Picante may not have the glitz and pseudo-Mexican ornamentation of Border Cafe, but the food is twice as authentic, the service twice as fast, and the portions twice as big. A self-proclaimed “health-conscious Mexican taqueria in the California style,” Picante delivers tasty renditions of Mexican standards in a low-key setting. Order and pay up front before picking up your over-stuffed cheese-and-bean dripping steak burrito ($6.50), chicken enchilada ($8.50), or cheese quesadilla ($3.25). Top it all off at the fresh salsa bar where you'll find 6 different salsas in varying degrees of mouth-scorching spiciness—beware of the Super Picante blend! On weekends (10am-2pm), Picante becomes a full-service restaurant for Mexican-style brunch, dishing up huevos rancheros, salsa pancakes, and the like. Also located at 217 Elm St., Somerville (Davis; 617-628-6394). Entrees $3-9. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Mass. Ave. Restaurant is every bit as no-nonsense as its name implies. The food isn't exactly gourmet, but it's easy on both your wallet and your hangover. Belly up to the counter for a cheap, filling plate of breakfast grub (pancakes $4, breakfast sandwiches $3). If brunch all day isn't your cup of tea, try one of the Tex-Mex entrees (nachos $5, enchiladas $7) or sandwich standbys (BLT $3.50). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Always crowded, always loud, and always great fun, The Plough attracts college sorts and working types alike for a good pint of British or Irish ale. A 20oz. “Imperial Pint” of Guinness is $4, a pint of Bud is $2.75. The Plough's satellite hookup allows it to show English football matches on its 2 TVs; don't be surprised to rub elbows with loud ex-pats from across the pond. Live music kicks off every night around 9pm and Sa 4-7pm, usually featuring local rock or bluegrass bands. Cover Th-Sa up to $6 once the music starts. For a complete listing of entertainment, check out their calendar.Believe it or not, it's a bistrot by day; lunch menu includes chowder ($3+) and ribs ($8). A great Central Square hangout. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Ice cream aficionados understand that Toscanini's takes its frozen confection seriously. A Cambridge favorite since 1981, it serves up some of the most unique and best-tasting flavors around. You can take home hand-packed pints for $6.25. If you'd like a one-of-a-kind ice cream, call and place your order two days in advance. Have 'Breakfast at the Big Table': a weekend brunch featuring innovative classics such as cornmeal pancakes with blueberry compote, a 'crunch' monsieur and fresh, French press coffee. Here is a sampling of recent flavors: Belgian-white chocolate swirl, White chocolate butterscotch, Malted Heath, Butter Milk, Malted Vanilla, Butter Chip, Mexican Chocolate, Mango, Burnt Caramel, Burnt Caramel Hydrox, Mocha, Lime Vanilla, Prunes Armagnac (!), Sweet Cream, Ginger Snap Molasses, Honey Almond, khulfee... Arguably offering some of the best coffee in Cambridge!

Adorable coffee shop in the heart of Cambridge, 5 minutes from Harvard Square. Excellent breakfasts and great sandwiches and salads all day. Best part of the cafe are the friendly wait-staff and relaxed environment. Great place to hang-out, bring a book and enjoy a great meal. Pies are also available for purchase.

Sidney's Grille is a unique dining experience, featuring innovative cuisine, eclectic, contemporary décor and exhibition kitchen with exposed apple wood grill.
This restaurant is located inside the Hotel@MIT Area workers swing by the bar for a $2 menu of "Small Bytes" that's served weeknights from 5pm to 8pm.

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.