It’s that glorious moment: Bar & Grill season in Somerville. That special time when you get to argue with friends about which spot has the best wings, drink a lot of local beer together, and see how the fries hold up under scrutiny. And if you’re tasked with choosing just one? Your evening just got complicated. Just know now—you probably won’t make everyone happy. But here’s where to start.
Krave Kitchen & Bar
$$ | (781) 932-5910 | WEBSITE
If your family likes to gather for hearty meals in cozy booths, they’ll be very pleased with a dinner at Krave Kitchen & Bar, where their braised beef is amazing. Looking out over the plaza while eating some really good tacos will make you feel like you’re in an episode of one of those TV shows about regular people enjoying simple pleasures, instead of wondering if that fancy restaurant downtown is worth the splurge (spoiler: it isn’t).
Audubon
$$ | (617) 421-1910 | WEBSITE
Nothing beats a post-game celebration with friends. And while Somerville has more bar and grill options than it knows what to do with in this category, go with Audubon for the sports watch party. The bustling, lively atmosphere is great, the bar food is delicious, and unlike some of the other popular spots, you won’t have to fight for a table during big games. Not to mention, there’s that outdoor bamboo patio for dining in good weather.
Savin Bar and Kitchen
$$ | (617) 288-7500 | WEBSITE
Just a short stroll from the heart of Somerville, Savin Bar and Kitchen is a neighborhood-focused spot that follows the classic bar-and-grill formula: create a friendly, comfortable space with familiar food that hits the spot, and the locals will keep coming back. With its welcoming atmosphere and consistently hot, fresh dishes like the stuffed French toast or fish and chips, it’s bound to be a go-to for Sunday brunch this season, so grab a table while you can.
Seapoint
$ | (617) 268-1476 | WEBSITE
No matter when you go to Seapoint, it’s a cozy occasion. This welcoming neighborhood spot in South Boston feels custom-built for people who appreciate good food without any pretense. You’ll dig into the must-try Sea Point special pizza and savor the steak tips with loaded mashed potatoes at simple wooden tables, while enjoying the fun and friendly staff that makes everyone feel at home.
The relaxed vibe is perfect for locals and travelers alike, especially with the Thursday trivia adding to the laid-back fun. It’s a great value spot where you can enjoy consistently delicious food in a warm setting, even if the occasional check mix-up happens. Overall, Seapoint delivers exactly what you want from a neighborhood bar and grill.
Wisteria Restaurant and Bar
$$ | (617) 956-5108 | WEBSITE
If you have friends who constantly rave about finding the perfect clam chowder, make your reservation at Wisteria. This intimate (and moderately priced) New England-inspired spot near Royale has a cozy dining room with warm lighting, wooden tables, and enough nautical touches to make someone at your table exclaim, “it’s like we’re in a Cape Cod cottage!” And that’s what a memorable meal is all about.
Tony C’s Sports Bar & Grill
$$ | (781) 238-8282 | WEBSITE
It’s not really game day without at least the option of a cold beer. And at Tony C’s Sports Bar & Grill, you have it within arm’s reach no matter where you’re sitting. Equal parts sports bar, grill, and neighborhood hangout, this Somerville spot does it all.
Plus, there’s a comfortable atmosphere with huge monitors to watch the games, satisfying meals like the very tasty burger and flavorful Steak and Cheese Wontons, and attentive staff who make you feel right at home while ignoring the score when your team’s losing.
Joe Sent Me
$$ | (617) 492-1116 | WEBSITE
Joe Sent Me fits about 50 people in the main bar area, with another 20 at high-top tables along the wall. The lounge section seats around 30 more, and when they open the back room for trivia nights, it can handle another 40 seated, 60 standing. For a full buyout of the entire space, you’re looking at roughly 130 people standing comfortably.
It’s not a massive venue, but the layout makes it feel spacious without losing that neighborhood pub coziness—perfect for their Tuesday trivia crowds or just grabbing a drink with friends after work.
Brick & Beam
$$ | (617) 481-5434 | WEBSITE
The lively neighborhood bar and grill serves solid American comfort food with tasty pizzas, a phenomenal Cobb salad, and drinks that hit the spot. As conversations buzz around the nice decor, your very full and happy family will have no choice but to deem this place the hidden gem of Somerville.
Liberty Diner
$ | (617) 442-9262 | WEBSITE
For the first time ever, the legendary Liberty Diner now has a full bar to enjoy. There’s a cozy counter area, which can seat up to eight people, as well as a welcoming dining room complete with classic New England charm. No matter where you end up sitting though, their famous fish and grits are your first order of business.
Branch Line
$$ | (617) 420-1900 | WEBSITE
Somerville is known for many things: college-town pizza joints, generic gastropubs, and students lined up outside late-night taco spots. But delightful, classic bar-and-grill restaurants catering to those seeking an escape from city chaos? Not so much. It’s why Branch Line should be on your weeknight shortlist, particularly if your family has a history of “catching up” over rotisserie chicken.
JJ Foley’s Bar & Grille
$ | (617) 695-2529 | WEBSITE
You’re never going to find a bar that satisfies every single craft beer snob, so just cut your losses and grab a stool at JJ Foley’s. The classic Boston dive is a total locals’ pleaser, complete with well-poured Guinness, crisp sour on tap, and gleaming golden pints of affordable beer.
La Fania Bar & Grill
$$ | (617) 387-1777 | WEBSITE
La Fania Bar & Grill is an excellent Latin restaurant in Somerville that comes from the same people behind one of our other favorite Latin spots in the area. Expect a wide-ranging menu full of tremendous steak, tacos, and chicken pastelitos that you can focus on while your friends debate who should take the next karaoke turn.
Waterclub Marina Bay
$$ | (617) 328-6500 | WEBSITE
Known for being one of the hardest tables to snag in Somerville when the sun’s out (or something like that), Waterclub Marina Bay is thankfully much easier to enjoy than its reputation suggests. Located right on the marina with sweeping water views, Waterclub is classic bar-and-grill fare with a vibrant atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re on vacation. But it’s that outdoor seating where summer dining magic truly happens.
Coop’s Bar & Grille
$$ | (617) 472-2667 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a spot in Somerville that can handle a family dinner, a game day crowd, and a casual night out all in one, just head over to Coop’s Bar & Grille. This place is Somerville’s shrine to good times and the ideal setting for a bunch of people whose idea of a perfect evening is cold beer and great food. That said, Coop’s is serving excellent bar classics, and the friendly, efficient service is like nothing else in the neighborhood.
The Avenue Bar Allston
$ | (617) 903-3110 | WEBSITE
Tucked into the heart of Allston, The Avenue Bar Allston has that classic neighborhood bar energy—there’s sports on every screen, friendly chatter at the counter, and a steady stream of cocktails like the Comm Ave Cooler and 6 O’Clock Sunset. But once you settle in, it runs like a well-oiled, reliable spot for good food and drinks.
So if you’re looking for a laid-back place to unwind after work, The Avenue has the essential buffalo tenders and sweet potato tots—with the added bonus of a chill, lively vibe and some standout burgers and vegan tacos on the menu.