Synthesis Studios

Write enough code and you get hungry, which points out one of the benefits of our Porter Square location: all the great places to eat and drink nearby.  Here are some of my favorites.

Simon’s Coffee Shop
1736 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge
617.497.7766

Simon’s serves the best espresso I’ve had in Boston.  (It comes a close second to Intelligentsia in Chicago for my favorite in the country.)  The place is small, but the staff is friendly and the coffee is great.  It’s almost enough to stop me day-dreaming about my two years in Italy.

Japonaise Bakery
1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge
617.547.5531

This small store is hidden in the back of the Porter Exchange (which also houses Citibank, City Sports, and part of Lesley University).  Their scones are amazing, whether fruit or chocolate (my favorites are the white chocolate and the wild berry).  Everyone raves about the Azuki Cream pastry, so you might want to try one of those too.  Don’t be fooled by the 9:30 posted opening hour, though - you usually can’t get any pastry until 10 am.

Anna’s Taqueria
822 Somerville Avenue, Cambridge
617.661.8500

If you live in Cambridge, you probably already know about Anna’s, but I wanted to point out that there’s one right across the street from our office.  The tacos al pastor are my favorite by far: not only do they taste amazing, but you also don’t have to answer any questions about what you want on them.

Random Asian Places in the Porter Exchange
1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge

There are a bunch of small, fast, and friendly Asian restaurants lined up inside the Porter Exchange.  I buy lunch from them two or three times a week.  The lunch specials are all good choices, and here are a few specific recommendations.  I’ve never been to Japan, but I think the curry at Cafe Mami would still seem good if I had.  The hot and sour soup at Chocho’s (Korean) restaurant is great.  The cold noodles from Sapporo Ramen are tasty, too.  If you get the sushi from Kotobukiya, I’d stick to the rolls and be wary of the pouty waitress.

Hi-Rise Bread Company
208 Concord Avenue, Cambridge
617.876.8766

This is a bit longer of a walk, but it’s worth it.  They make the best bread in the city.  The sandwiches are good but expensive.

Rosie’s Bakery
1796 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge
617.902.2029

They make great pastries: the raspberry bars, brownies, sweet croissants, and scones are all excellent.  The soups and sandwiches are good if you’re in the mood for something simple (but tasty).

Cafe Zing
25 White Street, Cambridge
617.497.9464

This place gets a special mention for the super-friendly staff.  It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a wide range of drink options.  Try the Aztec hot chocolate or the Thai iced tea.