Located slightly off the main drag in the labyrinth that is Harvard Square, Daedalus is a swanky place to go when you're feeling your yuppiest but don't feel like going to Back Bay. The stats: two levels of bars to stand at looking rich and bored -- toothsome entrees and appetizers that are mostly good and always pricey -- a roof deck that I hear is awesome but I've never been to since the wait is always too long -- a waitstaff as attentive as necessary while still maintaining an air of cool -- and luckily, no Minotaur hiding in the bathroom to bite your head off. read more

I quite liked this place. It's easy to walk past if you're not paying attention, and it looks small at first, but once you're inside the restaurant unfolds vertically like an accordion. There are two floors, and each has a bar. Not much seating at the bars, but there is plenty of table seating downstairs and upstairs. I liked the red walls and earthy tones of the place, and the lighting struck that perfect balance between not-too-bright and not-too-dim. Service was very friendly, with a waitress who always popped over at just the right time and had some decent recommendations for drinks and dinner. I had the cobb salad (hold the bacon!), which was decent - I found the olives to be way too salty. My Malibu pineapple was a tad light on the alcohol, but that's probably because I let the ice melt! I've heard about the outside deck, but it's still March and it's a tad nippy outside, so the roof hasn't come off just yet. I'll definitely be back to try that outside dining experience, as well as their Daedalus burger! I like Daedalus, and the fact that I had a pretty good first date here gives it that push into four stars. read more

We were here for dinner last Friday and we had very good, quick service. Love the pita and hummus to start. We ordered mussels to share, which were huge and amazing. I had the Daedalus burger for dinner which had carmelized onions and bleu cheese on top. I don't eat a lot of burgers so this was a real treat for me and it was very tasty (and juicy and messy which are both good things). We sat inside because we didn't want to wait 45 minutes for a roofdeck table; we sat upstairs which was pleasant. It would be nice if they had more variety on their menu... but overall it was a great meal. read more

Been here twice so far, that's about all it's going to be. The ONLY thing this place has going for it is the roof deck, and the people who work here know it. In other words, they think they can get away with being jerks because of that... well I guess they can get away with it. As far as Boston/Cambridge places go, it's average. In other words, not that great. I'm starting to get fed up with the poor service in Boston. 1st time I went here, it was for lunch on the roof deck. It was decent food, average service, but a bit pricey for what it was in my opinion. Honestly the waiter wasn't half bad, but everyone else that was working there gave off that "I'm better then you vibe". Reminded me of high school. Second time was for drinks. Thought I could have a few drinks on the roof deck. Nope. Offered to buy appetizers. Nope. Each person involved HAD to buy an entree they say. Again that same uppity vibe. So we went to the crowded bar upstairs and looked at all the empty tables on the roof deck instead. Where they had no chairs and constantly had to move out of the way for the busboy, waitress, etc. Beer selection was good, pretty standard with some quality beers. Pretty clean place too, nice construction with a lot of stained wood. Bartender was not great, first thing she told us was if we had an out of state ID she needs to see two forms of ID. I hate when they do this. But they did get our drinks pretty quick. The place got kinda busy by the time they left. Not too sure about the people there. Standard Boston types I guess. Who am I to judge. read more

I live a block away, and I do not frequent this place like I should. It is really good when you want to have a roof deck meal and catch up with friends. They are in a good location so it is not crowded at all times, and the food is good. The roof deck is the spot. read more

The space is a draw, perhaps the main one. Between the outdoor deck and the top floor open plan layout, it's bright and airy. On the downside, though, with all the TVs there's a bit of a sports bar vibe. No one seemed to mind, but we found it odd that they were all on, even on a Friday night when there's nothing really interesting going on, sports-wise. This created a mood that was at odds with the relatively upscale menu and pricing. On that note, the food is lacking. Just bland, bland, bland. I wouldn't complain -- I did order pesto/chicken risotto, which is hardly adventurous -- but they charge $19 for it so I had higher expectations. My companion had tortilla soup followed by steak tips with mashed potatoes and was likewise underwhelmed. Each of those dishes ended up being the sort of fare you can prepare at home and be much happier with. Next time we're there we'll stick with the cocktails and just enjoy the view, and head elsewhere when we are up for a tasty meal. Daedulus dining just didn't add up. read more

