Think coffeeshop spiked with alcohol. Overlooking the Mass Pike sits this quirky alternative pit stop, with a truly diverse clientele, an alt-rock soundtrack, and a skater-punk-themed decor. A busy lunch crowd lines up for hummus platters ($6.50), sandwiches and wraps ($6.20-7), and salads ($5.75-6.75). At night, the Other Side feels much more like a bar, as friends relax over pitchers of domestic and imported beer ($16-20) and chips and salsa. Despite the traffic, the patio makes a surprisingly good place to enjoy one of the special lattes ($4.25), smoothies ($4.50), or desserts; a cozy second-story loft adds another seating option. Half sandwich or salad with soup combo $6.75. The Other Side Cafe, or 'Osc' as it is known by some of the spindly hipsters who frequent it, is also known for its chili. The outdoor seating is a lot less posh than other Newbury cafes, but has a funkier people-watching--the crowd that frequents Other Side can be a lot more fun to watch and talk to! They offer brunch on the weekends, and breakfast food all day during the week. Other great offerings include movie nights and trivia. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

An extraordinarily attentive waitstaff and diverse cuisine from all regions of the subcontinent make Bhindi Bazaar a fun and even eye-opening experience. Light and innovative appetizers such as the shrimp balchow ($7) and chaat papri (chickpeas, potatoes, wheat chips, and yogurt; $4.50) aptly prepare the palate for heartier entrees. Skip the all-too-familiar North Indian dishes like chicken tikka masala ($12) and vegetable korma ($11) and instead try the more exciting biryani ($12-14) plates or the boti kabab (grilled lamb marinated in special spices; 16). Heaping portions leave little room for dessert, but those with a sweet tooth should indulge in one of the many types of lassi ($3.50) or the homemade kulfi (ice cream, $4). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Trendy yet casual, Island Hopper brings authentic Southeast Asian spices from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore to this bright and spacious restaurant. Prices are steeper than at other Asian places, but the high quality and large portions make it superb value for money. For starters, try the pie tee (pastry cups filled with spiced fresh vegetables; $6) and the Saigon crêpe (shrimp and coconut omelet filled with fresh vegetables; $9). Most entrees from their diverse selection range $6-16, though specials like lobster and duck go for as high as $36. Fruit smooothies and delicious glutinous black rice with fragrant coconut cream and fresh mango ($8) end the meal on a perfect note. All-day special combos (with rice and appetizer, $8) and lunch ($6) may be the best deal. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Formerly known as "The Wrap" Boloco has burritos that feed the masses. You can get regular (about $5) or large ($6) in a yummy variety of styles - choose which one and then go with beef, chicken or tofu. You can also do a salad or a smoothie. If you are having a really bad day, go in and order a Nutella burrito - once you bite into that heavenly chocolately goodness things will look a bit brighter. You can order online!!

They call this restaurant "the place where chefs dine." Housed in the Eliot Hotel at the top of the Commonwealth Avenue mall, this Japanese-French restaurant really knows no bounds when it comes to imaginative food. From French and American classic cuisine, to a Asian twist with Oringer's affinity for the exotic (as seen in his sashimi bar, Uni) Clio is not to be missed. This quaint space makes the top lists of restaurants year after year, and Oringer is added to the list of the best chefs in the country as well. Clio offers private dining as well.

If Gandhi ate steak, there's no doubt he would indulge, non-violently, at the Capital Grille. This Newbury St. steakhouse is undeniably one Boston's best. The wood-paneled walls, french windows, and hand-painted portraits create an atmosphere reminiscent of old Harvard—pretentious and proud of it. And while the food is much nicer on your stomach than it is on your wallet, each juicy, tender bite is worth every cent. Steaks may be the restaurant's main draw, but a large fish selection including salmon, lobster, and swordfish is just as delicious, especially when paired with an award-winnning wine. And if you're somehow still not satisfied, a fully-stocked, sinfully delicious dessert menu, with delectable concoctions such as white chocolate mousse or the classic creme brulee, will put you in your place. Reservations recommended. Entrees $27-40. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

