Dine on pizza and pasta in this tiny place (just 10 tables) on a side street across from the Franklin Cafe. "Big dish" entrees, like sirloin, are very good, but it's the pizza and wine list, which owner Christine Didiuk updates constantly, that keep people coming back.

Hidden away on an unassuming street in the South End, this trendy but friendly after-work dinner-and-drinks spot is clearly the place to be for locals in the know. Franklin Cafe only has 9 tables, so be prepared to wait 45min. to 1 hour to be seated—the fully stocked bar is a good distraction, and you can eat there if you're in a hurry. The wait, however, is worth it. Wonderful warm bread with a delicious hummus spread will start you off, best followed by one of their light salads or somewhat larger appetizers ($5-9). Entrees ($14-19) consist of straightforward meats, poultry, and fish, grilled and basted with imaginative sauces; try the steak with chive mashed potatoes and a mountain of fried red onions ($18). Although the menu, which changes seasonally, features only 1 vegetarian entree, the waitstaff will happily make substitutions or alter the daily special. The only drawback is that the kitchen is too small to produce desserts, which, after the great dinner, often leaves you craving something sweet. If you're really in a jam, settle for a sweet martini ($7)—there's a reason a martini glass is on the sign. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Don't forget that our pooches can have a discerning pallete too. Every dog also deserves to be pampered. How many times did you hit the spa this year? Come on... Sparky deserves a gourmet biscuit and a big bone. Head on down to the Polka Dog Bakery where you have your pick of treats like bow wow brownies and power barks. They also carry a variety of pet apparel and toys. Open 7 days a week.

Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
or you can set up an appointment

South End Formaggio, and it's big sis in Cambridge, Formaggio Kitchen, are a foodie's dream come true. With crammed aisles stocked with fragrant olive oils and roasted veggies, cheese is not all they specialize in. Although the South End location is much smaller, it is still a reliable place to grab a wedge of cheese, loaf of bread, and bottle of wine in a pinch. Do not forget to bring the wallet, quality comes with a price tag.