Zinneken's Belgian waffles | Harvard square

Delicious spot for a quick bite - very quick service and EXCELLENT chocolate. Its convenient location made it a no-brainer after a stroll around Harvard campus. The kitschy Belgian decor and open kitchen made for a comfortable and homey atmosphere, while the views out of the windows were perfect for a date. Though a little overpriced for the size, the experience made it absolutely worth it.

MY FAVORITE DESSERT PLACE IN BOSTON TRIP. Get the liege waffle with blackberries. Blackberries were sweet and juicy. I don’t know what magic they performed with the waffle batter but it is certainly not your diner waffle. It is ELEVATED SPECIAL YUMMY BELGIAN WAFFLE with hint of sweetness and yummy crispness. Right amt of crisp on the outside but sweet and fluffy inside. I am literally drooling and craving it again as I am writing this review. It was 9:25 pm on Sunday and the place was PACKED. So you might have to take it to-go just a heads up. They have some seating but there’s maybe like seating for 10 ppl and the place gets really packed with ppl early on because the vibes are so nice. follow @mia.eats.explores if you make it to end of this review LOL

Waffles came out seconds after ordering and were very good. The not so good part was the same edge was burnt on each waffle (maybe that iron needed cleaning or didn't distribute heat correctly). Coffee was good. The workers were kind with the baby and even gave him a full cut up banana to eat. It is crowded.

The chocolate liege waffles were delicious. The liege waffles itself was the star of the show. Warm, soft, and fluffy. Tbh should've gone the fruit only route instead of the chocolate drizzle. The chocolate drizzle wasn't overly dark or sweet. Typical ganache, but it was way too much after having a full meal before coming here for after meal dessert. Won't knock a star off for misordering.

My friends and I wanted a calm, delicious brunch. Walking through the streets of Harvard all the cafes were packed. We happened to walk pass this cafe. Believe me when I tell you this is the best cafe I ever came across! The food was DELICIOUS!!!! It’s a mistake to not stop by this amazing cute cafe!

Delicious waffles, very fast service! They are pretty expensive but great quality! Really nice waffle texture, plus fruit and chocolate was a perfect late night treat!

Zinneken's Belgian Waffles is a small cafe located in the heart of Cambridge's Harvard Square, with other locations scattered throughout the Northeast. We came on a weekday for lunch, and there wasn't much people inside the cafe, but it began to fill up when we were leaving. The staff were friendly, and walked us through the menu and types of waffles. Unfortunately they only had one type of waffle, but that didn't deter us from eating there. They offer a pre-made version and a build your own type, but we decided to stick with eating the premade ones. We got the Banana & Nutella (The Sin) and the Strawberry & Chocolate (The Glamour). They were both decently sized for the price, and came out pretty quickly. There was good portions of the toppings, and the waffle was pretty light and went well with the toppings. Overall, a good quick bite or chill place to stop in for a little while.

Desserts were really good. But I think if you've eaten in Europe, you may find this place a little lacking. But we ate a nice waffle, far above American standards. prices are average. The place is very hot. The employees were also very kind. I think this is the best place around :)

Zinneken's Belgian Waffles is a charming cafe nestled in Harvard Square, Cambridge, with other locations scattered throughout the Northeast. We visited on a weekday for lunch, and while it wasn't crowded initially, the cafe began filling up just as we were leaving. The staff was welcoming and took the time to explain the menu, including the different waffle options. While only one type of waffle was available during our visit, it didn't detract from the experience. The menu features both pre-made waffle combinations and a build-your-own option. We opted for pre-made waffles: the Banana & Nutella (The Sin) and the Strawberry & Chocolate (The Glamour). Both were well-portioned for the price and arrived promptly. The waffles were light and fluffy, pairing beautifully with the generous toppings. Overall, Zinneken's is a great spot for a quick bite or a relaxing pause while exploring Harvard Square.

