Harvard Square is getting a fresh taste of the Cape this May as One Reason Garden Bar gears up to shake and stir once more within the walls of the Charles Hotel, starting on May 5. In its second year after its inaugural launch in July 2023, the bar is ready to pair its drinks with a savory twist, thanks to a new partnership with Taqueria El Barrio, known for their popular stint at Time Out Market in Boston and their outpost in Somerville’s Portico Brewing.

The collaboration promises a mouth-watering lineup of pollo, birria, carnitas, and veggie tacos on handmade tortillas, a "Torta del Dia" sandwich, and sides like chips, dips, and seasoned watermelon. This culinary expansion was reported by The Crimson, adding that One Reason Garden Bar's drinks menu will feature primarily natural wines and local beers. For fans of a good cocktail, the whiskey smash and a selection of frozen drinks will also be on offer, on a rotating basis.

The ambiance of the place tries to capture a slice of Cape Cod, with its cedar shake siding, white trim, and shingle roof—a design crafted by actual Cape builders. “It’s basically a small Cape house, made by Cape builders,” General Manager Augusto Barbosa Lino shared with The Crimson. The setup will be complemented with picnic tables, lawn games, and, aptly, a garden.

Tracy Chapman's classic tune “Give Me One Reason” echoes in the bar's name, as it pays homage to her early days busking in Harvard Square. Barbosa Lino said, “She was busking in Harvard Square early in her career, and Harvard Square has a tradition of music in almost a nostalgic way,” emphasizing the venue’s dedication to keeping the area’s rich musical legacy alive. Despite challenges like a late opening last year and a rainy summer, One Reason Garden Bar managed to attract some noteworthy musicians. “Some great musicians came through last year. We already developed a little bit of a following and we’re just looking forward to getting it started early and hoping for a drier season,” Barbosa Lino told The Crimson.