Guidebook for Cambridge
Food Scene
There is always a crazy wait here, and it's vegetarian, but it is really tasty. If you're feeling weighed down by greasy food, this is a great option. Don't be scared off by the line out the door, it moves pretty fast.
124
recommandé par les habitantsLife Alive Organic Cafe
765 Massachusetts Avenue124
recommandé par les habitantsThere is always a crazy wait here, and it's vegetarian, but it is really tasty. If you're feeling weighed down by greasy food, this is a great option. Don't be scared off by the line out the door, it moves pretty fast.
Greasy diner. Quick, easy, and relatively cheap way to get breakfast.
10
recommandé par les habitantsMass Ave Diner
906 Massachusetts Avenue10
recommandé par les habitantsGreasy diner. Quick, easy, and relatively cheap way to get breakfast.
Small, cute "Italian" food place. Not traditional Italian food, but more... contemporary? I like their pasta and their pizza is even better. They also do a great brunch. This is a small place, so there can be a wait. ALSO... the ventilation is not that great, so if you're sensitive about smelling like food afterwards, you might want to save this for before you take a shower...
28
recommandé par les habitantsCity Girl Cafe & Catering
204 Hampshire Street28
recommandé par les habitantsSmall, cute "Italian" food place. Not traditional Italian food, but more... contemporary? I like their pasta and their pizza is even better. They also do a great brunch. This is a small place, so there can be a wait. ALSO... the ventilation is not that great, so if you're sensitive about smelling like food afterwards, you might want to save this for before you take a shower...
This is Monta's personal favorite. You must make reservations in advance because they book up. It's great for a fancy date night.
79
recommandé par les habitants
Oleana
134 Hampshire Street79
recommandé par les habitantsThis is Monta's personal favorite. You must make reservations in advance because they book up. It's great for a fancy date night.
This is our favorite sushi place! The rolls are good, but their odd nigiri choices are even better. There's always a wait and line here, so try to call ahead or make a reservation.
25
recommandé par les habitants
Cafe Sushi
1105 Massachusetts Avenue25
recommandé par les habitantsThis is our favorite sushi place! The rolls are good, but their odd nigiri choices are even better. There's always a wait and line here, so try to call ahead or make a reservation.
Great for vegans and the like. Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten free diner. Even if you don't have these dietary restrictions, the food is great!
26
recommandé par les habitantsVeggie Galaxy
450 Massachusetts Avenue26
recommandé par les habitantsGreat for vegans and the like. Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten free diner. Even if you don't have these dietary restrictions, the food is great!
Kolbeh Cafe
1500 Cambridge StreetI love the falafels here and it's always easy to get a seat.
The homemade flavors are great and the icecream is not TOO sweet. I prefer this place over JP Lick's and Toscanini.
41
recommandé par les habitantsChristina's Homemade Ice Cream
1255 Cambridge Street41
recommandé par les habitantsThe homemade flavors are great and the icecream is not TOO sweet. I prefer this place over JP Lick's and Toscanini.
Great cozy bar with music. I really like their fried chicken sandwich.
35
recommandé par les habitantsThe Plough and Stars
912 Massachusetts Avenue35
recommandé par les habitantsGreat cozy bar with music. I really like their fried chicken sandwich.
Amazing coffee if you're willing to wait. (They do pourovers, it's not Starbucks) The pastries are okay.
36
recommandé par les habitantsbarismo 364
364 Broadway36
recommandé par les habitantsAmazing coffee if you're willing to wait. (They do pourovers, it's not Starbucks) The pastries are okay.
The pastries here are phenomenal. The croissants are huge, it can be a meal on it's own. The breakfast sandwiches are also great. The coffee is okay...
15
recommandé par les habitantsTatte Bakery & Cafe
205 Broadway15
recommandé par les habitantsThe pastries here are phenomenal. The croissants are huge, it can be a meal on it's own. The breakfast sandwiches are also great. The coffee is okay...
Zinneken's Belgian waffles
1154 Massachusetts Avenue13
recommandé par les habitantsBelgian waffles. Just because.
