Drifter's Tale

1281 Cambridge St, Cambridge - 02139
69 reviews
Gastropubs Pubs American
(617) 714-5717

Can’t really give it any stars - tried to go last weekend after seeing it on Phantom Gourmet, but the place was completely in the dark and didn’t look like it had been open in quite some time. Does anyone know what the deal is and whether they’re permanently closed or just taking a break? Can’t find anything online indicating that they’re closed and tried to message them but didn’t get a reply.

Burger was good but the roll was old. Fries needed to be cooked more. Friend’s medium steak frites was 1/4 rate. Server was really nice but then she disappeared then another guy said he was our server but then she came back so? It was ok. Really busy and very loud.

Both the food and service were great! Started with chickpea fritters and the cauliflower apps, both really good.Followed that with the fried chicken and the eggplant sandwich. They were SO good.More people have to try this place! They won't be disappointed.

My friend happened to pick this bar to watch a Celtics game and so glad he did. Underrated!! Lovely bar - sleek decor, great service & very good food! Shared the nachos, which were good. The vegetarian flatbread was delicious, had it to share alongside perfectly crisp Brussel sprouts & fries. Service was great and bartender was accommodating to our request for picklebacks. Surprised I hadn’t been here before but definitely looking forward to coming back.

Great food, terrific staff, and a fun vibe.

We went to the Drifter’s Tale after seeing it on the phantom gourmet show. We have walked by it multiple times, and wondered why it was always empty. It was definitely a mixed experience for us.For food, we ordered the steak frites and “Italian stallion sub.” The steak itself was juicy, but no flavor, didn’t “wow” me for the $28 price tag. I ordered it after seeing a photo another reviewer had posted, and it didn’t quite look the same. It is supposed to be an 8oz piece. Truffle fries were yummy. The arugula and radish salad had two pieces of sliced radish, and nothing but olive oil. That was eh. The sub my partner had ordered was very yummy.As for the service, they were enthusiastic and friendly. We definitely waited longer than we should have; the table next to us was seated after, and got their food before we even placed our order. We are happy campers and understand staffing issues in the pandemic, so it’s not that big of a concern, but I do believe that could have been better in that regard.I do not plan on returning anytime soon, but the dark and fun atmosphere was nice and it seemed clean. This is good for a get together with friends, but not a five-star dinner experience.

Great food and drink, and great music vibes!

Tasty food, attentive (and fast!) service, and great selection of drinks! They even had a few tasty non-alcoholic cocktails, which was a nice touch.

An incredible atmosphere—fun, chill, great music (but you can still have a normal conversation while enjoying the music). Such a cool vibe—a neighborhood feel that welcomes all. The food is so delicious too but reasonably priced. Great variety on menu. Everything we had was awesome. Can’t wait to go back! Can’t say enough wonderful things about this place! Love love love!

One server working on a Friday night. I get it staffing issues. Even with taking that into account we waited forever to find out that they couldn't make our meal order 3 burgers? Ordered something else then waited forever for that. We could see one of 2 entrees sitting in the service window forever. Watched people who came in after us pay and leave. The mr steak that had been sitting for every finally got to us now medium with dried out colors from life under the heat lamp. The bbq flat bread, that took so long, could have used some bbq sauce to give it some flavor. I though maybe they would knock off the bill one of the appetizers with how long everything took but no everything was on the bill. Neighborhood place 2nd visit doubt there will be a 3rd.