Our names are Yurie, Erin, and Holly and together we created X Marks The Spot! The three of us are Emerson College students and we are all extremely passionate about finding great deals in Boston. So, we decided to create this blog to share our findings with other people living in Boston. However, because we are underage we obviously didn’t review any bars, over 21 clubs, or lounges. But we did look at three different areas in Boston and Cambridge and reviewed various restaurants, shops, movie theaters, and bookstores. Basically, our goal was to show people under 21 that they can still have fun in Boston on a budget. So feel free to scroll through our different reviews and we hope you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for!
How To Navigate X Marks The Spot:
Together we reviewed different places on Newbury Street, in Downtown Crossing, and in Cambridge and Harvard Square. You might be thinking: “why did they choose those areas?” Well, let us tell you:
1.) We chose Newbury Street because it’s generally pretty difficult to find affordable places that are open later AND are also tasty, so we wanted to make it easier for you.
2.) We chose Downtown Crossing because the area is usually overlooked as a cool place to hang out. Believe it or not there are some fabulous restaurants, bookstores, and shops in the area.
3.) We chose Cambridge and Harvard Square because although many people have visited the area at least once, they often miss the hidden gems that are in this great area.
So, now that we’ve explained that let us tell you how exactly to find what you may be looking for. We structured the website with each area on one page. Newbury Street is the first, Downtown Crossing is the second, and Cambridge and Harvard Square is the third. And finally, to make finding the perfect place for you easiest, we begin each review with a question. For example, “Looking for an affordable lunch on Newbury Street?”
We hope you have fun looking through our different reviews, and that you’ll find the place you’re looking for or even somewhere you hadn’t heard of before. Thanks!
Looking for fabulous sushi?
Snappy Sushi (yes, the sign says Shino Express Sushi) is a must on Newbury Street. Not only does it provide the perfect atmosphere (you really feel like you’re in a café in Japan) to enjoy fabulous sushi, but the prices can’t be beat. With its brightly colored interior and unique sushi rolls and combinations, Snappy Sushi is truly unlike any other restaurant in Boston. But, because of its small size, it is only ideal to visit with a few friends, by yourself, or with a significant other. Next time you’re on Newbury, skip all the overpriced restaurants and head straight to Snappy Sushi and you’ll enjoy a tasty, healthy (they use all brown rice), and affordable meal!
Hours:
Sunday - Wednesday: 12p.m. - 9p.m.
Thursday - Saturday: 12p.m. - 9:45p.m.
Address:
144 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02216
Reviews: http://www.yelp.com/biz/snappy-sushi-boston
Looking for jewelry for any season?
Zinnia is the perfect little jewelry store to find anything that you’re looking for, all at a reasonable price. Although this store does provide pricer pieces, perfect for a meaningful gift, all of the items still are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to other jewelry stores on Newbury. The store even has a sale section on the back that provides perfect accessories, particularly for summer. Zinnia is definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re not looking for costume jewelry or pieces that will work with any outfit.
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9a.m. - 5p.m.
Address:
172 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02116
Looking for an alternative to H and M?
Lit on Newbury is the perfect place to find affordable and fashionable clothing. The store provides a great environment to shop, with good lighting and brightly colored walls. Although the prices are all already in competition with H&M’s, they also have a great sales section. Although sometimes it can be tricky to find high quality pieces, this store offers a great selection considering their inexpensive price tags. Next time you’re on Newbury, instead of heading to your usual shops wander into Lit, you’re bound to find a deal!
Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 11a.m. - 7:30p.m.
Sunday: 11a.m. - 6p.m.
Address:
223 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02116
Looking for a unique cafe (with great vegetarian and vegan options)?
The Other Side Café is simply a cool place to be! Located at the end of Newbury Street, it is a casual restaurant/café that offers a great variety of vegetarian and vegan, as well as traditional American comfort food. The seating is divided into two floors with the second floor overlooking the first from a balcony. The atmosphere is darker and edgier than other cafés, with dim lighting and unique artwork on the walls. The menu has a wide range of dishes all offered at reasonable prices. The café is a comforting environment for students on a budget. Plus, on Monday through Thursday they’re open until 1 o’clock a.m. and on Friday and Saturday they’re open until 2 o’clock a.m.! If you are looking to listen to awesome music while enjoying a healthy and delicious meal, head on over to the Other Side Café!
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 11a.m. - 1a.m.
Friday: 11a.m. - 2a.m.
Saturday: 10a.m. - 2a.m.
Sunday: 10a.m. - 12a.m.
Address:
407 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02115
Reviews (2 webcites):
Looking for the perfect escape to relax or study?
The Trident Booksellers and Café on Newbury is a place to relax with a smoothie in one hand and your favorite book in the other. This unique café/bookstore is the last independent bookstore in Boston. Its great menu of smoothies and snacks, as well as fresh juices and a variety of teas will keep you occupied on an afternoon, accompanied by a book of your choice. Open until midnight, this is also the perfect place to pass the time with your friends. Now featuring free Wi-Fi, this environment filled with books and snacks is a safe and comforting place to be. So, if you are in the mood for a good snack and a great read, head on over to the Trident Booksellers and Café!
Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 8a.m. - 12a.m.
Address:
338 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02115
Looking for vintage?
Poor Little Rich Girl is a great consignment and vintage store with an adorable name. PLRG has a wide assortment of shoes, accessories, and clothes. With the front of the store acting as more of the consignment section, with more modern designers and brands for lower than retail prices. The back of the store has vintage clothes organized by date. Although the vintage pieces can get a bit pricey, like all things vintage normally are, PLRG keeps almost all their prices under $100. The majority of their prices are between $20 to $40 which can be a steal considering some of the brand names you could snag. The store was even named the Boston Phoenix’s ”Boston’s Best Vintage” in 2008! So check out PLRG if you love vintage or if you just love bargain hunting, either way you wont be disappointed!
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 12p.m. - 6p.m.
Saturday: 11a.m. - 7p.m.
Sunday: 12p.m. - 6p.m.
Address:
166 Newbury Street
(lower, underneath Lush)
Boston, MA 02116
Looking for an affordable lunch on Newbury?
Newbury Street isn’t exactly known for it’s affordability, but Scoozi offers a surprisingly inexpensive lunch menu that still offers that ritzy Newbury atmosphere. Their peach iced tea is extremely popular and the perfect drink to enjoy on a nice day on their outdoor patio. The patio is perfectly positioned for people watching too. Despite how busy the restaurant can get, Scoozi prides itself on their fast service and the fact that you’ll never have to wait too long for a table. Scoozi also offers take out which is extremely convenient. So, whether you’re in the mood for a sit down bistro experience or a delicious upscale pizza, Scoozi is the place for you.
Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 11a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday: 12p.m. - 10p.m.
Address:
35 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02116