A true Harvard classic and a must-try if you visit Cambridge! I wandered past Zinneken's after a long afternoon of touristy shenanigans and campus tours when I caught a whiff of the aroma of freshly cooked waffles and crystallized sugar wafting through the streets. My friends and I were, of course, unable to resist so we popped into Zinneken's and discovered one of the cutest little gems in Harvard Square (and shortly after realized that it was not at all a hidden gem and constantly packed with people...but since we found it on a whim and not because we knew it was popular, I'll pretend like we made a cool new discovery). As the name implies, Zinneken's Belgian Waffles serves a variety of Belgian waffles, as well as a small assortment of tea, coffee, and smoothies. You can choose a base waffle in either a liege or brussels style, depending on if you prefer your waffles soft and chewy (liege) or a little lighter and crispier (brussels). From there, you can add whatever accoutrements you'd like, including all the fruits you can imagine and other dessert-ish items (e.g., Oreos, caramel, whipped cream, Nutella, etc.) . They have a few pre-curated options you can choose from if you're feeling indecisive, but I love the flexibility to add whatever combos of toppings you'd like. I opted for a classic choice -- the Strawberry Glamour, which is topped with a generous serving of chopped strawberries and healthy drizzle of chocolate. It was an incredibly combination -- the hot, lightly crispy waffle contrasted beautifully against the cool strawberries and warm, rich chocolate. I was initially afraid that the combo would be a bit too sweet for me, but it was honestly fantastic. The tartness of the berries paired wonderfully with the slightly bitter dark chocolate and the lightly sweetened waffle. Given how popular this spot is, you're likely going to have to wait for a bit, especially if you just happen to saunter in unplanned like we did. The line moves quite quickly so you can usually place and receive your order within 10-15 min., but customers like to stick around for a bit and it's a small space, so you're unlikely to be able to snag a table. Unless you're one of the lucky first few visitors, the staff will often give you your waffle in a to-go box so you can easily take it on the road with you, but you're always welcome to take the box to a table if one opens up.

At this point, we might as well call Zinneken an institution within THE institution! There's something magical about enjoying a delicious snack in the cozy backdrop of Americas greatest education institution. I absolute love waffles. But the liege waffle? Never really been a fan. I have already found the texture a little too hard, from the caramelization of the pearl sugar. Until this experience that is! Zinneken simply gets it right. Crispy exterior, but soft chewy interior. These are some of the freshest, tastiest fruits I've had in a long time. And the whip cream and syrup are perfection. Zinneken has been around for as long as I've been coming to the Boston area. One can only imagine all the accomplished minds that have enjoyed these waffles. It's taken me over a decade to finally check it off my list, but I shall soon return!

Came here for dessert. Was busy but able to find seat and order at kiosks then get food within reasonable time. Also got tea which was nice in cold weather. Good portions and scrumptious.

We always return to this spot whenever we want some great coffee and Belgian Waffles!! Love the decor and the homie feel when I walk in. Service is very welcoming and fast. In love with their berry waffles and cappuccino!!

Delicious waffles ! Good coffee! Tiny space be prepared to squeeze in . You can order on the iPad or at the counter. They bring it out to you. The waffles are liege waffle S but the size of a Brussels waffle. We shared one and it was plenty!! Got an Americano and it was decent. They didn't have half and half creamer so I plopped my extra whipped cream into it myself.

They have 2 types of waffles: Liege (soft) and Brussels (crispy), and of course we had to try both. Brussels is definitely my favorite one, it's more like what I would expect waffles taste like. It's very soft and chewy just like advertised, and we got it with berries to add some tartness. The Liege is really crunchy, and we got it with bananas to smooth out the crunch but it just ends up being kinda weird. Still good though! There wasn't a lot of people when we got there so service was super fast and pleasant. The seating is chill and relaxed, overlooking the streets. Def a good spot to just hangout with friends.

