Even though Arlington borders Somerville, surprisingly few Tufts students visit — but it’s a great place to check out for a change of pace from the usual spots in Medford, Somerville and Cambridge. Arlington Center, just 2 miles from campus, offers great attractions and fantastic food. It’s easy to get there by the 80 bus, which picks up along College Avenue and in front of the Tsungming Tu Complex. You can also walk there in about 40 minutes or enjoy a 15-minute scenic bike ride. Arlington Center is definitely worth the visit, especially as the weather warms up!
Regent Theatre
The Regent Theatre, built in 1916, still honors its history as a vaudeville venue. While it occasionally shows films, it’s not really a movie theater. You won’t find big Hollywood blockbusters here — when films are shown, they’re often niche, international or retro selections. The theater also hosts film festivals; for instance, I once attended the Banff Mountain Film Festival at the theater with my dad.
The Regent mainly features live performances, from musicians to comedians and other entertainers. After spring break, you can catch the premiere of the Russian-language play “Made in Odessa,” and soon, comedian Rahul Dua will take the stage. If you’re a music fan, the 14th Annual Arlington Jazz Festival is coming up in April! The Regent Theatre is located at 7 Medford St.
Capitol Theatre
The Capitol Theatre is Arlington’s main movie theater. Opened in 1925 and built by the Locatelli family, it’s a great alternative if you’re looking to switch things up from the Somerville Theatre. Right next door, you’ll find the Capitol Creamery, perfect for a pre or postmovie ice cream treat. The theater’s concessions stand serves classics, like popcorn and ICEEs, along with beer and wine for 21+ moviegoers. A unique feature is their “baby-friendly” movie every Monday afternoon, where caregivers can enjoy a film without worrying about disturbing others. Any show before 6 p.m. costs $9, and tickets are $7 on Tuesdays. Standard tickets are $13. The Capitol Theatre can be found at 204 Massachusetts Ave.
Greek Habits By Eva
A recent addition to Arlington Center, Greek Habits By Eva, is now my go-to stop whenever I’m in the area. I first visited this cozy corner bakery on a date, and both the date and the food were fantastic. Run by Eva Nikolakakos, a renowned pastry chef from Crete, the bakery serves authentic Greek treats that transport you straight to Greece. My favorites include the Ekmek Kataifi or Galaktobureko for dessert, Bougatsa for something more filling and a Greek Frappe or Freddo Espresso for a nice coffee treat. Conveniently located at the junction of the Minuteman Bikeway, it’s a perfect spot to stop if you’re cycling through town. Greek Habits By Eva sits at 478 Massachusetts Ave.
The Fat Greek
If Greek Habits By Eva left you craving more Greek food, head further down the street to The Fat Greek, a great spot for a full meal. Unlike Greek Habits, this is a casual, counter service restaurant. As soon as you walk in, you’ll see the giant cones of meat spinning on the rotisserie, ready to be sliced into a mouthwatering gyro. Their standout dish is definitely the (decidedly non-authentic) Fat Greek Gyro, which features all three gyro meats with a spicy kick of sriracha. Don’t forget to save room for dessert — their loukoumades are the perfect sweet finish. Visit The Fat Greek at 185 Massachusetts Ave.
Sushi Kappo Toraya
Opened in 1999 by chef Shinji Muraki, this Japanese restaurant originally spent 20 years in its first location before moving across the street to its current spot. Shinji’s culinary journey began in 1974 when he graduated from the Kyoto Culinary Arts College and passed the national exam to become a licensed chef. After honing his skills in Kyoto for several years, he moved to the United States in 1979, where he worked at several renowned Japanese restaurants before deciding to open his own. Shinji’s brother, who shares his passion for Japanese cuisine, owns a soba noodle restaurant in Kyoto.
Sushi Kappo Toraya offers some of the best Japanese food you can find near Tufts, making it a perfect choice when you’re looking for a change from Yoshi’s. With its dedication to quality ingredients and traditional Japanese flavors, this restaurant is a great place to experience authentic sushi and other Japanese dishes. Sushi Kappo Toraya is located at 795 Massachusetts Ave.
Zomsa Restaurant and Bar
This sit-down restaurant and bar offers a mouthwatering blend of Nepalese and South Asian cuisines. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I always recommend trying one of the daily specials for something new. And don’t leave without a refreshing mango lassi! While it’s a sit-down restaurant, the prices are student-friendly. They even host live music on occasion! You can tell it’s a loved spot because the Nepali Student Association in Boston recently chose it to host one of their networking events for Nepalese students. With great food and a welcoming atmosphere, Zomsa never disappoints. If you need a little inspiration, check out their Instagram @zomsa.boston to make yourself hungry. Zomsa can be found at 434 Massachusetts Ave.
Thai Moon
This unassuming restaurant is one of the top spots for Thai food near Tufts, and I’d argue it might be the No. 1 Thai restaurant in the Boston area — it’s definitely the best of the ones I’ve tried. The place is no frills, but it’s the perfect spot if you love your Thai food spicy. My personal favorite is one of their house specialties, Crispy Duck, but there’s something for everyone on the menu. Don’t miss out on the Coconut Pudding for dessert — it’s absolutely delicious. Thai Moon is located at 315 Broadway.
Kickstand Cafe
This cafe is a popular spot, especially for bikers, as it’s the first coffee shop you’ll come across on the Minuteman Bikeway entering Arlington. True to its name, it’s designed for commuters, providing plenty of bike rack space for customers to use. While it’s a laid-back, classic coffee shop, the real highlights are its delicious bagels, tasty hot and cold sandwiches and fresh pastries — perfect for a quick break. Visit Kickstand Cafe at 594 Massachusetts Ave.
Donut Villa
Owned by the Bashllari family, Donut Villa is a fun, retro-inspired diner offering delicious donuts and all your classic American favorites. During the day, you can enjoy a boozy brunch with mimosas, and in the evening, the diner transforms into a bar. For vegans and vegetarians, Donut Villa stands out with an entire menu page dedicated to vegan versions of traditional diner dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic diner meal or a plant-based option, it’s a great spot to enjoy a satisfying meal. Grab a bite at Donut Villa, located at 319 Broadway.
