Explore Harvard Square
September is fast approaching and this college town is about to expand in size as students from all over the world head back to start another school year. Harvard Square, located in Cambridge, is one of the city’s educational epicenters and there’s no doubt it’ll be buzzing in the next couple of weeks. With its old-time class and modern flare you’ll definitely want to check it out if you’re in Boston. Don’t worry your GPA is irrelevant, but they get a 4.0 from us when it comes to food.
Where to Eat
Cafes:
Crema Cafe
This welcoming local spot offers a variety of seating with an earthy vibe where you can enjoy artisanal coffee, homemade pastries or a quick meal—they serve breakfast and lunch.
Address: 27 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-876-2700
Tealuxe
This dark and cozy tea shop feels like you’ve stepped into 1900s England. The expansive wall filled with black drawers holds over 100 different kinds of loose leaf tea. This is not only a great place for a cup of tea (hot or iced) but also ideal for gift buying.
Address: 0 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-441-0077
Tatte
This local mini-chain offers an eye-bulging variety of sweet treats and baked goods. If you need an afternoon pick-me-up definitely pay them a visit. If you are in need of something less sweet, let them serve you a breakfast or lunch that you can savor.
Address: 1288 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-441-4011
Casual:
Felipe’s Taqueria
This counter-service restaurant serves mouth-watering Mexican food in a casual environment. Perfect for a quick lunch after touring the Square. All the guac please!
Address: 21 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-354-9944
Pinocchio’s Pizza
This spot is easy to miss but don’t miss it. Grab a slice, or two, or three. Maybe get us one too? Thanks.
Address: 74 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-876-4897
Nice Dinner:
Alden & Harlow
Chef Michael Scelfo has made a name for himself in this city with Alden & Harlow’s unique flavors and alluring atmosphere. He calls it “new American food” and has seen wild success. They offer shareable plates packed to the brim with thoughtful combinations of ingredients and have a reputation for a killer secret burger, but they go fast so get one quick.
Address: 40 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-864-2100
Parsnip
This elegant restaurant and lounge is an inviting place to have an intimate dinner or and some drinks (because why not have both, you’re definitely not going to want to leave this spot in a hurry). The food is seasonal with a modern-European flare.
Address: 91 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-714-3206
Henrietta’s Table
Reminiscent of a farmhouse this comforting spot located in the Charles Hotel feels like home, offering locally sourced fare for dinner, lunch, and brunch. They call their menu “honest to goodness New England cooking.”
Address: 1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-661-5005
Toscano
Known for their Italian hospitality, Toscano pays homage to the cuisine of Tuscany with dishes comprised of seasonal ingredients and rare imports.
Address: 52 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-354-5250
Harvest
Using the freshest ingredients they can find, Harvest serves contemporary New England cuisine in an earthy and elegant space. Tucked away down a cobblestone street in the heart of Harvard Square you can dine inside or outside in their private garden cafe.
Address: 44 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-868-2255
Neighborhood-y:
Grafton Group Hospitality
The Grafton Group has monopolized Harvard Square with four of their restaurants that have become quintessential to the identity of the neighborhood. They combine upscale flavors with a sophisticated pub atmosphere. In the Square are Russell House Tavern, The Hourly Oyster House, PARK, and Grafton Street. Be sure to check them out for lunch or dinner (good to know: they all stay open late).
Russell House Tavern
Address: 14 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-500-3055
The Hourly Oyster House
Address: 15 Dunster St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-765-2342
PARK
Address: 59 Jfk St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-491-9851
Grafton Street
Address: 1230 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-497-0400
The Boathouse
This local, nautical-themed spot serves up pub fare and is a great place to relax with some beers!
Address: 49 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-349-1650
Night Life:
Charlie’s Kitchen
This local restaurant/bar is energized come nighttime. It’s the ideal local hang and they also offer a wide range of food, there’s something for everyone. They have a 50s-style diner on their ground floor as well as a patio and beer garden.
Address: 10 Eliot St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-492-9646
Noir
Located in The Charles Hotel, this sophisticated lounge is the perfect place to settle down for some intimate drinks and chill time. The dark and sultry atmosphere has just as much allure as the seasonal handcrafted cocktails.
Address: 1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-661-8010
Beat Brasserie
This funky underground spot serves share plates inspired by both American and international flavors. They have live music at night; that along with the purple glow cast over the space creates all the good vibes.
Address: 13 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-499-0001
The Sinclair
The modern version of dinner and a show—this American gastropub is accompanied by a music venue where you can catch some tunes.
Address: 52 Church St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-547-5200
Dessert:
Lizzy’s Ice Cream
This little hole in the wall place is easy to miss until you see people emerging from its doors with cones piled high and smiles spread wide. This is definitely the place to treat an ice cream hankering.
Address: 29 Church St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-354-2911
Zinneken’s
This Belgian waffle haven is a must-visit, top of the list, gotta have kind of place. They serve REAL Belgian Sugar waffles, also know as Liège waffles, hot and covered with toppings that get into all those crispy crevices. You can build your own or choose from one of their pre-set topping choices. Dessert for breakfast is our favorite way to start the day.
Address: 1154 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-876-0836
L.A. Burdick
This artisanal chocolate shop offers some of the most decadent hot chocolate we’ve ever had. You can choose from white, milk, dark, or single source chocolate to fill your cup. It’s so thick that if you leave it in the fridge overnight it turns into mousse (we may have done this once…or twice).
Address: 52 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-491-4340
Where to Shop
Harvard Square is packed with shops both small and local, and some recognizable big names. Several that we think you should check out are:
Harvard Book Store
Cardullo’s Gourmet Shoppe
Goorin Bros. Hat Shop
Bob Slate Stationers
World’s Only Curious George Store
What to See/Do
Walk around Harvard’s Campus
The Comedy Studio
The Brattle Theatre
Where to Stay and Getting There
Hotels
Harvard Square Hotel
The Charles Hotel
Hotel Veritas
Sheraton Commander Hotel
Courtyard Boston Cambridge
A Bed & Breakfast in Cambridge
Public Transportation
Closest MBTA Stops
Harvard Square – Red Line (trains and buses)
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