CENTRAL SQUARE
Central
is like a PG-13 Harvard Square. It’s a little dirtier and smellier, and
there’s a lot more swearing. Actually, we don’t know if that’s the
case, as our comparative swear tally numbers aren’t in yet. We just
needed to work with the PG-13 simile. There are restaurants a-plenty in
Central, which is convenient for when you want to take in a show at any
of the many venues in the area. Take the Red Line to Central.
| India Pavilion Cambridge’s oldest Indian restaurant is also its best — the tandoori chicken is moist but crispy, the malai kofta has the perfect blend of cream and spice. Even if it didn’t taste so good, we’d tell you to go — the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is $7.30. 17 Central Sq., Cambridge. Noon-11 p.m., daily. 617.547.7463. |
| Mary Chung’s Everyone has their Chinese food litmus — Egg rolls? Fried rice? Crab rangoon? Mary Chung’s does all of those fantastically. One of our musts is General Gau’s chicken, and this is some of the best we’ve had — the white chunk chicken is equal parts crispy and gooey with a side of fresh steamed broccoli to make you feel less guilty. Dun Dun Noodles, Spicy Szechuan Dumplings and Suan La Chow Show are also house specialties. If you don’t believe us, the place is a favorite of the Food Network. 464 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. Sun-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. (closed Tuesdays), Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.- 11 p.m. 617.864.1991. |
| River Gods This local favorite looks like any other dive bar. Inside, though, plum-colored walls, gothic crosses and a gargoyle-guarded bar complete a look that can only be described as a medieval yard sale. Friendly waitresses serve food from a random menu that includes Korean hand rolls ($8.50), Indian curry ($14) and pasta Bolognese ($12). Stop by on Friday night, when a DJ perched near the ceiling in an alcove spins house music. 125 River St., Cambridge. | MBTA: Red Line to Central. 3 p.m.-1 a.m., daily. 21+. 617.576.1881. |
| The Tavern in the Square/Wish The former’s a sports bar with an Irish feel; the latter’s a slick, New Yorky lounge. This connected one-two combo has the proverbial something for everyone, and if it all feels a little calculated and inorganic, well, at least the food is good and the TVs are big. What else do you expect from a restaurant established in 2004? History? On weekends, the ladies pack the place, downing calamari while people-watching out the open windows. 730 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. Mon-Wed 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m.; Thu-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun 10:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Thu-Sat 21+ after 8 p.m., but exceptions are made. 617.868.8800. |
KENDALL SQUARE
Nestled
in MIT’s campus, the One Kendall Square complex attracts the crowd
you’d expect: professors taking lunch, students on a night out and
parents in town to survey the neighborhood. Upscale options like The
Blue Room won’t fit the budget, so head to places like The Swan for a
gourmet hybrid of comfort food and bar food. The Cambridge Brewing
Company and Tommy Doyle’s, which serves traditional Irish food like
bangers and mash ($8.50) and corned beef sandwiches ($9.95). Flat Top
Johnny’s pool hall also serves basic bar food, including their mountain
of “Nine Ball Nachos” ($6.95).
‘Red Line to Kendall/MIT.
| Allston | Back Bay |
Beacon Hill |
Brighton |
Brookline |
| Central Square | Davis Square | Downtown | Inman Square | Harvard Square |
| Jamaica Plain | Kenmore Square | North End | Porter Square | South End |