Guidebook for Cambridge

Monta
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.
240 residents recomanen
Life Alive Organic Cafe
765 Massachusetts Ave
240 residents recomanen
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.
Greasy diner. Quick, easy, and relatively cheap way to get breakfast.
12 residents recomanen
Mass Ave Diner
906 Massachusetts Ave
12 residents recomanen
Greasy 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...
55 residents recomanen
City Girl Cafe & Catering
204 Hampshire Street
55 residents recomanen
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...
This is Monta's personal favorite. You must make reservations in advance because they book up. It's great for a fancy date night.
130 residents recomanen
Oleana
134 Hampshire St
130 residents recomanen
This 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.
47 residents recomanen
Cafe Sushi
1105 Massachusetts Ave
47 residents recomanen
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.
Great for vegans and the like. Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten free diner. Even if you don't have these dietary restrictions, the food is great!
36 residents recomanen
Veggie Galaxy
450 Massachusetts Ave
36 residents recomanen
Great for vegans and the like. Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten free diner. Even if you don't have these dietary restrictions, the food is great!
I love the falafels here and it's always easy to get a seat.
8 residents recomanen
Kolbeh Cafe
65 Atlantic Avenue
8 residents recomanen
I 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.
68 residents recomanen
Christina's Homemade Ice Cream
1255 Cambridge St
68 residents recomanen
The 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.
152 residents recomanen
The Paramount
44 Charles Street
152 residents recomanen
Great 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.
58 residents recomanen
barismo 364
364 Broadway
58 residents recomanen
Amazing 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...
212 residents recomanen
Tatte Bakery & Café
70 Charles St
212 residents recomanen
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...
Belgian waffles. Just because.
22 residents recomanen
Zinneken's Belgian waffles
1154 Massachusetts Ave
22 residents recomanen
Belgian waffles. Just because.
Middle eastern cafe. I always get the platter with a little of everything. Great tea as well.
16 residents recomanen
Algiers Coffee House
40 Brattle Street
16 residents recomanen
Middle eastern cafe. I always get the platter with a little of everything. Great tea as well.
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.
106 residents recomanen
Clover Food Lab
1075 Cambridge St
106 residents recomanen
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.
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.
42 residents recomanen
Bagelsaurus
1796 Massachusetts Ave
42 residents recomanen
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.
Fancy Italian, but oh so good. You'll need advance reservations,... or show up really early for seats at the bar.
62 residents recomanen
Giulia
1682 Massachusetts Ave
62 residents recomanen
Fancy 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.
124 residents recomanen
Union Square Donuts
20 Bow St
124 residents recomanen
THE 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.
47 residents recomanen
Felipe's Taqueria
21 Brattle St
47 residents recomanen
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.
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.
133 residents recomanen
1369 Coffee House
1369 Cambridge St
133 residents recomanen
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.
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.
70 residents recomanen
Mercat Públic de Boston
100 Hanover St
70 residents recomanen
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.
Extensive draft beer, amazing sandwiches by all the Boston chefs, pub feel... very American without being overly so.
31 residents recomanen
Parish Cafe
361 Boylston St
31 residents recomanen
Extensive 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.
51 residents recomanen
Little Donkey
505 Massachusetts Ave
51 residents recomanen
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.
(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.
64 residents recomanen
L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates
52 Brattle St
64 residents recomanen
(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.
53 residents recomanen
Darwin's Ltd - Cambridge St.
1629 Cambridge St
53 residents recomanen
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.
The bread is great, the sandwiches are delicious. This is where we go if the line at Bagelsaurus is too asinine.
72 residents recomanen
Hi-Rise Bread Company
208 Concord Ave
72 residents recomanen
The bread is great, the sandwiches are delicious. This is where we go if the line at Bagelsaurus is too asinine.
This is my favorite go to place for Taiwanese-Chinese food in Chinatown.
8 residents recomanen
Taiwan Cafe
34 Oxford St
8 residents recomanen
This is my favorite go to place for Taiwanese-Chinese food in Chinatown.
Great on a cold night!
13 residents recomanen
Shabu Zen
16 Tyler St
13 residents recomanen
Great on a cold night!
Comfort Southern food... need I say more?
29 residents recomanen
Tupelo
29 residents recomanen
Comfort Southern food... need I say more?
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.
44 residents recomanen
All Star Sandwich Bar
1245 Cambridge St
44 residents recomanen
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.
Solid place to grab a slice when you're in a rush. The slices are HUGE.
18 residents recomanen
All Star Pizza Bar
1238 Cambridge St
18 residents recomanen
Solid 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.
74 residents recomanen
Punjabi Dhaba
225 Hampshire St
74 residents recomanen
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.
This is the other location! Coffee shop serving Nitro Coffee, Kombucha on tap, and Sandwiches. I love the sandwiches.
10 residents recomanen
Darwin's Ltd. - Mass Ave.
313 Massachusetts Ave
10 residents recomanen
This 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.
136 residents recomanen
Flour Bakery
190 Massachusetts Ave
136 residents recomanen
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.
Amazing icecream. Monta loves the honey lavender in one of their in-house waffle cones.
10 residents recomanen
Honeycomb Creamery
1702 Massachusetts Ave
10 residents recomanen
Amazing 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.
1155 residents recomanen
Whole Foods Market
413 Centre St
1155 residents recomanen
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.
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.
429 residents recomanen
CVS
624 Massachusetts Ave
429 residents recomanen
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.
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.
40 residents recomanen
Broadway Marketplace
468 Broadway
40 residents recomanen
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.
Monta's favorite wine store. Unpretentious, knowledgeable staff, interesting wines.
41 residents recomanen
Wine & Cheese Cask
407 Washington St
41 residents recomanen
Monta'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.
42 residents recomanen
Harvest Co-Op Market
580 Massachusetts Ave
42 residents recomanen
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.
They do an ok job. I've never had anything altered here though.
Aroush's Tailor Shop
864 Massachusetts Ave
They 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.
6 residents recomanen
Cambridge YMCA
820 Massachusetts Ave
6 residents recomanen
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.
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 Ave
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!
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!
9 residents recomanen
Supreme Liquors
600 Massachusetts Ave
9 residents recomanen
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!
This is the most convenient and closest place to get some gas for the car.
Speedway
709 McGrath Hwy
This 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.
22 residents recomanen
Inman Oasis
243 Hampshire St
22 residents recomanen
Shake 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 Ave
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).

