Union Square Somerville: Boston’s Low-Key Hotspot for Food, Fun & Creative Energy
Your Insider’s Guide to Experiencing It Like a Local
Union Square, Somerville has always had a bit of an independent spirit, but these days, it’s downright buzzing.
As a longtime Boston-area resident—and now the proud mom of a recent Tufts grad who calls Union Square home—I’ve had the joy of watching this vibrant little neighborhood grow into one of the coolest places to spend a day (or an evening) in Greater Boston.
With the new Green Line Extension finally connecting Union Square directly to the MBTA, it’s easier than ever to visit. Whether you’re a student at Tufts, BU, Harvard, MIT and Northeastern, or a family looking for a fun afternoon out, Union Square has something for everyone. From indie shops and outdoor markets to hip breweries and international eats, it’s a true neighborhood gem.
Here’s our BostonCentral guide to all the best things to do in Union Square right now!
Explore Bow Market: The Heartbeat of Union Square
If Union Square is Somerville’s creative hub, Bow Market is its beating heart. Tucked into a former storage building, this open-air courtyard is filled with a delightful mix of locally owned shops, eateries, and art spaces. You’ll find everything from vintage treasures and handmade jewelry to craft cocktails and small-batch chocolate.
photo courtesy of Bow Market
Some of Our Favorite Stops Inside Bow Market Include:
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Remnant Brewing for locally crafted beers and a relaxed patio hangout.
- 💥 Carolicious - Carolicious serves up authentic, gluten-free Venezuelan flavors. Famous for its savory arepas, hearty pabellón bowls, and cheesy tequeños, it’s a flavorful stop for meat-lovers and vegans alike. A BostonCentral Fave!
- Mike & Patty's - Award-winning sandwiches, pizza and baked treats
- Saus for crispy Belgian-style fries and bold dipping sauces.
- 💥 Buenas for hand-crafted empanadas and South American pantry goodies. Another BostonCentral Fave!
- Jaju Pierogi, serving up hearty Polish dumplings with a twist.
photo credit: BostonCentral
🛍️ Shops & Gifts
- Tiny Turns Paperie, full of charming handmade cards and prints.
- Blue Bandana Relics, a quirky vintage shop with records, antiques, and cool collectibles.
- Make and Mend - Secondhand art and craft supplies. An online thrift store for creative materials. Fabric, yardage, yarn, notions, knitting needles, sewing projects and kits
🎮 Fun & Entertainment
- Pops Pinball Parlor, where you can play vintage pinball machines in a fun retro setting.
photo credit: BostonCentral
Bow Market also hosts seasonal events, like pop-up markets, outdoor movie nights, and holiday festivities. It’s a vibrant hub whether you’re grabbing brunch with friends, shopping for unique gifts, or enjoying an evening out.
➡️ Want to see everything Bow Market has to offer? Check out their full list of vendors here!
Grab a Bite (or a Few)
Union Square has become a foodie haven, thanks to its diversity and creativity. Whether you're grabbing a quick snack or settling in for an elevated dinner with friends, there’s no shortage of options.
- Bronwyn – German and Central European comfort food, with a killer beer list.
- Celeste - cozy, award-winning Peruvian restaurant known for its fresh ceviche, vibrant flavors, and warm, welcoming atmosphere
- The Independent - A warm neighborhood spot offering draft beer, craft cocktails & elevated bar bites, including oysters.
- Juliet - A neighborhood bistro, open morning til night. serving neighborhood regulars and destination diners alike.
- Junebug - wood-fired dishes such as pizza, roasted vegetables, and salads.
- Maprang - cafe serving Asian inspired fare like ube lattes & Thai tea cheesecake
Union Square Donuts – Need we say more? Try the maple bacon or Boston Cream
Vera's - Sit and sip at Vera’s to savor a friendly, cocktail-focused neighborhood restaurant. You’ll find this cozy spot next door to their older sibling, The Independent.
Aeronaut - A lively Somerville taproom known for its innovative craft beers, rotating food vendors, and frequent live music events. Housed in a spacious, art-filled warehouse, it’s a community hub for beer lovers and creatives alike.
Josephine - A celebration of family and food that's focused on pizza, Italian favorites and the simple pleasure of dining together.
Sarma – Small plates with bold Middle Eastern flavors. Perfect for sharing. This notable restaurant has a 20 seat bar offering beer, wine, liquor, and our full dinner menu. IT IS SEATED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED Basis.
Explore the Creative Scene
Union Square’s artsy energy is everywhere you look. Check out:
- Somerville Open Studios (usually in May), where local artists open their doors.
- ArtsUnion events, like Fluff Festival—dedicated to Marshmallow Fluff, invented here!
- Live music popping up at places like Lilly Pad or ONCE Somerville.
- Backbar - Hip speakeasy serving eclectic bar snacks & creative cocktails
- The Jungle - Great little spot in Union Square behind the Bronwyn German restaurant, and a Gastro pub for local bands and local standups.
photo credit: BostonCentral
Green Spaces & Family Fun
Union Square isn’t just for the night owls. Families will love:
- Lincoln Park, a recently renovated green space with playgrounds and sports fields.
- The Somerville Community Path, perfect for walking, biking, or stroller cruising.
- Prospect Hill Park in Somerville offers sweeping views of the Boston skyline, and open green space with gentle breezes just perfect for relaxing, and picnicking.
- Visit our Family-Friendly Parks & Playgrounds Guide for more outdoor ideas.
How to Get There (Now it's Way Easier!)
With the Green Line Extension open, you can hop on the T and be in Union Square in no time. It’s an easy trip for students at Tufts, BU, and Northeastern, making it a perfect spot for an off-campus adventure.
More to Explore!
If you love Union Square, you’ll probably enjoy:
- Camberville: the collective heart & soul of Cambridge & Somerville
- Our Things to Do Near Tufts Guide
- Ideas for the Best Things to Do in Boston for Young Adults
- College Corner for Harvard, MIT, BU, Northeastern, Boston College and more!
- Our Union Square Neighborhood Guide
- Things to Do Near Harvard Square
- Exploring Coolidge Corner
- Spend an Afternoon in Chinatown
- Best Outdoor Dining in Boston
- Patio & Outdoor Dining Spots in Boston
- Our Seasonal Events Guide for can’t-miss happenings throughout the year.
Wrap-Up
Union Square has carved out its own unique place in Greater Boston’s landscape—quirky, creative, and endlessly fun. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or thinking about making it your new home (like my daughter did!), there’s always something new to discover.
We’ll keep updating this guide as new spots pop up, so bookmark it—and if you’re a local business or event organizer, feel free to reach out so we can share your happenings with the BostonCentral community!
photo credit: BostonCentral
While You’re in the Area: Don’t Miss Inman Square
If you’re up for a little extra exploring, Inman Square is just a short walk (or bike ride) from Union Square. Known for its cozy cafes, globally inspired restaurants, and a vibrant local crowd, Union is another one of Greater Boston’s hidden gems.
From 1369 Coffee House (a beloved institution) to the incredible Moona for modern Middle Eastern eats, there’s plenty to discover. Visit our full Inman Square Neighborhood Guide!
For an even broader list of ideas about fun things to do in Boston, sign up for our free weekly events newsletter so you can stay in-the-know about family friendly events & activities happening near you.
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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of BostonCentral, a trusted family-friendly events and activities website, for over 25 years. She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area and sharing her insights with the community. Keep your eyes open — you just might spot her at Bow Market one of these days.