Think coffeeshop spiked with alcohol. Overlooking the Mass Pike sits this quirky alternative pit stop, with a truly diverse clientele, an alt-rock soundtrack, and a skater-punk-themed decor. A busy lunch crowd lines up for hummus platters ($6.50), sandwiches and wraps ($6.20-7), and salads ($5.75-6.75). At night, the Other Side feels much more like a bar, as friends relax over pitchers of domestic and imported beer ($16-20) and chips and salsa. Despite the traffic, the patio makes a surprisingly good place to enjoy one of the special lattes ($4.25), smoothies ($4.50), or desserts; a cozy second-story loft adds another seating option. Half sandwich or salad with soup combo $6.75. The Other Side Cafe, or 'Osc' as it is known by some of the spindly hipsters who frequent it, is also known for its chili. The outdoor seating is a lot less posh than other Newbury cafes, but has a funkier people-watching--the crowd that frequents Other Side can be a lot more fun to watch and talk to! They offer brunch on the weekends, and breakfast food all day during the week. Other great offerings include movie nights and trivia. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Sweet 'n' Nasty, Boston's only erotic bakery, is a veritable mecca for that oft-cited demographic of sex fiends with a sweet tooth. Conveniently located a block away from Newbury St., the shop offers “tame” and “daring” chocolates and adult novelties and whips up anatomically explicit cakes, available with a variety of store designs and awful puns ($20-65, depending on size) or with your own specifications ($30+). Explicit chocolates and erotic candy are made on-premises. Cakes require 24-48hr advance order. Remember, size matters. Delivers all over the US and Canada in unmarked boxes. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

The pink, white, and black cow-like mosaic counter and larger-than-life cow murals let ice cream fans know they've entered frozen dairy paradise. Traditional classics include Sweet Cream, Cookie Dough, Chocolate Brownie, and Coffee Oreo, while unconventional specials include Myers Rum Raisin (with real liquor), Cucumber, and Pumpkin. The scope of chilly delights ranges from full-fat ice creams to health-conscious frozen yogurts (cones and dishes $2.20-4). The ever-expanding menu includes milkshakes and fruitata drinks ($3), as well as overflowing sundaes ($5-6) and absolutely mammoth banana splits ($6.70). If for some crazy reason ice cream isn't your thing, they also have an extensive drink menu of coffee, cappuccino, tea, and non-dairy freezes. J.P. Licks originated in Jamaica Plain, at 659 Centre St. (617-524-6740). Other branches at 4A College Ave. in Davis Sq. (617-666-5079), and Harvard St. in Coolidge Corner. All products guaranteed kosher. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

A cupcake cafe with a wide variety of tastes for any palate. Orders can be customized and delivered, or there are pre selected batches that you can pick up in a hurry. All ingredients are made from scratch and prepared fresh daily. Cupcake flavors offered are: sweetcake, carrot, Boston cream pie, dark chocolate, red velvet, cappuccino, and vegan cupcakes on Mondays. Their are also additional flavor offerings seasonally and for certain holidays. For $1 a piece, a lucky canine can get a "pupcake," a combination of oatmeal and applesauce.

A tiny restaurant located on Mass Ave and Marlbourough Street, The Wine Cellar is a popular fondue and wine place. The owner is a vibrant wine enthusiast who loves educating on wine as much as he loves Boston. He is often found handing out wine cards on the street that depict wines and their vintage. Inside, there is a great full mural of Boston's garden. It was awarded by the Wine Spectator 2005 'Two Glasses' of Excellence for its extensive 600 plus wine list. Situated in the garden level of the building, The Wine Cellar is decorated to make you feel as though you're in Europe. The food is above average, but the presentation, fondue style, is really the draw for this place. The menu includes 9 cheese appetizers (roughly $20 each), then fondue meat plates ($20-$40), followed by chocolate fondue (roughly $20 each). There are over thirty fondues here. There is also a non-fondue menu, and features french style items. Indulgence for Two is an $88 dollar full menu meal that includes a cheese fondue, 4 menu items, and chocolate fondue. Mass Ave, where the restaurant is located, is a typical Boston thoroughfare: ridiculously busy with all sorts of one-way side roads, cow paths, and alleys that lead to nowhere. In other words, driving and parking around the restaurant is a challenge or an adventure, depending on the perspective. However, the restaurant reserves two spots right out front for its diners, so if you're dining and you're a little lucky, you can park directly in front of the restaurant.
Back Bay residents get 10% for being "locals". Ask about it....

Mary Baker Eddy founded the Church of Christ, Scientist (aka, the religion of Christian Science) which holds education as a basic tenant. This library building is a testament to this remarkable women. It includes exhibits, a shop, the Mapparium, Quotes Cafe and in the library both Reference and Research Rooms. The Mapparium is a must-see for any visitor (or resident). A stained glass globe of the world - it's truly a wonder to behold. It's also fun to see how the world has changed since it was created. You need to buy a timed ticket for entry. The Quotes Cafe is a little-known spot - quiet and with really good food. The "Hall of Ideas" is really amazing, digital projected quotes on all sorts of topics move around the floor, walls and fountain. To visit Mapparium and the upstairs exhibits there is a $6.00 admission fee ($4 for seniors/youth/students). But the Hall, shop and cafe can be accessed by anyone for free. Stop in on your next walk down Massachusetts Avenue. Hours:

• Exhibits and Shop Tuesday-Sunday 10am to 4pm
• Last Mapparium Show at 3:40pm
• Quotes café Monday-Friday 8am to 3pm. Breakfast, lunch, coffee, dessert: soup, salad, sandwiches, pizza, paninis, entrees, daily specials
• Reference Room Tuesday-Saturday 10am to 4pm, closed Sunday, Monday, and holidays
• Research Room Tuesday-Friday 10am to 4pm, open first Saturday of each month, by appointment only*

This little ice-cream shop in the Back Bay, part of a larger chain, has been perfecting its recipes since the 70s. Homemade concoctions ranging from peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookie-dough to Grasshopper Pie and Chocolate Addiction are the unique and fabulously delicious result (1 scoop $3.10, 2 scoops $4.05, 3 scoops $4.50). Low-fat options are just as decadent, with hard yogurt flavors like Milky Way or Malted Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Find Boston Globe's Best Smoothies here as well, including the Rejuvenator, Passion, and Liquid Yoga (soy milk, banana, chai and nonfat vanilla yogurt; $5.75). An extensive juice bar promises healthy add-ins, while cones coated with marshmallows and rice krispies and hot fudge maximize your ratio of sweetness to surface area. Rated the Best Smoothie in town, certainly worth a try if you like smoothies! This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.