"The old Sound Bites was so packed they used to kick you out as soon as you finished eating," jokes 23-year-old Mary Gerard waiting in line with about 30 hungry patrons eager to snag a seat at Somerville’s Sunday brunch hotspot. The die-hard regular says it was love at first bite when she sampled Sound Bites’ infamous Mexican omelet. And now, after the owners moved the cramped diner to a larger locale on Broadway, she’s even more smitten. "The food has always been amazing but the ambience is much improved," Gerard gushes. "It’s worth the wait." Owner Yasser Mirza says it’s been a topsy-turvy year for the 10-year-old Ball Square fixture. In February, Sound Bites was singled out by the Food Network’s EVOO pixie, Rachael Ray, as one of Boston’s "Tasty Treats." Soon after the show aired, Sound Bites lost its lease. "It was time to move," notes Mirza. "We needed more space." What’s the secret to Sound Bites’ success? Manager Kelly Bruno believes it’s "great food and great service at reasonable prices." While the manager is ecstatic about the new digs, she says one thing hasn’t changed. "It’s a much larger space and we thought the lines wouldn’t be as long," adds Bruno. "We were wrong. The lines are still here. It’s been extremely overwhelming, but in a good way." DID YOU KNOW? Sound Bites’ owner, Yasser Mirza, offers free coffee to patrons who wait in line for Sunday brunch. "Everybody knows if you have to wait outside you get free coffee," says Mirza. "Once in awhile, we even put out free muffins if the line is really long."

Located in Sound Bites' old digs, the Ball Square Café’s menu is eerily similar to its renovated neighbor’s fare. In fact, the new brunch hotspot has retained Sound Bite’s old chef, Omar, who delivers some of the same treats that has made SB a Sunday morning staple. For those looking for shorter lines and a more laid-back atmosphere, Ball Square Café isn’t as crowded … at least, for now.

This is a great homestyle Italian-American deli in Somerville that serves up excellent veal and eggplant parm subs and fresh mozzarella proscuitto. Victor’s Deli also prepares Sicilian-style pizza and handmade calzones. This Ball Square gem also specializes in Italian staples like minestrone, pastas and wedding soup.

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Ball Square'sBall Square’s True Grounds begins where the now-defunct Someday Café left off. This local artist enclave is a true neighborhood coffeehouse with a stellar array of wraps and sandwiches that revel in Somerville's emerging color—including the Broadway (tuna melt with swiss), the Magoun Square (tofu, homemade hummus, sprouts and cucumbers) and the B-Square (roast beef, herbed boursin cheese and tomatoes). While this comfy café is becoming a hangout for up-and-coming musicians and writers (they offer free wi-fi to patrons), True Grounds' claim to fame is its refined aficionado coffees called George H. Howell’s terroir, which is served up in larger-than-usual cups and brewed to perfection. Owners Rhett and Amy also host a music night held the last Tuesday of the month from 7-9 p.m.

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Urban Gourmet is currently being refurbished and will reopen soon.

A Somerville fixture for 120 years, Lyndell’s Bakery specializes in cakes, cookies, Italian pastries, cupcakes and doughnuts. Their half-moon cookies (six-inch thin golden cakes chocolate and white icing) are their claim to fame, but it’s the shop’s no-frills charm and old-fashioned pastries like their bismarks and jelly rolls that keeps the locals coming back for more. Also, Lyndell’s is one of the last non-chain bakeries in Somerville where you can snag a doughnut for under a buck.

If you’re looking to tap into the old, working-class color of what Somerville used to be, Powderhouse Pub is the dive for you. This townie bar attracts an eclectic crew of Somerville regulars and underage Tufts students. Great place to grab a pitcher of beer and watch a Red Sox or Patriots game.

This White Hen in Somerville’s Ball Square is not your average convenience store. This location boasts a gourmet deli that churns out quality wraps, pasta dishes and subs using top-notch ingredients. They also bake their bread fresh daily and have a stellar selection of fruits and produce.