Where to eat lunch and dinner around MIT

That's my alma mater!  I didn't go to East Campus but I still always found myself having lunch there.  There are trucks parked behind the  MIT Medical (Building E23) on Carleton Street that serve pretty good food.  I believe it's only weekdays during meal times.  If you want to go to restaurants, there are quite a few around there, too.  I like  Cosi for sandwiches and  Area Four has good pizza.

Commonwealth Market & Restaurant has great sandwiches for lunch. It is also a gourmet market for snacks to go. Catalyst is one of my favorite dinner spots in Kendall. Industrial chic atmosphere with good locally sourced meat and seafood.

Looking to spend a little money and make the best of it:

Check out Blue Inc.. or West Bridge right by Kendall Square, great food, beautiful atmosphere, incredible food.

Want something fun/quirky and younger vibe:

Check out State Park (fun food options, killer cocktails), The Cambridge Brewing Company (best craft beer pub around), or Meadhall (great food, 100 taps of beer)

If you're just looking for something fun, quick, cheap:

Check out Emma's Pizza, The Friendly Toast, All Star Pizza Bar/Sandwich Bar (more Inman Square, but not far and great food, Inman is a must know neighborhood for MIT kids as well)

Two thumbs up for  Area Four. Also, a fancy-ish dinner at  West Bridge (http://www.westbridgerestaurant.com/)

One of the best places in Boston - period. Hungry Mother next to One Kendall (big well known complex). I'd go there for drinks and dinner. Miracle of Science Bar & Grill for lunch - excellent burgers