Gave it 4 stars as I only have done the roof deck. The beer was cold and micro. The Daedulus Burger was cooked exactly medium-rare with bbq'd onions and blue cheese. The day was sunny. The wind was right. Other folks had slow service but our waiter was speedy and swell. read more

If you'd like to be served a bowl of soup with a demitasse spoon, then this is the place for you. If, in addition, you would like to repeat every seemingly simple request to the bartender 2-3x, then this is also the place for you. It was an early/slow Friday lunch. read more

I recommend this spot. Food was very good made even better by great room, excellent service, and positive energy. Cost was reasonable for value delivered. After 16 months of takeout and home cooking, this evening was a reminder of how a quality restaurant experience with friends/family can enhance the meal. Such fun- thank you Carlos (our server) and team! read more

Nice laid-back bar with a solid selection of draft beers. Dim lighting, dark wood accents all-around, and two bars on two floors. I had a great time here catching up with friends over a couple drinks and I appreciated the tolerable noise levels even when it got really busy. Food that passed by looked pretty good too, so that might be worth a try as well. read more

well we went here as we saw it listed as an irish pub.....well, it isn't.....this is really a college hang out and it was pretty busy for brunch/lunch recently....we sat at the bar and the bartender was very pleasant...average age in the place was about 40 and then we left and it became 25.....not sure about all the good ratings, staff was very pleasant, physically it needs work, carpet is torn in places and it does not look all that clean, martini was good but overpriced (not very big for the price), burger was ok but not worth the rate and the salmon on a bagel was worth about half what was charged.....so high priced un note worthy food not real neat looking inside pleasant waitstaff a really great looking outside deck upstairs but of course it was snow covered and getting more added to it when we were there not worth a return visit read more

I came here on a Saturday evening around 10 pm to meet up with an old college friend in the area. The place was not really crowded and there were still plenty of seats at the bar downstairs in addition to just regular dining tables. We opted to go to the second floor where there was more of a view -- not crowded either. Nicely decorated with festive lights. Sports channels on multiple flat screens for your enjoyment. We were able to quickly find seats at the bar and get our orders taken promptly. There are lots of choices on the menu in terms of drinks. There is also your standard selection of pub food as well - fries, wings etc. The service was nothing exceptional, but for the atmosphere, I would probably come back again as a meeting spot with old college friends. read more

3 stars for this place. Sunny Sunday afternoon in search of outdoor dinning in Harvard Sq. The upstairs roof deck is pretty sweet. No iron chairs on the sidewalk here...outdoor seating located on the roof, you get to enjoy the outdoors without having to see or hear the hustle and bustle of Harvard Sq. The menu is limited offering mostly "upscale dinning" options like crab cakes with an herb aioli and spinach stuffed pork with a peppercorn sauce. Some sandwiches on the menu too. I got the "Sautéed Shrimp" with roma tomatoes tossed with linguini in a basil pesto white wine sauce. My friend got the "Grilled Spicy Steak Salad": marinated spicy steak with baby greens, tomato corn salsa and crumbled blue cheese with citrus vinaigrette. We both enjoyed our meal. Overall the experience was A-OK. I only wish they expanded their menu. read more

I 've only had drinks and desserts here, well mostly drinks. They mix up a tasty cocktail at this place. My favorite is the Pure Joyce, who's elegent simplicity is the key to it's charm--just whisky and Bailey's, two spirits perfect on their own, and divine when mixed together. The atmosphere has never been my fave, a bit trying to be upscale or hip/cool, but not getting either quite right. Probably just not 100% my scene when it is hopping, which is why I usually head here at the end of the evening for a night cap. What is awesome, though, is that they are one of the few places in Cambridge that has real candles on the table. This mesmerized one of my friends so much one evening, she almost burned the place down. 07/20/2007 correction: The delicious concoction described above used to be the Pure Joyce. Now, the Pure Joyce is something fruity. Apparently they have some difficulty coming up with sassy names for their cockails. Lucky you have real candles, otherwise I would dock you another star for that silliness! read more