Great dessert spot! I always smell delicious waffles whenever I pass by, so I'm glad I got to try this place out! They have a good variety of different waffles with different toppings (or you can get it plain). The waffle itself was hot and fresh. You can order at the kiosk for easy transaction. The only downside is that the space is pretty small, but it has a quaint, cozy atmosphere!

The cutest waffle place. They made the waffle super quickly 10 out of 10 recommend!! There was no line. There was counter seating, but limited. I added bananas to the classic chocolate waffle. The whip cream and waffle were to die for.

This was my second time coming to zinnekins and it was just as good as the first. I LOVE this place. The waffles are the best I've ever had. Not to mention we came in at 10:40 pm and they close at 11:00 and they were still able to serve us. I just got a plain liege waffle which wasn't overly sweet, it was just right. My friend got a waffle with fruit which I also tried. The fruit was so fresh especially for it being so late at night. I can't wait to come back.

Waffles come warm and fresh! I got Nutella and strawberries which ended up being around $7.50. A little pricey for a waffle but decent size. It was crispy and soft at the same time. There's some metered parking in front. The workers were nice and it was a cute little cafe where you could do work or chat with friends. They have small cups for water and a utensil area that is self-serve. I shared mine and it was the perfect amount for dessert.

DELICIOUS and well presented waffles! The service was a tad slow IIRC, but I came after MIT graduation so they were relatively busy. It was a great place to sit and eat and enjoy a break from the summer weather. The waffles themselves did not feel as heavy as they look, and I really enjoyed the fresh fruits. Would definitely go back if I'm in Boston again!

Came to Zinneken's for a light quick lunch before touring around Harvard. Situated on a quiet street about a 5 min walk from Harvards main campus sits this little cafe/waffle shop up a small set of stairs. The interior is very cozy and has about 14-20 seats inside for dine in. The menu is not very large but has a classic selection of coffee drinks along with an extensive waffle menu. They have a few preset options as well as the option to create your own mixes. The waffles came out crispy and fluffy, exactly how you would want it with fresh fruit and warm chocolate drizzle on top. It was larger than I would've expected and was more than enough for a satisfying lunch bite.

Waffles came out super quickly and were really great. It has limited seating inside, but still has really great vibes inside with the decoration. Maybe a little overpriced, but still overall a great stop!

LOVE this place! They never fail to serve a solid waffle and it always satisfies my sweet tooth. The waffles are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped generously. Their small interior make it super cozy and it can get pretty crowded, so plan ahead if you are looking to sit down.

I always come for their waffles as they are such a sweet ending to everything! I love how this is accessible by train, bus, or you can conveniently park your cars at any of the meters nearby. It's super small inside, but it feels homey and cozy. Service is pretty quick and they call your name once your order is ready. I do wish that they could bus the dishes and wipe down the tables every now and then, but that's very minor. I love how chewy and gooey their waffles are. Depending on my mood, I add ice cream on top. I usually like ordering the Belgian waffle with an assortment of fruits and nutella. They have so many options and combinations - you really cannot go wrong. Definitely check it out if you're by Harvard Square!

Clean, comfy, and cute looking small cafe with a couple tables and window seating! Make sure to come earlier in the day as it can get busy at night with lines out the door bustling with people hanging out. Service is about what you'd expect at a small cafe, no complaints here! On to the waffles which is usually the only thing I order from here and they are to die for! The brussles waffle was crispy and light perfect after a good lunch or dinner. Not too heavy, though you do have your more decadent options if you'd like. But like I mentioned previously come early to make sure you can get the waffle you want as they sometimes run out of brussles and you only have the option of their liege waffle.

Tasty waffles near Harvard Square. The store is small, but cozy and service is quick. We shared the liege waffle with strawberries, bananas, and nutella and it was delicious. Our waffle was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It was a great size for splitting too. This is the perfect spot for a dessert or a late night craving!

