Commuter-Friendly Restaurants Near Alewife & Fresh Pond
February 9, 2026

If the Alewife neighborhood, Alewife Brook Parkway, or the Quadrangle are part of your daily routine, consider this your reminder: you don’t have to just commute through the neighborhood. Tucked around TMA buildings and just beyond are coffee spots, breakfast counters, lunch favorites, and after-work destinations you can reach in minutes - no car required. 


This guide highlights where to grab a workday coffee, a delicious breakfast sandwich, lunch with coworkers, or a relaxed dinner and cocktails, along with some tips for getting there. 


Getting around without a car is easy here: the Red Line (Alewife), Bluebikes, and key bike paths like the Fitchburg Cutoff Path, Alewife Linear Park/Somerville Community Path, and the Minuteman Bikeway are all nearby. The Fitchburg Cutoff specifically links the Fresh Pond area to Alewife Station, which also connects to Cambridgepark Drive via a connector trail. 

 
Some local eats to put on your list: 

Alewife Bistro 
Best for: Breakfast • Lunch • Grab-and-go • Quick office meals 
Location: 20 Acorn Park Dr, Cambridge, MA 02140 (Located in a TMA member building) 
Hot food hours: Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM–2:00 PM 
24/7 Micro Mart: Grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks available anytime. 


Alewife Bistro is an easy, reliable option located at Cambridge Discovery Park. It’s a great spot for locals who want a fast breakfast, a hot lunch, or something quick to bring back to their desk. 


Worth knowing: Taco Tuesdays are a crowd favorite. There’s also a build-your-own pizza bar and a made-to-order salad station, so it works well for different tastes. 


🚲 Tips for Getting There 

  • An easy walk from Alewife Station
  • Nearby to Bluebikes 

 
Craft Food Halls  
Best for: Lunch • Groups • After work • Dinner 


Location: 35 Cambridgepark Dr, Cambridge, MA 02140 (Located in a TMA member building) 
Website: https://www.craftfoodhalls.com/cambridge
Socials: IG: @cambridgeevents.cfh (also @craftfoodhalls) | FB: Craft Food Halls – Cambridge 
Hours: Sun–Wed: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM | Thu–Sat: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM 


Craft Food Hall is a food-hall-style spot with an easy, group-friendly setup. And yes, you can grab a drink too, with a bar and self-pour beer concept baked into the experience. 


Local Favorites: Buffalo & BBQ wings + pizza items. 


Worth knowing: A whole NEW menu just came out, and you can expect some fresh additions like pull-apart bread, pastas, chicken parm, and an extended dessert menu. 


🚲 Tips for Getting There 

  • Nearby to Bluebikes at 84 Cambridgepark Dr 
  • A two-minute walk from Alewife Station 

Revival Café + Kitchen  
Best for: Coffee • Breakfast • Lunch • Meetups 


Location: 125 Cambridgepark Dr, Cambridge, MA 02140 (Located in a TMA member building) 
Website: https://www.revivalcafeandkitchen.com
Socials: IG: @revivalcafeandkitchen | FB: Revival Cafe + Kitchen 
Hours: Mon–Sun: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM 


Revival is the easiest “meet me here” spot: great coffee, great energy, and plenty of options whether you’re doing breakfast before work or lunch with coworkers.


Local Favorites: Jimmy Pesto & the Bagelicious are breakfast favorites, and the Crema Roast Turkey for lunch. 
Most popular drink: Signature Golden Crème Latte. 


Worth knowing: Lots of gluten-free options (food + pastries). Also, Revival is directly connected to their Mothership, which offers catering and events (seasonal + family-friendly). 


