S&S Restaurant — Restaurant in Cambridge

I've eaten here for the last time apparently, although I didn't know it at the time.

S&S is the kind of place I'm glad exists, and I have been happy to support them over the years. I've seen other reviews describe it as a diner. It's more the sort of sit down restaurant that there aren't enough of anymore. It's a real restaurant that isn't fancy. Many of the waitstaff are older, and in my experience all are professional (if a bit gruff). The menu is that classic kind of "American" that has a little bit of everything, some of which you'll like, some you probably won't (but someone else will), and one or two will be a favorite. I always get the same thing, the the herb roasted chicken. I love it. It's changed over the years but it's been consistently good.

So if I have so many positive things to say, why such a negative review? I made an attempt to go recently. There were 3 of us, and coordinating took some effort. S&S closes early. 7 pm has been the last seating for a while. We left work at as soon as possible, but that's 5:30 pm. We rushed home, got in the car (we live in East Boston), and drove over, arriving at 6:45 pm, in time for the last seating. Except we were greeted by a sign on the door stating that the kitchen now closes at 6:45 pm. We walked in and asked, technically we were there at 6:44 pm, but were informed the kitchen was closed. So we left.

7 pm was tough, but closing the kitchen at 6:45 pm on weeknights is unreasonable. But more than that, it was just the sense that they don't care… about our business, about the customer, … about us. I realized as I was walking out the door that S&S just isn't for me anymore. 1 star is the most appropriate rating for the experience I had (food, service, and atmosphere). Thanks for the memories over the years S&S. I won't be back.

As a general rule when a restaurant demonstrates to me that they don't want to be in business, I do my best to...

A nostalgic deli experience in Inman Square.

As the oldest restaurant in Cambridge, S&S has cemented its status as a beloved local spot that serves a wide range of classic deli fares. l came here for lunch a few times and always had a satisfying experience.

Among the appetizers, the Chopped Liver was my favorite. Although it was unexpectedly paired with pineapple and melon slices - a combination that didn't entirely complement the inherent sweetness of the liver spread - it was still enjoyable when paired with crackers and red onions. Bathed in their signature sauce, the S&S Fried Shrimp was also good. The sauce leaned more towards sweet rather than spicy, but the jumbo shrimp was still nice and crispy.

The Seared Tuna Salad was fairly basic, but with its generous portions, it was an ideal choice for a hearty meal. Corned Beef Reuben came with perfectly toasted marble rye bread, and the corned beef itself was solid.

One of the biggest perk of S&S is their own free parking lot, but empty spaces might be hard to come by during peak lunch hours.

Overall, a great spot that provides a slice of the city’s culinary history with the timeless appeal of a classic deli. If you’re looking for a comforting meal with a warm, nostalgic atmosphere, I highly recommend...

Been going here for years, being one of my grandfather's favorites. Although he is no longer with us now, we celebrated my grandmother's birthday here today. This being their Centennial year (100 years circa October,1919), I find it worth mentioning that you indeed will find yourself dining at a landmark and staple in Cambridge. Now my experience food wise was with the brunch, which I ordered the Croissant French Toast. And for a nickel shy of thirteen Washingtons, you are getting good proportions for your money.The coffee(that comes bottomless), is also worth noting. Having served 64 million cups to this point makes you wonder why. As for atmosphere, I can't think of a place more comfortable and pleasing to be albeit the noise of the little ones but that's mostly irrelevant. Service/Staff were wonderful especially taking some extra steps and getting everybody to sing happy birthday for my grandmother. This restaurant is genuine to me. I hope you can find the same. (P.S.) the corner of the building that extrudes towards the street has a time capsule below its marker. This is the year it gets opened. October 2019. What day,...