Harvard Square is famous for so much — Harvard University, eclectic bookshops, buskers, and a food scene that punches well above its weight. But here’s what most visitors don’t know: it’s also home to some of the best french fries in all of Massachusetts. Together with our guide Larom, a Harvard alum, we built an entire tour around that fact, and it’s become one of the most unique food experiences in Cambridge.
On this 90-minute walking adventure, you’ll sample distinctly different styles of fries at three beloved Harvard Square spots — from classic hand-cut wedges to smoky BBQ fries to legendary sweet potato fries — each paired with a drink chosen specifically to bring out the flavors. We’ll try the original raspberry lime rickey, a refreshing peach lemonade, and a crazy ice cream frappe that has to be seen to be believed. All pairings are non-alcoholic, making this tour genuinely fun for the whole family.
Along the way, your guide will walk you through the beloved cobblestone streets past Harvard Yard, the Widener Library, the quirky Harvard Lampoon building, and the storied Harvard Faculty Club — sharing the funny, fresh, and occasionally absurd stories that make this neighborhood unlike anywhere else in Boston. You’ll also hear the full saga of the French Fry Wars of the late 20th Century, a deliciously bizarre chapter of local food history that explains why Harvard Square’s fry scene is what it is today.
This food tour is ideal for:
- Visitors to Boston looking for a memorable, off-the-beaten-path Cambridge experience
- Families with kids and teens who want something interactive and delicious
- Date nights — quirky, fun, and plenty of good food
- Birthday celebrations and small group outings
- Local students, grad students, alums, and neighbors who want to see a new side of Harvard!
Tours run Sundays and Thursdays, meet in front of Bartley’s Burger Cottage on Massachusetts Avenue (a 3-minute walk from the Harvard Red Line stop), and are capped at a small group size so every guest gets a personal experience. Tickets are $55/person and include all food and drink pairings. Most dates sell out 48 hours in advance, so booking early is strongly recommended.
Whether you’re a lifelong Cantabrigian or visiting Cambridge for the first time, this epic tour will change the way you think about the humble french fry — and Harvard Square itself.
This tour is fun for all ages, date nights, birthday celebrations, family outings, Harvard visitor experiences, and more. Please note: this tour isn’t gluten-free.