A hidden gem amidst bustling Newbury Street comes a bookstore that calls itself “Boston's alternative". This diner-style restaurant draws rave reviews from students and families alike. You can cozy up in any corner and peruse the variety of books, magazines, and interesting knickknacks, or munch on Trident's munchies like classic salads ($8-14), sandwiches ($9-11), coffee, smoothies ($4). They have a great selection of loose teas ($2.50-$3.50) and serve breakfast all day (omelettes $7+). The staff will take a book off the rack for you and let you take it into the cafe. This quiet spot to sit back, chill out, and enjoy, is the perfect break from the craziness of Newbury. They also have a public restroom: on the right, halfway down the store.

The mahogany bar serves the best martinis in town from an experienced lot of friendly bartenders and the brick-oven chums out eclectic pizzas and focaccia throughout the day.It is easy to relax at Sonsie and enjoy the classic music that reflects the ambience of the restaurant as day progresses into night. New at Sonsie, located on the lower level, the Wine Room is the perfect location to enjoy your favorite bottle of wine, cocktail, and sample the menu from Chef Bill Poirier. Open Monday thru Saturday from 6pm to 1 am. 2006 Best of Boston Award Winner. Part Parisian cafe, part elegant dining experience, Sonsie is an upscale hipster joint located, appropriately enough, on Newbury St. Sonsie sets off your pretension alarms from the moment you enter its dim, orange waiting area, complete with cushy sofas. The deep, fancy dining room allows parties to converse comfortably at mealtimes, while those just taking a shopping break for drinks or “lighter fare” crowd around oval tables in front of huge windows opening onto the street in warmer weather. The menu offers a few varieties of brick oven pizzas ($9-21), pasta ($15), and entrees including seared tuna ($25) and the American standard, a 16-oz. steak ($32). Save room for desserts like chocolate bread pudding ($8), and then enjoy unusual cocktails such as iced chai ($10.50) at the bar. Valet parking after 6pm. Entrees $17-32. Reservations recommended. Wireless internet. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Message from Sonsie New American dishes with late-night specials Award-winning chef International cuisine European lounge Sonsie celebrates being on Boston's famous Newbury Street serving top-notch International cuisine from award-winning Chef Bill Poirier. Sonsie boasts beautiful French doors that translate to an open sidewalk cafe in season, as well as a European lounge with deep leather chairs and sofas. Experienced and friendly bartenders serve the best martinis in town at the mahogany bar. Sip mango mojitos or pineapple-infused Finlandia martinis. The brick oven churns out eclectic pizzas and focaccia throughout the day. It is easy to relax at Sonsie and enjoy the classic music that reflects the ambience of the restaurant as day progresses into night. Chef Poirier's menu always introduces fresh flavors and brilliant food combinations. Signature dishes dot the menu as well as seasonal dishes splashed with nightly specials.

Though housed in a converted Boston police department, the sleek dark wood and polished surfaces of Dillon's bear little relation to its grittier past. An older crowd that can afford the steeper prices sips premium liquors or samples generic American fare like cobb salad or prime rib (entrees $14-22). There is a private outside area with seating where smoking is allowed. The quieter atmosphere and its location make Dillon's a possible choice for post- or mid- Newbury spree refueling. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

A lineup of Buddha statues greets you as you enter this "palatial sanctuary" of Thai cuisine, perfect for an intimate dinner. In addition to the usual chairs, a raised platform with low tables lets patrons take off their shoes and lounge back on pillows for a more “traditional” experience. The friendly staff will gladly answer questions and make recommendations, such as crispy duck with plum sauce ($12.50) and pla saam rod, crispy whole bass with basil and spicy sauce. Or feel free to customize your own meal from your choice of meat, seafood, or tofu with house sauces from ginger to bamboo to pineapple ($9-12). Don't leave without trying the mango and sticky rice ($6.95) for dessert. Noodles and fried rice $8-10, entrees $9-17. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.