You can’t really talk about Boston without mentioning Harvard Square. Home to the world-famous university, charming bookstores, and some truly inspired street chess competitions, this Cantabrigian locale deserves the attention it gets.

When it comes to dining, Harvard Square is in a unique situation. The area was once a mish-mash of legit table service joints and eccentric greasy spoons. (Anyone remember the One Potato Two Potato or the Wursthaus?) Recent years have ushered in a new wave of truly amazing restaurants which have raised the bar, allowing the Square to compete with high-profile dining neighborhoods like the South End and the Seaport .

With all the excitement and chicken fried rabbit garnering the attention, it’s easy to forget the restaurants which have been operating for decades. It’s a shame, really. There are so many great options to enjoy. Some of Boston’s venerable dining spots call Harvard Square home and they shouldn’t be overlooked. Here are some of our favorites that are still going strong.

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Vegetable Bowl at Harvest
Courtesy of Harvest

Harvest

With alumni including names like Chris Schlesinger, Lydia Shire, Sara Moulton, Jimmy Burke, and Barbara Lynch, this Harvard Square institution is one of Boston’s most storied dining venues. On the scene for more than 40 years now, Harvest is still serving up delicious, thoughtful New England cuisine with an eye on farm-to-table sustainability and local ingredients.

Lobster gougères, brown butter-basted Hake, and garlic & thyme roasted porchetta are just some of the reasons to snag a reservation. With a full bar offering creative cocktails and a Sunday brunch that is always considered one of the best in town (save room for the chocolate babka), Harvest is a local institution that earns its reputation with every plate it serves.

44 Brattle St., 617-868-2255, harvestcambridge.com

Orinoco (IB Shoot)
Arepa Reina Pepiada at Orinoco
Courtesy of Orinoco

Orinoco

I fell in love with Orinoco after my first bite of their maracuchitos (queso wrapped in sweet plantains), and you will, too.

Taking their inspiration from Venezuelan roadside eateries called taguaritas, Orinoco’s three locations serve up inviting, creative Latino cuisine which blends the best of the Andes and the Carribean. Try their arepas (grilled corn flour sandwiches), especially the mojo-marinated pork Pelua. The Pabellón Criollo (shredded beef, white rice, black beans, and plantains) is legendary, and the torta fluida (molten chocolate cake) is a great way to wrap up your Venezuelan cuisine adventure.

56 JFK St., 617-354-6900, orinocokitchen.com

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The Julian Edelman Burger at Mr. Bartley's
Courtesy ff Jordan Mitchell

Mr. Bartley’s

Mr. Bartley’s has been serving up freshly-ground beef hamburgers, frappes, and fries in their quirky dining room since 1960, when Joan and Joe Bartley opened their doors. Three generations later, they are still serving up some of the best burgers in town, and the line out the door waiting for a seat is proof.

Offering choices like “Car Talk” (Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing with onion rings), and the “Mass Health” (crumbled bacon, blue cheese, spinach, red onions and balsamic vinegar), Mr. Bartley’s has something for everyone. Grab a raspberry lime Rickey (always a favorite), and be sure to order what are likely the best onion rings in all of Boston.

1246 Mass Ave., 617-354-6559, mrbartley.com

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Saag Paneer at Maharaja
Courtesy ff Maharaja

The Maharaja

The amazing view of Harvard Square courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling windows is almost as captivating as the food. (Almost.) It’s easy to see why this second-floor restaurant is one of the most popular in the square.

With a sizeable menu featuring a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options, The Maharaja serves authentic Indian cuisine with warm hospitality. The anar and corn raita (fresh yogurt blended with corn and pomegranate) is thick and rich, a great way to start your meal. The tandoori chicken wings are addictive and spicy, and the goat biryani is exotic and flavorful. They have two pages of delicious naan options like peshwari (stuffed with almonds, raisins, cashews, and coconut), spinach, and keema (ground lamb, fresh ginger, and cilantro).

57 JFK St., 617-547-2757, maharajaboston.com

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The Crawfish Etouffee at The Border Cafe
Courtesy of Enocha Tellus
Anosha

The Border Cafe

The first time I ever tried a fried catfish fritter was at The Border Cafe way back in the early 90’s, and I’ve loved the place ever since. I’m not alone, either.

Since opening their doors in 1987, they’ve been making hungry diners happy with their Tex-Mex-meets-Cajun menu and killer cocktails. Offering up satisfying dishes like crawfish etouffee, chorizo flambado, and enchiladas verdes, the Border Cafe hits all classics with fresh ingredients and great service. They also offer a solid vegetarian menu for those laying off the carne. (The veggie jambalaya is delicious.)

32 Church St., 617-864-6100, bordercafe.com

And let's not forget these other wicked tasty spots, on their way to becoming Harvard Square classics: