Somerville

This place used to be Oat Shop, an oatmeal cafe in Davis Square, but in 2022 it was taken over by this cafe named after the owner’s grandmother. She makes delicious grilled cheese — with a side of sunshine!

A local hangout since 1999, Mr. Crepe is right next door to Somerville Theater in the Holmes Building and serves all kinds of yummy beverages as well as sweet and savory crepes.

Although they have an infamous rivalry with the place next door, for us there is no question — we love Ball Square Cafe. With lines around the block on weekends, there’s no mistaking good quality and hearty cooking.

​Have you ever really eaten authentic greek food? Maybe, maybe not! After all, the owner George explains that greek salad shouldn’t have lettuce inside! George grew up in Somerville, and he loves Davis Square. And we are happy he’s here!

​Oh yes, candlepin bowling is every bit as fun as you’d think it is. And this incredibly generous and community-minded crew is as philanthropic for local organizations as it is talented in the kitchen.

​Oh yes, candlepin bowling is every bit as fun as you’d think it is. And this incredibly generous and community-minded crew is as philanthropic for local organizations as it is talented in the kitchen.

​What’s better than eating in a dining car? Rosebud’s incredible diner is actually a historical landmark, and their food is top notch. Serving pan-American fare that touches upon Southern, Thai, Italian, and classic American, whatever you order at Rosebud is scrumptious. And it was a notorious Whitey Bulger hangout.

​Located in what used to be Davis Square’s first major commercial block called the 1874 Clarendon Block, our neighborhood Japanese izakaya feels very authentic in decor and menu with a variety of imported items, yummy ramen and noodle bowls that are made in a big cauldron with freshly made noodles, handcrafted sushi rolls, yakitori grilled meat skewers & small plates.

​In the heart of Davis Square is this creative Korean kitchen with a beautiful, sleek interior. Right next door at 255 Elm Street is where Person Davis who is the namesake of Davis Square lived.

​What’s better than eating in a dining car? Rosebud’s incredible diner is actually a historical landmark, and their food is top notch. Serving pan-American fare that touches upon Southern, Thai, Italian, and classic American, whatever you order at Rosebud is scrumptious. And it was a notorious Whitey Bulger hangout.

​Although Mike’s a staple that anchors Davis Square, there actually is no Mike! Owner Maria’s dad worked there years ago, and she took over in 2007. Using recipes from her grandma’s cookbook, Mike’s is a neighborhood destination.

​The Burren is one of our favorite hang-outs in Davis Square. In the “back” section, you can hear all kinds of interesting and eclectic music acts. We love their Sunday music brunch and have even heard Japanese klezmer perform here!

​In 1914, Joseph Hobbs built the Somerville Theater and you can still see the words Hobbs building on its exterior today. At that time, it was the social center of the area and included a 1200 seat theater, a bowling alley, billiard room, cafe, and 750 seat meeting hall with dance floor. The most famous actor in the Somerville Theater in the early 1900s was Ray Bolger who played the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz. In the 1930s, the building was redesigned into the Art Deco style that it has today and housed lots of vaudeville before it showed silent films.

​Do you ever walk down a busy city street and smell that glorious smell of roasting nuts wafting through the air? Now imagine what it would be like to visit a full-fledged flavored nuts factory — and you’ve got the brain child of Beth and Brian Quinn who make the most masterful snack creations around.

​Owner and chocolatier Jeremy Spindler has definitely fine-tuned his craft. Spindler has its own Boston candy museum inside its beautiful shop, and they sell all kinds of hand-crafted chocolate with ingredients of the highest quality as well as local items of every variety to delight their guests.

​A newcomer to the Square in 2017, DSD&B have proven their food chops by offerings unique flavor combinations in their handcrafted, oversized donuts and bagels. Owner George has lived in Somerville his whole life and commissioned a special art mural inside the shop of the local scene.

​Owner Claire has traveled around the world, and this gorgeous store has a profound aesthetic remniscent of a “curiosity” cabinet. Specializing in spices of origin and also intricate spice blends that she sells to high-end restaurants, you’ll never know what will inspire you when you walk into this meticulous shop.

Owner Natalie Hug is a phenomenal baker with lots of experience at area bakeries, and she takes her experience to the Davis Square neighborhood with a wide variety of delicious treats.

​USD has a loyal, cult-like following, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t friendly. With their special brioche dough that’s not too sweet, these guys have perfected the donut — and we’re happy they’re in the neighborhood! Seasonal flavors have included everything from carrot cake to Fluffernutter to chocolate zucchini. Owner Josh founded the company in a kitchen incubator nearby, which speaks to the uplifting, entrepreneurial spirit of Union Square.

​Ever ate a snack inside a bank vault? On our food tour of Union Square, you can! With a nod to its past, Bloc Cafe incorporates many design elements of its origins as a bank – from 1910 when it was the Somerville National Bank to 2007. Bow Street used to called Milk Row or Somerville Ave. until the 1830’s when the “U”-shaped section was renamed.

​Started in 2003, this restaurant was started by Rosy who hails from Peru. She not only brought an oven from Peru to the restaurant, but she’s since expanded to Machu Chicken down the street.

​Owner Jose loves Somerville and has mastered the art of sushi and other japanese delicacies. This local favorite is a great place to go if you’re new to the neighborhood. Everything is fresh and delicious.

​With recent construction, Nu Cafe is in the basement of a renovated apartment complex right near the heart of Union Square. They offer innovative, healthy options that taste great amidst a comfortable decor.

​Already a Boston institution and known for their fries, SAUS has an all vegan menu at Bow Market unlike its sister restaurant near Faneuil Hall.

​Started in 2003, this restaurant was started by Rosy who hails from Peru. She not only brought an oven from Peru to the restaurant, but she’s since expanded to Machu Chicken down the street.

​Owner Jose loves Somerville and has mastered the art of sushi and other japanese delicacies. This local favorite is a great place to go if you’re new to the neighborhood. Everything is fresh and delicious.

​Established in 2001, The Independent is a local pub that anchors Union Square and is a local hotspot for first dates to late-night rendezvous.

​Established in 2001, The Independent is a local pub that anchors Union Square and is a local hotspot for first dates to late-night rendezvous.

​Barra means “bar”, and this Mexico-City inspired bar has everything from delicious eats to a cool environment. Opened during the pandemic, the thoughtful team behind this concept crafted a perfect menu — From Boston’s Best Quesadilla to hibiscus water to fried grasshoppers. There’s something for everyone.

​Take one whiff of Taza Chocolate’s Somerville factory, and you know you’ve entered a dream come true for any chocoholic. They offer tours as well as educational classes year-round; check out their calendar online for timing.

​Owner Eric’s family has lived in Somerville dating back to the 19th Century. Unlike Taza, Somerville Chocolate operates a tiny bean-to-bar operation inside a very cool Somerville brewery called Aeronaut. Eric sells at limited retail locations and also has a chocolate CSA. He has fine-tuned his craft, and it’s his passion.

​Located on the corner of Washington St./Somerville Ave., Gracie’s is named after the owner’s daughter Gracie who lives in Somerville and often helps dream up new flavors. Gracie’s is proud to be carrying on the tradition of serving homemade ice cream in the area alongside Christina’s in Inman Square and Toscanini’s in Central Square.