🚲 Tips for Getting There 

  • Steps away from the Bikebikes at 84 Cambridgepark Dr 
  • A five-minute walk from Alewife Station 

Top Mix Bar & Kitchen (Cambridge) 
Best for:  Lunch • Dinner • Drinks • Team outings 


Location: 50 Cambridgepark Drive 
Website: https://topmixbar.com/cambridgehome 
Socials: IG: @topmixbarcambridge | FB: Top Mix Bar & Kitchen 
Hours: Sun–Thu: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM–1:00 AM 


Top Mix is the kind of spot that turns “grabbing a drink” into a real night out. Expect a cocktail-forward menu, plus lunch and dinner, all in an upbeat setting that works for midday team meetups, friend groups, and relaxed, higher-end celebrations. 


🚲 Tips for Getting There 

  • Steps away from the Bluebikes at 84 Cambridgepark Dr 
  • Steps away from Alewife Station 


The Little Blue Bakery (Food Truck) 
Best for: Breakfast • Grab-and-go • Coffee 


Location: 30 Cambridgepark Drive (across from the Alewife Station) 
Website: https://www.littlebluebakery.com/breakfastcoffee 
Socials: IG: @the_littlebluebakery | FB: @hannahslittlebluebakery 
Hours: Weekdays: 8:00 AM–11:30 AM (or sell out) 


This is the “treat yourself” stop that fits perfectly into a commute. Quick, local, and genuinely delicious! 


Local Favorites: Breakfast Burrito + the Vermonster (confirmed delicious). 
Worth knowing: You can order online for pick-up. Not open during bad weather.  


🚲 Tips for Getting There 

  • Steps away from Alewife Station 
  • Nearby to Bluebikes 

Summer Shack 

Best for: Dinner • Groups • Visitors • Seafood outings 


Location: 149 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge, MA 02140 
Website: https://www.summershackrestaurant.com 
Socials: IG: @jwsummershack | FB: @JWSummerShack 
Hours: Sun–Thu: 11:30 AM –10:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM–1:00 AM 


Summer Shack is a Cambridge classic and an easy choice for office outings, family dinners, or hosting visitors who want that “New England seafood” moment. It provides a comfortable, fun, and energetic vibe you won’t want to miss. 


Local Favorites: Lobster roll made with fresh lobster (tank on-site); $2 New England oysters all day. 

Worth knowing: Currently offering all-you-can-eat crab legs on Thursdays. Fun fact: this location has been serving Cambridge since 2000, and many employees have been there from the start. 


🚲 Tips for Getting There 

  • Quick walk from Alewife Station 
  • Nearby to Bluebikes 

Bon Me (Fresh Pond) 
Best for: Lunch • Grab-and-go dinners • Easy group orders. 


Location: Alewife Brook Parkway Shopping Center 
Website: https://www.bonmetruck.com 
Socials: IG: @bonme | FB: @bonmefoods 
Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM  


In the mood for Asian inspired eats? Bon Me is the reliable “fast, fresh, flavorful” choice, great for takeout lunches, quick dinners, or when you want something satisfying without a long wait. 


🚲 Tips for Getting There 

  • Nearby to Bluebikes at 55 Wheeler St 
  • 10-minute walk from Alewife Station 


Genki Ya  
Best for: Lunch • Dinner • Sushi • Takeout 
Location: Alewife Brook Parkway Shopping Center 
Website: https://www.genkiyasushi.com 
Hours: 11:00 AM–9:30 PM 


Genki Ya is known for great sushi, fresh food, and friendly service. It’s a reliable sushi and Japanese cuisine option that works well for both quick lunches and relaxed dinners - great for takeout back to the office or an easy sit-down meal after work. 

 

🚲 Tips for Getting There 

  • Nearby Bluebikes stations at 55 Wheeler 
  • 10-minute walk from Alewife Station 


Iggy’s Bread 
Best for: Fresh bread • Croissants • Cookies 


Location: 130 Fawcett St, Cambridge, MA 02138 
Website: https://www.iggysbread.com/ 
Socials: IG: @iggysbread | FB: Iggy’s Bread 
Hours: Mon–Sat: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM | Sun: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM 


Iggy’s is the stop that makes your week better. Grab bread for sandwiches, pastries for the office, or a little “tomorrow morning is handled” starter kit. 


