Photo by Mohan Ge (COM’22)

In the City

Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: Davis Square

Eating, shopping, and hanging out in one of the Boston area’s hippest spots

Somerville has undergone a major transformation in the past 50 years. It was once a strictly blue-collar community of triple-deckers, but housing prices have soared, especially with the recent extension of the MBTA Green Line into the city. Nowhere are its changing fortunes more apparent than in Davis Square, in the northwest section. The square abuts the Powder House Square, Porter Square, and Spring Hill neighborhoods, and is a stone’s throw from Magoun Square and Tufts University. Easily accessible on the Red Line—and a reasonable walk from the Green Line—Davis Square is one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, filled with sleek bars, restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine options, and a thriving cultural scene.

Some residents trace (or lament) the transformation to a 1997 Utne Reader article anointing Davis Square as one of the 10 hippest places in America. Others go back further, to the 1984 opening of the Red Line T station in the square. Historians might flip all the way back to 1850, when wealthy grain dealer Preston Davis first strode into town and built an estate near the intersection of Elm and Grove Streets.

No matter where on the timeline your finger stops, Davis Square is now a crackling ball of artistic, entrepreneurial, and culinary energy, with a blend of mom-and-pop stores, hip eateries, quirky shops, public art, one of the area’s oldest movie theaters, and a pulsing nightlife. Consider taking the T, especially on a weekend. Parking is scarce.

Davis Square Donuts & Bagels
377 Summer St.

Opened in 2017, the local favorite Davis Square Donuts & Bagels has a loyal clientele devoted to its hand-crafted bagels and donuts. While traditional bagels like plain, sesame, and poppy seed are available, unique varieties, such as jalapeño cheddar, are also sold. 

Don’t leave out the donuts: they also have both traditional and adventurous choices for customers to choose from, including old-fashioned, glazed, and jelly, as well as the Somerville Cream (Marshmallow Fluff whipped with strawberry cream cheese, topped with graham crackers), Fruity Pebbles, and peanut butter and jelly.

To top it all off, the shop also offers a wide range of specialty sandwiches: egg sandwiches and deli sandwiches, including a delicious DSDB Cubano (ham, chorizo, mustard, pickles, and Swiss cheese on a plain bagel) and the Beast Mode (ham, bacon, sausage, three eggs, and cheese). 

Coffee lovers on the go will want to check out the coffee combos, pairing Peet’s Coffee with egg sandwiches, bagels, or donuts.

Rosebud American Bar & Kitchen
381 Summer St.

Formerly a diner, this neighborhood landmark, now operated by Bindaas Restaurant Group, features a menu serving up delicious comfort food with a decidedly Indian inflection. You’ll find items like Kashmiri deviled eggs, Kerala fried chicken with green chili waffles, and lentil-coated seared salmon. Rosebud’s menu also emphasizes fun light bites, like tikka tots. Save room for dessert because Rosebud offers signature milkshakes and their famous pies. The restaurant is also well known for its inventive cocktails, like the Spicy ‘Lil Rita and the Bombay to Boston. They also offer two nonalcoholic cocktails, Designated Driver and Thai Basil Cooler. Be sure to stop by for Rosebud’s popular weekend brunch, too. 

Posto
187 Elm St.

This modern Italian restaurant is known best for its classics, which include its handmade pasta, pizzas, grilled meats, fish, poultry, and a variety of desserts. Top menu favorites are bruschetta with grilled ciabatta, cherry tomatoes, whipped goat cheese, red onion, basil, and vincotto. The restaurant’s red and white pizzas are also very popular. The BBQ chicken pizza (roasted chicken, red onion, mozzarella, parmesan) is an excellent choice. The restaurant also offers a happy hour special Monday to Thursday from 4:30 to 6 pm: one appetizer, one pizza, and one dessert from the Happy Hour menu for just $18. The wood-burning oven makes for a cozy setting in winter, and in warm weather, the glass doors open onto the sidewalk so diners can eat outside.

The Painted Burro
219 Elm St.

