This popular college hangout serves above-average pizza pies and pitchers of beer, Mike’s Restaurant is in the heart of Somerville’s thriving Davis Square scene. Because of its location (on the corner of Elm Street and Highland Avenue) and wide, open windows, Mike’s is the perfect spot for people watching. It’s also a great place to catch a Red Sox or Patriots game with your group of buddies.

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

Irish dive bar with cheap booze and stellar jukebox. Brews run around $3.25 at Sligo Pub and their selection is pretty darn good. Once you make it past the smell of stale beer and the cryptic graffiti in the bathroom, you'll feel right at home at this hidden Davis Square haunt.

Hands down, Downtown Wine & Spirits boasts the best beer and wine selection in Somerville with over 11,000 brands in stock. You can taste brews from all over the world—from Alesmith to Drie Fonteinen to the Trappists. The staff, who have an affinity for punk and lo-fi music ranging from the Pixies to Guided By Voices, are also knowledgeable in their hops and barley. Sign up for their e-mail list and get an invite to one of their festive wine tasting events held every Tuesday night. And, for those die-hard drinkers looking for an open package store on Sunday, Downtown Wine & Spirits is one of the few Davis Square liquor stores open until 11 pm.

Dave's Fresh Pasta puts a new-age spin on the traditional Italian grocery store and outdoor cafe, pairing traditional frescoed ceilings and walls with artistic photography and soft hippie music. The European-café atmosphere draws both picky gourmands and hip college kids to the small but airy dining space. Or enjoy one of the hearty gourmet sandwiches ($5.50-7.50) and salads ($4-5.25) at the sidewalk tables outside. But it takes a kitchen to appreciate Dave's real specialty: fresh, cut-to-order pasta from black pepper fettucine ($3.50/lb) to artichoke fontina ravioli ($6.95/lb) and more. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Dave's has acquired a license to sell beer & wine. They have a small, well-considered selection of wines. Be sure to consult the knowledgeable wine expert in the store. Dave's is scheduled to expand into the adjacent building in December 2008.