Border Cafe
Business Information
RestaurantsMexican
| MONDAY | : | 11:00AM | - | 1:00AM |
| TUESDAY | : | 11:00AM | - | 1:00AM |
| WEDNESDAY | : | 11:00AM | - | 1:00AM |
| THURSDAY | : | 11:00AM | - | 1:00AM |
| FRIDAY | : | 11:00AM | - | 2:00AM |
| SATURDAY | : | 11:00AM | - | 2:00AM |
| SUNDAY | : | 12:00PM | - | 1:00AM |
Customer Reviews (93 reviews)
VindictiveButterfly
on Citysearch Jun 15, 2009I was so disappointed when I went there. First of all, ordered a Margaritta and the waiter insisted on seeing my ID, which I had left in my other purse back at my apt . A little rediculous because I'm far beyond the legal... (more)
hardinghouseinncambrdge
on Citysearch Jan 20, 2009This Harvard Square favorite offers delicious and inexpensive Mexican and Cajun food in a fun and lively environment. Students, tourists and families flock to this Southwestern-themed restaurant which is known... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Jan 15, 2009My family has been going to the Border Cafe in Harvard Square for over 20 years. We are native Bostonians and now California transplants. Every visit to Boston includes a trip to the Border Cafe ! Try the Eggplant... (more)
TheReviewa
on Citysearch Oct 17, 2008For cheap Tex Mex and a cheap Margarita. This is the place! The border cafe has something for everyone including run of the mill Tex Mex and some interesting Cajun dishes too. This place will not break the bank either so... (more)
DkTiburon
on Citysearch Jul 02, 2008So, I accidentally left my credit card in the restaurant and immediately went back to retrieve it. For some unknown reason, the manager took it home, and I needed to talk to the other managers. At first, the first... (more)
stayve
on Citysearch Jun 03, 2008Been twice and both times had very good experience. First time we had a wait of 15 minutes and the second time we were brought right to a table. I purposely chose to eat mexican the first time, burrito was OK, chips and... (more)
pelusa666
on Citysearch Mar 09, 2008This last Saturday we were a party of 11. We reached the restaurant at around 9:15 pm. They gave us a buzzer and the manager at the door told us to wait for 30-45 min. We stayed at the bar until 10 pm. We asked for the status of... (more)
suppaman92
on Citysearch Jan 03, 2008I have been coming to this restaurant for 4 years.Tthe food is pretty good and worth coming back for but the service, especially from the manager, has convinced me to never go back there again. I was sitting with... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Dec 06, 2007The Border Cafe is a favorite on mine. The quessadillas are the best. Bring back the carne asade. It's the best! The drinks are great too. Terrific margaritas and the sangria is also amazing. The decor is great too.... (more)
rmusa
on Citysearch Oct 11, 2007This has been my favorite restaurant for ten years. But as sad as it sounds I, a regular customer even after I moved to the west coast, had a major setback in what I think of the place. I flew in from San Francisco last... (more)
Eric Grossman
on Citysearch Sep 18, 2007<b>The Scene</b><br>Due to the area's lack of inexpensive dining options, the wallet-friendly Border Cafe is the restaurant of choice among Harvard Square's younger residents. (Translation: expect hour-plus... (more)
l_scully
on Citysearch Sep 16, 2007I've been to Border Cafe many times and I've always gotten my money's worth. The chips and salsa are really good and they give you huge portions of everything (from drinks to food) for relatively cheap. There's... (more)
larged
on Citysearch Jun 09, 2007Border Cafe is hands down my favorite tex-mex restaurant. Their food is easy on the pocketbook yet still of great quality. I usually end up eating too many chips, salsa, and guacamole and ruin my dinner. They make one... (more)
running_strong
on Citysearch Apr 29, 2007Great service, tons of menu options, good maragaritas and fresh, hot tortilla chips and salsa served before the meal. (more)
fromboston
on Citysearch Jan 30, 2007My fiance and I often dine here and had nothing but a good experience. I am a vegetarian and there is only around 10 vegetarian options on te menu and since i am the type that enjoys trying a different dish each time I... (more)
antz06
on Citysearch Nov 25, 2006Dinner at the Border Cafe last night was as great as it has always been. Had a 15min wait for an 830pm dinner. Place was packed but we did not feel rushed. We were actually allowed to hang out at our table for quite a long... (more)
sromano
on Citysearch Nov 05, 2006Used to be a great place. The food is still good but the service continues to get worse. Last visit the appetizers came out amazingly quickly and the entrees seconds later. Never asked about drinks and tried to push us... (more)
kej628
on Citysearch Oct 31, 2006Oh, boo hoo hoo, those who climb on their soapbox and constantly harp that the Mexican food around here is not authentic - NO KIDDING, who cares, deal with it, you're not going to get an authentic fresh New England... (more)
casa w.