A sweet indulgence with cute cafe seating, great for dessert lovers. The caramelized sugar crust on the waffle is perfection. Easy to walk pass and miss this place so it feels off the beaten path even though it's in Harvard Square

Lightly crisp exterior with a soft and chewy interior, these waffles are SO good! I love getting just a plain waffle, it's the perfect amount of sweet that would go amazingly with a coffee. They have so many toppings like fruit, whipped cream, chocolate, etc. Staff is friendly as well. A great dessert spot in Harvard sq!

The texture on the waffles is incredible! The fruit on the waffle I got was fresh and good and the presentation was cute. The space is also super cute and cozy but still had space for my small group. The coffee was also good! Only one note, they 100% forgot about us after we ordered, so after waiting around 20 minutes for a single waffle, I went up to the counter and asked, and they were super apologetic and got it out fast after that. It was honestly a little bit funny, they definitely felt bad and apologized several times including as we were leaving but we did end up waiting ~30 minutes for the one waffle.

Delicious delicious delicious! Love a warm waffle with a scoop of ice cream! The store can get busy and have a wait and there is some indoor seating. Many options for preset waffles or customizable ones

The place is very cozy. The menu selection is ample enough for anyone. The waffle was excellent.

I've been hearing so many good things about this place and finally got to try it out. The waffle was super crispy and then chewy and moist on the inside. We got the bananas and strawberries with chocolate drizzle on top and it was . I'm a huge dessert person and this definitely hit the spot. The service there was through a bot which was fine but it did cause a lot of human traffic, especially because the place is kind of small yet so popular. There are a couple of seats inside, but just note that when it gets busy you might feel a little squished inside. The price was also alright around $10. I would definitely come back!

I had a stellar experience at Zinneken's. Awesome spot for some delicious breakfast and a smoothie. Service was great, quick and friendly, and the place was really nicely put together. If you're in the area, you have to try them out.

I've been going to Zinneken's ever since high school so it's a super nostalgic place for me. Every time I come here, the waffles are always consistent! But let's talk about THE LIEGE WAFFLES!! They are so chewy, yet soft and has the perfect crisp on the outside from the pearl sugar. I usually get the Fruit Delight with a side of vanilla ice cream because the waffles are always so warm! Their liege waffles are my weakness and the chewiness is so addicting that I don't want to share a waffle with anyone. Zinneken's is a cozy, dessert spot in Harvard Sq. So if you're craving a warm, indulging dessert after eating in Harvard you have to come here!

Stopped in as sounded different and was by Harvard University. There is dangerous step up as approaching counter... I almost tripped over then saw small sign mentioning it? A Harvard lawyer will have field day law suit as measures not adequate of warning the patron... an older person would be on floor... should be marked in Yellow paint or caution lines... or eliminate step with ramp step ? Law suit waiting .... Now to the waffles Ordered the zinnekens with chocolate sauce, homemade whip cream... waffle itself wasn't anything I will write home to grandma about at my visit to Harvard... was freshly made; was very good expected more of a Belgian taste or a sugar crunch texture. Fudge sauce ok, the homemade whip cream was excellent and what it needed. I would have like the waffle with a scoop of French vanilla or a vanilla bean ice cream ? I didn't see option for vanilla ice cream ; but after my initial review the owner or operator responded mentioning vanilla ice cream option.... So my error or make ice cream more visible as a good add on and price upgrade except one to sub whip cream for Oreo ice cream for 2 dollars extra... vanilla better with a waffle... Was fair priced, good desert but not the extra pizaz or higher level I wanted... should add ice cream offerings, waffle ice cream sandwich Chocolate chip or shortbread or other flavor waffles... orange fruit waffle with scoop orange sherbet would be a summer weather treat... Coffee offerings looked like a good compliment to waffles ... a sugar cookie waffle again with coffee expresso ice cream or vanilla bean would be a draw me in desert... employees all cool and friendly atmosphere to mingle over a coffee expresso... a s'mores waffle with chocolate, marshmallow, Carmel, vanilla ice cream with expresso bean shavings... I'd buy in heartbeat at high end price...

