Somerville

POPULAR SPOTS

Backbar, at Union Square in Somerville, is a popular spot with young professionals. Yoon S. Byun/Globe Staff

By Legacy User

1 minute to read

Here are some popular spots around town. By the second visit, they’ll probably recognize you.

Backbar

9 Sanborn Court, Somerville (Union Square), 617-718-0249, www.backbarunion.com.

Ambiance: Postmodern speakeasy-style bar.

Regulars: Young professionals, scene setters.

Menu: Comfort food such as pork buns, spicy caramel popcorn, ice cream sandwiches.

If you like it here, you’ll also like: Belly, Brick & Mortar
, Stoddard’s Fine Food & Ale.

JJ Foley’s Cafe

117 East Berkeley St., Boston (South End), 617-728-9101, www.jjfoleyscafe.com.

Ambiance: Olde Boston homey.

Regulars: Journalists, Guinness fans.

Menu: Shepherd’s pie, truffle mac and cheese, burger, milkshake.

If you like it here, you’ll also like: 21st Amendment
, Beantown Pub.

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JM Curley

21 Temple Place, Boston (Downtown Crossing), 617-338-5333, www.jmcurleyboston.com.

Ambiance: Old Testament (“Thou shalt not covet…’’) meets Nouveau Chic.

Regulars: Local chefs, bartenders, wait staffers.

Menu: Designer burgers, specialty desserts.

If you like it here, you’ll also like: Silvertone Bar & Grill
, The Franklin Cafe.

Meadhall

4 Cambridge Center, Cambridge (Kendall Square), 617-714-4372, www.themeadhall.com.

Ambiance: Industrial-size brewpub.

Regulars: Techie mecca.

Menu: Meatloaf, fish and chips, veggie burger.

If you like it here, you’ll also like: Lord Hobo
, Drink
, Area Four.

Oak Long Bar + Kitchen

138 St. James Ave., Boston (Fairmont Copley Plaza), 617-585-7222,

www.oaklongbarkitchen.com.

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Ambiance: Swanky hotel bar.

Regulars: Young professionals, Back Bay residents.

Menu: charcuterie, flatbread pizza, pork chop.

If you like it here, you’ll also like: Nubar (Sheraton Commander), Minibar (Copley Square Hotel), The Hawthorne (Commonwealth Hotel), Rowes Wharf Bar (Boston Harbor Hotel).

The Banshee

934 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, 617-436-9747, www.bansheeboston.com.

Ambiance: Irish sports pub.

Regulars: Soccer/rugby/Gaelic football fans.

Menu: Irish cocktail sausages, bangers and mash, Gaelic burger.

If you like it here, you’ll also like: The Green Briar
, The Druid

JOSEPH P. KAHN and SWATI SHARMA

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