on Judys Book Sep 24, 2006Great place to be & eat....Just do not order OUT from the bartenders unless you tip them. not a good idea.. I have found it's not the best way to recieve care in the food order (more)
bosoxi
on Citysearch Aug 10, 2006I can't people that give this place bad reviews. It doesn't purport to be the most authentic Mexican restaurant in town but it does have great food. The chicken fajitas are the best I've had with the most tender and... (more)
Amy B.
on Judys Book Jul 10, 2006This restaurant is a great place to go for a quick bite to eat before a movie. It is a wonderful combination of Cajun and Mexican food, with something for everyone. I am a pretty strict vegetarian, and have always been... (more)
surfergirlwannabe
on Citysearch May 30, 2006I have been eating here for over 10 years. My first experience was in 1995 right after living in Texas for 10 years where I got hooked on Tex-Mex/Cajun. I recommend the Catfish Fajitas, Catfish New Orleans, Jumbalaya &... (more)
Christina M.
on Judys Book May 16, 2006If this restaurant was in my home state of Texas, I would probably only rate it three stars, but for the sake of its being a welcome beacon of Tex Mex light in Cambridge, I give it four stars. In addition to solid Tex Mex... (more)
Alison P.
on Judys Book May 14, 2006If you feel like curling up somewhere quiet and reading your book, do not come to the Border Cafe. Its deal is that it is loud and crowded and hectic and you can have margaritas, maybe many of them, and have a loud festive... (more)
Jack L.
on Judys Book Apr 24, 2006The Border Cafe has action coming and going. Waiting on line jsut warms you up for the main dish inside. Be prepared to speak up -- the acoustics create sheer madness, making it sometimes it hard to hear. Yet most people... (more)
M G.
on Judys Book Apr 16, 2006Good tex mex/cajun can be hard to come by in the northern reaches of the country. That is why Border Cafe, located in Cambridge, is a gem to be treasured. Drinks here are served cold and strong. There are a number of... (more)
Michael G.
on Judys Book Apr 15, 2006The food is what you would expect a typical American Mexican restaurant, though you really can't go wrong with any of the dishes. They all taste fine and pretty much exactly like you'd expect.What is an utter... (more)
Wei-ying W.
on Judys Book Apr 14, 2006The food's a bit more expensive than regular tex-mex, but at least it's consistently good. Try the black bean and corn empanada...yum yum. Don't get the margaritas though, they're very watered down. Can get... (more)
Dan R.
on Judys Book Mar 17, 2006This is our absolute favorite restaurant; it has the best Mexican food ever! We go about once a week and only get one thing - THE CHICKEN FAJITAS! The tortillas are homemade, which is a must for good fajitas. The chicken... (more)
maoshong
on Citysearch Jan 21, 2006Even the waiter agreed that this wasn't authentic or even edible food. Completely bland and tasteless. My friend (who is from Texas) laughed when I said I was craving Mexican food and suggested this place. The only... (more)
biaxinle
on Citysearch Dec 03, 200520 years after college you can still appreciate the Border. In fact you can bring kids but they'll probably find the taco not your basic school cafeteria fodder. The service was quite attentive and surprising for... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Sep 14, 2005The food here is just Tex Mex food, but it is just so popular, because The Border Cafe is just so good. When you get here, you get an almost endless supply of tortilla chips. The entrees here don't really get you full but... (more)
Luke L.
on Judys Book Sep 13, 2005The food here is basically Tex Mex.When you get here, you get an almost endless supply of tortilla chips. The entrees here don't really get you full but they are good.It will cost about $10 for each entree. I would check... (more)
Amber G.
on Judys Book Sep 03, 2005The Border Cafe has typical tex-mex offerings, in a bustling environment. Their food isn't off the charts, but it's decent quality and good prices. (more)
K J.
