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.

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.

Orleans Bar & Restaurant in Davis Square, Somerville, offers a unique fusion of downtown sophistication and neighborhood comfort. We think our restaurant is a gem among Somerville and Cambridge restaurants. A newcomer to Davis Square in Somerville, Orleans has already been recognized for its superb cuisine. Our menu presents an exciting selection of dishes that change seasonally to capture the freshest vegetables,meats and seafood. Our full bar features a casual menu that is equally appealing. And our comfortable couches, low tables, and large windows create the perfect setting to relax, visit with friends, and enjoy a drink before or after dinner. Whether you are in for lunch, dinner, or simply lounging at the bar, Orleans is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the very best of Davis Square. In summertime, enjoy outdoor dining in a small parking lot next door. Every night Wednesday through Saturday, Orleans offers entertainment: Wednesday - down tempo and mellow tunes, Trivia; Thursday & Friday - acoustic; Saturday - house and hip hop; Sunday - ROCK BAND. All NCAA and NFL games shown on the flatscreen TVs.

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.

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.

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.

From its Davis Sq. outpost, Wing Works provides free delivery of the best wings going (starting from $5 for 6 pieces, 10 for $7.25, 14 for $10). The sauces are finger lickin' good, with flavors ranging from Buffalo in mild, medium, hot, and suicide variations, to Texas Barbecue, honey barbecue, teriyaki, and golden battered. The menu also includes chicken sandwiches, a variety of tenders, and beer-battered mozzarella sticks, all from $5.25. Party platters are also available, which make for a great Super Bowl party. Specializes in take-out and catering. Delivery to Harvard dorms costs $1.50. Orders over $20 are delivered for free. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

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.

With a name like Kickass Cupcakes, you can’t go wrong. Pastry chef and California transplant Sara Ross recently opened this cupcake-only business in Davis Square with much hoopla—and rightfully so. Her all-natural confections are baked fresh daily and contain no trans fats or preservatives. Many of the goodies are topped with sprinkles that are dyed using plant extracts and all the milk and cream she uses for baking, frosting and whipping comes from a farm in Dracut. Most important, these gourmet concoctions are baked with love. C’mon, you know you want one.

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.