1369 Coffeehouse

1369 Cambridge St, Inman Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 617-576-1369

Description: CAMBRIDGE. This trendy little coffee house attracts an artsy, eclectic crowd who come to enjoy coffee or tea on a work break or with friends in the morning or evening. 1369 also offers a menu of light fare, including soups, sandwiches, and scones. A perfect place for quiet conversation and catching up with an old friend or for an intimate chat with someone special. Get there early to catch a table, which fill up with students and laptops.
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Beacon Hill Bistro

25 Charles St, Beacon Hill Hotel, Boston, MA 02114 617-723-1133

Description: BEACON HILL. Thanks to mahogany paneling, mosaic-tiled floors, and soft lighting, this hotel bistro is a lovely spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The food is just as enticing. Notable menu entrees include braised monkfish, baked clams with artichokes, veal shank with roesti potatoes, and roasted duck breast with rillettes. Be sure to check out the chalkboard for daily chef specialties too. Since meals are served until 11pm, the bistro is a great post-theater or symphony stop. A weekend brunch is also served.
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Brasserie Jo

120 Huntington Ave, Colonnade Boston Hotel, Boston, MA 02116 617-424-7000

Description: BACK BAY. Enjoy a French meal without ever leaving Boston ­ Brasserie Jo transports you to Alsace, France, with the very first bite. The menu focuses on "les fruits de mer" (seafood) and includes clams, shrimp, and lobster. Additional entrees include filet of skate, mussels Riesling, and sautéed sea scallops. Of course, landlubbers can enjoy classic dishes such as steak, chicken, and lamb. Nice wine list. Outdoor sidewalk dining available.
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Carberry's Bakery & Coffee House

74 Prospect St, Cambridge, MA 02139 617-576-3530

Description: CAMBRIDGE. Just down Prospect Street from Central Square, this neighborhood coffee shop is perfect for a quick cup of Joe or a leisurely light lunch. Serving from the early AM, Carberry's coffee is excellent as is the variety of fresh baked pastries and tarts they offer. Try a ham and cheese croissant at breakfast, or for an afternoon fix indulge in one of their oversized peanut butter cookies or rich fudge brownies.
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Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe

429 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116 617-536-7669

Description: SOUTH END. Billed by some as a "greasy spoon," Charlie's is proud of this title and lives up to it by regularly serving guests the finest in home-cooked breakfasts and lunches. It's hard to beat the comfort food that comes from this kitchen, in business since 1927. Try the turkey hash and eggs for breakfast or the meatloaf for lunch. You're sure to walk away making a mental note to come back soon. Seats are available at the bar or around communal tables-but don't worry everybody's friendly at Charlie's. Takeout available. Cash only policy. Casual dress.
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Chau Chow City

83 Essex St, Boston, MA 02111 617-338-8158

Description: CHINATOWN. Chau Chow City is just the sort of place you'd expect to find in Chinatown, and its fine reputation is recognized by business types, in-the-know tourists, and neighborhood locals alike. The basic decor is completely overshadowed by traditional Chinese dishes of shrimp, pork, and chicken. Lobster dumplings and rice crepes packed with shrimp also draw raves. Plus, according to regulars, Chau Chow's dim sum can hold its own against anyone else's in the city.
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Clio

370 Commonwealth Ave, The Eliot Hotel, Boston, MA 02215 617-536-7200

Description: BACK BAY. A unique interior of leopard prints and earth tones immediately catches your eye when you step inside Clio. The menu also calls for attention, as you'll see with one bite. Start out with one of Clio's signature items ­ Jerusalem artichoke soup ­ and then try lobster, caramelized swordfish, or venison. The wine list is extensive and includes red, white, and sparkling vintages. The chef also offers a much-recommended tasting menu nightly.
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Espresso Royale Caffé

286 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115 617-859-9515

Description: BACK BAY. This busy little coffee shop's funky interior features painted tables and walls of exposed brick juxtaposed with others painted psychedelic green. The large selection of coffees and teas goes nicely with the menu's list of scones, bagels and croissants. Freshly squeezed orange juice and lemonade are available as well. Plus, two tables accommodate outdoor seating in a small garden area.
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Henrietta's Table

1 Bennett St, The Charles Hotel, Cambridge, MA 02138 617-661-5005

Description: CAMBRIDGE. This eclectic restaurant, located in the elegant Charles Hotel, emphasizes New England-inspired dishes, and the use of fresh local ingredients has become one of Henrietta's most enduring qualities. That said, their Sunday brunch buffets have garnered numerous awards over the years, thanks no doubt to the omelet, carving and grilled vegetable stations. Farmhouse-chic decor distinguishes the interior, and sidewalk seating is available, weather permitting. A three-course, à la carte brunch is featured on Saturdays.
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Hi ­ Rise Bread Co.