on Judys Book Aug 16, 2005Border Cafe serves really good mexican food. Located in harvard square, it has a great atmosphere and the best magaritas in Cambridge.Harvard, BU, and MIT students alike visit this great tex-mex hangout. The food... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Aug 07, 2005I love Border Cafe!! I am a Texas implant and this place has the best chicken fajitas. The tortillas are homemade. They went up on the price during the past year and that was disappointing.... (more)
Irene M.
on Judys Book Aug 06, 2005The Border Cafe has a great atmosphere, with a good selection of texmex items. The fish taco is especially tasty - a breaded and fried catfish with cheese and salsa wrapped in a taco, served with a side of jamalaya or... (more)
alex l.
on Judys Book Aug 06, 2005this place makes uniquely flavorful tex-mex food. there's an added depth to the beans and rice that i've never tasted before. they also serve warm, freshly-made nachos and a really great salsa. highly addictive! i... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Jul 14, 2005I don't even like spicy food but this place made me have a new craving. The drinks are great, the atmosphere is authentic and lively and the food is much more than you would expect. The staff seems laid back and pleasent... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Jul 10, 2005Amongst all of the over priced restaurants in Harvard sq. The Boarder Cafe continues to be the cheapest place to have a sit down dinner in Harvard sq. The quality of food is excellent and the portions are large. I... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Apr 25, 2005Borders Cafe feels like a chain, and offers alot of pluses and minuses of one. Positive: Good food, reliable menu, cheap Negative: Long wait, not authentic, inconcistent service PROS: Cheap CONS: Wait, Quality... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Apr 09, 2005Agreed that this place gets really busy, but I think it is the location. The food was always been ok, not great. The drinks are good. I would go to this location if there was no wait otherwise I would look for some place... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Apr 02, 2005Thursday through Sunday night, and some weeknights, the line to get into Border Cafe snakes around the block. There's often upwards of an hour wait, but for inexpensive and good tex-mex food, I haven't found... (more)
cl_foodie
on Citysearch Mar 17, 2005Not just mexican, this place also has some cajun flavors as well. They've got a great creole chicken, and also serve the usual burritos, tacos, and fajitas. The margaritas aren't that strong, but they are huge so you... (more)
ojai
on Citysearch Oct 18, 2004This was the scariest burrito I've seen in Boston. You won't find one of these in Mexico, Texas, or California. Good quantity for college kids but not any bit of authenticity. You can supersize mediocrity.... (more)
neko11
on Citysearch Aug 05, 2004I am from Louisiana, so maybe I am a little biased. They have a lot of claims Louisiana itself but trust me, you haven't come close to what you get down south here. Althougha great substitute, just not what you should... (more)
lexluthor
on Citysearch Jul 14, 2004This place can get crowded at night, but it's worth the wait. Just wait it out at the bar (if you can get near it) and have a delicious margarita. The food is awesome, I have never been disapointed in the many times I've... (more)
frank8922
on Citysearch Apr 28, 2004Whenever I go to the Boder Cafe I always order their Gold Margarita beause its the best. The food is great. I love the salsa. The Border Cafe is always my destination at Harvard Sq. then across the street to Starbucks for... (more)
hrhawley
on Citysearch Apr 15, 2004This restaurant is awesome, great food, great atmosphere, great margaritas (i have a passion for the strawberry kind), I go with friends all the time. We can enjoy a meal, a drink, and feel at home without killing our... (more)
doug0373
on Citysearch Apr 03, 2004I am from the South with a heavy Mexican Population and many restaurants. I have eaten at many Mexican Restaurants and would not rate this one of them. The food is good, but if you are in the mood for refried beans,... (more)
melwarshaw
on Citysearch Mar 11, 2004There are a lot of great items on the menu, but nothing surpasses the blackened chicken. It's addictive. And what a great buy! For those trying to curb carbs or just love spicy and really well-prepared vegetables,... (more)
jadetigereyes18
on Citysearch Mar 07, 2004My friend and I were seated quite promptly during the lunching hour, and the service was quick. The portions are large, and there is a lot of noise, but that's expected of this type of environment. The food is very good,... (more)