Got the Zinneken's! Waffle was tasty and the nutella and speculoos spreads added lots of sweetness. It's usually pretty busy when I visited in the past, but came at a good time and service was quick, with lots of seating

Stopped by here for after dinner dessert and immediately got lured in by the sweet smell of the waffles. It's a really cute cafe with some tables and bar seating by the window for some great people watching. I shared a waffle which was the perfect amount and the combination of banana & nutella was perfect!

Zinneken's is the perfect place to visit on a cold winter day. It's a really cute spot with cozy vibes. It's counter service, but you can definitely sit there for a while and enjoy the space. My only issue was that it was freezing cold outside but the door was propped open for some reason, which seemed pretty odd to me. In terms of the waffles, they're top notch! They're really rich, especially if you add cookie butter or chocolate sauce, but they're absolutely delicious. They did have some waffles that already came with toppings, but you could also just add toppings on your own. If you're looking for something a bit less decadent, you could always go for a fruit topping. Highly recommend as a date spot, especially since they're open relatively late.

Absolutely amazing! We had the combinations on brussels style waffles (they do sell out of these fast). The waffle was light and airy, the toppings were generous and the chocolate sauce tasted amazing! We also had their cappuccino which were also perfect and european style! The place is tiny and gets crowded, but the food is absolutely worth the wait. The prices are also very reasonable! This should be a must-try for anyone visiting the area.

These waffles are absolutely to die for!! Reminds me of the waffles back in Belgium. Texture and flavor is perfect. Fruits were very fresh too. If I lived nearby, I'd definitely frequent this spot for breakfast/brunch or just a delicious snack. Yum!

This is the spot I bring when my friends/relatives come to Boston. I do believe they have waffle trucks in the area but you gotta have it in their restaurant for full experience! Conveniently located right outside of the Harvard Square, they offer classic Belgian waffles with great selection of toppings and drinks. I love getting soft waffles from them with cream and syrup. I also get cappuccino and they always make it right! If you travel to Harvard, make sure to check this place out!

What a charming place and a fantastic find if you're looking for a late-night dessert place that won't put you into the grave like some, *ahem* milkshake extravaganza places! Authentic Belgian-style waffles with a myriad of different topping options, with coffee/tea on the side. What else would you want? The vibe of this little cafe is full of Belgian pride and a healthy dose of Tin-Tin strewn about the place. It's cozy, it's charming, it's casual but has tasty treats. This has fast become a new go-to place whenever I'm craving waffles!

Cute, cozy dessert spot for when you're just craving that something sweet as you're strolling down Mass Ave. Waffles are light with the perfect topping of fruit and nutella. Would pass on the affogato though, as it was too runny and mostly melted on being served. 3.5/5

Cute no frills waffles place. Our group had the craving for waffles on a Saturday morning so we drove out to Harvard Square and arrived around 10:30, half an hour after their opening. There was already a line inside with one person waiting outside, but we elected to wait it out. It actually moved decently fast and our party was able to order and then receive our waffles in about half an hour. Bonus, it smells amazing inside. I got a liege waffle with strawberries, blueberries, and maple syrup on the side as well as a speculoos latte. (Unfortunately the other type of waffle on their menu, the Brussels waffle, was not available for some reason.) We grabbed open seats and Zinneken's workers brought out the food to us. The food was good! The waffle pretty much tasted as it looked, and with berries and syrup very little could go wrong. I enjoyed my latte as well, which had a very light speculoos taste and was sweet but not overpowering. I can see Zinneken's being a hot spot to go to when you're hungover lol.

We walked by this waffle place and it smelled so good we had to check it out! Originally wanted the crispy waffle but it was sold out so we got the liege waffle. There was a good selection of fruits and other toppings like oreo or ice cream. We ended up with strawberries, oreos and a scoop of vanilla ice cream! The strawberries were super fresh and the combo we chose had a good balance of fresh fruits and sweetness. As for the liege waffle itself, it chewy which was fine but I prefer crispy waffles. I gotta come back to try their crispy waffles!! Service was super quick and staff were nice! Ambience was great! The interior is so cute!!