Now, I don't know much 'bout much, but I do know that, despite having only been here once while it was pouring so no roof deck for me, and only ordering one boring martini that wasn't on the menu, and having pretty solid service in an almost empty restaurant... ...I ate the greatest Cobb salad of my life here. What makes a Cobb salad great, nay, GREATEST, you ask? Deconstruct it! Surround fresh greens with sizable, high-quality mounds of olives, bleu cheese, bacon slivers, a sliced hard-boiled egg, various other fresh veggies, and top with a moist, beautifully-seasoned chicken breast. Leave nothing on the plate that is oily, ranchy, greasy or goopy. Adorn with a dirty vodka martini and serve. My lack of knowledge about the rest of the menu probably yields 3.5 stars, but since the Cobb salad earned about a billion, I'd say 5 stars is a less-than-generous average. read more

Came here on a sunny Sunday afternoon craving a rooftop deck. Really cute upstairs deck, shaded enough for you to feel the sun but not have it glaring in your face. I recommend sharing your appetizers. The calamari is served with hot cherry peppers [which was also peanut breaded] and chipotle aioli for a little bit of kick and the crab salad [which seems to be a Sunday item as I can't find it on the regular menu] is light and peppery. [and gorgeously presented if I may say so - that's where the 4 star rating is coming from] read more

Daedalus Restaurant - Crab salad - Pubs Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Awesome outdoor roof deck, best I have been to in the Boston area in some time, though it did not have those gas heat lamps that so many outdoor places have, which means on even a warm day, the area gets a bit cool when the sun goes down. A great space indoor and out, solid menu, with good basics, but nothing really over the top (burgers, stuffed chicken, a couple of fish selections etc). Prices are also pretty average, ranging in that $15-$25 per entree area. The service was the only blemish really. The host staff was rude, and the waitress wasn't rude per sey, just kind of cold. It didn't help that she dropped half a glass of red wine on my white shirt, and then didnt even bother to take said glass of wine off of the bill - which seemed to me like it should have been a pretty standard thing. I mean, her sloppiness ruined a $40 shirt, so comping me a $9 glass of wine would have been nice. read more

I came by here for the first time on Saturday night for post-dinner drinks Despite countless times that I had walked down Mt. Auburn St and seen this place, I had never actually gone in. It's actually a nice place. The bar is relatively chill, and the bartender was cool (his interest was piqued when I started talking about the dollar oysters at McCormick's & Schmicks). The tap has a distinctively good list of beers (including Berkshire Brewing, as well as your general standards), and it's a nice place. Sadly, the appetizers seem to end a bit early, but other than that, I'd go back, easily. read more

I went here with a couple friends when I was on a mission to have roof deck cocktails. The roof deck was great: spacious, comfortable and charming. It's a great alternative to the loud Harvard Sqaure pubs. I didn't eat, although one friend I was with did and liked the food. (Although, I remember going to brunch here a few years ago and liking the food.) The service was phenomenal! I told the server that I liked Jameson and ginger flavored drinks, which she delivered to the "mixologist" who made a delicious beverage (that I ended up having a few of!) She was super friendly and accommodating. We were there around 9:30pm on a Thursday and it wasn't too crowded. I would definitely return for the roof deck and for the creative cocktails! read more

Rooftop deck and eggs benedict on a cloudy, but let's-pretend-it's-sunny day. I liked my eggs benedict, but it'd be a bit of a stretch to say it was one of the best I've ever had. I've been here a few times before for drinks, and left feeling sort of the same way. I don't know if this place is forever neutral in my book, or what, but it's kind of got the mas o menos - Switzerland review from my tastebuds. I do dig the open rooftop, but as far as food and drinks here, I've never left with much of a memorable impression. read more

My friend and I were pointed here when we were searching for somewhere for dinner after I swam the Boston Light Swim. What a fabulous treat dinner after a full day in the harbor and on a boat. Out server was great and was proactive in getting us information about the gluten free options available and was able to create a friendly, attentive, and celebratory experience for us both. We chose to eat indoors for the coolness, but would have also loved to try the outdoor option as well. read more

Wow, a steady stream of 3 stars.....And, that's what I'd give it, too. Nice spot, okay food, okay service. That sums it up. read more