jpippert
on Citysearch Mar 05, 2004When I saw this restaurant listed as #2 for margaritas I had to save some unsuspecting souls that have actually had a good margarita from this experience. In fact, while I'm at it I would like to save anyone that has... (more)
truth76
on Citysearch Feb 05, 2004Went to Border Cafe with a group of about 9 people, the last weekend in Jan. We did have to wait and they would not seat us until our entire group had arrived. The place is extremely loud, margaritas are ok but the food was... (more)
edilla
on Citysearch Nov 06, 2003The Border Cafe has what I would call THE WORST margaritas I have ever had in my life. I feel sorry for the people who think these are good; they have obviously been missing out. To make matters worse, there is usually a... (more)
mazeratti
on Citysearch Sep 04, 2003By far the best Margaritas in town. Their chicken fajitas are also pretty incredible. Do not order anything but the house margarita though. (more)
morroccomole
on Citysearch Sep 04, 2003I have been to many Tex/Mex, Mexican, and want to be restaurants and have found the Borders' to be the best. I have been to most of the clubs rated here and even to Mexico and some come close, but the Grand Gold Margarita... (more)
megw2
on Citysearch Sep 04, 2003Cheap Tex Mex and great Margaritas! Be prepared for long lines on Friday and Saturday nights. Great for an after-work get together during happy hour! (more)
sita
on Citysearch Aug 12, 2003The best part about The Border Cafe, aside from the tastey food, quick service, and ultra-cheap prices, is that they are vegetarian friendly! They have an entire vegetarian section on their menu, and everything is... (more)
RealDeal
on Citysearch May 17, 2003This is good tex mex and cajun food. The ambiance is great, it's dimly lit and one can smoke cigarettes. The waiters are always good with refiling chips and water. This is where cool people go and laugh at lame people who... (more)
mirandamcgill
on Citysearch Apr 23, 2003The only plus point about this place is that it's good for large groups. I'm always amazed at the line of people waiting to get into the Border Cafe.. while the bar food is ok, and the restaurant food is bland but... (more)
megalip
on Citysearch Feb 06, 2003I don't live in Boston anymore, but everytime I go back, the Border Cafe is the FIRST restaurant I head to. Possibly the BEST & CHEAPEST place on earth! Before I moved, I managed to obtain the recipe for their French... (more)
Soupone
on Citysearch Jan 31, 2003Anyone wanting good mexican food should avoid this place. However if you just want to drink this is a good place to hangout (more)
jwheble
on Citysearch Jan 01, 2003I've been here before, but the last few times I've been the food has been inconsistant... overall not that bad thogh. (more)
bestoftheshores
on Citysearch Dec 09, 2002Best of the Shores is travelling again. This time in New England - On our way back to NJ from skiing in NH, Jim Pridgen and wife Linda stopped at Borders Cafe for Margaritas, delicious quesadillas and awesome... (more)
bret_starr
on Citysearch Dec 08, 2002The staples of a good mexican food (tex-mex) experience are: (1) queso, (2) margaritas and (3) enchiladas. If you agree with me, then best to avoid this restaurant. We moved here from Texas and were anxious to try what... (more)
italyag
on Citysearch Dec 08, 2002I have been the to Border Cafe hundreds of times and have never been disappointed by their food or service. Everything on the menu is excellent and I highly recommend their quesadillas. They are to die for. THe service... (more)
ps995
on Citysearch Dec 06, 2002tHIS PLACE HAS GOOS MEXICAN AT CHEAP PRICES. YOU USUALLY HAVE TO WAIT AT PEAK TIMES AND THE BAR IS SMALL FOR WAITING BUT THE ATMOSPHERE IS FUN AND THE FOOD GREAT. YOU CAN ALSO CHOOSE A CAJUN STYLE MEAL IF MEXICAN ISN'T FOR... (more)
BigJim2002
on Citysearch Nov 20, 2002I just went to Border Cafe last night for about the 50th time. When you walk in the door you are immediately hit with all sorts of wonderful smells that will get you salivating right away. There is often a long wait, but at... (more)
massi1059
on Citysearch Nov 19, 2002Excellent, Excellent, Excellent. Great ambiance, great food. Long lines at night so go early, worth the wait. (more)
Coriandersmith
on Citysearch Nov 06, 2002The best Margharitas and mexican food around. It's worth the drive into Harvard Square, if you don't live in the area! (more)
miacomet
on Citysearch Oct 31, 2002Maybe back in the early 90's this place was good, but with today's quality authentic Mexican food in the area, this place cant keep up. (more)
