The best thing after a long day isn’t just a drink—it’s the perfect plate that comes with it. We don’t have to tell you that; Somerville’s vibrant bar and grill scene does all the talking. And since this city knows how to pair craft brews with crave-worthy food, we’ve found the spots where the burgers sizzle, the fries crunch, and the atmosphere hums. Below, the 14 places that define the experience.
Harry’s Bar & Grill
$ | (617) 738-9990 | WEBSITE
No, the city doesn’t need another average bar burger. What we do need is a patty that’s been perfectly cooked until it’s juicy and flavorful, with just the right char. Harry’s Bar & Grill serves that burger on a soft, toasted bun, whose sturdy structure holds up to all of that savory goodness without falling apart. The wings are also a standout, crispy and saucy, while the pretzels with beer cheese are a popular dish.
The bar offers a solid selection of drinks, from local beers to well-crafted cocktails, and the staff is consistently friendly and attentive, creating a warm, laid-back vibe. Whether you’re catching a game or just want a drink after work, Harry’s is a reliable choice that often leaves customers feeling like a regular.
Devlin’s Bistro & Bar | Restaurant
$$ | (617) 779-8822 | WEBSITE
While Devlin’s is celebrated (and rightly so) for its all-day weekend brunch, the best dish this cozy bar and grill serves is all about cauliflower. Crispy Korean-style cauliflower is tossed with a sweet-spicy gochujang glaze, toasted sesame seeds, fresh scallions, and a creamy sriracha aioli, all on a generous platter. It’s crunchy, savory, and perfectly balanced, like a vegetable’s boldest statement. Get a side of crispy fries as well, because, obviously.
The fish tacos—packed with fresh tuna poke, crunchy cabbage, and zesty lime crema—are another must-try, though the fish and chips can be overly breaded. Servers are friendly and full of great suggestions, making the comfortable bar area ideal for conversation. Happy hour deals like $1 oysters are a bonus, though parking can be tricky. Portions are big, prices are reasonable (around $15–$20 for mains), and the atmosphere is warm and inviting, with rustic wood accents and soft lighting.
It’s a spot that shines for celebrations or a casual night out.
Branch Line
$$ | (617) 420-1900 | WEBSITE
You’ve likely driven past this unassuming spot just off the main road dozens of times and never realized that a perfect feat of culinary craftsmanship awaits inside. At first glance, you might wonder how such simple ingredients could create something so memorable. But delightful surprises happen here regularly, and tasting their rotisserie chicken is certainly one of them.
The golden, crispy skin holds the whole dish together, as opposed to heavy sauces, which gives it a savory, satisfying crunch. It’s served with your choice of roasted carrots, miso mushrooms, or marinated cucumbers (our favorite), and accompanied by a side of pureed carrots and sugar snap peas. It comes with housemade sauces, but this chicken is so flavorful on its own, that it’s almost a shame to cover it with anything else.
SPIN Boston
We—and our fellow ping-pong enthusiasts—worship at the altar of SPIN Boston. The Somerville institution packs their underground-chic space with everything from rentable tables by the hour to an infinite supply of balls. But it’s the experience, served with exceptional service and friendly, helpful staff that stands out as by far the best version in the area.
We usually get the pepperoni pizza, perfectly baked with a crispy crust and topped with savory pepperoni and melted cheese, plus the vegetable salad with fresh greens and a tangy dressing. It’s everything we want in one night: lively entertainment, a kick of competition, plus those well-prepared, satisfying bites. Ask for the ‘pros’ to play with for a little more challenge.
The Adams Pub
$$ | (617) 328-1500 | WEBSITE
Somerville locals find all kinds of wonderful things in pubs: generous portions of classic comfort food, a friendly bartender who remembers your name, and this waterfront patio at The Adams Pub. It’s the best of a cozy neighborhood spot: big plates of steak tips with savory jus pooling around the edges, perfectly crispy fries on the side, and a buttery lobster roll holding it all together. It’s hearty, but satisfying, thanks to the personable staff and relaxed atmosphere.
Order the bolognese, sip anything from the well-stocked bar (we’re fans of the local craft beers), and stay awhile. The river view glimmers as the sun sets, too.
Wisteria Restaurant and Bar
$$ | (617) 956-5108 | WEBSITE
Wisteria makes the city’s best clam chowder. Yeah, we said it (and while we’re at it, we’ll tell they make excellent crab cakes, too). But the specific reason to visit the Royale-adjacent spot is the cod. A perfectly seared fillet is topped with crispy skin, lemon-herb butter, and a side of garlic mashed potatoes. It’s rich, but the brightness of the lemon and the creamy, smooth potatoes balances everything out.
