Mr. Bartley's

Mr. Bartley’s began serving burgers at its Mass. Ave. location in 1960, and a meal here has been a Harvard tradition since. To this day, the line for one of the rickety tables often extends down the block, composed of locals and tourists awaiting the chance to choose from cheekily named selections like the John Kerry (“he voted for this burger before he voted against it”), the Larry Summers (“the Harvard president—women can eat this, too! burger”) and the Dick Cheney (a bacon cheeseburger described as “a heart beat away”). The walls are covered in Boston memorabilia, and noise levels rise to shouting as patrons cram themselves into the limited seats and the harried waitstaff rushes from table to kitchen. Although no alcohol is served, the restaurant’s frappes, New England vernacular for milkshakes, are almost as legendary as its burgers. Come armed with patience, a horse-sized appetite and cash, as Mr. Bartley’s does not accept credit cards.