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.

Diva carries off the upscale Indian look with a rare touch of class: the decor may be princely but it isn't garish, and the dishes remain deliciously authentic. Although the name may evoke expectations of over-the-top creative fusion cuisine, the menu actually offers traditional Indian soups ($4) and breads (the poori is unbeatable; $2.50-4.50), as well as entrees like every variety of Tandoori known to man ($10-20) and numerous types of dosa (rice crepes stuffed with spiced potatoes and onions; $10-12). Diva finishes its performance on a high note, with a more extensive dessert menu than those of most Indian restaurants—indulge in some kheer (creamy rice pudding with raisins and almonds; $3) or a tasty mango sundae ($5). If your hunger reaches operatic heights, don't miss the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet ($8) daily 11:30am-3pm. Appetizers $3.75-11, entrees $10-20, desserts $3-5. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. If there's nothing in front of the restaurant on Elm St., head around back and check out the large public lot.

In an area with almost no fast-food restaurants, this is an atypical McDonald’s in the sense that the food is fresher and the service is better than expected. The location hosts a bevy of Davis Square old-timers who meet up daily for coffee and to swap stories and neighborhood gossip. It’s a great place to get plugged into what Somerville was like before the onslaught of yuppies and Tufts students.

Craving an authentic Mexican burrito with traditional flavors and healthy ingredients? Anna’s Taqueria at Davis Square is a refreshing respite in an area full of overpriced Mexican joints. The décor is no frills compared to nearby Qdoba and the new kid on the block, Chipotle. However, you’ll go loco over Anna’s top-notch meats and poultry. And, with meals averaging $6 and under, you can’t beat the price.

Namaskar offers fine Indian cuisine with a Pakistani spin. The food is authentic and the restaurant’s curry chicken is some of the best in the area. Compared to Diva, their prices are on the cheap but their décor lacks some of the flair offered by their Indian neighbor. One caveat: Namaskar's $7 lunch buffet boasts fewer options and it’s probably best to order straight from their dinner menu.

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.

Unlike the designer label that shares its name, Diesel is welcoming to all. This java joint fuels students and locals with coffee ($1-3.50) and specialty drinks like raspberry lime rickeys ($2.50) and the Rusty Slide (chai blended with ice and vanilla ice cream; $4.75). The cool staff prepares awesome pizza bagels ($3.75), and many of the assorted sandwiches ($5-6), soups, and pastries ($2) are vegan-friendly. For a true caffeine fix, fill 'er up with the Solid Six ($4), 6 shots of espresso, at the unfinished bar or one of the red leather booths adorned with license plates. Diesel also entertains the leisurely with pool tables ($5 to play before 7pm, $8 after), board games, and even a magnetic poetry board. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

With Someday Café closed and Diesel Café thriving, locals initially had an adverse reaction to the Starbucks in Davis Square. This coffee hangout is larger than usual and the décor is modern and comfortable (they even have a fireplace). Also, the Starbucks on Elm Street offers outdoor seating during the warmer months. Perfect for people watching.

There’s a lot of fried goodness at Cristo’s 7 Star Pizza. With awesome cheese sticks and fried mushrooms, it’s the perfect spot to indulge after a hangover. Greek pizza is generally less greasy. However, it takes several napkins to sop up the drippings from this Davis Square joint. Try Cristo's traditional Greek goods—like their Gyro special or their tasty chicken kebab instead. And for the folks who are lucky to live in the Davis Square area, Cristo’s offers speedy and free delivery. Here's their menu: http://www.mit412.com/menus/Cristos_Pizza.pdf

Owners Dechen and Choesang Martsa recently revamped their quaint storefront restaurant on Elm Street in Davis Square. The duo serves up some tasty traditional dishes from their native Tibet as well specialties from India. Martsa on Elm Street serves up great vegetarian dishes including bhajis (crispy onion and potatoes deep fried in chickpea batter) or vegetable momos (steamed or fried half-moon dumplings). Also, the prices are reasonable so you can have a nice sit-down dinner on the cheap.