Food Around Tufts: Part 1 (Uphill/ near Boston Ave)
These places are great spots to grab a quick bite around campus, specifically uphill/near Boston Avenue!
Picante Taqueria
Picante is the spot for quick yet delicious Mexican cuisine with endless customizability; they have the burritos and bowls that you may expect but also serve amazing tortas, tacos, nachos, and have an array of special plates that include carne asada and chimichangas. Add-ons range from fresh guacamole to pickled onions, corn, and a number of salsas and sauces that are packed with flavor and spice if that’s what you’re looking for! They also offer agua frescas, horchata, various shakes, and many flavors of Jarritos to drink, as well as slices of tres leches and flan for dessert. While quite packed during peak hours, the line always moves quickly and there is a good amount of seating for both smaller and larger groups.
Kushari and Grill
Kushari and Grill serves authentic Middle Eastern food, with options ranging from their namesake—kushari—to traditional Egyptian hawashi, rolls and plates with kabobs, shawarma, or falafel as well as salads and sides of hummus, fries, and grape leaves. Portions, especially for plates, are large, and their sauces are especially flavorful, namely the garlic daqqa (garlic and vinegar) and spicy shatta (hot). They also have baklava for dessert! Their hours differ depending on the day, but they’re open until 3 am on Friday and Saturday nights, making them a great spot for late night bites.
Danish Pastry House
DPH has a wide selection of fresh pastries, from savory spinach and ricotta croissants to sweet scones and muffins. They’re a great spot to stop for a snack or a sweet treat—like a slice of cake or seven-layer bar—but also have options if you want something more substantial like a sandwich. Their drink menu is expansive and features a number of specialty lattes that include flavors such as Nutella and Strawberries and Thin Mint along with smoothies and traditional tea, coffee, and hot chocolate options. There’s usually space inside (and on nice days, a couple tables outside) to stay a couple hours and study.
Nick’s House of Pizza
Nick’s is great for a quick and affordable slice of pizza, which can be topped with whatever combination of cheeses, veggies, or meats that you may prefer and is ready in minutes. If you have a bit more time, they also offer grinders, calzones, wraps, salads, wings, and a large array of appetizers and sides. Drinks and condiments like red pepper flakes, oregano, and parmesan cheese are always available, and seating is plenty.
Tasty Cafe and Kitchen
Tasty is a cafe at its best, offering brunch favorites like Nutella french toast, pancakes, avocado toast, and Acai and granola bowls along with locally-roasted coffee and a plentiful selection of smoothies ranging from Oh My Peanut Butter to Power Berry. They also serve a number of delicious sandwiches ranging from a simple grilled cheese to a croque madame for both breakfast and lunch while also offering bowls and salad as alternative options. While it can be difficult to secure a table—especially outside when the weather is nice—during peak hours, service is relatively quick and take-out is available.
Pikaichi Ramen
If you’re willing to venture a little farther down Boston Ave, Pikaichi is a great spot for tasty ramen. Although their menu is relatively simple—featuring 8 types of ramen—each features a different flavor profile, and can be further customized with add-ons such as hot oil, tofu/pork, and corn. Vegetarian options are available as well as small side orders of curry, rice, and cha-shu don. They also offer a number of canned Japanese drinks such as Yuzu and Ume soda. The restaurant isn’t huge but has a number of tables for guests to dine-in.
In the next post, I'll highlight the best food spots around the downhill part of campus, near Powder House and Davis Square.