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.

At first sight, the stuffed buffalo and and wood-panelling adorning the Cactus Club might have you think you've found a Final Club for the southwestern cowboy crowd. Don't be fooled, though—boasting awards for the best margaritas and best fajitas in Boston as well as the best pick-up spot, The Cactus Club lets everyone in, from the afterwork to the college crowd, making for a lively bunch even on weekdays and especially during Sox games, when all appetizers and margaritas are half-priced. Try the Tequila Sunrise chicken ($12) in a limey, tangy sauce with a kick courtesy of its namesake booze, or stick to old favorites like enchiladas, burritos, and fajitas. The Cactus Club is primarily known as a watering hole—try the Horny Margarita ($7) or share a Big Bowl ($15) with a friend. Reservations accepted Su-Th; on F-Sa only accepted before 4pm. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Bring your drinking shoes--- Cactus Club makes some of the best/strongest/largest margaritas this side of the east coast. Try the various flavors and tequillas made by the lovely/flirty bar staff. Small tables in the bar area make this after-work place great for mingling & meeting others with ease. Bottom Line: the margaritas will make you forget about Boston's cold winters and make you think you've gone tropical. It's like a pringle, you can't have just one! They also have a HUGE buffalo over their bar that believe it or not, smoke comes out of his nose!!! You should go if you haven't been here yet.

The cafe recently opened, and is a state-of-the-art, all-ages, student-run music venue and coffee house. While most rooms in Boston have a specific musical niche, Cafe 939 will embrace nearly any style, from rock, jazz, folk, and world, to bluegrass, hip-hop, electronica, avant-garde, and beyond. The New Brew, a free lunchtime concert series featuring up-and-coming student performers, is currently running Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., and a weekly jazz brunch is being planned for this summer. The menu includes a variety of coffees, teas, sandwiches, paninis, salads, bagels, muffins, cakes, and other snacks. When school is in session, Monday mornings host "kidsjam"; where Berkelee education students and their professors run a young child jazz/movement program. Free, but you must reserve each class before each semester. Clean bathrooms but No baby changing stations. Plus- very accessibile. For more information about events, go to Berklee Events.

Cozy, comfortable coffee shop with outdoor tables. The granola-ie servers make noteworthy tea bags by hand (the berry blend is delish). Espresso Royale serves up tasty bagels, on a first come first serve basis- so hurry not to miss your favorite flavor. Vegetarian friendly- but no alcohol is served at this location. Also, the seating is fast to go- and often filled with a graphic design artist improving his/her lastest creation on their Apple, or a liberal policital activist whispering about the '08 election. It's always a treat to see who your caffienated neighbor is talking about..

This is definitely a place where burly, and surly, men come to drink! Always crowded with Bostonians, Charles makes a mean burger (for a small $10) and a brunch menu that will impress your mother-in-law (some items have a spirited drink included). In the summer, there are long waits for the patio selection, but the inside atmosphere can't be beat. Dark wood work incapsulates the insides, and a small hint of "saloon" with the famous snottiness of Newbury- this place is wunderbar!

“Contrary to popular belief, not all Mexican food is hot and spicy,” the menu notes. Nor is it greasy and full of cheese. With dishes and ambiance straight out of the food flick “Like Water for Chocolate,” Casa Romero serves up first class authentic Mexican food in a dimly lit basement setting. Start with the soft and gooey chile relleno ($8.50), stuffed with cheese and topped with sour cream and a tomato-chipotle sauce. The Mexico City style enchiladas ($12.50) with cactus, marinated onions, and feta cheese are among the most delicious and unusual delights on the menu. Most of the meat and chicken appetizers and entrees are well-prepared and delicious, although portions tend to be small. No authentic Mexican meal would be complete without the customary flan ($4). While their version is light and tasty, a better bet is the mud pie, a rich concoction of chocolate, raspberries and caramel. Entrees $12-18. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

A Mediterranean Cafe serving up Italian-American cuisine. The menu features a Kobe beef burger (a reasonable $12), traditional pizzas, lobster ravioli, autumn risotto, and a variety of entrees. The atmosphere is modern, sleek, and uppity with silver/white walls and sleek metal accents. The seats are a modernized cork- so that's what they do with the discarded wine corks!. The double sided mirror hides the enormous flat screen when it's not running the latest game. This is a great new restaurant sure to have crowds gather. If you don't like the food, stick to the great bar drinks (Champagne, favorite fruit, favorite new cocktail- $10). A new favorite all around in the Back Bay...

Though it's much more expensive than Cambridge's offerings, the food is only slightly better, meaning you're paying for location in the Back Bay. Which, if you're sitting outside on a nice day, might be worth it. Try one of the Tandoori Specials made on their traditional clay oven, such as the filling Tandoori Mixed Grill ($22) or Tandoori Rack of Lamb ($25). The menu spans the range of classic North Indian offerings: tandoori specials and a wide array of chicken, lamb, beef, seafood, and vegetarian dishes (entrees $15-25). Dim lighting and intimate tables create a romantic setting, but it is not uncommon to see power-lunchers or larger groups chowing down. Your best bet is to enjoy their lunch buffet (M-F 11:30am-3pm, $9; Sa-Su noon-3pm, $12) while sitting on the huge outdoor patio. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Fresh ingredients and a creative menu. Although sometimes hard to find on posh Newbury Street, Croma's prices are reasonable and rarely exceed $16 for an entree. Great place for a date night or dinner out with a friend.

B Good is a healthy focused burger joint, offering beef, turkey, veggie, and chicken sandwiches as well as salads, shakes, fires, and combos off all of those items. They grind their own burgers daily. Founded by local legends and Noble & Greenough school alums Jon Olinto and Anthony Ackil, the restaurant was built around the concept of a healthier kind of fast food, and has been very successful since opening. They now have four locations in the Boston area.