Cambridge’s Central Square experienced a renaissance early in this century and today the diverse neighborhood has a range of trendy cafés and nightclubs, as well as several technology start-ups. Photos by BU Photography

Food

Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: Central Square

A guide to eating, shopping, and hanging out in Cambridge’s other square

Long overshadowed by its glitzier and more affluent neighbor Harvard Square, Cambridge’s Central Square is a diverse neighborhood with an eclectic array of ethnic eateries and retail shops, as well as upscale restaurants and bars. Nearly demolished during the 1950s—officials planned to build an eight-lane highway directly through it—Central Square was spared, only to suffer from increasing crime and general decay through the 1970s and 1980s.

But the neighborhood experienced a renaissance and today boasts a range of trendy cafés and nightclubs, as well as a growing number of technology start-ups. Still, Central Square retains a certain grittiness that lends it an air of unpolished authenticity—precisely what makes it so appealing.

Roxy’s Grilled Cheese and Burgers
292 Massachusetts Ave.

This classic grilled cheese and burger joint began with a food truck and now has brick-and-mortar locations in Central Square and Allston. The menu is packed with flavorful grilled cheese combos like The Central (with roasted cremini mushrooms, sundried tomato, and homemade basil pesto) and The Southern (with BBQ braised pork shoulder and Grillo’s Pickles). Roxy’s also offers classic burgers (including veggie), fried chicken, and sides like poutine and a classic tomato soup. And Roxy’s signature shakes are worth every calorie. Note: the restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Naco Taco
297 Massachusetts Ave.

Naco’s menu is chock-full of inventive tacos and tortas (Mexican sandwiches on pressed telera bread). Diners can choose from a variety of taco fillings—from braised pork with chile de árbol, cilantro crema, and pickled onion to fried shrimp with spicy cabbage slaw, chipotle aioli, and cilantro. Tortas have equally creative fillings, like chili braised beef brisket with arugula, Oaxaca cheese, guajillo mustard, and pickled jalapeño, or crispy tilapia with spicy cabbage slaw, tomato, pickled jalapeño, and cilantro mayo. In warmer months, the large outdoor patio draws a lively crowd. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Miracle of Science Bar + Grill
321 Massachusetts Ave.

This geek-chic bar’s claim to fame rests on its periodic table chalkboard menu on the wall behind the bar, giving it a quirky charm. Menu items are color coded into six groups—on a bun, quesadillas, appetizers, desserts, skewers, and more—and organized as if on a true periodic table. The rotating beer list features local favorites and smaller community brews. The place draws a crowd of computer wonks, scientists, and artists.

New City Microcreamery
403 Massachusetts Ave.

Voted in the past as the best ice cream in Massachusetts by MassLive, New City Microcreamery uses a liquid nitrogen technique to create smaller ice crystals than normal ice cream, producing the smooth texture they’ve come to be known for. The shop has classic flavors, like vanilla and cookies and cream, along with more adventurous options, such as cherry chocolate truffle. Try the chipotle mezcal (sweet cream ice cream with chipotle peppers, spices, and smoky mezcal) or Java the Heath (French roast coffee ice cream studded with pieces of Heath Bar candy). Or create your own ice cream with custom gravies (sauces) and funks (fun toppings). The shop also serves vegan options, including lime avocado coconut and berry sorbet. Sundaes and milkshakes are available, as well.

Mariposa Bakery
424 Massachusetts Ave.

At Mariposa, everything’s homemade: soups, baked goods, and breads. Besides the wide selection of homemade products—be sure to try one of the signature pretzel rolls—you can also sip direct trade coffee and organic teas. The avocado banh mi is a creative take on the classic Vietnamese sandwich, made with greens, tomato, cucumber, pickled daikon, and carrot and lime garlic cilantro vinaigrette, on your choice of bread. And the scones—which range from a classic orange and currant to more adventurous combinations, like kale and parmesan or blackberry lime—are not to be missed.

Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar
425 Massachusetts Ave.

Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar, which has several locations in and around Boston, recently opened this outpost in Central Square. The menu includes a number of creative coffee items, from a maple soy latte to iced Hanoi, a Vietnamese-style iced coffee. You’ll also find hot teas, boba and bubble teas, Frosticcinos (essentially a milkshake with espresso), smoothies, ciders, juices, and even martinis on the menu. You can also order a range of Mediterranean pastries, cake cups, sandwiches, donuts, pizza bagels, and puddings. Jaho’s motto is to “live slow,” and the cozy atmosphere with mood lighting, wooden floors, and dark walls provides the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Si Cara
425 Massachusetts Ave.

