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From the Admissions Staff of Boston University

Scott Dyer, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions:

Nud Pob Thai Cuisine
738 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA

If looking for a truly tasty and generous portion for lunch or dinner, Nud Pob is a must-try.  While remaining affordable on a student budget, this newly renovated restaurant has an expansive and enticing menu.  A top recommendation is their Crispy Chicken Basil on Pad Thai noodles –spicy, hot, and sweet all at the same time.


Garlic N Lemons
133 Harvard Avenue
Allston, MA

Relatively new to the neighborhood, Garlic N Lemons is also a must-try.  Tagged as a Lebanese restaurant, it nevertheless serves foods from throughout the Mediterranean region.  Having traveled throughout much of the Middle East and Mediterranean, I feel right at home when ordering the Spicy Chicken Saj wrap — very tasty and a great balance of flavors.  With a number of side dishes readily available, it is a great place to go, especially if you are unfamiliar with this type of cuisine.


Dan Cassely, Assistant Director of Admissions:

UBurger – Kenmore Square
636 Beacon Street
Boston, MA

Not only is it inexpensive, but the burgers can’t be beat.  My favorite is the Yuppie Burger.  It comes smothered in Swiss cheese and sautéed mushrooms.  Pair it with their own hand cut French fries and a Dr. Pepper and that is lunch at its finest.  It was recently voted by Boston.com readers as the best burger in Boston!


Andrea Chivakos, Assistant Director of Admissions:

Max Brenner
745 Boylston Street
Boston, MA

The best dessert in Boston! I highly recommend the Spectacular Melting Chocolate S’mores Sundae. It is decadent milk chocolate ice cream, pure vanilla cream, milk chocolate fondue, pure chocolate chunks, marshmallow fluff & whipped cream, garnished with a toasted marshmallow, and served with white chocolate ganache. (Yum! Now I’m hungry for dessert!) And it’s the perfect size for two people to share!


Samantha Fifield, Admissions Advisor:

Brown Sugar Café
1033 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA

One of my favorite restaurants in town.  When I go, I love ordering their Chicken Pad Thai or Yellow Curry with a cold Thai Iced Tea. To die for!  =)


Stephanie Gonzalez, Assistant Director of Admissions:

BerryLine at Fenway
1377 Boylston Street
Boston, MA

You’ll quickly fall in love with this Boston-based frozen yogurt parlor.  No matter the flavor – peanut butter, pomegranate, or the classic original – be sure to top it off with some fruit, nuts or candy and enjoy a sweet treat!


John Gursky, Assistant Director of Admissions:

Zaftig’s Delicatessen 
335 Harvard Avenue
Brookline MA

The fact that it’s called a “delicatessen” is misleading—it’s a nice sit-down restaurant.  Great Jewish specialties, nice atmosphere, breakfast served all day—the Challah French Toast is delicious!  The only downside is that you’ll likely have to wait for a table…especially if you go for brunch or on the weekends.


Christine Kyle Johnson, Assistant Director of Admissions:

Zaftig’s Delicatessen
335 Harvard Street
Brookline, MA

Zaftig’s is one of the best brunch places around Boston University. Located in Coolidge Corner and about a 10 minute walk from campus, this Jewish deli serves delicious breakfast all day, lunch and dinner. Their Banana Stuffed French Toast and Macintosh Apple and Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese Omelet are out of this world! Be sure to arrive early because Zaftig’s is the place to be for Sunday brunch!


Tim Kelly, Assistant Director of Admissions:

Maurizio’s
364 Hanover Street
Boston, MA

Located alongside many other great Italian restaurants in Boston’s North End, Maurizio’s is a less popular (and thus less-crowded) option for an evening out. In addition to a great menu, the restaurant features seating on the first floor (great for people-watching), and on the lower level adjacent to their wine cellar, which is prime for a quieter and more serene setting.