Popular breads: large + extra-large Francese (mild sourdough), French baguette. 
Popular pastries: croissants (plain often sells out first, with the chocolate & almond ones next), and sticky buns are also a favorite! 


Worth knowing: In the retail store, 7-grain and cranberry pecan breads are especially popular for sandwiches, so you have some options when looking to spruce up your order! 


🚲 Tips for Getting There 

  • Short walk from the Bluebikes station at the corner of Smith Pl & Wilson Rd 
  • One mile from Alewife Station, but close to TMA members located in the Quadrangle 

 

Triangle Coffee (Coming soon) 

Address: 10 Wilson Rd, Cambridge, MA 02138 

Coming soon!  

 

Good Food, Greener Trips 

We hope this guide helps you discover a few new go-to spots for coffee, breakfast, lunch, or an after-work bite right here in the neighborhood. One of the unique perks of being in Alewife and Fresh Pond is how easy it is to reach places like these without ever needing a car! 


If you know any other great places to eat in the area, let us know, and we’ll include them in our future communications! 

Alewife TMA is a nonprofit transportation management association that works with local employers, property managers, and residents to make commuting easier, more sustainable, and more connected. Through transit partnerships, bike and walking access, and the Alewife TMA Shuttle, we help people move through the area in ways that are practical for everyday life. 

Alewife TMA 2024 Recap

March 18, 2025
2024 has been a year of progress for sustainable commuting in our community! From reducing carbon footprints to expanding commuting options, Alewife TMA has made meaningful strides—thanks to our engaged members, partners, and commuters like you. Let’s keep the momentum going in 2025! 

Alewife TMA's Commuter Spotlight - February 2025

By Hanna Morris • February 4, 2025
Alewife TMA Commuter Spotlight: Sitaram Meena, PhD

No Red Line Service Between JFK/UMass & Braintree, Sep 6–29

By Hanna Morris • August 27, 2024
No Red Line Service Between JFK/UMass & Braintree, Sep 6–29 Free Shuttle Buses: During the shutdown, free shuttle buses will make stops at Braintree, Quincy Adams, Quincy Center, Wollaston, North Quincy, and Ashmont. Commuter Rail will be FREE between Braintree and South Station: Use the Middleborough/Lakeville and Kingston lines for service from Braintree. Use the Middleborough/Lakeville, Kingston, and Greenbush lines for service from Quincy Center (except for during the weekend closures). MBTA personnel will be available to assist riders. Commuter Rail Weekend Closures: The weekends of September 7th–8th and 14th–15th Kingston, Middleborough, and Greenbush Commuter Rail service will be suspended between South Station and Braintree. Shuttles will run directly between South Staton and Braintree. At Quincy Center use Red Line Shuttle to Braintree to Connect to South Station. MBTA officials say once the track work is completed, it will improve round-trip Braintree Branch travel times by as much as 24 minutes, running service up to the maximum allowable speed of 40 miles per hour. For the latest information, we suggest the following resources: Visit camb.ma/redline for additional transit options during Red Line closures. Visit mbta.com/redline for the most up-to-date information during the closures. Visit mbtaclosures.com for information on all MBTA closures.

