The Border Cafe, located steps away from Harvard's campus in the heart of Cambridge, is clearly a student hot spot. My fellow diners and I arrived a little earlier than we would normally eat, 6 p.m. on a Friday evening, being forewarned that the line builds quickly and will frequently be out the door on weekends. We entered the restaurant, and it was hopping. There was loud music, neon signs, and the walls were craftily decorated with Mexican murals in bright colors. The tables were crowded nearly on top of each other, and there were people standing around a small bar in the back. Many were with large groups, sipping delicious looking frozen margaritas, as the wait staff was rushing around to get people seated and served.
We were seated at a wooden table smack in the center of the room; however, it was not at all uncomfortable. The waiter came to our service within minutes, delivering an absolutely addictive basket of warm tortilla chips and fresh salsa to our table. Our drink orders were taken, and before we even had the opportunity to look at the menu, gigantic refillable glasses of soda were placed on our table.
The menu offered many Mexican classics, such as tacos, empanadas, quesadillas, and fajitas. They have a variety of affordable appetizers, specialty salads, and Cajun delights. Many of the distinctive fish offerings looked interesting to me, such as shrimp and crawfish, catfish, swordfish, and salmon, all blackened and prepared in some sort of Cajun spices. Each dish that I saw being delivered to the tables around us looked more enticing than the next, with overstuffed quesadillas, enormous tostada salads, and enchiladas smothered in cheese.
Already feeling full from the bottomless basket of chips and gigantic sodas, we decided to keep the portions and the prices manageable by ordering the chicken fajita for two. It came out sizzling no more than 10 minutes after we ordered. We were served a large skillet of chicken and sauteed onions, accompanied by a basket of fresh flour tortillas and three small bowls - one with rice, one with black beans, and one with homemade jambalaya. They also delivered a plate crowded with all the "fixin's," including shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and a heaping scoop of homemade guacamole that was to die for.
The most attractive part of the menu is the prices, with appetizers ranging from $4-7, and the majority of entrees being $7 to $10. The quality of the food was exceptional, and in my opinion, you get way more than you pay for, as I noticed almost every customer leaving with a doggie bag.
The loud and bustling atmosphere makes Border Cafe a blast for groups. The attentive and speedy service, as well as the quality and value of the food, would draw me back again and again. A-
Border Cafe
32 Church St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
Tel: 617.864.6100
www.bordercafe.com
2008 Woodie Awards
