunt here when she was visiting, and we loved it. We forgot to order the "world famous onion rings" but the fries,... (more)

m m.

on Judys Book Jul 24, 2006
This place is an interesting restaurant. It is very crowded and there is a long table in the center that multiple party’s share. There is no bathroom. All of the burgers on the menu are named after famous people, and all... (more)

aaront31

on Citysearch Jul 18, 2006
I first saw this place on an episode of "This Old House" and though maybe some day I'd like to try it out. Well, my partner and I were in Boston for vacation this year and decided that we'd see what everyone was talking... (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch Jun 19, 2006
Bartley's is a tiny little burger stop on the outskirts of Harvard Square. Because Bartley's is so small it is usually pretty crowded and you'll have to wait to take a seat. While in line, the hostess will take your... (more)

irishmyth84

on Citysearch Jun 12, 2006
If you're looking for a place in the Square with "fine dining" and leisurely, long meals, this is NOT the place for you. But if you KNOW what you're going to Bartley's for: burgers in a diner atmosphere with a twist of... (more)

Alison P.

on Judys Book May 18, 2006
Mr. Bartley's has built a reputation on its burgers, and indeed you can smell 'em half a block away. This is not a great place for vegetarians unless they want the plate of three sides (i.e. pasta salad, fruit salad,... (more)

Jack L.

on Judys Book Apr 24, 2006
Bartley's Burgers have been shown in research to forestall decisions by those contemplating a bout with to vegetarianism. Come at the height of lunch, and you will wait outside with the rest of the herd. You will want... (more)

M G.

on Judys Book Apr 16, 2006
Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage can be good;if you can climb through the horde of tourists to find a seat. The menu contains pages and pages full of different kinds of burgers with tourist friendly catchy names. They... (more)

Michael G.

on Judys Book Apr 15, 2006
What's better than a burger from Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage? Not much. It has the feel of dive diner and the authentic menu to boot. It's basically a huge list of creative burgers and assorted foods that are named... (more)

Wei-ying W.

on Judys Book Apr 15, 2006
Gets pretty crowded since it's right next to Harvard. The service is fast though since they need your seats. Definitely not a place to linger over the food. Kind of a "greasy spoon" type of restaurant. The menu's... (more)

sebcoefan

on Citysearch Apr 05, 2006
Great turkey burger but the line is huge and inside there's no restroom. Ask the waitstaff about the bathroom, and you'll be the recipient of a bad attitude. I vow never to return.... (more)

Jessica A.

on Judys Book Apr 03, 2006
I love burgers, greasy juicy burgers. this place is cute and has lots of interesting stuff all around, and the food is great. it's just an old fashioned burger joint that really is still an old fashioned burger joint.... (more)

nghin

on Citysearch Mar 28, 2006
The creativity of the menu will definitely give you a chuckle. The burger is so tasty and you have to try their famous sweet potato fries. Remember to bring cash with you because they do not accept credit card. Burger... (more)

Lyndsy P.

on Judys Book Mar 20, 2006
Delicious sweet potato fries! (more)

citygirl617

on Citysearch Mar 12, 2006
The burgers are great! It's worth going atleast once. fun to go with small group. the place is so much fun. i felt a little rushed when i was there though. Its a little pricey - the menu burgers w/ fries are $8-$13 -... (more)

Teena T.

on Judys Book Feb 13, 2006
If you love burgers, this place is it! Their burgers are hand-formed and fresh. They make a mean frappe, always nice.Be prepared to sit at tiny tables, or at one big long table with strangers next to or across from you.... (more)

Teena T.

on Judys Book Feb 12, 2006
This is about as close as you get to a perfect burger. The place is crammed, people share tables, and the waitstaff is curt but very competent. They offer something like 100 different types of hamburgers. The... (more)

w j c.

on Judys Book Jan 13, 2006
Boston's best burger is arguably found at Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage in Cambridge. Here they put a heavy emphasis on topping varieties and choices of meat (or veggie) ground up into a patty. Few things on the menu... (more)

jessy923

on Citysearch Oct 01, 2005
It would seem that everyone loves this place. Natives, visitors, tourists...I was in town for day with my husband and we were dying for a good burger. The sign outside drew us to Mr. Bartley's although we had... (more)