56 Brattle St, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA 02138 617-492-3003

Description: CAMBRIDGE. This Harvard Square bakery turns out some of the best homemade breads in all of Boston. They often incorporate dried fruits, nuts, grains, orange zest, and fragrant spices and are as beautiful as they are tasty. Regulars stop by often to grab a gourmet sandwich for lunch or a sweet pick-me-up during the mid-afternoon lull. Hi-Rise does both exceptionally well. Just be prepared to pay for your indulgence since prices can be a bit steep.
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L.A. Burdick Chocolate Shop & Cafe

52-D Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138 617-491-4340

Description: CAMBRIDGE. For those living or visiting Harvard Square, this is a must. Known for their amazing hot chocolate, L.A. Burdick also offers rich desserts and sweets like their signature chocolate mice. A popular spot for young and old alike. Great treats to enjoy in the cafe or take home with you after a night on the town.
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Morton's, The Steakhouse

699 Boylston St, One Exeter Plaza, Boston, MA 02116 617-266-5858

Description: BACK BAY. Morton's, the upscale chain steakhouse, serves a lot more than just American Angus. Masculine decor and classy atmosphere reign, and the friendly waitstaff present dinner selections on a cart of options, knowledgeably explaining each dish. Favorite entrées include blackened swordfish, fresh Maine lobster, and, of course, the 24-ounce porterhouse.
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Oak Room

138 St. James Ave, Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston, MA 02116 617-267-5300

Description: BACK BAY. The Oak Room, located in the Fairmont Copley Plaza, is considered one of Boston's finest steak houses. The menu boasts a wealth of steak, lamb, and pork entrees, along with an extensive seafood selection. Try delicately fried calamari, zesty crab cakes, or smooth lobster bisque for an appetizer. Then, opt for a thick steak or savory roast chicken for a main course. Finish things off with a slice of Boston crème pie, and your experience will be golden! The rich interior features green, gold, and burgundy fabrics and wood accents.
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Panificio

144 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114 617-227-4340

Description: BEACON HILL. Delicate pastries and tasty Italian sandwiches, pastas and pizzas make this cafe a desirable spot to fuel up any time of day.
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S & S Restaurant

1334 Cambridge St, Inman Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 617-354-0777

Description: CAMBRIDGE. A popular Cambridge landmark, S&S Restaurant serves breakfast all day long and at reasonable prices too. Choose from a selection of bagels, pancakes, egg dishes, omelets, and other must-have breakfast items. If you come by later in the day, don't miss their famous desserts (cakes, cheesecakes, and ice cream pies!). The casual, pleasant interior features large windows along the walls and light wood accents, which impart a slightly modern tone.
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Sound Bites Cafe

704 Broadway, Ball Square, Somerville, MA 02144 617-623-8338

Description: SOMERVILLE. All those die-hard regulars can't be wrong, can they? In the case of Somerville's Sound Bites, the answer to that question is a resounding "No!" Breakfast is served until 3pm each day here, and folks clamor over one another for a chance to dig into challah French toast, waffles smothered in sweet maple syrup, or to-order omelets. And, if you find you're not in the mood for one of those at lunch time, their burgers, sandwiches and Middle Eastern plates are tasty enough options.
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Tealuxe

9 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138 617-441-0077

Description: HARVARD SQUARE. Diminutive Tealuxe offers limited seating in a quaint atmosphere and is ideal if you want time to yourself or with a good friend. An extensive list of teas and coffees provides something for everyone, and scones, pastries, and cookies offer a bit of solid sustenance. Jazz music playing softly in the background prompts customers to relax, and the gift shop sells accoutrements to help with hosting your own tea party.
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The Bristol

200 Boylston St, Four Seasons Hotel Boston, Boston, MA 02116 617-338-4400

Description: BACK BAY. Stop by The Bristol after a long day and relax in its charming restaurant. Late afternoon tea is a specialty, but dinner is also wonderful. Entrees include everything from an eight ounce Sirloin burger to Lobster Caesar salads. Great views of the Public Garden peek just beyond the eatery's walls. Perfectly polished surfaces, warm colors, and high ceilings lend an air of elegance to this local favorite.
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Trident Booksellers & Café

338 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115 617-267-8688

Description: BACK BAY. Trident Cafe is a quick, delicious stop for breakfast. You can order coffee, tea, or juice with such delightful entrees as eggs benedict or malted Belgian waffles. If you're looking for food on the run, they sell bagels, muffins, toast, and English muffins. Before or after dining, browse the bookshelves or the collections of music and local artwork. Be sure to come back for tempting lunch or dinner items too.
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Zaftigs Delicatessen

335 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446 617-975-0075

Description: BROOKLINE. In the heart of Brookline's Coolidge Corner, this neighborhood eatery stands out as one of the best. If you're in the mood for good eats, breakfast (served all day) will hit the spot. Try standards like challah French toast with a side of homemade turkey sausage or a Macintosh apple and Vermont cheddar omelet. Zaftigs also serves gigantic sandwiches at lunch and more traditional fare like turkey pot pie at dinner. It's a favorite haunt of the political elite, and US Senator Ted Kennedy was spotted here on more than one occasion.
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