Pat McNally, Senior Associate Director of Admissions:

Sam LaGrassa’s 
44 Providence Street
Boston, MA

Best sandwich place in Boston.  Everything there is terrific, but their pastrami is the best in the city!  Expect lines out the door at lunch time.


Legal Harborside in the Seaport District
270 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA

It’s easy to find and has great views of the harbor.  The seafood is very fresh, and even non-seafood lovers can find something on the menu.  I’ve never had bad service, and it’s always been a consistently good meal.  Really, my favorite part though is that it’s right on the water.


Sweet Cheeks Q
1381 Boylston Street
Boston, MA

This is hands down the best BBQ I’ve found in Boston, let alone on the East Coast since moving from Kansas City ten years ago. They even serve their drinks in mason jars! I highly recommend ordering the pulled pork, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Don’t skip the fried okra for an appetizer either. They make their own BBQ sauces: a traditional sauce (that isn’t too sweet or too tangy, just perfect), a traditional Carolina vinegar sauce (which is very hard to find in the North), and a hot sauce. All of them are great!  It’s a very crowded and busy place, and it just opened about two months ago. So you definitely want to make reservations.


Stacey Milton, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions:

Regal Beagle
308 Harvard Street
Brookline, MA

Nestled in artsy Coolidge Corner, this neighborhood spot has an ever-changing menu, but is a must for a tasty brunch – try the delicious Beagle Benedict if you fancy a classic take on breakfast, or venture out on a limb with Duck & Waffles (a nice kick of maple-Sriracha will get you moving for sure!).


Eastern Standard
528 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA

A favorite of Bostonians for a pre-Red Sox game burger or a swanky night of cocktails and French-inspired cuisine. Whether you are in the mood for a leisurely dinner or a light lunch before a stroll downtown, you’ll be able to find something delectable. Not to miss is the shamefully indulgent Butterscotch Bread Pudding.  Skip dinner altogether if you must – it’s that good.


Duffy Moran, Associate Director of Admissions:

Neptune Oyster – North End
63 Salem Street
Boston, MA

Neptune Oyster has some of the best seafood in Boston.  As the name would suggest, Neptune has an excellent raw bar, but they serve a wide range of amazing seafood dishes.  The hot lobster roll is my favorite meal in Boston.  The restaurant is walk-in only and, while it can get fairly busy in the evening, it’s a great spot for lunch or an early dinner.


Lauren Vildostegui, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions:

Giacomo’s Ristorante—North End
355 Hanover Street
Boston, MA

This tiny spot in the historic north end offers authentic Italian fare with that would make your Sicilian grandmother’s mouth water.  Get there early to avoid waiting in the line that can stretch around the block.  Once you make it inside, try their famous lobster ravioli or anything with the Giacomo sauce.  Come prepared—its cash only.


The Friendly Toast
1 Kendall Square
Bldg 300
Cambridge, MA

The Friendly Toast is fantastic for brunch, but I’d recommend it for lunch and dinner too.  The restaurant is decorated with retro garage sale finds and collector’s items, giving the space a playful and eclectic feel.  The menu consists of unique and original takes on traditional diner fare.  The Guy Scramble with Cayenne-Cheddar Toast (homemade!) and King Cakes are a must.


Union Oyster House
41 Union Street
Boston, MA

Open since 1826, Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in Boston and the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the United States. Known for serving some of the freshest New England seafood around, this spot is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of clam chowder while sitting in JFK’s favorite booth.


Kelly A. Walter, Assistant Vice President & Executive Director of Admissions:

Cuchi Cuchi
795 Main Street
Cambridge, MA

This restaurant isn’t just about great food, but a total dining experience.  If you like the idea of an international menu (not Tapas) in an environment that is best described as la belle epoch combined with early Hollywood, this is your place.  It’s a fun, festive, and quirky restaurant in Cambridge where menu items can be shared by one and all!  They don’t take reservations so arrive early (6:00 p.m.) or come prepared to enjoy a vintage cocktail or a glass of pink champagne while you wait for a table.  It’s a must-do while in Boston!