This restaurant moved onto Mass Ave around the corner. If you're vegetarian (I'm not, but I love it anyway), this is a great place to get a quick bite. All ingredients are sourced locally and they pride themselves in providing fast-food that's healthy. The sandwiches are tasty and the sodas are great too.
20
recommandé par les habitantsClover Food Lab
1326 Massachusetts Ave20
recommandé par les habitantsThis restaurant moved onto Mass Ave around the corner. If you're vegetarian (I'm not, but I love it anyway), this is a great place to get a quick bite. All ingredients are sourced locally and they pride themselves in providing fast-food that's healthy. The sandwiches are tasty and the sodas are great too.
This place is small and sells bagels... but the bagels are so good. If you go during their busy hours (mornings, weekends), there will be a line out the door, some times even down the block! I recommend the BLT or Hot Smoked sandwich. The honey-rosemary cream cheese is great too.
24
recommandé par les habitantsBagelsaurus
1796 Massachusetts Avenue24
recommandé par les habitantsThis place is small and sells bagels... but the bagels are so good. If you go during their busy hours (mornings, weekends), there will be a line out the door, some times even down the block! I recommend the BLT or Hot Smoked sandwich. The honey-rosemary cream cheese is great too.
Fancy Italian, but oh so good. You'll need advance reservations,... or show up really early for seats at the bar.
33
recommandé par les habitantsGiulia
1682 Massachusetts Avenue33
recommandé par les habitantsFancy Italian, but oh so good. You'll need advance reservations,... or show up really early for seats at the bar.
THE BEST DONUTS. EVER. Try the caramel bourbon donut... and have their coffee- it's from Counter Culture.
61
recommandé par les habitantsUnion Square Donuts
20 Bow Street61
recommandé par les habitantsTHE BEST DONUTS. EVER. Try the caramel bourbon donut... and have their coffee- it's from Counter Culture.
This is our favorite Mexican place. Okay, maybe it isn't the most authentic, but we like it more than the others. Monta likes getting the plate with carnitas.
22
recommandé par les habitantsFelipe's Taqueria
21 Brattle St22
recommandé par les habitantsThis is our favorite Mexican place. Okay, maybe it isn't the most authentic, but we like it more than the others. Monta likes getting the plate with carnitas.
The coffee is not bad. The pastries are decent. Bill likes the muffins here because they don't come with paper wrappers on the bottom (less work). It's super close to our place too.
34
recommandé par les habitants1369 Coffee House
757 Massachusetts Avenue34
recommandé par les habitantsThe coffee is not bad. The pastries are decent. Bill likes the muffins here because they don't come with paper wrappers on the bottom (less work). It's super close to our place too.
It's an indoor market, with eats from the local area. Union Square donuts, Sweet Lydia's (I love their marshmallows), Q's Nuts, Jasper Hill Farm cheese, etc, etc.
38
recommandé par les habitantsBoston Public Market
100 Hanover Street38
recommandé par les habitantsIt's an indoor market, with eats from the local area. Union Square donuts, Sweet Lydia's (I love their marshmallows), Q's Nuts, Jasper Hill Farm cheese, etc, etc.
Extensive draft beer, amazing sandwiches by all the Boston chefs, pub feel... very American without being overly so.
25
recommandé par les habitantsParish Cafe
361 Boylston Street25
recommandé par les habitantsExtensive draft beer, amazing sandwiches by all the Boston chefs, pub feel... very American without being overly so.
It gets crowded and loud, but it's definitely worth the trip. Sit at the bar (less of a wait), get yourself a drink (the bartenders are amazing), get sassy and eat some awesome food! They call it small plates, but some of the plates are larger. Keep an open mind and just go with your gut.
25
recommandé par les habitantsLittle Donkey
505 Massachusetts Ave25
recommandé par les habitantsIt gets crowded and loud, but it's definitely worth the trip. Sit at the bar (less of a wait), get yourself a drink (the bartenders are amazing), get sassy and eat some awesome food! They call it small plates, but some of the plates are larger. Keep an open mind and just go with your gut.
