Not that I'm a geometry snob, but there are just too many squares in Boston: Harvard Square, Davis Square, Teele Square. The list goes on and on, and for those of you who think you've conquered them all - think again. Inman Square, a quaint neighborhood in Cambridge, offers a wide array of fun restaurants, a world-class jazz club, a cozy coffee shop, bookstores, a toy store, and a delectable ice cream parlor, but remains largely unknown among Tufts students.
Likely, the reason that you haven't hit this part of town is because it isn't accessible by T, a fact that deters many potential visitors. The locals, however, are passionate about their town, and apparently it is a place where everyone knows your name.
"It is the last, cool neighborhood," says Jodi Malone, a bookstore owner in Inman Square. Another store owner, Brooks Morris agrees with Malone, calling Inman Square "a real neighborhood ."
Inman Square is a short walk from Central Square and a ten-minute drive from Tufts. Or, visitors can take the Red Line to Harvard Square and then the 69 bus to Inman. For those who like to explore, this cute little nook of Cambridge offers a perfect escape from the hectic city life without actually leaving the city.
S&S Deli Restaurant
Address: 1334 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, 617-354-0620.
Average Price of Meal: $6-$13
If you're craving some good matzo ball soup, but don't feel like heading all the way to Brookline, visit the S&S Deli Restaurant. This 82-year old deli - founded in 1919 - won the Best of Boston Magazine 2000 award for affordable brunch and is practically a fixture in Inman Square. It is extremely popular among locals and other Bostonites. The restaurant's name comes from the Yiddish word "es," which means eat. "Es and es" the owner's great grandmother would say, and people listened. The resulting deli is a place that any Jewish mother would approve of. Customers can eat their heart out with Jewish staples such as potato pancakes, scrumptious chopped liver, homemade noodle pudding, and stuffed deli sandwiches. Take your friends from out West here and show them what a real bagel and lox plate is like. And for those of you who crave breakfast at odd times of the day, S&S is more than willing to whip up a perfectly executed omelet 'til closing. You might want to try the scrumptious Sunday brunch, but make sure you get there early. Even though the menu here is extensive, you're probably better off sticking with the basics. A good place to go with friends or with the family when they come into town.East Coast Grill
1271 Cambridge Street, at Prospect Street
Average price of entr?©e: $18
This restaurant, run by the barbecue expert Chris Schlessinger, is one of the most exciting and innovative restaurants in Cambridge. Although it's a bit pricey, it is certain to be a dining experience you won't forget. The restaurant attracts a young and fun crowd. Start out at the bar with its famed martinis, complete with little plastic dolphins or whales hanging from the side of the glass. This place is always hopping, so make sure to get here early. You can pretty much order any kind of fish you want. Dry-rubbed Mahi-Mahi with mango-jalapeno relish, raw Tuna with Wasabi, your basic Salmon with a kick - you name it. The always-fresh, mouthwatering fish is served on colorful platters with tasty sides like fried bananas and savory rice. The atmosphere is lively and you get to watch the chefs saut?© your fish to perfection. Make sure to try the delicious grilled oysters and Little Neck Clams. The clam and corn chowder served with chilies and sweet potatoes is always a favorite. And if you get a chance, check out the innovative Sunday Bloody Mary Brunch that is certain to wake you up from weekend sleepiness!Ryles Jazz Club
212 Hampshire Street, Inman Square
Average admission: $10
Sure, you've heard of the Ryles Jazz Club, but do you actually know where it is? Ryles, one of Boston's finest jazz venues, is tucked away in Inman Square. You can either get groovy in the downstairs jazz lounge or get your groove on in the dance hall upstairs. But dress nicely, as this club tends to attract an older and more sophisticated crowd. If you're on a date, the cozy downstairs room is a great place for intimate conversation and a drink. Make an evening out of it and grab some dinner from their extensive dinner menu. You'll be sure to enjoy the Ryles Jazz Band, numerous famous jazz artists, a cappella jazz, Latin bands, and other performers that grace the downstairs stage. For those who like to dance, this is one of the best places to strut your stuff. Put on a racy red dress and dance to some hot Latin music. Where else can you learn hot salsa and meringue dancing? Ay carumba!1369 Coffee House
