With a name like Kickass Cupcakes, you can’t go wrong. Pastry chef and California transplant Sara Ross recently opened this cupcake-only business in Davis Square with much hoopla—and rightfully so. Her all-natural confections are baked fresh daily and contain no trans fats or preservatives. Many of the goodies are topped with sprinkles that are dyed using plant extracts and all the milk and cream she uses for baking, frosting and whipping comes from a farm in Dracut. Most important, these gourmet concoctions are baked with love. C’mon, you know you want one.

Located in a hole-in-the-wall spot on Highland Avenue next to Kickass Cupcakes, When Pigs Fly is a bread lover’s dream with more than 25 varieties of preservative free, all-natural specialty loaves—artisan concoctions ranging from Tuscan wheat to pumpkin seed to the traditional sourdough. Conceived by chef and restaurant owner, Ron Siegel, this 15-year-old, Maine-based chain recently opened its Davis Square location with much ado. Trust us, one whiff of the yeasty aromas and fresh ingredients at this up-and-coming Somerville shop is enough to summon the carb lover within.

Rosebud Diner embodies the emerging funkiness that makes Somerville’s Davis Square special. This ‘50s streetcar throwback boasts waitresses straight from Mel’s Diner and a hipster clientele that devours the restaurant’s fluffy omelets and kick-ass burgers. And, if you’re longing for comfort food, try the meatloaf. Rosebud Diner, a refurbished 1941 Worcester dining car, also serves booze so it’s a great place to grab a brew or a glass of wine.

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For those who have a craving for a Nathan’s hot dog but can’t make it to Coney Island, Spike’s Junkyard Dogs is the next best thing. At Spike’s, it’s all about the toppings—with a separate table dedicated to everything from Sauerkraut to relish to various types of mustards. Each concoction has a clever dog-themed name—everything from the Junkyard Dog to The Mutt (a plain dog on a roll) Non-meat eaters rave about their veggie hot dogs. And fry enthusiasts love their curly Poodle fries topped with cheese.

With its romantic, dimly-lit interior and elegant decor, Gargoyles on the Square is the perfect restaurant to bring a date and hide the fact that he's more Tom Hanks than Brad Pitt. This fantastic Somerville establishment offers innovative and affordable fare that ranges from the classic to the exotic. The menu changes at least once a month; past dishes include appetizers of Salmon Carpaccio ($12) and Country Style Pate ($9.25), and entrees like Seared Duck Breast ($23). There are only a few vegetarian entrees, such as Saffron Gnocchi ($18), but these are supplemented by several veggie appetizers and salads. Adventurous carnivores will be delighted with the chef's original presentation of game meats (Grilled Venison $21). A cheaper but equally gourmet bar menu starts at 5pm and is a well-kept secret of restaurant regulars. Reservations recommended. Appetizers $9-11, entrees $18-24. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

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