The 15 Best Restaurants in Union Square

Union Square has come a long way in just a few short years. Once an underrated part of Somerville, Massachusetts, this now-popular neighborhood features tons of pop up markets, an incoming transit connection to downtown Boston, and, yes, great places to eat! Let’s break down the 15 best restaurants in the heart of Union Square now.

Tanam

1 Bow Mkt Wy Suite 17, Somerville, MA 02143

Tanam offers fantastic Filipino food prepared by hand from an experienced chef, although it demands communal seating and only has an outdoor restroom. On the plus side, you can’t get noodles or five-course tasting menus for better prices, usually around $90 on the weekends.

Celeste

21 Bow St, Somerville, MA 02143

Then there’s Celeste – a quirky yet classy Peruvian restaurant featuring fantastic stews and ceviche. There’s even ceviche that doesn’t have fish if you’re trying on a new diet or don’t like the regular stuff. Keep in mind it’s a somewhat crowded place, particularly on weekend nights.

Remnant Brewing

2 Bow Mkt Wy, Somerville, MA 02143

In the mood for a classic Boston brewery in Somerville? In that case, Remnant could be right up your alley, offering delicious beer, delightful coffee, and even a back patio for snacks. It’s not a full restaurant, but the brewery does host regular trivia nights, so it’s a great place to hang out with some friends on Friday night.

Juliet

21 Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143

Juliet features a unique aesthetic, including prose poems on its menus. In terms of food, you can find French cuisine at this elegant establishment, and even get a five course fine dining experience for just $60. The menu changes regularly, as well, which keeps things interesting over the long-term.

Backbar

7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143

Backbar is a classic cocktail bar behind Field & Vine (more on that below), but it has an overall casual dress code, like jeans and a hoodie. It’s perfect for driving a tasty drink and for bringing a date before a bigger event, like a movie or a concert.

Field and Vine

9 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143

Field and Vine is a somewhat pricey American eatery, and it’s quite tiny want to step inside. As its name suggests, the aesthetic is dominated by wall hanging vines that add a lively, fresh sensation to the experience. Expect to find plenty of vegetarian dishes here, including rainbow carrots and salad, although some meat-based options are available as well. Its popularity means you may have to make a reservation.

El Potro

61 Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143

El Potro is a great Mexican restaurant in Somerville, featuring an especially colorful aesthetic, painted chairs, and a fantastic menu ranging from strong margaritas to Mexican staples like burritos, enchiladas, and full rice and being plates. We also recommend trying the tacos, although the house steak with pico de gallo and cheese is also superb.

Machu Pichu Charcoal Chicken & Grill

25 Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143

Machu Pichu Charcoal Chicken & Grill (Machu Chicken) has a diverse and versatile menu featuring grilled steak, empanadas, and everything in between. Of course, its signature dish is the titular chicken crisped to perfection over a charcoal grill. This restaurant is a perfect place to get some easy and incredible he tasty meals for you and your family without spending too much cash.

Rebel Rebel

1 Bow Mkt Wy, Somerville, MA 02143

Rebel Rebel is Somerville’s feminist wine bar, located in Bow Market. It’s practically a haven for extroverts and features a friendly, energetic atmosphere (no doubt bolstered by the incendiary writing on the wall!). It features delicious cocktails and some basic bites to hold you over until you reach a real sitdown restaurant.

Ebi Sushi

290 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143

Sushi fans of Somerville will want to check out Ebi Sushi, which looks like a very basic neighborhood eatery from the outside. On the inside, it’s far from typical, and offers daily sushi specials like torched salmon belly or truffle scallop tartare. The menu changes frequently, so feel free to stop by multiple times and see what’s good.

Casa B

253 Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143

Casa B is technically split into two areas: the first and upstairs bar and the bottom an enclosed dining room with wine walls and excessive greenery. It’s a perfect place for folks who like Spanish food, tapas, and large, shared plates to be enjoyed between groups of friends or coworkers. One dish of particular note is the grilled squash, which includes honey chili and shallots (save some room for desserts!).

The Independent

75 Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143

The Independent is an iconic and stable gastropub offering buffalo wings, mushroom risotto, poutine, and plenty of other main items. Whether you want to have dinner, brunch, or lunch, you’ll find something delicious and satisfying. On top of that, the bar is phenomenal, featuring one of the largest draft lists in the Somerville area and several classy and stylish cocktail that look as good as they taste.

Bronwyn

255 Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143

Somerville even has a dedicated German restaurant in the form of Bronwyn, which can prepare good food like sausages, pretzel buns, and more. It’s very dedicated to the old-school German decor, all the way down to the waiters and waitresses serving you in dirndls. Every Tuesday, Bronwyn spices things up by offering a new type of footlong hot dog.

Hen Chicken Rice

24 Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143

Sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite so perfectly as chicken rice fried up on no notice. If you want takeout comfort food praised by the locals, Hen Chicken Rice has you covered, but don’t expect to find tons of menu variety here, either. We recommend trying this if you are in the mood for “street food” in Somerville.

Vera’s

70 Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143

Last but not least is Vera’s: a rebellious American tavern set up in a former police headquarters. You’ll find plenty of exciting and energetic action thanks to the DJs they schedule regularly, plus the piano and other entertainment options, like lawn games and a Jenga table. Cocktails and American food classics like burgers are prepared to perfection here.

As you can see, Union Square in Somerville has cuisine for you no matter what your unique tastes. Union Square’s diverse and delicious food options make it an even better place to buy real estate then you might have thought. Whether you want to buy or sell, Cambridge Sage can help – contact us today!