Harvard Square will always be there for me, like a book page I know by heart.
But this semester, I found myself wanting something outside of the usual loop of cafes and quick bites I’ve become familiar with. I began wandering outside the Harvard bubble and found meals that felt comforting and exciting.
These are the off-campus eats that ended up getting me through this semester:
1) Brooklyn Bagel Factory
The bagels here are amazing, but the sandwiches are what really won me over. They have your classic Lox Bagel and Bacon, Egg, & Cheese as well as vegetarian and vegan options. It’s a 20-minute walk from the Yard, and the walk is actually pretty nice (plus you get your steps in).
2) Café Mami
Café Mami is also a 20-minute walk from the yard, even closer if you’re in the Quad. The place feels very cozy and the portion sizes are good for the price—most dishes come with miso soup and rice!
3) Claypot Cafe Allston
This was actually a last-minute dinner decision with my roommate, and it ended up being such a good call. I recommend any of their Claypot Rice; the rice comes out hot and crispy, and the whole dish is very comforting.
4) Maguro
Maguro is a bit further out, but it's definitely worth the trip. They have a ton of menu options to choose from, and they’re all consistently well-made. The interior is nicely decorated, which makes the space feel comfortable and inviting.
5) Malatown
I love soup, so Malatown was an easy favorite for me this semester (and all my semesters, honestly). You build your soup or dry pot from a bunch of options–veggies, noodles, proteins– and choose your own broth and spice level. Every bowl feels warm and very satisfying. Highly recommend, especially now that we’re approaching those cold winter months.