This neighborhood pizza bar specializes in freshly made gourmet pizzas. Inspired by traditional Italian Sunday family dinners, Si Cara is all about bringing people together. The menu includes a range of appetizers, like garlic bread and fried mozzarella, a variety of salads, sandwiches, and two different options for pizza: pan or classic. The pan pizzas include classics like pepperoni and more innovative options, like broccoli, ricotta, and lemon. Si Cara’s classic pizza is served canotto-style, marked by a puffy, airy crust. Try the Squash Blossom (with zucchini, roasted garlic, speck, and scallion oil) or the lamb sausage (with fresh lamb, pepper, chickpea chili crisp, and ricotta salata).

La Fabrica Central
450 Massachusetts Ave.

La Fabrica Central boasts an impressive range of Spanish Caribbean cuisine from Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. You’ll find familiar Caribbean appetizers, like empanadas, tostones, and chicharrón. The Latin sushi rolls are made using Japanese techniques and with Latin ingredients to create unique fusion dishes, like the platano roll (wrapped sweet plantain, shrimp, salmon, and cream cheese, topped with crab salad). Every dish is special, but the mofongo—which uses fried plantains as the main ingredient—is a real standout. There’s also a “SuViche” bar, a nod to Peruvian cuisine. At the bar, you’ll find an extensive selection of rum, along with wine, beer, and Caribbean cocktails. Live Latin music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays adds energy to the fun atmosphere. And, on Friday and Saturday nights, La Fabrica Central hosts a nightclub featuring live DJs in the basement where customers can dance the night away.

Central Square Theater
450 Massachusetts Ave.

Established in 2008, Central Square Theater (CST) bills itself as the Greater Boston area’s oldest female-led theater organization. The theater hosts two distinctive and award-winning professional companies under one roof: the Nora Theatre Company, specializing in contemporary plays, and Underground Railway Theater (URT), dedicated to creating performances rich in social content. Both companies date back decades (Nora to 1987, URT to 1988), but growing audiences and high production space costs prodded the move to this joint home. In addition to performances, URT runs acting classes for children ages 7 to 13 and youth ages 13 to 25, artist-in-residence programs, and workshops for schools, museums, and cultural groups. CST has also paired with MIT on Catalyst Collaborative at MIT, one of the only nationwide partnerships between a world-class research institute and a theater. Be sure to check out CST’s special student discounts.

Veggie Galaxy
450 Massachusetts Ave.

With booths, counters, and stools, Veggie Galaxy has the feel of a classic diner. It also has a classic diner menu—omelets, pancakes, fries, burgers, sandwiches, and pies galore—but with a twist. As its name suggests, you won’t find a traditional club sandwich with bacon, a tuna melt, or a beef hamburger here. What you will find is baked mac and cheese (with diced seitan, caramelized onion, broccoli, peas, and tomato, topped with an herbed panko crust), a portobello patty melt, a sweet potato black bean burger, and a club sandwich made with grilled tempeh bacon, smoked tofu, fresh tomato, romaine, red onion, basil pesto, and roasted garlic mayo. The restaurant also offers oodles of vegan options (vegan cheese can be substituted) and has an in-house vegan bakery. And, in the spirit of all great American diners, breakfast is served all day.

The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub
472–480 Massachusetts Ave.

Opened in 1970 as a Lebanese restaurant, the Middle East and Restaurant and Nightclub offers first-rate Middle Eastern cuisine and is a fixture of Boston’s rock music scene. With five venues under one roof, the Middle East showcases local and national touring acts. Downstairs houses the larger shows, with a capacity of 550, Upstairs hosts smaller touring acts, with a capacity of 200, and Sonia, which can accommodate 330, hosts mid-sized crowds. The Corner contains the larger restaurant and a stage with a front bar. And Zuzu has a separate kitchen and menu—and a wildly popular dance night on Saturdays, when DJs spin soul, funk, and R&B. With at least one performance every night of the week, there’s always something happening at the Middle East.

Happy Lamb Hot Pot
485 Massachusetts Ave.

This addition to Boston’s hot pot scene has earned a faithful following since it opened in 2016. Diners first select a broth—the house original, house spicy, or half-and-half—to simmer their choice of proteins, vegetables, and noodles. There are seemingly endless options: lamb shoulder, beef rib eye, shrimp balls, Chinese yam, and udon noodles. For first-timers, Happy Lamb’s menu has detailed instructions on how to order. Be sure to also check out Happy Lamb’s location on Brighton Avenue in Allston, which offers even more dining options.

Vialé
502 Massachusetts Ave.

