Guided Tour: Union Square, Somerville

374 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143 (map)

Is this a dream? Pinch yourself, though gently, in this too-cool-for-school lifestyle boutique that emits the brightest shades of Williamsburg right in Somerville. Housed in a former auto glass repair shop, complete with enormous windows and concrete floor, Grand purveys all necessities and toys for the modern nomad: housewares, kitchen needs, accessories, books, tees--with plenty representation from local artists and designers. Within, also find The Boston Shaker, a mini-boutique crammed with all the nicety necessities for any discerning mixologist. Design + Drinks = Awesome.

19 Bow St, Somerville, MA 02143 (map)

Consider this colorful shop a hideaway for comics lovers, big and small, to poke in and revel in the power of narrative graphics. Lined top to bottom with comic books--or graphic novels, whichever you prefer--the warm and friendly store exudes a sense of sharing and exploration (which means you probably won't bump into pretentious Comic Book Guy). From superhero classics to ponderous post-modern tales to locally drawn 'zines (there's an entire shelf dedicated to Boston-based talent), Hub makes it all too easy to slip into an alternative reality, page by dramatic page.

45 Union Sq, Somerville, MA 2143 (map)

The name is amusing, but it's rightly apt: This tiny Korean supermarket, wedged smack dab in the middle of the square, is a handy stopover for fresh groceries and Asian specialties. Prep your fermented array of snacks with ease--kim chee and the gang's all here--plus snatch up fresh produce, meats (cut perfectly for shabu or barbecue) and prepared foods. The liquor section is a gem find, stacked high with spirits not often seen for sale in Boston: sake, shochu, soju and rice wines. Head in with an open mind and a curious nose, and you'll be sure to sniff out something spectacular.

247 Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143 (map)

It all starts with the tamale, an oozy, immense, heat-flowing-from-belly-to-the-tip-of-your-fingers cornmeal-wrapped packet of meat-love. And the goodness just keeps on coming. Clearly, we're obsessed with this extensive cantina, which expanded from its former life as "merely" a taqueria. Now, with a handsome full bar and plenty of tables, the casual joint sustains you with authentic, affordable Mexican specialties (like tacos, enchiladas, homemade flan), Sunday brunch, specialty Brandt natural steaks, live music performances and karaoke nights. Don't expect to find wimpy burritos here; it's only burros here, folks.

25 Bow St, Somerville, MA 02143 (map)

Ask any local, and they'll do no less than rave about brunch at this comfort-first Portuguese eatery. Between the diverse cross-section of the diners and the heap of excellent sweet bread that graces every table, this is where you dock your hang-ups at the door and sup warmly like family. The cream of wheat is renowned, as well as the sprawling platters, ranging from thick-cut French toast topped with papaya, banana and coconut to homemade corned beef hash. During the summer, the patio sprawls with leisurely feasts under the meandering grapevines. Cue sighs of pleasure.

257 Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143 (map)

This is almost a textbook-perfect cafe, with more goodness squished into its walls than could be deemed proper. But you won't mind, as you settle in comfortably with the cult-favorite scones, made-to-order sandwiches, gorgeous pots of tea and the free WiFi. The tidy space is made cozy by a few couches and a cropping of tables. A local favorite, the cafe also makes for a breezy neighborhood meeting spot and an independent source for fresh breakfast and caffeine on the go. Don't miss the bathroom, wallpapered with stranger-than-fiction newspaper headlines.

75 Union Sq, Somerville, MA 02143 (map)

The only decision possibly harder than choosing between the restaurant and the bar of this boisterously dual-spaced establishment: What are you going to drink? Don't be fooled by the typical Irish pub-esque environs; some of the best barkeeps in the city work here, slinging carefully composed vintage cocktails (read: Corpse Revivers, Aviations and Scofflaws) and pouring an impressive list of draft and bottled craft beers. Fuel up with hearty, non-gimmicky gastropub fare, shake your fist at the televised game and rub shoulders with the movers and shakers of Union Square.

345 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143 (map)

Want a dive? Here's a dive. This friendly, but seriously no-frills pub, is where true townies knock back glasses (oops, we mean plastic cups) with random denizens around the haphazardly decorated bar. The cash-only space is actually split into two: the bar proper, with cheap drink and rich company, and the minimal music venue (more room than lounge) where some of the best local indie bands cut their teeth, night after night. Altogether, P.A.'s is a glorious refuge--which in a perfect world, would live on in infamy. We're wishing on our lucky stars that it proves true.

70 Union Sq, Somerville, MA 02143 (map)

The level of cool imparted by the nightly live music and sports-bar bonhomie at this subterranean pub is practically criminal--and it certainly doesn't hurt that it's the former home of the Somerville Police Department. Step down and choose between the straight-up bar in the front, or proceed into the main area with a tiny stage and tables for dining on modernized (yet still rib-sticking) Irish and American classics. Altogether, there's 10 glorious plasma tellies on view. A huge draw in warmer times is the beer garden and patio, splayed right in the heart of the Union Square proper, with people-watching and brew-sipping hours perfectly frittered away.