Guidebook for Somerville

Elijah
Guidebook for Somerville

Food Scene

Amazing food, really cool vibe, and the best drinks $9 can buy (honestly, you can't find cocktails this good for this cheap anywhere else). No reservations though, so expect to wait a bit at the bar. Brunch is phenomenal too, but QUITE a scene. The line when they open often stretches the entire block. The best strategy is to put your name in and then head home to wait so that you don't have to fight for a place to stand inside.
96 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Highland Kitchen
150 Highland Ave
96 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Amazing food, really cool vibe, and the best drinks $9 can buy (honestly, you can't find cocktails this good for this cheap anywhere else). No reservations though, so expect to wait a bit at the bar. Brunch is phenomenal too, but QUITE a scene. The line when they open often stretches the entire block. The best strategy is to put your name in and then head home to wait so that you don't have to fight for a place to stand inside.
It's not fancy (if you want equally delicious BBQ served in fancier environs, check out Sweet Cheeks in Fenway), but it's hard to argue with the food at Red Bones. Personally, I'm a fan of their brisket and mac and cheese.
88 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Redbones Barbecue
55 Chester St
88 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
It's not fancy (if you want equally delicious BBQ served in fancier environs, check out Sweet Cheeks in Fenway), but it's hard to argue with the food at Red Bones. Personally, I'm a fan of their brisket and mac and cheese.
Great German and Central European food and beer, without the cheesy Oktoberfest schtick. Service can lean gruff, but if you order the 1L beer, you won't need to see your server that often anyway.
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bronwyn
255 Washington St
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great German and Central European food and beer, without the cheesy Oktoberfest schtick. Service can lean gruff, but if you order the 1L beer, you won't need to see your server that often anyway.
The closest coffee options are Dunkin' or Dunkin'. This one is better than the one on Somerville Ave because you don't have to walk up a hill on the way back.
49 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dunkin'
245 Pleasant St
49 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The closest coffee options are Dunkin' or Dunkin'. This one is better than the one on Somerville Ave because you don't have to walk up a hill on the way back.
There's no shortage of good tapas places in Boston, but Dali definitely takes the prize for having the most eccentric character. Food's pretty great too.
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dali
415 Washington St
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
There's no shortage of good tapas places in Boston, but Dali definitely takes the prize for having the most eccentric character. Food's pretty great too.
My one true love and the best fast food-style burger in Boston. But Shake Shack is also across the street if you prefer that.
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tasty Burger
86 Boylston St
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
My one true love and the best fast food-style burger in Boston. But Shake Shack is also across the street if you prefer that.
Cute local coffeeshop if you want something with more personality (not to mention better coffee) than Dunkin
74 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
3 Little Figs
278 Highland Ave
74 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cute local coffeeshop if you want something with more personality (not to mention better coffee) than Dunkin
Make your reservation as soon as you book your Airbnb or you might have a hard time getting in, but it's well worth it if you do. This acclaimed spot has great meze (they're pretty much all good, but I especially love the octopus and labneh) and wine. If you can't get in, try the bar at Oleana's less famous sister Sarma.
130 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oleana
134 Hampshire St
130 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Make your reservation as soon as you book your Airbnb or you might have a hard time getting in, but it's well worth it if you do. This acclaimed spot has great meze (they're pretty much all good, but I especially love the octopus and labneh) and wine. If you can't get in, try the bar at Oleana's less famous sister Sarma.
Some of my favorite pizza in Boston. Thin crust with high-quality toppings (I like the "not pepperoni" personally). They used to have an outpost in Union Square too, but it sadly closed down due to utility issues.
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Area Four
500 Technology Square
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Some of my favorite pizza in Boston. Thin crust with high-quality toppings (I like the "not pepperoni" personally). They used to have an outpost in Union Square too, but it sadly closed down due to utility issues.
Union Square Doughnuts is Boston's original high-falutin doughnut place, but I've never really been that impressed. Blackbird's a newer challenger and their chocolate cake doughnuts are literally to die for. Their others are trying a little too hard I think, but I forgive all for those chocolate ones.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Blackbird Doughnuts
492 Tremont St
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Union Square Doughnuts is Boston's original high-falutin doughnut place, but I've never really been that impressed. Blackbird's a newer challenger and their chocolate cake doughnuts are literally to die for. Their others are trying a little too hard I think, but I forgive all for those chocolate ones.
If you find yourself on the other side of the river, Eastern Standards is one of my favorite spots in Boston. The food is very good but not anything mind-blowing, but the whole place just feels like an institution (and the cocktails are great). It's hard not to feel like a big shot when you're here (and it's not even particularly expensive).
