“Sizzling fajitas and frosty margaritas” are the order of the day at this funky, laid-back hangout. It's not the most authentic taco joint, but portions are large and prices are reasonable (fajitas $7-12, large order of tequila wings $10, and chili $3-4). The bar stocks 18 different kinds of tequila—need we say more? Margaritas $4+, pitchers $10+. Best of all, should the José Cuervo bring out your artistic impulses, feel free to doodle on the tables and walls (crayons provided). Entrees $7-13. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

The major selling point of Kaze is its low-key ambience and beautifully tasteful décor. This Chinatown restaurant offers fresh shabu-shabu with a stellar variety of meat and fish. Great place for a group gathering and the perfect spot for a first date. Also, it's opened late (until 3am on the weekends).

As comically old-school as it may be, Locke-Ober invariably delivers on its biggest promise: a wildly decadent, scotch-and-cigar-laden immersion in all things traditionally New England—and Harvard, of course. This restaurant's ancient leather chairs, pheasant prints, sprawling chandeliers, and heavy panelled walls once watched only the wealthiest of men. Now, as our waiter lamented, the dining room is open to ladies, though “it is not designed for it.” The spookily stiff waiters invisibly deliver dishes from a menu leaning heavily toward expensive meats and seafood, from appetizers such as the divine Jonah crab cakes ($14) all the way through the entrees (tasty, fatty sirloin; $36) and sickeningly rich and delicious desserts. For the pyromaniacs among us, ample opportunities exist to have various dishes flambéed (read: lit on fire) tableside. For good reason, the Hasty Pudding Theatricals still bring their Man of the Year here annually. For a bit of Boston history in your belly, order a "Ward 8." This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Since the mid 1800's this venerable restaurant has given Bostonians's breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and especially Boston Cream Pie. The Parker House continues to be ensconced in the Omni Parker Hotel and offers all three meals to guests and the general public, as well as a french themed menu being introduced to diners Fall of 2008.

The younger brother of the South End staple, the second J.J. Foley's still packs the same punch of old Irish charm and personality and character in a bar that can not be beat. Serving lunch and dinner, this corner pub is known for it's professional Irish bartenders and late night last calls. Serving lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends. A full bar and wide selection of games like Golden Tee and Buck Hunter complete the feel of this J.J. Foley's. Attracting a diverse clientele of after work professionals to the old timers, this old school pub has more charm than a suit and tie Antonio Banderas.

The dramatic ambience and fashionista crowd at Mantra almost overshadows the stunning French-Indian fusion cuisine served up my chef Thomas John but his classic culinary instincts and clever use of spices ultimately prevails at this fine-dining must where Boston’s Downtown Crossing and Theatre District intersect. The décor is breathtaking. This former bank from the 1800s has been transformed into an avant-garde masterpiece with its Italian marble walls and floors, halogen lights and saffron-colored silk drapery that makes seem like an experiential journey of the senses. Chain mail curtains and stepped tables evoke multiple rooms in the Beaux-Arts marble hall of the Old Colony Bank. Tip: Gentlemen, the urinals are disguised as ice machines. Ladies, your privacy is secure: the glass is one-way.

Max & Dylans is located in the Downtown Crossing location as the Old West Street Grille and has been opened by Brad Dalbeck and Chris Damian, the owners of Scollay Square in Beacon Hill and Tavern on the Water in Charlestown, and is named after their two sons. Their vision is for a cool, hip, and trendy eatery and watering hole with a laid back vibe, great cocktails and good food. The space is decorated with large black and white photographs, intimate bar tables, and a large mirrored bar. Dancing optional. Zagat-Rated.

UPDATE: Bina Osteria and Bina Alimentari officially open Monday, Nov. 17. A new Italian restaurant and gourmet eatery in Downtown Crossing--Bina Osteria and Bina Alimentari--are coming to the corner of Washington Street and Avery Street near the Boston Opera House, with both the restaurant (Bina Osteria) and the shop (Bina Alimentari) slotted to open before Thanksgiving 2008.

A lunchtime hideout near the Financial District, Sam Lagrassa’s is a take-out deli that claims to have the “No. 1 sandwiches in the world.” However, the moniker should be “largest sandwiches in the world.” Their larger-than-life Reuben and hot pastrami sandwiches are to die for and their deli meats and cheeses are top quality. Sam Lagrassa’s is definitely a carnivore’s dream.

This basement bar is festooned with radios from the '50s. Try the mac and cheese. Comfort-food plates of high quality and value, reasonably quick if you sit at the bar. Great grilled fish, steak tips, sandwiches with very good fries. Their appetizers include a tasty bruschetta and a goat cheese crostini. Price Range = Apps. $4-$8 Entrees $10-$20. There is some street parking with meters. Closest MBTA Green Line Park St Red Line Park St & Downtown Crossing