Vivian C.

on Judys Book Sep 25, 2005
Since this restaurant is located in Harvard Square, it is always packed with local students and young people. If you sit inside, you sit on a long bench with other people or at a tiny table. The burgers are pretty good,... (more)

ksnmne

on Citysearch Sep 24, 2005
I have known this place since 1978 - it has not changed, and it still has the best burgers in the NE. Big, fat, juicy, and rare if you so desire. It is crowded and noisy, but there are no better burgers to be had. I just... (more)

Peggy B.

on Judys Book Sep 02, 2005
I am not a burger fan myself so I don't know how to appreciate these things. However, I must say that the burgers here are pretty good. The reason I would recommend this place is because of its name more than its food. Many... (more)

sabinagriff

on Citysearch Aug 27, 2005
We have read wonderful reviews about the burgers at Bartley's and were very excited to finally try it. Although the burgers were OK, they were extremely overpriced. Neither the burgers, nor the experience in... (more)

Li E.

on Judys Book Aug 22, 2005
Bartley's is perfect to grab a burger. The restaurant always feels a little cramped, but if you go at the right time, it can be really pleasant. Not a great place for a big group, but perfect for a few friends grabbing a... (more)

opel4141

on Citysearch Jul 21, 2005
With out question the best burger in town! Don't come expecting a luxurious dining experience, that's not what this place is about. It has incredible burgers and a fun atmosphere that exemplifies the harvard... (more)

linus2020

on Citysearch Jul 13, 2005
This is a real fantastic place to eat. It's pretty much a hole in the wall in Harvard Square. Don't expect bathrooms or spacious interior. Do expect great burgers and charm. The burgers are great and the raspberry lime... (more)

Citysearch User

on Citysearch Jun 06, 2005
This burger joint has a very college-feel, being right next to Harvard University. Inside is small but cozy, and there are long tables, with a few private tables. The menu is huge, and you might have trouble picking... (more)

vinds

on Citysearch May 12, 2005
I went to Mr. Bartley's with two friends after hearing how great the burgers and milkshakes. We were seated at an extremely drafty table in front of the door on green plastic deck chairs. The cramped inside was made... (more)

jillinboston

on Citysearch Oct 07, 2004
Run - don't walk to this Cambridge burger barn. Casually decorated with vintage stickers and such, be ready to sit amongst the people. Burgers are juicy and add-ons are countless. The french fries are good, but it's... (more)

betbetbetbet

on Citysearch May 10, 2004
i have been going to bartley's since 5th grade (i'm now in grad school in NYC) and this is still the best burger place ive been to. the ambiance is dark, dirty, and politically humorous. there are anti republican... (more)

derekl

on Citysearch Aug 03, 2003
Everyone has their personal favorite burger joint, and Bartley's is mine. The hamburger juices literally explode in your mouth with the first bite. Their milkshakes are the best around also. I live in NYC now, but I... (more)

richarddillon

on Citysearch Jul 29, 2003
I walked by this curious place for probably 25 years before stopping in. That was a mistake. But now I eat here quite regularly. My favorites here are the Ted Kennedy Burger, the Yuppi e Burger, the Great Onion rings,... (more)

yup

on Citysearch Feb 26, 2003
the burgers at bartley's are better than most steaks in boston. I can't fathom how any of the reviewers could have been indifferent to the burgers there, but I guess everyone's different. I myself never realized... (more)

madmonk

on Citysearch Jan 12, 2003
Absolutely terrific burgers - don't miss the Sweet Potato Fries. Also feast on the collection of original posters: theater, movies, concerts, Elvis, Bogey; and on some really wild bumper stickers; the place is... (more)

cadredmed

on Citysearch Jan 03, 2003
Flat out great hamburgers of all permutations. And the lime rickies are terrific. (more)

