Highland Fried Brings Fried Chicken, Barbecue, and Tiki to Inman Square Today

It’s official: 1217 Cambridge St., Cambridge, is now Highland Fried (and no longer East Coast Grill). The latest venture from Highland Kitchen co-owners and husband-and-wife duo Marci Joy and Mark Romano opens today, bestowing upon Inman Square fried chicken, biscuits, barbecue, and Tiki drinks.

The duo revived East Coast Grill just under a year ago — a year after it closed — but quietly shuttered it for good last week to revamp it into Highland Fried, which is more in line with what they wanted to do for their second restaurant before the East Coast Grill opportunity came up. But those who went to East Coast Grill this year will see some familiar dishes on the new menu, from smoked tofu dan dan noodles to fried chicken, not to mention the Tiki-inspired cocktail menu.

At Highland Fried, patrons can pick and choose which parts of the bird they’d like to eat — the menu offers individual wings, drumsticks, thighs, and breasts — or they can just opt to eat a whole bird. On the barbecue end, Highland Fried is offering classics such as pulled pork, brisket, burnt ends, smoked chicken, ribs, and sausage. And don’t forget to order sides: Fried chicken and barbecue joint staples such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, and collard greens are all on offer.

Highland Fried’s cocktail program features a number of familiar Tiki drinks, like the always dangerous painkiller and the classic Mai Tai. Have a few drinks, get a little loose, and head to the back lounge to explore the jukebox and play some pool and other games.

The kitchen at Highland Fried is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Unlike Highland Kitchen (and, for the most part, East Coast Grill), Highland Fried takes reservations.

• East Coast Grill Is Gone for Real [EBOS]