Boston:Template:Comedy Club
Improv is at its craziest—and best—at this underground comedy haven. Tucked into the beginning of Hanover Street in the North End,mainstage shows combine improv and sketches into a slap-happy laugh orgy (W-Th 8pm, $15; F-Sa 8 and 10pm, $20). After the mainstage, late shows ($5-10) offer routines and sketches from guest artists as well as the cast. The all-improv Midnight Show (Sa, $10) is even zanier. Students can enjoy all NXT shows, featuring the “developmental” cast, for free ($5 for non-students). The onsite bar does a brisk business. Improv Asylum also offers classes ($250 for 8 3hr classes), corporate training, and private performances. Call a couple days ahead to ensure admission, a few weeks ahead for large parties. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Don't let the waiters' military-style uniforms (complete with Italian-flag epaulets—or is that Mexico?) fool you, the mood at this North End standby is anything but regimented. From the moment you enter the warm, candlelit, romantic dining room off Hanover St., owner Franco Graceffa will cajole you into having a good time, whether you're on a quiet date or a blocking group party. The food here shines, too, with a menu that covers traditional Southern Italian dishes and some regional specialties. Start with the involtini di Melanzane ($10), an eggplant rolatini that continues to be a crowd favorite, and the fried calamari ($10). Move on to massive portions of chicken, veal, and pasta, making sure to sample the chicken braciolettini ($20) and mozarella, portabello, and spinach-stuffed veal ($30). One caveat: even with reservations (highly recommended), you may have to wait a bit to get a table, especially with big groups. That said, once you've cooled your heels at the bar and joined in one of Graceffa's boisterous sing-alongs, you'll be ready to take on the delights Dolce Vita has to offer. Life here is indeed very, very good. Entrees $15-30. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Mother Anna's is located at the very beginning of Hanover Street in the North End and has been a staple in the neighborhood for over 70 years. John F. Kennedy used to dine there frequently. The menu offers a mix of "red sauce" Italian dishes like chicken & Eggplant Parmigiana ($10 lunch), Baked Ziti ($9 lunch), Lasagna ($9 lunch), ravioli ($13 dinner), along with other favorites like Fettuccini Alfredo ($13 dinner), Chicken Marsala ($16 dinner), and a variety of seafood dishes. One of the most popular dishes is the Veal Scallopini Marsala ($11 lunch). Mother Anna's added a patio so patrons can now enjoy beautiful views of Boston while dining.

If the North End first date seems like a tired cliché, you clearly haven't been to Taranta. The minute a helpful waiter seats you in one of the 3 high-ceilinged, brick-walled dining rooms, explains the specials, and presents you with a paper cone full of fresh, moist focaccia, you'll know you're in for a treat. Try the shrimp ravioli with Peruvian mint pesto ($17) or the sumptuous braised veal shank on saffron risotto ($28). For dessert, share the delicate hazelnut mousse drizzled in dulce de leche ($7) with your date, and you'll be gazing dreamily into each other's eyes in no time. The North End never tasted so good. Reservations recommended. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Web design, logo design and print design. "Bean there, done that."

If you don't want to break the bank to wear jewelry that gets you notice, stop in to High Gear Jewelry. When you walk in, you will see magazine clips from Vogue, Elle, In Style, etc, showing the latest jewelry trends. High Gear has pieces in the store that look just like what you're seeing in the high fashion magazines, yet for a fraction of the cost. High Gear has knockoffs of such designers as David Yurman & Tiffany's and they feature pieces from new or up and coming designers. Most of the jewelry is under $100 and it's no wonder that fashion mavens from all over flock to this little boutique to find quality pieces at reasonable prices. High Gear Jewelry is open Mondays-Fridays 10am-6pm, Saturdays 10am-9pm, and Sundays 11am-7pm.

They have a pretty little storefront and in the summertime have ready-made bouquets of roses that can be purchased on the sidewalk of Hanover Street. They also have several people selling single roses to tourists and couples as they make their way along the street, which definitely adds to the charm of the North End. Reasonably priced, so you shouldn't balk for a second about buying one for your sweetie pie.