It’s hard to innovate on an empty stomach, which is why eating at Glass House is such a brilliant idea. Located at 450 Kendall Street, Glass House provides a culinary reflection of the Kendall Square neighborhood’s creative and industrial vibe. Take a peek through the namesake floor-to-ceiling windows and you’ll see a contemporary, casual space perfect for everything from grabbing a quick morning coffee to sharing ideas over a globally-inspired menu and loosening your tie over apres-work cocktails.

Start your day at the breakfast counter (provided by former neighbors and now residents K2 Cafe), with straightforward staples ranging from health-conscious to comfort food, and a drink list with all the caffeinated basics, plus a section of creative coffees that reads like a fancy cocktail menu (sans booze—that’s for later). Lunch and dinner bring an opportunity to get a bigger taste of Glass House’s global style, with menu inspiration coming from all over the map. Sample from the raw bar while you peruse their soups, entree-salads, and sandwiches all ranging from standard to surprising with bold flavors and house-made ingredients. And for outdoor enthusiasts, there’s a special Fire Pit menu to be enjoyed weekday evenings on the patio.

The restaurant’s award-winning design, like the menu, has at least a couple of toes rooted in tradition (Kendall Square was once the glass-making capital of the country) while looking toward a very bright future. The natural light streaming in from full-length windows on all sides illuminates a sleek, modern space that feels open, airy, and inviting. The vibe is casual—no white tablecloths here—with clean lines and an Art Deco character accentuated by funky tilework on the floor and walls, turquoise banquettes and stools at the raw bar, and midcentury furniture. In the summertime, glass doors open onto a crushed-stone patio complete with Adirondacks, umbrellas, and a fire pit.

The bar area keeps Glass House’s open concept rolling, with storage on floating shelves above the square central bar. 24 taps will keep you busy, flowing with local craft beers, ciders, and wine. The cocktails riff on classics without straying too far into weirdness, and the wine selection is short, sweet, and approachable. And if you’re looking to imbibe outside, there’s another (seasonal) bar on the patio.