Angora Café
1024 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA

While visiting BU, a stop at the Angora Café is an absolute must!  It’s not the most elegant café in town, but they offer the best frozen yogurt in Boston.  And in over 40 different flavors.  Personally, I love the raspberry yogurt, but other flavors include Twix, peanut butter, cinnamon, caramel, and chocolate fudge.  Indulge yourself!

Brandeis University

From Andrew Flagel, Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment, Reed Z., Class of 2013 , Rachel N., Class of 2013

 

In A Pickle Restaurant
655 Main Street
Waltham, MA

Hailed as the go-to restaurant for a weekend brunch, get there early to beat the local crowds who flock to this eatery for unique omelets, decadent pancakes, and delicious paninis. Favorites include the caramel crunch French toast -- two pieces of caramel flavored French toast topped with a sweet crunchy topping and vanilla whipped cream. And don’t forget those crispy home fries! Be ready to sit close to your neighbor, this restaurant is small, but mighty in flavor.

 

Solea Restaurant & Tapas Bar
388 Moody Street
Waltham, MA

Solea is a good spot to celebrate a friend’s birthday or other special occasion. They offer a variety of tapas -- small plates that are great for sharing. This is the place to dine with an open mind- they offer exotic dishes with a variety of meats and seafood, such as grilled shrimp with spicy mojo verde, seared Spanish sausage, and lamb meatballs in a truffle cream sauce. Warning- this is not the place for vegetarians!

 

Carl’s Steak Subs
55 Prospect Street
Waltham, MA

If you are hungry and craving a meaty sandwich, Carl’s is the place to go! This small stand only offers take-out options and is a go-to spot for Brandeis sports teams. They offer huge sandwiches at very inexpensive prices! I recommend the Carl’s Steak Special filled with steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, sausage, provolone, and American cheeses!

 

Lizzy’s Ice Cream
367 Moody Street
Waltham, MA

Walk to Lizzy's after dining at one of Moody Street’s unique restaurants. They offer a variety of frozen treats including sorbet, soy ice cream, sundaes and more. Their black raspberry ice cream is delicious! Be prepared to wait in a long line on a hot day- this is a popular spot for Brandeis students!

 

The Prime Deli & Cafe
580 South St
Waltham, MA

Prime is the perfect spot to stop in and get a bite to eat when you're on the go. Just a five-minute walk from campus, it's the place if you're looking for something different from on-campus food. They offer a huge variety of salads, subs, pizzas, and pastas as well as breakfast food all day. They also make a great burger and curly fries!

 

Taqueria Mexico
24 Charles Street
Waltham, MA

Authentic Mexican cuisine, a live mariachi band, and inexpensive….what else could you ask for! This is the go-to spot for delicious chips and salsa, beefy burritos, and delicious seafood platters such as the Tostadas de Ceviche! You can’t go wrong here, everything is authentic and delicious!

 

Baan Thai
659 Main Street
Waltham, MA

Baan Thai is a great place to go to if your friends can't decide on what cuisine they want. They offer both Japanese and Thai cuisine at reasonable prices. Great for delivery - it is both quick and reliable. They have great pad thai and an endless amount of sushi options!

 

Café on the Common
677 Main Street
Waltham, MA

Delicious coffees and loose-leaf teas, this is the place to grab a gourmet cup of brew. Enjoy a decadent pastry or dessert while lounging in one of their comfy couches. This is the place to go to see students who enjoy working in a café setting while munching on a scone!

 

Prospect Cafe
137 Prospect St
Waltham, MA

Prospect Cafe is great for that late-night frozen yogurt craving. They offer vanilla or chocolate frozen yogurt with an endless amount of toppings! From pineapple, strawberry, and banana to coffee, heath bar and brownie bites, they will have anything you're in the mood for. But be ready to eat a lot! The servings are generous so you usually can save some for the next day. They also have great individual sized pizzas and sandwiches so there's something for everybody!