“An unusual place for good things to eat,” claims Leo and co. The “unusual” probably refers not to how this old and unobtrusive Square establishment has managed to stick around, but rather to the beatnik 50s diner vibe permeating Leo's Place. Beyond the seats at the big picture window, complete with larger-than-life paintings of burgers and fries, you can sit at the counter that extends around the whole restaurant while perusing the pictures of past customers (including Ben Affleck and Matt Damon). From omelettes ($5+) to typical hot plates of pastrami or tuna melts ($7), all good things are served with fries and salad on the side. Dining hall closed for break? Satisfy your brunch cravings without breaking the bank; a basic fried egg sandwich starts at $2. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

The least Harvardian of the Square bars, Whitney's is for the students who want to escape and the plaid-shirt townies who can't. The uncomfortable dark barroom offers darts, golfing games, gruff company, and fine people-watching from the window seats. Bottles of Bud are $3, and if you can't hack it, a pint of "those other beers" (like Harpoon) costs $3.75. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

It's Greek, it's fast, and it's right in Harvard Square. Greek Corner has a fairly varied menu for a store of its type—you can choose from wraps for $5, salads for $4-6, or a dinner platter for $8. If you happen to detest Greek food and showed up only to gaze at the mural in the downstairs eating area, you can get a burger ($3.75) and some damn good fries ($2.25). Seating area is very limited, so plan on taking your wrap somewhere else to eat during busy times.

With its glittering vinyl and fake wood paneling, Charlie's is like a 1987 Chrysler LeBaron with a glove compartment full of cheeseburgers. Order a sweet Boston Ale with the $5 double burger special, and you'll enjoy all four food groups: meat, ketchup, fries, and beer. The upstairs, with a jukebox and multiple TV sets tracking Boston sports scores, has a great atmosphere for a casual drink or snack with roommates. No cover. Charlie's is a welcome change from the late-night Tommy's routine: the kitchen's open until last call, and the wait staff is generally friendlier. 16 beers on tap. Entrees $4-10. Beginning in the summer of 2008, Charlie's now has an official beer garden in the front of the joint stocked with 16 different kinds of beers on tap, a bar menu, and plenty of seating to take in all the local color and for people watching. Best of Boston Phoenix 2009 This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

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With its Moorish arches and darkened nooks, Algiers caters to the self-consciously intellectual graduate student crowd but is often overlooked by the awkward sophomore tutorial bunch. Too bad, because Algiers makes a far more fascinating destination for source-book reading and intimate conversation than the standing-room only conglomerate coffee shops. Breakfast ($5-9) is served all day; tasty though pricey sandwiches (try the Fried Eggplant with Summac) cost around $10 and specialty entrees like the lamb kebab go up to $16. A wide variety of teas, coffees, Italian sodas and delicious frappés ($3-5) all justify contemplating the meaning of life in the exotic atmosphere. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

For an "insiders" look at how Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts feels, frolics and feeds itself, Casablanca restaurant and bar is the place to go. Casablanca, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, is a casual, neighborhood "joint" that has grown to near-legendary status. Students and their professors, writers and their subjects, musicians and their muses all congregate at 40 Brattle Street. Casablanca offers a relaxed drinking environment with a bit more flair than other restaurants. If the exotic, Moroccan-inspired decor doesn't already remind you of the Academy Award-winning movie, then the gigantic wall mural of Bergman and Bogart probably will. Visit Casablanca and enjoy a glass of merlot with friends at one of the intimate tables. Is it the mildly exotic atmosphere? The enticing Mediterranean cuisine? The chance to tipple at the bar elbow-to-elbow with a nuclear physicist, a poet, or the next Kanye West? Who knows?

Bertucci's may not recreate a North End-like atmosphere, but its convenient location and creative, top-notch brick-oven pizzas are nothing to scoff at. To attempt authenticity, try a large neapolitan thin-crust pizza ($18, good for 2 or 3 people; fight over the olive) or sample one of the many savory, generous pasta or meat entrees. The daily express lunch (11am-3pm) is a good way to get just as much quality (as well as free salad) for much less of your time and money (all entrees $8). Finally, a word about the hot rolls that come with meals: everyone loves them. The wait can be long—especially on weekend nights—call ahead to put your name on the list. Additional locations in Boston and along the east coast. Entrees $8-18. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

When a standard slice of pie just won't cut it, your best (and only) bet for deep dish pizza in the square is Uno's. With classic American comfort food at great prices, lots of creative frozen options, and a full-service bar downstairs featuring over 24 beers on tap, it's no wonder that Uno's is a favorite late-night hangout among the college crowd. Competitive Harvardians can battle for prizes during Su Trivia Nights (8-10pm), for sore throats at M karaoke (8:30pm-12:30am), or for obesity during all-you-can-eat Tu (including pizza, pasta, and salad for only $8). Entrees $8-16. Crimson Cash accepted, so your parents will never know that you're buying booze instead of books. Other locations in Porter Square, Boston, and Allston. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

A reincarnation of the famed brunch spot UpStairs at the Pudding, UpStairs on the Square is divided into 2 main lounges. Both overlooking Withrop Square, the more casual Monday Club Bar downstairs and the sophisticatedly hushed Soiree Room upstairs are glittering and whimsical creations right out of a fairy-tale. Upstairs, nothing comes cheap: even appetizers run $12-15. Delectable menu options include rabbit two ways ($30) and Maine scallops ($28). The chocolate soufflé cake ($10) borders on a religious experience. The Monday Bar serves more traditional and wallet-friendly fare (in addition to some big screen TVs), though it's true that you get what you pay for. They both share the same pastry chef, though, so don't forget dessert downstairs. UpStairs complements its thesis-length wine list with a wide range of beers ($5.50+) and cocktails ($9.50+). Reservations are highly recommended. Afternoon tea: served from 3 til 5 pm, Thursday to Saturday and consists of a tea of your choice plus savories and sweets. As of May 2007 it costs $25 (add $7 for a glass of bubbly). The tea is poured from antique silver teapots and the food, served on a three-tiered silver stand, is a break from the norm with alternative breads like focaccia featuring highly and a prominent role for bacon-wrapped dates ('devils on horseback'). Interestingly, for $18 you can instead get a peppermint afternoon tea - mint tea, mint chocolate, mint parfait and mint brownie. Go here to impress a date. It'll make you look cultured without making making you feel stuffed up. Tea treats rotate on different days, which is nice. They are also flexible with changing the food to leave out something you don't like, say if you want more sweets than savouries or go vegetarian. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.