At first sight, the stuffed buffalo and and wood-panelling adorning the Cactus Club might have you think you've found a Final Club for the southwestern cowboy crowd. Don't be fooled, though—boasting awards for the best margaritas and best fajitas in Boston as well as the best pick-up spot, The Cactus Club lets everyone in, from the afterwork to the college crowd, making for a lively bunch even on weekdays and especially during Sox games, when all appetizers and margaritas are half-priced. Try the Tequila Sunrise chicken ($12) in a limey, tangy sauce with a kick courtesy of its namesake booze, or stick to old favorites like enchiladas, burritos, and fajitas. The Cactus Club is primarily known as a watering hole—try the Horny Margarita ($7) or share a Big Bowl ($15) with a friend. Reservations accepted Su-Th; on F-Sa only accepted before 4pm. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Bring your drinking shoes--- Cactus Club makes some of the best/strongest/largest margaritas this side of the east coast. Try the various flavors and tequillas made by the lovely/flirty bar staff. Small tables in the bar area make this after-work place great for mingling & meeting others with ease. Bottom Line: the margaritas will make you forget about Boston's cold winters and make you think you've gone tropical. It's like a pringle, you can't have just one! They also have a HUGE buffalo over their bar that believe it or not, smoke comes out of his nose!!! You should go if you haven't been here yet.

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.

Great restaurant if you're in the mood for Thai food. Spicy is a perfect adjective, because you'll want something to cool off your mouth after this delish meal! Prices are reasonable. Consider sharing larger dishes (any of the curries or house specialties), as most come with excellent jasmine rice and a Japanese-style iceberg salad. The restaurant can be hard to spot: look along Boylston for its chili-adorned sign, which leads to the below-street-level door.

A great place to buy burritos or smoothies in the Back Bay.

_

The pink, white, and black cow-like mosaic counter and larger-than-life cow murals let ice cream fans know they've entered frozen dairy paradise. Traditional classics include Sweet Cream, Cookie Dough, Chocolate Brownie, and Coffee Oreo, while unconventional specials include Myers Rum Raisin (with real liquor), Cucumber, and Pumpkin. The scope of chilly delights ranges from full-fat ice creams to health-conscious frozen yogurts (cones and dishes $2.20-4). The ever-expanding menu includes milkshakes and fruitata drinks ($3), as well as overflowing sundaes ($5-6) and absolutely mammoth banana splits ($6.70). If for some crazy reason ice cream isn't your thing, they also have an extensive drink menu of coffee, cappuccino, tea, and non-dairy freezes. J.P. Licks originated in Jamaica Plain, at 659 Centre St. (617-524-6740). Other branches at 4A College Ave. in Davis Sq. (617-666-5079), and Harvard St. in Coolidge Corner. All products guaranteed kosher. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

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.

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!!

This restaurant is across from the Prudential Mall. Uno's in Uno's, there isn't much more to say about the chain deep-dish pizza place. The most interesting thing about this location, however, is that they now serve breakfast. It's basically an a-la-carte breakfast (cereal, croissants, coffee, tea, fruit) with a menu for things like eggs and pancakes.