(Location is in Harvard Sq) Now that it's freezing outside, get yourself a cup of hot chocolate! The cups are small, but the chocolate is so dense, trust me, stick to the small cup. :-) They also have delicious small little treats and cakes. Again, the cakes might be small, but those are super dense too! I recommend the namesake, Burdick's.
37
recommandé par les habitantsL.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates
52 Brattle Street37
recommandé par les habitants(Location is in Harvard Sq) Now that it's freezing outside, get yourself a cup of hot chocolate! The cups are small, but the chocolate is so dense, trust me, stick to the small cup. :-) They also have delicious small little treats and cakes. Again, the cakes might be small, but those are super dense too! I recommend the namesake, Burdick's.
A coffee shop that also serves amazing sandwiches. This is a local Cambridge chain. There's one on Mass Ave towards MIT, and also another on Mount Auburn.
30
recommandé par les habitantsDarwin's Ltd - Cambridge St.
1629 Cambridge Street30
recommandé par les habitantsA coffee shop that also serves amazing sandwiches. This is a local Cambridge chain. There's one on Mass Ave towards MIT, and also another on Mount Auburn.
The bread is great, the sandwiches are delicious. This is where we go if the line at Bagelsaurus is too asinine.
22
recommandé par les habitantsHi-Rise Bread Company
1663 Massachusetts Avenue22
recommandé par les habitantsThe bread is great, the sandwiches are delicious. This is where we go if the line at Bagelsaurus is too asinine.
Taiwan Cafe
34 Oxford StreetThis is my favorite go to place for Taiwanese-Chinese food in Chinatown.
Shabu Zen
16 Tyler StGreat on a cold night!
If you are a glutton for punishment, you should really try the Hell Fries! They're really spicy though, no kidding. I'm Thai and I think it's unbearable. Decent sandwiches. A good lunch spot. Try their sister restaurant across the street for pizza.
29
recommandé par les habitantsAll Star Sandwich Bar
1245 Cambridge Street29
recommandé par les habitantsIf you are a glutton for punishment, you should really try the Hell Fries! They're really spicy though, no kidding. I'm Thai and I think it's unbearable. Decent sandwiches. A good lunch spot. Try their sister restaurant across the street for pizza.
Solid place to grab a slice when you're in a rush. The slices are HUGE.
12
recommandé par les habitantsAll Star Pizza Bar
1238 Cambridge Street12
recommandé par les habitantsSolid place to grab a slice when you're in a rush. The slices are HUGE.
Casual, "Road side" style Indian place. Place your order at the counter and receive your food on a metal tray. Grad students love this place. It can get very loud and crowded. Also, I'm not the biggest fan of how I smell after I go here.
53
recommandé par les habitantsPunjabi Dhaba
225 Hampshire St53
recommandé par les habitantsCasual, "Road side" style Indian place. Place your order at the counter and receive your food on a metal tray. Grad students love this place. It can get very loud and crowded. Also, I'm not the biggest fan of how I smell after I go here.
This is the other location! Coffee shop serving Nitro Coffee, Kombucha on tap, and Sandwiches. I love the sandwiches.
7
recommandé par les habitantsDarwin's Ltd. - Mass Ave.
313 Massachusetts Ave7
recommandé par les habitantsThis is the other location! Coffee shop serving Nitro Coffee, Kombucha on tap, and Sandwiches. I love the sandwiches.
I feel obliged to put this on the list because it's such an institution and people from all over love it (Joanne Chang has a cookbook), but honestly, the other places are just as good. I often think the baked goods here are too hyped up. The cookbook is great though.
68
recommandé par les habitantsFlour Bakery
190 Massachusetts Avenue68
recommandé par les habitantsI feel obliged to put this on the list because it's such an institution and people from all over love it (Joanne Chang has a cookbook), but honestly, the other places are just as good. I often think the baked goods here are too hyped up. The cookbook is great though.
Amazing icecream. Monta loves the honey lavender in one of their in-house waffle cones.
Honeycomb Creamery
1702 Massachusetts AveAmazing icecream. Monta loves the honey lavender in one of their in-house waffle cones.
Essentials
Oh yes... There's a Whole Foods here. It's not very far from the house. Cambridge charges 10 cents per shopping bag, so bring the reusable one in the closet with you.
