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 Border Cafe Every Friday night, the crowd outside speaks for this restaurant's longstanding popularity. Wooden floors creak under a raucous crowd choosing from menu options that combine Tex-Mex with Cajun flavors: blackened catfish fajitas ($9.88) or the Creole chicken ($8.46). Just don't fill up on the hot, salty tortilla chips and salsa that come for free. 32 Church St., Cambridge. Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri, Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (617) 864-6100 Charlie's Kitchen Grab the double cheeseburger special at this 40-year-strong staple and then head upstairs to catch local acts on live-music Mondays, or rock the karaoke mic on Tuesdays. Black-clad Allstonites cross the river to hang with MIT hipsters at this black-white-and-red tiled second floor hangout. The sometimes-too-loud jukebox even spins staff-minted mix CDs. 10 Eliot St., Cambridge. Sun-Wed 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (617) 492-9646. Grafton Street Grafton Street is where meatheads go to class it up and the young professionals go to feel like they're still in college. It tries to be everything to everyone, and somehow it actually succeeds. The soft spotlights ensure it's the place to see and be seen. And its nook-and-cranny seating enable you to have a party in back while the crowd at the bar give high fives - enjoy that seared tuna and wasabi mashed potatoes in style. 1230 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 11a.m.-1a.m., daily. (617) 497-0400 www.graftonstreetcambridge.com Grendel's Den Chances are you're not going to find a hook-up or a one-night stand here, but if you want to go out for iced tea and conversation with an old friend, Grendel's is the spot. The music is at the perfect volume, featuring albums in their entirety, and the insanely great food specials (look for the "Sunday Seven," featuring chili, pasta pesto or a burger for a buck each) ensure that you can make a full day or night of hanging. 89 Winthrop St., Cambridge. Mon-Sat 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 4 p.m.-1 a.m. (617) 491-1160 www.grendelsden.com Hong Kong If you didn't actually go to Harvard, you can at least rub elbows with the country's greatest minds at this Harvard Square landmark (even if those minds are waaaaasted). Best known for their brain-damage inducing Scorpion Bowls (fruity boozey concoctions), Hong Kong is a raucous scene. The endearingly tacky interior makes this bar more of a pit-stop - grab some Chinese chow and go. 1236 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. Sun-Thu, 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.; Fri, Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:30 a.m. All ages, 21+ to drink. (617) 864-5311 65 Chatham St. Boston. MBTA: Blue Line to Aquarium. 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m, daily. All ages, 21+ to drink. (617) 864-5311 Phatt Boys The newest restaurant to set up shop at the culinarily-cursed 50 Church St. spot is the second Phatt Boys location (the first is in Stoughton). Despite the busy locale, many eateries have come and gone here. The circus-colored Phatt Boys hasn't found its crowd yet, so you'll likely have your choice between a dimly lit booth, a spot at the bar, or a cue at the pool table. The owners aim to combine local seafood favorites with southern BBQ flavorings, creating interesting options like coconut-crusted shrimp ($8.95) and beer battered haddock ($12.95). 50 Church St., Boston. Mon-Tue 11:30 a.m.-12 a.m.; Wed-Sat 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 12 p.m.-12 a.m. (617) 354-2005. www.phattboys.com Pho Pasteur Restaurant What started as a tiny Chinatown shop known for its soup (pho) has grown into a local chain known for generous portions of authentic-ish Vietnamese food. Lit with paper-lanterns, the bustling Harvard location is a favorite among students, tourists, and lunching professionals looking for a light bite. Check the transparent rice paper wrapped summer rolls ($3.95) and entrees like lemongrass with sautéed chicken ($7.95). 36 JFK St., Cambridge. Sun-Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (617) 864-4100  See more Harvard Square restaurants
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