J.P. Licks Homemade Ice Cream Cafe
1312 Massachusetts Ave
Open daily, 6 a.m.-Midnight
With fake grass covering the walls, funky lanterns, and a frozen yogurt with probiotic bacteria that helps prevent yeast infections, this is no average ice cream shoppe. In addition to its extra creamy ice cream made in nearby Jamaica Plain, the chain J.P. Licks offers hard and soft frozen yogurt, homemade baked goods, and house-roasted organic, fair trade coffee served from 6 a.m. onwards. Ice cream flavors range from the classics to seasonal choices like apple crisp to the highly recommended Oreo cake batter. Of course, there will always be critics. “The ice cream at Lizzie’s is better,” says Alyssa M. Blaize ’12. “The flavors there seem more eclectic.” But with a prime location and steady flow of customers already, J.P. Licks seems to have more than enough fans at its new location.
Market in the Square
60 Church Street
Open daily, 24 hours
First things first: this is not a supermarket. If you’re looking for the basics, you’re better off shopping the aisles of CVS than Market in the Square, which is more likely to carry your favorite brand of obscure Japanese cookies than a jar of Skippy. This gourmet locale across the street from American Apparel sells what store manager David Kim calls “a weird mixture of foods,” including exotic teas and gluten-free treats at prices comparable to Broadway Market. But Market in the Square brings a much-needed element to Harvard: a 24-hour deli. Its pristine buffet ($7.49/lb) offers an impressive spread of cold salads, sushi, and hot dishes, and its made-to-order sandwiches ($6.75) include tasty combos like prosciutto and mozzarella. “I think this place is pretty sweet,” says Keith M. Fernandez, ’10. “The prices are decent, not great, and the location is not great, but the fact that it’s open 24 hours is really appealing.”
The Upper Crust Pizzeria
49b Brattle Street
Open daily, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., delivery until 10:30 p.m.
Within view of Market in the Square, Cambridge’s newest pizza joint serves up slices, specialty pies, salads, and calzones. With a cool modern interior, this small spot is great for grabbing a bite and watching a game in HDTV. Chief manager Rony Bonilla says, “Our concept in this business is to make people feel at home.” The 14-inch ($12-$16) or 18-inch ($15-$21) pies offer gourmet toppings like chorizo, asiago, and baby shrimp, while slices ($3-$3.50) are limited to cheese, pepperoni, and a daily special. The massive quarter-pie slices are perfect for folding in half and have an elegant ratio of chunky tomato sauce to gooey cheese. Boasting classy ingredients and authentic Italian style thin-crust, will The Upper Crust rival the late-night craving haven Pinocchio’s? “We’re never nervous,” says a Noch’s cashier.
