When it comes to Boston-area dining, you’ve likely navigated the North End’s pasta alleys, sipped craft cocktails in Cambridge, and braved the crowds for a table in Back Bay. But a night exploring Somerville’s vibrant bar scene? Not so much. This creative hub just across the Charles is still an undiscovered gem for many city foodies, but with its innovative kitchens, cozy neighborhood taverns, and a spirit that feels like Brooklyn meets Boston, that needs to change.
Barra
$$ | (617) 764-1750 | WEBSITE
It takes about two minutes walking around in Somerville to realize that Barra is the spot for a nicer night out. The neighborhood is dotted with cozy restaurants, making picking a place somewhat stressful. We’ll narrow it down: Go to Barra. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a menu featuring delicious dishes like duck tamal with mole, gringas, and aguachile—but we like to keep it simple.
Sometimes a plate of well-prepared tacos and a couple of impressive cocktails are all you need. The atmosphere is comfortable with a cool vibe, and servers like Wilo and Will make you feel at home. The overall value and quality are highly appreciated.
Highland Kitchen
$$ | (617) 625-1131 | WEBSITE
Every great neighborhood joint has that perfect blend of cozy chaos and culinary charm that makes you feel instantly at home. If you’re searching for that exact vibe in Somerville, Highland Kitchen delivers. This bustling spot has warm lighting, worn-in wooden tables, and enough energy to fill the room without overwhelming it.
There’s a solid selection of drinks, including the sweet and tasty Dirty Mango Lassi with its hint of rum, but the main draw is the unique menu—especially the “bomb” Vegetable Madras and the regular-favorite Goat Stew. And the fact it’s open for both dine-in and takeout means you can enjoy that welcoming atmosphere however you like.
The Jungle Community Music Club
$ | (617) 718-0204 | WEBSITE
Every decent city neighborhood has a crusty local venue serving cold drinks, live music, and a classic Pac Man machine that gets your quarter if you’re not careful. In Somerville, that’s The Jungle Community Music Club. There are plenty of reasons to visit, from the kimchi chicken sandwich to the friendly bartenders, but your focus should be on the live bands. They’re talented performers with energy and soul, playing everything from rock to blues to whatever makes the crowd move.
It’s an intimate experience (bring a friend, we won’t tell), but proof that people in this community just know how to build a proper night out. Grab a well-crafted drink and you’re looking at one of the last true local venues in the Boston area.
Daddy Jones
$$ | (617) 690-9095 | WEBSITE
There are several spots to enjoy Greek cuisine in Somerville, and Daddy Jones is definitely the most inviting. It’s situated with that upscale bar-type vibe and opens every evening for dinner. That might sound fancy, but remember you’re in a place that revolves around sharing plates while relaxing on furniture you’d want to take home.
The Pub
$ | (617) 776-7373 | WEBSITE
Other Somerville spots might draw the casual drinker, but serious pub-goers head to The Pub. Tucked into a bustling neighborhood corner, this classic establishment focuses on delivering a genuine pub experience with top-notch service from its friendly bartenders and staff. The atmosphere is perfectly inviting for a night out, especially when the house is fully packed for a game.
You can certainly grab a quick chicken Parm sandwich and fries at the bar, but if you’re settling in, the whole experience feels like $25 well spent—comfortable seating, great service, and that authentic local pub vibe.
Zo Greek
$$ | (617) 764-2792 | WEBSITE
After a long day of debating the merits of various Mediterranean salads, it’s time to soothe the soul. And there’s no better way to do that than settling into a booth at Zo Greek for some authentic Greek comfort food. The cozy spot has been a Somerville favorite for years, with a loyal following for fresh, well-cooked dishes served in a welcoming atmosphere. We particularly love the lamb chili and zucchini fritters, but this is an all-around great Greek restaurant.
So just pull up a chair under the soft lighting, order the spanakopita everyone’s raving about, and walk out completely satisfied.
El Potro Mexican Bar & Grill
$ | (617) 666-4200 | WEBSITE
Finding authentic Mexican food is 95% of the reason why people come to Somerville (the other 5% is shopping for vintage records), but that’s not to say it doesn’t get crowded. And after a long day navigating Davis Square, you should unwind at El Potro. The Mexican bar and grill not only has a charming outdoor patio, but serves the kind of loaded, flavorful nachos and enchiladas tejanas that always taste better while relaxing in a laid-back atmosphere.
Casey’s
$ | (617) 625-5195 | WEBSITE
Originally just a neighborhood haunt, Casey’s has become a Somerville staple that’s worth seeking out. We recommend arriving before the weekend rush (they open daily) as the chef only prepares a limited amount of his famous steak tips each evening, and when they’re sold out, that’s it for the night. We love the classic steak tips, but always ask what Bobby’s stir-fry special is—it’s usually the most flavorful dish on the menu.
And then plan to stick around and enjoy the atmosphere: there’s a lively weekend scene with a DJ spinning tunes and people dancing the night away.
Foundry On Elm
$$ | (617) 628-9999 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of neighborhood spots in Somerville, but many rely on trendy decor and loud music rather than serving truly memorable food and drinks. Foundry On Elm has changed that. The welcoming restaurant specializes in beautifully prepared dishes bursting with flavor, something that might be expected at a fine dining establishment downtown, but in this casual setting, is a delightful surprise.
We fully recommend grabbing a table and enjoying the warm, attentive service all evening, but in the event you want to continue the experience at home instead, their fantastic cocktails are just as satisfying when you’re relaxing on your own couch.
FIELD & VINE
$$$ | (617) 718-2333 | WEBSITE
No one comes to Somerville for a fancy night out, but if you’re going to have one dinner outside of your questionably-decorated apartment, make it at Field & Vine. The farm-to-table restaurant has a small menu full of seasonal plates, and everything is good. The ceviche, cornbread, and the cavatelli all need to hit your table, but our favorite dish is the slightly tangy oeufs mayonnaise with creamy, perfectly-set eggs.
Also, in a neighborhood with a strong hidden gem game, Field & Vine’s is the best.
Backbar
$$$ | (617) 249-3522 | WEBSITE
If you’re exploring Somerville’s cocktail scene, there’s no better spot for a creative night out than Backbar’s cozy seating area. The intimate space is well-decorated with quirky cat statues and Star Wars memorabilia, plus there’s plenty of room for small groups. Most people at this fixed-price cocktail bar are sipping signature drinks inspired by songs, and rightfully so, the bartenders mix up good ones. Our order though is the non-alcoholic cocktail selection.
Crafted with the same attention to detail as the alcoholic menu, these flavorful, spirit-free creations are exactly what you need after debating Star Wars trivia during Nerd Boi Monday last week.
Redbones Barbecue
$$ | (617) 628-2200 | WEBSITE
If you’re in Somerville for the weekend, save at least one evening for exploring the neighborhood’s vibrant spots. And then make your way to Redbones for a hearty barbecue feast. Tuesday through Sunday, the welcoming restaurant sits right on its corner, giving visitors a satisfying destination after a day out. Our go-to order includes the smoky burnt ends drizzled with tangy house sauce and the “Texas” ribs, a big, meaty beef rib with a savory dry rub.
Warning: portions go big here, so don’t be surprised when you have to utter the words, “I’ll need a to-go box” in front of your dining companions.