I have a special place in my heart for Harvard Square. When I came to Boston for my undergrad (NOT Harvard) as an immigrant from Romania, I knew nothing about Beantown, that I hadn’t learned from TV. To my young, ignorant self, this was the legendary city of Ally McBeal, Cheers and Harvard. So the day after I landed in Boston, my first exploratory trip of many to come, was to venture out on the red line to the Harvard stop.
I was trying to think back and cannot remember all the places I went to on that first trip, but there are 3 places that I have consistently visited on almost every occasion since: Harvard COOP (the university bookstore), Leavitt & Peirce Inc. (a tobacco store that carries stuff you just can’t find anymore) and the Harvard Yard. Over the years I added new favorites, like Cardullo’s (a nice fine & imported foods shop across the street from the train station exit), and Tealuxe (which is the original tea shop in the city to offer loose tea and boba tea, to my recollection). Honestly, there is so much stuff to do and see in Harvard square, that I just invite everyone reading this to create their own experience. There is a brewery (John Harvard), an amazing burger place that seems so out of place (Mr Bartley’s), one of the best jazz clubs in the city (Regatta Bar).
In the summer they have a Farmer’s market, live performances of every type in “The Pit” (area above the train station exit, by the newsstand. Tracey Chapman, among others, is known to have performed here during her college days), and you can’t miss the chess games on display in front of Au Bon Pain. I can keep going with examples, but will stop after this last one: there is even an IHOP that has been a fixture for as long as I can remember, and if you are thinking “well what’s the big deal about an IHOP, they are everywhere?” I have to say, it is a rarity in Boston, and this is the only one you can get to without having to drive.
To this day, Harvard square is where I go to clear my head when I freak out about my dependable, predictable, mundane life. It is refreshing, inspiring and full of cultural diversity.
But I digress, I am actually here to tell you about a newish spot I tried recently. For those of you who know the area, The Beat Hotel replaced the Tannery, underneath the COOP. If you are new to Cambridge, and are trying to find the restaurant, you have to pay close attention because the signage is not at all that evident. It is slightly underground but is in a very large and impressive space.
It has 2 long bars and a lot of seating room. The walls are painted by local artists, very bohemian and almost makes me feel like I am in New York. We went for Jazz brunch, managed to score seats at the bar right next to the band, and without a reservation. The 1st thing I instantly loved about the atmosphere, besides the 2 bars, was the fact that the noise and the music, although present, were just in the background, We could hear it all clearly but yet still carry a conversation without yelling. Again for people who are local, this is a sister restaurant of the Beehive, a south end favorite. I only say that to give an idea about the eclectic and comfort oriented menu. I got the mussels and a side of fries, my companions ordered the eggs benedict, and we were all very happy with our choices.
The last great thing I have to mention is their drink menu, from creative cocktails to a great selection of beers and most of all, their selection of organic and biodynamic wines on tap, this place has any foodie & winey (not a real word, but you know what i mean) covered. If it wasn’t for the fact that I am dying to try Alden & Harlow, I would be back at the Beat Hotel this upcoming weekend.
Happy Spring and please feel free to tell us about your ideas for a great day in Harvard Square!
Mihaela: I’m a free spirited female originally from Romania but officially an American as of last year. I love Boston, despite my lack of appreciation for cold weather. I find my health through great good and drinks in the company of great friends. Boston is the kind of city that suits any mood, whether you are a foodie or a dive bar aficionado. Boston has it all and I enjoy it all.
Boston, Party of 6 