Falafel is the Middle-Eastern equivalent of a hamburger, it’s greasy, cheap, and you can pick one up on any street corner east of Turkey. It’s a vegan treat made from ground up chickpeas and spices, formed into fried balls. Usually it comes in a wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, some tahini and maybe some hummus. If you haven’t ever tried it, look through the list below and be sure to stop by one of these local falafel shops.

1. Fantastic’s Pizza and Cafe

925 Main Street, Worcester
508-798-5577

They call it a Fantastic Pizza and Cafe, but they should call it Fantastic Falafel. Not only is falafel the best item on their menu, it is the best falafel in Worcester. For less than $5 you get a Syrian wrap filled fresh veggies, crunchy falafel, and a dabble of tahini. If you’re the adventurist type you can opt for a spicy falafel, but it really is spicy. I warned you.

2. Bay State Bakery

96 Water Street, Worcester
508-753-6000

Located only a few blocks from Kelley Square, Bay State Bakery has a real top-notch falafel sandwich. They actually bake the bread right there on Water Street so you know it’s fresh. Sometimes they mix it up a bit and throw in some kind of sauerkraut or cabbage. While you’re picking up your falafel, you can also check out the attached middle eastern grocery store. You could pick up some Turkish coffee supplies or other fun items.

3. Shiraz

259 Park Avenue, Worcester
(508) 767-1639

Shiraz is the kind of placed that a 20-something would take his or her parents for a nice dinner, while still being able to cover the check. It’s a family-owned Armenian joint with quite a few veg options. The prices definitely manageable. The falafel will put you back seven or eight bucks. Here are a couple more perks: You get fries with your sandwich and you can order booze off the menu. It’s more of a sit-down restaurant than a grab-and-go falafel shop, but you’re still not looking at more than $10 for your meal.

4. Sano Cafe at the Living Earth

232 Chandler Street, Worcester
508-753-1896

The Living Earth went through some major renovations this Summer and Fall. It’s definitely worth checking out. If they are sticking with the same menu in the new cafe, you can expect to get a big pickle and some chips with your falafel. They really strive to use quality ingredients. Their menu is very vegetarian-friendly and a fair amount of their food is organic and local. The falafel comes in a pita pocket, stuffed full of fresh veggies and tomatoes. I recommend asking for extra tahini.

5. Garden Fresh Courthouse Cafe

204 Main Street, Worcester
508-753-8500

This might come as a surprise, but the new cafe across the street from the courthouse has a pretty rocking lunch menu. What is the best thing on their menu? The falafel, of course. The falafel wrap comes in a tortilla, so it isn’t entirely true to its middle eastern heritage. Nonetheless it is one of the best in Worcester. It’s good value for the price, you’ll pay around $6 and it’s big. The veggies are fresh and the tahini is creamy. What more could you ask for? So if you have a court date coming up, count on having your victory lunch at the Courthouse Cafe. A word to the wise: you can take food into the courthouse, but you might find yourself in hot water if you make the mistake of actually taking it into the courtroom.

1. Worcester Common

Right in the heart of downtown Worcester is number one on the list. Between the bus traffic, the business people, the vendors, and the downtown dwellers, there’s always something going on, and someone to look at. Not to mention, it’s very easy to just blend in with the crowd.

2. Elm Park

Elm Park is second on the list. The park always seems to be busy, even in the colder temperatures, and there’s always walkers, college students, and drivers passing by to keep it interesting. The bonus is just how beautiful the park is, grab a blanket and take a nap, grab a bench and have a hot dog, grab your sneakers and take a walk, but whatever you do, don’t grab some bread and feed the geese!

3. Kelley Square

The constant influx of traffic is what puts Kelley Square on this list. You won’t see too much street traffic, but there is always a commotion going on somewhere in this busy crossroads. Grab some pizza, wings, or sushi, have a beer, and just relax and observe the hassles of the world around you.

4. Sitting on the bench in front of HBML

The HBML Junk Shoppe is located at 420 Pleasant Street, and is the perfect destination for odds and ends and treasures. What many people don’t know is that it’s also a prime location to sit and watch the world go by.

5. Shrewsbury Street

Shrewsbury Street is last on the list. If you’re out on the right night on this side of town you will not only get a great deal of street traffic, but you’ll also enjoy a great deal of foot traffic as well. Depending on where you choose to set up shop, you can enjoy watching the patrons of Jeff’s, the valet at Mezcal, the police at the Dunkin Donuts, really the possibilities are endless.

This vegan/vegetarian restaurant serves Chinese cuisine at very affordable prices. The friendly staff and comfortable atmosphere make it tops on the list.

