By now, you, fine students of Boston University, have settled into your dorm-issue desk chairs (some with, some without cushions) and are exhausted from your arduous move-in experiences. Pretty soon, you're going to get hungry. Once the thrills of the all-you-can-eat dining halls and wicked-trendy salad-purveying George Sherman Union wear off, I recommend you get off campus and explore the melting pot of dining options your new home city has to offer. Most places off campus don't take dining points, but worry not &-&- these tried and true haunts are super cheap, exceptionally filling and will give you and your floormates something to Yelp about, as well as major street cred.
Hop on the Green Line's C-line to Brookline &-&- Allston's much cleaner, much quainter neighbor &-&- where you'll find <strong>Dorado</strong> (401 Harvard St., Brookline), a cute, colorful little pocket of Mexico that just celebrated its first anniversary in July. With a slight menu &- mostly just tacos, cemitas (a Mexican sandwich) and quesadillas &- fresh, homemade ingredients and nothing priced over $8, Dorado is a far more attractive option than overpriced, gut-busting burritomonster chains. Order a la carte (a single taco is only about $2.50), or grab a taco plate ($5.99), which comes loaded with two tacos of your choice, beans, rice and a charred jalapeno. Don't let the tiny size of the tacos make you nervous: the soft tortillas are thick and hot, the fish, meat or veggie fillings are char-grilled and plentiful, and there's so much gooey guac-queso fresco-salsa yumminess underneath it all, you'll be needing a fork and maybe a take-out bag.
If no one's told you yet, the North End (take the Green Line inbound to Haymarket) is Boston's sweetest date spot, filled with anachronistic little treats like sidewalk rose vendors, cobblestone alleys and romantic, authentic Italian bistros. Dinner for two at one of these spots will run you half your work-study, but pizza at <strong>Ernesto's</strong> (69 Salem St.) will be just as impressive and far more casual. There are lots of places to get a pie in Boston, but Ernesto's is the best &-&- just ask the locals, or read one of the many "Best of Boston" stickers on their window. A simple whole pizza ($15) is more than enough for two. With heavy, shining slices of rich, buttery crust, authentic not-too-sweet sauce and fresh toppings, the stuff is molto better than dorm-delivery Papa John's. The atmosphere is cozily cramped, with maybe six tiled tables crammed against the memorabilia-ridden walls, but you might find that splitting your pie outside, perched on the curb with your companion, just makes more sense.
To eat east, go west to Allston's <strong>Azama Grill</strong> (54 Harvard Ave., Allston), a neighborhood favorite for cheap dates and late night post-party noshing (or gorging). Middle Eastern favorites like falafel, shawarma and tabouli come together with an Egyptian twist, most for under eight bucks. The first thing you'll notice at Azama upon getting off the 57 Bus at Harvard Avenue is the pastry case at the register. It holds tempting kabobs pierced with fresh veggies and sanguine meats just dying to be grilled to order. Behind the case, one look at the spinning rotisserie grill in the kitchen and you'll be sold on the shawarma ($6.99) &-&- tasty, slow-cooked marinated meat or veggies with almost too many sides: pita and tahini sauce, rice pilaf and a fresh Egyptian salad. Vegetarians take note: Azama's menu is among the most veg-friendly in Allston. Because the entrees are so cheap, add on an order of Egyptian fries ($2.99), which come heavily seasoned and with a strangely delicious side of mayonnaise for dipping. Don't go for atmosphere &-&-a few long, rickety tables and a window counter shrouded in faux foliage that caresses you as you eat &-&- but definitely go for the food, which more than makes up for it.
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