AMBRIDGE, MA — The dynamic food hall at CanalSide Food + Drink at CambridgeSide continues to grow, announcing the arrival of two exciting culinary additions: Chilacates, offering bold, authentic Mexican street fare, and Fresh, the beloved Nantucket-born eatery known for its vibrant sandwiches, smoothies, and açaí bowls. These new arrivals further elevate the center’s mission to deliver a fresh, diverse, and immersive dining experience to visitors from across the region.
Located along Cambridge’s scenic Charles River Canal, CanalSide Food + Drink is part of the reimagined CambridgeSide—a mixed-use destination blending retail, dining, office, and life sciences. At the heart of this transformation is CanalSide’s bustling food hall, featuring waterfront views, a curated selection of local and international cuisines, and the lively C-Side Bar, which serves an enticing menu of craft cocktails, beer, and wine.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chilacates and Fresh to CanalSide Food + Drink,” said Melissa LaVita, Regional Marketing Director for CambridgeSide. “Each brings delicious new dining options which perfectly complement CanalSide’s eateries serving a diverse variety of cuisines for every palate.”
About the New Arrivals
Chilacates brings the bold flavors of authentic Mexican street food, crafted from natural, local ingredients and known for dishes like tacos, burritos, and tortas that are both crave-worthy and comforting. With multiple locations across Greater Boston, Chilacates has developed a passionate following for its made-to-order meals that capture the essence of traditional Mexican fare.
Fresh, originally founded on Nantucket Island in a beloved little outpost called the “Tomato Shack,” is known for serving handcrafted breakfast and lunch sandwiches, smoothies, and açaí bowls that highlight quality, simplicity, and coastal New England charm. The brand’s focus on wholesome ingredients and feel-good vibes makes it a standout addition to the food hall’s daytime offerings.
A Culinary Destination in the Heart of Cambridge
With the addition of Chilacates and Fresh, CanalSide now features an eclectic mix of eateries such as:
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anoush’ella – Eastern Mediterranean street food
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Beard Papa’s – Cream puffs with global fame
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Caffé Nero – European-style café with artisanal coffee
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DalMoros Fresh Pasta to Go – Italian pasta made fresh and fast
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Far Out Ice Cream – Small-batch, creative scoops
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InChu – Modern Korean bites
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Juicygreens – Plant-based bowls and juices
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Lala’s Neapolitan-ish Pizza – Wood-fired pizza with flair
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Nu Burger – Gourmet burger creations
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Sapporo Ramen – Savory Japanese noodle bowls
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Teazzi Tea Shop – Fresh Taiwanese bubble teas
At the center of it all is C-Side Bar, where guests can pair their meals with expertly crafted drinks in a relaxed, social atmosphere.
More Than Just Food
In addition to its rich culinary offerings, CanalSide has become a community hub with free events including Musical Bingo, Trivia Nights, and live music performances. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike can gather not just to eat, but to connect, unwind, and enjoy the waterfront ambiance.
