ADDIS RED SEA
Location: Cambridge
Cuisine: International
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees less than $12
Telephone : 617-441-8727
   
1755 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-441-8727. Boston's premier Ethiopian restaurant boasts authentic cuisine served on a "mesob," a bowl-shaped equivalent of a table. Scoop up your exotically-seasoned vegetarian, lamb, chicken and beef dishes with flatbread instead of cutlery in an environment where it's not only acceptable, but encouraged, to eat with your hands. D, C.

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ALL STAR SANDWICH BAR
Location: Cambridge
Cuisine: American
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees less than $12
Telephone : 617-868-3065
   
1245 Cambridge St., Cambridge, 617-868-3065. With a tagline boasting “wrap-free since 2006,” chef Chris Schlesinger’s All Star Sandwich Bar serves up some of the best hot and cold sandwiches around. Try one of their daily specials such as Friday’s Krispy Fried Local Fish Po’ Boy with tabasco remoulade on French bread or Wednesday’s The Pastraminator. Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri & Sat ’til 10 p.m., Sun ’til 8 p.m.

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THE ASGARD IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT
Location: Cambridge
Cuisine: Irish
Entertainment: yes
Profile: no
Most entrees less than $12
Telephone : 617-577-9100
   
350 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-577-9100. The Asgard was designed in Ireland, with local artists putting the finishing touches on a truly one-of-a-kind bar. Communal tables and a variety of cool, comfortable places to sit—along with an extensive menu, a large craft beer selection, outdoor patio, live music, trivia nights, DJs and no cover charge—make the Asgard a perfect spot for a pint and a meal. Mon–Wed 11 a.m.–1 a.m., Thu & Fri ’til 2 a.m., Sat 10 a.m.–2 a.m., Sun ’til 1 a.m. www.classicirish.com.

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B. GOOD
Location: Cambridge
Cuisine: American
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees less than $12
Telephone : 617-354-6500
   
24 Dunster Street, Cambridge; 617-354-6500. A quick, fresh option to fast food joints was the idea behind this on-the-go eatery that advises patrons to “take it easy,” “be yourself,” “live life” and, most importantly, “be good.” Common fast food items like the fries are baked, not fried, satisfying junk food cravings in a healthy manner. B, L, D.

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BAMBARA
Location: Cambridge
Cuisine: International
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $12-18
Telephone : 617-868-4444
   
Hotel Marlowe, 25 Edwin H. Land Blvd., Cambridge, 617-868-4444. Bambara blends sophistication and comfort, with such menu items as grilled cheese and tomato soup alongside spice cured duck breast with a bonny doon rhone blend. Bambara’s cuisine celebrates New England’s bounty and its seasonal flavors, which can be enjoyed in concert with its fine wine selection. B, L, D, C.

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BEN & JERRY’S
Location: Cambridge
Cuisine: American
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees less than $12
Telephone : 617-864-2828
   
36 JFK St., Cambridge, 617-864-2828; 174 Newbury St., 617-536-5456; 20 Park Plaza, Ste. 14, 617-426-0890. The Vermont-based premium ice cream purveyors offer such favorites as Chunky Monkey, Phish Food, Cherry Garcia and New York Super Fudge Chunk, as well as cookies, brownies and waffle cones lovingly baked each day in-house. Refreshing fruit smoothies are also available.

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THE BLUE ROOM
Location: Cambridge
Cuisine: American
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $19-25
Telephone : 617-494-9034
   
1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, 617-494-9034. Described as “casually upscale” by the 2006 Zagat Guide, The Blue Room works with local, organic farmers to ensure diners enjoy the freshest ingredients. Stop by on Sundays for a taste of their acclaimed buffet brunch or check out the dinner menu, which boasts everything from cassoulet to skate wing to shortribs. D Sun–Thu 5:30–10 p.m., Fri & Sat ’til 11 p.m.; SB 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

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BORDER CAFE
Location: Cambridge
Cuisine: Southwestern
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees less than $12
Telephone : 617-864-6100
   
32 Church St., Cambridge, 617-864-6100. Sizzling fajitas, overstuffed quesadillas and giant margaritas are the highlights at this Tex-Mex hotspot in Harvard Square. Other specialties include Cajun and Creole dishes, all served in a bustling, lively and fun atmosphere. L, D, C, LS.

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CAMBRIDGE 1
Location: Cambridge
Cuisine: American
Entertainment: no
Profile: no
Most entrees $12-18
Telephone : 617-576-1111
   
This cozy spot is popular with Harvard students and visitors alike. Cambridge 1 takes the neighborhood pizza joint to another level with its delightful combinations of authentic Italian crust and Americanized toppings.

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CAMBRIDGE COMMON
Location: Cambridge
Cuisine: American
Entertainment: yes
Profile: no
Most entrees $12-18
Telephone : 617-547-1228
   
This cool neighborhood bar/restaurant specializes in comfort food in a comfortable atmosphere, serving up scrumptious appetizers like Mac & Cheese bites, fried pickles and a Middle Eastern platter and a diverse range of entrees (everything from meatloaf to fish tacos to Southern fried chicken) that will have something guaranteed to please everyone in your group. Wash all of the food down with one of the area's top beer selections, and then journey downstairs to the funky Lizard Lounge for an evening of live music or spoken-word poetry.

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