If you haven’t been to Inman Square, you are doing yourself a disservice. It’s full of funk, ‘tude, and black truffle salt. Without a T stop, Inman is a bit more difficult to get to than Central or Davis, but in the absence of tourists and those crazy college kids, a neighborhood full of character has emerged. Nestled in the crossroad of Cambridge, Hampshire, and Inman Street, the Square is a community of smiling, happy residents who are more than excited to welcome you into their beloved home. Head over to Inman and be sure to hit up these places:
Get Your Brunch On
City Girl Cafe
Everyone knows that brunch is the best meal—great food, and you don’t need to wake up early for it—but it only rolls around once a week in the dhalls. If you’re hankering for a delicious brunch, head to City Girl Cafe, a neighborhood gem that does brunch like no other. Chain restaurants have a time and place in our lives but when you walk into the locally-owned restaurant, you can’t help but feel at home. Come over for the heartwarming atmosphere and one of their signature pasta dishes.
204 Hampshire Street, Tuesday-Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed on Monday
Words, words, words
Lorem Ipsum Books
There is no homier place on earth than a local bookstore, and Lorem Ipsum fits the bill perfectly with a great collection of bizarre and interesting titles and bright comfortable couches. Local art decorates the walls and in the back you’ll find the Papercut Zine Library and a vending machine filled with pulp books. Come in, browse, and you might end up walking away with a book titled “My Life as a Polygamist’s Wife” or “Do You Really Need Eyeglasses” from the ‘Dubious Ideas Section.’
1299 Cambridge Street, Monday to Wednesday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Vintage Bling and Boots
Oona’s Outpost
But if you ever want to add some serious funk in your closet for some seriously low prices, pop into Oona’s Thrift Store. They have a fantastic selection of vintage items from the 60s, 70s, and the 80s. In the words of employee Ally Cohan, “It’s vintage for the not faint of heart, people here are a little more daring.” Be prepared.
1297 Cambridge Street, Sunday to Saturday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Baked Love
Rosie’s Bakery
Rosie’s sign reminds me of the loud, colorful lights that diners used to have, and the bakery is full of that same charm. The baked goods have a distinctly homemade feel to them. Grab a slice of German chocolate cake ($2.99), bunker down on a cozy couch with a good book, and just soak up the delightful atmosphere.
243 Hampshire Street, Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
To Top It All Off
Christina’s Spice Shop and Homemade Ice Cream
When you walk into Christina’s Spice Shop, scents and flavors fill your nose. Just take a moment to soak it all in. The store is covered with walls and containers of every spice imaginable, from Blazei mushrooms to pink peppercorn. Visit for the smells, ogle the container of orange blossom rooibos tea that you know you want, and maybe get inspired to do a little cooking yourself! After you’ve had your fill, satisfy your taste buds at Christina’s Homemade Ice Cream next door, with over fifty flavors of homemade ice cream, from Coffee S’mores Crunch to Coconut Butterfinger.
1255 Cambridge Street, Monday to Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg—Inman Square is chock full of even more eclectic stores and restaurants. Inman we trust.