68 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Eastern Standard
775 Commonwealth Avenue
68 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you find yourself on the other side of the river, Eastern Standards is one of my favorite spots in Boston. The food is very good but not anything mind-blowing, but the whole place just feels like an institution (and the cocktails are great). It's hard not to feel like a big shot when you're here (and it's not even particularly expensive).
The Painted Burro has really tasty Mexican food, plus good margs (naturally).
71 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Spirit Bar
219 Elm St
71 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Painted Burro has really tasty Mexican food, plus good margs (naturally).
Border Cafe is an enigma. It's somehow both Mexican and Creole as well as suspiciously cheap and surprisingly good. I imagine that people who like the Cheesecake Factory feel about the Cheesecake Factory the way that I do about Border Cafe.
50 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Border Cafe
32 Church St
50 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Border Cafe is an enigma. It's somehow both Mexican and Creole as well as suspiciously cheap and surprisingly good. I imagine that people who like the Cheesecake Factory feel about the Cheesecake Factory the way that I do about Border Cafe.
Lone Star's original location out in Allston is a bit of a schlep, but Deep Ellum, it's sister restaurant next door, almost makes it worth it with great cocktails and poutine to pre- (or post-) game your tacos and margaritas. But for just the tacos, the new Lone Star Cambridge is much more convenient.
57 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lone Star Taco Bar
635 Cambridge St
57 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lone Star's original location out in Allston is a bit of a schlep, but Deep Ellum, it's sister restaurant next door, almost makes it worth it with great cocktails and poutine to pre- (or post-) game your tacos and margaritas. But for just the tacos, the new Lone Star Cambridge is much more convenient.
It's in a bit of a touristy area but if, being a tourist, you happen to find yourself there, Saus is a great place for a snack or quick lunch. They have great fries with inventive dipping sauces, plus other Benelux-inspired snacks AND delicious Liege waffles.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Saus Boston
33 Union St
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
It's in a bit of a touristy area but if, being a tourist, you happen to find yourself there, Saus is a great place for a snack or quick lunch. They have great fries with inventive dipping sauces, plus other Benelux-inspired snacks AND delicious Liege waffles.
The Paramount is one of my favorite brunches in Boston. They do staples like chocolate chip pancakes (my favorite) perfectly. You line up to order your food from a short order cook and you can't sit down until you have your tray in hand. It never seems like it'll work, but miraculously a table always opens up just as you're handed your food. The line can get a bit long, but it does tend to move quickly.
152 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Paramount
44 Charles Street
152 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Paramount is one of my favorite brunches in Boston. They do staples like chocolate chip pancakes (my favorite) perfectly. You line up to order your food from a short order cook and you can't sit down until you have your tray in hand. It never seems like it'll work, but miraculously a table always opens up just as you're handed your food. The line can get a bit long, but it does tend to move quickly.
Dave's is amazing for sandwiches, pasta (clearly), and if you just need to pick up some wine or specialty groceries. They have a great selection of cheeses, cured meats, and fancy Italian groceries (all without being precious).
58 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dave's Fresh Pasta
81 Holland St
58 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dave's is amazing for sandwiches, pasta (clearly), and if you just need to pick up some wine or specialty groceries. They have a great selection of cheeses, cured meats, and fancy Italian groceries (all without being precious).
I walked by Casa B a million times and always thought it must suck since it always seemed empty, but the secret is that they seat everyone in the downstairs dining room. In fact, it doesn't suck in the slightest. Their Caribbean take on tapas is unique and really delicious (the steak pincho and the Puerto Rican pot roast are especially good) and they have a great list of Spanish and South American wines too.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casa B Tapas and Cocktail & Rum Bar
253 Washington St
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
I walked by Casa B a million times and always thought it must suck since it always seemed empty, but the secret is that they seat everyone in the downstairs dining room. In fact, it doesn't suck in the slightest. Their Caribbean take on tapas is unique and really delicious (the steak pincho and the Puerto Rican pot roast are especially good) and they have a great list of Spanish and South American wines too.
SRV is one of my go-to restaurants these days. Delicious Venetian food and generally great service. I don't usually go for tasting menu type things, but I've always done their Arsenale menu and it's wonderful. The meatballs are amazing, as is the merguez pasta, and if the skate wing is on the menu it'll change your life.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SRV
569 Columbus Ave
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SRV is one of my go-to restaurants these days. Delicious Venetian food and generally great service. I don't usually go for tasting menu type things, but I've always done their Arsenale menu and it's wonderful. The meatballs are amazing, as is the merguez pasta, and if the skate wing is on the menu it'll change your life.

