The Burren, a great rocky expanse in Ireland's County Clare, is one of the world's truly unique places. Its ancient, awe inspiring stone structures hold secrets from the past that may never be unraveled. Closer to home, The Burren, Irish Pub and Restaurant in Somerville's Davis Square, is now one of Boston's truly unique places. It captures the mythical nature of its namesake with a rich old world feel that takes hold and slowly pulls you toward another time. Open since January 1996, the Burren's history reaches back farther than that. It is actually the realization of a dream shared by two young Irish musicians, Tommy McCarthy and Louise Costello. Tommy and Louise began playing together nearly 10 years earlier. Today people can gather to enjoy a drink, the warmth of good friends and the excitement of live traditional Irish music, in the Burren, a dream come true.

OK, so you are in Davis Square. Are you hungry? Thirsty? Check, check. Then head on over to busy Elm Street and pop into the Joshua Tree. Tucked inside this Somerville institution you will find a whole lot of food, and a whole lot of booze. Lots of beer on tap and a lively locals conversing with music in the background, does it get better than that? This lively Tufts hangout packs in the crowds with its enormous bar, a proliferation of large flat-screen TVs, and Top 40 hits playing from the DJ booth. The 65-item menu runs the gamut from Southwestern specialties like quesadillas to more traditional and expensive grilled steak. The bar is definitely the main attraction though, so if you're adventurous, try the 83oz beer tappers ($28.50), served in a long glass tube, or show up during any Red Sox game for cheap beer ($2.50 lite drafts) and half-priced appetizers. Sunday brunch 10:30am-3pm. Entrees $7-16. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Redbones is a happy-go-lucky playground for carnivores on the prowl. This Davis Square landmark is possibly the most famous barbecue joint in Boston, it's almost always packed to the gills with people lingering over their pulled pork, ribs, all impeccably slow-cooked. Come prepared for a long wait, which you can spend quite happily in Underbones, the basement bar under Redbones. This mecca of meat is no place for herbivores: about the only vegetarian offering is cornbread, and even that is thoroughly permeated with the aroma of freshly grilled flesh. Heaping full dinners with ribs, sausage, or an assortment of other meats, plus 2 sides and a dessert, run $15-$22. Go with your instincts in ordering, and feel free to point at what your neighbor is having. Come only with good friends who don't mind you using your hands. Redbones Goes Green: The owners at Redbones are committed to running a greener, cleaner restaurant. They're partnered with Green Grease Monkey of Boston to have their old fryer oil recycled and turned into biodiesel. The resulting fuel is biodegradable, non-toxic and great for any diesel engine. Best of Boston Phoenix 2009