I don't like to give 5 stars lightly but WOW. I was worried at first since it's ONLY waffles but they were phenomenal. I got th strawberry with chocolate: the strawberries were fresh, there was delicious melty chocolate and hard chocolate and the waffle itself had the delicious crunchy sugary coating, I was in heaven. I would love to try all of the other options. The only downside was how small the inside is, I would recommend getting it togo and getting in line just as it opens. 10/10!

This place is so small and unsuspecting, but it's truly one of the best dessert places in Cambridge. It's a little on the outside of Harvard square, on the corner of one of the main streets. It's so cute inside, not a lot of seating but it's definitely nice to sit by the window. I got the leige waffle with whipped cream, bananas, strawberry and Nutella drizzle. the waffle was fluffy yet crispy even under all the toppings, I think the combination of both banana and strawberry was the ideal combo as it had the perfect bite of mushy, tangy and fresh! i would definitely come back again, maybe even get some vanilla icecream on top of my waffle next time.

Very enjoyable. Small, but authentic and cool look inside and out. Great view of a church across the street. Food came out quick and was enjoyable. Easy in and out. reasonable prices. Great service.

We stopped for a quick dessert en route to the metro station and are glad we did! The liege waffle was definitely close to those in Brussels: sticky, sweet, and chewy. Service was quick, though the staff seemed to really want us in and out. It's a very small space, so take your dessert to go!

My go to place in Cambridge! Most delicious waffles I've ever had with soooo many options for toppings which I love. Their iced mochas are pretty good too!

The waffles are decent with a number of combos/build-your-own, however, they are a bit pricey for what they are. Granted, they are located on prime real estate, but even still. The atmosphere is really cozy and it makes for a great date/hangout spot. There is limited seating, so bear that in mind.

Super cute waffle place close to Harvard Square Prices are reasonable- portions are just right given how sweet the waffles/flavors are. I highly recommend getting whipped cream on the side with ice cream if possible! Yummmmmmm Several tables inside- all very close together

The quality of this place varies depending on how busy they are. When the wait is longer, the waffles are made hot off the press so it's crispy and light. When the wait is short, the waffles are premade and not as good. The former is amazing and delicious, the latter is still good but not as good. Lots of toppings to choose from, quite pricey though. Inside is small and a bit cramped too.

Great waffles- you can't go wrong with any of the topping choices. Cozy atmosphere as well. Perfect place to stop after grabbing dinner if you're in the mood for something sweet

My first visit to this restaurant for waffles was a delightful experience! I indulged in the "Berries Galore" waffle, accompanied by the refreshing Japanese detox tea, while my nephew savored the "Strawberry Glamour." The flavors of the dishes were impressive, though I would have preferred my waffle to be served warm. Nonetheless, the overall ambiance was pleasant, and I'll definitely return whenever I crave waffles. A great spot with delicious food worth revisiting!

This was one of the best waffles I've tried! The texture was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and had this sugary crust. The fruits tasted fresh and the vanilla ice cream was a nice touch. The shop has some seating but it's limited as it's just a small area. The service at the counter was quick and I didn't have to wait long. I highly recommend visiting this dessert shop when in the area. I'll definitely be back for seconds the next time I visit Boston.

Went to this small (but busy) Belgian Waffle cafe for a late night snack/dessert and it was delicious! Thinking about it is making my mouth water - I will be going back there. It's honestly nothing crazy or super special, the toppings are all something you can do at home: banana, Nutella, berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, etc - however, it's the waffle that makes the difference. I've not tried that many Belgian Waffles, but having my share of regular waffles before - I could immediately tell that this one was different AND better. Checkout my Instagram reel for photos of the place @foodwithsusie