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.
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Highland Kitchen
150 Highland AveAmazing 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.
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Redbones Barbecue
55 Chester StIt'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.
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Bronwyn
255 Washington StGreat 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.
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Dunkin'
245 Pleasant StThe 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.
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Dali
415 Washington StThere'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.
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Tasty Burger
86 Boylston StMy 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
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3 Little Figs
278 Highland AveCute 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.
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Oleana
134 Hampshire StMake 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.
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Area Four
500 Technology SquareSome 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.
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Blackbird Doughnuts
492 Tremont StUnion 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).
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Eastern Standard
775 Commonwealth AvenueIf 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).
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The Spirit Bar
219 Elm StThe 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.
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Border Cafe
32 Church StBorder 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.
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Lone Star Taco Bar
635 Cambridge StLone 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.
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Saus Boston
33 Union StIt'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.
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The Paramount
44 Charles StreetThe 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).
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Dave's Fresh Pasta
81 Holland StDave'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.
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Casa B Tapas and Cocktail & Rum Bar
253 Washington StI 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.
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SRV
569 Columbus AveSRV 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 AveNeighborhood 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.
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Wine & Cheese Cask
407 Washington StAs 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.
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New Deal Fish Market
622 Cambridge StIf 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.
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SAULT New England
577 Tremont StGreat 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).
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NRO
39 Charles StPainfully 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 AveGreat 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 AveFrom 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.
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Boston Harborwalk
Boston Wharf RoadIf 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.
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보스턴 퍼블릭 가든
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.
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Saloon
255 Elm StLook 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.
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Aeronaut Brewing Company
14 Tyler StPainfully 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.
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Wok N Roll Restaurant
1908 Massachusetts AveFun 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.
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Backbar
7 Sanborn CtBoston 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.
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Tangierino Restaurant
83 Main StFun 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.
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Delux Cafe
100 Chandler StreetThis 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
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Cuisine en Locale
156 Highland AveONCE 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
Get-N-Go
152 Highland AveThe nicer of our two local corner stores. Also has an ATM.
Walgreens
491 High StLocal 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.
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Market Basket
400 Somerville AveIf 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.
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The Rockwell
255 Elm StThe 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.
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Brooklyn Boulders Somerville
12A Tyler StBrooklyn 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.
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이사벨라 스튜어트 가드너 뮤지엄
25 Evans WayI'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.
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하버드미술관
32 Quincy StLess 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.
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SoWa Art + Design District
450 Harrison AveThe 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.