84
recommandé par les habitantsWhole Foods Market
115 Prospect Street84
recommandé par les habitantsOh yes... There's a Whole Foods here. It's not very far from the house. Cambridge charges 10 cents per shopping bag, so bring the reusable one in the closet with you.
This is a pharmacy/convenience store. I wouldn't buy food here, but a good place to go if you need a special type of shampoo or extra toothpaste.
9
recommandé par les habitantsCVS
624 Massachusetts Avenue9
recommandé par les habitantsThis is a pharmacy/convenience store. I wouldn't buy food here, but a good place to go if you need a special type of shampoo or extra toothpaste.
I don't usually go here unless I'm passing by and need something. Things are expensive and the fresh produce is better at Wholefoods.
21
recommandé par les habitantsBroadway Marketplace
468 Broadway21
recommandé par les habitantsI don't usually go here unless I'm passing by and need something. Things are expensive and the fresh produce is better at Wholefoods.
Monta's favorite wine store. Unpretentious, knowledgeable staff, interesting wines.
33
recommandé par les habitantsThe Wine & Cheese Cask
407 Washington Street33
recommandé par les habitantsMonta's favorite wine store. Unpretentious, knowledgeable staff, interesting wines.
Whole Foods has fresher produce, but I occasionally stop by Harvest to support local business. You can find gluten free things here, granola bars, drinks, etc. Check the dates on items you buy, they don't have as high of a volume as Whole Foods does.
23
recommandé par les habitantsHarvest Co-Op Market
580 Massachusetts Avenue23
recommandé par les habitantsWhole Foods has fresher produce, but I occasionally stop by Harvest to support local business. You can find gluten free things here, granola bars, drinks, etc. Check the dates on items you buy, they don't have as high of a volume as Whole Foods does.
Aroush's Tailor Shop
864 Massachusetts AveThey do an ok job. I've never had anything altered here though.
This is one of the oldest YMCAs in the country! It's not going to be swanky and new, but the facilities are solid for a workout. FYI- the cardio room just received a bunch of new machines. $10 for a day pass to use the gym, $15 for classes.
Cambridge YMCA
820 Massachusetts AvenueThis is one of the oldest YMCAs in the country! It's not going to be swanky and new, but the facilities are solid for a workout. FYI- the cardio room just received a bunch of new machines. $10 for a day pass to use the gym, $15 for classes.
I dash here to grab a bottle of Guinness to pop into my turkey chili. I feel iffy buying their wines as most of their storefront is glass... Good spot for a quick 6 pack!
Dana Hill Liquor Mart
910 Massachusetts AvenueI dash here to grab a bottle of Guinness to pop into my turkey chili. I feel iffy buying their wines as most of their storefront is glass... Good spot for a quick 6 pack!
This is the larger liquor store in Central Sq. And by large, I mean, MUCH larger. My favorite will always be Wine & Cheese Cask though!
7
recommandé par les habitantsSupreme Liquors
600 Massachusetts Avenue7
recommandé par les habitantsThis is the larger liquor store in Central Sq. And by large, I mean, MUCH larger. My favorite will always be Wine & Cheese Cask though!
Speedway
287 Prospect StThis is the most convenient and closest place to get some gas for the car.
Shake the chills and go hot tubin'! Bathing suits are required in the community tub.
17
recommandé par les habitantsInman Oasis
243 Hampshire Street17
recommandé par les habitantsShake the chills and go hot tubin'! Bathing suits are required in the community tub.
Bill and I don't understand this place, but I know some of my friends are into this, so we're sharing it with you. Yes! Pay someone to wash your hair and give you the best blow out (not the kind babies do).
Drybar Harvard Square
1081 Massachusetts AveBill and I don't understand this place, but I know some of my friends are into this, so we're sharing it with you. Yes! Pay someone to wash your hair and give you the best blow out (not the kind babies do).
Everything Else
Asian supermarket with a food court in front, where you can get ramen, katsu curry, and asian baked goods.
