Updated 2007-08-19 22:37
HARVARD SQUARE
There’s
a strong magnetic pull that leads everyone to Harvard Square. The
smartest people on Earth and the weirdest people on Earth hang out
there. Sometimes they’re one in the same.
| Charlies Kitchen Grab the double cheeseburger special at this more than 40-year-strong staple. Then head upstairs to catch local acts on live-music Mondays, or rock the karaoke mic on Tuesdays, which ges absolutely packed by 10 p.m. Black-clad Allstonites cross the river to hang with MIT hipsters at this black-white-and-red tiled second floor hangout. The sometimes-too-loud jukebox even spins staff-minted mix CDs. 10 Eliot St., Cambridge. Sun-Wed 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m. 617.492.9646. |
| Grafton Street Grafton Street is where meatheads go to class it up and the young professionals go to feel like they’re still in college. It tries to be everything to everyone, and somehow it actually succeeds. The soft spotlights ensure it’s the place to see and be seen. And its nook-and-cranny seating enable you to have a party in back, while the crowd at the bar give high fives — enjoy that seared tuna and wasabi mashed potatoes in style. 1230 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 11a.m.-1a.m., daily. 617.497.0400. |
| Grendel’s Den Chances are you’re not going to find a hook-up or a one-night stand here, but if you want to go out for iced tea and conversation with an old friend, Grendel’s is the spot. The music is at the perfect volume, featuring albums in their entirety, and the insanely great food specials (look for the “Sunday Seven,” featuring chili, pasta pesto or a burger for a buck each) ensure that you can make a full day or night of hanging. 89 Winthrop St., Cambridge. Mon-Sat 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 4 p.m.-1 a.m. 617-491-1160. |
| Hong Kong If you didn’t actually go to Harvard, you can at least rub elbows with the country’s greatest minds at this Harvard Square landmark (even if those minds are waaaaaysted). Best known for their brain-damage inducing Scorpion Bowls (fruity boozey concoctions), Hong Kong is a raucous scene. The endearingly tacky interior makes this bar more of a pit-stop — grab some Chinese chow and go. There’s a comedy club upstairs, too. 1236 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. Sun-Thu, 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.; Fri, Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:30 a.m. 617.864.5311. 65 Chatham St. Boston. MBTA: Blue Line to Aquarium. 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m, daily. 617-864-5311. |
| Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage For 45 years running, this Harvard Square institution has been serving up blue plate specials to the Crimson crowd, frugal gourmets, statesmen and celebrities — and they’ve got the name-dropping menu to prove it. We recommend the Viagra (blue cheese and bacon), and the George Dubbya (double BBQ and cheddar — because everything’s bigger in Texas). Forewarned is forearmed: cash only, no alcohol and no bathroom at this quintessentially quaint burger barn. Oh, we should probably clarify that we were joking in the caption when we said Mr. B’s has outdoor seating year-round. Sorry to dissappoint our cold-weather-loving carnivore readers. 1246 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. Mon-Sat, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 617.354.6559. |
| Phatt Boys At the circus-colored Phatt Boys you have your choice between a dimly lit booth, a spot at the bar, or a cue at the pool table. The owners aim to combine local seafood favorites with southern BBQ flavorings, creating interesting options like coconut-crusted shrimp ($8.95) and beer battered haddock ($12.95). 50 Church St., Boston. Mon-Tue 11:30 a.m.-12 a.m.; Wed-Sat 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 12 p.m.-12 a.m. 617.354.2005. |
| Pho Pasteur Restaurant What started as a tiny Chinatown shop known for its soup (pho) has grown into a local chain known for generous portions of authentic-ish Vietnamese food. Lit with paper-lanterns, the bustling Harvard location is a favorite among students, tourists, and lunching professionals looking for a light bite. Check out the transparent rice paper wrapped summer rolls ($3.95) and entrees like lemongrass with sautéed chicken ($7.95). 36 JFK St., Cambridge. Sun-Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 617.864.4100. |
| Allston | Back Bay |
Beacon Hill |
Brighton |
Brookline |
| Central Square | Davis Square | Downtown | Harvard Square | Inman Square |
| Jamaica Plain | Kenmore Square | North End | Porter Square | South End |