Harvard Square and Cambridge
November 24th, 2009
Harvard Square and Cambridge
Savour!
Bartley’s Gourmet Burgers
- 1246 Massachusetts Ave
- 617.354.6559
- Bartley’s is the best burger place in the whole of America, possibly the world. Burgers include the classic for $8.69, every possible variation on the classic, and the unique, such as The Dice Man with garlic, teriyaki and coleslaw ($8.99). The quality is superb, and there is always the veggie burger ($9.25) or a choice of wraps and salads for the non-meat eaters. Try their sweet potato fries ($.49), and if you have rom for desert, options such as rice pudding ($2.99) are available. Bartley’s is always crowded and lively, and never disappoints.
Felipe’s
- 83 Mt. Auburn St.
- 617.354.9944
- Felipe’s is the quintessential Harvard expression – a $5 dollar burrito made so fast that you’ll be out on your way to that student activity meeting you’ve missed dinner for or hanging out with your friends in no time. Products are fresh and each burrito is tailor-made, but be wary of taking a Texan or Californian with you – they’ll tell you it’s not really Tex-Mex. Ignore them: to the rest of us, it’s just as good – and perhaps even better.
Finale Dessert Company
- 18 Brattle Street, Suite 352
- 617.441.9797
- Finale is the classiest excuse for your sweet tooth, offering light meal options and decadent desserts! Non-dessert options include the soup du jour ($7), artichoke salad ($9), and white pizza ($10). What you really want to get at, though, are the signature hot chocolates ($5) and the cakes! Anyone for Manjari Mousse, Boston Bream, Coconut Calpirinha, Passionfruit Merinque, or Tiramisu Deliciozo?
Fire & Ice Improvisational Grill
- 50 Church Street
- 617.547.9007
- Grab a bowl, choose a sauce, pile it high with whatever you want, and watch the chefs prepare your meal at the grill! Fresh vegetables, seafood, chicken, beef, udon noodles, and pasta are all available – plus, there’s a hamburger bar! While you’re waiting, you can take advantage of the salad bar too. All meals come with warm tortillas and rice. Enjoy a personalized, all-you-can-eat dining experience in a fun, funky atmosphere! Great for large parties, though you may want to make reservations in advance.
Greek Corner Express
- 8 ½ Eliot Street
- 617.661.3433
- Greek Corner Express serves mainly Greek with a few more basic dishes for the less adventurous palette. Greek Croner Express offers Greek Salas ($4.75), pita sandwches ($4.75) and kebabs ($7.95) as well as hamburgers ($3.25). There are a range of vegetarian plates ($6.95) so there is plenty of choice available. Souvlakis are available for take-out and there’s free delivery. Greek Corner Express isn’t exactly beautiful, but the food’s fine for a basic meal.
Hong Kong
- 1236 Massachusetts Ave.
- 617.864.5311
- Your typical greasy Chinese food, best visited in the early hours of the morning. Hong Kong is open until 2am on weekdays and 3am on Friday and Saturday, effectively making it Cambridge’s version of the European kebab. Take out is available and they deliver for extra charge.
John Harvard’s Pub
- 33 Dunster Street
- 617.868.3585
- John Harvard’s has that microbrewery feeling, with large brass kettles that seem to be there for no purpose that to titillate Harvard students who are not yet 21. The basement brewery atmosphere is pleasant, the pub food good – burgers included – and the portions tend to be on the generous side, even though the prices are reasonable. The place is popular over the weekends, so be try to plan on coming on off-peak hours if you can help it.
J.P. Lick’s
- 1312 Mass Ave
- 617.492.1001
- A locally owned and operated homemade ice cream cafe, what could be better? This joint serves up homemade ice cream and non-fat frozen yogurt. Even their bittersweet hot fudge is made from scratch! Favourite flavours include Cow Trax, Cake Batter, Coffee Oreo, KowLua, Cappuccino Crunch, and White Coffee. If you prefer healthy, try the Oatmeal Cookie frozen yogurt. Unique seasonal flavours are also available. If you’re feeling too cold for ice cream, sip on a cup of Fair Trade organic coffee.