This gem celebrates the diverse cuisines of Latin America. Its seasonal menu has a modern twist on traditional Mexican street food. Chow down on the roasted chipotle chicken enchiladas, street cart chicken (roasted half chicken, achiote-citrus marinade, kale and fried plantains, creamy poblano rice, tamarind butter), or one of the 10 innovative taco choices, like the short rib “double stack,” with crunchy and soft tortillas, tres quesos, beef carnitas, poblano and onions, mexican crema, and cotija. It’s also known for its popular weekend bottomless brunch ($25 all-you-can-eat for an hour and a half).

Dragon Pizza 
233 Elm St.

If you are looking for a cool pizzeria, this is the place for you. It’s simple counter-order setup makes it a chill place for friends and family to chat while enjoying some slices. There’s also a cozy dining room. Among the unique pizza combinations: Ben’s ’Shrooms (a mix of mushrooms, corn sauce, grilled onions, and peppers), kung pao chicken (Szechuan-braised chicken, carrots, peppers, peanuts, and kung pao sauce), and the Nightshade (eggplant, zucchini, peppers, onions, and ricotta cheese). You can book private pizza parties next door at the Dragon Lair, which has a bar and games room and a shuffleboard table. 

Anna’s Taqueria 
236 Elm St.

If you are looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, Anna’s Taqueria is the spot for you. They have been serving fresh, homemade Mexican food in Somerville since 1995. Favorites include their tacos, bowls, quesadillas, and their super large burritos. The restaurant also offers numerous fillings: grilled chicken, chicken ranchero, steak, birria, steak roja, carnitas, chili verde, al pastor, grilled vegetables, and beans and rice.

Kung Fu Tea
237 Elm St.

Specializing in made-to-order milk tea beverages, Kung Fu Tea offers a variety of hard-to-resist drinks. Try their best-selling signature milk tea, the Kung Fu, a blend of Earl Grey tea, cane sugar, and milk powder. 

Not a fan of milk tea? The shop also sells mango green tea, honey oolong tea, and even strawberry slush tea. Check out their signature Milk Strike beverages, tea flavors paired with freshly cooked Wow bubbles—tapioca balls cooked in brown sugar—and lactose-free milk. The Oreo Wow is a fan favorite.

Buffalo Exchange
238 Elm St.

“Cash for fashion!” advertises this store, where clothing and accessories can be bought, sold, and traded. It’s like a Goodwill store, but more selective; be prepared for your offerings to be scrutinized—less-desirable items wind up in the reject pile. You can choose cash or trade for items in the store, which has men’s and women’s clothing for all seasons and an array of shoes, boots, jewelry, sunglasses, and other accessories. Be sure to bring a valid ID if you’re selling goods.

The Burren
247 Elm St.

Named for a bleak, scarred limestone plateau in County Clare, Ireland, this authentic Irish bar offers live Irish music—folk, jazz, and traditional songs—seven nights a week, along with Stump Trivia on Mondays. You’ll find beers on tap and lots of bottled beers, wine, and cider, along with a small list of signature cocktails. The menu has typical bar food, as well as authentic Irish dishes, like bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and Guinness beef stew. And at brunch, you can enjoy a full Irish breakfast with rashers, Irish sausage, two eggs, black and white pudding, grilled tomato, and Irish baked beans, served with Irish soda bread.

The Rockwell
255 Elm St.

Formerly Jimmy Tingle’s Off Broadway Theater, and later the Davis Square Theatre, the renamed Rockwell hosts music, theater, burlesque, and comedy performances, mostly catering to the 18 or 21-plus crowd—although it has family-friendly shows, as well. Programs range from family favorite Adventure Improv to the decidedly adult Shit-faced Shakespeare. The 182-seat basement theater has a full bar; if you’re hungry after the show, you can grab a bite to eat upstairs at the Foundry on Elm. Find tickets and show information here.

Pokéworks
261 Elm St.

If you’re looking for something different, Pokéworks is a must. As its name suggests, the chain specializes in poké, the popular Hawaiian raw fish salad. Choose your base (bowl, burrito, or salad), pick your protein (ahi tuna, spicy tuna, salmon, spicy salmon, shrimp, organic tofu, chicken, or chili lime chicken), then add mix-ins (from diced mango to edamame to seaweed). Next, select from one of eight sauces, then add toppings and crunch (crushed peanuts, wonton crisps, shredded nori, etc.). And voila—you have a delicious fresh meal. Order one of the restaurant’s classics—like the Hawaiian Ahi, Sweet Sesame Chicken, or Spicy Ahi. There’s a Pokéworks in Harvard Square, too. 

