Get off the Green Line for Boston’s best

So you've moved in, unpacked, checked out some of the local spots around campus, gone shopping at Newbury Street, gotten lost among a crowd of rowdy Red Sox fans at the Fens, learned to jay-walk like a pro, tripped over cobblestones and tacky souvenir shops at Faneuil Hall, gone to a kegger in Allston, etc., so now what? Boston is big. Bigger than Kenmore, Allston and the Freedom Trail. While the boroughs may at first seem inaccessible, and the hot spots might at first slip past your eye, this little guide should help you on your way to digging up the diamonds littered all over this city.

<strong>Central Square</strong>

Often called "mental square" for its colorful residents, this little strip of Cambridge is home to a dozen or so small music venues and nightclubs. While the 21+ crowd may flock to the <strong>Middlesex Lounge</strong> on Thursdays to hear the latest from Boston's house scene, or the <strong>Cantab Lounge</strong> for live funk and blues, there are also a slew of music venues that are often open for younger students. <strong>The Middle East </strong>has venues both upstairs and down, and neighboring <strong>T. T. the Bear's Place</strong> also has shows seven nights a week. All Asia is a spot frequently booked by local aspiring artists. If you're in the mood for something sweet after the show, <strong>Toscanini's</strong> has arguably the best ice cream in Boston (we love the lemon sorbet made from fresh lemons) and is open until 11 p.m. <strong>The Dance Complex</strong> has excellent drop-in classes for all levels, including West African dance classes with live drummers. Music collector? Be sure to check out both <strong>Cheapo Records</strong> and <strong>Weirdo Records</strong>. Like Indian food? You'll find a great Indian restaurant on every block, like <strong>Shalimar of India Restaurant</strong> for an $8 all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. Or, enjoy a home-cooked breakfast at <strong>Brookline Lunch</strong>. For late night bites try <strong>Moody's Falafel Palace</strong> or <strong>Hi-Fi Pizza &amp;' Giant Sub</strong>, both open until 3 a.m. on select nights. <em><strong>Get off at: </strong></em>Central, Red Line

<strong>Harvard Square</strong>

You don't have to be an Ivy Leaguer to indulge in the numerous cafes and shops of Harvard Square. Though slightly upscale and ridden with tourists or, even worse, prospective Harvard students (don't worry, the real ones rarely leave campus), there are still a number of gems hidden amongst the crimson sweatshirts and boat shoes. Get out of the T, pass over the infamous punk rock "pit," and people watch outside of <strong>Au Bon Pain</strong> among the students, tourists and chess champions. Or get some studying done while slurping on an iced white bubble tea at <strong>Dado Tea and Coffee</strong>. <strong>Peets Coffee and Tea</strong> is also great, though you may have to fight for a seat. For a less typical caf&#233; experience, <strong>Caf&#233; Algiers</strong> takes you right to the Middle East -- try the Turkish coffee and baba ganoush, and go upstairs for the best ambiance. Act like you're in the know and grab a deep-dish slice at <strong>Pinocchio's Pizza and Subs</strong>, a favorite haunt of Ben Affleck's, or try a bomb sandwich at <strong>Darwin's Ltd</strong>., where the sandwiches are named after the local streets. You can often find a deal on shoes at <strong>Berk's Shoes and Clothing Store </strong>or great thrift finds at <strong>Oona's</strong>. <em><strong>Get off at:</strong></em> Harvard, Red Line

<strong>Beacon Hill</strong>

Traditionally the home of Boston Brahmins (American bluebloods), Beacon Hill is still one of the most historic and wealthy districts in Boston. Bordered by the Charles River, the<strong> Boston Esplanade</strong> is a great place for a walk, a chill out session with friends or a cheap-but-romantic date. Or, if the date doesn't go as planned, drown your troubles in candy at <strong>Beacon Hill Chocolates</strong>. For some old-school Boston flavor not too far from a college kid's budget, rally a crew and head to the <strong>Paramount</strong>, opened in 1937, for brunch. Parents in town? Make them take you someplace nice, like <strong>No. 9 Park</strong>. The restaurant is owned by Boston native Barbara Lynch, a James Beard award-winning chef. Or lock yourself up for some fine dining at Clink, a great restaurant built in what used to be (and what still kind of looks like) a jail. <em><strong>Get off at:</strong></em> Charles/MGH, Red Line

