A popular JP restaurant specializing in New American cuisine. They offer high-end comfort food like a truly gourmet mac and cheese and fabulous burgers abound alongside salads and creative desserts. Zon's has a definite JP vibe, so the clientele is diverse. Zon's has a cozy bar that has a good wine menu to boot.

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.

Armed with a new menu as of May 2008, 224 Boston Street boasts a tasty array of contemporary American faves including their winning spicy sausage and smoked gouda which is served with basil fried polenta cakes and plum tomato marinara ($10) coupled with their unique twists on traditional comfort foods like 224's herb-baked meatloaf with sauteed sugar snap peas ($16). While the food is top notch, it's the Dot restaurant's stellar outdoor seating surrounded by a garden that's worth the trek from the JFK/UMass T stop.

Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe is a popular Boston sandwich joint, which also serves breakfast. According to the owner, they are most famous for their super turkey hash and fluffy, sweet pancakes. This is a popular hang out for many of the residents in the South End, and is known for being very friendly. The inside reminds you of a traditional old-fashioned diner, with huge, hot griddles, and bottomless coffee. "Take any seat" they say as you come in. Charlie's seating system is old-school. Any empty chair can be filled, so you might be saddling up with strangers. You can bring the kids, but there are some drawbacks: There are no high chairs - lots of kids belly up to the tables in their strollers (during off peak dining hours) Or strollers are left outside. They do have a few booster seats (which have straps). It can also be incredibly crowded on Saturday mornings. Breakfast at Charlie's is a huge draw, so you'll likely find would-be diners in lines that snake around the corner. Most kids will not last in a line like that. If you're dying for a some grease and want to take the kids, consider a visit during the week. Opened in 1927, Charlie's is a true Boston classic. It was first known as a hot spot for early African American Jazz musicians, as Columbus Avenue was the Boston jazz haven. The restaurant used to be opened 24 hours a day, serving such dishes as liver and potatoes! Nowadays the restaurant is run by a family of 4 brothers and sisters. The two waitresses, Marie and Fontaine, have worked there for decades, seeing as their late father owned the joint. The two brothers, Chris and Arthur, are the cooks and brains behind the operation. Arthur has even won the James Beard Award for American Cooking! With such dishes as turkey hash, banana pecan pancakes, steak and eggs, and baked haddock, Charlie's is rarely a letdown. Just the stories alone from Arthur will keep you coming in for weeks on end.
Tip: Make sure you don't have too many coffee refills--there are no bathrooms for patrons.

Cheers plus Harvard Faculty Club equals Joe's American Bar and Grill. Brass trim complements old, dark wood, and dim lighting is provided by chandeliers precisely calculated so as not to match. The menu is generic and meaty, offering staples from fries to 16oz. sirloins ($22). Get a table by a window and relax in one of their comfy leather chairs. Downstairs, a less formal crowd gathers around a central bar for cheaper food and cold malted goodness. Entrees $7-23. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

This Suffolk law school hang out is the perfect dark hiding spot to escape to. Enjoy a cold beer while playing pool in the back. Diverse crowd. The Beantown Pub is also the only bar in the world where you can have a Sam Adams beer when looking at the grave of Sam Adams across the street.