The Tasty

Years

1916 – 1996

Location

2a JFK St., Harvard Square

Profile

Diner. Cheap, no-frills, charmingly gruff service for the hungry late-night masses

 

 

History

The Tasty Sandwich Shop was located in the now-demolished Read Block building, site of the home of Colonial poet Anne Bradstreet. A beloved character in the heart of Harvard Square, The Tasty was a no-frills, 300 square foot diner, where in 1996 one could still acquire two eggs, fries, and white toast for $2.75. Seating was old fashioned counter-and-stool, centered around the tiny "kitchen" manned by one sardonic/charming cook. This was a place you may have found yourself at any given hour engaged in conversation with both a homeless person and a Harvard professor. Its passing, and the culture it supported, is still lamented by many.

Photo courtesy of Stephen Nicolls