Bored of Campus Dining? Part 1: Davis Square

By The Laughing Manic on September 17, 2012

Let’s lay aside for the moment all our rivalries and heated debates over whether Carm or Dewick is the better dining hall (or if Hodgdon trumps all), and band together for a common cause. Or the common cause, I should say, of filling our stomachs with affordable and conveniently-close-by deliciousness.

I remember that when I visited Tufts back during April Open House I took a quick jaunt to Davis Square. My brief, initial impression was that there was nothing to do there, despite the constant reassurances from current students that “there’s so much to do!” For much of my first semester, I hardly explored Davis Square, preferring to ride the T further into Boston for off-campus entertainment.

February 6, 2012 (c) Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com

Don’t make my mistake…

Not only are there a plethora of quirky shops like Artifaktori and Buffalo Exchange (along with the ever essential CVS), but there are plenty of delicious eats to take advantage of. And the best part is that it’s only one (free!) Joey ride away!

May 16, 2010 (c) snowpea&bokchoi

J.P. Licks is located right in that little triangle that the Joey drops you off at. Even though they’re a little on the expensive end, their wide selection of flavors of frozen yogurt, ice cream, and other goodies more than makes up for it. With smoothies and milkshakes (called frappes), you can ask for any ice cream or froyo flavor you want or even combine them if you can’t choose. They also have monthly flavors so make sure to check those out!

(c) Somerville Scout

Right next to them, the Boston Burger Company (sometimes referred to as “the BBC” so try not to get it confused with the British television channel) offers cooked-to-order fresh 100% Angus burgers. I also (strongly) recommend trying any of the unique fries or chicken wings. They also do take-out so if you stop by and feel that the wait is too long (which happens a lot), you can place an order, explore Davis, and come back later to enjoy your meaty goodness. They even have a specialty burger called “The Jumbo,” named after Jumbo himself!

(c) Angel M.

Across the street is the chic and casual Mr. Crepe. Bordering the line between cafe and restaurant, you can stop here for a quick snack or light meal. An order-and-sit-down type of establishment, they’ll bring your crepe-y goodness to your table stuffed full of savory smoked meats and roasted vegetables or if you followed your sweet tooth, everyone’s favorite Nutella, dark Belgian chocolate, and fresh fruits. And they don’t skimp out on the filling either. Give it a chance next time you have less than an hour to spare but want something filling.

(c) Bok C.

If you keep walking along Elm Street (the street the Joey stops at), you’ll come across iYO Cafe. Brand new, they somehow combine the preppy ambience of Starbucks with the chill fun of frozen yogurt. Paid by weight, it’s basically a free-for-all self-serve froyo cafe. Their frozen yogurt stations even have a “twist” option where you can combine two flavors, much like the ones in our dining halls. Flavors range from the original (tangy sweet) to gourmet ones like red velvet while they offer toppings from the familiar fruits and oreo crumbles to more unusual ones like mochi pieces and boba. My favorite combination is original with mango and kiwi pieces. What’s yours?

So next time you’re in Davis, you have absolutely no excuse to say that there’s nothing to eat there.

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