LA Burdick
- 52-D Brattle Street
- 617.491.4340
- LA Burdick is the place you hope the world hasn’t heard of yet, only to realize that once again you’re going to have to order take-out as all the seats are full. Somewhat off from the center of Harvard Square, it gives the impression of being far away from the Harvard hustle and bustle, yet is only a few minutes off by foot. Burdick make their own chocolate, and do a fine job at it too; their milk hot chocolate is a pleasure for all sense while their dark one might be a bit too intense for some. Regardless, be sure to check it out for some delicious food.
Oggi
- 1350 Massachusetts Ave
- 617.492.6444
- A great place for original pizza, Oggi is a bit newer in the Harvard Square community. Though the pizza may be a bit pricey at $3.45 a slice, and seating may be sparse, one couldn’t ask for a better selection of unique pizzas. You can find one to suit your cravings, from spinach to pear to asiago to just plain cheese
Spice
- 24 Holyoke Street
- 617.868.9560
- One of the more popular restaurants in the Square, Spice serves up classic Thai dishes at reasonable prices. Open with Chicken Satay or fresh Spring Rolls (both $7), and then move on to one of the chef specialties, such as Siam Duck ($16) or a noodle dish such as the ever-present Pad Thai for only $10. While stylish and comfortable, the small dining room can become slightly chaotic in both service and ambiance. Expect a wait for large parties during peak dinner hours. Lunch is both more peaceful and has lower prices.
Tanjore
- 18 Eliot Street
- 617.868.1900
- Tanjore offers tasty Indian food at a reasonable price. Typical appetizers include samosa ($3.95) or onion bhaji ($3.95) and you can choose your main dishes according to its region in India. Dosa ($7.95) from South India, Ra Rah lamb ($13.95) from North India, or Bangali Jalfrezi ($11.95) from Central India. Finish with Indian style rice pudding ($3.95) or another of Tanjore’s slightly exotic desserts to finish on a sweet note. The food at Tanjore’s is good quality and relatively inexpensive – for typical Indian cuisine, look no further.
The Red House
- 98 Winthrop Street
- 617.576.0605
- Enjoy European-style cuisine in a casual but elegant little Red House, tucked into a newly revoncated historic home in the heart of Harvard Square. Try unique appetizers for under $10, such as the Smocked Duck Break, Mushroom Phyllo, or Eggplant Contadina. Entrees include Bacon-wrapped Roast Quail with chestnut and sausafe stuffing, finished with juniper berry sauce and Truffled Lobster Risotto prepared with spinach, taleggio, and white truffle doil (both $23). There are three small private dining rooms available with seating for 8 or 12, equipped with fireplaces! For any party of seven or more ot to book a private room, call the restaurant directly!
Tommy Doyle’s
- 96 Winthrop Street
- 617.864.0655
- Tommy Doyle’s is American brewery meets Irish pub, with an incredible blues-style atmosphere. Large parties are not a problem, and you can even reserve a private room if your delegation so desired. Appetizers include Stuffed Garlic Mushrooms and Calamari. Entrees serve up Pork Chops, Chicken Kiev, and Enchiladas. Dessert choices are certainly not limited, from brownie sundaes to apple crisp. Prices are all very affordable, and the restaurant-pub is opened late everyday until 2am. Come in for good, casual fun and great Irish hospitality!
Uno’s
- 22 JFK Street
- 617.497.1530
- Hungry for some yummy pizza? Craving a mouthwatering steak? Then Uno’s Chicago Grill is the perfect place to go, especially with a large group of your friends! Its tasty dishes, big portions, friendly staff and laidback ambience will definitely win you over. Once there, you must – I mean must – try their famous Pizza Skins ($9), with potatoes, bacon, and sour cream all in one appetizer! Their Numero Uno Deep Dish Pizza (individual $10, regular $18) is another delicious trademark. Furthermore, their Brewmaster’s Grill New York Sirloin Steak is just delightful. Most importantly, top your meal off with a delectable Brownie Bowl ($5), and go home assured that the 5 pounds you just gained were completely worth it!