The Early Word on The Sinclair

Hip restaurant and groupie gathering area The Sinclair launched its kitchen over a month ago, bringing the dishes of Chopped winner chef Marcellus Coleman and consulting chef Michael Schlow (Via Matta, Radius and more) to Harvard Square. Early reports were skeptical of new American cuisine rubbing elbows with indie music enthusiasts, but given the kitchen's commitment to flavorful, duck-fat laden dishes, Cantabrigians think the place is just fine. Here's the early word on The Sinclair:

The Good News: Twitter user and Chowdown Beantown writer MeeshZ enjoys kicking back here: "off [to] the @TheSinclair for lots and lots of good food and drinks." [Twitter]

The Bad News: A Yelp reviewer feels uncomfortable at the bar: "Bartender very friendly but careless and scatterbrained. Sprayed disinfectant all over the place, leaving chairs wet and the barware and lemons that go into your drink covered with spray. Bar too dark, seats uncomfortable. Won't be going back." [Yelp]

The Design News: BU Today digs the rustic feel: "The restaurant area has a simple look, highlighted by trendy touches like an exposed ceiling and dangling lanterns. It offers a more relaxed vibe than you'll find at Tavern in the Square or White Horse. The first floor's long wooden tables, with black iron legs, comfortably seat six to eight and give the room a lively, communal feel." [BU Today]

The Chip News: Over on Yelp, a customer raves: "We ordered the Duckfat Chips - I swear I could die a happy man if I only ate these the rest of my life." [Yelp]

The Tasty News: On Twitter, a customer gets rewarded with good flavors: "After an awful cab ride, a cocktail tasting and pastrami pork belly slider makes it all worth it:) #thesinclair http://campl.us/nXQv " [Twitter]

The Set Up News: A Yelper plans a summertime visit: "Reasonably priced for the quality and the bartender was friendly and helpful. Apparently there's an upstairs restaurant area, and a patio for the summer, so it sounds like I will be coming back with friends to enjoy the restaurant/bar/patio." [Yelp]

The Burger News: Thrillist imparts some ordering advice: "After taking down some heavenly deviled eggs w/ crispy bacon bits and a trio of pastrami'd pork belly sliders (pictured top), you'll want to take matters into your own hands with this Sinclair Burger covered in crispy onions, basil aioli, and a secret sauce." [Thrillist]

The Accommodating News: Blog Boston Veg shares her experience: "We tried the Kale Salad, Grilled Artichoke Salad, Deviled Eggs, Grilled Octopus, Mac & Cheese, and Chickpea Fries. They were able to make all of these vegetarian, taking out bacon bits and chorizo where applicable. The food was out of this world. I haven't had a meal like this in quite some time." [Boston Veg]
— Ashley Mason

· All Coverage of The Sinclair on Eater [~EBOS~]
· The Sinclair [Official Website]