Lunch+Options

=Lunchtime Dining Options in or nearby Porter Square=  //Here is a list of our staff’s favorite local lunch spots. They are handpicked and highly recommended. Please stop by the registration/help desk if you have any questions.//

Third floor of University Hall < 1-minute elevator ride Opens at 7:30 am
 * __ Abdul’s Café __** is the closest and fastest lunch option available inside the building. Abi’s has sandwiches, salads, snacks, cold/hot drinks, and breakfast items as well (including cereal and bagels).
 * Directions:** Take the elevator from the 2nd floor atrium to level 3.

1782 Massachusetts Ave. 617-492-1111 < 5-minute walk Opens at 11:30 am
 * __ Stone Hearth Pizza Co. __** has a simple focus—to serve the highest quality Neapolitan style, thin crust pizza along with gourmet salads and wraps. Their menu incorporates a healthy blend of premium organic, locally produced, and sustainable ingredients. //*Gluten free options!//
 * Directions:** Turn left outside University Hall front entrance; Stone Hearth Pizza is one block down and across the street.

They have three options: 1. Yummy pre-made salads (in the fridge) 2. Rectangular gourmet pizzas with super-thin whole-wheat crust 3. Trinidadian roti (warm flatbread stuffed with curried vegetables-made on the spot) Their sauce is organic, their chicken is free from artificial hormones and antibiotics, and their vegetables are mostly local. Zing! is simply extraordinary. //*Gluten free options!// 1923 Massachusetts Ave. 617-497-4300 < 5-minute walk Opens at 12:00 pm
 * __ Zing! __** offers a rotating menu of what’s in season and what’s popular.
 * Directions:** Turn right outside University Hall front entrance; Zing is one block past the Porter T stop, next to Dunkin Donuts.

Downstairs on the first floor of University Hall 617-354-7766 < 1-minute elevator ride Opens at 11:30 am
 * __ Tavern in the Square __** is a neighborhood restaurant that provides large portions at affordable prices and has a huge menu with lunch specials. There is something for everyone here, and it’s right downstairs! Service is fast, and you can even watch some news while you eat.
 * Directions:** Take the elevator from the 2nd floor atrium or next to the 3rd floor café to level 1.

Porter Square Shopping Center 617-497-9464 < 5-minute walk Opens at 7:00 am
 * __ Porter Square Books – Café Zing! __** is an independent, full-service bookstore and café established by a group of experienced, dedicated booksellers. The café has a unique collection of lunch items, such as fresh Vietnamese soft rolls (made with lettuce, tofu, mint, carrots and vermicelli noodles, served with a sweet and tangy peanut sauce), mini roti wraps, pre-made gourmet sandwiches, and delicious sweet treats. Specialty fair-trade and organic coffees and teas are also available. //*Gluten free dessert options! ***Cash only**//
 * Directions:** The café is located in the Porter Square Shopping Center, on the other side of the Porter Square T stop, across the parking lot, inside Porter Square Books, next to Tags and Shaws.

1760 Massachusetts Ave. 617-661-6580 < 7-minute walk Opens at 9:00 am
 * __ The Half Shell __** is a well-known, long-standing neighborhood “gem”. Although the décor may be considered questionable, the food is consistently outstanding and the prices are great. Half Shell offers all-day breakfast, and Greek and Italian food, including wraps, subs, salads, calzones, pizza, and gyros. Veggie options are fresh and portions are often large. Counter service only.
 * Directions:** Turn left outside University Hall front entrance; Half Shell is about two blocks down and across the street.

1876 Massachusetts Ave. 617-576-6163 < 3-minute walk Opens at 6:00 am
 * __ Bruegger’s __** is a small chain of farmhouse-inspired bakery-cafés. They specialize in New York-style bagels and unique cream cheese options, but they also offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups. Ordering is easy, service is fast, and prices are extremely fair. Several coffee and tea options are also available. Free wi-fi!
 * Directions:** Turn right outside University Hall front entrance; Bruegger’s is less than one block down and across the street.

1933 Massachusetts Ave. 617-868-4200 < 5-minute walk Opens at 11:00 am, but you can order food in advance online at www.sugarspices.com!
 * __ Sugar and Spice __** offers authentic (and delicious) Thai cuisine at ridiculously low prices. Service is friendly and fast, and the lunch specials are unbeatable. Sit down and relax inside this restaurant that has a futuristic-feel. Spiciness to order, vegetarian options for sure!
 * Directions:** Turn right outside University Hall front entrance; Sugar and Spice is about two blocks down the street (one block after Dunkin Donuts).

**__ The Oxford Spa __** offers big, delicious sandwiches with fresh ingredients that are identified by unusually erudite names. Service is friendly and fast. Seating is available inside and outside, but is a bit limited.  102 Oxford Street.  617-661-6988  < 9-minute walk  Opens at 7:30 am **Directions:** Head straight outside the University Hall back entrance; walk up Roseland street; turn right on Oxford Street and walk approx. 4 blocks.