The Turing Tavern — Restaurant in Cambridge

PLEASE CHECK YOUR RECEIPT!!!

First of all, the food and overall vibe of the place was good.

Our party of 5 were immediately welcomed and sat down at a table on a late Friday night. We ordered several entrees and two pitchers. Food was average to good. Service was attentive and friendly. A very standard dining/bar experience. So why a 1-star for service?

The bill was brought over and the total was around 194$. My friend offered to cover and added a 20% tip. The waiter came by and took both the store and our customer copy Thankfully, I took a picture of the receipt previously to Venmo him after. As I was going through it, I noticed an automatic large party (20%) charge. I let my friend know and he changed the tip and rounded up the total to $200.

There was also a slight discrepancy between the menu price of a pitcher and the bill. We brought it up to the bartender and he said the menu was outdated and the correct price was reflected on their chalkboard. While he didn’t have to do anything he still provided us a round complimentary shots which was courteous.

Anyways, while the bartender was bringing the drinks over he asked us why we only tipped 6$ on a 194$ bill to his co-worker. Apparently the waiter had brought it up to him angrily. My friend pointed out that there was already an automatic 20% gratuity charge and hence the 6$ was in addition to that amount. The bartender apologized and said he would speak with the waiter. However my friend felt really bad and went to go personally explain the situation. When he did, the waiter literally ROLLED his eyes and said “I know” and walked away.

Seriously? Not only did you try to sneak an automatic 20% gratuity into our bill but you also had the gall to complain about the tip we added in additionally?? Our group was shocked at this interaction and it soured our mood for the rest of the night. Just a really scummy thing to experience.

Another Google review also had a similar experience and the restaurant responded that the automatic gratuity charge is only applied to parties of 6 or more. Not sure if the policy has changed but we certainly were not made aware of it.

Honestly if it weren’t for this experience I’d give the Turing Tavern five stars. I just can’t in good conscience not leave this review because I’m afraid this is not an...

A refreshing addition to the local sports bar landscape in Inman Square.

On a Friday afternoon, we walked into Turing Tavern shortly after their kitchen swung into action at 2:30 PM. The place exuded a modern sports bar atmosphere that is quite rare to find in Cambridge.

We started off with the House-made Meatballs and the Mussels. The meatballs were slightly overcooked, but they were still enjoyable. The accompanying baguettes, however, were over-toasted, resulting in a bitter aftertaste and a failure to adequately soak up the sauces. On the other hand, the Mussels were a nice surprise. Bathed in a savory garlic white wine sauce, they were plump and sumptuous.

As for the main courses, the glazed pork chops, unfortunately, suffered from overcooking. It was overly dry, and we gave up after a few bites. Thankfully, the seafood pasta was superb. It was soaked in the same sauce as the Mussels, and the sauce melded perfectly into the linguine.

While the food prices here were slightly higher than other bars around, some of their seafood dishes were definitely better than local pub fares. Whether there's a game on or you're just in the mood for a laid-back meal, it’s a place worth...

Alright, so the food was fine, and we were there around 5pm on St. Patty's day, so the service was terrible but it was busy. However we didn't get a single drink refill once the food got there until we were finished eating, but again I get that its busy. The issue I have is that after we were done and waiting for 30+ mins for our check, I finally managed to wave down the waiter and I just handed him my card thinking that this would make it faster. It did, however I noticed that he added on a 20% "large group fee" thinking that I wouldn't notice and would add another tip on top of that. I was there with my girlfriend and another couple. there's no way in hell that 4 people constitutes a "large group". And if somehow this place thinks it does, that is not disclosed at all. I didn't complain as our uber had been waiting, but I sure didn't add an additional tip, I had been planning on tipping in that range anyways because I get it, being a waiter sucks and the pay is terrible. This is just a warning to everyone. So, if you do go here for the half decent food, pretty ok drinks, and admittedly nice atmosphere, double check your checks because the waiters will try and...