65
recommandé par les habitantsHmart Cambridge
581 Massachusetts Avenue65
recommandé par les habitantsAsian supermarket with a food court in front, where you can get ramen, katsu curry, and asian baked goods.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great cocktails. Bill and I always somehow end up really drunk when we go here... Great burger. Good for foodies.
25
recommandé par les habitantsThe Kirkland Tap & Trotter
425 Washington Street25
recommandé par les habitantsGreat cocktails. Bill and I always somehow end up really drunk when we go here... Great burger. Good for foodies.
There's a dive-y bar in the basement and a restaurant up top. There's also a liquor store attached to it, which has an ok selection. Bill and I like getting the burger here, with rosemary truffle fries, and sometimes the lamb gnocchi if it's on the menu.
16
recommandé par les habitantsThe Cellar Food & Drink
991 Massachusetts Avenue16
recommandé par les habitantsThere's a dive-y bar in the basement and a restaurant up top. There's also a liquor store attached to it, which has an ok selection. Bill and I like getting the burger here, with rosemary truffle fries, and sometimes the lamb gnocchi if it's on the menu.
This is a no brainer since it's literally down the street. Bill and I haven't gone here in a while though, simply because we are getting to that age where we find it loud. They have darts! It's on the dive-y side of bars. Tons of graduate students.
14
recommandé par les habitantsThe People's Republik
878 Massachusetts Avenue14
recommandé par les habitantsThis is a no brainer since it's literally down the street. Bill and I haven't gone here in a while though, simply because we are getting to that age where we find it loud. They have darts! It's on the dive-y side of bars. Tons of graduate students.
Fish and Chips! Live music! I like their fish chowder. It's a very, Irish Pub.
56
recommandé par les habitantsThe Druid
1357 Cambridge Street56
recommandé par les habitantsFish and Chips! Live music! I like their fish chowder. It's a very, Irish Pub.
This place is LOUD! The drinks are great. The food is ok...
31
recommandé par les habitantsTrina's Starlite Lounge
3 Beacon Street31
recommandé par les habitantsThis place is LOUD! The drinks are great. The food is ok...
Okay, this place used to be the bomb. But then they renovated and changed up their menu. Now it's a bunch of exotic burgers that come with tater tots on the side. They were known for their extensive beer selection. They still have that, but the floors aren't sticky anymore and it makes us sad.
28
recommandé par les habitantsBukowski Tavern
1281 Cambridge Street28
recommandé par les habitantsOkay, this place used to be the bomb. But then they renovated and changed up their menu. Now it's a bunch of exotic burgers that come with tater tots on the side. They were known for their extensive beer selection. They still have that, but the floors aren't sticky anymore and it makes us sad.
Entertainment & Activities
Great little movie theater that plays foreign films as well as blockbusters.
23
recommandé par les habitantsKendall Square
23
recommandé par les habitantsGreat little movie theater that plays foreign films as well as blockbusters.
Getting Around
Subway: If you are going downtown, you want to take the entrance on the South side (next to CVS, Au Bon Pain). If you are going to Harvard Sq, Porter, Davis, Alewife, you want the entrance on the North side (next to Starbucks). This is important because you can't get to the other side of the tracks after you pay.
Bus: You can also easily catch many buses going to various places in Central Sq.
54
recommandé par les habitants
Central Square
54
recommandé par les habitantsSubway: If you are going downtown, you want to take the entrance on the South side (next to CVS, Au Bon Pain). If you are going to Harvard Sq, Porter, Davis, Alewife, you want the entrance on the North side (next to Starbucks). This is important because you can't get to the other side of the tracks after you pay.
Bus: You can also easily catch many buses going to various places in Central Sq.
You can catch the #1 bus to Harvard Sq right outside of City Hall, or cross the street to catch the #1 bus to downtown.
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts AveYou can catch the #1 bus to Harvard Sq right outside of City Hall, or cross the street to catch the #1 bus to downtown.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
25 River StreetSuper close... Good for car rentals!
Shopping
I love supporting this bookstore. I always stop by here before going to the big Harvard Coop. If they don't have what I need, I end up getting it online or going to the Coop, only if I really need it right away.
