The Dish
As the fall semester kicks off, check out these college bars, cafes, and restaurants. Plus some recommendations for those avoiding the student scene.
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Though I will miss the slowed-down summers of Boston — peaceful due to Cape summer-goers and university breaks — Boston comes alive in September, and it’s largely thanks to the 18-23-year-old demographic.
The students are back in town, fully moved into Allston or Mission Hill apartments, and commuting back-and-forth to classes at the city’s many universities. As someone who didn’t go to college here in Boston, I can’t imagine what that September rush must feel like for our hundreds of thousands of students, some stepping into Boston for the first time ever. So I asked one of my colleagues, Annie Jonas, who attended Boston University several years ago. Her first time in Boston was when she toured her prospective school.
“It was nerve-wracking. I was actually homesick for my first week.”
It was weeks of finding her way around both campus and town before she met her people and found her places. A lot of that happens organically, but it’s also always welcome when someone points you in the right direction.
This newsletter is dedicated to our fresh-faced residents exploring Boston for the first time. Boston may be a major city — with major city prices at restaurants and bars — but it’s also a college town with many restaurants and bars catering to student study breaks and nights out. Welcome!
And for our readers outside the higher education bubble, don’t worry: There are some great recommendations for you, too.
— Katelyn Umholtz
Where to eat and drink
This guide of student-friendly restaurants and bars is a great start for any and every student.
In need of an off-campus study spot? Try a coffee shop! Go to MIT or Harvard? I included some across-the-river options as well. And for those who can legally drink, there are bars, too.
I leaned on a few sources to put this list together: Reddit, TikTok, and our interns. And while I may be past my prime to go out on a Tam Thursday, there are some pretty solid options in this guide no matter your age or stage of life.
This food writer’s recommendations? Felipe’s for post-drinking sustenance, Shy Bird for the juiciest chicken nuggets, and Trident for a coffee and book browsing.
Touring Harvard Square
A confession: When I moved to Boston two years ago, on the leading of my list of attractions to check out was Harvard. It’s dorky to admit, but I’m a college and “Gilmore Girls” obsessed millennial, so I had to see it for myself.
This neighborhood may be constantly changing and becoming more corporate (my first time ever seeing a Capital One Cafe was in Harvard Square), but there’s still something charming about walking the square around one of America’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
I updated our Harvard Square food and drink guide for anyone who may find themselves in the area this fall — the best time to go, in my opinion. The massive salad and burger chains may be encroaching, but there are still plenty of local options to explore.
My take: I had the cutest date day with my fiancee that started with Cafe Sushi Shoten and ended with tiki drinks at Wusong Road. I even left the bar with a cat mug.
A bonus for non-students
I realize that not everyone who reads this is living in a dorm room and studying biochemistry, so I consulted with my co-workers to put together a special bonus list of spots where we go to avoid students (or possibly, where we go to still feel relevant).
From Ross Cristantiello, general assignment reporter: “Saloon in Davis is a great date night spot for cocktails and definitely not a college hangout spot.”
From Kevin Slane, culture reporter: “I feel like because the craft beer boom has come and gone, a lot of taprooms that aren’t 1) huge or 2) conveniently located by transit don’t necessarily attract the college crowd. The Notch Brewing tap room at Charles River Speedway jumps to mind.”
From Annie Jonas, community reporter: “I like Brighton Bodega because it’s in a neighborhood typically considered pretty student-heavy, but it’s just far enough off the beaten path where you won’t run into students. It feels very much like a young professional spot for folks living in Brighton.”
From Kelly Chan, digital producer: “haley.henry is more of an upscale wine bar vibe (read: not budget-friendly), which isn’t really a college student type of space. You also can’t do work there, but it’s a great place for people to grab drinks after work.”
From Heather Alterisio, senior digital producer: “The prices at Blossom Bar aren’t necessarily out of reach for a college student, but the atmosphere, albeit casual, feels just a tad more sophisticated than I would’ve preferred as an early twentysomething. With elevated comfort food and libations that truly steal the show, Blossom Bar is ideal for date nights and hanging out with friends or colleagues in a slightly more grown-up space.”
To summarize another point Heather made: Any place where you’re spending more than $20 on an entree is likely a safe space away from Boston’s college students.
For your reading list
🧾 What to know about “junk fees” (Boston Globe)
🥃 New restaurant serves pepperoni negronis (Boston Magazine)
🧀 The great parmesan cheese debate (Slate)
🥑 “Mexico City-inspired” restaurants have arrived (Eater)
For your calendar
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