<strong>Coolidge Corner</strong>

Coolidge Corner is a great place for reasonably priced eats and an even better place for kosher eats. Whether you're homesick for<strong> </strong>Bubbe's brisket or are just curious to try an authentic Jewish delicatessen, <strong>Rubin's Deli</strong> and <strong>Zaftigs</strong> are the places to go in Boston. <strong>Coolidge Corner Theater</strong> is the closest, and most comfortable, movie theater by West Campus. It is also non-profit and plays both independent and mainstream flicks. Or get your entertainment the old-fashioned way and read! <strong>The Brookline Booksmith</strong> is an excellent independent bookstore. If you want to entertain yourself an even more old-fashioned way, head to <strong>Good Vibrations</strong>, an amazing sex store. Really. Find it hidden behind the CVS with the widows whited out and be relieved not to find a whole bunch of creeps inside. Other mentionable restaurants include <strong>Dok Bua Thai Kitchen</strong> and <strong>Anna's Taqueria</strong>. (FYI: Anna's and <strong>Boca Grande </strong>are almost exactly the same and are separately owned by a brother and a sister who have HUGE beef. Apparently, they aren't even speaking. Local burrito connoisseurs are sure to pick sides too). Also, <strong>Finale</strong> has really, really yummy desserts. <em><strong>Get off at:</strong></em> Coolidge Corner, Green Line C-Branch

<strong>Jamaica Plain</strong>

Boston natives may joke that you need a passport to get to Jamaica Plain because of its poor access to public transportation and the tendency of residents to hole-up in local parties and DIY music venues, but if you can get out there its sure to be worth your while. Grab brunch at <strong>Sorella's</strong> or <strong>Center Street Caf&#233;</strong> and walk it off with a stroll around the <strong>Arnold Arboretum</strong> or <strong>Jamaica Pond.</strong> When you're ready to fill up again, <strong>El Oriental de Cuba </strong>makes a mean sandwich. Get your flannel on at <strong>Boomerangs</strong>, a low-budget thrift store, or go home with a cult classic at <strong>Video Underground</strong>. If you're looking to get tatted up, F<strong>at Ram's Pumpkin Tattoo</strong> is the place (drink away the pain later at nearby <strong>Brendan Behan Pub</strong>). JP also holds the <strong>Sam Adams Brewery</strong>, the <strong>Bella Luna Restaurant</strong> &amp;' <strong>The Milky Way</strong> <strong>Lounge</strong> for live shows and DJs, and, of course, <strong>JP Licks</strong> ice cream. <em><strong>Get off at:</strong></em> Stony Brook, Orange Line

<strong>Chinatown</strong>

Boston Chinatown may only consist of about a dozen city streets, but this district is jam-packed with great food, funky shops and visual stimulation. Go out for dim sum and select your favorite dishes from the passing carts at <strong>China Pearl</strong>. Try a bao for breakfast (think hallah bread stuffed with ham) or a blowfish birthday cake at <strong>Bao Bao Bakery &amp;' Caf&#233;</strong>. Get a freshly made smoothie with boba at <strong>New Dong Khanh</strong> and try your standard fruit flavors or experiment with red bean and jackfruit. Other good restaurants include <strong>Taiwan Caf&#233;</strong> and the <strong>Gourmet Dumpling House</strong>. For takeout, venture three blocks down to <strong>Chinatown Caf&#233;</strong> on 262 Harrison Ave. Ten dollars will feed three. <strong>South Street Diner </strong>serves American diner food and is open all night. Treat yourself to a homemade kimono at <strong>Kim's Fashion Design</strong>. Or, if you are a tailor yourself, Chinatown is home to <strong>Winmil</strong> and <strong>Van's Fabrics</strong>, the two most affordable fabric stores in Boston. For your five dollar slippers, one dollar kitchen supplies, fishnet stockings, small turtles, off brand cigarettes and pornography needs, go to <strong>Super 99&#162;</strong>. <em><strong>Get off at: </strong></em>Chinatown, Orange Line