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In the basement of “Upstairs on the Square” sits another one of those ‘Harvard' bars, Grendel's, a mountain-town pub shoehorned into contemporary Cambridge. Most nights of the week Grendel's is filled with a lively mix of locals, grads, undergrads, and the occasional professor, who all huddle around cozy, dimly-lit tables for an atmosphere that's more low-key than anything its nearby competitors can provide. Compared to the nearly perpetual happy hours at Grendel's, other bars seem downright melancholy. The crowded red-bricked basement interior, faux-Tuscan tiled tables, and small plates make for a medieval dining hall meets college pub experience. The menu is a motley mix of cuisines, from cheeseburgers and pizza ($5.50) to falafel. Everything is half-price with min. beverage purchase of $3 daily 5-7:30pm and Su-Th 9-11:30pm. Express lunch specials M-F go for only $3.95. A wonderful way to round off the weekend, “The Sunday Seven” menu features 7 items at $1 each, again with $3 min. beverage purchase. Youngsters, beware: they frequently don't admit those under 21 after 5pm (especially F and Sa), so call ahead. Entrees $5-8. The beers on tap are an excellent variety of microbrews and imports (no “Bud” here, but at $4/pint Paulaner Hefeweizen has risen as a crowd favorite). The Grendel's Happy Hour offers half-price menu items with min. $3 drinks (daily 5-7:30pm and Su-Th 9-11:30pm). Cheap, tasty food and a warm-fuzzy-glo atmosphere make Grendel's a convenient budget locale for those who like to munch while they imbibe. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Freshmen, if you were wondering where to go for your free “Harvard '09” t-shirts and the hours of upperclassman disdain that accompany them, look no further. Acquired by HSA in summer 2001, The Harvard Shop sells a diverse and inexpensive selection of Harvard merchandise: apparel, steins, rings, graduation announcements, and those 3'x5' Harvard class banners ($65) that you won't find anywhere else. Moreover, The Harvard Shop offers some of the lowest prices around on T-shirt printing for your team, organization, or overly -enthusiastic freshman entryway. 15% student discount. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

A Harvard institution since 1882, The Harvard Coop is frequented by a diverse clientele of academics, tourists, and Cambridge residents. The bookstore, now managed by Barnes and Noble, occupies The Coop's privileged position on Mass. Ave. The top floor coursebook section's high prices have spawned student-run discount textbook sellers such as Redline Textbooks. A bridge leads to the Palmer Ave. location, where students can purchase anything else even remotely related to college life. Special services include custom book orders, worldwide shipping, author events, and a Harvard Authors section. Become a Coop member for $1, and you'll get a refund check at the end of the year for 6% of all your purchases. 15% off all Harvard apparel with student ID. Located near the New Release section, you'll find a table and benches, with crayons and scrap paper on hand for those who need a break from books. Future illustrators in the crowd? The Coop for Kids has story time during the week. On Tuesdays at 11am, preschoolers are invited to hear a selection of engaging stories. Many new parents bring their babies along to join in the fun; it's a great spot to meet other parents and make new play pals. On Saturdays at 11am, children under 7 can participate in the story and craft hour. Stories and crafts often tie in with seasonal themes, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Halloween, etc. Expect that your children will be occupied for about an hour. Refreshments (cookies and juice) are offered at both story times. Story hours are free and open to the public. Public restroom: Take the spiral staircase at the back of the store to the third floor. Bathroom is ahead and to the right, near the college entrance exam books. Halloween fun: The Harvard Coop is having Halloween stories and a costume contest on 10/25 from 1-4pm.

This classic art house theater in Harvard Square still shows the Rocky Horror Picture Show every Saturday at midnight; the film made its US debut here years ago. It was, for a time, a large theater with a single massive screen. They now have more screens and more typically mainstream movies, but also oldies and art house flicks, and the interior is still somewhat vintage and not like you would see in a more modern megaplex.

Template:Ticket Agency Advance tickets for most campus events and some non-Harvard events in the area. Plays, jazz, orchestra, a cappella—it's all here. All major credit cards accepted. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

J. August's 2 floors feature the nicer, pay-a-little-more-than-at-the-bookstore selection of Harvard and graduate school insignia, baby apparel, and school supplies. The stuffed animals wearing a “somebody at Harvard loves me” shirt make cute (and simultaneously condescending) gifts for your state school friends. 10% discount with Harvard ID. 100% discount with Porcellian Club medallion. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Template:Bookstore When you hear a literature concentrator refer to HBS, she's probably not talking about the business school but rather this heaven for bibliophiles. One of the Square's last independent holdouts, Harvard Book Store was deservedly anointed Bookseller of the Year by Publishers Weekly in 2002. This Harvard institution offers a thoughtful selection of books, from classics to gay/lesbian, chosen by a staff that actually likes to read and who can also order just about any book you need. Don't miss the used book section downstairs, where clear labeling and alphabetization makes finding bargains (30-80% off cover price) remarkably easy. Used paperbacks bought Tu-Sa 10am-4pm for 15% of the book's cover value in cash or 20% in store credit. Be sure to check the in-store bulletin or subscribe to the e-mail list for info about weekly book signings and author events, and don't forget to sign up for a frequent buyer card. AE, D, MC, V. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

The Cambridge Hong Kong is a favorite destination for college students and early 20 something's. After more than 30 years of contributing to Cambridge's late-night party scene, the party is still going. Check pretension at the door and get your game face on, because this is a party that does not stop until the last bouncer forces you out. Indulge in the Hong Kong's famous Scorpion Bowl or chug cheap beer and mixed drinks all night long. Anything will do if you want to shake it at this Harvard hotspot. Thu-Su the 3rd floor doubles as a comedy club from 8-10pm (Tu $10; W, Th, and Su $7; F-Sa $9). Bar food is served downstairs for those with the late night munchies.

Your half-closed eyes meet as the two of you are dozing off in Cabot Library easy-chairs. You get to talking. She's also been here all day. There's definitely chemistry between you. Chem 15, to be exact. Your problem set grazes her hand. She shudders and stares at you expectantly. You smile. It's time to make your move. You take her by the hand and whisk her over to the Greenhouse for a chicken burrito and a Diet Coke. For added style you grab a bag of sour-patch kids “for later.” As you slide your tray toward the cash register, she begins to look uncomfortable. Ever suave, you whip out your ID. “Put it on Crimson Cash,” you tell the checker dashingly. “No, wait. This one is special. Make it Board Plus.” This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.