Formerly Benjapon on Elm Street, this new Thai restaurant in the outskirts of Davis Square has all of the ingredients for success: a refurbished dining area, an extremely friendly staff, cheaper-than-usual prices and a revamped menu that reflects the changing tastes in this gentrified part of Somerville/North Cambridge. Reminiscent of the popular Lemongrass Grill in Brooklyn, Joey’s Thai Café’s appropriate slogan is “happy in – happy out.” The menu sports a few spicy additions including Joey’s Spicy Pad Thai (an authentic spicy version of Pad Thai stir-fried with shrimp and chicken--$7.30) and Drunken Chicken (stir fried poultry in extra spicy chili sauce--$6.95). And for Davis Square’s ever-growing population of vegetarians, Joey offers an amazing selection of healthy tofu dishes.

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

Located between Union and Porter Squares on Somerville Avenue, China Delight is favorite among locals looking for Cantonese-style favorites including Orange Flavor Chicken and Fu Yung Three Treasures. The restaurant was recently refurbished so the interior is clean and the restaurant sports a full bar. China Delight delivers late on the weekends so this hotspot is a favorite among Tufts and Harvard students.

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.

Dial-a-Pizza takes phone orders for pizzas and delivers promptly to dorms ($8 minimum), though you will have to meet them at the House entrance or closest Yard gate. Surpassing Tommy's and most take-out, Dial-a-Pizza offers a variety of pizzas deliciously topped with the traditional as well as experimental tidbits; close to 50 toppings include pesto, salsa, and feta. Specialty pizzas—such as the Carnivore or Mediterranean—make for a tasty meal. Large cheese $10, every additional topping $2. If you live in the area, pick up a large cheese pie for a mere $7. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

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.

It's fast, tasty, family-owned and offers free delivery: in a college town, these are the factors that set Pizza King apart from other joints. And though it's named for the pizza, it's the subs here which are truly outstanding. Not only are they affordable--a large, which should be named emormous, runs between %5.50 and $7--but they are some of the best in the area. The Milano (pesto on grilled chicken, bacon, and fresh mozzarella cheese, &7.00 for a large) is not to be missed, and the Buffalo Chicken Sub ($6.50 for a large) is a perfectly spiced old favorite. A large pizza starts at $8.99 for cheese (during the week it can go as low as $.99), and there are dozens of toppings available.

Right across the street from the Somerville Theatre, this new Japanese joint boasts sushi on the cheap. For $5.95, you can fill up on rice and entrée during lunch. While their sushi is average to above average, Taipei Tokyo scores big points for their spring rolls and overall ambience.

Typical NYC-style pizza joint found in the heart of Somerville’s Union Square. A regular haunt for hungry college students longing for a late-night thin and crispy pizza pie delivered to their door. Union Square Pizza also serves up buffalo wings for those longing to spice up their dinner.

Heaping portions, delectable dishes, and uniquely spiced sauces make Great Thai Chef a well-deserved escape from Square drudgery. Smack in the middle of Union Square, Great Thai attracts a largely local crowd of couples and families that seem to know the place well; the cozy, low-key atmosphere is enough to make any first-time diner eager to return. Appetizers around $5; entrees $8-14. Smaller-sized lunch dishes are more affordable versions of the same dinner favorites ($5-7). This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.