The Scene The management behind Allston's popular Sunset Grill and Big City smartly chose to expand its empire to this location, along a busy, student-populated stretch of Commonwealth Avenue. A suitably young crowd fills the expansive dining room to nosh on huge plates of appetizers while watching sporting events or listening to the contemporary jukebox. The small bar takes advantage of its full liquor license (something the Sunset Grill doesn't possess) by serving up a wicked margarita menu and a selection of more than 40 tequilas.
The Food The Cantina's eclectic, epic menu (more than 150 items) contains just about every appetizer ever made (raspberry mako shark sticks, shrimp-boursin skins) and even more sandwiches. Across the board, quality is above-average, portions are huge and prices are student-friendly. Beyond juicy "steam beer burgers," there are colorful interpretations of popular barbecue and Mexican dishes like hefty "Brontosaurus" beef ribs and sizzling Jambalaya fajitas.