{shortcode-45a85194b929ef2437d4508bf831da4975052719}

Formally called “Dig Inn,” the Northeastern food chain DIG just rejoined Harvard Square’s diverse list of restaurants. The new chain sits inconspicuously on the corner of Mt. Auburn and Dunster Street, and offers an abundance of healthy menu options. For Harvard students, it’s the ideal place to grab a quick, nutritious bite after class.

After having to shut down almost immediately after opening in the summer of 2020, DIG is now available to the public and ready to share its perks with the Cambridge community. Due to the ongoing pandemic, indoor seating is unavailable at the moment, but you can order online or take-out. Fortunately, when dining indoors is permitted again, the layout looks to be fitting for students: After ordering off of their extensive menu, diners have the option to decide whether they are leaning towards a booth to chat with their friends or the smaller, more personal table for a date with homework.

Further, DIG appears to be oriented around the intersection between environmental sustainability and tastiness. As described on their website, the chain’s mission involves providing fresh and organic vegetables to customers while ensuring the ingredients used are sustainably cared for, locally grown, and never go to waste. The site claims that “at the end of each day, our restaurants donate unsold food to organizations like Rescuing Leftover Cuisine and New England Center & Home for Veterans.” DIG focuses on many productive objectives, including diversifying its partners to more minority growers and backing certified farmers transitioning from conventional to organic farming.

DIG offers a vast selection of food options, ranging from hot soups to fresh salads. Each menu option includes a list of ingredients that may conflict with dietary restrictions, such as animal products, soy, nuts, etc. After looking at the selection of foods on their online menu –– like the “Spicy Meatball Bowl” or the “ Winter Forager’s Salad” –– I decided to go with the Cauliflower Cobb Salad and a side of Mac and Cheese.

Once my salad was ready to go, it came as no surprise that it was wonderful, filling, and fresh. As for the Mac n Cheese, my only complaint was that it could have used more flavor. Although, I cannot deny its great texture nor the fact that it felt like a simple and light snack.

DIG serves as an exciting new addition to the Harvard community that not only delivers delicious foods –– and an eventual welcoming space for Harvard students –– but an intent behind each ingredient blended into those foods. The chain connects its customers to a broader network of organic farms and incorporates fair practices. What they are bringing to Cambridge is food you can feel good about eating, but more importantly supporting.

Overall, given how palatable the food was and the greater picture behind DIG’s initiative, I can positively say that I will go back sometime soon, and you should too. Get your compostable silverware ready!