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.

Generous and delicious gourmet sandwiches prepared by friendly staff while you wait. One is easily large enough to split with your little sister. Boursin, smoked turkey, remoulade, roast beef, chicken parm, and fancy tuna and artichoke sandwiches on fresh-baked focaccia, whole wheat, rye, or white bread are some of the tempting choices ($4.50-6). A variety of fabulous veggie sandwiches will delight even the pickiest of vegetarians (all under $5). Fresh pastas, salads, and pasta salads round out the menu ($4-6). Limited and uninspiring seating; you may prefer to take out. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Executive Chef Wali Ahmad, popular star of the acclaimed Indian TV show "Khana Khazana" ("Food Treasures"), chose a simple, subterranean Harvard Square dining room as the ideal site for introducing his unique offerings to American palates. Located in the heart of Harvard Square, Tamarind Bay offers eclectic yet authentic Indian cooking. Started in 2004, Tamarind Bay combines the knowledge, ambition and traditions of the owners BS Ajai Kumar and Vikas Kapoor and introduces guests to variation of Indian cuisine in a sophisticated yet intimate setting. "Spice of the Month" dinners are held the second Monday of every month. The dinners include a prix-fixe menu, cooking demonstrations and an informative discussion.

] Although they're named after a Korean dynasty, Shilla's cuisine isn't quite fit for a king. While the convenient location in the basement of the Staples building may outweigh its veritable lack of atmosphere, it doesn't make up for the mediocre sushi—stick to their Korean specialties to get your money's worth. Shilla's huge menu gives you lots of choices but few standouts: sample one of the unusual appetizers ($5-12) before starting in on any one of their more traditional main courses. Vegetarian entrees are a plenty, with offerings such as tofu bibim-bap ($12) and vegetable chapchae ($11). “Big bowl specials,” hot pot dinners, meat entrees, noodle dishes, seafood dinners, and sushi complete the menu (entrees $11-20, sushi $3-6 per 2-piece order). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

The Wagamama concept is modeled on the Ramen shops popular in Japan for over 200 years. Ramen are chinese-style thread noodles, served in soups with delicious toppings or griddle-cooked (teppan-fried). Wagamama has also a variety of side dishes including meat and vegetable dumplings, skewered chicken, deep-fried prawns and raw salads. You can enjoy a meal and drink for under $10 per head. Another branch is in Fanueil Hall.

Sabra's friendly Lebanese staff serves up some of the tastiest Middle Eastern food in the Square. You can get a full healthy meal, packed with vegetables, for around $5. Zesty fillers, from hummus and stuffed grape leaves to lamb or chicken, are available either as “Bazooka Rollers” wrapped up in a large pita ($5-6), or as “plates” served with rice and salad. The shawarma ($7) is a real standout, as is the spinach pie ($3). With only a few formica tables, Sabra is best for take-out, but grab some super sweet baklava ($1.75) before you go. Sandwiches $4-6; plates $4.50-8.50. Very vegetarian friendly. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

In the Square's wide selection of Indian restaurants, Tanjore makes its mark with regional specialties. With a longer, more varied menu than your run of the mill Indian restaurant, you're not going to get just a colored chicken curry. This “temple of food” is a vegetarian's delight. The navratan tikka masala ($10) is a lighter, vegetarian version of the ol' standby chicken tikka masala ($11). Come for the plentiful lunch buffet ($7.50), and you'll understand why their motto is “eat at Tanjore and add some spice to your life.” Everything is always fresh, even for the buffet. Have the mango lassi ($3.50) to cool your palate after all that spice. Appetizers $4-9. Entrees $11-14. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Veggie Planet is good for you, politically correct, and delicious into the bargain. Located in Club Passim, this small restaurant has an upbeat bohemian-meets-treehugger feel and a waitstaff to match. When things get busy in the club, service can be a little slow, but the creative, extremely tasty vegetarian food redeems all. The pizzas (half $6, full $10-11) are made on an irregular, robust dough, or can be served on rice as an alternative. All feature premium ingredients like portobella mushrooms, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil. Named for the owner's pizza-loving cat, the “Lunch/Dinner for Henry” is a heavenly combination of butternut squash, caramelized onions, and goat cheese. Vegans can also request tofu cheeses and milk-free ingredients. Follow up your meal with one of the unpretentious, homey desserts, which change regularly and are posted on the chalkboard. Live music from the club next door accompanies Sunday brunch (11am-3pm), which serves old favorites like pecan sticky buns and waffles ($7). Takeout is available, but the pizza dough is best fresh from the oven and it would be a crime to let it get cold and soggy en route. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Imagine Spice, add pictures to the menu, and you've got 9 Tastes. Nearly identical in choice, price, and quality to big sister Spice, 9 Tastes serves the Thai restaurant's extensive array of both standard and creative meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Nibble on beef satay or Khao Tang Na Tang (puffed rice cake crackers with shrimp and chicken dip, $6) before diving into your drunken noodles ($10) or mango curry ($12). Spice your meal how you see fit; however, don't miss regional options like the Kha Pla ($13), a “new adventure from Northeastern Thailand” or the conventionally delicious Pad Thai ($7). Delivery in limited area 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm everyday. $2.00 charge for delivery. Minimum order $10.00. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

This stylish retro style restaurant, is great for a variety of things but primarily breakfast. Located in what was once Johnny's, this cool little stop is great on a weekend and has fantastic entrees and salads as well. They have over 50 flavors of frappes. Breakfast highlights include sweet potato pancackes, waffles, smoothies, and tasty sausage. (chicken or pork)