A local realty office located at the corner of St Stephens and Gainsborough St. They have huge TV screens and often have the Red Sox game playing for people walking by to look up the score.

Tired of Dunkin Donuts? Sick of selling out to Starbucks? Espresso Royale, with several locations around Boston, is a mini-chain in its own right, but doesn't feel cookie-cutter. The Gainsborough St location, uber-convenient to Northeastern and New England Conservatory, is the area's best spot for a caffeine fix, a bagel sandwich, and hours of free wireless and good ambience. There's delicious, well-made coffee and specialty drinks, a wide selection of iced and hot teas, and organic juices. Hungry? Bagel sandwiches, with bagels from Allston's Bagel Rising, come in lots of combinations, with plenty of options for the vegan and vegetarian crowd (don't worry carnivores, they still cater to you). Fresh pastries range from croissants to vegan cookies! The free wireless is pretty dependable, although if you don't log out and then back in before you hit 4 hours of time, you'll lose the ability to use the wireless the rest of the day, so if you plan on staying longer, keep your eyes on the time and log out before the end of that cycle. Waitstaff is usually young, pierced, tattooed, and generally friendly. Warning: if you're on your cellphone and get to the front of the line, they won't serve you and will most likely mock you. Music varies from shift to shift: world, punk, reggae, jazz--ask the baristas if you want to know what's on! Additionally, ERC (as its fondly known in the neighborhood) usually exhibits local art for sale--often overpriced, but great to surround yourself with while you hang out. It's a favorite spot for students, both undergrad and grad, musicians, local residents, and even families. If you go to NU or NEC, you're certain to run into at least half a dozen people you know if you stay longer than 10 minutes. During the week, there's little to no wait for food, drink, and tablespace, except for during finals. The lines and the wait for a sandwich can be terrifying after 11 or 12 on a weekend, however--come earlier, to revive after a night out or to start a day of studying, to grab a window table, coffee and a bagel, then let the peoplewatching and work (or distraction from) begin...

A small and strangely narrow tobacco shop near Northeastern University. They have a large selection that includes Nat Sherman, and Djarum cloves, and Mild Seven. In addition they also sell tea, t-shirts, papers, sweet leaf grinders, and ready-made cones. They are open late and located next to Our House and attract many college students throughout the night.

A neighborhood pub loved by Northeastern University students for its cheap prices, Our House serves up $3.50 appetizers Monday - Friday from 5:00 - 7:00, $2.99 burger & onion rings on Saturdays from 8:00 - 11:00, 20 cent wings with purchase of a pitcher on Monday nights, and has DJs Thurs - Sat. Weekend evenings can get a little crowded so be prepared. They also air every NFL game during the season, and have a bubble hockey table.

If you're looking for a sushi fix of the best quality, Symphony Sushi is the answer. A great neighborhood restaurant Symphony Sushi features the freshest ingredients for very reasonable prices. The shrimp and vegetable tempura is the best, and the House Dragon maki is a great combination of unusual sushi ingredients with great flavor (for those of you who would rather not know what you're eating). The restaurant has a substantial take-out clientele. The service is friendly and quick. A great place to stop when attending the BSO around the corner, or coming from the MFA...you might have to wait a few minutes, but usually not more than 15.