415 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA

2. Quan Yin

The Buddha Hut’s cousin on the other side of town, Quan Yin offers vegan/vegetarian Vietnamese and Chinese dishes. Again, the prices are very affordable and the service is friendly, but if you’re with a large group you may want to stick to take out since the restaurant is tiny.

56 Hamilton Street, Worcester, MA

3. One Love Café

One Love is not 100% vegetarian, but the staff are more than happy to accommodate vegetarian and vegan customers. The Jamaican/Caribbean dishes are delicious and affordable and the restaurant is also BYOB.

800 Main Street, Worcester, MA

4. Nancy Chang Restaurant

Nancy Chang Restaurant offers heatlthy Chinese cuisine, and is vegan/vegetarian friendly. The restaurant has won over 40 awards over the past ten years, and for good reason. The food is delicious and the service is fast and efficient. Just let the staff know that you wish you want meat subsitutions when you order.

372 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA

5. Tortilla Sam’s

This Mexican joint is one of the best BYOB places in town, and it also happens to be vegan/vegetarian friendly. Substitutions for all of their meats are listed right on the menu, and the prices are very affordable. They get bonus points for being open late nights.

107 Highland Street, Worcester, MA

Do we really need a list? Yeah we could mention Webster Square, or Washington Square, or any of the intersections on Park or Main, but let’s be honest. When you’re talking worst intersections in the city there’s only one that deserves to be on this list.

Not only is Kelly Square one of the worst intersections in Worcester, with pretty much every street in existence converging to this cluster%*$% of a square, it is considered by many as one of the worst intersections in the country.

Just a quick google search brings up a handful of horror stories, articles, and forum discussions, all plugging our very own Kelly Square as the intersection from hell. Still not convinced? Check out Womag’s Virgin’s Guide to Kelly Square.

Dalat has been a prime dining destination of college students for years thanks to its low prices, prime location, and laid back atmosphere. The family-run restaurant serves it up fast and fresh, and offers a wide variety of dishes sure to please anyone.

425 Park Avenue , Worcester , MA

2. The Bamboo Hut

Also a BYOB favorite, the owners, food, and family are what make the Bamboo Hut number two on this list. The authentic Vietnamese cuisine is prepared from fresh ingredients, selected from local markets daily, and the owners are on hand to ensure your experience is a pleasant one.

1394 Main Street, Worcester, MA

3. Viet Thao Restaurant

The authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Viet Thao Restaurant is fresh and affordable. The staff is friendly and attentive, and they are always willing to answer any questions you may have. Beer and wine are also available.

68 Stafford Street , Worcester , MA

4. Quan Yin

The number one, all vegetarian, Vietnamese restaurant in the city. Quan Yin offers very reasonable prices, and a large selection of vegetarian-Vietnamese plates. The restaurant is small, and you may wait for a bit, but it will be worth it.

56 Hamilton Street , Worcester , MA

5. Saigon Restaurant

Saigon offers up very affordable, portion-controlled Vietnamese dishes in a family atmosphere. It is also the perfect late night stop for the neighboring college students, and those of us who are a little light in the wallet but appreciate quality food.

976 Main Street Unit B, Worcester , MA

This local favorite can also bill itself as many a college student’s preferred haunt. Known for its affordable Mexican fare, laid back atmosphere, and friendly staff, Sam’s is a must for young and old, rich or poor. The BYOB billing with a liquor store just a few doors down, is just an added bonus.

Location: 107 Highland Street, Worcester, MA

2. Café Espresso

The new world Italian cuisine at Café Espresso is a must for all foodie’s within driving distance. A family run restaurant for more than 20 years, the owners’ take pride in the traditions of old world Italy, keeping the meals authentic, the atmosphere comfortable, and the prices affordable. Bring your favorite bottle of wine for a meal you won’t soon forget.

Location: 19 Wall Street, Worcester, MA

3. One Love Café

One Love Café is the central Massachusetts destination for organic fish and vegetarian cuisine from Jamaica and the West Indies. The staff is friendly, the vibe is relaxed, and the food is delicious. Not sure what to order? Be sure to check out the buffet every Thursday night.

Location: 800 Main Street, Worcester, MA

4. Westside Steak & BBQ

The authentic BBQ and sides at Westide Steak & BBQ are sure to please. The availability of outdoor seating makes the BYOB restaurant all the more pleasurable. The food is affordable and plentiful, and the location is perfect for getting away from the city atmosphere without stepping foot outside its borders.

Location: 2 Richmond Avenue, Worcester, MA

5. The Bamboo Hut

One of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the city also happens to be tops on the BYOB list. The Bamboo Hut offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere. The owners are friendly, the menu is extensive, and the food is fresh and delicious. If you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine and BYOB establishments, look no further.

Location: 1394 Main Street, Worcester, MA