Funny to think that an ice cream shop would be a great place to grab a cocktail, let alone a meatless version of the cheesesteak, a renowned Philly classic, but that’s what Earnest Drinks just north of Kendall Square is all about.

The Dirty Bird is a half-chicken that’s dry brined for three days and spice-rubbed with a blend that comes from Christina’s down the block, then served with a spicy aji chili au jus. The long preparation cycle and care shows.

This grilled chicken with whiskey barbecue sauce, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar and a dousing of spicy ranch on a toasted telera roll is just right – emblematic of the restaurant that serves it.

Mark Ladner’s take on the chicken parm at Bar Enza is a game changer – a secret menu item that may be the best you’ll ever have.

Trina’s menu is pretty much straight-up comfort food that pays smart attention to its vegetarian clientele. The menu rotates some, but most always you’ll find mac ’n’ cheese, fried chicken, and fried chicken and waffles, as well as a stack of burgers and a side-dish list that outpaces the entrées.

With a quaint storefront nestled along Hampshire Street between Inman and Kendall squares, Gypsy Place has that old-school bohemian vibe that used to be the currency of many Cambridge eateries – as well as a fluffy omelet made in a waffle iron and dressed with a mayo ketchup togarashi sauce.

PlantPub is a cool little eatery in Kendall Square with a select beer and vino menu and satiating comfort food such as burgers, fried chicken sandwiches and pizzas – with no meat anywhere.

Waypoint, which feels like a cozy yet pleasingly eccentric Spanish tapas joint but specializes in seafood, has clam and smoked whitefish pizzas and mains such as squid ink and Jonah crab pastas – and one of my favorites: Smoked & Salted Peel & Eat Shrimp.

It was a pleasure to rediscover Taco Party in Ball Square, where this flexitarian was quite satisfied with the double-wrapped Crispy Fried Tofu, Chorizo Seitan, and Chimichurri Tempeh options.

I’m still smiling on the inside from having walked into Andala Coffee House and discovering its falafel sandwich, on grilled thin pita with very green, flattened falafels and veggies inside.