Address: 1369 Cambridge Street at Hampshire Street
Starbucks has literally saturated Boston with its over-priced lattes and strong coffee. With the recent disappearance of one of Boston's beloved coffee shops, Curious Liquids, it seems that the independent coffee shop is fast becoming a dinosaur. Thank goodness there is 1369, a cozy little coffee shop on the corner of Cambridge Street. Students and workers alike share space in this comfortable shop with original artwork on the wall from Cambridge's Out of the Blue Gallery. In addition to serving the typical coffee drinks, 1369 has a couple of specialty drinks up its sleeve such as the Almond Joy (hot cocoa with almond and coconut syrup), the Candy Apple (hot cider with caramel, whipped cream, and cinnamon), and the Chocolate Turtle Latte (a double latte mixed with chocolate, hazelnut, and caramel syrup, topped with whipped cream). Make sure to check out the scrumptious pastries, soups, and sandwiches. They also have a wide variety of scones such as White Chocolate and Apricot, Spinach Feta, and Maple Walnut. Who even knew they had scones in those flavors? Bring a book, sit down at the cozy tables with lamps, and settle down for a couple of hours.Christine's Homemade Ice Cream
Address: 1255 Cambridge Street
After your meal at East Coast or S&S, you might want to go for a walk to burn off all those calories. Or you might just want to add a couple more hundred calories to the evening (why the heck not?) and stop at Christine's Homemade Ice Cream. This adorable ice-cream place is the perfect spot to hit after a date - it's cheaper than Ryles - or to go to with a bunch of pals. The store, which makes homemade its ice cream, has an ice cream flavor for practically everybody. You can go for basics such as vanilla or chocolate or head to more exotic realms with flavors such as Adzuki bean, white coffee, banana, pumpkin, or wild turkey (whatever that is!). For those of you who are philosophy majors, you might want to try Nietzsche's Chocolate Ascension. There are tables to sit at, but this place is so popular that it is sometimes hard to snatch one. Cristine's might be good to keep in mind for a friend's birthdays. They make ice cream cakes and ice-creamed stuffed cannolis. Don't forget to try the sinful malted milkshakes. For those trying to keep trim, there is a wide variety of frozen yogurts. In cold weather, you can warm up with hot chocolates, teas, and coffee drinks.House of Sarah Books
Address: 1309 Cambridge Street
House of Sarah Books is one of Inman Square's hidden secrets. The used bookstore, owned by Jodi Malone, has a unique selection of books that is sure to please any avid reader. The cozy store is crammed with books galore and there are sections that cover topics such as linguistics, military, and mariology. There are sofas in the middle of the store where one can snuggle with a novel. The prices here are so reasonable that you might just end up leaving with a whole stack of books! Malone gets her books from book dealers who sell their goods on the book circuit and via the internet. Many book dealers rent space from her and one can buy books that come from places such as Southpaw Books in Conway, MA, or Oxbow Books in Newbury, VT. Malone prides herself on not stocking popular books. "I try not to buy something I wouldn't read," she says.El Rancho Buckaroo
1297 Cambridge Street
If you're looking for a fun and different gift for your friend, this is the place to go. El Rancho Buckaroo, owned by Brooks Morris, offers a wide range of posters, books, clothes, magnets, and tons of knick-knacks. The store has a retro, vintage, and pop culture feel to it. But Morris prefers not to label the items that he carries. "I call it just stuff I like," he says. The store used to be in Central Square, but Morris moved here because he was seeking a bigger space for his merchandise. He searches far and wide for the unique items in his store, and often can be found at gift shows in New York, flea markets, or scouting out the goods of local designers.
