FORC 2024: Lunch Options

Courtesy of Allison Choat (thank you!). Note that Harvard Square is roughly a 15-minute walk from the venue, we suggest that you check distances and plan accordingly.

Nearer SEAS:
Cambridge Common, 1667 Massachusetts Avenue: The closest restaurant to Maxwell-Dworkin and a perennial SEAS favorite. A very broad selection of American comfort food and internationally-inspired staples. Known for their burgers and veggie burgers, plus a wide variety of beers. Charming outdoor picnic patio near the sidewalk.
Barcelona Wine Bar, 1688 Massachusetts Avenue: Inspired Spanish-style tapas and, of course, wine. A great place to linger.

Harvard Square: Fast Casual
Felipe’s (Mexican), 21 Brattle Street: Charming and busy taqueria with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, plus a lively roof deck. 
Cava (Mediterranean), 22 Brattle Street: Mediterranean-inspired bowls and salads.
Sweetgreen, 39 John F. Kennedy Street: National chain focused on salads and grain bowls. Plenty of locally-sourced produce and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. 
Saloniki (Greek), 24 Dunster Street: A wide variety of Greek favorites, including soups, salads and gyro. Enjoy the small outdoor patio or the expansive interior.
Flour Bakery and Café, 114 Mt. Auburn Street: Delicious sandwiches and salads and nationally-renowned pastries in a cramped but charming alcove of Mt. Auburn Street. 
Also consider Cardullo’s Gourmet Shoppe, in Treats, below.

Harvard Square: Sit-Down
Tatte Bakery and Cafe, 1288 Massachusetts Avenue: Busy Lebanese- and Middle-Eastern-inspired cafe with exceptional baked goods, sandwiches and salads. Endure the line or order ahead and enjoy your meal in the restaurant’s busy downstairs or quieter second floor. Limited patio seating.
Russell House Tavern, 14 John F. Kennedy Street: New American menu options in a lively setting. Has a semi-secluded outdoor patio. 
Nubar Cambridge, 16 Garden Street: Nestled inside the Sheraton Commander Hotel, this garden-level eatery is often quiet and offers comfy flexible seating as well as traditional tables, while serving new American and internationally-inspired dishes.
Le’s Vietnamese: 35 Dunster Street/ 36 John F. Kennedy Street: Located in the “Garage” complex, Le’s is a Harvard Square staple for delicious pho, spring rolls and other Vietnamese staples.
Orinoco Harvard Square, 56 John F. Kennedy Street: Walk into what feels like a dead-end alley to explore this tucked-away gem of authentic Venezuelan flavors. Outdoor seating on a private patio, delicious seafood, and, of course, arepas.
The Painted Burro, 32 Church Street: Inventive and delicious Mexican-inspired food in a sprawling restaurant where it’s easy to relax. Try the nachos!
Alden & Harlow, 40 Brattle Street: Inventive New American food in a dim, groovy setting – like Harvest (below) it’s on the pricier side.
Harvest, 44 Brattle Street: High-end and semi-legendary Harvard eatery focusing on local New American cuisine. Private back patio is an oasis.
Toscano, 52 Brattle Street: Boston-based Italian restaurant with admirable authenticity. Fancy, with a little bit of outdoor seating. 

Harvard Square: Treats
If you have the time or the room (and the time) after lunch, these are some spots with great treats! In addition to the above-mentioned Flour and Tatte, try: 
L.A. Burdick Homemade Chocolates, 52 Brattle Street: Home of the Famous Chocolate Mice, as well as a variety of delicious homemade chocolates and single-origin chocolates. Their hot chocolate (white, milk, or dark) and “iced hot chocolate” are legendary. Worth a visit but it’s all the way across the Square, so give yourself plenty of time! 
Cardullo’s Gourmet Shoppe, 6 Brattle Street: Right in the heart of Harvard Square. Get a delicious handmade deli sandwich and enjoy it on nearby Cambridge Common, or shop for a huge variety of gourmet foods and international candies and chocolates.
Union Square Donuts, 15 John F. Kennedy Street: A Boston staple. Delicious and surprising!
Taiyaki NYC x The Dough Club: The only place I’ve seen to get fresh and uniquely Japanese baked goods in the Square. Watch as your taiyaki (warm, waffly cookie) is pressed fresh, or enjoy a gluten-free Mochi Donut.