With its fireplace and varied menu, Porter Square's top spot for affordable pub grub attracts plenty of young professionals.

The Scene
While Christopher's exposed brick walls and crackling fireplace provide a most welcoming environment, it's the restaurant's lengthy menu of inexpensive comfort food that makes regulars out of area students and young professionals. When not glued to the bar's numerous TVs, libation lovers select from one of Cambridge's most impressive drink menus (try the sinful chocolate cake martini). Friendly servers are well-versed when it comes to describing each of the 20-plus beers on tap.

The Food
The kitchen shows great dexterity in churning out any number of cuisine types--cheesy enchiladas share table space with plates of piquant Thai curry stir-fry and homemade butternut squash ravioli. Health-conscious diners are especially well taken care of, considering that burgers are made with 100% naturally raised beef and ever-popular buffalo wings come from free-range chickens. Adventurous types looking for more than a sandwich wisely gravitate towards the grilled salmon filet with sweet-and-sour mango-chile salsa.