Seemor
The BurrenBWorth Trying
247 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144
· Irish pub, Bar, Pub
· 4.5/5 Google (2186 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Lively Irish pub and music hub with hearty classics, fair prices, and energetic vibes—great for pints and shows, food ranges from solid to uneven on busy nights.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
The Burren delivers solid neighborhood pub dining with strong live music appeal and prime Davis Square location that draw loyal regulars citywide. However, food quality dips noticeably on packed nights—heavy breading and cold fries undermine otherwise reliable pub classics—while service can lag during events. Fair prices and hearty portions keep it competitive, but inconsistent execution prevents grade A-level standing.
Restaurant Summary
Step into a Somerville staple buzzing with live music energy, dark wood, and walls of memorabilia, where pints and storytelling flow as freely as the tunes. A guest summed it up: "Packed and merry—perfect for friends." The front room hums, while the back room shows feel intimate yet lively; service is warm but can lag on peak nights. The cooking leans toward comfort-first pub fare—think fish and chips, shepherd pie, and Guinness stew—reliable, hearty, and fairly priced, with a few lighter bowl-and-salad options for balance. The culinary approach is classic and crowd-pleasing: satisfying over showy, where a crisp fry and rich gravy matter more than flourishes. Families do well earlier in the evening thanks to a real kids menu (grilled cheese, mac and cheese, chicken fingers, sausages and mash). Later hours get loud around sets, so plan your visit to match the vibe your crew wants.
At a Glance
- Nightly live music with a dedicated back room enhances the experience
- Fair prices and hearty portions for pub classics
- Strong vegetarian and vegan options including a vegan Guinness stew
- Food consistency dips on packed nights (heavy batter, cold fries reported)
- Very loud during shows—conversation can be hard in front room
What Sets It Apart
- nightly_live_music_with_back_room
- classic_guinness_pour
- robust_kids_menu_under_7
What People Love
- Warm, welcoming pub vibe with regulars
- Great Guinness pours and lively bar
- Back room concerts that feel intimate
- Hearty staples like shepherd pie and stews
- Value for money in a prime location
Points of Concern
- Service can be inattentive during peak events (slow checks, missed refills)
- Fish and chips batter can run heavy; fries occasionally arrive cold
- Noise levels high during sets—front room conversation difficult
- Some isolated complaints about staff attitude on very busy nights
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$34-46 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Use the kids menu for family visits ($6-7)
- Vegetarians and vegans: try Vegan Guinness Stew ($15) or Quinoa Harvest Bowl ($15)
- Sharing group: The Burren Platter ($20) with pints
Perfect For
- Catching a band with friends over pints
- Casual weeknight comfort meal
- Group celebrations in the back room
- Pre- or post-theater hang in Davis Square
Location Insights
Area: Bustling college-adjacent square with bars, indie venues, and casual restaurants; strong nighttime energy.
Safety: Generally safe with high foot traffic; can feel rowdy late night during events.
Nearby: Near Red Line connections, theaters, cafes, and student housing; sidewalks used for seasonal seating.
Union SquareUnion Square is a lively and rapidly evolving neighborhood with a strong sense of community and a growing dining scene featuring eclectic restaurants, cafes, and bars. It attracts a mix of creative types and families, offering a blend of casual and trendy dining options in a walkable, accessible environment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–01:00
Tuesday11:30–01:00
Wednesday11:30–01:00
Thursday11:30–01:00
Friday11:30–02:00
Saturday10:00–02:00
Sunday10:00–01:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →