How We Curate
Our transparent methodology for selecting and maintaining authentic Cambridge recommendations.
Guide to Cambridge isn't a directory that accepts every listing or allows paid placements. Every restaurant, business, and attraction on our site goes through a careful curation process designed to ensure we're recommending places that Cambridge residents actually love.
Here's exactly how we decide what makes it onto Guide to Cambridge.
Our 6-Step Curation Process
Discovery
We identify potential listings through local exploration, community recommendations, and neighborhood research.
- Walking neighborhood surveys
- Community and resident recommendations
- Local business directories and chamber listings
- Social media and local food blogs
Location Verification
We confirm every business is actually located within Cambridge city limits.
- Address verification against Cambridge boundaries
- Exclusion of Somerville, Boston, and other neighboring cities
- Accurate neighborhood classification
- Transit accessibility assessment
Open Status Confirmation
We verify each business is currently operating before adding to our listings.
- Google My Business status check
- Phone verification when needed
- Website and social media activity review
- In-person confirmation for uncertain cases
Quality Assessment
We evaluate businesses based on consistent quality, local reputation, and authentic experience.
- Community sentiment analysis
- Local vs. tourist appeal balance
- Consistency of experience
- Value proposition within category
Local Voice Integration
We weight opinions from Cambridge residents more heavily than tourist reviews.
- Reddit r/cambridge discussions
- Local Facebook groups
- Neighborhood-specific feedback
- Long-term resident recommendations
Ongoing Updates
We continuously verify and update listings to maintain accuracy.
- Quarterly status verification
- Removal of permanently closed businesses
- Hours and contact info updates
- New business additions monthly
What We Include
- Located within Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Currently operating and open to the public
- Positive local community reputation
- Authentic experience representative of Cambridge
- Accessible via public transit (strongly preferred)
What We Exclude
- ×Businesses located outside Cambridge city limits
- ×Permanently closed establishments
- ×Chains with no local character or Cambridge-specific presence
- ×Businesses with consistent quality or safety concerns
- ×Paid placement requests (we accept no sponsorships)
How Often We Update
Daily
Critical updates like closures, incorrect hours, and user-reported errors
Monthly
New restaurant and business additions, neighborhood updates
Quarterly
Full database verification, removing closed businesses, audit of all listings
Have a Recommendation?
We're always looking for Cambridge gems we might have missed. If you know a local restaurant, shop, or attraction that deserves to be on Guide to Cambridge, let us know. We review every suggestion.
For business owners interested in being listed, please visit our business submission page. Remember: we don't accept paid placements, but we do welcome information about your Cambridge business.