For such a popular Rock nightclub, who knew that the food could be amazing? One of the top places one must go to before leaving Boston. Opened as a Lebanese restaurant in 1970, the Middle East spans three storefronts filled with throngs of patch-covered jackets and wallet chains who come to enjoy a provocative symbiosis of sensuous Middle-eastern cuisine (falafel sandwiches $3.75), belly-dancing (W), and cutting-edge modern American rock and punk acts. Featuring live bands every night, the Middle East is a major landmark on any tour of Boston's alternative music scene, with no less than 3 separate stages. Local and regional bands, including Harvard's own, play in the small upstairs area, while larger names grace the more spacious downstairs. Music ranges from ska to hip-hop, but leans in favor of experimental acts testing the limits of what can be called music. Good selection of foreign and domestic beers (bottles $3.50). Cover $8-10 upstairs, $12-25 downstairs. Check the website for a full list of musical acts. The restaurant area features acoustic performances and folk music and never charges a cover. The two eating areas inside the club provide delicious and affordable middle eastern food. For fancier edibles, check out ZuZu which is a part of the Middle East complex but has its own distinct personality. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Though perhaps somewhat steep for the budget-conscious student, Oleana is an excellent choice when parents come to town. Secluded between Central and Kendall Square, this restaurant epitomizes the truly satisfying dining experience. Everything at Oleana feels just right: the service is impeccable, the portions filling, and the food heavenly. The Mediterranean menu complements the museum mystique—you'll feel like you're eating in the middle of an Ancient Egyptian exhibit at the MFA. The appetizers include a variety of meat, fish, salads, and cheeses, including the Sultan's Delight, a delicious blend of glazed beef, eggplant, and pinenuts ($9). You may find yourself uncertain of the menu's exotic choices, such as sujuk (sausage) with sweet potato kibbeh or Jerusalem artichoke skordalia, but rest assured that each is delicious and cooked to perfection. Try the grilled lamb steak with Turkish spices ($23) or the lemon chicken ($21), each accompanied with a vegetable or cheese garnish. Make sure you leave room for dessert, a renowned restaurant specialty. The Baked Alaska ($10), an extravaganza of coconut ice cream and passion fruit caramel, tastes every bit as good as it sounds. Appetizers $8-9. Entrees $21-38. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. This place is known for having unique dishes. You will find Arabian food meshed with Mediterranean style; the restaurant is very pretty; they have a nice fireplace during the winter. The menu is quite innovative with simple, fresh ingredients presented in unique ways that always seem to work. The service is knowledgeable and acquiescent to catering dietary needs. However, the service can be bumpy and otherwise lackluster. The food makes up for the service, so don't be afraid to try this eclectic treat.

Since 2006, Rendevous has brought new and inventive North African and western Mediterranean cuisine to Central Square. Their philosophy is simple: the best ingredients make the best recipes. Using only local farmers and fisherman, chef Steve Johnson not only strives to make great food, the restaurant is all about the neighborhood as well and offers a 3 course prix fixe for $38 on Sunday nights. Also, Rendezvous was named Boston magazine's winner of the best drink menu for 2007.

It's no Franklin Café, but Mass. Ave.'s answer to Back Bay and South End neighborhood bistro-bars brings casual yet refined gourmet a bit closer to home. Despite the dim lights and soulful music, the West Side Lounge is as conducive to conversation with an old friend as it is to a romantic outing. Weeknights, the restaurant caters to a handful of older neighborhood regulars; Law School students liven up the bar on weekends. Appetizers ($4-8) include a simple but flavorful beet and goat cheese salad ($7) and a savory potato pizza ($6). Entrees ($15-18), mostly meat and seafood, are original but too often overseasoned. We recommend going next door to finish your meal with Temple Bar's famous chocolate fondue, but if you can't be bothered, West Side Lounge serves cakes, tarts, and a fantastic crème brûlée ($6). Specialty drinks, such as a peach cosmopolitan or the ginger-infused martini, run $7-8. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Cambridge Common is a fitting name for this casual restaurant/bar. Always busy, the popular pub serves up comfort food in mammoth proportions, sometimes sacrificing quality for quantity. Beyond the predictable fare of burgers, sandwiches, and quesadillas, Cambridge Common offers some surprisingly creative dishes such as “portobella pretending to be a burger,” with marinated red peppers, gorgonzola and spinach ($7). All menu items are reasonably priced ($5-13) and family friendly. Appetizers and desserts are their specialty, and favorites such as chili cheese nachos ($6) and their deluxe ice cream sandwich ($10) should not be overlooked. If you want to make a night of it, head for the bar to indulge in the 24 beers on tap. The self-proclaimed “beer geeks” at Cambridge Common offer a great rotating beer list, including delicious microbrews like Magic Hat and local lagers from the Cambridge Brewing Company (pint $2.50-4). Local musicians and artists perform nightly downstairs in the hip and ambient Lizard Lounge (Open M-W, Su 7pm-midnight, Th-Sa 7pm-1am). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.