Clover Now Open in Harvard Square
Remember when I asked if food trucks are the new food trends? Well, one of Boston’s most popular food trucks has gone beyond the trend and actually opened as a restaurant! Clover Food Lab is now a restaurant in Harvard Square. Clover operates food trucks in MIT and near the South Station T stop. They serve local, organic, vegetarian fare and incorporates a seasonal menu as well.
Clover opened its first restaurant yesterday at 7 Holyoke Street (across from Sandrine’s). I checked out the place for lunch today and was pleasantly surprised that there were hardly any lines (unlike the food truck lunch lines); service was brisk and the whole place felt clean and inviting.
The picture above looks like the place is empty but most of the people were actually standing behind me, waiting for their food or waiting in line.
I decided to venture away from what I would normally order (which would be the egg and eggplant sandwich – hummus, eggplant, Cairo salad and hard boiled egg) and try the Soy BLT. The sandwiches come in a whole wheat pita/bread pocket. The Soy BLT, which was $5,was pretty good and also filling.
I liked the sandwich – the pita was doughy and warm, the lettuce was fresh and crispy, and even though it’s not tomato-season anymore, the tomato slices were still thick and juicy. But I’m not going to lie: soy bacon, made of tempeh strips, does NOT taste like bacon, so don’t get your hopes up too much expecting a healthy magical bacon replacement. It does have very similar consistency and a slight saltiness, so it’ll do. It was actually a perfect, quick lunch.
If you haven’t been to Clover yet, I highly recommend it! Visiting the restaurant is so much more relaxing than the harried food trucks. Their food is really tasty. I also like their chickpea fritters sandwich and the rosemary fries. I haven’t tried any of their drinks but today they were offering warm cranberry juice (among other hot and iced drinks) – I’ll make sure to try that next time. Clover also serves breakfast, and I heard they have really good popovers.
The food is cheap, which gives Clover a big advantage over other Harvard Square establishments. And better yet, it’s healthy. I’m so glad there’s a new vegetarian place like this in Harvard Square – it’s the kind of place that’s easy to love. Welcome to the neighborhood, Clover!
Have you been to the Clover food trucks? Do you have any favorite food trucks that you wish would become restaurants too?
Wow! I love the clover food truck. I had no ide about the restaurant. Thanks for the info!!!
This sounds delicious! I’ve seen the trucks at MIT, but I always bring my lunch to work. Maybe I’ll have to forget my lunch one day this week and give them a try…or just drag my bf to the restaurant and make him pay ;)
I’ve been to the Clover truck at Dewey Square and absolutely love what they are doing! I’m going to have to check out the restaurant at some point too!
ooooh how cool is that disclosure!!
Never been to the food trucks!! How lucky are you that this opened in your hood?! it looks really different and I’d love to check it out!
I’ve been wanting to go here forever! It looks SO fun and your sandwich looks delightful :)
My only question is, when is that truck coming down to Philly?! I have serious food truck blindness because they’re all full of fried junk. It would be amazing to actually be able to buy good food out of one!!!
I just visited on Saturday! I love the feel of the place. It’s so open and there’s so much natural light. This location is definitely more convenient for me.
I totally meant to visit last week because I work around the corner but didn’t make it. Definitely this week. I agree faux bacon is not at all like the real deal but sounds like they have tons of other great options on their menu!
I’ve been wanting to try Clover for so long. People seem to really love their food and I’m really intrigued to try for myself. I’m usually pretty skeptical about the fake meats.
what an awesome restaurant! i love the disclosure…everyone should have something like that :)
Wow. The inside is so interesting… almost cafeteria like. I really like the truck, so I’m sure I’ll like the restaurant too. Must be nice to have it so closeby!
This is so cool! I didn’t even hear about this becoming a restaurant yet. Thanks for the good news!