UpperWest - Cambridge

I come back to UpperWest every few months to see what Kim added to the menu and enjoy a cool and relaxing lunch. This time we enjoyed a meat and cheese board from six articles, most of which were chosen by it, and the pasta of the day. I've never forgotten what they and Xavier do for food or drink.

I go back and read the reviews for this place and wonder what we missed. This place is indeed quirky and we landed on the way, because there is nothing much (except cheese) for the vegetarian in the group. The woman who greeted us on arrival was nice enough, although there were two other people at the bar all over and she put us right next to them. They passed because they felt strange. We looked at the menu on the chalkboard. When we asked about vegetarian options, the bartender turned and asked the cook about them and the cook answered, I usually make a vegetarian pasta, but tonight it is Bolognese. And that was all she said. She turned around and went away. We ran away, too. It was a wonderful night and dark and dingy was 't cutting it. Instead we went to Spoke on Davis Square, which was spectacular.

Quirky but fun. (Don’t be put off by the entryway. . The house pasta was good; the bocarones were Excellent.

I have frequented Upper West about ten times, and each time I go the prices have increased on the food menu and portions have gotten smaller. Service is also slow, which is to be somewhat expected since there only one chef. During my last visit over the weekend, however, my appetizer of a ham sandwich AND entree of ravioli took over an hour to be served without acknowledgment or apologies by the staff of the unusual wait time. Disappointed with the food service, but wine menu cannot be beat in the NoCA neighborhood. For a hipster and funky atmosphere, a price point of almost $40 for 2 glasses of wine is too steep for this Cambridge native. Also, easy parking and friendly bartender, Abby.

Excellent food and service at a very interesting and funky restaurant!