This sunny gift shop is a great place to buy a present for that difficult-to-shop-for someone. The store offers an array of housewarming gifts, collectibles, and knickknacks, many with a Boston theme. Read more.
Everything in the store has a purpose, albeit not always readily apparent (needle threader, anyone?). Make sure to budget time for this place, as it’s impossible to see everything at first glance. Read more.
You won’t find any novelty items or brand names here, but you may find beautiful hand-woven silk scarfs, handmade brass earrings, or vintage cuff links and pottery. Read more.
A small private park surrounded by the most elegant townhouses in Boston. Look for 19 Louisburg, home to Senator John Kerry, and 10 Louisburg, where Louisa May Alcott resided until her death. Read more.
Known for its weekend brunch. Try the French toast made with homemade apple cinnamon raisin bread, or one of their frittatas, open-faced omelets with sautéed vegetables and mozzarella. Read more.
An affordable eatery known mainly for its breakfasts: a line forms almost immediately on weekend mornings. Grab a tray and wait in line for the restaurant’s Spanish omelet or famous pancakes. Read more.
This pub, located in the shadow of the State House, was originally built in 1899 as a luxury hotel. It's rumored to have been a favorite haunt of JFK, who allegedly wrote speeches by the fireplace. Read more.
Grolier is the oldest continuous poetry bookshop in America. Established in 1927, this nook stocks over 15,000 volumes devoted to poetry, prosody, poetry markets, & spoken word CDs. Read more.
This live music venue/restaurant has helped to revive Harvard Square’s nightlife scene. The space can seat 500, but has an intimate feel. Best of all, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Read more.
Try a MEM loose-leaf tea served in a cast iron teapot, paired with the “hummer” breakfast sandwich, hummus, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, lettuce, and red onion, a healthy breakfast all for under $10. Read more.
The cakes, pies, cookies, breads, pastries, and muffins are baked in-house daily. There is a huge assortment of ethnic treats, ranging from Brazilian and Italian pastries to Jewish sweets. Read more.
3 Scoops has over 50 different flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and nondairy frozen items. All products are handmade and organic, with ingredients from local farmers. Read more.
The Mediterranean-inspired menu offers great breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. If you just want something sweet, stop by for tarts, mousse tortes, gelato, handmade chocolate, cookies, or baklava. Read more.
This eclectic shop is brimming with pictures, posters, books, kitchenware, small dolls, and sculptures, perfect if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift. Read more.
"A great place to take a ride on your bike or go for a stroll. Fishing is available for those with a MA fishing license, and sailboats and rowboats are available for hourly rent in the summer months." Read more.
For a wide variety of second hand clothing and the satisfaction of helping a good cause, shop at Boomerangs. All sales benefit the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. Read more.
A JP institution, Centre Street Cafe has a line out the door every weekend during brunch hours. Dinner is quieter (no cells allowed), but the food is just as delicious and creative. Read more.
A welcoming atmosphere and a seasonally-changing menu are both great features of Ten Tables. The also serve wines from vineyards that practice organic or biodynamic winemaking, and unique cocktails Read more.
With an emphasis on local meats and fish, Tres Gatos is based on the belief that “sharing good food, music, and books is essential to a happy life.” Read more.
Monumental Cupcakes offers some of the most scrumptious cupcakes in town. The inventive flavors change daily, but classics like red velvet are mouthwatering fixtures, as are the shop’s vegan options. Read more.
This sleek café, which resembles a renovated warehouse, offers ample space to enjoy a cappuccino, pastry, artisan sandwich or ice cream from Cambridge-based Christina’s Homemade Ice Cream. Read more.
"Pastry heaven" is what one devoted fan calls Canto 6. Of special note are the cannelés, small confections with a crème brûlée–like outer shell and a deep vanilla custard inside. Read more.
Bella Luna is a great place for pizza, calzones, and live music! It's one of the neighborhood's most popular destinations for good reason. If you don't want to wait for a table, they offer take out! Read more.
Fair trade coffee, loose leaf tea, and a variety of pastries and salads are all tasty treats at Ula Cafe. Read more.
This small gem of a gift shop offers a small, but select choice of clothing, handbags, jewelry, kitchen appliances, paper supplies, and other housewares. It’s the perfect place to find a quirky gift! Read more.
7 Pond is designed for people who want get a great cup of coffee on the go. The knowledgeable & friendly baristas specialize in made-to-order “pour-over” coffees made from single-source beans. Read more.
A women's clothing store with items from all price ranges. A good place to go whether you're looking for a t-shirt or a cocktail dress! Read more.
On Thursday afternoons from mid-June through the October, this nonprofit farmers market offers a huge selection of local produce (much of it organic), eggs, ice cream, baked goods—even fresh seafood. Read more.
An affordable, modern food selection. Also has a wine list and extensive cocktail selection, even for brunch! Read more.
Whether you want to create your own piece, find a gift for a friend, or get your favorite fixed, the Pear Tree is the place to go. Plus they offer classes to make your own professional-quality jewelry Read more.
Wash down your Southern-style comfort food with one of this gastrolounge's many varieties of craft beers or choose from over 120 different types of scotch and bourbon. Read more.
This café offers fair trade coffee and snacks, but the real appeal is its massive board game library. The first board game café to hit Boston, Knight Moves offers more than 300 games to choose from. Read more.
