Thornton's, located across from the Prudential Center and down the street from Northeastern University,is one of the best brunch spots around. During the winter, locals will stand out in the cold to get a spot at a table inside, but during the summer, the outdoor tables and the newly opened addition make plenty of space for hungry customers. The service isn't the quickest, but the plates of food that eventually arrive are worth the wait. Perfectly seasoned home fries, big plates of eggs and toast, chocolate chip pancakes, and huevos rancheros are among the best options. Ask for an iced coffee in the summer, especially after a late night: the stuff is like rocket fuel, and you can literally feel your eyelids opening wider as you sip. Come early for a table outside in the summer, and large parties may have a hard time getting seated quickly. They also do to-go at the inside counter! Perfect spot for peoplewatching--you can see kids playing in the fountain at the Christian Science Center, and fancier folk on their way to Copley Square hotels. Staying at the Colonnade Hotel but don't want to eat there? This is two seconds away, and a much cheaper option.

El Triunfo is a popular take-out eatery in the easternmost part of South End. The store front is low-key, but the line out its front door at lunch time makes it easy to find this hidden gem. Not to worry though - service is quick and the line moves fast. Menus and decorations are done in a colorful "modern graffiti style". The Phoenix sums things up well: "El Triunfo, by the way, is Spanish for winner. There’s truth in advertising here." Read the complete review here. Delivery is available Thurs, Fri, and Sat to the South End and parts of South Boston. Complete Menu: Click Page 1 and Page 2 Print El Triunfo's menu and Fax your order to 1-617-542-8497
EXPANSION UNDERWAY: El Triunfo is taking over the adjacent storefront and will shortly have an expanded menu with additional grilled items and seafood, table service, and waitresses. Look for the "new" El Triunfo by Spring 2009. They expect to be able to offer beer and wine as well.

This is a spot where any neighbor can visit regularly for a coffee and scone, and a tourist can visit once and be impressed by the Belgian chocolate brownie. This South End hotspot has a cordial staff and tasty food and will make you feel both special and regular on any visit. The bakery and cafe are open every day for a coffee and a treat, a leisurely lunch or a dinner to go. The lunch sandwiches are excellent, but be warned: if you go at a time of day where other people also eat (like, say, lunchtime) be prepared to wait up to 45 minutes to order and get your sandwich.

New South End spot on the eastern end of Tremont Street. Owned by the same family as Rome Pizza next door. European style cafe is the concept. Freshly made paninis, expresso, North End pastries, gelato, smoothies. Homemade hummus, grapeleaves, and other meditteranean staples. Chef used to be the chef at the Appleton Bakery Cafe.

Metropolis occupies what was once an ice cream parlor; today, there is no better place in Boston to spoon up cinnamon ice cream with chocolate bread pudding and caramel sauce ($8), one of the restaurant's rarefied desserts. While the ice cream here is exquisitely prepared, this trendy bistro focuses on innovative, Italian-influenced cuisine. Dishes such as the roasted duck with sun-dried plum, goat cheese, and smoked bacon tart ($20) exemplify how Metropolis' chef melds diverse and complex flavors with excellent results. The date-worthy atmosphere more than compensates for the lack of elbow room and the inevitable wait (call ahead). Entrees $15-20. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Customers squeeze into the tightly spaced tables and read the paper at the wrap-around bar.

If you're looking for the perfect pre-/post-theater date destination, look no further. Situated off the lobby of the Colonnade Hotel, the lively Brasserie Jo offers classic French cooking in a casual but stylish setting. Although steak frites ($22) is the main attraction (and understandably so), a variety of other simple bistro entrees including swordfish, salmon, and roasted chicken are available and uniformly good. The wine list offers lots of affordable options, and desserts are absolutely marvelous. Entrees $15-25. Bar with a “light menu” open daily 11am-1am. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

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.

One of the South End's original coffee bars, it has evolved as a restaurant for sandwiches and salads. Also serves a delicious chocolate milkshake! Always service with a smile. Francesca's is also a popular South End joint with the lunch crowd. Their specials change daily and the freshness of the food and innovative soups keep the regulars coming back. A great place to grab a coffee concoction or a dessert (like the Big Sexy Chocolate Cake!), Francesca's seems to have a little something for everyone.

Mike's City Diner is located in the South End. This is as authentic as diners get, right down to the black-and-white checked tablecloths. Harried but friendly waitresses dart from table to table with trays of food, stepping around hungry patrons waiting for a seat. Piped-in Elvis Presley croons over the din of noisy customers. Regulars get the nod from behind the counter; coffee arrives without a word being uttered. A cross-section of South Enders and urbanites makes for prime people-watching, and no one seems to mind the cramped quarters. Tip: Portions are uniformly huge; couples and cash-strapped students should consider sharing.

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.