The Burren
Somerville, MA 02144-2934
Phone: (617) 776-6896
- Cross Street:
- Davis Square
- Hours:
- Daily 11:30am-1am
Editorial Review for The Burren – by Citysearch Staff
The Scene
Irish music and dancing are the centerpiece at this large Davis Square pub, which is usually packed with a boisterous crowd of Tufts grads and undergrads. But don't count out folks from the other side of the river who are looking for live music, a great beer selection (Guinness, Murphy's Irish Stout and Caffrey's, to name a few) and perhaps a phone number or two.
The Draw
The Burren's secret weapon is the music. You'll find an authentic, Irish-style gathering of musicians grouped around a table seven nights a week. The Backroom also plays host to a variety of local and visiting performers and a weekly open mic night. A popular weekend brunch (served 10am-3pm) allows homesick expats to enjoy full Irish breakfasts. The lunch and dinner menus consist of familiar pub fare (fish and chips, shepherd's pie, bangers and mash).
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User Reviews for The Burren
12/20/2007 Posted by hatchiematchie
I love this place. It definitely is as authentic as you can get for an Irish pub. A lot of the bartenders and bouncers are actually from Ireland, and I don't think I can remember a time I've been there when I haven't heard at least one Irish accent among the people in front of the bar as well. I recently found out that the owners actually live in Ireland, so I suppose that's part of the reason why it's so legit. The live music in the front is consistently good, and the beer selection is great. The atmosphere is really warm and cozy, and at Christmas time they put up a lot of decorations and lights, which makes it feel like a movie set or something. The food is also pretty good, a little more on the average side and they have a relatively small menu, but it's cheapish. The only downside--and I suppose you get this at any bar--is that they won't let you sit at the tables until 9:00 if you're not getting dinner. Normally that wouldn't be that big of a deal, but since it feels more like a pub in there than a restaurant, it's a little annoying. Otherwise, though, it's great. One thing to note if you're a veggie-burger lover: they fry their veggie burgers, and they're not quite like any other one I've had. They're good, just different. It can just be a little unexpected the first time.
Pros: Cozy atmosphere, authentic Irish pub, good beer selection, good music
Cons: Can't sit at the tables until 9:00, cover charge even if you don't plan on seeing the band in the back room
10/18/2007 Posted by travelbugg1980
No better Irish bar outside of Boston Propper---at least not that i've found! Lot's of live music, Irish and otherwise, and on Tuesday nights (i think) they even have Irish Step-dancing lessons in the back. Great pints, great accents. It's Boston, it's Ireland, and it's right there in Davis Square!!
Pros: People, Music, Atmosphere
Cons: Parking. Same as any other place in Davis.
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