Sullivan said that a site is eligible for landmark designation if it is associated with one or more famous people or events or if it is significant to the broad economic, social or architectural history of the city.

The Read House, constructed in 1780, is the second oldest building in Harvard Square.

It originally housed a general store and a tailor shop that was home to poet Anne Bradstreet. The four buildings were united under a common facade in 1896.

Although the commission members repeatedly stated that the stores inside the building are outside of its jurisdiction, many attendants voiced their concern about the future of the Tasty.

"You can't replace a piece of history like the Tasty," said Talia Baron, a high school senior and co-founder of the Square Liberation Front.

"It's a tough call. We certainly have love for this place, but for every person who loves the Tasty, there are 97 who have never heard of it," said Rob Thiel, an employee at the restaurant.

"The issue is a building which has been for 250 years, 50 years before George Washington lived across the street," Thiel said. "It's like taking Central Park out of Manhattan."

Members of the commission will reconvene on February 6 to reconsider the issue