SPTechCon – Things to do in Cambridge
I’m taking the train from New York City to Boston this afternoon and need something to do in Cambridge for the next couple days when there is a lull in the activities as SPTechCon.
My friend Lucy lives in Cambridge and sent me this note to pass along to other’s who are looking for “local” haunts.
Thanks, Lucy.
“I’m from East Cambridge, just near Kendall Square and Lechmere Square.
“If you are in that area, check out the East Side Bar and Grill (not to be confused with the East Coast Grill) on the corner of Cambridge Street and 7th Street. Very local color with good food and bar. Also, The Helmand on First Street (near Bent Street) is a really good Afghan restaurant. I’ve not been there in quite awhile but it’s good. EVOO just opened in Kendall Square – off of Third Street. I’ve not tried this new location – they just moved from Somerville and the place is usually active but not overcrowded.”
Lucy
If you are local to the Boston area, where else should we go? Last time I got taken to an “all the meat you can eat” Brazilian place… kind of tough when you don’t eat meat. Ended up having a little soup and salad. I’m thinking the Afgan place Lucy talks about sounds nice.
If you need company Mark, I’d totally be down with trying the Afghan place! None of that kind of eating down in the HR!
So, you will be at the Hyatt on Memorial Drive (only 1.5 miles from that kendall square/east cambridge area) but it would be easier to reach by car (or cab) than on foot)
That said, Helmand is fabulous and totally worth the trip! The “Special,” which has been the special on their menu for five+ years, is a collection of 5 veggie appetizers and rice. It is my favorite dish there and I’m an omnivore.
A little closer to where you are, in Central Square (~1 mile and a nice walk) are a few places with great cocktails (Green Street Grill -280 Green street Cambridge, Craigie on Main -853 main st. cambridge) and a nice, closer, small bar called River Gods-125 river street).
For culture, the harvard museums (Fogg, Museum of Natural History, Peabody,etc.)are definitely worth a visit and are convenient. Once there, hit up Russell House Tavern or John Harvard’s for drinks.
The Boston Museum of Science is also real close and is worth a visit.
All that said,
Thanks Scott. Putting it all together to see how it plays out. — Mark
Thanks for the suggestion. I’m from Chicago and my friend there recommended Helmund. If anyone is interested in going this week I’m heading there tonight for dinner.
Vicki – We went last night and it was some of the best food I’ve had on the road in a long time. Highly recommended. — Mark