This sister cafe to Davis Square's Diesel opened Oct. 2007 to rave reviews. Named after its street address, 11 Bow. St., this hipster hotspot in the heart of Somerville's Union Square is housed in an 87-year-old bank building. However, there's nothing stodgy about Bloc 11. Similar amenities to Diesel Cafe including stellar vegan delicacies, wi-fi access and tempting eye candy and, of course, some of the best java Somerville has to offer.

Hub Comics, the comics shop for NPR listeners, opened January 19, 2008, in Somerville's Union Square. This spot boasts a killer selection of graphic novels and paperbacks. The staff at Hub Comics are beyond helpful--willing to go that extra mile to help you find the comic your looking for. And the shop's dog, Bub (part Basset Hound, part Golden Retriever) greets regulars who make the trek to Union Square. The owners are opening up a back area (making Hub Comics 1,000 square feet and boasting new and used DVDs as well as a newsstand with new and used books.)

As of May 2008, Toast Lounge is now Precinct, an equally hip Somerville hangout in the basement of the old Union Square police station. The joint's menu includes a killer array of appetizers including a tasty spinach dip (sans mayo) and fried mozzarella cheese bites. The spot is a unique basement-venue that features an outdoor beer garden/patio, live music every night, food served late and sporting events. INFO ON TOAST: Located in the basement of the old Union Square police station, Toast Lounge is touted as “Boston’s premier nightclub for women.” Catering to the neighborhood’s growing lesbian and GLBT crowd, this hipster hangout hosts out comics like Amy Tee and Sandra Valls, same-sex dance lessons and some of the best female DJs in the region. Toast is currently under new management, so expect a few changes including a strong live music lineup and a full menu.

Grand lives in a building that used to be a movie theatre. This speaks to the uniqueness of what you will find within this hipster boutique. It was opened by three Bostonians each with their own robust background and senses of style.

A store within a store, the Boston Shaker is located in Somerville's funky new shop, Grand. Touted for their devotion for cutting edge cocktails, the Boston Shaker helps lovers of liquor build their own home bar, find creative recipes, or get the perfect martini shaker.