This upscale eatery serves up a variety of entrees ranging from fresh seafood to handmade pastas to grilled meats to weekend brunch. The dinner menu features signature appetizers, such as duck croquettes and calamari fritti. Large plates such as the seared salmon and the saffron lumache with clams, mussels, shrimp, garlic white wine brodo di mare, and spicy breadcrumbs are delicious. The weekend brunch menu offers traditional brunch items, but with a twist. Try Vialé’s take on a classic eggs Benedict: a homemade English muffin with lemon dill hollandaise, or the ’nduja pizza—with tomato, whipped ricotta, roasted shallot, Calabrian hot honey.

Little Donkey
505 Massachusetts Ave.

James Beard Award–winning chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette (the duo behind popular restaurants Toro and Coppa) teamed up to open this “global tapas” restaurant. The menu has cross-cultural influences: Spanish pupusa can be paired with manti, a Turkish meat ravioli; the branzino is a combination of grilled Mediterranean sea bass, Singaporean BBQ, shallots, and sambal. Don’t miss the Parker House rolls served with sesame seeds, leek butter, and pimento cheese (optional). Complete your meal with the tasty and whimsical cookie dough dessert, which is served right on the beater with a side of milk foam—and has been popping up on Instagram feeds since the restaurant opened.

The Phoenix Landing
512 Massachusetts Ave.

Part sports pub, part dance club, this hybrid eatery offers modern Irish pub grub, DJs, and a weekly trivia night on Wednesdays. Named one of America’s best soccer bars, all soccer fans are welcome, with major games in all leagues and competitions televised on the pub’s numerous HD screens. Patrons can enjoy traditional Irish fare, such as a classic Cork breakfast and fish and chips. (The pub’s pizzas are also very good.) At night, the pub turns into a club and offers a roster of house DJs Tuesday through Saturday. Plus, they’re open for weekend brunch!

The Mad Monkfish
524 Massachusetts Ave.

Live jazz, sushi, and a menu featuring Japanese, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisines are what you’ll find when you stop by Mad Monkfish (its name is inspired by jazz great Thelonious Monk). This sushi spot has a massive menu to please even the pickiest of eaters. Choose from a wide variety of items, like vegetable and seafood rolls (salmon, tuna, grilled eel, shrimp, and various fish); seafood, beef, and pork entrees; and salads, noodle dishes, and more. The fairy-tale rolls are a standout: the Sleeping Beauty Roll (10 pieces for $26) features yellowtail tuna, crushed pineapple, and tempura flakes, wrapped in yellow soy paper and sushi rice, and draped with salmon, sliced ripe mango, and drizzled with a refreshing pineapple lime mayo. The restaurant features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday.

Dance Complex
536 Massachusetts Ave.

Follow the beat of the drums to the Dance Complex. Established in 1991, the artist-run, volunteer-based center has been heralded as one of the forces that began Central Square’s renaissance. It has seven studios and offers in-person dance classes in African, West African, ballet, hip-hop, flamenco, jazz, tap, and more. Virtual classes are also available. Additionally, there are more than 100 performances a year by local dance companies, children’s dance classes, and resident and guest artists. Find a schedule of classes here.

Cheapo Records
538 Massachusetts Ave.

One of the oldest businesses in Central Square, Cheapo Records has been a neighborhood fixture since 1954. Employees estimate the store carries more than 100,000 vinyl LPs, with thousands more in storage. Many records, both new and used, are collectibles. Once best known for its collection of R&B, soul, and oldies, its inventory now contains records from all artists and genres, and the dedicated and knowledgeable staff will help you track down what you’re looking for. Vintage T-shirts, CDs, DVDs, and cassette tapes are also for sale.

5 Spices
546 Massachusetts Ave. 

This eatery serves authentic Sichuan cuisine for dine-in, catering, or takeout. The extensive menu features daily specials and has everything from soups and appetizers to chicken, pork, beef, seafood, rice and noodle, and vegetable dishes. Try the restaurant’s classic pork with black bean sauce or beef with kung pao.

Graffiti Alley
Richard B. “Rico” Modica Way, 565–567 Massachusetts Ave.

No trip to Central Square would be complete without a visit to Graffiti Alley, the 80-foot-long walkway covered in graffiti produced by local artists. It’s one of only two places in the Greater Boston area where artists can legally post graffiti art. You’ll see everything from novice spray-painted tags featuring names and smiley faces to more complex graffiti masterpieces that cover large sections of the brick walls. The public walkway often reflects visual interpretations of pressing social issues and the latest headlines, including Black Lives Matter. The alley sports a fresh look every few days as artists post new work, so be sure to stop back frequently.

H Mart
581 Massachusetts Ave.

