Athan's Brighton is an airy space that is much more than just a place for a coffee or a meal. We aim to provide a warm, welcoming and informal atmosphere where our patrons tend to stay longer than originally planned. Our contemporary and comfortable interior is inviting to both groups and individuals, morning, afternoon or night. Let them eat cake...as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner! Our expanded menu is eclectically Mediterranean-inspired and offers selections such as fresh salads, pressed panini sandwiches, as well as interesting entrees. We offer quality coffees and specialty loose-leaf teas (our pots of premium teas have proven to be very popular). We are also an excellent source for made-to-order-food-to-go; catering options, and business buffet lunches.

El Oriental is a cheerful Cuban café which provides bilingual service with a smile. It is a casual, friendly hangout for a diverse crowd of locals. Choose from among the succulent variety plates ($7.50-$11.75), particularly the chicken fricassee and shredded beef, deliciously satisfying meals with rice, beans, and tasty fried plantains served green or ripe. Don't forget the sweet drinks—tropical shakes are only $2, and a creamy orange concoction called “morir soñando” (“to die dreaming”) is only $2.50—or the desserts (sweet, light flan; $1.50). They serve the best Cuban coffee in the City and it's not unusual to see Red Sox and visiting team players here getting their fix, along with Cubans from all over town.
El Oriental de Cuba suffered a fire bombing in mid 2005 but like a phoenix rose from the ashes. Owner Nobel Garcia, an unofficial neighborhood ambassador, never let adversity hinder him. El Oriental does catering and their food is a great way to spice up your meeting (literally) with beans, rice a little pork or beef and platanos. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Very small Beacon Hill Starbucks with a few stools to choose from and no bathroom. If you need a quick in and out cup of coffee, and no need to lounge with your laptop, this is the best place for you.

Bakeshop & Café • Custom Pastries • Corporate Catering Tucked into a corner of Cambridge street that used to house the Paris Creperie, you will now find the Spotted Apron, a neighborhood bakery and coffee shop. Painted in yellow and opened from 6:30 am-10pm every day but Sunday, the Spotted Apron invites you to get a sweet treat or just a cup of joe and read, relax, and enjoy this new Beacon Hill addition.

This Starbucks has ample seating- even cushy armchairs! Staff are friendly and if you are lucky, they will have samples out for you to taste test!

Giant Teakettle: Incongruously placed atop a Starbucks, the steaming kettle (erected in 1873) holds 227 gallons, 2 quarts, 1 pint and 3 gills.

The 230 rooms in this chic waterfront hotel are “decorated to reflect Historic Boston,” though the prices seem to reflect inflation levels from the future. The hotel boasts a 60 ft. pool, sauna, jacuzzi, day spa, health club, a seasonal outdoor café (The Intrigue Café), an award winning restaurant The Meritage, and a business center—everything you need to get away in complete luxury. Doubles range from $250-$600+, while suites start at $600 and can run up to $1600 (higher rates during Commencement). Rooms include high speed internet access, and to ensure you're getting your money's worth, a complimentary shoe shine. Reserve at least 1 month in advance for May-Oct.; no later than Jan. for Commencement. Parking available (Su-Th $34 valet, $30 self; F-Sa $25/$20). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Special room rates for the Boston Marathon available through Marathon Tours and Travel. For information on their Summer Events visit the schedule on Boston Harbor Hotel Summer in the City Leventhal Map Collection: The Norman B. Leventhal Boston Harbor map collection in the lobby of the Boston Harbor Hotel is just a sample of one of the world’s most comprehensive collection of maps of the Harbor and Massachusetts Bay. The collection shows exploration, development, and changes along the Boston waterfront and New England coast from the seventeenth through the nineteenth century. The rest of the Leventhal collection is on display at the main branch of the Boston Public Library at Copley Square. Public restroom: Upstairs near the dining room.

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.

“Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.” This world The wonderful art of Italian pastry is practiced to perfection at Mike's, a requisite stop for anyone after dinner, or perhaps for dinner, in the North End. Mike's is world famous for their famous sweet creations and ships all over the country. What are you in the mood for? Whether you're hankering for cannolis, cookies, or cakes, this is the place to get 'em. Most pastries $1-4. Biscotti $6-10/lb.