Finally open in the Back Bay and serving up many a crazy dog, with a bevvy of outlandish toppings. Though the do not encourage the consumption of man's best friend, their menu is set up so various combinations of toppings are named after different kinds of dogs, such as the Irish Setter, Bulldog, etc. Sofas, magazines, and a plasma TV are provided for your relaxation while you enjoy their wide variety of hot dogs. Franchise opportunities available.

With the opening of this full-service cafe and ice cream bar near Symphony Hall on Monday, Dec. 15, Boston-area vegans have a reason to rejoice. Owner Wheeler Del Toro, a recovering carnivore, says he'll serve up all-vegetarian sandwiches and salads coupled with alcoholic vegan ice creams and artisanal teas. “I think people hear vegan and they think militants eating twigs and dirt!” I love eating and I’m not going to create anything that doesn’t taste good,” he says in a recent announcement. Offering free Wi-Fi to its customers, this 30-seat establishment will also host a DJ spinning gentle jazz, house and trip-hop.

Tired of Dunkin Donuts? Sick of selling out to Starbucks? Espresso Royale, with several locations around Boston, is a mini-chain in its own right, but doesn't feel cookie-cutter. The Gainsborough St location, uber-convenient to Northeastern and New England Conservatory, is the area's best spot for a caffeine fix, a bagel sandwich, and hours of free wireless and good ambience. There's delicious, well-made coffee and specialty drinks, a wide selection of iced and hot teas, and organic juices. Hungry? Bagel sandwiches, with bagels from Allston's Bagel Rising, come in lots of combinations, with plenty of options for the vegan and vegetarian crowd (don't worry carnivores, they still cater to you). Fresh pastries range from croissants to vegan cookies! The free wireless is pretty dependable, although if you don't log out and then back in before you hit 4 hours of time, you'll lose the ability to use the wireless the rest of the day, so if you plan on staying longer, keep your eyes on the time and log out before the end of that cycle. Waitstaff is usually young, pierced, tattooed, and generally friendly. Warning: if you're on your cellphone and get to the front of the line, they won't serve you and will most likely mock you. Music varies from shift to shift: world, punk, reggae, jazz--ask the baristas if you want to know what's on! Additionally, ERC (as its fondly known in the neighborhood) usually exhibits local art for sale--often overpriced, but great to surround yourself with while you hang out. It's a favorite spot for students, both undergrad and grad, musicians, local residents, and even families. If you go to NU or NEC, you're certain to run into at least half a dozen people you know if you stay longer than 10 minutes. During the week, there's little to no wait for food, drink, and tablespace, except for during finals. The lines and the wait for a sandwich can be terrifying after 11 or 12 on a weekend, however--come earlier, to revive after a night out or to start a day of studying, to grab a window table, coffee and a bagel, then let the peoplewatching and work (or distraction from) begin...

The Uptown Espresso Cafe is a coffee shop located in the South End. This coffee shop has ALL kinds of coffee and tea beverages. They have innovative hot beverages, iced beverages, frappes (yay!), fruit smoothies, and all kinds of teas. They have a small food menu with Paninis, Salads, Soups, and Pizzas as well as baked goods. Mangia is open Monday-Thursday from 7am-7pm, Friday from 7am-6pm, Saturdays from 8am-7pm and Sundays from 8pm-7am.

Floyd's is a large location rock n roll themed barbershop on Mass Ave. Don't be fooled by their name, they provide a traditional offering of hair cutting, barbering, and color services to both men and women. The first of its kind in Boston, Floyd's boasts a massaging shampoo and relaxing shoulder and neck massage with all services, in addition to signature hot lather face and neck shaves and professional color services. The prices aren't advertised too clearly so if you have questions, ask before you sit down. Also ask about student discounts - sometimes you can get a 25$ cut! They don't really take appointments, but you can call in 30 minutes before you show up to put your name down for the stylist you want (recommended, though sometimes there's a wait). And don't forget you can make requests for the music they play, and there's both internet kiosks and free wifi available while you're waiting. Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.