This Asian-inspired supermarket chain has an extensive selection of fresh goods and groceries. The 18,000-square-foot space is just steps from the Red Line Central T stop and has a vast range of items, including kimchee, Japanese sodas, seafood, Korean banchan, sauces and spices, dried food, and, of course, ramen. The store even carries health and beauty products, small appliances like pressure cookers and electric skillets, and baby products. H Mart shares a food court with Sapporo Ramen, Go! Go! Curry, and Paris Baguette.

Seven Stars Crystals and Books
731 Massachusetts Ave.

This locally owned and operated bookstore and crystal shop specializes in the metaphysical. You’ll find a wide selection of new and used books focused on religion and spirituality, but the store also features the latest bestsellers. The shop, as its name implies, also sells mineral specimens, crystal balls, pocket stones, and crystals, as well as jewelry.

Cantab Lounge
738 Massachusetts Ave.

In 1957, Little Joe Cook recorded a minor R&B novelty called “Peanuts.” The song was a one-hit wonder, but Cook went on to become a Cambridge legend, jamming every weekend at the Cantab, which opened in 1963. Cook passed away in 2014, but the unpretentious bar continues to thrive, hosting live entertainment nightly. The lounge shut down during the COVID pandemic, but reopened in October 2021 under new ownership, with a freshly painted interior, new floors, and new bathrooms. Come for the cheap beer and stay for the fabulous music—which includes jazz and R&B jams, as well as a weekly open mic night (Monday) and trivia night (Thursday). Cantab Underground, the lounge’s downstairs venue, features performances by touring and local artists, as well as a weekly poetry night (Wednesday) and comedy nights (Thursday and Saturday). The venue is 21-plus only.

Shanghai Fresh
735 Massachusetts Ave.

Diners will find authentic Chinese cuisine served in a trendy dining room. Dig into authentic regional dishes, like the scallion pancake beef roll or pan-fried or steamed pork dumplings. The wonton noodle soup is also excellent, especially during the winter months. If you’re craving General Gao’s chicken or double cooked pork, Shanghai Fresh offers tasty takes on these and other American Chinese dishes. The restaurant also has a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options.

Asmara Restaurant
739 Massachusetts Ave.

Opened in 1986, Asmara is Boston’s oldest Eritrean restaurant. Named after the capital of the northeastern African nation Eritrea, Asmara specializes in a spicy cuisine similar to Ethiopian cuisine. Be sure to wash your hands before you come; there’s no silverware here. Diners scoop the food with pieces of injera—a spongy, slightly sour, fermented flatbread made from either rice flour or a grain called teff. Served at traditional Mesobs, large table-like baskets, the meals are hearty and authentic. For a unique experience, try the Gored Gored: cubes of raw or very tender tenderloin beef tips lightly fermented in pepper paste.

1369 Coffee House
757 Massachusetts Ave.

Across the street from the main post office and Cambridge City Hall, 1369 Coffee House was serving the square’s caffeine addicts long before Starbucks opened down the street. This charming coffee shop prides itself on its specialty recipes, including a homemade chai tea blend. There are numerous varieties of coffee and fine loose-leaf teas from around the world, and several varieties of coffee beans for brewing at home. Be sure to try the lavender or cardamom lattes. Homemade muffins and cookies are baked fresh each morning, and local bakers provide scones, croissants, and cookies. Lunch fare consists of homemade sandwiches.

Life Alive
765 Massachusetts Ave.

This tranquil café is committed to serving delicious vegan and vegetarian fare. From grain bowls to wraps to salads, Life Alive’s dishes are tasty enough to also appeal to omnivores. Try the Fool II, a hot dish comprising udon noodles, shiitake mushrooms, sweet onions, carrots, tofu, lemon, togarashi, scallions, and kale marinated in a house-made sesame ginger sauce and topped with sesame seeds. Sample one of the many latte options, like the hot or iced Ocean Blue, a latte with blue-green algae, maca, vanilla, maple, sea salt, and coconut milk.

Althea
2 Columbia St.

One of the newer additions to Central Square, Althea is open daily for lunch and dinner. An outdoor “backyard” offers al fresco dining during warm-weather months and features a retractable roof and full container bar. Try the grilled Spanish octopus (with smoked tomato romesco, Kalamata olives, and sumac) or savory steak tartare (with black garlic aioli, pickled mustard seed, and sunchoke chips). Finish off your meal with carrot cake featuring toffee sauce, walnuts, and cream cheese frosting.

FOUND in Central Square 
5 Columbia St.