Shopping

Neighborhood liquor store. Nothing out of the world, but it does the trick and has a pretty decent selection of good beer.
O'Brian's Liquors
158 Highland Ave
Neighborhood liquor store. Nothing out of the world, but it does the trick and has a pretty decent selection of good beer.
As the name suggests, this is the go-to spot for wine and cheese, plus other specialty food stuff, good beer, and liquor. Definitely an important stop if you're planning a special meal.
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wine & Cheese Cask
407 Washington St
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
As the name suggests, this is the go-to spot for wine and cheese, plus other specialty food stuff, good beer, and liquor. Definitely an important stop if you're planning a special meal.
If you're in the mood to cook and you like seafood, this is where you need to come to get it. They sell beautiful fish at pretty reasonable prices. I love picking up some scallops from here for a quick dinner.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
New Deal Fish Market
622 Cambridge St
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you're in the mood to cook and you like seafood, this is where you need to come to get it. They sell beautiful fish at pretty reasonable prices. I love picking up some scallops from here for a quick dinner.
Great little menswear shop with a rugged, New England vibe and lots of fun things to take a look at.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SAULT New England
577 Tremont St
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great little menswear shop with a rugged, New England vibe and lots of fun things to take a look at.
Painfully preppy, but a lot of fun to check out if you're into the New England aesthetic (even just for anthropological reasons).
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
NRO
39 Charles St
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Painfully preppy, but a lot of fun to check out if you're into the New England aesthetic (even just for anthropological reasons).
Great high-quality beef, pork, lamb, and (I think) goat. Definitely an important stop if you feel like making a fancy meal. I believe they restock on beef on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so I try to go then for the best selection of cuts.
M.F. Dulock
201A Highland Ave
Great high-quality beef, pork, lamb, and (I think) goat. Definitely an important stop if you feel like making a fancy meal. I believe they restock on beef on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so I try to go then for the best selection of cuts.
From December through March, there's a winter farmer's market every Saturday from 9:30 until 2 at the Armory. It's super convenient for restocking on essentials. Given that it's winter, the selection tends toward the beige and rootish, but you can get good potatoes, onions, carrots, radishes, etc. plus bread, meat, seafood, and prepared foods.
Somerville Winter Farmers Market
191 Highland Ave
From December through March, there's a winter farmer's market every Saturday from 9:30 until 2 at the Armory. It's super convenient for restocking on essentials. Given that it's winter, the selection tends toward the beige and rootish, but you can get good potatoes, onions, carrots, radishes, etc. plus bread, meat, seafood, and prepared foods.

Parks & Nature

If you're here in the summer, I definitely recommend getting out to the Harbor Islands. The islands themselves are nice, but my favorite part is the ferry ride out to them.
59 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Boston Harborwalk
Boston Wharf Road
59 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you're here in the summer, I definitely recommend getting out to the Harbor Islands. The islands themselves are nice, but my favorite part is the ferry ride out to them.
The Common has once again gotten a bit seedy, so it's not the most scenic place for some urban greenery. The adjacent Public Garden is much more manicured, and features the iconic Boston swan boats.
440 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Boston Public Garden
440 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Common has once again gotten a bit seedy, so it's not the most scenic place for some urban greenery. The adjacent Public Garden is much more manicured, and features the iconic Boston swan boats.

