UPDATE: Unfortunately, Allston's Grecian Yearning was engulfed in flames Tuesday, June 10. Click HERE for details. The Grecian Yearning in Allston is a quintessential greasy spoon--traditional breakfast and brunch at its best. The hotspot's latest claim to fame is that it served as a film location for the movie "The Lonely Maiden,” starring Morgan Freeman, Christopher Walken and William H. Macy. The scene was shot in late November 2007. Based on the film shoot, The Grecian Yearning is a true family affair. Owner Nicholas Katsarikas and his wife, son and daughter all got to participate in the film shoot, playing — what else — the chef, cashier and wait staff at the diner. The restaurant suffered a fire on June 10, 2008.

Owned by a Greek couple, this Allston greasy spoon is colorful diner/coffee shop on Harvard Ave. Great for students on a budget, the dining area is inviting and cozy. Steve's Kitchen is a great little mom-and-pop restaurant with a Greek-inspired menu.

Every great state needs its great ice cream and just as Vermont has Ben and Jerry's, Massachusettes has Herrell's. With five locations(along with Allston, there are stores in Harvard Square, Watertown, the Berkshires, and Northhampton), Herrell's is a beacon of creamy tastiness throughout the state. What's more, this Allston location not only serves up the original, die-in-your-socks ice cream flavors (including at least one or too vegan "no moo" flavors) to the local crowds of students, hipsters and professionals, it also caters to the on-the-go locals by offering a mouth-watering selection of breakfast foods (muffins! vegan french toast and pancakes! breakfast burritos!) and a full lunch menu, which includes several creative vegan sandwich and soup options. Walking in, you might get a tingle from the fun, charged atmosphere--and if that doesn't do it, the chocolate pudding ice cream surely will. Herrell's Allston Cafe could not get more Rock City. The fresh-from-the-oven bakery smell that you'll walk into like a brick wall as you turn the corner of Brighton and Harvard will bring you inside; the free WiFi, indie music, and colorful graphic art all over the walls and tables will keep you interested; but the coffee, baked delicacies, vegan eats, and the forgive-me-father ice cream will keep you coming back. Hours: M - Sat: 7 a.m. - 12 a.m. (11 p.m. during winter months, actually closes at 9pm Mo-Th) Sun: 8 a.m. - 12 a.m. (11 p.m. during winter months)

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