With a wide variety of teas, coffees, pastries, and espresso drinks, and a sunny, airy courtyard location, Peet's attracts everyone from students to yuppies to crunchy locals. Come with your own mug and get 10¢ off your beverage (coffee starts at $1.50, tea at $1.70, and espresso drinks $2.75+). Pastries ($1-3) are notably better than those at competing chains (a.k.a. Starbucks). Peet's is also the place to come if you want to get coffee or tea to brew yourself—they stock over 30 varieties of each and the knowledgeable salespeople will help you pick a type to fit your tastes. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

B&J's may have sold out to Häagen-Dazs, but they still scoop a mean cone of Vermont-made ice cream ($3-6). Shakes, smoothies, and sundaes $4.50-6.50. Keep your eyes open for the annual Free Cone Day each spring. You'll also find Ben and Jerry's in the Prudential Shops, and at the Park Plaza downtown. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Now an international phenomenon, it's only appropriate that Starbucks has taken over Harvard Sq. Despite the cookie-cutter feel of the shops, Starbucks does make a great place to catch up on some reading or to bring your laptop to write that term paper for hours on end (while terminally caffeinated). Get your sexy metallic thermoses and colorful plastic mugs here, as well as appropriately over-priced teas, espresso drinks, and mediocre baked goods. In addition to their calorie-heavy but delicious trademark coffee and mocha frappuccinos ($2.75-4.50), they now have a variety of non-coffee blended drinks (like vanilla bean or tazo chai frappuccinos). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Another stop in the national chain, this is a roomy location. With comfortable seating and a pleasant staff. Lines are never that long.

Clinical studies have shown that chocolate promotes the same congenial cocktail of brain chemicals as does sex. Aha! Perhaps now we understand why Burdick opened his pricey chocolate wonder store but a few paces from a community of undersexed students. Patrons demurely sip the legendary hot and heavy chocolate drinks ($3-5), sample orgasmically dense pastries ($2-3.50; try the Harvard Square, a brownie-like concoction with chocolate ganache), nibble handmade dark chocolates filled with fresh raspberry or smooth cognac cream, lavender, espresso, orange or (Lord have mercy) PISTACHIO!, all the while gasping (and rightly so) that Burdick makes the best chocolate in the Boston area. The store also serves those who have already found love with immaculately presented wooden gift boxes ($13-57), including the too-cute-to-eat chocolate mice and penguins. Don't have a date to share a steamy cocoa beverage with in the cozy interior? Take home a 2 lb. bag of hot chocolate mix ($30) and attempt to replicate the indulgence solo in the comfort of your own dorm room. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. With just nine tables and little standing-room, the cafe's usually crowded at night. Tables are first-come, first-serve, so prepare to be aggressive or to take your order to go.

Mmmm, donuts...the staff of New England favorite Dunkin' Donuts cheerfully serves up some of the best values in the Square. Many a sleepy undergrad swear by the fabulous coffee, whether regular or flavored (yum, french vanilla and hazelnut), hot or iced. The menu features donuts, Munchkins, muffins, bagels, and other pastries from heaven, as well as a good array of sandwiches (breakfast sandwiches $2-3, Deli Twist sandwiches $3.69) and great combo deals at the JFK St. location. You can't beat the combo that includes a Deli Twist sandwich, bag of chips or pretzels, and coffee—just $5! Krispy who? This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

This stop in the national chain is more of the starbucks we have come to know and love. With a small yet comfortable sitting area...and a pleasant staff, this location although it can get busy is a great place to stop just off of the main axis of the square.

In JP Licks, they roast their own organic and Fair Trade certified coffee in their original Jamaica Plain location, where they also make all of their ice cream, from the finest, freshest ingredients. They have 8 locations throughout the Boston area. Check their website for details.

Don't let the Busch beer sign mislead you—Darwin's is an oasis of gourmet food, just minutes away from the heart of the Square. But don't let the promise of gourmet food fool you, either; Darwin's also carries a decent selection of beer and wine. The deli counter is the home of the best sandwiches ($5.75-7.25) around, named for local streets intersecting with Brattle. Try the “Longfellow,” ham with cheddar and fresh apple slices, or the “Mount Auburn,” smoked turkey and cheese with avocado and tomato. Add some variety to your meal with one of Darwin's tasty sides, like pasta salad or broccolini, and enjoy it in the relaxed atmosphere of the store's fully-stocked coffee bar. The staff, mirroring the general ambiance, is friendly and inviting. Also a good selection of fresh fruit, veggies, and organic and specialty foods. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Adjacent to the Broadway MarketPlace and a regular Harvard hangout, the claim to fame of this Starbucks on Broadway is its stellar customer service that far exceeds expectations.