Kendall Square, Boston - Ols & New
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Kendall Square Boston

4.6
·491k reviews·Cambridge, United States

Kendall Square: A dynamic hub blending innovation with a vibrant culinary scene and unique urban leisure spots.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Dine and unwind after work

CrowdMedium
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Kendall Square, Boston - Ols & New

Kendall Square Boston

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Dine and unwind after work

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Kendall Square: A dynamic hub blending innovation with a vibrant culinary scene and unique urban leisure spots.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Urban Park is Boston's best free and public rooftop, perfect for chilling and watching the sunset.TikTok"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Avoid Parking Hassles

Parking is very expensive. Consider public transit (Orange/Red Line) or biking/scootering .

🌳 Rooftop Relaxation

Urban Park offers free public rooftop access with games and great views .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Urban Park Rooftop

Urban Park Rooftop

Google Building Rooftop

Free public rooftop with pickleball, seating, and city views. Perfect for picnics and sunsets.

Shy Bird

Shy Bird

Kendall Square

Known for its delicious fried chicken sandwiches and flavorful sauces. A must-try for chicken lovers.

Bred Gourmet

Bred Gourmet

Kendall Square

Offers a diverse menu, including highly-rated oxtail fries and creative dishes.

Broken Cup Tea House

Broken Cup Tea House

CIC Building

A serene, hidden tea room offering a peaceful escape with a variety of oolong teas. Reservations required.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Kendall Square Transit

Parking is notoriously expensive in Kendall Square, with garages costing around $48/day.Reddit Many locals opt for public transit, primarily the MBTA's Orange and Red Lines, which offer a convenient commute for many.Reddit+1 Consider an e-bike or scooter for the last leg of your journey if parking is still a concern.Reddit

Dining Delights & Rooftop Views

Kendall Square boasts a vibrant food scene, from gourmet burgers to unique tea houses.TikTokInstagram+2 For a unique experience, check out Urban Park, a free public rooftop with pickleball and city views, perfect for a picnic or sunset.TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Dine and unwind after work
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Explore dining and parks
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the rush for breakfast
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Grading food from @bred.gourmet at their Kendall Square location in Cambridge, MA. #boston #bostonfoodie #foodreview #food #bostonfoodies #cambridgema
@wannabestayathomedad
28K likes • 310.1K views

🚗 Avoid Parking Hassles

Parking is very expensive. Consider public transit (Orange/Red Line) or biking/scootering.Reddit+1

🌳 Rooftop Relaxation

Urban Park offers free public rooftop access with games and great views.TikTok

Come with me to Urban Park, my favorite free and public rooftop in Kendall Sq #rooftop #kendallsquare #cambridge #urbanpark #roofgarden #boston #thingstodoinboston #pickleball #familyfriendly
@izzydoingthings
23.2K likes • 243K views
Northeastern grad moves out to Cambridge! $4400 for 3 bed near kendall square 🤩🤩🤩 #cambridge #boston #howmuchdoyoupayforrent #bostonrealestate #fenway #missionhill #realestate #housetour #apartmenttour
realestatewsarah
2.4K likes • 316.4K views

☕ Book Tea House Ahead

Broken Cup Tea House requires advance table booking online; no walk-ins.Instagram

🍗 Fried Chicken Fanatics

Shy Bird is a local favorite for its creative chicken dishes and sauces.Instagram+2

Shy Bird in Kendall Square🍎🧇🍂 you will leave feeling so full and SO happy . . . . . . . . . #boston #brunch #bostonrestaurants #cambridge #foodie
leah_magss
0 likes • 2.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Avoid Parking Hassles

Parking is very expensive. Consider public transit (Orange/Red Line) or biking/scootering.Reddit+1

🌳 Rooftop Relaxation

Urban Park offers free public rooftop access with games and great views.TikTok

☕ Book Tea House Ahead

Broken Cup Tea House requires advance table booking online; no walk-ins.Instagram

🍗 Fried Chicken Fanatics

Shy Bird is a local favorite for its creative chicken dishes and sauces.Instagram+2

📱 Use Transit Apps

MBTA apps can help you navigate the Orange and Red Lines efficiently.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kendall Square is praised for its vibrant dining scene, featuring standout spots like Shy Bird and Bred Gourmet. The free public rooftop, Urban Park, is a unique highlight offering great city views and recreational space. However, the extremely high cost of parking is a significant drawback for visitors who choose to drive.

What People Like

Diverse food options
Urban Park rooftop
Convenient transit access

What People Dislike

Expensive parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The MBTA Orange Line to DTX and then transferring to the Red Line is a popular and efficient commute for many heading to Kendall Square.Reddit+1 Some also opt for e-bikes or scooters, especially if parking is a concern.Reddit

Driving and parking in Kendall Square is generally discouraged due to extremely high costs, with garages often exceeding $48 per day.Reddit Many Redditors advise against it if possible.Reddit

Yes, biking or using a scooter is a viable option, especially if you can find secure parking at your destination. Some areas offer good bike infrastructure.Reddit

The most recommended route is taking the Orange Line from Forest Hills to Downtown Crossing (DTX) and then transferring to the Red Line towards Alewife, which stops at Kendall/MIT.Reddit+1 This is a common commute for many.