Seapoint
$ | (617) 268-1476 | WEBSITE
Will this pizza make your taste buds dance with delight? Yes. Yes, it will. But consider that a pleasant side effect of enjoying the Sea Point special pizza, loaded with savory toppings, melty cheese, and a perfectly crisp crust all in one, hand-held slice.
Since it’s a relaxed neighborhood spot with a welcoming vibe, it’s the perfect low-key meal when you’re doing anything casual: dinner, a pre-trivia night fix, or starting an impromptu celebration commemorating that this warm and tasty pizza exists.
Tony C’s Sports Bar & Grill
$$ | (781) 238-8282 | WEBSITE
Few spots in Somerville nail the classic sports bar vibe. Even fewer deliver satisfying meals with such consistency. Luckily, there’s Tony C’s Sports Bar & Grill. You could opt for the very tasty burger or the fresh Turkey Club and Fries. But we get our comfort food as the sports gods intended: the flavorful Steak and Cheese Wontons paired with a tasty draft beer. Praise be.
Fort Hill Bar & Grill
$$ | (617) 652-4248 | WEBSITE
If you love family-run restaurants but want a much livelier, more vibrant version, this is it. Fresh jerk chicken is paired with flavorful rice and beans, roasted pork, and comforting chicken pasta in a welcoming atmosphere. It’s just as satisfying as their celebrated lasagna, and you won’t have to face the crowds (read: chaos) of typical Somerville spots.
Brickhouse Cafe
$$ | (781) 326-1980 | WEBSITE
Ordering the chicken parmigiana at this Somerville bar and grill is like avoiding the Mass Pike during rush hour: an absolute necessity. They layer a rich marinara sauce over a tender chicken cutlet that’s equal parts crispy and juicy and top it with melted mozzarella that stretches with every bite. Homemade pasta and a fresh salad are served alongside for a simultaneously comforting and satisfying meal.
Unlike the Mass Pike, it’s something you’ll always look forward to, no matter the occasion or time of day.
Sally O’Brien’s
$$ | (617) 666-3589 | WEBSITE
This welcoming Irish pub specializes in hearty comfort food and lively entertainment, with a cozy atmosphere that feels like home. Our favorite is the classic fish and chips: perfectly crisp, golden-fried cod served with thick-cut fries and tangy tartar sauce. It’s satisfying but never heavy, incredibly flavorful, and generous.
The bar’s curated old-school vibe with wood accents and weekly live music performances, including blues and jazz, creates a vibrant yet relaxed ambiance that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.
Stats Bar & Grille
$$ | (617) 268-9300 | WEBSITE
Stats Bar & Grille in South Boston serves a Pistachio crusted salmon that’s completely irresistible, so it should be no surprise that their Chicken Caesar wrap inspires similar devotion. People flock from all over the neighborhood to enjoy the tender, grilled chicken mingling with crisp romaine, shaved parmesan, and a creamy, garlicky dressing, all wrapped in a toasted tortilla. Fresh ingredients, savory flavors, and satisfying textures. Like a buzzer-beater shot, it disappears in moments.
Bukowski Tavern
$ | (617) 437-9999 | WEBSITE
You know how some bars are so good, you’d go there in a downpour? This tavern is so good that we’d sit in those cozy old booths during a blizzard. And we might, because that’s the kind of tight-knit, welcoming spot this Somerville gem has become. This crispy, thick-cut fried chicken is some of the best we’ve ever had, served alongside a solid selection of draft beers, a generous steak bomb, and those non-frozen chicken tenders.
It all combines to create a pub experience that’s become the stuff of legend in this neighborhood—which causes quite a bit of a crowd on the weekends. Grab a pint and a burger for lunch or a late-night bite, and soak in that slightly grungy, unpretentious vibe with the retro soundtrack and quotes on the walls.
Coop’s Bar & Grille
$$ | (617) 472-2667 | WEBSITE
It’s no secret that Coop’s Bar & Grille makes our list of top bar and grill spots. What might catch you off guard? The standout dish here is the drunken meatball pizza, which happens to be a crowd-pleaser. It layers spicy meatballs, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheese on a crispy crust. Every slice is bold and hearty, and it’s completely fulfilling without being overly greasy.