rbrauman
on Citysearch Oct 02, 2002It's fun, good drinks, and good mexican. But, it's not the cheapest, best tex-mex, or most fun. Cactus Club is arguably more fun with better drinks based on their string of Best of Boston awards, and Cottonwood has a... (more)
mcarletti
on Citysearch Sep 24, 2002The chips and salsa are what make this place great. High-quality fajitas as well, but its really the chips. You can survive on a few big margaritas and the endless bucket and be set for the evening!... (more)
petegreendc
on Citysearch Sep 20, 2002While this place has a great location and is a lot of fun, the menu lacks any real authentic mexican( or creole/cajun). It resembles more of the same Massachusetts tex/mex diluted combo. It remains very difficult to... (more)
amybett
on Citysearch Sep 18, 2002Mass. is known for ignorance in the area of Mexican food, and when I was sent to the Border Cafe by more than 2 or 3 people I my hopes were high. I was suspect the moment i saw the menu, since thier other "specalties" were... (more)
JessicaG
on Citysearch Sep 11, 2002Great food, great service, great price, great for a crowd of people and great margrita's!!! (more)
Louanne
on Citysearch Sep 03, 2002Margaritas are great.... all different flavors... good size for the money... and presented well..... they are known for their margarita... and of course, can't beat the prices of the food!... (more)
AthenaD
on Citysearch Aug 29, 2002Chain restaurant that's way too crowded and expensive. Marguerita's are mostly mix and food is bland. (more)
MzTrixieBelle
on Citysearch Aug 29, 2002This place is sooo overrated! I had lunch recently at the Harvard Square location and was I disappointed! The place is always loud and crowded and the food was just so-so. As for the margaritas - YUCK! Watery,... (more)
clc1008
on Citysearch Aug 25, 2002A great place for cheap Mexican food and awesome Margarita's! (more)
casey304
on Citysearch Aug 19, 2002The food is cheap and good and without a doubt this is the best Margarita in Boston. Try the Gran Gold on the rocks with salt. Two will have you feeling very nice...good after a hard week at work. Also, the seafood... (more)
jimmmy
on Citysearch Aug 18, 2002This is one of the only places in Boston that I can go and be reasonably sure of having a good meal and pleasant service. The enchiladas are great, as good as a lot of the Tex-Mex in Texas. The regular margaritas are okay,... (more)
mmm2002
on Citysearch Aug 14, 2002The Border Cafe has cheap Tex Mex food, not good authentic Mexican food. Nothing special. (more)
shan24
on Citysearch Aug 12, 2002Borders is my favorite place for an authentic Mexican meal & a few strawberry margaritas. Always busy, but well worth the wait. Fun atmosphere, good food, huge portions. (more)
solitaire
on Citysearch Jul 31, 2002The Border Cafe has been around Harvard Square for as long as I can remember- serving up some mediocre Americanized mexican food, but it certainly is not authentic. The fact that it is an Editorial Nominee for best... (more)
Sabalom
on Citysearch Jul 28, 2002It's certainly cheap and in a quiet Tex-Mex sanitized way it's not all that bad. However, if you want the real thing this is not the place. If you want a bogus Margharita, stuff yourself with salsa and chips and don't... (more)
jpramas
on Citysearch Jun 28, 2002Highly average gringo mex and cajun food. Always a line outside of zapped tourists and palate-challenged college kids, waiting for up to an hour to get trashed on industrial-grade margaritas. Cannot for the life of... (more)
jpanderson_citysearch
on Citysearch Jun 13, 2002loved hanging out at this place during college. it's a great spot to guzzle a margarita and down some chips, always fresh and hot with great spicy salsa. always a wait during prime time. only thing about this place is... (more)
boopboop
on Citysearch Jun 11, 2002This place is absolutely great. The food is great and inexpensive, and the margaritas are out of this world. I love the atmosphere. It's really upbeat. If you are ready for a great time, just come here. I went here for a... (more)
potwasher
on Citysearch Jun 06, 2002Nice place! Food is very good. excellent selection of Mexican style dishes. Well prepared. You will wait at peak times but the place can be fun and the service is pretty good. Everything on the menu is good. If you like... (more)
adriak
on Citysearch May 30, 2002This place had the worst margarita I've had since I went to Chili's in a MN airport...it was probably made the same way. It's not made from fresh lime juice, that's for sure, and they have no idea that there is such a thing... (more)