The Porter Square area is one of the most vibrant areas of Cambridge, MA, with an array of local restaurants, bars, and lounges just a few blocks away from Hathaway Lofts! We’ve updated this list of local restaurants and more for residents to experience all the great small businesses and amenities that surround them in Porter Square! Discover some of the top picks for local spots that boast both amazing food, awesome experiences, and convenience, all in close proximity to Hathaway Lofts on Richdale Avenue.
Live Music
Toad
Small cozy bar and music club with live music seven nights a week in Porter Square. Toad has been described on Zagat as small but full of love – “Prepare to get friendly with your neighbor” at this “shoebox” size Porter Square “hideaway” where “young creatives” sip suds from a small but “interesting” draft list to the tune of “talented” local bands.
1667 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
lizardloungeclub.com
Local Bars and Dining
The Abbey
Open late this cozy bi-level eatery and bar with pub-style New American bites plus a variety of scotches and beers just a couple blocks from Porter Square on Mass Ave.
1755 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
abbeycambridge.com
Newtowne Grille
Local veteran neighborhood bar popular with locals for pitchers of PBR, pizza & game-watching.
1945 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
newtownegrille.com
Shine Square Pub
Porter Square lively hangout featuring lots of sports TV’s plus bar games & casual American pub menu.
2046 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
shinesquarepub.com
Dear Annie
Known as a just-right wine bar with natural ingredients paired by delicious plates, an intimate experience for patrons with knowledgeable waiters.
1741 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
dearanniebar.com
Quick Eats
Anna’s Taqueria
A Hathaway Lofts staff favorite, this casual local counter-serve Mexican chain dishes up burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and Mexican plates in a warm inviting space. Located right in the Porter Square Galleria!
822 Somerville Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
annastaqueria.com
The Halal Guys
Imagine a loaded falafel sandwich with flavorful fresh toppings with a taste toppings and sauces. You can make your own special falafel sandwiches or bowls at this casual, quick-serve restaurant with Chicken, Gyros, and Falafel Platters. The Authentic American Halal Food, since 1990.
Porter Square Shopping Center: 15 White St, Cambridge, MA 02140
thehalalguys.com
Morning Pick-Me-Up
Bruegger’s Bagels
Cafe/bakery chain preparing small-batch, New York-style bagels, plus breakfast & lunch sandwiches.
1876 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Bagelsaurus
Known for their array of handmade bagels in unexpected flavors, this cult maker of unique bagels served are best served with butter or a schmear of cream cheese, or as a creative sandwich.
1796 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Bourbon Coffee
Located just below Lesley University’s University Hall at the Porter Square train station this cafe offers house-made and locally-baked goods and a full lineup of cold sandwiches and paninis.
The origins of this cafe come with a great social cause for the fair trade coffee from Rwanda, with the goal of bringing profits back to the hands of the coffee farmers and their families in Rwanda.
1815 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
http://bourboncoffeeusa.com/cafes/
Taste of the World in Porter Square
Elephant Walk
Have an interesting and unique eating experience at this French & Cambodian restaurant with tasty dishes share in a whimsical space.
2067 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
elephantwalk.com
Passage to India
Enjoy flavorful and aromatic Indian dishes made with house-ground spice in cozy quarters. They are the oldest Indian restaurant in North Cambridge with regulars who go for the favorite traditional curry dishes.
1900 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
indianfoodcambridge.com
Rod Dee Thai
Craving pad thai or drunken noodles? This modern Thai restaurant offers a broad range of traditional dishes for dine-in, takeout & delivery.
1906 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
roddeethaicuisine.com
Also check out:
Sugar & Spice – Thai Restaurant
1933 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
sugarspices.com
Sapporo Ramen
If you looking for something hearty and filling, you can’t go wrong with some ramen. Enjoy fast service with this quant ramen joint that draws in crowds for its bowls of Japanese-style noodles in a flavorful soup.
1815 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
sapporo-ramen.business.site
Yume Wo Katare
Bustling Japanese noodle specialist featuring a ramen menu in a snug counter-serve spot.
1923 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
onamenu.com/r/yume-wo-katare-cambridge
Colette Wine Bistro
The menu features French classics like Mussels, Steak Frites, Salads, along with Cheese and Charcuterie boards and French desserts like Mousse au Chocolat, Crème Brûlée. Everything is made in house, from scratch everyday to bring a dynamic dining experience to Porter Square.
1924 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
colette1924.com
Giulia
Italian classic restaurant featuring fresh pastas in a rustic, cozy setting that includes a communal table.
1682 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
giuliarestaurant.com
Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar – Cambridge
Just two blocks from Porter Square, Gustazo has authentic Cuban flavors with vibrant spirit of Havana, with elements of Spanish colonial architecture, reminiscence of the 1950s and colorful Cuban modern art. The menu features modern interpretations of classic Cuban dishes.
2067 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
gustazo-cubancafe.com
Grocery Shopping
Cambridge Naturals
A local longtime natural health store is known for selling nutritional supplements, body care products & organic foods.
Located in the Porter Square Shopping center, this store has a friendly staff to help you find great nutritional supplements and non-GMO organic brands.
Porter Square Shopping Center, 23 White St, Cambridge, MA 02140
cambridgenaturals.com
Star Market
Convenient supermarket chain offering meat, produce, staples, deli & bakery items.
Porter Square Shopping Center: 49 White St, Cambridge, MA 02140
local.starmarket.com
Target
One of the best known retail chains offering home goods, clothing, electronics, grocery items & more, plus exclusive designer collections.
Porter Square Galleria, 822 Somerville Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
target.com (Porter Square)
