Best known for its Portuguese food, Inman Square has also blossomed into a mini-UN, with a Jewish-style deli, Bukowski's and more. Take the Red Line to Central, then walk for about 15 minutes.

Midwest Grill Back in 1981, Gilmar Pinto was a recent immigrant, washing dishes to make ends meet. Today, he's co-owner of the Midwest Grill, a Brazilian churrasco rodizio (rotating barbeque) where roaming waiters carve meat off 3-foot metal skewers stacked with chunks of chicken, beef, sausage, pork, and veal. For $22.95 per person ($17.95 for lunch), you get all-you-can-eat in any combination you like. A small salad bar offers some carnivorous respite, but vegetarians should still run screaming. 1128 Cambridge St., Cambridge. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., daily. (617) 354-7536.
www.midwestgrill.com

Punjabi Dhaba Restaurant A line out the door is common at this Inman Square Indian fast food joint. You heard us right, Punjabi Dhaba is Indian fast food, and it's popular beyond its limited dining capacity. (You'll find a lesser-known upstairs dining area, too. Just ask.) The food is as authentic as the Bhangra music and Indian customers - we would fork over the $7.95 for the special curry platter any day. 225 Hampshire St, Cambridge. Noon-11:30 p.m., daily (617) 547-8272

Kendall Square Nestled into MIT's campus, the One Kendall Square complex attracts the crowd you'd expect: professors taking lunch, students on a night out and parents in town to survey the neighborhood. Upscale options like The Blue Room won't fit the budget, so head to places like the Cambridge Brewing Company and Tommy Doyle's, which serves traditional Irish food like bangers and mash ($8.50) and corned beef sandwiches ($9.95). Flat Top Johnny's pool hall also serves basic bar food, including their mountain of "Nine Ball Nachos" ($6.95).
Red Line to Kendall/MIT.  See more Kendall Square restaurants