My home square! Porter is probably the most convenient Cambridge square to be close to. You've got…read moregroceries, liquor, pharmacy, Red Line T stop, and it's the easiest spot to get back onto Route 2 or take Alewife Brook Parkway out to Medford, Malden, etc. Parking in Porter is better than any other Cambridge square; there's a huge lot and it's free!
There are great Porter Sq restaurants along Mass Ave--Sugar & Spice, Christopher's, Gustazos, Darul Kabab, Wasabi at Porter, Newtowne, all of the little eateries inside Lesley (ramen, sushi, etc), Chalawan, The Abbey, Poke City, Cambridge Common, Luce, Giulia, Upper Crust Pizzeria, and Changsho. There's a dozen more I'm forgetting right now but these are some of my top choices.
Best little bars nearby are Toad (live entertainment) and Paddy's (very affordable!).
Thistle & Shamrock is hands-down the best corner store I've ever been to (Walden St), I am so grateful to have this one-stop shop in the neighborhood. They've got fresh food, freezer stuff, beer/cider/wine, little gourmet odds + ends.
I always get my manicures at Nails by Porter. This is where Elizabeth Warren gets her nails done too so you know they're good! They owners have confirmation pics with her on their wall.
I've gotten my hair done at Salon Luna and Judy Jetson, both are wonderful. Luna is very minimalist/modern; Jetson is super fun and funky.
For cafes there's Hi-Rise (really good sandwiches), Starbucks, Bourbon Coffee, Café Nero, Café Zing, Panera and Dunkin.
Café Zing is located in Porter Square Books, which is one of the cutest spots in Porter, there's always a very high demand for their window seats.
Tags has everything tool/yard/kitchen related that I need.
Michaels and Target have everything else.
Two different Bank of America ATMs in Porter.
I'd definitely say Healthworks is a top-quality gym; love their two saunas and whirlpool. I've also heard great things about Down Under Yoga, but have not yet actually tried that one myself.
Several cute little shops around Porter--Mudflat Gallery, NOMAD, WardMaps, Stereo Jack's Records, Made by Me.
If you're looking for something quick and sweet you can hit BerryLine or Yotopia for froyo, or head over to Violette Gluten Free Bakery.
And if you want to keep walking we're right in between Davis and Harvard squares which are my other two favorite spots in Cambridge. I feel very lucky to live in Porter :)