Boston Top Shelf Review: Craigie On Main
853 Main Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 497-5511
www.craigieonmain.com
The common impression of a high end, boutique-style place amidst Harvard University is that the atmosphere will be stuffy and elitist. Well, Craigie On Main does not fall into this trap. This place is all about accommodation. You can go on in and expect to feel as if the staff really wants to make you a drink.
The drinks at this French-inspired restaurant/bar are created as if crafting the perfect meal. Bar staff can be almost fanatical about the offerings being perfect. Seasonal, ingredients can include rhubarb, juniper, sage, and blood orange. They also have an amazing collection of bitters and infused syrups - and the staff knows how to use them.
At Craigie On Main, they use great ice, commonly overlooked as important.
The drink menu options are variations on traditional standards, but can change daily, so take full advantage of the menu. You can expect the drink you had yesterday not to be available tomorrow if the "...best of the best that day" is no longer available.
The award winning wine list contains selections based on what is best for value, lesser known bottles, estate bottled and old world wines. They want you to get out of your wine selection rut.
The beer list is comprised of small craft and batch produced selections. The draft beer options are mostly regional while the bottled beers range from Germany to San Francisco. This follows the seasonal and homestyle attitude of this establishment and the staff.
Surrounding decor is simple, homey and nouveau French. Small booths, tables and limited seats at the small bar feel intimate, but are well worth the wait. With the new, trendy, modern drink labs cold and sterile, Cragie On Main is the true drink experience with the comforts of home and mom's spice cabinet. Hours: Tuesday –Sunday, 5:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
