Bookended by Harvard Square on one end and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on the other, Central Square has a wholly unique and not-at-all-studious vibe that’s one of my favorites in the Boston area. Having lived and worked in Central on and off since 2009, I’m a fan of what this neighborhood has to offer, from day to night.
Check In
Airbnb: Bright, colorful one-bedroom with parking and a patio.
Le Meridien: Standard business hotel right on the edge of the MIT Campus.
Eat Like It’s An Olympic Sport
Little Donkey: A global small plates restaurant from one of Boston’s best known chefs, Ken Oringer. The crudos, ceviches and manti dumplings are personal faves, but you really can’t go wrong with anything from the menu. The cookie dough dessert is served on a whisk/beater.
Pammy’s: Incredible pastas and antipasti. All reservations must order from the $84/person three-course prix fixe but walk-ins to the bar & lounge area can order a la carte.
Life Alive: Healthy, plant-based breakfast and lunch options. I love the acai bowls and the green goddess rice bowl. Buy a bottle of the ginger tamari sauce to take home; it is sooo good.
Tasty Burger: Burgers & milkshakes served until 2am on the weekends.
Brookline Lunch: A Middle Eastern diner serving baklava pancakes and a killer shakshuka.
Drink Like a Local
The Phoenix Landing: Back in the early 2010s, my friends and I would terrorize the staff patronize “the PL” on a very regular basis. Known for broadcasting Euro football games during the day, the PL turns into a dance party at night, with the tables pushed to the sides and a DJ set up in the back. Come ready to dance on speakers, which may or may not result in a lifetime ban that is never upheld.
Brick & Mortar: Vibey, dimly lit bar with brick walls for negronis and snacks.
Where to Caffeinate/Steal Free WiFi
Jaho: A combo coffeehouse/wine bar, Jaho is known (at least to me) for its many varieties of alterna milks (macadamia, cashew, coconut, almond, oat) and boba drinks.
1369 Coffee House: Local coffeehouse with bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
Park
Street parking is fairly easy to find; just pay attention to the signs for weekly street cleaning.
Grocery Shop
H Mart: An Asian superstore with a French bakery in the front. The sliced fresh fruit is always 1/3 the price of Whole Foods.
Whole Foods: A miniature version is located on Prospect Street two blocks from Mass Ave.
Stalk the Stylish Locals
If anyone’s got the inside track on Cambridge-based local who frequents Central, I’m all ears!
Ew, Music
If live music is at all your vibe (it is absolutely not mine), there is lots to be had in Central and I’d be remiss not to at least mention it in passing.
See: Cantab Lounge, the Middle East, Plough & Stars (fun fact: I thought this was pronounced ‘Pluff & Stars’ for an embarrassingly long time), jazz at the Mad Monkfish, DJ sets at ManRay and salsa dancing at the Havana Club.
Excursion-Worthy
If you must leave the neighborhood, these spots are worth the haul.
Giulia: Probably the best Italian restaurant in Boston, this is a cozy spot in between Harvard Square and Porter Square. If you’re dining with a group, the pasta table in the back of the restaurant is a really special spot.
Tatte: A short walk down Mass Ave towards Harvard Square and you’ll run into Tatte (pronounced like latte), a small local chain of Israeli-style bakery-cafes.
