For such a popular Rock nightclub, who knew that the food could be amazing? One of the top places one must go to before leaving Boston. Opened as a Lebanese restaurant in 1970, the Middle East spans three storefronts filled with throngs of patch-covered jackets and wallet chains who come to enjoy a provocative symbiosis of sensuous Middle-eastern cuisine (falafel sandwiches $3.75), belly-dancing (W), and cutting-edge modern American rock and punk acts. Featuring live bands every night, the Middle East is a major landmark on any tour of Boston's alternative music scene, with no less than 3 separate stages. Local and regional bands, including Harvard's own, play in the small upstairs area, while larger names grace the more spacious downstairs. Music ranges from ska to hip-hop, but leans in favor of experimental acts testing the limits of what can be called music. Good selection of foreign and domestic beers (bottles $3.50). Cover $8-10 upstairs, $12-25 downstairs. Check the website for a full list of musical acts. The restaurant area features acoustic performances and folk music and never charges a cover. The two eating areas inside the club provide delicious and affordable middle eastern food. For fancier edibles, check out ZuZu which is a part of the Middle East complex but has its own distinct personality. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

The Phoenix delivers a uniquely hip fusion with “pub-style club music” of every possible genre (live music Tu and Th, Top 40 F). Vinyl tablecloths and funky recessed red lights set the stage for dancing college kids and chill twentysomethings. Typical bar fare until 10pm. The Phoenix opens earlier when English football plays on the weekend. Appetizers only $3.50 from 5-7pm, and Irish Breakfast is served on Sa. Beer and limited cocktails $4.25. Cover $3-5. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Welcome to the secret society of the Cambridge elite. The Enormous Room is so exclusive, it doesn't even have a sign on the door. Look for the door next to Central Kitchen with an elephant on it and head up the stairs to a spacious expanse of avant-garde heaven. Depending on the DJ of the night, funk, house, soul, or blues plays in the background while grad students sit cross-legged around “enormous plates”—trays of appetizers including hummus and grape leaves, goat cheese-pine nut briouats, salmon skewers, and anything the chef feels like adding ($14, vegetarian $12). Drinks are more than reasonable, so feel free to sample the ever-popular Stoli Raspberry ($6). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Some like it hot. Luckily for them, Green Street Grill is a Carribean-inspired mecca for all things “jerk,” “spicy,” and “hot.” The quiet location and rather faded sign belies the restaurant's inviting interior, decorated with modern artwork and framed with dark wood moldings. Tropical cocktails like the Dark and Stormy (Gosling's Rum and ginger beer, $7) set the mood for a creative selection of dishes, from green papaya and mango salad with grilled squid ($8) to tantalizing jerk spiced grilled chicken wings ($7). Entrees like grilled mahi mahi ($18) and coconut curried goat stew ($16), served with jasmine rice and fried plantains, range from moderately to extremely spicy. The rotating dessert options are limited but delicious, especially the banana bread pudding ($6) or warm flourless chocolate cake ($5). Wherever you are in this intimate setting, you'll be close enough to enjoy the live band on any given night; African drums on Su, jazz, rock, and blues on Tu, W, Th, respectively. Cover F-Sa for a wild Cuban roots and salsa gig. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

All Asia, is a attracts all types. Known for its music, this is a great place to catch local bands, and some cheap eats. Visit their website to see the music calendar! Warning: One drink minimum for everyone, no matter what time of day.

From the outside, Miracle of Science looks just like a regular MIT dining space. But inside, a fun restaurant and bar pays cheeky homage to the “miracle of science,” appropriately close to that university up the street. Hardwood stools, jet-black countertops, and a periodic table-themed menu may make you feel like you're in lab, though Chem 15 never tasted this good. MoS is a great place for lunch if you're in the MIT area. At night, trendy 20-somethings congregate for a wide range of specialty beers and tasty bar food (burgers, quesadillas, and kebabs; $4.50-11). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

This buzzing, convivial spot, with a pool table, dart board, and Irish-tinged décor, is one of the most happening spots around. A carefree crowd of 30-something professionals and erstwhile grad students gathers in 3 warmly and eclectically decorated rooms to linger for hours over pints ($3.75) and mixed drinks ($4.50). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. The authentically Irish destination is famous for its "flaming Irish Car Bombs"--a take on the usual Car Bomb--and less-than-steller restrooms.

The ImprovBoston Family Show is short-form improv appropriate for kids, mom, dad, grandma, and the entire family. Running every Saturday, the evening is full of interactive games, performed by the ImprovBoston Family Show Crew, and is sure to bring out the child in everyone. For years this was in Inman Square, and after a large fundraising effort, just moved to a larger Central Square location at 40 Prospect Street. ImprovBoston offers youth programs that encourage and nurture students' innate curiosity, creativity, and ability to make connections with others. The professionally trained instructors create a fun and supportive environment within which students can explore, develop, and succeed. Sessions are offered during school vacations and summer break. Other shows based on themes that are not always so wholesome. I drove by one night and saw a sign outside said that whores get in free. NAKED COMEDY SHOWCASE: (First Wednesday of every month)

For the past few years, Andy Ohfiesh and his troupe of fearless comedians tackle everyone’s worst fear: standing in front of a packed house in the buff. That’s right—completely sans clothes. Naked stand-up comedy? Yep, it’s as cringeworthy and awkward as it sounds. At ImprovBoston’s The Naked Comedy Showcase held the first Wednesday of every month, Boston’s up-and-coming comics are literally, um, the butt of the jokes.

While it appears nondescript from the outside, the Paradise Café houses two levels of lively action for the alternative set. Live male dancers perform nightly and adult films play after 10pm. Great mixture of men of all ages. Cash only.

A stop at this quintessentially Cambridge bar can make the territory between Harvard and Central seem a lot less like Siberia, even on a frigid winter night. The inside reveals an all-too-snug bar packed with the proletariat—and a sprinkling of area college students. An unassuming crowd is inviting to all; if you're having a bad hair day, it's too dark for anyone to notice, but be careful, since wayward darts might zip your way. (The dart boards are a carryover from long ago when the space was Drumlins, a towny darts bar.) People's is a great destination after the Cellar closes at 1am. All pint-sized drafts and bottles $4, Bud just $2.50. No cover. Cash only. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.