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Parents’ weekend for freshmen and juniors is only a few weeks away! Everyone knows that the best part of having your parents visit is ditching the dhall and dining out. While you may spend much of the meal complaining about how much reading you have and explaining why you aren’t the president of all your clubs, here are five restaurants you should check out in the Harvard area when your loved ones are footing the bill.

Alden & Harlow

Starting off our list is Alden & Harlow, a New American restaurant located on Brattle Street across from Wholesome Fresh. Alden & Harlow is family-style, so you’ll never be jealous of what your dad orders. Alden & Harlow has both indoor and outdoor seating, making it perfect for any weather. Pro tip: order the basil pasta and grilled rosemary focaccia — it won’t disappoint. Make sure to make a reservation early for parents’ weekend — everyone and their mother (literally) will be here.

The Maharaja

Indian food is rare for HUDS — a tragedy for us all. If you’ve been wanting to satisfy your Indian food craving, look no further — or just above Shake Shack. With a wide menu, The Maharaja has options for everyone, and the keema naan is on a totally different level. You’ll leave full, satisfied, and happy that your parents are paying.

Sugar & Spice

One stop on the T to Porter station (or a mile walk if you’re feeling ~athletic~) will take you to Sugar & Spice, a Thai restaurant that covers all the different regions and tastes that Thailand has to offer. Sugar & Spice has great vegan and gluten-free options on their menu of more than a hundred different dishes. Yes, one hundred. Need I say more? Warning: Sugar & Spice’s dim lighting and comfy seating makes it an ideal date spot, so don’t be surprised if your parents ask when they’ll meet your Harvard significant other.

Source

Pinocchio’s and Joe’s are great when it’s 1 a.m., but a Neopolitan-style, personal pizza from Source is always a win. The pepperoni pizza with hot honey is incredible, especially when paired with the miso chili brussel sports. Your dad will be excited to go once he finds out that he can watch the Patriots lose yet another game on the bar TVs.

Harvest

If there’s one thing parents and college students have in common, it’s their affinity for brunch. Harvest is a prime spot for a hearty New England brunch, from gooey cinnamon rolls to salmon eggs benedict. Also, Harvest is a great excuse for you to grab brunch rather than breakfast with your parents on a Sunday morning (we know you’ll need to sleep in after Halloweekend…).

Students and parents alike are lucky to have such a thriving and diverse food scene here in Cambridge. Rumor has it that the food in New Haven doesn’t quite measure up (shocker). So, while your parents are in town, check out one of these restaurants. Flyby never disappoints.