The Nexus Theater Center, a new not-for-profit professional company, is dedicated to performing live theater for the Boston community.

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.

Everybody is kung fu fighting at the School of Oom Yung Doe in Davis Square. The martial arts venue offers eight styles of combat ranging from Ju Jitsu to Samurai Sword to Kung Fu. Think more Uma Thurman from “Kill Bill” and less “Karate Kid.” While the fees are a bit pricey, one regular attests to the quality of instruction and says it’s the best workout he’s ever had.

Young Audiences of Massachusetts is the leading source for arts education programs in the Commonwealth. Since 1962, they have been the vital link between Massachusetts' best performing artists and the region's school children. Their mission is to initiate lifelong involvement in the arts by making them integral to every child's education. Through Young Audiences, students experience a broad range of programs - everything from African drumming to Shakespeare. And through Young Audiences, schools can tailor these programs to their specific needs - from a one-time performance to multi-week programs each year. YA offers assembly programs that bring the excitement of live performance to school audiences; workshops that provide students the opportunity to work closely with the performing artists they just saw perform on the stage; and residencies, that consist of a series of student workshops and culminating events that take place over an extended period of time, sometimes several months.

Chipotle Mexican Grill is one of Davis Square’s new kids on the block. There’s an obvious Californian influence at this hipster restaurant—ranging from its art deco-style décor to its minimalist menu. When compared to Anna’s Taqueria, the food doesn’t measure up. And, gasp, they don’t even have quesadillas. If style over substance is your thing, Chiptole is right up your alley.

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.

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.

Typical Chinese delivery/take-out spot in Davis Square. Dragon Garden offers cheap Mandarin-style cuisine coupled with Americanized fare like chicken wings and pork strips. Great lunch specials for only $3.75. Try their beef with broccoli or their Kung Pao chicken.

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.

This mom-and-pop copy shop is the ethical alternative to corporate heavies like Kinko’s and Staples. Princeton Printing, formally known as Sir Speedy, offers the usual amenities ranging from lamination, binding and, you guessed it, photocopies. However, the staff has a penchant of being combative which has prompted this once faithful customer to frequent the nearby UPS Store on Highland Ave.

There’s an indie rock vibe to this Wainwright Bank & Trust branch in Davis Square. This Boston-based, privately-held trust is proud of their progressive stance concerning women’s rights and GLBT issues. Also, this Wainwright branch’s upbeat, contemporary décor makes the once drab idea of banking a helluva lot more fun.

While McIntyre and Moore may not boast as many titles as Widener, it's much easier to browse and navigate through this crowded used bookstore's 85,000 books organized by 300 subject areas. Specializing in books which are out-of-print and generally scholarly in their subject matter (although there is a small fiction and literature section), most books are in excellent condition and sell for half the list price or less. Bookworms will delight in special “foot” deals—10% off a foot of books, 15% off 2ft., 20% off 3ft—and a Frequent Buyer Card that gives you 10% off your next purchase for every $100 spent. McIntyre and Moore also buys books of all types (but no textbooks, and call before bringing in your collection for evaluation) for 17-25% the expected sale price, which for most is about $5-9. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Bold Text Their "Be Nice or Go Away" sign above the cash register at Poor Little Rich Girl in Somerville sets the tone at this hipster consignment shop in Davis Square. Originally a hidden hole-in-the-wall on Highland Avenue, owner Byan Miller’s independent vision has grown into a full-blown shopping experience at its new location on Elm Street that’s chockfull of vintage jeans, killer pumps, '80s-style shoulder pad dresses and old-school clutch purses with attitude. Also, the PLRG staff gets creative with its elaborate window displays (so, even if you’re not in the mood to search through the racks of second-hand clothing, the windows alone are enough to inspire a repeat visit).