very October, around 12,000 rowers descend on Cambridge, Mass., to compete at the Head of the Charles Regatta, and they aren’t alone. Along with those rowers come countless vendors that keep the regatta well fed, and as a result, it can be hard to know where to go for the perfect bite. Divided by location, this guide will help you stay fed and not miss any of the weekend’s action.

Eliot Bridge

American Flatbread is the first of many pizza places on this guide. This New England-based chain has been expanding for good reason and has now found a spot on the bank of the Charles. Known for its wood-fired crispy crust with just the right amount of chew, American Flatbread will satisfy your pizza craving.

If you want to try one of the best Mexican restaurants in Boston without having to go on OpenTable, try El Barco. This spot has been making a name for itself serving real Oaxacan flavor in the Back Bay. El Barco’s fresh, hand-pressed tortillas will make its tacos stand out even in the frenetic environment at HOCR. If you get the chance to try El Barco, take it.

Pop-up shop Fat Sandwich Dude was a smash hit at the HOCR last year, and will be back again this year. Visit its tent near Eliot Bridge for some delicious, gourmet sandwiches.

Founded by a third-generation lobsterman, Luke’s Lobster is renowned for serving New England staples: lobster rolls and clam chowder. Luke’s brings in fresh seafood straight from Maine.

Bite-size is just better. That’s the creed Mini Diva Donuts lives by. Boston’s original made-to-order mini donut shop offers a variety of donuts to satisfy your sweet treat cravings. Stop by the shop in the Eliot Bridge tent and see big things sometimes come in small packages.

Vineyard Vines at Lot 1

All’Antico Vinaio is a top-notch Italian spot, but has no pasta or pizza on its menu. Instead, its specialty is sandwiches, and they do not disappoint. Saveur magazine called All’Antico Vinaio “home of the world’s best sandwiches.” Visit its pop-up booth at Lot 1 to verify the claim.

While the Argentina national team did not play in Boston this summer, there was a Messi in the area. The Messi empanada is one of the many empanadas that Che! Empanadas offers. The restaurant serves over 20 varieties of beef, chicken, pork, seafood, veggie, and dessert empanadas. While the assortment might be smaller at its Charles River pop-up, the golden, flaky empanada crusts will still make a visit worthwhile.

Flour Bakery & Cafe is a modern Boston area classic. Its 12 locations across the area have brought Bostonians the best of both savory and sweet pastries. Led by a James Beard Award-winning baker, Flour Bakery & Cafe is a great spot for any occasion: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and celebrating a win on the Charles.

Si Cara Pizzabar makes phenomenal, authentic Italian food. If you are familiar with the language, you know “si cara” means “Yes, dear.” It references what chef and owner Michael Lombardi heard from his Nonna while she was cooking Sunday dinner. This warm, grandmotherly love is what Si Cara offers with every bite.

FALS Bar

A staple in every Harvard student’s late-night meal rotation, El Jefe’s Taqueria serves quick, filling tacos and burritos. It’s the perfect spot to stop by without missing any of the weekend’s action.

Specializing in breakfast, Mike & Patty’s is the solution to early-morning hunger… or a mid-regatta break. It recently won Boston Magazine’s 2026 Best Breakfast Burrito, but its breakfast sandwiches are the real deal. If you want to try the self-proclaimed “Boston’s favorite sandwich spot since 2008,” try Mike & Patty’s.

Sloane’s owner and chef, Sarah Wade, won Food Network’s Chopped Gold Medal Games, but Sloane’s delicious comfort food is far from the show’s rigorous environment. Be sure to check it out, conveniently located just a short walk from the finish line.

Summer Shack was founded by James Beard winner Jasper White, who strove to provide the quality of Boston’s best restaurants with a relaxing atmosphere. Twenty-six years later, this sea-to-table-focused Cambridge hallmark will be fulfilling its claim as Boston’s Best Lobster Roll.

Food Trucks at Lot 3

Before opening eight restaurants around Cambridge and Boston, the Vietnamese restaurant Bon Me began as a food truck. At the HOCR, it heads back to its roots in that same food truck. Bon Me is a fantastic lighter option that will get you through the day without feeling sluggish.

If it’s dessert you’re hungry for, visit the Crepe Shop. Its delicate crepes with fresh fruit toppings are perfect for ending off a day of great eating, but they are also great if you are just getting started.

Pennypackers is a soup-and-sandwich food truck perfect for a late October weekend. Boston Magazine called its porchetta sandwich “love at first bite.” The porchetta powerhouse is a great choice for a hearty weekend meal.

Family-owned Piesons’s Pizza makes phenomenal wood-fired pizzas. Specializing in mobile catering, the quality of its delicious pies will not be compromised by its proximity to the Charles River.

The largest sporting event in Cambridge would not be complete without a hot dog. Thankfully, Trolley Dogs will be serving plenty. The largest food truck vendor in the Northeast, Trolley Dogs is renowned for its gigantic, all-beef, handmade dogs. Stop by and enjoy a ballpark dog alongside Charles.

Riverbender

Co-founded by two former Michelin-starred chefs, Pig Beach BBQ cooks some of Boston’s best barbecue. You may be hesitant to try barbecue in New England, but this spot will far exceed your expectations.

Playa Bowls has become a mainstay on Mt. Auburn Street because of its refreshing acai bowls. It offers a variety of bases and toppings that make you feel like you are enjoying a nice day at the beach despite the brisk October weather.

Weld Boathouse

Naya is a delicious fast-casual Lebanese restaurant that has spread across the Northeast since its founding in New York. Its first store, which opened in Cambridge earlier this year, was met with a warm welcome, and now it will have a shop popping up on the Charles for the HOCR. Its authentic Middle Eastern flavor truly sets it apart from its fast-casual contemporaries.

Inspired by recipes the chefs grew up with, Viet Citron gives authentic Vietnamese a modern glow-up. Its fresh pho, banh mi, and rice bowls will make you feel like you actually took a day trip to Vietnam. Viet Citron also serves amazing seasonal specials, so keep an eye out for those too.

Weeks Bridge

Slush King is no stranger to appearing in unfamiliar places. Since 1965, it has operated as a mobile vendor around the Boston area. While it became famous with its namesake slush, it offers a variety of desserts, now serving artisanal gelato and soft-serve ice cream. Check out the Slush King truck near the beautiful Weeks Bridge.

Cambridge Boat Club

Scarlet Fire Pizza takes pizza very seriously. Its authentic Neapolitan pizza can only be made with Stanislaus tomatoes from Italy, whole milk Grande cheese, and dough made from highly refined 00 flour. Its standards produce an incredibly high-quality wood-fired pizza with sublime flavor.

The Head of the Charles Regatta will bring three days of action-packed rowing to Cambridge, but that is not its only offering. The regatta also draws some of New England’s finest eateries for the fans and rowers to savor. So stop by these amazing booths and enjoy a bite as the boats go by.

—Staff writer Samuel A. Freeman can be reached at [email protected].