Nine Bar Espresso
11 Holland St.

This sleek, hip coffee bar is the perfect place to grab a morning latte or cappuccino. And you’ll find traditional café items—coffee and espresso drinks featuring locally roasted coffee by Gracenote Coffee Roasters, teas, and pastries (courtesy of A&J King Artisan Bakers in Salem, Mass.)—and premium loose-leaf teas curated by Camellia Sinensis. It offers a small but tasty lineup of breakfast sandwiches and bagels. Nine Bar Espresso offers window service only.

Orleans
65 Holland St.

Music, trivia, sports, and good food are on tap here. The place hosts Trivia Wednesdays, karaoke, and live music, and broadcasts sports games on 15 HD screens. The bar offers 20 rotating taps of seasonal craft beers and a variety of wines and seasonal cocktails. On the dinner menu are salads, nachos, tacos, burgers, sandwiches, artisan pizzas, and entrées like steak tips. Orleans also serves a popular weekend brunch.

Dave’s Fresh Pasta
81 Holland St.

David Jick’s pasta, cheese, sandwich, and wine shop carries fresh local produce, beef, fish, and wine and beer. Known for its handmade pasta, ravioli, and sauces, the market/takeout restaurant also sells breads, baked goods, and more than 200 cheeses: from Cotswold to goat Brie to reblochon. The sandwiches alone are worth a trip. Try the Cubano (roasted pork loin, Black Forest ham, imported Swiss cheese, dill pickle, and chipotle aioli) or the Brazilian Hangover Helper (mortadella, provolone piccante, red onion, dill pickle, hot peppers, and mayo)—a concoction the staff says “works better than anything else” if you overindulged the night before. A few indoor and outdoor seats are available, but they fill up quickly. Dave’s also offers private cooking classes.

Rudy’s Café
248 Holland St.

There’s nothing pretentious about this casual Tex-Mex restaurant and tequila bar serving up refreshing margaritas and tasty fish tacos. And, really, with those staples, what more do you need? You’ll find a great selection of Tex-Mex combo plates, burritos, enchiladas, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. (Rudy’s is technically in Teele Square, but it’s just a five-minute walk from the heart of Davis Square.)

Spoke Wine Bar
89 Holland St.

Spoke focuses on wine, food, and hospitality, and serves “New-American small plates with the help of farmers and friends,” according to the website. You’ll find unique dishes, such as roasted eggplant dip served with onion jam and parsley. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, try the bigeye tuna and bison tenderloin mosaic, served with dongchimi and green garlic. In addition to its extensive wine list, there’s an eclectic cocktail list. Reservations are recommended.

Tenoch Mexican
382 Highland Ave.

This wonderful Mexican restaurant offers a full slate of enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and tortas, a type of Mexican pressed sandwich. One of the most popular is the torta de chicharron with surtido, cuerito, maciza, and pork. Note: the restaurant does not serve wine or liquor, but does serve beer.

Five Horses Tavern
400 Highland Ave.

The only downside here: too many delicious options. You’ll be hard-pressed to get past the appetizers, which include seasoned buttermilk-fried chicken tenders with a red dragon chili sauce, and cast-iron cornbread with honey butter. On the main menu are several unique options, among them the French Kiss pizza (brie, apples, balsamic, nut-free pesto, candied walnuts, mozzarella). And we haven’t gotten to the beer yet, which includes a plethora of rotating drafts and various bottled beers. The weekend brunch is also very popular.

Comicazi
407 Highland Ave.

Offering vintage toys, graphic novels, and a gaming area in the back room, this store provides an escape for the comic book lover and the child at heart. The store hosts a remote manga book club, an in-person comic book club, board game nights, and a Pokémon league. It also manages a YouTube channel, a gallery of artists’ work, and an independent publishing division, Bad Kids Press.

Davis Squared
409 Highland Ave.