While not as direct as the subway, you could take the commuter rail from Forest Hills to South Station and then transfer to the Red Line. This might be slower but could be an option depending on schedules.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Urban Park is a free and public rooftop space, so no tickets are required to enter and enjoy the amenities.TikTok

Restaurants like Shy Bird and Bred Gourmet do not have entry fees; you only pay for the food and drinks you order.TikTokInstagram

Yes, Broken Cup Tea House is located inside the CIC office building and requires advance table booking through their website. Walk-ins are not permitted.Instagram

Urban Park sometimes features a screen for movies, and it's a popular spot for casual gatherings. Check local listings for any scheduled events.TikTok

Operating hours vary by restaurant. It's best to check the specific restaurant's website or social media for their current hours, especially for places like Shy Bird or Bred Gourmet.TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Highly recommended spots include Shy Bird for fried chicken,Instagram+2 Bred Gourmet for their oxtail fries,TikTok and Broken Cup Tea House for a unique tea experience.Instagram

Shy Bird is mentioned as a great spot for brunch, offering a variety of dishes and a pleasant ambiance.Instagram

Shy Bird specializes in delicious fried chicken, offering various preparations like sandwiches and whole chicken dishes, along with flavorful sauces and sides like mac and cheese.Instagram+1

While many restaurants focus on meat dishes, it's always best to check individual menus. Some places may offer salads or customizable options. For example, Shy Bird has a Caesar salad.Instagram

Restaurants like Shy Bird offer a cute date-night ambiance,Instagram while Bred Gourmet provides a more casual, food-focused experience.TikTok Broken Cup Tea House offers a serene, secret tea room feel.Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Urban Park offers great city skyline views, especially during sunset.TikTok The architecture around Kendall Square, particularly the modern buildings, can also make for interesting urban photography.

Yes, Urban Park is a public space, and taking photos is encouraged. It's a great spot for capturing cityscapes and casual moments.TikTok

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, be mindful of private property and avoid intrusive photography, especially inside office buildings or private establishments.

Urban photography, architectural shots, and food photography are popular due to the modern cityscape and diverse dining options.TikTokInstagram

Restaurants like Shy Bird and Bred Gourmet offer visually appealing dishes that are great for food photography.TikTokInstagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kendall Square offers a surprisingly family-friendly option in Urban Park, a free public rooftop with space to play, picnic, and enjoy city views.TikTok It's a great spot for kids to burn off energy in a safe, open environment. While dining options are varied, places like Bred Gourmet with shareable fries might appeal to younger palates.TikTok Public transit is generally accessible, but navigating with strollers on crowded trains can be challenging during peak hours.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, the key is to avoid driving and parking. Utilize the MBTA's Orange and Red Lines, which are cost-effective for getting around.Reddit+1 Urban Park is a fantastic free attraction offering great views and a place to relax.TikTok For dining, look for lunch specials or consider more casual eateries. While some restaurants can be pricey, places like Shy Bird offer hearty portions that can sometimes be shared.

🧑‍💻 Tech & Biotech Professionals

Kendall Square is your professional playground, and for leisure, Urban Park offers a unique urban oasis to decompress.TikTok Many restaurants cater to business lunches and after-work gatherings, with spots like Shy Bird and Bred Gourmet being popular choices.TikTokInstagram The proximity to major companies means many amenities are within walking distance, making it easy to grab a bite or enjoy a quick break.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Kendall Square's Commuting Landscape

Kendall Square is a major hub, and commuting is a frequent topic among residents and workers. Parking is exceptionally expensive, with daily rates often around $48 or more.Reddit This has led to a strong reliance on public transportation. The MBTA's Orange Line and Red Line are the primary arteries, with many commuters making the transfer at Downtown Crossing (DTX) to reach Kendall/MIT station.Reddit+1 This subway route is considered efficient and a daily routine for thousands.Reddit

Beyond the subway, alternative commuting methods are gaining traction. E-bikes and scooters are popular for covering the 'last mile' or for those seeking cheaper alternatives to parking.Reddit Some Redditors suggest finding parking in surrounding towns like Alewife or Arlington and then using public transit or scooters for the final leg into Kendall.Reddit The city is also investing in bike infrastructure, making cycling a more attractive option for those living within a reasonable distance.Reddit

A Taste of Kendall Square

Kendall Square is a burgeoning culinary destination, offering a diverse range of dining experiences. For chicken enthusiasts, Shy Bird is a standout, celebrated for its creative fried chicken sandwiches, flavorful sauces, and a delightful ambiance perfect for date nights.Instagram+2 Their Calabrian Fried Chicken Caesar Wrap has even been touted as one of the best in Boston.Instagram

If you're looking for something different, Bred Gourmet offers a unique menu, with their oxtail fries receiving high praise.TikTok For a more tranquil experience, Broken Cup Tea House provides a serene escape within the CIC building, serving a variety of oolong teas. It's important to note that this tea house operates on a reservation-only basis, so booking ahead is essential.Instagram These spots highlight the variety available, from casual eats to more refined experiences.

Beyond the Office: Leisure in Kendall Square

While Kendall Square is known as a tech and biotech hub, it offers surprising leisure opportunities. Urban Park, a free public rooftop space located atop a Google building, is a hidden gem.TikTok It's equipped with pickleball courts, ample seating, and offers panoramic city views, making it an ideal spot for a picnic, a casual hangout, or watching the sunset.TikTok It's a family-friendly space that provides a welcome green respite in the urban environment.

The area also benefits from its proximity to the Charles River, offering opportunities for walks or enjoying the waterfront. The modern architecture of the square itself can also be visually interesting for those who appreciate urban design. While not a traditional tourist destination, Kendall Square provides unique local experiences for those who explore beyond its professional facade.

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