Drinks & Nightlife

Look carefully 'cause there's no sign. Great whiskey selection and, if all that drinking makes you hungry, tasty food too.
68 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Saloon
255 Elm St
68 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Look carefully 'cause there's no sign. Great whiskey selection and, if all that drinking makes you hungry, tasty food too.
Painfully hip brewery in an old warehouse. The atmosphere is a bit industrial, but the beers are good and cheap.
84 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Aeronaut Brewing Company
14 Tyler St
84 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Painfully hip brewery in an old warehouse. The atmosphere is a bit industrial, but the beers are good and cheap.
Fun place for dancing that's not quite your ordinary club scene. I really like Soulelujeah, which is every Saturday night. Afterwards, head across the street to Clover for some late night snacks.
150 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wok N Roll Restaurant
1908 Massachusetts Ave
150 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fun place for dancing that's not quite your ordinary club scene. I really like Soulelujeah, which is every Saturday night. Afterwards, head across the street to Clover for some late night snacks.
Boston has, arguably, a few too many "secret" cocktail spots, but Backbar is the real deal. It's an experience and their drinks are quite good, albeit a bit pretentious.
89 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Backbar
7 Sanborn Ct
89 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Boston has, arguably, a few too many "secret" cocktail spots, but Backbar is the real deal. It's an experience and their drinks are quite good, albeit a bit pretentious.
Fun hookah bar that also serves up pretty delicious Moroccan food if you're hungry as well.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tangierino Restaurant
83 Main St
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fun hookah bar that also serves up pretty delicious Moroccan food if you're hungry as well.
This upscale dive is a great spot to begin or end a night in the South End. If you want a bit to eat, the food's hearty and good as well. Note, it's cash only.
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Delux Cafe
100 Chandler Street
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This upscale dive is a great spot to begin or end a night in the South End. If you want a bit to eat, the food's hearty and good as well. Note, it's cash only.
Chic wine bar with seasonal menus and great staff. They generally have tasty food to go along with the wine too. Some nights, they light up their outdoor fireplace for smores.
BELLY wine bar
Chic wine bar with seasonal menus and great staff. They generally have tasty food to go along with the wine too. Some nights, they light up their outdoor fireplace for smores.
ONCE Ballroom right up the street on Highland is a super hip (like authentically they-should-mop-more hip, not manufactured hip) music venue that has cool acts coming through pretty often
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cuisine en Locale
156 Highland Ave
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
ONCE Ballroom right up the street on Highland is a super hip (like authentically they-should-mop-more hip, not manufactured hip) music venue that has cool acts coming through pretty often

Essentials

The nicer of our two local corner stores. Also has an ATM.
Get-N-Go
152 Highland Ave
The nicer of our two local corner stores. Also has an ATM.
Local drug store, should you need any drug store type things.
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Walgreens
491 High St
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Local drug store, should you need any drug store type things.
If you need serious groceries, Market Basket is close and cheap, but always a circus.
237 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Market Basket
400 Somerville Ave
237 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you need serious groceries, Market Basket is close and cheap, but always a circus.

Entertainment & Activities

The Boston area is home to a few lovely old movie theaters and this is by far the closest.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Rockwell
255 Elm St
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Boston area is home to a few lovely old movie theaters and this is by far the closest.
Brooklyn Boulders is a great climbing gym right down the street. There's always a ton going on there.
65 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brooklyn Boulders Somerville
12A Tyler St
65 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brooklyn Boulders is a great climbing gym right down the street. There's always a ton going on there.

Arts & Culture

I'm loathe to cross the river, but I'll gladly do it for the Gardner. The collection itself is really just the cherry on top of a beautiful space complete with a gorgeous courtyard.
500 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
25 Evans Way
500 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
I'm loathe to cross the river, but I'll gladly do it for the Gardner. The collection itself is really just the cherry on top of a beautiful space complete with a gorgeous courtyard.
Less of a schlep and often less of a scene than the MFA. The collection here is a bit lesser, but it's still no slouch.
205 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museos de Arte de Harvard
32 Quincy St
205 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Less of a schlep and often less of a scene than the MFA. The collection here is a bit lesser, but it's still no slouch.
The artists who work out of SOWA often have open studio events. There are dozens of studios in the building, so it's a lot of fun wandering around and seeing diverse artwork and meeting interesting people. There are usually a handful of studios open during the SOWA market on Sundays, and on the first Friday of each month most of the studios open their doors.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SoWa Art + Design District
450 Harrison Ave
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The artists who work out of SOWA often have open studio events. There are dozens of studios in the building, so it's a lot of fun wandering around and seeing diverse artwork and meeting interesting people. There are usually a handful of studios open during the SOWA market on Sundays, and on the first Friday of each month most of the studios open their doors.