Highland Kitchen

They don't take reservations but on a Sunday night was fairly open. We got a marks mark and stormy which is makers mark and spicy ginger beer, SO good, while we waited for our friends to show up.The inside is dark and a little loud so I was worried we wouldn't be able to hear each other at the table but it actually turned out fine when we sat down. Service was quick and friendly.They have really interesting tiki shots. They make one barrel and when they run out, you get to have different type of tiki shot!We got the spicy jambalaya which was delicious but the Nashville hot chicken sandwich is HOT. Not like oh it's pretty hot, no, it is hot hot. There is even a warning in the menu. Once you take a few bites of that the spicy jambalaya also feels hot. It's spicy going in so it will be the same coming out so be careful!

Visited Highland Kitchen for the first time on a Friday night around 7:30, it was busy but we got seats at the bar. The bartender was super friendly and we had great service! The vegan jambalaya was SO good. I loved the carrots, red beans, greens, rice, and beyond sausage. It was so flavorful! I also got fries and a few drinks. I will definitely be back again!

I'll start off with the positive. Cocktails are good. Never too sweet, with the right amount of booze. I appreciate their creativity. I'll recommend coming here for the cocktails 100000%. The food is a different story. The menu ideas are clever, for sure, but execution is sloppy. Octopus I got was rubbery and then made me feel sick. Other items felt like they needed to be puréed better, or were overcooked, or plating looked messy.The air in the restaurant is also kind of musty. I really want to like this place, because so many people do like it & recommend it. I always end up running into someone I know here too... but so far my experiences have been lacking, specifically with the food. Staff is chill, they do their job and check in as needed. Pricing is around $20-$30 per person, including food and drinks.

Solid neighborhood spot. The jambalaya had lots of protein, but was a tad salty; the corn bread that came with it was deliciously buttery. The black bean burger was of the mushy variety with mediocre fries.

Highland feels like your reliable family owned neighborhood joint that's good for when your coming with a few people that all have different taste preferences - the menu is a mash of all different cuisines! Fried Parmesan polenta cakes with roasted tomato leek sauce and mushrooms - 4/5, crispy on the outside, super soft and melty on the inside rather than just straight polenta like your typical polenta slabs! This felt a bit like the remnant of a chopped challenge in the kitchen, but still a great special. Mozzarella and ricotta fritters with hot honey - 3.5/5, a new textural experience probably most similar to Moona's feta fritters if you've had it! Mild cheesy flavor, the inside the soft but not melted and somehow still has porosity / structure. Like a cream puff but all cheese. Gets a little heavy after more than 2. Short rib gnocchi - 4/5, purely comfort food! Tender short rib, mushy gnocchi. Pappardelle bolognese - 3/5, someone told us this was the best bolognese in Boston and it's solid but the pasta was a bit too thick and Al dente, the veal and pork combo tasted like sausage. There's some truffle oil drizzle that's quite aromatic and strong but the taste is mild.

We came just for drinks. My marguerita was described as fresh lime juice. It came as a mix. yuk I drank it anyway. I ordered the Resposado instead of Blanco tequilla, there was an extra dollar charge. In a pub bar they should at least tell you before you get the bill. I have a problem with bar staff that put fruit decor in your glass after taking dirty silverware as they bus the counter, and touch money. Bar staff nice enough. Place is dark and loud when full of patrons. They all seemed happy.

This is a very happening little spot in Somerville. The food was really excellent as were the cocktails. I could not believe how quickly the food came out for a party of 10. Salmon outstanding . It's extremely loud in there however which is a bit of a pet peeve for me when you can barely hear the person sitting next to you at dinner. Other than that it's a very great little spot and I would definitely go back for the food and the cute little bar.

Great vibe. Like an upscale dive. I described a Sunday night crowd looking like the Sommerville version of Applebees. That's not a bad thing. Lots of families, kids, and couples. Music was loud as reported in other reviews. Service was great. Very professional. The food also very good. I had spicy jambalaya with cornbread. The shrimp gave it a gentle taste of seafood. It wasn't slap you in the face spicy but rather subtle when at the end you find your lips buzzing. The cornbread was awesome! My D had the goat stew. I tasted it and grabbed a nice chunk of sweet plantain. When I go again I may be tempted to give it more than a taste. Taking the wife next time and May have to try a seat at the bar. Corner is always the best position.

Uber eats was still hot & crispy! Ordered the griot (fried pork) with macaroni salad and plantains. The pork was pretty yummy and somehow traveled well. The macaroni salad was sooo good! I've been eyeing this restaurant for a visit so I'll definitely go eat in next time.

We heard this was a wonderful place for comfort food, and weren't not disappointed. I'm a big fan of homemade potato chips, but they did one better by also making homemade onion dip. Yum! We also shared the Ricotta and Mozzarella Fritters. What a clever idea. Also yum.Everyone enjoyed their generous meals. My shredded kale salad was really good - especially with hazelnuts. The prices were very fair, too.We decided to share a few desserts. I found the key lime pie to be delicious. The service was outstanding. Everyone was so attentive and friendly. It made out night even more enjoyable. We will be back.