Shaina P.
Yelp
Updated 8/28/18:
When you live near 1 Kendall Square, you realize some things:
A. There is no liquor store within a half mile of you.
B. Grocery stores are few and far between.
C. Restaurants cater to the bio-tech industry = higher prices
D. The T isn't close and buses rarely pass through. Parking is available at a garage, probably your best bet on a busy night.
E. There are great restaurants and bars, and nightlife is FINALLY increasing!
So WHY walk a half mile from the Kendall T Stop in a direction you're pretty sure is leading you to nowhere? Here are 10 respectable reasons involving food and at least one non-food related ...
Amelia's
Not actually IN 1 Kendall Sq, but only a block south on Portland Street. Italian. Small, intimate. Pricey, but tasty.
Atasca
For Portugese fine dining just beyond Emma's about 500 ft. Outdoor seating.
The Beantown Coffeehouse
Open on weekdays, but not late. Good muffins, coffee, sandwiches (of the breakfast and lunch type)
Beauty's Pizza
Take-out pizza, doughy and tasty, loaded toppings. Not IN the square, but not far...
Bon Me
Yeah, you know that food truck? It has claimed space here, too.
Cafe du Pays
Cambridge Brewing Company (CBC)
Fresh brewed beer by CBC and food. Outdoor seating.
Flattop Johnny's
Bunch of pool tables, two dart boards. Outdoor seating. Tuesday Ladies' Night (50% discount for pool)
The Friendly Toast
Kitschy retro diner style - menu full of made up words like "Miscellany"
Kendall Cinema
Not for mainstream movie viewing. Independent.
The Smoke Shop BBQ
Casual restaurant. Outdoor seating.
State Park
Cocktails, concept eating and drinking. Outdoor dining.
Sadly, the following restaurants that used to be in/near this location have closed:
Anise
The Blue Room
Emma's Pizza
Hungry Mother
Shine
Tommy Doyle's
West Bridge