Fresh Meat
by Corina Pintado
Photography by Cara DiFabio
Got taste buds to satisfy and don’t know where to start? No problem. Some of the city’s most delectable dishes are only a short trek from campus. Whether your tastes lie in Thai cuisine or you’re more of a brunch enthusiast, when it comes to discovering your new favorite go-to restaurant, we’ve got you covered.
Brown Sugar Cafe
Seeking a restaurant that encompasses sugar, spice and everything pad thai? Try Brown Sugar Cafe on Commonwealth Avenue in Allston to get your Thai fix.
Although takeout is offered, take advantage of the quaint outdoor seating to feast on appetizers like shrimp tempura, popular dishes like drunken noodles and fried rice, or seafood entrées like the Fisherman Madness, a spicy combo of filets.
A true gem that stands out in the sea of typical fast food joints, Brown Sugar Cafe is a welcome alternative thanks to its reasonably priced, but wholly authentic Thai food.
India Quality
If you’re looking to spice up your meal, check out India Quality located near Kenmore Square. Indulge in a curried feast that may be a little steep for a meal—around $15 per entrée—but is worth every spoonful. Take advantage of daily specials like the tofu masala, organic tofu cubes cooked in a creamy tomato sauce, or the lamb paneer, tender lamb diced up and coated in homemade cheese cubes with onions, ginger, tomatoes and a party of Indian spices.
Alene Bouranova (COM ’16) and her roommate, Divya Joseph (COM ’16), are frequent customers at India Quality.
“It’s our favorite restaurant in Kenmore because they’ve got our go-to dishes, which are the garlic naan, chicken korma and tikka masala,” said Bouranova. “The chicken is perfectly cooked and always comes with a mountain of basmati rice—it’s good stuff.”
A Bollywood soundtrack and dim lighting sets the mood to enjoy a wide-range of classic dishes to get a taste of the East right in your backyard.
Burgerfi
Avoid the long lines at other burger joints and consider a place a little closer to home with Burgerfi. Enormously popular among Terriers thanks in part to its location on Commonwealth Avenue near West Campus, the establishment pleases both meat-lovers and vegetarians alike.
When Val Jantzen (SMG ’16) heads to Burgerfi, she has the veggie burger on her mind.
“The bean burger with the lettuce buns has always been my go-to and the fact that it’s inexpensive is reason enough for me to keep going back,” Jantzen said.
Constantly populated but always quick with orders, Burgerfi is only a BU Shuttle ride away from providing you with top-notch comfort food. If that doesn’t convince you, then an enormous basket of truffle fries coated in grated parmesan and herbs should do the trick.
Café 472
If you’re looking to take a break from the dining hall, then head on over to Café 472 on Commonwealth Avenue for a quick bite that won’t break your wallet. For nearly $10 and under, you can satisfy your appetite with a filling panini and finger-licking chicken wings or unleash your inner sweet tooth with froyo offered in 50 whopping flavors.
Isabelle Epskamp (COM ’16) is a fan of the establishment’s convenience and cheap menu.
“I think it’s a good place to go if you want something quick and affordable,” Epskamp said. “Café 472 also has a wide range of food to order from, so you’re never limited to what you can get.”
If you are not in the mood to leave your dorm, then Café 472 will come to you with its efficient and free delivery service to appease your starving woes. Pay it forward to the eatery and order the specialty sandwich aptly named “B.U.,” a sub consisting of smoked turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, coleslaw and Russian dressing that’s a testament to its consistent service to Terriers.
Cafeteria
When it’s time to unwind after a week filled with exams and sleepless nights, treat yourself to a decadent meal in the $20 to $25 price range at Cafeteria on Newbury Street. Located in the heart of one of the city’s most bustling streets, the queue at Cafeteria may be tedious but it’s oh so worth the wait.
“Cafeteria is definitely my favorite in terms of atmosphere and quality of food,” said Epskamp. “You can have your birthday dinner at Cafeteria or you can meet up with friends for a drink; it’s really the ideal place to celebrate any occasion.”
If you’re in the mood for brunch, try their mouth-watering truffle scrambled eggs, or for a later meal, try the Boston Cream burger, a tasty dish consisting of grass-fed beef with cheddar, sautéed onions and habanero-radish cream cheese on a griddled bun. Make reservations ahead of time and relish in the aromas, the minimalist decor and the friendly service to treat yourself to an upscale dining experience that’s worth dishing out for.
When hunger strikes, have a game plan set in action and hit up one of these restaurants to ease your way into the new school year. Only a walk, BU bus, or T stop away, these locales promise appetizing foods without starving your wallet.