"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
"At Alden & Harlow, it should be a rule that no two people at the same table can order the same drink. The cocktails are so good and interesting at this big, fun spot that you should share them the same way you do with the small plates. Having said that, the small plates are pretty good too. The menu is broad, with things like steak tartare, and smoked clams served with zucchini, pecorino, and pesto, so come here with a group of friends and try as much as you can, and keep this in mind for your next birthday dinner, or any dinner you just want to be really fun." - 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
"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
"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