Cambridge has the best of both worlds: less noise and overwhelming sense of confusion than its larger neighbor cities, such as Boston (which is 3 miles away, easily accessible by train) may have. There’s an old, colonial feel with the beautiful red brick buildings and cobblestoned sidewalks. Not to mention the presence of Harvard, which draws hundreds of young people (and their families who come to tour in large groups) throughout the year.
I’ve been to Cambridge several times, and each time there’s some place new to be discovered, a new coffee/tea/ice cream/dessert/meal to try, and old favorites to return to. Here are some places you need to try in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Sofra Bakery and Cafe
A cafe featuring Middle Eastern cuisine and pastries. Have fun trying the strong Turkish coffee or spinach falafel with beets or desserts like baklava and marzipan fig cookies.
Burdick’s
An ornate chocolate shop/cafe. Try the hot chocolate. I beg you. I go here every time I’m in Cambridge, no matter how cold or warm it is. I’m obsessed. The white hot chocolate is exceptionally amazing and they also have dark and milk hot chocolate as well as coffees and teas.
Flour Bakery and Cafe
Don’t be surprised if you are waiting in a long line to order your food at this spot. This bakery/cafe is well-known. Their sticky buns appear to be the hot menu item, as evident by the deliciousness shown in the following photo. I couldn’t remember the last time I had a sticky bun, but after having one from here, I realized I should have them more often. Too bad I can’t get them shipped to Florida.
John Harvards
A cozy restaurant and brewery/ale house located in Harvard Square, the food here is phenomenal. Think fancy American type cuisine in a cellar-like restaurant. Chilly days (and warm days) call for comfort food. Try the chicken pot pie meal.
JP Licks
A popular spot for creamy ice cream and tart froyo. Perfect anytime of year because every season is ice cream season. Another place you can expect to see a long line at, but it’s worth the wait.
Petsi Pies
An upbeat little cafe and dessert shop offering tasty pies, scones, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and salads. Try the mixed berry pie – it has a crumble pie topping! The egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches are simple yet satisfying.
Darwin’s Ltd.
Tasty sandwiches can be found in various varieties at this delightful shop, as well as soups like Vegan White Bean and Kale. Their Greek sandwiches wrapped in pita are sure to satisfy your Greek food cravings.
Hi-Rise Bread Company
Morning is a hot time for customers at this bakery. Close to Harvard Law School, you’ll find many people sipping on coffees while catching up on emails and research papers. From quiches to pastries to sandwiches, this place is great for a breakfast and coffee or tea. The iced chai tea and banana bread here are both delicious.
9 Tastes Thai Cuisine
One of those cool basement restaurants (which are that much cooler to me considering Florida doesn’t have basements #belowsealevelproblems) this Thai restaurant serves fabulous food. Go for lunch and order a lunch box, which includes salad, an appetizer and one or two main meals with rice.
The Bohemian Mermaid 