Partial Red Line Closure - What You Need to Know

By Melissa Zampitella • July 12, 2024
Beginning at 8:15 PM on Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 28 there will be no Red Line trains running between Alewife Station and Kendall/MIT Station. The following options will be available: Free shuttle buses will make stops at all closed stations Express shuttle buses will stop at only Alewife, Porter, and Kendall/MIT A Shuttle Loop will operate from Harvard to Central to Kendall/MIT and back to Harvard. Free Commuter Rail between Porter Square and North Station plus an extra shuttle train (doubling Commuter Rail service) Five Free Bluebikes rides with code: MBTAREDJULY MBTA Bus #77 (Arlington Heights – Harvard) will be fare-free within Cambridge On weekdays evenings after 8:30 PM the closure will extend to Park Street (Boston) – no red line service between Alewife and Park Street Shuttle buses will stop at all stations between Alewife and Part Street. On Weekends: July 13-14 : the closure will extend to JFK/UMASS – no service between Alewife and JFK/UMASS July 20-21 : the closure will extend to Park Street (Boston) – no service between Alewife and Park Street July 27-28: the closure will extend to JFK/UMASS – no service between Alewife and JFK/UMASS  Shuttle buses will stop at all closed stations. Note : Riders needing to go beyond Park Street will need to transfer to another shuttle at Park Street to go on to JFK/UMASS. The Commuter Rail will be fare-free between Braintree, Quincy Center, JFK/UMass, and South Station. Regular fares should be purchased beyond Braintree. The important thing to keep in mind is that there will be shuttle buses at all locations where Red Line service is closed. There will be signage and MBTA staff to assist riders in getting where they need to go. Below are a few good resources to find the most up-to-date information. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. For the latest information, we suggest the following resources: Visit camb.ma/redline for additional transit options during Red Line closures. Visit mbta.com/redline for the most up-to-date information during the closures. Visit mbtaclosures.com for information on all MBTA closures

Alewife TMA's Commuter Spotlight - June 2024

June 3, 2024
Commuter Spotlight: Red Line Rider

Get Ready to Ride: Bike Month is Here

May 2, 2024
Get Ready to Ride: Bike Month is Here! Spring is in full bloom! The days are longer, tulips are popping up, and if you have allergies, you might be sneezing a bit more. But there's good news for cyclists: the warmer weather means it's time to get back on the road. May is National Bike Month , and there's plenty to be excited about for bike enthusiasts in Massachusetts. What is Bike Month? National Bike Month , established in 1956, is all about celebrating the joy of cycling, promoting its health benefits, and encouraging more people to give it a try. A key part of this celebration is Bike to Work Week, which falls in the third week of May, with Bike to Work Day on the Friday of that week. This year, Bike to Work Week is from May 13 to 19, with Bike to Work Day on May 17. What's Happening in Massachusetts for Bike Month? Massachusetts is a great place to be if you love biking, and Bay State Bike Month , hosted by MassBike , has a full schedule of events to keep you moving. If you're looking for group rides or ways to get involved, this is your go-to resource.

Green Wheels & Green Wallets - Changing Commutes Through Incentive Programs

February 21, 2024
We all know the question, “what’s in it for me?” It’s the eternal quandary that all marketers are on a mission to answer. If they can explain what’s in for me to do or buy something, their job is done. But what if we rolled that question on its head and asked, “what’s in it for you, and me, and even them? When it comes to a green or sustainable commute, there happens to be a LOT it in for you, me, your neighbor and the person who sits across from you on the T. For you, it’s more convenient and economical way to commute. For your neighbor or the person across from you on the T, you are helping the environment and reducing traffic congestion by using a sustainable travel mode and NOT driving alone in a car. For that action, we at the Alewife TMA believe you should be rewarded.

Alewife TMA 2023 Recap

January 29, 2024
Thank you to our members, partners, and green commuters who collectively made 2023 an excellent year for the Alewife TMA! Together, we celebrate the progress made towards sustainability in the Alewife & Fresh Pond area. Please take a moment to view our 2023 Recap which highlights the impact of the past year, We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts in transforming our region into a space where multimodal transportations options are available for everyone.
mechanic next to car, text: Winter Car Maintenance and Safety Tips with Luis

Winter Car Maintenance and Safety Tips with Luis

By TransAction Associates • January 4, 2024
It's officially winter! Are you ready for the snow and ice? Is your car ready? Join Luis Mejia, Fleet Mechanic at TransAction Associates & Corporate Shuttles, as he shares some winter car maintenance and safety tips.

Member Spotlight - Longfellow Real Estate

December 7, 2023
The Alewife TMA was thrilled to meet with Erin Shields of Longfellow to discuss Longfellow's dedication to environmental sustainability and the value of TMA membership for the tenants and employees at 100/125/150 Cambridgepark Drive.
Show More