23
recommandé par les habitantsHarvard Book Store
1256 Massachusetts Avenue23
recommandé par les habitantsI love supporting this bookstore. I always stop by here before going to the big Harvard Coop. If they don't have what I need, I end up getting it online or going to the Coop, only if I really need it right away.
Cute little store with good gift items. Great place to pick up a funny greeting card.
13
recommandé par les habitantsBlack Ink
5 Brattle Street13
recommandé par les habitantsCute little store with good gift items. Great place to pick up a funny greeting card.
Comprehensive hat store... for those of you that love hats. I love this place. Please support this awesome local business before you buy from Goorin Brothers (big corporation run by Private Equity firms).
SALMAGUNDI Hats & Accessories - North End, Boston
61 Salem StComprehensive hat store... for those of you that love hats. I love this place. Please support this awesome local business before you buy from Goorin Brothers (big corporation run by Private Equity firms).
This places sells honey. Yes. Only honey. You can ask for a honey tasting. You'd be surprised at the variety of honeys they carry and how different they taste. They make great presents.
6
recommandé par les habitantsFollow the Honey
1132 Massachusetts Avenue6
recommandé par les habitantsThis places sells honey. Yes. Only honey. You can ask for a honey tasting. You'd be surprised at the variety of honeys they carry and how different they taste. They make great presents.
Follain
65 Charles StFancy natural/organic skin care and make up store. Seriously, we need more of these stores.
Loyal Supply Co
21 Union Square7
recommandé par les habitantsGreat little store selling hip day to day items.
Only open on Fridays and Saturdays, Haymarket is -the original- market before the fancy Boston Public Market was built. The produce is super cheap, but buy only what you can eat, most produce is on it's way out. Not to say it isn't delicious, but you've got a short shelf life.
12
recommandé par les habitantsHaymarket
Congress Street12
recommandé par les habitantsOnly open on Fridays and Saturdays, Haymarket is -the original- market before the fancy Boston Public Market was built. The produce is super cheap, but buy only what you can eat, most produce is on it's way out. Not to say it isn't delicious, but you've got a short shelf life.
Neat store selling mid century furniture, items, vintage items designed by fabulous folks... and a few contemporary items as well.
13
recommandé par les habitantsAbodeon
1731 Massachusetts Avenue13
recommandé par les habitantsNeat store selling mid century furniture, items, vintage items designed by fabulous folks... and a few contemporary items as well.
Perfect for that transit nerd in your life. Into trains? Love to gripe about urban planning? This is the place for you.
MBTAgifts
1735 Massachusetts AvePerfect for that transit nerd in your life. Into trains? Love to gripe about urban planning? This is the place for you.
This is hands down, my most favorite jewelry store. If you're into modern pieces for the not-so fussy lady, this is it. It's all handmade, local, you might even get to meet Michele if she's in the store.
Michele Mercaldo Jewelry
276 Shawmut AveThis is hands down, my most favorite jewelry store. If you're into modern pieces for the not-so fussy lady, this is it. It's all handmade, local, you might even get to meet Michele if she's in the store.
Seriously, save yourself some time. Take a look, but don't waste your time here. It's such a tourist trap.
201
recommandé par les habitantsQuincy Market
4 South Market Street201
recommandé par les habitantsSeriously, save yourself some time. Take a look, but don't waste your time here. It's such a tourist trap.
Are you a pen buff? Need to pick up some fancy japanese inks? This is the place to do it. They can be a bit grumpy,... but who wouldn't with Amazon conquering everyone?
Bromfield Pen Shop
5 Bromfield StAre you a pen buff? Need to pick up some fancy japanese inks? This is the place to do it. They can be a bit grumpy,... but who wouldn't with Amazon conquering everyone?
I love stopping by to pick up a snack. They have a small wine selection and a deli. Extensive selection of teas and imported chocolates. Yum.
8
recommandé par les habitantsCardullo's Gourmet Shoppe
6 Brattle Street8
recommandé par les habitantsI love stopping by to pick up a snack. They have a small wine selection and a deli. Extensive selection of teas and imported chocolates. Yum.