Made a new friend and went to this cool rooftop bar in Harvard Square. I only walked around the main square area in the day time, but there's obviously so much more than that. Daedalus is a pretty poppin' place. I went there on Monday evening and the wait was super long. Luckily, no waiting for standing at the rooftop. The ambience is nice enough but the rooftop can get a bit crowded. It seems the bar gets a bit busy but there's only bartender on the top floor so drinks take a while to come out. read more

I like! I've been to Daedalus 3 times now, just finally getting there for dinner so I feel like I can write a real review. In the past I'd been for brunch twice and both times the food was good and the staff was friendly. We tried to go here for dinner about a month ago but there was an insane wait so we went elsewhere. This time around there was a 45min wait for a table for two, but the super friendly host/bartender/maybe manager? got other bar patrons to shuffle down so we could sit and eat right away at the bar; huge points! Once we were seated at the bar the friendly bartender served us right away. Speaking of the bar, they have Goose Island Honkers Ale. I've only been to Chicago once, but I LOVED that beer and they get huge points for having it. YAY! I also had the O'Hara's stout with was good as well. The food: we got fried calamari as an app. My only gripe was the lack of tentacles, which are my favorite part, but it was tender and well cooked, which is unfortunately something that doesn't happen very often. I got the risotto special with mussels and lobster. The lobster was a little overcooked, but the mussels and risotto were great and it was surprisingly fairly light and not overly rich. My boyfriend got the stuffed chicken breast, which he devoured happily. Overall a yummy and pleasant experience and I'm sure we'll be back! read more

Daedalus is a great place to come with a group of friends. The roof deck is small and tables up there are reserved for dinner until 10:30 pm I believe, but it's a great spot during the summer! However, the crowd is meh. I have been twice and both times I didn't meet anyone to mingle with except the folks I came with. So I guess it's a good spot to come with a group of friends to catch up with or for a dinner. Not so much to meet new people. Good sangria, by the way! read more

I like the atmosphere to this place. Good vibes from the workers. I went here on a good night, when it was not too chilly outside therefore a friend and I had drinks on the rooftop. I enjoyed the view as well as drinks. I recommend this place because of the rooftop. I have not had their food yet, but their drinks are standard and good. I went on good days when it was not busy and I'd definitely return. read more

One of my favorite spots to grab a drink - the entire establishment is pretty generously-sized, and, as many have noted, features a deck upstairs that's perfect for summertime hangs. I haven't eaten here much, but my impression is that things are a bit pricey. Would be a nice date place, for sure. Recced! read more

Took my friend here for her birthday a few years back. Food wasn't memorable and it was packed with noisey and obnoxious Harvard kids who hung around this place like it was their home. (they got too comfy and rowdy on a nearby couch). Oh, and there were pple standing near our table...who wants a butt near their dinner? gross. read more

BIPOLAR REVIEW: as a sunday morning brunch spot: hysterical and great. sat at the bar, had the most delicious chicken sandwich. i think it was 'jerk'. watched football, served you alcohol graciously. saved some friendships, which were tenuously hanging on this abstract notion of 'a good boston brunch'. as a friday night drinks spot: hysterical and weird. actually it's not even that funny, so i take back that 'hysterical'. decor upstairs = 3-star hotel in aspen. not something i find hott. $12 mojitos are absurd. whether or not this is in a decent aspen hotel or a sidestreet in cambridge, come on. read more

5 stars for atmosphere - even if you can't get onto the roofdeck, the upstairs has great skylights (quite romantic on a rainy day actually) and downstairs are nice big windows that they'll open up during warm weather... 3 stars for food - ya, this place really doesn't stay in business for the culinary delights... the steak salad is what i usually order if i have to eat there (roofdeck requires dining before a certain hour during summer) but beyond that, the menu *sounds* good but is overpriced and average preparations at best... That being said, I've been going to Daedulus for the last 5 years because of the ambience & the lovely roofdeck, one of only a couple in Boston. It's a good place to go out with co-workers & unwind, maybe do a little flirting. ;) read more

Rooftop dining is amazing - perfectly shaded and comfortable. Service was good. We got the salad with grilled chicken. Greens were fresh and the chicken was moist. The presentation was great too. Unfortunately, we go the stuffed pork medallions. The blue cheese was way too strong to pair with pork and it melted and overpowered anything else on the dish. Mashed potatoes were rather dry. Overall, great atmosphere (classy), but could improve on the food front. read more

