1. 3 Little Figs
City: Somerville, MA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (617) 623-3447
Address: 278 Highland Ave.
Description: At this cafe, as cute as a button as any cafe is bound to be, you’ll find a variety of fresh-baked homespun pastries and breakfast sandwiches in exotic flavors that skew Greek. Among the offerings: lavender biscuits, lemon doughnut muffins, and a tasty Greek breakfast sandwich of scrambled eggs with feta and prosciutto on a brioche roll. The baristas are skilled and the counter service is cheerful—smitten regulars can’t think of a better destination for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Closed Mon.
2. Taza Chocolate
City: Somerville, MA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (617) 284-2232
Address: 561 Windsor St.
Insider Pick:
Description: Wonderful aromas emanate from this chocolate factory located in Somerville, just a few miles from downtown Boston. Taza specializes in producing stone-ground organic chocolate—intense taste with a rustic texture. The factory store stocks the brand’s entire line of chocolate bars, Mexican-style hot chocolate discs, and chocolate-covered nuts and nibs at a discount. You can watch the chocolate-making operation from the big glass windows in the store or, better yet, join one of the scheduled hourlong tours that take place Wed through Sun (no golden ticket required, but make reservations online, in advance).
3. Somerville Theatre (And Museum Of Bad Art)
City: Somerville, MA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (617) 625-5700
Address: 55 Davis Sq.
Description: This independent movie house shows first-run films in 5 smallish theaters—almost like a private screening room, but with good sight lines. Draws here include low ticket prices and a concession stand that offers Richardson’s ice cream by the scoop, and this is one of the few area theaters to offer alcohol. Be sure to check out the brilliantly droll (and free) Museum of Bad Art downstairs before or after the show.
4. Bull Mccabe’S
City: Somerville, MA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (617) 440-6045
Description: Come as you are for a burger, a beer, and the ballgame. It’s a devoted, mostly local crowd that meets at this Irish bar for its laid-back friendliness. There’s Guinness and Smithwick’s on tap and traditional Irish fare like sirloin tips, shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips to accompany the drink. The evenings of local, live music are very well attended.