Growing up in Newton, Mass. meant the perfect mixture of quiet streets to play kickball on, easy access to Boston, and a surplus of good burrito spots. The town’s walkability and quaint neighborhoods make it a great place for a quick outing if Boston feels too chaotic. 

While the many cafes, restaurants, and parks throughout Newton’s 13 villages make the town ideal for a day trip or lunch visit, things can be a little pricey. So here’s a locals’ guide to not-too-expensive ways to make the most of BC’s hometown. 

Chestnut Hill’s “The Street”

The Street, just past the Chestnut Hill train station, makes for a fun weekend visit with its restaurants, cafes, and shopping. It features a quaint bookstore, Hummingbird Books, a movie theatre, and my personal favorite, The Container Store.

One must-visit high-end fast food restaurant in the area is Chilacates. Visiting The Street, you can also find Blue Bottle Coffee and The Half-Cookie, two cute cafes known for their lattes and desserts. The Half Cookie, which only recently opened, offers seasonal and themed drinks perfect for a chilly afternoon. 

Newton Centre Eats

Newton Centre itself is the perfect location for a quiet night out to dinner. This downtown area offers a wide range of sit-down options from Little Big Diner and Cafe Sol Azteca to Coconut Newton and Jinny’s Pizza. If you’re feeling like a classic breakfast, Johnny’s Luncheonette is a great option. 

Mexican Spots 

Obviously, I have to touch on the aforementioned burrito spots as well. Tango Mango, situated in the middle of Newton Centre, is a local favorite. 

Anna’s Taqueria, in Newton Highlands, is my personal go-to because of their quesadillas, but it is a little out of the way. Los Amigos, in Newtonville, has the best chicken and rice. Another Newtonville favorite of mine, if you’re willing to go the distance, is Che! Empanadas, though this spot serves Argentine cuisine, not Mexican.

Grocery Stores

A college necessity, grocery stores are in relative abundance in the Newton area. Whole Foods, on the more expensive end, is a good bet for fresh fruit to keep in your dorm refrigerator. There are two in Newton, one is about a 40-minute walk down Beacon St., and the other is around 30 minutes on foot from BC’s Newton campus. Neither is exactly convenient. A better option would probably be Star Market, which sits on the edge of The Street in Chestnut Hill. 

Study Spots

I love a good coffee shop study session, so despite the unjustifiable coffee prices of these cafes, I have no choice but to include them in my guide. As someone who went to high school in Newton, I know ball when it comes to local study spots. 

My all-time favorite is Tatte, which is a common pick when it comes to getting work done. The bustling atmosphere and clean aesthetic provide the perfect backdrop for productivity. A close runner-up is TOUS les JOURS. Also in Newton Centre, this cafe offers a much quieter environment than Tatte. With a variety of seating and an extensive drink menu, TOUS les JOURS is a great spot to spend a calm afternoon finishing up work. 

Finally, Caffè Nero is only a short walk away for any freshman on the Newton campus looking for a change of scenery. The Newtonville cafe offers long tables ideal for spreading out notebooks and the perfect ambience for focusing. 

Correction (12/11/2025, 3:50pm): An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that there is a Cava located at The Street.