Boston à l’heure bleue – cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo by Emmanuel Huybrechts
As part of our welcome to all members of the National Writing Project. Our local TCs have put together this Restaurant & Pub Guide (pdf) for you, collecting the best eateries in the downtown area, including Cambridge. Since Boston and Cambridge are so close together and the cities so walk-able, all locations are are within reason and accessible by public transportation and foot.
Boloco (two locations)
2 Park Plaza #1 (617) 778-6772
27 School St (617) 778-6750
Regional chain offering wraps and smoothies.
Hei La Moon
88 Beach St (617) 338-8813
and
China Pearl
9 Tyler St (617) 426-4338
Both are informal, reasonably priced Chinese restaurants with great Dim Sum located in Boston’s Chinatown area.
31 Stuart St Boston, MA 02116
(617) 338-8586
Founded in 1868, German food, lots of beers, Sing-a-longs too.
215 Charles St Boston, MA 02114
(617) 224-4000
Formerly the Charles Street Jail and renovated as a stylish new hotel; check out the Clink, bar, have a drink in an old cell.
300 Hanover St (617) 742-3050
Bakery and cafe in Boston’s “ North End” Italian neighborhood (Cash only)
257 Hanover St (617) 523-3783
Mike’s competitor across the street, smaller and not as crowded.
Back Bay and the South End (Closest to the convention center)
Darryl’s Corner Bar and Kitchen
604 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118
(617) 536-1100
Family-owned comfort food
Jillian’s and Lucky Strike Lane
145 Ipswich St, Boston, MA 02215
(617) 437-0300
Bowling and billiards. This place can get busy on the weekends.
Myers and Chang
1145 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118
(617) 542-5200
You probably need a reservation for this spot, but it has great food, as well as specialized menus (shellfish-free, peanut-free, gluten-free).
Pavement Coffeehouse
44 Gainsborough St, Boston, MA 02115
(617) 859-7080
1096 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215
(617) 236-1500
286 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115
(617) 859-9515
Multiple locations for a nice place to work and relax
South End Buttery
314 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118
(617) 482-1127
Brunch and cocktails
Trident Booksellers and Café
338 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115
(617) 267-8688
This place has lots of books and a full menu of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and teas.
Cambridge and Somerville Venues
(A brief 10-15 minute taxi or T ride across the Charles into Harvard and MIT land)
Porter Square Books
25 White St, Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 491-2220
Small café and bookstore.
Diesel Café
257 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 629-8717
Good coffeehouse for work and conversations.
Dave’s Pasta
81 Holland St, Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 623-0867
Specialty food shop with fresh pasta, handmade raviolis, tasty sandwiches, and more.
Diva Indian Bistro
246 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 629-4963
The Burren
247 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 776-6896
Irish pub with music.
Redbones
55 Chester St, Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 628-2200
Some of the tastiest BBQ around Boston.
Sacco’s Bowl-Haven
45 Day St, Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 776-0552
Eat some pizza and enjoy candlepin bowling at the same time.
Veggie Galaxy
450 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 497-1513
Vegan/vegetarian diner.
Naga (at Moksa)
450 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 661-4900
A lounge/dance club in the back room of Moksa, a sushi restaurant.
Life Alive
765 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 354-5433
DELICIOUS vegetarian food. Though the lines may be long, it is certainly
worth the wait.
Thirsty Scholar
70 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 497-2294
Scenes from The Social Network were filmed in this Irish pub with tasty food and beers.
Area Four
500 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 758-4444
Wonderful pizzas and drinks.
Cambridge Brewing Company
1 Kendall Square #100, Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 494-1994
Wonderful selection of beers, locally made, and comfort foods.
Sofra
Address: 1 Belmont St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone:(617) 661-3161
Middle Eastern bakery and cafe.
Temple Bar
1688 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 547-5055
Trendy spot for drinks.
Club Passim
47 Palmer St, Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 492-7679
Great place for vegetarian food and good music (most nights).
Beat Hotel
JFK St, Cambridge, MA
617) 491-3434
American brasserie with live music.
Saloon
255 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 628-4444
Inspired by pre-prohibition New York City establishments, this venue celebrates beer and brown liquors in a below-street level “speakeasy.”
Hungry Mother
233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave, Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 499-0090
Reservations needed, but a wonderful blend of French and Southern style food.
Enjoy,
Boston Writing Project
