The Burren, Davis Square
43 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Somerville, r/boston30 comments cited below
The comments cited below are a sample of the full tally across 17 threads.
What people say, in short
Live music and a sociable Irish-pub atmosphere are The Burren's main draws in Davis Square. Patrons praise the pints and traditional music, but food opinions range from good pub fare to disappointing. Several commenters find the weekend crowd young and tightly packed; others prefer a quieter, off-peak pint. It is a stronger fit for music-led evenings than for anyone seeking a consistently calm room.
Address
The Burren, 247 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144
At a glance
- Price
- Budget
- Best for
- Live music
- Opinions divided
- Yes
- Known for
- Live music, Pints, Cozy atmosphere
Nearby on this map
Other places on this map closest to The Burren, Davis Square, as the crow flies.
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/btronica in r/Somerville · Sep 2026ambience
Praises the music, pints and lively crowd, recalling a room without televisions.
- Recommendsu/blanderdome in r/Somerville · Sep 2026
Relays praise from performers for how the venue treats artists.
- Recommendsu/NeatEmergency725 in r/Somerville · Sep 2026ambience
Fully commits to its aesthetic; a ten out of ten if that vibe suits you.
- Recommendsu/cocktailvirgin in r/boston · Dec 2023
Calls The Burren in Davis great while naming other Irish pubs around the area.
- Recommendsu/slimeyamerican in r/Somerville · Sep 2026
Loves the vibe and music; where they first tried Smithwick's.
- Mixedu/itspizzathehut in r/Somerville · Sep 2026ambience
Not bad but the crowd feels too young for them.
- Recommendsu/User-NetOfInter in r/boston · Oct 2026ambience
Loves the back bar's chaotic character.
- Recommendsu/fuckmainers in r/Somerville · Sep 2026ambience
Never noticed the lack of TVs, which says something about the energy.
Show all 30 cited comments
- Recommendsu/mackyoh in r/boston · Dec 2023
Lists The Burren in Davis Square as a recommendation.
- Mixedu/HideousSerene in r/Somerville · Sep 2026
Sees it as a cultural institution for Irish folk music, but says the food needs a complete rework.
- Recommendsu/Vegetable_Board_873 in r/boston · Dec 2023
Agrees with The Burren suggestion.
- Mixedu/bigkindnessgothgf in r/Somerville · Sep 2026
Cheapest whiskey pours, great music and cozy vibes, but crowded and young on weekend nights.
- Mixedu/Sad_Analysis_6459 in r/Somerville · Sep 2026
Terrible food program; recommends just drinking there.
- Recommendsu/Aromatic_Box1297 in r/boston · Sep 2026
Calls this Irish pub fun, though not very divey; notes candlepin bowling is nearby in Davis Square.
- Recommendsu/rojo617 in r/boston · Jun 2024taste
Lists it among places they say pour a good pint.
- Mixedu/jtmack33 in r/Somerville · Sep 2026
Enjoyable though not the area's best; live music is the highlight.
- Recommendsu/Virtual-Ad-1859 in r/boston · Jul 2025
Recommends The Burren among places to go for live music.
- Recommendsu/Comfortable-Fox-1913 in r/Somerville · Sep 2026ambience
Nostalgic for the back room live music of their early twenties.
- Recommendsu/Chippopotanuse in r/boston · Dec 2023ambience
Recalls past visits as laid-back and cozy during the holidays; asks whether decor is still heavy.
- Recommendsu/teddyone in r/Somerville · Sep 2026
Simply likes it.
- Recommendsu/Ok_Still_3571 in r/Somerville · Sep 2026ambience
Great community gathering spot valued for ambience and live music.
- Mixedu/JayCFree324 in r/Somerville · Sep 2026ambience
Avoid weekend nights due to students; totally fine other times.
- Mixedu/massmanx in r/boston · Jun 2024
Finds nothing wrong, but nothing impresses; likes the front room.
- Recommendsu/Soul-31 in r/boston · Dec 2023
Agrees with The Burren suggestion.
- Recommendsu/hellandscissors in r/Somerville · Sep 2026value
Cheap drinks, good music, many backroom events, monthly honky-tonk dance.
- Mixedu/ingmarbirdman in r/Somerville · Sep 2026ambience
A great hangout in your twenties but they aged out of it.
- Mixedu/doylerules96 in r/Somerville · Sep 2026ambience
Good for a quiet pint off-peak, but busy and young Thursday to Saturday.
- Recommendsu/Competitive_Post8 in r/boston · Jun 2024
Suggests it as a good bet for a Sunday night.
- Recommendsu/thecatdaddysupreme in r/boston · Jan 2024
Chooses The Burren over other Irish pubs and especially enjoys its music.
- Caveatu/WatercressSassafrass in r/Somerville · Sep 2026
Just a bar, nothing special.
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Freshness
Details last checked 11 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.