FOUND is a must for those who love vintage and thrift shopping. Comprising three separate vintage stores all in one block, FOUND has clothes for every taste. Retail 8 sells FOUND Black Label clothes, Retail 9 carries casual everyday wear, and Retail 10 features streetwear. The stores sell vintage and upcycled clothing gathered from a number of vendors around Boston. The store also hosts multiple markets throughout the city of Boston during the year, as well as vendor spots at the Fenway Flea from June through October.

Praline French Patisserie
6 Columbia St.

This French pastry shop delivers on what it promises: to provide “a taste of France in the Boston greater area.” Pastries range from a classic buttery croissant to chocolate and coffee eclairs to lemon and almond and pear tarts. You’ll also find a delicious selection of sandwiches and salads. You can also order larger tarts to take home. The large windows provide an airy space and lots of natural light. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat with a friend or hit the books for an upcoming exam.

Andala Coffee House
286 Franklin St.

Andala (“nightingale” in Arabic) is a cozy place to curl up with a book or chat with friends. The staff is friendly, and the gleaming hardwood floors, marble-top tables, and Persian rugs offer an old-world elegance. The coffeehouse has all sorts of teas, Arabic and Turkish coffees, and a delicious breakfast and lunch menu. Try Zeit U Zaatar & Labneh, a traditional Arabic breakfast of strained yogurt, olives, olive oil, and spices, served with warm bread.

Pandemonium Books & Games
4 Pleasant St.

A haven for sci-fi fans and gamers alike, Pandemonium has been a Cambridge landmark for more than 30 years. The first floor has a broad collection of new and used science-fiction, fantasy, and horror books, and the basement is dedicated to a gaming section. The store hosts numerous events, like war games and hobby nights, Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh! events, and Dungeons & Dragons sessions. Pandemonium is always seeking imaginative ways to connect and play with the community.

Cambridge Women’s Center
46 Pleasant St.

In 1971, a group of women seized an abandoned Harvard-owned building to protest racism, sexism, and domestic violence. This led to the establishment of the Cambridge Women’s Center, a community center that fights all forms of oppression. Open to all who identify as women, it provides crisis intervention and counseling for women of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, many of whom are uninsured. Monthly workshops focus on topics such as diversity, health issues, personal empowerment, and economic literacy. Volunteer opportunities and internships are available. The center provides a community kitchen, computer labs, a crisis helpline, lending library, and childcare for all mothers attending activities there.

Great Eastern Trading Co.
49 River St.

If you’re on the prowl for a prom dress, circa 1980, or a 1970s-inspired distressed leather jacket, look no further. Located just a few blocks from the Red Line Central T stop, this charming shop has a comprehensive collection of vintage clothing and costumes for everyone. You’ll find funky jewelry, sunglasses, wigs, hats, Venetian masks, Japanese silk kimonos, Hawaiian shirts, 1920s flapper dresses, feather boas, and cowboy duds. It’s also the perfect place to find an ugly Christmas sweater. Owned by a former professional belly dancer, the store also boasts a colorful selection of belly dancing costumes.

ManRay
40 Prospect St.

ManRay, the popular nightclub known as the “home of Boston’s underground” reopened in January 2023 after being closed for more than two decades. Open Wednesday through Saturday the club’s goal is to celebrate “the art of nightlife.” ManRay hosts Crypt Wednesdays, featuring goth and industrial music, and Heroes Saturdays, offering ’80s new wave, electro, post-punk, old-school goth, and industrial music. Thursdays and Fridays are reserved for different theme nights. While there is no dress code for the club, creative apparel is encouraged.

India Pavilion
17 Central Square

Since its opening in 1979, India Pavilion has been serving authentic Indian cuisine using the freshest spices and ingredients available. It’s one of the oldest Indian restaurants in the Boston area, and owner Mohan Singh is credited as the “father” of Indian cuisine in Boston. The extensive menu includes everything from vegetable samosas to lamb and goat curries to coconut soup. Try the masala sosa, a lentil crepe filled with potatoes, onions, ginger, chiles, and spices, and served with sambar, a South Indian stew of lentils, vegetables, herbs, spices, and coconut chutney. You’ll find a wide selection of chicken, lamb, seafood, goat, vegetarian, and rice dishes.

Getting there: By subway: take a Green Line trolley inbound to Park Street, then a Red Line train outbound toward Alewife, and get off at Central station. By bus: pick up the #47 bus at the BU Bridge and take it to the end (Green St @ Magazine St). By foot: walk across the BU Bridge heading into Cambridge, continue a mile up Brookline Street to Massachusetts Avenue.

Click on the points in the map above for more information on the places listed in our guide to Central Square.

This article was updated on July 2, 2024.

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