Guidebook for Somerville
Drinks & Nightlife
This is a door in the side of an alley - speakeasy stye, so you might have to ask someone nearby, "Where's Backbar?" This place is very fun, atmospheric, and plays with the prohibition-era themed mystique. They sport AMAZING cocktails, which is why people come, along with seating which is conducive to socializing as well as people watching, including a low volume of music so people can actually talk, and it's TV-free location! They have some appetizers and light fare to munch on that's very good, too. The staff is EXTREMELY knowledgeable about drinks to an extent that is incredible.
89 locals recommend
Backbar
7 Sanborn CtThis is a door in the side of an alley - speakeasy stye, so you might have to ask someone nearby, "Where's Backbar?" This place is very fun, atmospheric, and plays with the prohibition-era themed mystique. They sport AMAZING cocktails, which is why people come, along with seating which is conducive to socializing as well as people watching, including a low volume of music so people can actually talk, and it's TV-free location! They have some appetizers and light fare to munch on that's very good, too. The staff is EXTREMELY knowledgeable about drinks to an extent that is incredible.
Classic pub, very small, TV-free, good beers, and some seriously delicious food during the day (including Poutine)! Not a ton of veggie options, but a very good veggie burger. At night, despite the small Irish pub feel, they have Reggae music which is super loud, so if you're not into that, don't go there on certain nights / hours.
31 locals recommend
Bull McCabe's
366 Somerville AveClassic pub, very small, TV-free, good beers, and some seriously delicious food during the day (including Poutine)! Not a ton of veggie options, but a very good veggie burger. At night, despite the small Irish pub feel, they have Reggae music which is super loud, so if you're not into that, don't go there on certain nights / hours.
Brass Union
70 Union SquareFood and drink and, in the warmer months, outdoor seating!
Food Scene
But also a GREAT bar with a very good list of beers, many of them local. There are two "sides" to the Independent - I recommend the bar and seating area on the right, depending on your mood. Check 'em both out. The right is for food and dining as well as the bar, but both bar areas have the same selection. One may be more crowded than the other. It can be very popular on weekend nights, but still should be room. Great place where you can talk. Not TV-free, but the ambiance makes up for it.
60 locals recommend
The Independent
75 Union SquareBut also a GREAT bar with a very good list of beers, many of them local. There are two "sides" to the Independent - I recommend the bar and seating area on the right, depending on your mood. Check 'em both out. The right is for food and dining as well as the bar, but both bar areas have the same selection. One may be more crowded than the other. It can be very popular on weekend nights, but still should be room. Great place where you can talk. Not TV-free, but the ambiance makes up for it.
Peruvian. Amazing. Oh my god go here if you haven't had amazing Peruvian food before (of if you have).
15 locals recommend
Machu Picchu
307 Somerville AvePeruvian. Amazing. Oh my god go here if you haven't had amazing Peruvian food before (of if you have).
Similar name but totally different owners and fare. Peruvian style grilled chicken is their specialty. Get extra of the friend yucca - like fries but SO MUCH BETTER, with these incredible dipping sauces.
20 locals recommend
Machu Chicken
25 Union SquareSimilar name but totally different owners and fare. Peruvian style grilled chicken is their specialty. Get extra of the friend yucca - like fries but SO MUCH BETTER, with these incredible dipping sauces.
One of the best low key Japanese restaurants sporting sushi AND other dishes. My friend from Tokyo says they get everything right in terms of their dishes. Really great combinations and taste.
37 locals recommend
Ebi sushi
290 Somerville AveOne of the best low key Japanese restaurants sporting sushi AND other dishes. My friend from Tokyo says they get everything right in terms of their dishes. Really great combinations and taste.
German cuisine inspired, so it's meat heavy. They also have an amazing bar and beer selection.
44 locals recommend
Bronwyn
255 Washington StGerman cuisine inspired, so it's meat heavy. They also have an amazing bar and beer selection.
Great food, pastries, coffees and fantastic teas, and a really cool vibe with good wifi. Great place to work, talk, or just chill.
35 locals recommend
Forge Baking Company
626 Somerville AveGreat food, pastries, coffees and fantastic teas, and a really cool vibe with good wifi. Great place to work, talk, or just chill.
Thai at its best. High reviews, great veggie options, attentive staff always keeps your water glass full. SO GOOD.
19 locals recommend
Siam Ginger Thai Cuisine
22 Bow StThai at its best. High reviews, great veggie options, attentive staff always keeps your water glass full. SO GOOD.
Breakfast / Brunch place that's been around since the 1950s. I know it sounds weird, but make sure to get the Cream Of Wheat. People literally travel miles for this specifically. LARGE PORTIONS. The outdoor seating is amazing in the warmer months.
78 locals recommend
Flora Restaurant
190 Massachusetts AveBreakfast / Brunch place that's been around since the 1950s. I know it sounds weird, but make sure to get the Cream Of Wheat. People literally travel miles for this specifically. LARGE PORTIONS. The outdoor seating is amazing in the warmer months.
Great for chilling and/or working, delicious food and sandwiches, great teas and coffees and pastries. Mmmmmm. Outdoor seating in the warmer months.
91 locals recommend
Bloc Cafe
11 Bow StGreat for chilling and/or working, delicious food and sandwiches, great teas and coffees and pastries. Mmmmmm. Outdoor seating in the warmer months.
Shopping
Lots of local and import cheeses, great wine selection, and secretly an amazing beer selection (what they show is not all they have!).
41 locals recommend
Wine & Cheese Cask
407 Washington StLots of local and import cheeses, great wine selection, and secretly an amazing beer selection (what they show is not all they have!).
Essentials
People travel for miles because the prices are REALLY low for the area.
237 locals recommend
Market Basket
400 Somerville AvePeople travel for miles because the prices are REALLY low for the area.
Getting Around
Harvard station
1 Brattle St