steve_weinograd

on Citysearch Dec 21, 2002
This is the icon of the greater Boston burger world. If you want the perfect Cambridge/Harvard burger experience, this is THE place. I truly love it and the food really is good. (more)

goodbadman

on Citysearch Dec 14, 2002
best burger joint you will ever find, regardless of how long you search (more)

mnrsmom

on Citysearch Dec 11, 2002
I don't get it...anyone up here ever tried the Fuddruckers chain? Down where I came from, the locals there rated 'em #1!!! (Miami)...now, maybe it's a matter of taste, or maybe they cook 'em different up here, but try... (more)

lolitafontaine

on Citysearch Nov 25, 2002
Bartley's is not about romance, not about comfort, not about long leisurely meals - it's about getting a good hot filling meal just the way you like it right in the heart of Harvard Square. Great burgers, cooked the way... (more)

johnaidan22

on Citysearch Nov 07, 2002
Burgers were overcooked, the dining area overcrowded, and diners over-enthusiastic...but it was fun experience nonetheless! (more)

maskiell

on Citysearch Oct 24, 2002
...do people think that Bartley's is so good? It's not BAD, but it's certainly not worth all the excitement that surrounds it (and definitely not worth buying a T-shirt!). John Harvard's Brew House has much, much... (more)

jimmmy

on Citysearch Aug 27, 2002
The burgers here are nearly round, so it's amazing that they're able to overcook them while preserving a mealy texture throughout. The meat is pretty much flavorless, but I guess that's better than its being... (more)

mlrc

on Citysearch Aug 25, 2002
Many restaurants have tried to make a hamburger somthing it is not and should not be but Bartley's knows all the weaknesses of your basic burger and it's strengths and plays up the latter. Eating a Bartley's burger has... (more)

lmuellne

on Citysearch Aug 25, 2002
I still remeber the first time going to Bartleys, I was about 10 and my brother took me. I could not believe how many different kinds of burgers they had and how good every single one of them sounded. So original and oh, so... (more)

jacefox

on Citysearch Aug 21, 2002
What can I say? I have been made a believer. I didn't think the burgers would be that great, but I was wrong. I had the "Russell Crowe" and it was amazing. I loved the excitement, and the service staff was both exciting and... (more)

herohondahighwaysuperstar

on Citysearch Aug 18, 2002
The ambience here is great. However, the food is mediocre, and a little pricey. It was also, somewhat uninspiring. Although, I'd have to admit, the sweet potato french fries was a little creative. The burgers are... (more)

mmm2002

on Citysearch Aug 14, 2002
Great burgers! Great frappes! Bartley's is the best. The sweet potato fries are good too. (more)

monstergreenleaf

on Citysearch Aug 12, 2002
Bartley's in Harvard Square is excellent burger dining - this one place converted me from a medium to a medium-rare type of guy. The onion rings are so good that they they almost taste sweet, and the lime rickeys are... (more)

jscothammerquist

on Citysearch Aug 07, 2002
It is simply the best burger I ever had. The Bearnise burger is to die for. (more)

bernzy

on Citysearch Jul 29, 2002
If you haven't been to Bartley's then you obviously aren't a burger fan! This is by far the best burger joint in town and the wacked out scenery is throw in for free! A great place to get a bite if you don't mind waiting a... (more)

BestofBoston

on Citysearch Jul 29, 2002
Good burgers, but I wouldn't say fantastic. No bathrooms here, so definately detracts from the dining experience. The wait staff aren't too friendly either. (more)

CokeKelley

on Citysearch Jul 28, 2002
Unbeleivable burgers. You haven't a burger 'til you have one fro m BBC. It is a fun place for lunch whether by yourself or with a group. (more)

paulad_523

on Citysearch Jul 23, 2002
By far the best burgers I have ever eaten!!!! I tell everyone i know to go to Bartley's. The food, the atmosphere, the waitstaff all are part of the Bartley experience. (more)
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Recent Comments


Bartley's has by far some of the best food that's available fast -- the service is great and... (more)
hardvardsquarekid93, May 06, 2011

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