Set-up for Boston Calling was in full swing when I arrived at Harvard Stadium for the November Project workout at 6:30am on Wednesday morning. While food vendors are a big part of the set-up, and there will be a ton of awesome food on the festival grounds, there may be a time when you want to get food in the surrounding neighborhoods. If you need to take a concert break, or grab food before or after your favorite band performs, there are a lot of places nearby to try.
While the stadium area is Harvard property, it's actually located across the river from Harvard Square in lower Allston.
One important thing to note about this festival weekend: Harvard is also hosting post-graduation reunions all weekend, so the restaurants in Harvard Square will already be jam-packed with Harvard alum. Other than coming and going through the T-stop at Harvard Square, it’s best to avoid this area for restaurant options this weekend. Instead, check out some of these Allston, Brighton, and Central Square spots.
CLOSE & QUICK
Swiss Bakers
Helene and Thomas Stohr are ready to welcome festival-goers with their delicious pastries and sandwiches. It’s the closest, and the sweetest, spot you’ll find near Boston Calling. Try a traditional chocoweggli. You definitely won’t be disappointed!
168 Western Ave., Allston, 617.903.3113, swissbakers.com
The Breakfast Club
This classic diner is a standout for comfort food any time of day. From waffles to meatloaf, the homemade quality of the food is a local standout, and worth the wait for a booth or a seat at the counter.
270 Western Ave., Allston, 617.783.1212, thebreakfastclubboston.com
Stone Hearth Pizza Co.
A huge menu full of pizzas, panini, pasta, and salads “offers both classic and unexpected varieties of Neapolitan-style, oven-fired pizzas, as well as a regional beer and wine list.”
182 Western Ave., Allston, 617.903.4680, stonehearthpizza.com
SIT-DOWN RESTAURANTS IN ALLSTON & BRIGHTON
Ariana Restaurant
Treat yourself to a delicious meal in a pretty, spacious setting just a ways up Western Ave. The smell of warm spices is immediately welcoming when you walk in, and the staff is incredibly friendly! You can't go wrong with any of the stuffed twin pastry appetizers, or the sweet and savory combination of the veggie special entree.
384 Western Ave., Brighton, 617.208.8072, arianarestaurantboston.com
Article 24
This casual and upbeat spot is perfect for any group looking for a large and diverse menu of elevated pub classics.
458 Western Ave., Brighton, 617.254.2424, article24boston.com
Deep Ellum & Lone Star Taco Bar
While their neighbors, Whole Heart Provisions, Roxy's Grilled Cheese, and FoMu will be on site at the festival this weekend, Deep Ellum and Lone Star Taco provide cool spots to chill off festival grounds. They’re far enough away that you might get out of the hectic festival traffic, but still popular neighborhood spots with food and drink options that are always on point.
Deep Ellum - 477 Cambridge St., Boston, 617-787-2337, deepellum-boston.com
Lone Star Taco Bar - 479 Cambridge St., Boston, 617-782-TACO, lonestar-boston.com
ACROSS THE RIVER IN CENTRAL SQUARE
Life Alive
For healthy, vegetarian fare in a relaxed atmosphere, head across the river to Life Alive in Central Square. Their bowls and smoothies will leave you feeling energized for hours more dancing.
765 Mass Ave., Cambridge, 617-354-5433, www.lifealive.com
Green Street
This classic little pub, tucked away on a side street in Central Square, is a great date spot with a small but exceedingly interesting menu. It’s a great place to escape from the non-stop festival action.
280 Green St., Cambridge, 617-876-1655, greenstreetgrill.com
Baraka Cafe
Authentic Moroccan food in huge portions at extremely reasonable prices make this cozy restaurant well worth a visit.
1728 Mass Ave., Cambridge, 617-868-3951,
barakacafe.com
