Anyone from Cambridge, MA?

[MrNovember]

I'm visiting Harvard in February. Not sure how much time I'll actually have to explore since I'll be working there but what/where should I check out?

[D.o.S.]

As far as records go--Armageddon Shop is like two blocks away from Harvard Square and is fucking amazing.

As far as shows go--The Middle East usually books some pretty cool bands. Bigger groups get the downstairs, but there's some rad shows happening upstairs usually, too. I know Russian Circles is swinging by on the 21st of February.

As far as anything else--I don't know what to tell you. I lived in Cambridge for a hot minute, but I was couch-surfing and about as broke as that implies. I can tell you that the Liquor Store at Porter Square has a pretty rad selection, though.

[Chankgeez]

My info's a slight bit out of date, but ask away.

What you wanna know? What you lookin' for?

[bigchiefbc]

I'm visiting Harvard in February. Not sure how much time I'll actually have to explore since I'll be working there but what/where should I check out?

I lived on the Cambridge/Somerville line for about 4 years, and I still go into Cambridge every week to hang out with my buddy that still lives there. He lives in Inman Sq, which is right near Central Sq, which is where the Middle East is. Like D.o.S. said, that really is the coolest place for music in Cambridge. If you like good beer, Bukowski's in Inman Sq usually has well over 100 beers, as well as a "Wheel of Beer" that you can spin if you can't make up your mind. Mr Bartley's in Harvard Sq has the best goddamn burgers I've ever had. Let us know what you're looking to do and I'll recommend a place.

[MrNovember]

Thanks guys. I'm thinking just general ILF music scene kind of stuff; good places to buy music and gear, and good place to listen to music and drink. Also anything in the area that's like a must see for a Canuck coming down south
Already some great suggestions. Not sure if I can pass up a beer wheel

[Chankgeez]

My first suggestion is to go see a movie at the Harvard Film Archive. It's located in the Carpenter Center, which is the only building built by Le Corbusier in the US. They always have rad films playing there.

Stop in at Weirdo Records and Mike's Monster Guitar, both located on Mass. Ave. in between Central and Harvard Squares. They're both tiny shops, but Angela and Mike are both awesome.

Stereo Jack's is an old school used record store on Mass. Ave. bewteen Harvard and Porter Sqs. Not much ILF content, but worth a stop.

Cheapo Records in Central Sq (may not have a lot of ILF music) is also old school and Rob from Sunburned Hand of the Man runs the used dept.

If you like vegetarian food, go to Life Alive in Central. For coffee, there's Dwelltime near Inman. Thai food, I like Rod Dee in Porter Sq. There's a cute Indian spot, Punjabi Dhaba, in Inman (you eat off of metal trays). For BBQ, Redbones in Davis Sq. (they've got great beer as well). Let me know what else you're interested in. (Also, check to make sure all these places I'm recommending are still there.)

If there're any house show going on, I'd try to go to them.

[D.o.S.]

Thai food, I like Rod Dee in Porter Sq. There's a cute Indian spot, Punjabi Dhaba, in Inman (you eat off of metal trays). For BBQ, Redbones in Davis Sq. (they've got great beer as well). Let me know what else you're interested in. (Also, check to make sure all these places I'm recommending are still there.)

As of last year they should be. And backed up, all those places rule.

[Chankgeez]

I mostly like Punjabi Dhaba because it's relatively cheap for the ton of food they give you (and you get to eat off metal trays).

There's better Indian to be had. I love India Quality near Kenmore Sq., but didn't suggest it because it's not super close to Harvard. Definitely worth the trip. The architecture in the Back Bay's really nice to look at (maybe not in Feb. though?).

[D.o.S.]

If we're talking about taking a journey from Cambridge for Indian my go-to is Curry House at Coolidge Corner, but that's mostly because friends of mine lived in Brookline for a long time and I remember it fondly.

[Chankgeez]

There's a bunch of great spots around Coolidge Corner. A fantastic evening can be had based around taking in a movie at the Coolidge Corner Theatre and having dinner somewhere close by either before or after.

Or not wanting to leave Cambridge, a movie at the Brattle is nice too.

[D.o.S.]

Coolidge Corner Theatre is fantastic.

Also, props to Mr.N for getting into Harvard(?)

[Chankgeez]

Ha said he's gonna be working there. Maybe a conference or something?

[D.o.S.]

I can read. I swear.

[jrmy]

Is the Trident bookstore still open? They were great - tons of really hard-to-find & international magazines.

Also, seconding Armageddon Shop and the Middle East. Also TT the Bears, just next to the Middle East.

[Chankgeez]

I think the Trident's still there and that would mean stopping in at Newbury Comics (if they're still there). Although, there is a Newbury Comics in Harvard Sq. (that is, if it's still there).

Oh, go to Leavitt & Peirce in Harvard Sq. (my favorite tobacconist). Also the Harvard Bookstore is one of my favorite bookshops (they got the dope remainders).