On par with upscale chains like Legal Seafood and P. F. Chang's, red and brassy Maggiano's comes without the intimacy and personality of North End restaurants, but it routinely draws throngs seeking its enormous portions of delicious southern Italian food. Groups of 4 can choose a 5-course feast from the “family style menu” for a bargain at $20 each, but a mere half-portion of a single entree like linguine with chicken and pesto (half $12/full $15) will undoubtedly leave leftovers. Other great options include Tuscan-style mussels ($7/$11), homemade gnocchi in tomato vodka sauce ($12/$15), and baked shrimp organata ($23). Weekly specials on Th. Reservations highly recommended. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Welcome to Sweetwater Café, where you can “eat 'til 1, drink 'til 2” after you've finished partying at the nearby clubs Big Easy, Sugar Shack, and Boum. This homey bar, with its wood floor and pseudo-nautical decor, is a welcome refuge from pounding beats, dazzling lights, and inexplicably potent drinky-drinks. Bar food specialties: the Blue Burger (burger with blue cheese; $8) and the Sweetwater Tenders (chicken fingers; $7). Pitchers of beer $8+. Live music Th-Sa. No cover. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Bennigan's is the place to go for classic tastes and new favorites you haven't tried yet. This family-friendly restaurant serves typical American fare with an Irish slant. The chain recently unveiled a menu made with Guinness stout including a Guinness-glazed angus sirloin and the Guinness Maximus (a combo platter of boneless chicken wings, Guinness-glazed popcorn shrimp and beer-battered onion rings).

The Jacob Wirth Restaurant has been a Boston favorite since 1868. While Jacob Wirth's is Boston's only German restaurant and beer hall, it's a pretty authentic one. While an odd mix of regulars and theatergoing out-of-towners fill the airy dining hall's communal tables, area workers pack the front bar area to watch sports and enjoy bargain happy hour food specials. Friday nights attract exceptionally boisterous crowds for a giant sing-along that's driven by a live pianist. They have a whole book of lyrics for anyone (old and new) who inclines to join. They're hardcore! Check the restaurant's website for its weekly specials (three-course meals on Sundays for $20, all-you-can-eat pasta on Tuesdays for $10). Not to mention the beer club! No dues, no hassles, good people, great beer.

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Since the first Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar opened in 1998, we've raised the standard of excellence for steakhouses to a whole new level, winning awards all over the country for outstanding food, wine and service. Stylish, contemporary dining is the hall mark of Fleming's. As our name implies, our menu features the finest in prime beef, augmented by a tempting variety of chops, seafood, chicken, generous salads, inventive side orders and indulgent desserts. Our celebrated wine list, known as the Fleming's 100, boasts some of the finest wines in the world, all available by the glass.

The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common's stunning in-house dining room serves up classic American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Situated on the ground floor of the Ritz Carlton Residences and the The Sports Club LA, Jer- ne is a sophisticated and polished place to grab a drink, quick bite, or enjoy a long meal with friends. Their winelist is extensive and they serve elegant American flair with a bit of a twist.