One of Boston’s most popular food trucks has expanded into sit-down restaurant territory. 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 at 7 Holyoke Street.
I checked out the place for lunch this weekend 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. There is a quirky "disclosure" painted on the wall ("Clover - this is a prototype. We will screw something up. We'll screw many things up. Tell us when that happens.") which lends an air of casual simplicity, but also unbridled enthusiasm ("Thanks for stopping by. We can't wait to get to know you all.")
There are two floors, both with an ultra clean, minimalistic feel - very lab-like indeed - but there are also some touches of humble thoughtfulness in the flowers and cactus plants on the tables. Clover offers sandwiches ($5), sides and soups ($3) and drinks ($2). I've tried a few of the sandwiches (egg & eggplant, chickpea fritters, soy BLT) and they are all very good, and filling. All sandwiches are served on a whole wheat pita bread pocket.
Visiting the restaurant is so much more relaxing than the harried food trucks. The food is really tasty, and it's cheap, which gives Clover a big advantage over other Harvard Square establishments. And better yet, it’s healthy. A new vegetarian place like this in Harvard Square will easily attract loyal customers – it’s the kind of place that’s easy to love.
Welcome to the neighborhood, Clover!
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