It's between Harvard and Davis squares and has that middle sibling feel - not much personality but very reliable, especially for food. Take the Red Line to Porter.

Sugar & Spice Visually-soothing sparkles and curvy walls make you feel like you're at the bottom of a pool, and the drunken noodles ($8.95) are equally refreshing. Everything's nice at this Thai joint, including the staff, dressed in beatnik black. 1933 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge. Lunch: Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Fri, Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Dinner: 3 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri, Sat 3 p.m.-11p.m.(617) 868-4200
www.sugarspices.com

Temple Bar The warm glow of the Temple Bar is what brings the masses in from Mass. Ave. Huge paper lanterns suspended from the high ceilings reflect in oversized mirrors and spill light into the double-date booths and copper bar. Located between Harvard and Porter Squares, Temple Bar is the perfect place for a pre-Cambridge barcrawl meal, and you can hit the ground running with their extensive drink menu. They have a kick-ass uncrowded brunch on Sundays, too. 1688 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. Mon-Fri 5 p.m.-Midnight; Sat, Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m. brunch, then open until 1 a.m. (617) 547-5055
www.templebarcambridge.com

Davis became hipster-cool a few years ago and still has that vibe, thanks to chill coffee shops and students from nearby Tufts. Take the Red Line to Davis.

Diesel Café With its huge Day-Glo walls, steel art, red velvet pool tables and retro photo booth, the Diesel décor is equal parts barroom, warehouse gallery and carnival. It's the perfect place to fill 'er up with caffeine. The gals who own the joint want you to spend as much time there as possible so, in addition to their fuel-injected cups of joe, the menu includes everything from breakfast muffins to healthy (turkey, avocado, hummus) sandwiches. 257 Elm St., Somerville. Mon-Thu 7 a.m.-midnight; Fri 7 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-midnight (617) 591-0308
www.diesel-cafe.com

Gargoyles on the Square Huge windows and scholarly earth tones - the atmosphere here is like a university club for the school of cool. The staff is friendly, and fittingly amazed by daring chef Jason Santos. Who knew that using apple juice to make bread would work out so well? Who knew that corn dogs could be given a touch of class? We recommend sitting in the lounge, because you can choose from the dinner menu or the bar menu. Anyway, did you hear us? Gourmet corn dogs! 219 Elm St., Somerville. Bar opens daily at 5 p.m. (617) 776-5300
www.gargoylesonthesquare.com

Joshua Tree Bar & Grill Joshua Tree's the kind of place you can catch a game with friends or head to for a casual date. You know, when you're really not trying to impress your girlfriend anymore. Service is relaxed and not in-your-face, and the menu is true, cheap Americana (like its New York counterpart). Try the chicken and broccoli alfredo - it's better than the burger and fries. 256 Elm St., Somerville. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., daily. Fri, Sat night, 21+. (617) 623-9910
www.joshuatreebarandgrill.com

Redbones Co-owner Robert Gregory is an avid mountain biker and offers his customers free bike valet at this consistently packed BBQ shack. Good luck riding home with a belly full of southern classics, though - they're done to juicy perfection. Go for the corn fritters dripping with maple syrup and the pulled pork sandwich, but be sure to bring cash. No credit cards allowed. 55 Chester St., Somerville. MBTA: Red Line to Davis. Lunch: 11:30 (Noon on Sat)-3 p.m.; Dinner: 4 p.m.-10:30 p.m. (11 p.m. Fri and Sat); late night menu until 12:30 a.m. (617) 628-2200
www.redbonesbbq.com

Tu y Yo Mexican Fonda You won't find nachos, chalupas or any other Americanized Mexican food at this eatery. What you will find is an authentic atmosphere and family recipes that span over 100 years. From the Indio Vestido (cactus paddle stuffed with cheese, drizzled in a guajillo and tomatillo sauce) to the Torre De Mariscos (octopus, crab, squid and shrimp sautéed with corn, zucchini, olives, capers and tomatoes), this is legit. Be warned, there is a $10.95 per person minimum during the dinner hour. 858 Broadway, Somerville. Mon-Thu 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri, Sat 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 4 p.m.-9 p.m. (617) 623-5411
www.tuyyomexicanfonda.com

Wing Works This Davis Square to-go wingery serves up perfectly crisped Monday Night Football companions. Garlic Parmesan and Hawaiian Teriyaki are just some of the tasty varieties that make this place Lord of the Wing. That's right, we said it - Lord of the Wing. Their 12-piece combo deal, where you can choose three different types of wings, is $10.95. The "Buffalo Suicide" packs a good punch. 201 Elm St., Somerville. Mon-Thu 4 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri, Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 4 p.m.-10 p.m. (617) 666-9000  See more restaurants