Grendel's Den Restaurant & Bar

Being a commuter from outside Boston i find it very hard to be able to enjoy Harvard Square. When i drive through i feel like i'm in China or Vietnam....with ivy. Pedestrians and bicyles rule the road and anyone in a car is merely in the way. The trek through this flood of people to Grendel's Den on this thursday night made me feel like Beowolf...only i wanted to tear my own arm off and swat people out of the way with it.

Nevertheless, Grendel's (89 Winthrop Street) is a cozy, laid back place with a pseudo bohemian vibe. An okay place for small gatherings or flying solo and running in to an eclectic variety of people. However we were a part of a group of 25 and those among us who were forced to stand due to lack of seating were made to feel like they were in the way. We kept getting told to clear a path near the doorway. Understandable but its the only place they COULD stand. The waitress was freindly, patient and professional. She accomodated our group of 25 well. I dont think any of us waited longer than 3 minutes for a drink.

This was also my first uni-sex bathroom experience. I am a little perplexed as to the protocol of such an arrangment.  The doors are marked "either" and "or". When i entered one and saw a girl coming out of a stall i wondered if "either" i should stay "or" go. If its not locked is it ok to stay and..er...go, or walk back out? Not sure. This was later made somewhat less vague when two girls entered as a dried my hands and proceeded immeditaly to their respective stalls without dely. Certainly a thought provoking arrangment that breaks down traditonal boundries between the sexes.

The biggest problem i have with Grendel's is that they promote Paulaner's Oktoberfest quite prominately on their website. That that tall frothy-topped glass of golden brew displayed so enticingly on thier site was the only beverage that i looked forward to experiencing that night. When i asked the waitress for one she looked at me as though she had no idea what i was talking about. She directed me to a beverage menu with no Paulaner Oktoberfest even displayed on it! I asked if they even serve it and just got a sort of shrug.

I have since learned that the Paulener Oktoberfest is no longer displayed on the website and there is a fine Franziskaner now being served. Our waitress was hired before the switch from the Paulaner to Franziskaner.  I should also mention the other fine selections such as Dead Man Rogue and a rare personal favorite, Honey Brown at a very reasonable $3 a bottle.

The owner, Kari, was kind enough to provide some feedback on my concerns. She seems to care very much about the reputation of her business and the experience of her customers which has had a positive impact on me. I'm sure my next visit will be even better when all the Harvard freshmen parents have split!