As of May 2008, Toast Lounge is now Precinct, an equally hip Somerville hangout in the basement of the old Union Square police station. The joint's menu includes a killer array of appetizers including a tasty spinach dip (sans mayo) and fried mozzarella cheese bites. The spot is a unique basement-venue that features an outdoor beer garden/patio, live music every night, food served late and sporting events. INFO ON TOAST: Located in the basement of the old Union Square police station, Toast Lounge is touted as “Boston’s premier nightclub for women.” Catering to the neighborhood’s growing lesbian and GLBT crowd, this hipster hangout hosts out comics like Amy Tee and Sandra Valls, same-sex dance lessons and some of the best female DJs in the region. Toast is currently under new management, so expect a few changes including a strong live music lineup and a full menu.

Somerville Community Access Television is public access at its best. SCAT-TV supports community-driven content while offering a media center that promotes education and training. Their moniker is “television by the people, for the people.” Programming includes a weekly show produced by the Somerville Journal and the African TV Network. SCAT-TV also offers internships allowing for hands-on experience producing documentary-style programs about Somerville that includes immigrant issues, youth violence, arts activities and city development for SCAT Channel 3.

This restaurant in Somerville’s Union Square is billed as Mexican but is, in essence, Central American. Great chicken dishes served in a comfortable space near The Independent and Union Square Pizza. El Potro Mexican Grill has great open windows perfect for watching the locals trek up and down Somerville Avenue.

Specializing in Korean cuisine, Home Town Restaurant doesn’t score points in its hole-in-the-wall décor. However, the food delivers with its onslaught of condiments that juxtapose the senses (spicy/bland and hot/cold). While this Union Square joint makes a mess out of its Japanese fare, it does well with its Korean BBQ dishes including their kalbi (marinated short-rib beef).

Top-notch Chinese restaurant offering delivery and takeout in Somerville’s Union Square. While the fare is an Americanized version of authentic Mandarin cuisine, Mandarin Chinese Restaurant doesn’t disappoint with its use of veggies or does it lack in flavor. If you like the pu-pu platters offered at Chinese dives in NYC, you’ll love Mandarin.

Somerville's Union Square is dominated by Brazilian businesses. Pao de Acucar doesn’t disappoint with its selection of Brazilian specialties including guarana soda and Brazil-imported snack foods. Pao de Acucar Market now serves a Brazilian buffet every day costing only $3.99 a pound. With hot foods and a salad bar, it's a great spot to sample the Portugese-inspired flavors of Sao Paulo.

Somerville's Subway sub shop is located in the heart of Union Square. One of the few fast-food options in this up-and-coming neighborhood, this location boasts a cleaner-than-average store. Great selection of hot sandwiches and low-fat wraps. And the bread is baked fresh daily.

Located in the heart of Somerville’s Union Square, The Independent is a stylish neighborhood restaurant and pub with two bars and a dining room. As far as food, this trendy fish-and-chips hotspot offers specials on local seafood. The beer selection is stellar with 16 draught lines and 30 bottles that are switched up seasonally. Mixed drinks are an Indo fave with trendy concoctions including a Pomegranate Martini and a Hot Peach Toddy.

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.

Support services and referral for Portuguese-speaking, mainly Cape Verdean, residents of Dorchester. To improve the lives of Portuguese-speaking individuals and families from Massachusetts and help them become contributing, active participants in American society while maintaining strong ethnic identity and a sense of community. MAPS works with and for the Brazilian, Cape Verdean, Portuguese and other Portuguese-speaking communities to increase access and remove barriers to health, education and social services through direct services, advocacy, leadership and community development.