Let’s be real: finding a bar restaurant that actually works for a group in Somerville is its own special challenge. You need great drinks, food that satisfies everyone from the burger-lover to the vegan, and enough space that you’re not shouting over the next table. These 13 spots nail it all—so you can focus on the fun part.
The Independent
$$ | (617) 440-6022 | WEBSITE
Grab your favorite flannel and a laid-back attitude—you’re heading to The Independent. A casual evening at this lively Somerville spot is perfect for friends who debate craft beers passionately (you’ll be tempted by their impressive draught selection), or who believe the perfect burger should come with a side of poutine fries. This roomy restaurant features a welcoming patio, and a spacious interior accommodates both social gatherings and romantic dinners.
Tables can host groups comfortably—maybe consider planning that al fresco date night after all.
Daddy Jones
$$ | (617) 690-9095 | WEBSITE
Dinner at this upscale Greek bar in Somerville is organized elegance. The space is constantly bathed in warm light from all the cocktails being shaken behind the polished bar while laughter occasionally rings out. Leaning into and enjoying this atmosphere is worth it because their gyros and cocktails are excellent. Come with people you don’t mind sharing plates with, and let rounds of lemon chicken wings, spanakopita, and sweet potato fries get perfectly seasoned on the cozy patio.
The best part is finishing off the meal by sipping the natural bubbly wine that pairs wonderfully with everything.
Barra
$$ | (617) 764-1750 | WEBSITE
The Mexican spot in Somerville is cozy, cool, and always welcoming—so if sipping impressive cocktails over a great playlist is your thing, you’ve found your place. Throwback tunes flow through the speakers, the lighting is warm and inviting, and duck tamal with mole is plentiful. Delicious gringas, fresh aguachile, and simple yet phenomenal shrimp weekend specials should all be on your table. Portions are also generous enough to satisfy everyone in the group.
So round up a few friends’ worth of people and get here.
Foundry On Elm
$$ | (617) 628-9999 | WEBSITE
One way to instantly become the hero of your friend group? Propose a gathering at Foundry On Elm. The trendy neighborhood restaurant and bar in Somerville serves fantastic cocktails and delicious food that will transport your taste buds. It’s also a stress-free choice when you need a spontaneous dinner plan, since walking in with a crowd is always manageable (the wheelchair-accessible space has ample room) and the experience feels personal and special.
Once you’ve settled into the bustling atmosphere, fill your table with plates of their popular grilled cheese and soup, the table-staple Brussels sprouts, and other beautifully prepared dishes bursting with flavor. While it can get loud at dinner, the attentive, warm staff and excellent service make it a true gem for a memorable meal, with prices around $40 to $60 per person.
Urban Axes – Axe Throwing
$$ | (857) 997-0025 | WEBSITE
At this lively Somerville spot, the tournament-style lanes are perfect for groups—so gather a dozen axe-loving friends and let loose. The throwing experience is indeed excellent, with axes so satisfying you could feel the thrill with every bullseye. But the rest of the generously fun offerings, like personalized coaching and lively atmosphere, are also deserving of space on your night-out itinerary.
Casey’s
$ | (617) 625-5195 | WEBSITE
Since opening as a neighborhood sports bar, Casey’s has stood as the backdrop to countless game nights, birthday celebrations, and dinners with friends who just spent the entire day working at some corporate job. This place is a welcoming maze made up of a main bar area, dining tables, and bartenders who communicate through friendly nods (keeping your glass full and your mood light is serious business).
High-top tables are in the main bar area—once you’re settled, let the steak tips, which arrive with a generous portion of perfectly grilled meat, be the first thing you order.
Rosebud Indian-American Bar & Kitchen
$$ | (617) 629-9500 | WEBSITE
Rosebud is the perfect group dinner spot before a show at the nearby Somerville Theatre—it has extra-long tables that can handle an entire entourage. And the tandoori chicken sliders with mint yogurt sauce are light, flavorful, and the ideal sustenance for gossip sessions with your roommate’s partner’s neighbor friend. The butter chicken mac and cheese is an instant hit, but we also love the tandoori steak frites with very rich sauce. Not in downtown?
Their warm and inviting atmosphere is also big-group-friendly.
Redbones Barbecue
$$ | (617) 628-2200 | WEBSITE
Save Redbones Barbecue for when you’re craving real southern-style food and don’t want to fuss with reservations. This neighborhood favorite in Somerville can usually find a way to fit you and a few friends at one of their rustic wooden tables. Order the burnt ends, Texas beef ribs, and definitely get the cornbread. You can also opt for the large portions, which make it easy to take home leftovers for under $25 per person.
The friendly staff and good service contribute to the overall positive experience, and easy parking behind the restaurant is an added convenience. While some sides like the collard greens and mac & cheese have been noted as falling short, the essence of the place makes it a must-try for anyone in the area.
El Potro Mexican Bar & Grill
$ | (617) 666-4200 | WEBSITE
During a visit to this Mexican spot, you’ll notice servers expertly navigate the lively dining room to accommodate a steady stream of couples and whole groups of friends. It’s consistently filled with guests who are gathered around generous plates of nachos and enchiladas, and dipping perfectly crisp chips into the spicy salsa that helped make this place a local favorite. Be sure to save room for the piping hot churros they serve with strawberry sauce for dessert.
Highland Kitchen
$$ | (617) 625-1131 | WEBSITE
Dinner at Highland Kitchen is cozy and bustling—just look to the warm glow spilling from the kitchen window as an indicator. The comforting global dishes at this Somerville spot are just as exciting, like the rich, savory goat stew favored by regulars and the vegetable madras described as “bomb.” If you’re here with people who prefer something lighter (or maybe that’s you?), there are sweeter, equally fantastic options like the dirty mango lassi with its hint of rum.
Keep the drinks and conversation flowing.
The Jungle Community Music Club
$ | (617) 718-0204 | WEBSITE
For a night out that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem, get to this community music club near Union Square. When you’re here with a whole crew, the seemingly endless live music lineup and well-crafted drinks are the move. It’s a welcoming parade of talented bands and friendly bartenders—like Chelsey with her warm demeanor—and finishes with classic Pac Man games and karaoke sessions.
If you want to keep the party going, grab one of their kimchi chicken sandwiches and settle into the intimate atmosphere that feels like one of the last true local venues in the Boston area.
Zo Greek
$$ | (617) 764-2792 | WEBSITE
Zo Greek is Somerville’s standout Greek spot, and the cozy dining room feels like stepping into a warm family kitchen with soft lighting, simple wooden tables, and the comforting aroma of grilled lamb. Order the zucchini fritters and as much lamb chili, spanakopita, and Greek fries as will fit, and dig right in. Plus, a table for two can usually be snagged even on a busy summer evening.
FIELD & VINE
$$$ | (617) 718-2333 | WEBSITE
At FIELD & VINE, farm-to-table dining is waiting for you—and the lucky people you brought along on this vibrant flavor journey. This hidden Somerville gem’s “green door” entrance, decorated with lush plants and warm lighting, feels like a cozy nook and can fit between four and eight. Order as much flavor-packed ceviche, incredible cornbread, and unbelievably fresh vegetable plates as will fit on the table—you’ll want multiple rounds of each.
The only downside to this spot is there’s occasional hiccups with seating (that’s reserved for the busiest nights only). Regardless, it’s still impossible to have a bad time.