This small gift shop on the quieter side of the square sells fun and witty gifts for adults, children, and the home. Independently owned, it has unique and handcrafted items like jewelry, prints, toys, chocolate, local honey, shea butter soap, and knitwear. There’s an especially good selection of cookbooks and gardening books, as well.

Magpie
314 Highland Ave.

This independently owned gift shop offers “shiny things for your nest” or for someone else’s; if you need a housewarming gift, look here. Featuring handmade craft and indie design products by local and regional artists, the store has jewelry, art, cards, stationery, housewares, baby items, and more.

Mike’s Food and Spirits
9 Davis Square

Want a quick, inexpensive bite before a show at Somerville Theatre? There is quite a variety here, from veal cacciatore pasta to an Italian cold cut calzone to a Gorgonzola and walnut salad. There are more than 20 specialty pizzas to choose from, as well as burgers, wraps, and fried seafood dishes. Service is a little gruff, but it’s fast.

Boston Burger Company
37 Davis Square

This burger joint—with four other locations around the Boston area—offers a wide range of creative 8-ounce certified Angus beef burgers, like the Green Monstah Burger (guacamole, pico de gallo, and cheddar jack cheese), the Bruschetta Burger (tomatoes, provolone, basil, and pesto mayonnaise), and the Mac Attack (topped with homemade four-cheese macaroni and sizzling bacon), which was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Not in the mood for beef? There’s also a veggie burger, chicken sandwiches, boneless wings, chowder, chili, and different types of fries. Potato chips, fried pickles, sauces, and dressings are all handmade. You’ll want to save room for one of the frappes, as well. Try the French toast frappe, featuring mini pancakes, donut holes, bacon, Fruity Pebbles, caramel, and maple syrup drizzle. BBC also offers a great list of craft beers.

Mr. Crêpe
51 Davis Square

This crêperie and café offers breakfast and lunch fare, with crêpe fillings that include smoked ham, lamb, chutney, salmon, and pesto. For something different, try turkey and cranberry with cheese or a tomato, scallion, and cilantro crêpe. There are also gourmet sweet crêpes (can’t beat the Nutella classic), teas, coffees, soups, salads, pastries, smoothies, and ice cream. The large glass windows look out onto the square’s center and offer prime people-watching.

Somerville Theatre
55 Davis Square

Beer and wine. Real butter on your popcorn. Cheap tickets. U2. What more could you ask from a movie theater? Built in 1914 (stage and screen legend Tallulah Bankhead was once a member of the Somerville Theatre Players), there are three screens for new films and the occasional second-run movie. The theater also hosts long-running productions like The Slutcracker and film festivals like the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival. Night owls will enjoy the cinema’s midnight movies. Matinee tickets (before 6 pm) are $12 ($10 for members), and regular-price tickets are still a bargain at $16 ($14 for members). The venerable venue also pulls in popular music acts.

Somerville Community Path/Minuteman Bikeway
Access behind the Davis T station

The bikeway is great for year-round, traffic-free recreation (strap on cross-country skis in winter). From Davis Square to the Alewife station at the end of the Red Line (0.8 miles), it’s part of the Somerville Community Path. At Alewife, it becomes the 11-mile Minuteman Bikeway, which runs to Bedford, snaking along an old railbed and past Revolutionary War sites. Eventually, the path will be the final link in the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail, which will extend 104 miles along a former rail line from Boston to Northampton.

Getting there: Parking is tight, especially evenings and weekends, so driving is not recommended. But the T will drop you smack in the heart of the action: take the Green Line inbound, change at Park Street to the Red Line outbound to Alewife, and get off at Davis Square. By bus: pick up the #47 bus at the BU Bridge, take it to Green and Magazine Streets, and hop on the Red Line outbound (Alewife) at Central Square.

Click on the points in the map above for more information on the places listed in our guide to the Davis Square area.

This article was updated on May 22, 2024.

This Series

Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: Newbury Street

Also in

Nearby Neighborhoods

• October 29, 2024

  Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: Allston

• October 24, 2024

  Guide to Commonwealth Ave Shops, Dining, and Spots

• October 17, 2024

  Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: Harvard Square

Series home