Somerville’s cocktail scene isn’t just about the drinks—it’s about the recovery. Because according to our team of experts, pairing that perfect negroni with some crispy fries reduces your chances of a next-day regret by about 1,000%. So we found spots where the cocktails shine, the food satisfies, and you can actually enjoy both with friends instead of nursing a hangover alone.
Lehrhaus
You can pretty much live in the cozy atmosphere at Lehrhaus in Somerville. And considering how welcoming it always feels, we’re not convinced this isn’t already happening. But we get why so many people love this place—the vibe is inviting and relaxing, and you can even bring your book. While the fish and chips here aren’t the best in the city, they’re perfectly fine, and the cocktails are great. Come early to get a table, and if you decide to stay, don’t forget to sign up for a workshop.
La Posada Restaurant & Tequila Bar
$$ | (617) 776-2049 | WEBSITE
This is a tequila bar in Somerville, and with its cozy atmosphere and relaxing outdoor seating, it’s very inviting. On any visit La Posada serves authentic Mexican dishes, and delicious food is always an excellent opportunity to enjoy a meal with your friends. The tequila flight is $20, and must be paired with standout dishes like steak nachos, Mini Jalapeño Pupusas, or Birria Ramen.
And in non-tequila news but also worth knowing: they have a great selection of unique drinks like the Barbie and Passion Margaritas, along with a vegan menu.
Bronwyn Restaurant
$$ | (617) 776-9900 | WEBSITE
Bronwyn Restaurant in Somerville is a German beer hall, and the theme is basically “Oktoberfest,” which means menus feature classics like schnitzel with mushroom sauce and drinks include hearty beers like weiss and stout. We’ll be the first to admit that might not sound exciting, but we promise it is. The indoor space is lively, and includes dishes like a 2lb pork shank with sauerkraut, soft pretzels with mustard, and it even has a festive trio of sausages, schnitzel, and spätzle.
In conclusion, come here, raise a stein, enjoy strudel, indulge in hearty food, and repeat all year long.
The Jungle Community Music Club
$ | (617) 718-0204 | WEBSITE
If you just want to catch some live music, enjoy well-crafted drinks, and grab a bite with friends, The Jungle Community Music Club in Somerville is where you can do this. On the weekends they open early, and you’ll find excellent options like the kimchi chicken sandwich that customers thoroughly enjoy. Plus, their intimate atmosphere with a classic Pac Man machine and friendly staff like Chelsey creates a welcoming vibe, so you can hang over cocktails and great bands no matter what night it is.
Juliet Social Club
$$$ | (617) 718-0958 | WEBSITE
Juliet Social Club in Somerville is the kind of place that feels like a welcoming gathering, but more of the neighborhood-hangout variety. And its versatile setup makes it one of the best spots in the area for both large and small groups. Round up your crew, order a bunch of brunch items (they aren’t life-changing, but they’re satisfying), and spend the afternoon eating brunch and sipping cocktails. Like a proper social club intended.
Tall Order
$$ | (857) 214-0678 | WEBSITE
Tall Order in Somerville is a fantastic cocktail bar, primarily because of its cozy back patio. Add in top-notch drinks with a selection of whiskies, tequilas, and digestifs at reasonable prices and a flavorful food menu full of things like fried chicken sandwiches and Denver steak frites, and coming here is an easy choice to make. Plus, their atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
Parla XXI
$$ | (617) 764-3370 | WEBSITE
Parla XXI has one of the liveliest atmospheres in Somerville, and the words “espresso martini” and “special sangria” are practically whispered in reverence by regulars. If that doesn’t sound like a night out call to action, then we don’t know what does. Come here with a friend and share the crispy calamari – tender rings fried to golden perfection. Then, like those foodies chasing the next great bite, plan on ordering the lobster raviolis – it’s the kind of dish that stays with you.
Civility Social House
$$ | (617) 675-6200 | WEBSITE
Civility Social House is a solid Somerville option for cocktails, and an excellent spot for after-work dinners. The menu features unique dishes like donut mac and cheese and short rib tacos, as well as traditional options like hanger steak. But the convenient parking with three free hours, pet-friendly outdoor patio, and friendly bartenders make it a great local spot for hanging out with food and drinks – especially if you’re with family or a group looking for a relaxed, high-quality experience.
Vera’s
$$ | (617) 623-9211 | WEBSITE
Vera’s in Somerville has a lot going for it. It’s a local spot with a front bar for staff suggestions and a back lounge for a party atmosphere, and they have crazy good food. On any night you can get seasonal dishes like chicken piccata, popular wings, or signature drinks like the Amalfi Coast. But we come here mainly for the vibes, and to sit inside with great music and occasional comedy shows with friends.
