Davis Square
IYO CAFE
IYO is just another coffee shop. The baristas don’t need to wear long-sleeved button-down shirts with khaki pants. The attire isn’t practical for the work. I will say, there is impressive space inside- it’s a good place to hide from your abductors. Seriously, walk to the backroom of IYO one day. There’s loads of room and a couple of enormous chalk boards. But I bet it’s always filled with people now. Also, they sell “Froyo.”
DIESEL
Diesel’s coffee is good enough and as “local” as coffee can be. But Diesel thrives on its unique space and high quality food (for a coffee shop.) The breakfast sandwiches are your best option in Somerville/Cambridge. (BLOCK 11, in Union square is owned by the same people, so their morning sandwiches are probably pretty good.)
What I would do:
Out with the pool tables and in with 3 or 4 big, vintage arcade games (Mortal Combat, Streetfighter, and a decent car racing game.) Arcade games would compliment Diesel’s existing photo booth, but perhaps they’d make the place a zoo.
SNAPPY RAMEN
I haven’t frequented what was previously SNAPPY SUSHI. There is a sign in the window that says “NO SUSHI.”
MIKES
With a beer license and an amazing location, MIKES is enabled to offer bottom-level pizza and pasta.
BLUE SHIRT CAFE
A gentle atmosphere accompanies the gentle faces at BLUE SHIRT. The Turkey Reuben is good and the coffee is good enough. Can you get work done at BLUE SHIRT? You bet.
Mr. CREPE
Is pretty good, but won’t blow your mind.
DAVE’S FRESH PASTA
Best sandwiches in Davis Square. Best catered sandwiches in Boston. One of the best assortments of local foods. Dave Himself is approachable and doesn’t hesitate to offer advice on your evening’s best pasta/sauce combination. Sam in the wine department is an encyclopedia. Staff is cool.
THE PAINTED BURRO
Played mediocre music waaaay too loud during my lone visit. They do the guacamole thing and think they serve good Mexican food when they don’t.
SALOON
I’ll have to admit, looks cool when you’re down there.
REDBONES
Is fine for barbecue and atmosphere. Is always an “option.”
FIVE HORSES
The name is a little too inside, if not just plain lame. I’ve had their chicken fingers. They were good.
WHAT DAVIS SQUARE COULD USE:
-Better Pizza, by far.
-One less FROYO place.
-Out with Tedeschi, in with a 7-11.
-A burger joint that is quicker, with smaller and cheaper burgers than Boston Burger Co. Not Tasty Burger.
sanfranciscostreetfighter 