By Stella Tirone By Stella Tirone | March 27, 2024 | Lifestyle, Feature, Guide, Travel, Guides,
Centered around one of the country’s most prestigious universities, Harvard Square is a quintessential combination of old New England academia and new-age creativity, making it an ideal place to spend a day or two.
THE HOURLY OYSTER HOUSE
This Harvard Square eatery is rooted in storied New England history and blended seamlessly with contemporary nuances for a charming neighborhood experience. Choose from eight different types of oysters and enjoy them on the half shell in a dark leather booth––or sip on one of The Hourly’s creative cocktails like the “Divine Nonchalance” or “Sister Golden Hair” at the bar with subway-tile backsplash and gleaming gold accents. 15 Dunster St., thehourlycambridge.com
THE PAINTED BURRO
Offering lunch, dinner and bottomless weekend brunch, The Painted Burro is a lively locale for succulent birria tacos, huevos rancheros or chicken and waffles smothered in chorizo gravy. Feeling thirsty? Wash it all down with a guava peach or matcha coconut margarita. 32 Church St., thepaintedburro.com/harvard-square
HARVEST
Though a lovely spot all year long, Harvest shines in the warmer months when patrons can gather on the twinkle-light-illuminated back patio clad with rustic wicker chairs. The menu––featuring classic dishes with a bit of twist and a unique emphasis on New England farmers and purveyors––certainly matches the setting. 44 Brattle St., harvestcambridge.com
ZINNEKEN’S
Did you know that a little piece of Europe is nestled in the heart of the Square? Zinneken’s authentic Belgian waffles with a plethora of tasty toppings are perfect for a celebratory breakfast or as a sweet treat after a savory dinner. 1154 Massachusetts Ave., zinnekenswaffles.com
FORAGE
A self-proclaimed neighborhood bistro–– “nothing fancy, nothing fussy”––Forage boasts a simple yet unique menu. Nosh on the leafy greens with salt roast sunchokes, toasted sunflower seeds, rhubarb white fig preserves and sunflower vinaigrette or the onglet steak accompanied by lacto mashed potatoes, grilled onions, reading and green garlic gougere and blood orange gastrique. Don’t forget to add a honey-cured egg yolk to any dish. 5 Craigie Circle, foragecambridge.com
MOËCA
A partner of small boat fishermen all around the world, Moëca is Harvard Square’s newest seafood restaurant, drawing heavily on flavors from Italy, the Mediterranean and beyond. A menu highlight? Moëca’s selection of creative desserts like the smoked vanilla mascarpone gelato with spicy caramel popcorn, the dark chocolate gelato with caramel chocolate popcorn and fudge sauce and the brown sugar gelato with cuccidati stuffed cookie and orange meringue. 1 Shepard St., moecarestaurant.com
THE HOTEL VERITAS
Just a stone’s throw from the Harvard Campus, what luxury The Hotel Veritas offers in location it matches in amenities. Rich textiles, sun-soaked rooms and glowing fireplaces make this an ideal spot to spend a weekend enjoying the quaint neighborhood. 1 Remington St., thehotelveritas.com
THE CHARLES HOTEL
Artsy and academic in style, The Charles Hotel, designed by Bill Rooney, boasts eclectic art, floor-to-ceiling shelves teeming with books, midcentury modern furniture and leather accents. And during your stay, be sure to stop into Bar Enza for Italian-inspired sips and bites. 1 Bennett St., charleshotel.com
HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Harvard offers endless opportunities for activities, from exploring the mineral collection at the Natural History Museum and viewing one of the university’s three art museums to simply wandering the winding paths of the beautiful campus. harvard.edu
THE SINCLAIR
A spirited venue hosting acts like Stolen Gin, Young Fathers, Slothrust and Alice Merton, The Sinclair is an alternative music lovers’ dream. 52 Church is the venue’s restaurant, which features a bar and outdoor patio that is home to weekly dance nights. 52 Church St., sinclaircambridge.com
THE BRATTLE
Let’s have a movie night! Operated by the nonprofit Brattle Film Foundation since 2001, The Brattle shows the best in foreign, cutting-edge, classic and art-house films. 40 Brattle St., brattlefilm.org
MOUNT AUBURN CEMETERY
With spring just around the corner, it’s prime time to visit this peaceful cemetery. Stroll through Mount Auburn and take in sights of stone structures like the chapel nestled among curated flora and fauna. 580 Mount Auburn St., mountauburn.org
FORTY WINKS
Whether your priority for intimates is comfort or something sexy, Forty Winks has something for everyone from brands like Hanky Panky, Simone Perele, Love and Swans, Commando and Fleur du Mal. 56 John F. Kennedy St., shopfortywinks.com
THE ANDOVER SHOP
Since 1948, The Andover Shop has been a menswear institution specializing in made-to-measure, one-of-a-kind pieces for the snazziest of dressers. Think linen, wool, silk, suede and leather in herringbone, windowpane, houndstooth, gingham and more. 22 Holyoke St., theandovershop.com
CRUSH BOUTIQUE
Go back to basics with Lila P crewneck tees and tanks and timeless AGOLDE denim, or prep for summer vacays with floral sundresses from Oliphant or vibrant, silky sets from Misa. 138 Charles St., shopcrushboutique.com
NOMAD
From vintage furniture and rare antiques to handcrafted jewelry, clothing derived from natural materials and everything in between, Nomad is truly a carefully curated one-stop-shop. 1771 Massachusetts Ave., nomadcambridge.com
HARVARD BOOKSTORE
Shop for gifts, flip through books or attend signings and other events for notables like business professor Michael Norton or obstetrician Dr. Sharon Malone, all organized by the Harvard Bookstore. 1256 Massachusetts Ave., harvard.com
THE LONGFELLOW BAR
Exposed brick, a curved marble bar and low lighting make The Longfellow a moody haunt for craft cocktails. Try the Blank Space with mezcal, dandelion, Pamplemousse, rose, tart cherry, aloe vera, dry vermouth, agave, lime and egg white or Video Games with peanut-washed Armagnac, grape demerara and whiskey barrel bitters. 40 Brattle St., longfellowharvard.com
NOIR
Located in The Charles Hotel, Noir is an easy stop for late-night bar bites from the house charcuterie and painted burrata to the duck confit flatbread and croque monsieur on sourdough. Plus, find night-cap pairings in Noir’s extensive beer, wine and spirit collection. 1 Bennett St., noir-bar.com
Photography by: Courtesy of Brand; Sarah Addi; Courtesy of Brand; Barry Grossman; Courtesy of Brand; Courtesy of Brand; Kristin Teig