My colleagues and I will be at a conference in Cambridge (we're staying at the Royal Sonesta) in a few weeks- we'd love some restaurant suggestions nearby. We're looking for places that are nice, but not extravagent. Also, any good pubs around?
Thanks!

Hi there--
Just across the river, near the Fleet Center is the Commonwealth Brew Pub (I think they changed their name to Commonwealth Fish & Beer or something like that!). (Green Line T stop==North STation). A few blocks down from there is Quincy Market with tons of bars and restaraunts (If you take the 'T', Green Line and/or Orange Line stop is at Haymarket). Nearby your hotel is the Cambridgeside Galleria (a typical mall) that has The Cheescake Factory plus a couple other restaraunts.

Our favorites in Cambridge are: The B Side on Hampshire Street, the East Coast Grill on Cambridge Street, and Henrietta's in the Charles Hotel.

right over the bridge in Charlestown, is Olives, a famous and expensive restaurant owned by Todd English. Also in Charlestown is Figs, a smaller, more casual and inexpensive Todd English restaurant.

I forgot to add this...also in charlestown is the Warren Tavern, which is a great pub, if you are in you are in your twenties and early thirties, Wednesday night in particular is a really fun night, it's when all the young singles who live in charlestown go there. get there early, b/c there is a line later on. btw:if you are going to any bars in boston on a friday or saturday night, keep in mind that they close early.

Since you said "nearby" and "Cambridge," let me add my agreement to East Coast Grill--which has a great Make Your Own Bloody Mary bar at Sunday brunch and the freshest seafood and ribs anywhere. I thought the B Side was a well-kept secret but the word must be getting out; good food in a neighborhood setting, 1950s decor (hardboiled eggs on the bar!), and chocolate fondue on the dessert list. Don't know about Henrietta's, but anything at the Charles would be good.

I am a big fan of The Border Cafe - Tex-Mex food, with great margaritas. It can get pretty packed on weekends, but the food is well worth the wait. Very casual, and since I used to eat there in college, it's a place for fun, good food and drinks, but certainly not extravagant!