Everything Else

Asian supermarket with a food court in front, where you can get ramen, katsu curry, and asian baked goods.
117 residents recomanen
Hmart Cambridge
581 Massachusetts Ave
117 residents recomanen
Asian supermarket with a food court in front, where you can get ramen, katsu curry, and asian baked goods.

Drinks & Nightlife

This is a solid bar with lots of basic bar food choices. It gets loud... and sometimes it can be very bro-y
28 residents recomanen
730 Tavern, Kitchen & Patio
730 Massachusetts Avenue
28 residents recomanen
This is a solid bar with lots of basic bar food choices. It gets loud... and sometimes it can be very bro-y
Great cocktails. Bill and I always somehow end up really drunk when we go here... Great burger. Good for foodies.
43 residents recomanen
The Kirkland Tap & Trotter
425 Washington St
43 residents recomanen
Great 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.
19 residents recomanen
The Cellar Food & Drink
991 Massachusetts Ave
19 residents recomanen
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.
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.
30 residents recomanen
The People's Republik
878 Massachusetts Ave
30 residents recomanen
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.
Fish and Chips! Live music! I like their fish chowder. It's a very, Irish Pub.
85 residents recomanen
The Druid
1357 Cambridge St
85 residents recomanen
Fish 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...
42 residents recomanen
Trina's Starlite Lounge
3 Beacon St
42 residents recomanen
This 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.
63 residents recomanen
Bukowski Tavern
1281 Cambridge St
63 residents recomanen
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.

Entertainment & Activities

Great little movie theater that plays foreign films as well as blockbusters.
52 residents recomanen
Kendall Square
52 residents recomanen
Great 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.
150 residents recomanen
Central Square
150 residents recomanen
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.
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 Ave
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.
Super close... Good for car rentals!
94 residents recomanen
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
37 Mystic Ave
94 residents recomanen
Super 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.
33 residents recomanen
Harvard Book Store
1256 Massachusetts Ave
33 residents recomanen
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.
Cute little store with good gift items. Great place to pick up a funny greeting card.
18 residents recomanen
Black Ink
5 Brattle St
18 residents recomanen
Cute 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 St
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).
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.
7 residents recomanen
Follow the Honey
1132 Massachusetts Ave
7 residents recomanen
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.
Fancy natural/organic skin care and make up store. Seriously, we need more of these stores.
Follain
53 Dartmouth St
Fancy natural/organic skin care and make up store. Seriously, we need more of these stores.
Great little store selling hip day to day items.
10 residents recomanen
Local Supply
86 Joy St
10 residents recomanen
Great 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.
32 residents recomanen
Haymarket station
136 Blackstone Street
32 residents recomanen
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.
Neat store selling mid century furniture, items, vintage items designed by fabulous folks... and a few contemporary items as well.
16 residents recomanen
Abodeon
1731 Massachusetts Ave
16 residents recomanen
Neat 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
1731 Massachusetts Ave
Perfect 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 Ave
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.
Seriously, save yourself some time. Take a look, but don't waste your time here. It's such a tourist trap.
517 residents recomanen
Mercat de Faneuil Hall
1 S Market St
517 residents recomanen
Seriously, 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
49 Bromfield St
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?
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 residents recomanen
Cardullo's Gourmet Shoppe
6 Brattle St
8 residents recomanen
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.
It's a cute little store! Selling cute little things!
Shine
106 Prospect Street
It's a cute little store! Selling cute little things!