FUKI-Japanese-Cuisine
$$ | (617) 764-5182 | WEBSITE
FUKI-Japanese-Cuisine has one of the best set-ups in all of Somerville for a cozy meal. The interior, which feels tucked away from Union Square, is intimate, with low lighting and a gorgeous design. You can try the scorpion bowl there, and they’ll even serve you the popular $45 set menu. Add in spicy seafood salad, chefs choice sashimi, and rainbow maki, and you have a great place to eat all year round.
Saloon
$$ | (617) 628-4444 | WEBSITE
This speakeasy-style spot has heavy wood paneling throughout the bar area, giving it a sober and sophisticated feel. It’s a fantastic upscale drinking destination, where you can meet some friends and even bring your date to enjoy inventive cocktails for an evening in a memorable atmosphere. Plus, now they serve delicious truffled mushroom toast and roasted octopus, so you won’t need to settle for basic bar snacks after you finish your excellent Old Fashioned.
Southern Kin Cookhouse
$$ | (617) 764-5966 | WEBSITE
If you need us to remind you that Southern Kin Cookhouse is a great spot for Southern comfort food, you either just arrived in Somerville or you actively avoid flavorful cuisine. You won’t even have to plan a special occasion here – it’s the kind of place that just works for one.
This is because Southern Kin Cookhouse has everything that makes Southern cooking great when you’re craving it – standout dishes like the shrimp and grits that rival NOLA, solid food (in this case, the grilled cornbread and chicken and waffles), and a nice accessible setting. What we’re saying is that if you don’t know about this place already, you should.
Salt + Stone
$$ | (617) 764-1541 | WEBSITE
Salt + Stone is a restaurant in Somerville (part of the Boston area), but it’s not far from Assembly Square now that shopping and dining are a thing and you and your friends want to catch a meal. Salt + Stone has a fantastic back bar perfect for date nights, and on the weekends hosts lively gatherings or has charming outdoor patio seating. You can get the best blood orange mimosas, Vesper martinis, rigatoni bolognese with warm burrata, baked brie – you get the idea.
Oh, and there’s service too – excellent, pleasant, generous with splitting pasta dishes for sharing – ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
Avenue kitchen + bar
$$ | (617) 764-0879 | WEBSITE
The cozy neighborhood vibe at Avenue Kitchen + Bar makes it perfect for casual gatherings, and the consistently delicious Detroit-style pizza means you can’t use indecision as an excuse to skip it. Also worth noting – this place serves fantastic takeout (with those perfectly crisp fish and chips) any day of the week, and their friendly, professional staff make it ideal for a relaxed meal with friends.
Rosebud Indian-American Bar & Kitchen
$$ | (617) 629-9500 | WEBSITE
Rosebud Indian-American Bar & Kitchen has a great downtown location. It’s full of chic yet welcoming tables that have plenty of space between each other, and they’re perfect for grabbing cocktails with a small group. And while they don’t serve traditional bar snacks, you can always order the butter chicken mac and cheese when you get hungry.
Earls Kitchen + Bar
$$ | (617) 616-5673 | WEBSITE
The welcoming atmosphere at Earls Kitchen + Bar has plenty of comfortable seating that’s ideal for enjoying a meal with friends over dishes like ribs or shrimp. Plus, it features attentive service from the staff, so you don’t need to worry about your dining experience being anything less than memorable.
The Painted Burro
$$ | (617) 776-0036 | WEBSITE
When you’re at The Painted Burro, you want to be sharing a table with friends in the main dining room. It’s lively enough with upbeat music that you’ll feel the energy, but not so loud that you can’t hear your companions. The agave and margarita selection here is impressive, and the food is Mexican-inspired – so you can get things like chicken milanesa tortas and Cuban sandwiches.
This spot is perfect for casual date nights or small groups looking to gather – or for people who appreciate smooth guacamole, but don’t want to pay downtown Boston prices for it.
Nook
$ | (617) 764-0170 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever been torn between wanting a quiet drink and craving a bit of whimsy, Nook is for you. This is the kind of spot where you can sip on cleverly crafted cocktails like the Gamera Rises! or the Blackstone Brickle, and it’ll feel perfectly reasonable because you’re nestled by a cozy water vapor fireplace with mid-century charm all around. (It’s a thing here, just embrace it.)
Premiere on Broadway
$$ | (617) 996-6838 | WEBSITE
Premiere on Broadway is a vibrant spot in Somerville that feels like a celebration, but is still relaxed enough for a casual evening to hear your friend admit they’re secretly relieved they postponed their anniversary trip. Come here for craft cocktails and elevated bites like the banana bread martini during the week, or come on the weekends for their Dinner in the Dark event.
For $45 you can get a multi-course tasting menu with well-seasoned dishes, along with options like eggs benedict, pizza with thin crust, and gluten-free alternatives. One of the best things about this place? The atmosphere becomes truly memorable when live music is present, with the staff excelling at accommodating food allergies and making special occasions feel extraordinary.