Seemor

Five Horses TavernB+Worth Trying

Name: Five Horses Tavern
Address: 400 Highland Ave #2, Somerville, MA 02144, Somerville, United States
Rating: 4.4

400 Highland Ave #2, Somerville, MA 02144 · Pub, Bar, Bar & grill · 4.4/5 Google (1818 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Creative pub fare with strong brunch and bar program; good for groups, but fees, occasional service lapses, and uneven tacos temper the experience.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Five Horses Tavern delivers reliable neighborhood tavern dining with strong food quality anchored by standout nachos, garlic bread dip, and a solid burger, paired with friendly, attentive service. However, inconsistent execution on tacos and occasional seasoning lapses prevents a higher grade, and the cozy Davis Square location—while comfortable and dog-friendly—lacks the distinctive appeal of premier neighborhood destinations. A solid choice for casual dining and brunch, though the 4% administrative fee warrants awareness when budgeting.

Restaurant Summary

In Davis Square, Five Horses Tavern reads as a neighborhood hangout with cozy pub energy, a deep drink list, and plates that invite sharing. Diners talk about servers who are friendly and on-point, alongside the occasional hiccup with refills or pace. One guest summed it up: "Big flavors, big portions, a fun place to post up." However, a recurring 4% fee on checks can catch people off guard. The cooking leans New American comfort with playful fusion: street corn nachos, birria grilled cheese, shakshuka, and pizzas sit next to reliable tavern staples like the burger and wings. The culinary approach is creative but grounded (innovation level 6.8): elevated pub food that rewards snackers and brunch lovers more than fine-dining seekers. Tacos divide opinion, while the garlic bread dip and tots are frequent crowd-pleasers. Families do well here thanks to kid-friendly standbys like burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, and crispy tots, even though there is no formal kids menu. Portions are generous, and brunch offers many approachable options. Expect a bustling room and patio when the weather cooperates, plus that added 4% admin fee when budgeting.

At a Glance

Creative pub fare with standout nachos, garlic bread dip, and a solid burger
Comfortable vibe with dog-friendly patio and strong beer/cocktail program
4% administrative fee added to checks; transparency frustrates some diners
Tacos and occasional wings show inconsistency
Some items can be unavailable late; ask what is 86'd before ordering

What Sets It Apart

creative_brunch_lineup
street_corn_nachos_signature
dog_friendly_patio
broad_beer_selection

What People Love

Hearty shareables like street corn nachos
The rich garlic bread dip
Crispy tots and reliable burger
Relaxed, cozy tavern setting

Points of Concern

A 4% administrative fee appears on bills; multiple reviewers were surprised
Tacos receive mixed feedback, from bland to overloaded
Isolated service lapses (slow check-ins, miscommunication on pricey pours)
Occasional item unavailability late at night; confirm before deciding

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$40-55 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with Garlic Bread Dip and split Street Corn Nachos; follow with the Tavern Burger or Birria Grilled Cheese.
Vegetarian path: Power Bowl, Kale Caesar (confirm croutons), Classic Cheese pizza, or Falafel Wrap.
Brunch: Brunch Tacos, Chicken & Waffles, or Avocado Toast; add donut holes for sharing.

Perfect For

Casual brunch with friends
After-work drinks and snacks
Low-key date night in Davis Square
Group meetups with mixed tastes

Location Insights

Area: Lively, student-and-young-professional-heavy square with pubs, cafes, and indie shops; casual and social.

Safety: Generally safe, busy foot traffic, well-lit at night; typical urban vigilance applies.

Nearby: Near the Red Line Davis Square stop, theaters, bars, and boutique retail; strong evening and brunch crowds.

Davis SquareDavis Square is a lively and eclectic neighborhood known for its bustling dining scene, artsy vibe, and walkable streets. It features a mix of casual eateries, trendy restaurants, and bars, attracting a diverse crowd that enjoys a vibrant social atmosphere and cultural events.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:30–00:00 Tuesday11:30–00:00 Wednesday11:30–00:00 Thursday11:30–00:00 Friday11:30–00:00 Saturday10:00–00:00 Sunday10:00–23:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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