I really like the atmosphere here and I would love to check out the rooftop when we're not having a Nor'easter. 4 stars for the atmosphere & for having rooftop seating. 3.5 stars for the drinks. The hot apple cider and spiced rum is pretty good if you don't mind drinks on the slightly sweeter side. 3 stars for the food. The food here is good but nothing extraordinary. Overall: 3.5 I tried my friend's Penne - it was good but the portion was a bit small for the price. My other friend's Flank Steak was nothing out of the ordinary - like something you can get anywhere. I would recommend the Calamari (Fried peanut crusted calamari with hot cherry peppers drizzled with chipotle aioli) though. The spicy mayo sauce that came along with it was out of this world. YUM! I would come back again, especially to have at least two plates of their complementary pita bread and hummus and drinks on the rooftop. read more

Solid for drinks, brunch, and dinner. Highly recommended when you can enjoy any of these on the rooftop patio. Go for drinks. High marks for being one of just a few Harvard Square establishments serving Original Sin Cider--great if you're gluten-free and tired of drinking wine or mixed drinks while you're friends drink beer. read more

Everyone screams "rooftop!", I say "upstairs bar!" I think the rooftop service tends to be slow and the wait long; the bar area upstairs has better service, more reliable climate and a more fun and intimate setting. My steak salad was pretty skimpy on the steak, which was tough and overcooked, rendering it impossible for me to give Daedalus 5 stars. However, do not miss the dessert menu--there is lots of deliciousness there which does not disappoint. A fun place to grab a bite in Cambridge, especially if you, like me, are an Irish Lit aficionado (what are the odds of that?) and can fully appreciate the restaurant's many Joycean homages. ;) read more

Great rooftop deck with beautiful furniture. Great for a cool summer night. Drinks are pricey and inconsistent--same drink was significantly different size and strengths on two different nights. I've never been in the winter, or while classes are in session, but it seems like it would get extremely crowded indoors. I was not that impressed with the indoors in my few walkthroughs. With that in mind, I would save this bar for summer outings considering there are plenty others in the Harvard Sq area. read more

Looking for a spacious rooftop in Harvard Square? BINGO! The rest of the place is pretty cool. Each level offers a different feel allowing crowds to match their drinking with new sights. Unfortunately, the food has yet to impress. Great for small to medium sized groups wanting drinks and maybe an app. *They offer Nantucket brewed Whale's Tail. Do not order the Cuban sandwich. read more

We had to wait for a table for about 30 minutes but it was no problem finding seats at the bar and kill some time. Food was pretty good, nothing spectacular. And service was good. I would go back but would not get the Crab Cake Sandwich again as I found it a little mushy.. read more

If it's a warm summer day & you're looking for a Patio location that serves food and you don't mind slightly overpaying for drinks, then Daedalus is the place you should be going. One of the best roof decks in the entire Cambridge area. Staff is friendly, though on busy nights, your best bet is to go to the bar to order, for most of the bartenders are also the servers who wait the tables around the bar, and they sometimes forget about you in the crazy rush at the bar. Also, they do have an "ok" brunch, slightly overpriced and nothing amazing on the menu, but when that roof deck is open, the scene is great for larger groups, especially those who enjoy tossing back the booze. read more

If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy good drinks this place is perfect. Nothing beats a nice fall day sitting on the roof top and sipping some delicious hot cider with rum. They have a simple menu that has been consistent and good for the price. read more

Like many fellow yelpers, the roofdeck had me at hello. My friends and I got there relatively early so were able to snag a table and ordered some appetizers. They were pretty tasty, and were served to us by a pleasant waitress, Hannah, I think was her name. The calamari was great, not too chewy like it sometimes is, and the nachos were good too, I just wish there was a little more cheese. Good selection of beers. Not that I think Daedalus could use extra lure, because it seems to have a pretty solid customer base, but every restaurant could benefit from becoming a Certified Green Restaurant. Its not only great for the environment, but brings in a lot of consumers, those who appreciate businesses who are doing their best to protect the environment. Just a thought. Otherwise, I would definitely recommend Daedalus to a friend, and will come back soon (before my Green Restaurant mission starting in a couple of weeks). read more