One of the South End's original coffee bars, it has evolved as a restaurant for sandwiches and salads. Also serves a delicious chocolate milkshake! Always service with a smile. Francesca's is also a popular South End joint with the lunch crowd. Their specials change daily and the freshness of the food and innovative soups keep the regulars coming back. A great place to grab a coffee concoction or a dessert (like the Big Sexy Chocolate Cake!), Francesca's seems to have a little something for everyone.

This is an old neighborhood stand-by. Basic quick grill food and subs. Quick service, solid food, in a very unpretentious shop. Nothing fancy, just the basics.

Metropolis occupies what was once an ice cream parlor; today, there is no better place in Boston to spoon up cinnamon ice cream with chocolate bread pudding and caramel sauce ($8), one of the restaurant's rarefied desserts. While the ice cream here is exquisitely prepared, this trendy bistro focuses on innovative, Italian-influenced cuisine. Dishes such as the roasted duck with sun-dried plum, goat cheese, and smoked bacon tart ($20) exemplify how Metropolis' chef melds diverse and complex flavors with excellent results. The date-worthy atmosphere more than compensates for the lack of elbow room and the inevitable wait (call ahead). Entrees $15-20. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Customers squeeze into the tightly spaced tables and read the paper at the wrap-around bar.

New South End spot on the eastern end of Tremont Street. Owned by the same family as Rome Pizza next door. European style cafe is the concept. Freshly made paninis, expresso, North End pastries, gelato, smoothies. Homemade hummus, grapeleaves, and other meditteranean staples. Chef used to be the chef at the Appleton Bakery Cafe.

The Appleton Cafe rarely disappoints. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or a quick cup of coffee on the go. Highlights include Wednesday's Hamburgers and the mostly-daily cupcakes. This down-to-earth gourmet sandwich shop in the South End offers up super-fresh soups and delicious prepared foods. Their sandwiches ($7-8) are inventive, like the Empire, which is stuffed with roast beef, caramelized onions, chevre cheese, and roasted red peppers, and are offered on a variety of breads or wraps. If you are not in mood for lunch, try their fabulous muffins. They were named Best of Boston in 2003. Appleton has a strong neighborhood pull and is a South End staple. Far different than the chains and trendy eateries of Copley Square, this place is worth the trip after a long, hard day of shopping. Also, be sure to check out all the other goodies that the Appleton Bakery has lining it's shelves. Gifts and treats, as well as basic grocery items can be found at the bakery. So, whether you need to do some christmas shopping, or need a quart of milk, make sure to stop by. Currently the Bakery has a convoluted but useful special for regular lunchers - buy a sandwich on Thursday or Friday, bring in your receipt Monday or Tuesday and get a sandwich for 1/2 price.