cambridge mammals, fish and dinosaurs to minerals, gems and meteorites. Special exhibits: Language of Color; Mollusks: Shelled Masters of the Marine Realm; Climate Change: Our Global Experiment. MIT List Visual Arts Center 20 Ames St., 617-253-4680, listart.mit.edu. Tue, Wed & Fri–Sun noon–6 p.m., Thu noon– 8 p.m. Free admission. One of the area’s premier showcases for contemporary art, the List Center presents works from the world’s leading contemporary artists through their changing exhibitions. Special exhibit: through Sep 1—List Projects: Ken Okiishi. The MIT Museum 265 Massachusetts Ave., 617-253-5927, web.mit.edu/museum. Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission: $8.50; children, seniors & students $4; children (under 5) free. Exhibits welcome visitors into the world of MIT to discover the potential of science and technology. Special exhibits: The Jeweled Net: Views of Contemporary Holography; Hidden Heroes: The Genius of Everyday Things.
Dining Refer to Dining, page 51, for key to restaurant symbols. The Asgard Irish Pub & Restaurant 350 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, 617-577-9100, classicirish.com. Communal tables and a variety of cool, comfortable places to sit—along with an extensive menu, a large craft beer selection, outdoor patio, live music, trivia nights, DJs and no cover charge—make the Asgard a perfect spot for a pint and a meal. $ Dante Royal Sonesta, 40 Edwin H. Land Blvd., 617-497-4200, restaurantdante.com. Dante de Magistris serves playful, rich Mediterranean-influenced fare as diners savor great views of the Charles River and the Boston skyline. B, L, D, Sat & SB. $$$$ Dolphin Seafood 1105 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, 617-661-2937, dolphinseafood.com. This neighborhood stalwart serves up fresh and delicous fried seafood platters as well as healthier options like swordfish and all varieties of shellfish. L, D. $$ 28
Panorama
Zoe’s
This ’50s style diner offers a menu of delicious homemade Greek and American food. Serving breakfast all day, Zoe’s is a popular destination for the weekend brunch crowd. 1105 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, 617495-0055, zoescambridge.com. B, L, D, SB. $
Henrietta’s Table The Charles Hotel, One Bennett St., Harvard Square, 617-661-5005, henriettastable.com. Locally grown and organic produce is used to create a lively, textured menu of reinterpreted New England classics. Private dining room available. B, L, D, Sat & SB. $$$ Nubar Sheraton Commander Hotel, 16 Garden St., Harvard Square, 617-234-1365, nubarcam bridge.com. This restaurant and lounge offers New England-style cuisine in a fresh, modern setting and casual atmosphere. B, L, D, SB. $$$ Rialto The Charles Hotel, One Bennett St., Harvard Square, 617-661-5050, rialto-restaurant. com. One of Greater Boston’s top restaurants, Rialto specializes in fine wines and delectable Italian cuisine from renowned chef Jody Adams. Reservations recommended. D. $$$$
Shopping CambridgeSide Galleria 100 CambridgeSide Place, Lechmere Square, 617-621-8666, cambridgesidegalleria.com. Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun noon–7 p.m. This three-level mall features department stores such as Macy’s, as well as more than 100 other stores and specialty shops, including Gap, J. Crew, Aldo and more. The Garment District 200 Broadway, 617-876-5230, garment district.com. Sun–Fri 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.–8 p.m. A vintage lover’s paradise, this two-level thrift warehouse sells everything from time-honored Levi’s to ’70s go-go boots. The ambitious can sift through the heaping piles of the By-the-Pound. above photo: Meghan Randall