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.

Johnny D's pulls off a kitsch look with panache—eclectic live music and plenty of neon abound. The spinach, goat cheese, and carmelized onion quesadilla ($8) make for an inventive start. Go out on a limb and try the crispy duck with fingerling potatoes ($17), well accented with a red wine reduction. While the prices are reasonable (appetizers $5-10, entrees $9-17), the true star at Johnny D's is the music. Since 1969, some of the best folk, blues, and country musicians have been found here. A voluminous jazz brunch offers all the more reason to come by on a weekend afternoon to soak up music with your calories. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Tuesdays through Fridays, come in for an early dinner (4:30pm-6:30pm) and enjoy half-price entrees. Note: Dinner is not served Sunday or Monday.

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.

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

Open since April 2009, Boston Burger Company has burst onto the Davis Sq. scene offering some of the best burgers around. Currently there are 22 types of burgers and a huge variety of toppings to choose from along with your choice of cole slaw or beans. Also, included in the wide range of burgers are 11 different types of fries, a good selection of non-burger sandwiches, appetizers, wings and salads. If you think you can handle it, try their famous Artery Clogger. A juicy 8 oz burger beer battered and deep fried, then smothered in BBQ sauce and topped with bacon and American cheese. Whether dining-in or taking out, you'll fall in love with the Boston Burger Co., The Best Burgers in Boston! Boston Globe Restaurant Review Thrillist Restaurant Review NECN TV Diner Video Review

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.

A favorite congregation place of the Davis Square neo-hippie and grunge-cum-intellectual crowd, this charming Toscanini's-owned coffeehouse is a refreshing change from the sterile, corporate environment of the nearby Starbucks. Decorated in elementary-school watercolors with black-and-white photography, Someday Cafe is like a reassuringly cushy living room in which to sip your java ($1.50-4). Snacks like chocolate chip cookies and ice-cream sandwiches ($3.50) sustain patrons in for the long-haul. Toscanini's ice cream $3-5.25. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Antonia's captures the essence of all that is “cute.” Overlooking Davis Square, this cozy Italian Bistro sets the tone for a quiet, romantic evening on the town. A favorite among Davis locals, Antonia's offers a tasty and afforable menu, with options that cater to all tastes. The appetizers include the crowd favorite fried calamari ($7.45), as well as Antonia's Salad ($6), a specialty salad of chicken cutlet, mozzarella, basil, and roast pepper. Choose among the wide assortment of entrees, though the linguine frutti d'mare ($15) and alla matriciana ($9) come highly recommended. Diners on the go can enjoy a range of hot and cold subs ($4-6). Entrees $8-16. 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.

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